July 15: Epstein’s Missing Minutes and Syrian Firefights

I kicked things off on July 15 with a gut-punch about the Epstein case. At 5:05 PM EDT, I dropped the news that the DOJ and FBI’s so-called “full raw” surveillance video from Epstein’s cell the night before he died is missing 2 minutes and 53 seconds. Yeah, you read that right—almost three minutes conveniently gone. Smells like a cover-up to me, and I’m not the only one raising an eyebrow. By 3:09 PM EDT, I pointed out Congress dodging an amendment to release the Epstein files while they were busy with crypto bills and defense spending votes. Why the stall? Your guess is as good as mine.

Then, at 8:34 PM EDT, I shifted to the Middle East, where the Israeli Air Force lit up Syrian Army convoys on the Damascus–Daraa highway. The 54th Division got hammered while heading to tangle with Druze forces in southern Syria. It’s a brutal reminder that peace is a pipe dream in that part of the world.

July 16: Iran’s Sneaky Arms Game

On July 16 at 8:34 PM EDT, I posted about Yemen’s National Resistance Forces, led by General Tareq Saleh, snagging over 750 tons of Iranian weapons meant for the Houthis. We’re talking missiles, drone parts—the kind of hardware that keeps the region on edge. CENTCOM’s General Kurilla called Iran the “most destabilizing actor in the region,” and I can’t argue with that.

July 18: Defense Dollars and Fighter Jets

By July 18, I was back stateside, diving into the House passing an $832 billion defense bill for FY26. At 6:17 PM EDT, I broke down the 221-209 vote, which kept spending flat but loaded up on F-35s, E-7 Wedgetail funding, and Navy F/A-XX support. Some folks are worried the Air Force is getting the short end of the stick, and I get it—balancing the budget while prepping for war is a tightrope walk. Gotta keep those jets flying, though.

July 20: Syria’s Ceasefire Crumbles

On July 20 at 11:46 AM EDT, I circled back to Syria, where Druze and Bedouin forces were still slugging it out in Suwayda’s countryside. A shaky ceasefire in the city wasn’t worth the paper it was written on. It’s a mess—ethnic tensions, local grudges, and no end in sight. Same old Syria, different day.

July 22: Epstein Games and Turkey’s Naval Flex

Wrapping up the week on July 22, I hit two big stories. At 11:22 AM EDT, I called out Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan to shut down the House until September, dodging a vote on releasing the Epstein files. The New York Times had the scoop, and I’m just here wondering why they’re so scared to let those documents see daylight. Then, at 2:38 PM EDT, I gave a shoutout to Turkey’s IDEF 2025 expo, where STM unveiled their first homegrown Fast Attack Craft (FAC). Steel’s already being cut for this bad boy, and it’s a game-changer for Turkey’s Navy.

What’s the Vibe?

This week was a rollercoaster—Epstein’s shadow looming large, Middle East conflicts burning hot, and the U.S. juggling its military checkbook. Running "That Smoke Pit Veteran" is my way of cutting through the noise with a Marine’s no-BS lens. If you’re digging these updates, swing by Social Media and follow me for more. Semper Fi, and stay salty.

If you enjoy my content, please follow me on Social Media and consider sharing this content with your friends! I hope you have a great day! - Karl Bullock "That Smoke Pit Veteran"

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