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How does the Muslim Brotherhood operate in the United States, what are its long-term objectives, and how much do Americans really understand about its ideology and influence? In this episode of The Watch Floor, I sit down with John Rossomando, President of Viking Research Associates, longtime counterterrorism researcher, and author of The Arab Spring Ruse: How the Muslim Brotherhood Duped Washington in Libya and Syria, for an in-depth discussion about the Muslim Brotherhood's ideology, organizational strategies, and activities in America. John spent eight years as a Senior Counterterrorism Analyst with the Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT) and later served as a Senior Analyst for Defense Policy at the Center for Security Policy. His research has examined Islamist movements, extremist networks, political influence, and the intersection of ideological organizations and U.S. national security policy. His book, The Arab Spring Ruse, examines the Muslim Brotherhood's role during the Arab Spring and argues that American policymakers misunderstood the movement's objectives and influence in Libya and Syria. In this conversation, we examine the Muslim Brotherhood's ideological foundations, its organizational methods, and its efforts to establish influence within American institutions and political movements. John draws on years of research to explain how Brotherhood-linked networks operate, the importance of examining original Arabic-language documents, and why public messaging does not always reflect the movement's underlying objectives. We also discuss the Brotherhood's relationships with leftist and activist movements, the challenges authorities face in recognizing alleged Brotherhood-linked organizations, and the broader implications for American national security. Understanding the movement requires looking beyond individual organizations to examine its history, ideology, and long-term institutional strategies. FIND JOHN'S BOOK The Arab Spring Ruse: How the Muslim Brotherhood Duped Washington in Libya and Syria https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KJVVZ88 CONNECT WITH JOHN ROSSOMANDO X: https://x.com/John_Rossomando LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rossomando-b62357/ JOHN'S RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS Investigative Project on Terrorism:https://www.investigativeproject.org/author/John+Rossomando Center for Security Policy:https://centerforsecuritypolicy.org/author/john-rossomando/ ABOUT THE WATCH FLOOR Hosted by former CIA Targeting Officer Sarah Adams, The Watch Floor brings firsthand intelligence experience and expert analysis to counterterrorism, national security, extremist organizations, and geopolitical developments that deserve greater public attention.

The Taliban may control Kabul, but the fight for Afghanistan is far from over. In this episode of The Watch Floor, I sit down with Ali Maisam Nazary, co-founder and Head of Foreign Relations for the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF), the resistance movement led by Ahmad Massoud, son of the legendary Afghan commander Ahmad Shah Massoud. We discuss how the National Resistance Front was established in Panjshir following the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the movement's continued resistance, and its efforts to build political legitimacy and international support. Our conversation goes well beyond the battlefield. We examine Afghanistan's growing importance as a sanctuary for terrorist organizations, including al-Qaeda, the dangers of relying on Taliban-provided intelligence, and why engaging with the Taliban presents serious challenges for the United States and its allies. Ali also discusses the relationships between terrorist organizations operating inside Afghanistan, the increasing sophistication of these networks, and the implications for international security. We address al-Qaeda's June 2024 call for supporters to travel to Afghanistan and prepare attacks against Western targets, as well as the importance of recognizing the threats developing under Taliban rule. Throughout the conversation, we return to a central question: What will it take for Afghanistan to have a future beyond the Taliban? This episode is part of Resistance Week, a special series highlighting Afghan voices, resistance movements, and the people working to secure a different future for their country. Connect with Ali Nazary and follow the National Resistance Front: Ali Nazary on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alimaisamnazary/ National Resistance Front on X:https://x.com/NRFafg

The Taliban may currently control Afghanistan, but the fight for the country's future is far from over. In this episode of Resistance Week, I sit down with Lieutenant General Sami Sadat, Chairman of the Afghanistan United Front (AUF), to discuss the ongoing resistance against the Taliban, the growing terrorist threat inside Afghanistan, and what the international community continues to get wrong about the situation on the ground. Sami provides an inside look at the Afghanistan United Front's military operations, including its August offensive involving approximately 100 operations and territorial gains against the Taliban. We discuss the resistance's strategy, its operational capabilities, and why the fight to reclaim Afghanistan is far from finished. We also examine the broader national security implications of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, including the presence of senior Al-Qaeda Central leaders, concerns about preparations for another major terrorist attack, and the potential threat to the United States. Our conversation also explores China's surveillance relationship with the Taliban, India's reported financial support, and the complicated regional dynamics that continue to shape Afghanistan's future. This is an important conversation about a resistance movement that receives too little international attention, the terrorist organizations operating under Taliban rule, and why what happens in Afghanistan still matters to U.S. national security. Learn more about the Afghanistan United Front and follow its operations: Official website: auf.news AUF on X: https://x.com/afgunitedfront Follow LTG Sami Sadat: X: https://x.com/SayedSamiSadat Read Sami Sadat's book: https://a.co/d/06tYD8yg

The Taliban controls Afghanistan, but that does not mean the Taliban has won. In the first episode of Resistance Week on The Watch Floor, Sarah Adams sits down with Afghan advocate Jazz Cannon to discuss the ongoing resistance against the Taliban, the international flow of money that has helped sustain the regime, and the Afghans who refuse to give up the fight for their country. Jazz shares her experiences growing up in Kabul, her work challenging the flow of cash to the Taliban, and the difficult realities facing Afghans who continue to resist Taliban rule. The conversation examines how international funding and assistance can strengthen the very regime the international community claims to oppose, and why disrupting those financial flows matters. They also discuss the resistance leaders and movements that continue to challenge the Taliban, the role of Afghan women in that struggle, and the difference between recognizing Afghanistan's harsh realities and accepting defeat. The central message is clear: The Taliban may control Afghanistan, but the resistance is not over. This episode launches Resistance Week, a special series on The Watch Floor featuring individuals working to challenge Taliban rule through advocacy, efforts to disrupt financial support, and resistance on the ground. Connect with Jazz Cannon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazz-cannon-195364135/

What makes someone embrace violent extremism? What does it take to walk away from it? And how do we prevent the next generation from being recruited? In this episode of The Watch Floor, former CIA Targeting Officer Sarah Adams sits down with Mubin Shaikh, a former Islamist extremist who became an undercover counterterrorism operative and helped dismantle one of Canada's most significant domestic terrorist plots, the Toronto 18. Mubin takes us inside his extraordinary journey, from growing up between two very different worlds in Canada and traveling to Pakistan, where he encountered the Taliban, to embracing radical ideology and eventually rejecting it. He explains how he went from being part of extremist circles to working with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), infiltrating a terrorist network planning attacks on Canadian soil. But this conversation goes beyond his undercover work. We examine how radicalization happens, why young people are particularly vulnerable to extremist recruitment, how terrorist organizations exploit the internet, and what actually works when it comes to countering violent extremism. Today, Mubin works to prevent radicalization and help individuals leave extremist movements, including through his involvement with Parents for Peace, an organization providing families, communities, and professionals with the tools and support needed to recognize warning signs and intervene before violence occurs. This is a conversation about the realities of radicalization, the intelligence work required to stop terrorist attacks, and why prevention must be part of the counterterrorism mission. LEARN MORE AND SUPPORT THE MISSION Parents for Peace: https://www.parents4peace.org/ Parents for Peace offers confidential support to families concerned about radicalization, along with intervention services, education, and training to help prevent violent extremism. READ MUBIN SHAIKH'S BOOK Undercover Jihadi: Inside the Toronto 18 An account of his journey through radicalization, his undercover intelligence work, and the terrorist plot he helped disrupt. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NMR9T46

Is Canada doing enough to confront the terrorist threat, and what has the West failed to learn from more than two decades of counterterrorism operations? This week on The Watch Floor, I’m joined by Phil Gurski, a 32-year veteran of Canada’s intelligence community, former analyst with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and Communications Security Establishment (CSE), author, and host of Canadian Intelligence Eh! We discuss his newest book, 9/11: The Unfinished Battle, and why the threat from jihadist terrorism is far from over. Our conversation examines the terrorist threat facing Canada, the consequences of releasing convicted terrorists back into society, the role of social networks in radicalization, and how accusations of Islamophobia can complicate legitimate terrorism investigations. We also discuss the loss of experienced intelligence professionals, the consequences of Western counterterrorism policies, and why understanding how terrorist organizations recruit, operate, and adapt remains critical to preventing future attacks. Phil brings decades of intelligence experience and a Canadian perspective to a threat that extends well beyond Canada's borders. Learn More About Phil Gurski 📖 Buy Phil's New Book: 9/11: The Unfinished Battle: Why Jihadi Terrorism Is Stronger, Wider, and Far From Over https://a.co/d/06MexgNF 🎙️ Listen to Canadian Intelligence Eh! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NTG9pHoct7Rtuhq0cXmsY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/canadian-intelligence-eh/id1455756173 Podcast Archive: https://borealisthreatandrisk.com/category/podcast/ Connect with Phil Website: https://borealisthreatandrisk.com/ X: https://twitter.com/borealissaves LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-gurski-8942468/ #TheWatchFloor #PhilGurski #Counterterrorism #CanadianIntelligence #NationalSecurity #Terrorism

How safe are our schools, and are we doing enough to protect the children inside them? In this episode of The Watch Floor, I sit down with Wayne Black, a veteran security expert and author of School Insecurity, to discuss what effective school security actually looks like and where schools are falling short. Wayne brings more than 45 years of experience in law enforcement, protective security, and threat assessments. He previously served as Security Advisor and Protection Detail Leader for former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, led security assessments for the Department of Homeland Security, and has conducted protective operations and threat assessments around the world. We discuss the importance of keeping attackers outside school buildings, why security cameras alone are not enough, the role of behavioral threat assessments, and why training and preparation matter long before an emergency occurs. As Wayne explains, “The side with the best plan wins.” School safety requires more than technology, policies, and good intentions. It requires identifying vulnerabilities, understanding threats, and developing plans that work when they are needed most. Learn more about Wayne Black:https://www.wayneblack.com Get his book, School Insecurity:https://a.co/d/03U6plc5

In this episode of The Watch Floor, I sit down with Steven Al Ebadi, a U.S. Army veteran, former intelligence officer, combat linguist, and journalist whose career includes supporting U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the FBI. We discuss his journey from Iraq to serving alongside U.S. forces, the experiences that shaped his career, and his work in intelligence and journalism. Our conversation also covers the consequences of decisions made during the Iraq War, the threats he has faced, and his reporting on the war in Ukraine. Follow Steven Al Ebadi: X: https://x.com/Alladdin1983 Substack: https://substack.com/@alladdin1983 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StevenAlEbadi

What would you do if someone opened fire outside your church? Would you recognize signs of a potential threat? And if your children were in Sunday school when an emergency started, would you know how they were being protected? In this episode of The Watch Floor, former CIA Targeting Officer Sarah Adams walks through the threats facing churches and religious communities, from terrorism and targeted violence to suspicious surveillance, theft, arson, and threatening individuals. Drawing on real attacks and her experience briefing churches on security, Sarah explains what warning signs to recognize, when to report suspicious activity, and how to make decisions when a threat becomes an emergency. The episode also covers protecting children's ministries, responding to an active shooter, handling suspicious packages, medical preparedness, and the steps churches can take now to protect their congregations. This is a practical episode for churchgoers, pastors, volunteers, and security teams to save, share, and revisit. Because recognizing a threat is only the beginning. Knowing what to do next could save lives.

October 7th was not simply an intelligence failure. Israel had warning, surveillance, military power, and years of experience watching Hamas. What it lost was enough doubt about whether its own assumptions could be wrong. In this episode of The Watch Floor, I look at the lessons from October 7th that go well beyond Israel. We examine how complacency shaped intelligence assessments, how Hamas studied and attacked Israel’s dependence on technology, why warning indicators were missed, and what happened when the national response became overwhelmed and the fight turned local. I also look at the broader threat environment around Hamas, including training and relationships outside Gaza, and why intelligence services have to understand the enemy they actually have, not the enemy they remember. Most importantly, this episode is about what the United States can learn from those failures before someone tests the same weaknesses here. Complacency does not always look like laziness. Sometimes complacency looks very sophisticated.

I’m doing something a little different on The Watch Floor and sharing what is currently on my reading list. I’m reading Rooftop Korean by Tony Moon now, a firsthand account of the 1992 Los Angeles riots and what happened when communities suddenly found themselves responsible for their own safety. I also have five newer releases on my radar covering Cold War counterintelligence, warning intelligence, jihadist terrorism in Spain, practical preparedness, and protective security. These are not five books I am pretending I have already read and reviewed. They are simply books that caught my attention because they deal with many of the same issues we discuss here: recognizing threats early, understanding what can go wrong, and being better prepared before it does. Books mentioned in this episode: Rooftop Korean: A Memoir of the 1992 L.A. Riots by TonyMoon - https://a.co/d/08YLqD8O The Defector by Richard Kerbaj - https://a.co/d/03Oj815h Predictive Intelligence for Tomorrow’s Threats edited byErik J. Dahl and David Strachan-Morris - https://a.co/d/0hKOBlKv Understanding Spanish Jihadist Terrorism: The Ideology Behind the Metaphors by Carlos Yebra López - https://a.co/d/04S9x9K5 Common Sense Preparedness: Building Resilience for Uncertain Times by Laurie Neverman - https://a.co/d/08tIh7go The Protector’s Edge: Leadership Through Strategy and Actionby Charles Randolph, Jonathan Wackrow, and Fred Burton - https://a.co/d/07ZSqWw9

On September 17, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency released its annual report on foreign efforts to acquire sensitive U.S. technology from the cleared defense industrial base. DCSA received more than 22,000 suspicious-contact reports during fiscal year 2025 and identified roughly 2,900 incidents involving foreign entities seeking U.S. information or technology. The leading method was the exploitation of experts. In this episode of The Watch Floor, I break down what that targeting can actually look like. It may begin with a consulting request, conference invitation, peer review, recruiting approach or research discussion. The interaction can look completely legitimate while giving someone access to the people who understand a technology, its limitations, its supply chain and where development is headed next. We also look at elicitation, front companies and intermediaries, why unclassified knowledge can still have intelligence value, and the warning signs experts should pay attention to when an ordinary professional relationship begins moving in another direction. The episode also covers why former government, intelligence, aerospace and defense personnel remain valuable targets long after their access or clearances are gone. Sometimes the most valuable technology is not sitting inside a secure computer system. It is sitting inside the head of the person who spent twenty years learning how that system works.

Before dawn on September 24, Ecuadorian police launched a major counter-narcotics operation against a cocaine-trafficking network. More than 320 Ecuadorian police took part, but this raid was different. About 50 personnel from U.S. Southern Command and the Drug Enforcement Administration joined the operation, with images showing U.S. personnel wearing Marine Raider insignia. In this episode of The Watch Floor, I break down why that matters, what the U.S. brought to the operation, and how the American role in Ecuador appears to be changing. We look at the raids in Samborondón and other areas, the use of drones, night vision, communications equipment and rapid exploitation of seized devices, and the broader effort to disrupt trafficking networks moving cocaine through Ecuador’s ports. The key question is whether this was a one-off operation or the start of a more direct U.S. role alongside Ecuadorian forces against transnational criminal organizations.

The FBI is investigating a breach tied to FBIJobs.gov and the possible exposure of employee personally identifiable information. Hackers connected to ShinyHunters claim they stole terabytes of data covering current and former FBI personnel, applicants, medical information, background investigations, and other sensitive systems. Some of those claims remain unverified. But reporters have already reviewed thousands of records containing names, home addresses, Social Security numbers, family contacts, employee identifiers, and details pointing to sensitive FBI assignments involving China, Russia, human intelligence, surveillance, cartels, and other national security work. In this episode of The Watch Floor, Sarah Adams breaks down what is actually confirmed, what the hackers are claiming, how the breach may have happened, and why this is much more than an identity-theft problem. When personnel records can be combined with family information, assignments, travel indicators, and other breached data, they can become a map of an organization and a valuable counterintelligence tool. We also look at the comparison to the 2015 Office of Personnel Management breach and the biggest unanswered question: who else may already have this information?

Utah Valley University released its independent after-action report on September 25, 2026, examining the September 10, 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk. The report identifies a number of security failures, but the biggest lesson is broader than any single missed rooftop or breakdown in communication. In this episode of The Watch Floor, I walk through what the report says about venue selection, elevated positions, the missed joint security walkthrough, camera monitoring, mutual aid, emergency messaging and protective intelligence. The focus is not on hindsight for the sake of criticism. We look at after-action reports to understand what failed, what should have happened differently, and how to keep the next team from making the same mistakes. The central lesson is simple: reacting to individual security concerns is not the same thing as running a protective-security operation. Security has to work as a system.