Greetings and welcome to the Daily Article Podcast. Today is Monday, October the 23rd,

2023. I'm Chris Elkins, narrating today's article written by Denison Forum co-founder and CEO,

Dr. Jim Denison. There was finally some good news in the war in Israel when Hamas released two U.S. citizens

it was holding hostage. However, the conflict is threatening to escalate as Israel engages

terrorists in Gaza, clashes with Hezbollah in northern Israel, and response to threats in Syria

and the West Bank. There have been multiple attacks on U.S. forces as well. The U.S.

Defense Secretary announced over the weekend that American forces are increasing their

presence in the area to, quote, bolster regional deterrence efforts. As you follow the news,

if you're feeling anxious and even overwhelmed these days, you're not alone. Former CIA director David

Betrayis is warning that there is a very real chance the Middle East conflict could

escalate significantly. What's more, the battle between Hamas and Israel is dividing

world opinion, pitting nations against nations in ominous ways. According to former

U.S. Defense Secretary Bob Gates,

America is facing the most crises since World War II ended 78 years ago. None can be solved.

All could be spiraling into something much worse. They include, one, the war in the Middle East.

Two, China and Russia's growing military and economic collaboration.

Three, a malicious Iran. Four, an unhinged leader in North Korea, Kim Jong-un.

Five, a massive spread of doctored or wholly fake videos to manipulate world news and opinion.

U.S. officials are especially worried that all five

threats could fuse into one. The State Department recently issued a rare, quote-unquote,

worldwide caution, warning U.S. travelers abroad of increased tensions in various locations

around the world that raise the potential for terrorist attacks,

...