BBC News: US National Security Adviser Resigns

Sloppy procedures from the US commander in chief’s security team combined with ongoing Russian interference are triggering anxiety. Michael Flynn, the US national security adviser, resigned after serving for less than one month over allegations he discussed US sanctions with the Russia ambassador before Donald Trump took office – and then misled his supervisors despite surveillance transcripts of the exchange. The head of Department of Justice, who has since been fired by Trump, had warned the administration in January that Flynn could be vulnerable to blackmail. “Mr Flynn had encouraged a softer policy on Russia but questions were raised about his perceived closeness to Moscow,” reports BBC News. “Congressional Democrats - and perhaps some Republicans - will want to find out who was informed about Mr Flynn's contradictory stories and why nothing was done earlier. How far up the chain of command does it go?” Investigators will want to study the extent of Flynn’s classified briefings and whether classified security details could yet be compromised, but Republicans in Congress have so far expressed more concen about the source of so many embarrassing leaks about the White House. Analysts are also expressing concern that US and Japanese leaders may have discussed response strategies to a North Korean missile test in a crowded hotel dining room. US officials are under intense scrutiny, and any move with Russia won’t escape notice. – YaleGlobal