(Zero Hedge)—American diplomat and Trump admin official Richard Grenell has issued the following message on X: “I have just been given horrific news and videos of what is said to be an American citizen from Oklahoma who has been brutally killed in Syria. He is Druse. I have passed it on to a senior State Department official and a Member of Congress to check the facts.”
Unconfirmed reports have identified the slain American as Hosam Saraya, a member of the Druze community, who was among those killed in the outbreak of sectarian violence earlier this month. Hardline Sunnis of the Jolani/Sharaa regime have been sent to disarm the Druze community of Syria’s Sweida region, resulting in ethno-religious cleansing.
Further, a video circulating online allegedly shows Saraya and his whole family being executed by unidentified militants. A State Department official has told one regional media source, “The department is reviewing reports regarding the death of an individual believed to be a U.S. citizen in Syria.”
The fighting which erupted on July 13 has left hundreds dead, mostly Druze and many civilians, as fighting broke out between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin groups.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters from Damascus, representing the government, have even before this latest flare-up in violence been conducting brutal attacks against Druze areas, often torturing young men and conducting street executions.
Over the weekend, Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged the Syrian government to stop “violent jihadists” from committing atrocities in the south – but a ceasefire has reportedly held since then.
There are further reports that Druze women and children have been kidnapped by HTS jihadists, also following widespread accusations that Alawite women have been targeted for forced marriages and sex slavery.
Still the US ambassador to Turkey, who is also special envoy to Syria, is standing by the new post-Assad regime and its fanatical jihadists:
A U.S. envoy doubled down on Washington’s support for Syria’s new government, saying Monday there is “no Plan B” to working with it to unite the country still reeling from years of civil war and wracked by new sectarian violence.
Barrack told the AP that “the killing, the revenge, the massacres on both sides” are “intolerable,” but that “the current government of Syria, in my opinion, has conducted themselves as best they can as a nascent government with very few resources to address the multiplicity of issues that arise in trying to bring a diverse society together.”
At a press conference later, he said Syrian authorities “need to be held accountable” for violations.
Jolani’s TV station accidentally exposed the kidnapping of Druze women & children at the hands of forces loyal to the self-appointed president, then the interviewer was asked to cut the interview.
There are now dozens of confirmed cases of kidnapped of Druze civilians in Suwayda pic.twitter.com/ZjLsH2a47Z
— Bassem (@BBassem7) July 20, 2025
It was Washington who played a very large role in ousting Assad in the first place, and it is sticking by its band of “former” al-Qaeda terrorists now running Damascus.
And yet it will be the country’s ancient Christian community, as well as all Alawites, Druze, Shia, and any non-Salafi Sunni which continue to suffer. The country’s prior secular identity continues to be stamped out.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
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The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
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As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.