In light of the rapidly changing circumstances in the Middle East, and the recent developments, there are many questions about the future of Iraq, particularly following the collapse of the Hezbollah system in Lebanon and the swift downfall of the Iranian-backed regime in Damascus.

What does the future hold for Iraq? How will U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East evolve under the incoming Trump administration? How can the new administration establish a political balance in the region that fosters peace and stability while advancing shared strategic interests?

To explore the answers to these questions, I recently had the opportunity to interview Mukhlis Mukhlis. A renowned expert on foreign affairs, with more than two decades worth of experience with national security, counterterrorism, and the geopolitical conditions of the Middle East.

A proud American of Iraqi descent, Mukhlis comes from a family that has significantly influenced the political and social landscape of several Arab states since the early 1920s. His family was pivotal in establishing the Arab Kingdom of Syria under King Faisal of the Hashemite dynasty, who later became King of Iraq. The family also contributed to the creation of the Emirate of Trans-Jordan, which evolved into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and played a key role in founding the Kingdom of Iraq in 1921 and Iraq’s first national army.

The Mukhlis family has shaped Iraq’s political foundation, resisted Ottoman and British colonialism, and was instrumental in establishing the Iraqi state during the monarchy era from 1920 to 1958.

Mukhlis’ family maintained extensive social and tribal connections throughout the Arabian Peninsula, Jordan, and Syria, positioning them at the center of the region’s political landscape. Despite this, Iraq has always remained their focal point.

With this wealth of history, and in-depth knowledge of Iraq, I asked Mukhlis about his assessment of Iraq in light of the current situation in the region.

Mukhlis indicated that Iraq had become geopolitically isolated, particularly following the collapse of Hezbollah’s system in Lebanon and the collapse of the Iranian-backed regime in Syria.

His interpretation of the regional scene leads him to believe that the recent developments have transformed Iraq, which was previously viewed as the primary conduit for logistical and military support for Iran’s operations in the Levant, into the final bastion of the Iranian Islamic Revolution’s expansionist agenda that began with the regime’s rise to power in Iran in 1979.

Mukhlis is also known for supporting President Trump since his first term and is recognized for his strong connections with several members of Trump’s new team.

When inquired about his willingness to assist the new administration in navigating this complex process, Mukhlis indicated his readiness to leverage his expertise, deep understanding of strategic challenges, and personal and familial historical ties in the region to aid the Trump administration in its efforts to restore stability in the Middle East.

Mukhlis further stressed that as President-elect Donald Trump begins a new term, the intricacies of U.S. foreign policy toward Iraq reveal both significant opportunities and considerable challenges. Given Iraq’s geopolitical significance in the Middle East, a strategic focus on rebuilding the country’s political structure, countering Iranian influence, and actively engaging in Iraq’s energy sector emerges as essential for fostering regional stability. This approach not only aims to enhance the economic prospects for American businesses but also addresses the burgeoning demand within the Iraqi market.

President Trump has consistently advocated against unnecessary military interventions in the Middle East, particularly regarding the Iraq invasion. Nonetheless, his renewed focus on international affairs presents an opportunity to reshape U.S. foreign policy in a way that not only enhances America’s global standing but also strengthens international alliances. This vision integrates domestic interests with foreign policy, emphasizing economic growth through enhanced trade, security partnerships, and geopolitical collaborations.

In order to establish a pragmatic roadmap for U.S. engagement in Iraq, it is essential to first recognize the strategic significance of Iraq within the broader geopolitical context. Subsequently, a comprehensive assessment of the challenges encountered in American foreign policy over the past two decades will be instrumental in guiding reforms that are designed to achieve enduring strategic objectives, in harmony with the interests of the United States and its regional allies.

What are the key strategic interests of the United States in Iraq?

Mukhlis sees Iraq’s importance to the United States as multifaceted. Its strategic location in the Middle East positions it as a pivotal player in regional stability, capable of counteracting the influence of other powers, particularly Iran, should Iraq become a truly sovereign country and free of the Iranian dominance that has been demonstrated for the past two decades that followed the regime change in 2003. Should the U.S. ignore or abandon Iraq, Iran would be strengthened considerably, posing a serious threat not only to the region but way beyond the regional boundaries.

Additionally, as one of the world’s largest oil producers, Iraq’s energy resources are vital to global oil markets, linking U.S. interests in secure energy supplies to Iraq’s production capabilities. Furthermore, Iraq has been central to counterterrorism efforts, particularly in the fight against Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other radical groups framing U.S. involvement in the region as a means to promote security and combat extremism.
Delving deeper into the significance of Iraq on the regional and international levels, Mukhlis explained a number of important aspects:

Geo-strategic Context

Iraq’s critical geographical position, situated amidst Iran, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and the Gulf States, renders it a vital logistical hub for regional security.

Economic Context

Iraq is rich in diverse resources, holding the fifth-largest oil reserves globally and ranking twelfth for natural gas reserves. Additionally, it boasts the largest sulfur reserves in the world and the second largest reserves of phosphates, iron, silica, and other minerals, which means Iraq possesses significant economic potential, potentially rivaling or exceeding the returns from crude oil if these reserves are effectively harnessed through a strategic industrial approach and careful investment.

Geopolitical Considerations

Many experts in Iraqi political and security dynamics assert that prioritizing Iraq’s geopolitical significance should be a central tenet of U.S. foreign policy. This is crucial for several reasons, chiefly to mitigate the expansion of Iranian influence in the region, which poses a risk of igniting a regional conflict detrimental to U.S. interests, not only in the Middle East but globally.

Practical Dimensions

A prosperous Iraq would likely enhance its capacity to combat extremist groups. This shift could diminish the need for direct U.S. military engagement and pave the way for more effective counterterrorism partnerships, while strategically, a stable Iraq could emerge as a vital ally for the United States, counterbalancing the influence of regional powers like Iran and addressing the economic expansion efforts of nations such as Russia and China.

Additionally, the presence of a stable Iraq might lessen the necessity for a large U.S. military footprint in the region. This would allow for a reallocation of resources to other strategic priorities. If the proper systems are established, Iraq could evolve into a pivotal military and intelligence ally, capable of conducting various operations in collaboration with U.S. forces, similar to the relationships the U.S. maintains with Jordan and other regional partners.

In summary, the prospect of a stable Iraq presents an opportunity for the United States to cultivate a more favorable environment for its interests, ultimately promoting peace, security, and economic growth both regionally and domestically. A stable and prosperous Iraq holds considerable implications for the United States, shaping both regional dynamics and U.S. foreign policy.

The Roadmap to the Revitalization of Iraq

First, it is crucial to reaffirm U.S. support for the secular factions, intellectual leaders, and the largely unorganized silent majority within various opposition movements striving for a peaceful resolution. These groups, while lacking a unified structure or central leadership to rally around, represent a significant force for positive change.

Second, there must be a concerted effort to dismantle the ideological foundations that radical and terrorist organizations rely upon to cultivate and recruit their operatives.

Finally, it is vital to weaken and disrupt states and regimes that promote and sponsor violence, while simultaneously perpetuating a monopoly over criminal organizations, militias, and armed groups that seek to exert influence and instill terror. Such measures are necessary to create a more stable and secure environment conducive to lasting peace.

Mukhlis strongly believes that initiatives aimed at fostering and strengthening peace in the Middle East and beyond are crucial, founded on mutual understanding and coexistence. These efforts highlight the importance of respecting human dignity and freedom, including religious liberty, which are vital for nurturing harmonious relationships among nations and communities.

Building on this foundation, the U.S. has a significant opportunity to further advance its vision for a stable and prosperous region. By leveraging the principles of cooperation and dialogue, we can promote partnerships that enhance peace and stability, paving the way for a brighter future for all involved and for generations to come.

Mukhlis believes that the United States must undertake a comprehensive restructuring of its relationship with Iraq through a series of political and legal frameworks. If the U.S., in collaboration with its allies and the international community, can facilitate internal changes that empower Iraq to become a stable, strong, and independent nation, it will significantly contribute to peace in the region while advancing U.S. strategic interests. This endeavor would help establish a robust framework for a cohesive and allied system that values peace, strengthens strategic ties, and enhances regional security, as well as economic and scientific prosperity alongside partners in the region and globally.

The Iraq we envision, and the one that the Iraqi people aspire to, urgently requires U.S. support as a partner in achieving the balance and stability they seek. Moreover, there is a critical strategic interest for the United States in Iraq, particularly in the long term, as it pertains to countering the growing economic and political influence of Russia and China in the Middle East, and specifically within Iraq. Both the Russian and Chinese governments are actively working to expand their presence in Iraq, often at the expense of U.S. interests, which has resulted in a decline of U.S. economic investments, most notably in the energy sector, where Russian and Chinese companies have supplanted American firms. This shift has serious implications not only for Iraq but also for other countries in the region, particularly those where the energy sector serves as a cornerstone of both national and global economies.

How can the U.S. counter Iranian influence in the region?

Mukhlis emphasizes the importance of understanding the threat posed by the Iranian regime to develop effective countermeasures. This will necessitate sustained efforts to create a cohesive political framework among regional nations, align their positions, and devise practical strategies to address the Iranian threat. It is also crucial to encourage collaboration among these nations and Israel to establish a parallel deterrent force, particularly in Iraq, recognized as a key strategic front against Iranian expansion.

Countering Iranian influence is vital to U.S. strategy in Iraq, as Iran’s significant control over the country’s political and military institutions often undermines its sovereignty. To effectively tackle this challenge, the U.S. must empower Iraqis to shape their own future and build the government they aspire to, as the narrative of democracy in Iraq has often been misleading, with a rigged electoral system in place.

The potential for Iran to achieve nuclear capabilities further complicates the situation, enabling it to project power and exert influence in response to strategic setbacks, especially in Lebanon and Syria, where Hezbollah’s network has weakened and the Syrian regime has collapsed.

Iran’s strategic gains in Iraq are well-documented, particularly in circumventing U.S. economic sanctions. The Iranian regime has leveraged its allies in Iraq to support its operations and affiliated terrorist organizations across the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.

U.S. foreign policy should focus on strengthening Iraq’s relationships with its Arab neighbors and fostering regional alliances to enhance Iraq’s connections with Gulf states and other regional partners.

Envisioning a new U.S. strategy for counterterrorism

Mukhlis explained that a definitive understanding of the term terrorism is essential. Initially, it is crucial to categorize violent reactions or insurgency into two distinct scenarios: certain groups may be effectively managed through a policy of containment. This is a principle recognized by most counterterrorism experts especially those in the intelligence community. Actively engaging with these groups to discern their intentions through direct dialogue and negotiations can potentially yield positive outcomes. Mukhlis has firsthand knowledge of numerous instances of this approach through direct involvement during the years following the regime change in Iraq in 2003.

There is an undebatable fact that the U.S. approach to counterterrorism in Iraq has often been limited, focusing predominantly on specific radical factions identified by sectarian lines. In the pursuit of defeating ISIS, the U.S. has provided substantial support to various Iraqi armed groups, frequently overlooking their affiliations and connections to the Iranian regime. Many of these groups serve as regional proxies for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, akin to Hezbollah and other recognized terrorist organizations. This sectarian approach has inadvertently concentrated power and control over Iraq’s strategic resources in the hands of a select few, marginalizing the broader Iraqi populace since the 2003 invasion.

One notable example was the dialogue initiated with the Taliban during the first Trump administration. However, the subsequent administration committed a significant strategic error. Rather than building upon the approach established by the Trump administration to facilitate a gradual, strategic, and secure withdrawal aimed at concluding two decades of conflict that yielded only losses for the United States, the Biden administration proceeded with a hasty and poorly planned withdrawal from Afghanistan. The repercussions of this decision are likely to manifest in the years ahead.

Operationally, a prevalent error in the counterterrorism effort is the emphasis on cutting off the financial resources that support terrorism, while neglecting to analyze the mindset and ideologies that motivate individuals to join these groups. It is crucial to understand the beliefs that compel these individuals to engage with such organizations. If there had been greater scrutiny of the curricula and lectures presented to students in Hezbollah-affiliated institutions in Lebanon, as well as the religious seminaries in Najaf, Iraq, and the training programs of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards in Qom and Tehran, we would gain valuable insights into how extremist ideologies are cultivated and sustained.

Counterterrorism strategies are a complex combination of approaches, methodologies and tactics that Mukhlis personally believes should not be discussed publicly, otherwise it would lose its effectiveness, validity and value. However, in general, the best strategy the new U.S. administration can develop and implement to effectively tackle counterterrorism in Iraq, is first to bring justice.

In summarizing over two decades of his personal experience in counterterrorism, it is evident that the primary catalyst for violent extremism, which may culminate in terrorism, is rooted in perceptions of injustice. A multifaceted strategy is imperative, one that transcends mere military engagement and addresses the foundational issues that fuel terrorism. This includes strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms with well-structured Iraqi security forces, promoting political stability, and driving economic development to create viable alternatives that diminish the allure of extremist ideologies. Furthermore, fostering engagement with local communities and supporting grassroots initiatives focused on reconciliation and unity will be critical to cultivating a resilient society capable of withstanding terrorist influences. While the complete eradication of extremist ideologies may be unattainable, it is feasible to disrupt and diminish the factors that sustain these ideologies.

But how do we get there?

The Middle East has faced, and continues to face, significant challenges and enduring conflicts, resulting in tremendous losses in lives, property, resources, and potential futures for its people. Now, more than ever, it is imperative for the citizens of this region to adopt a fresh approach centered on peaceful coexistence, grounded in mutual respect among civilizations, religions, nationalities, and, most crucially, the human element.

This vision for a harmonious future cannot solely be realized through governmental action; it fundamentally relies on the awareness and commitment of the people themselves. A genuine desire for peaceful coexistence must emerge from the grassroots level, coupled with a firm rejection of terrorism, violence, and the pursuit of control. By fostering dialogue and understanding, the people of the Middle East can pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future.

A crucial aspect for success in the region is the significant Iraqi opposition that is currently in exile. Over the past two decades successive U.S. administrations and decision-making institutions have failed to recognize the widespread rejection of most individuals and parties that were given power in Iraq following the fall of the regime in 2003. In summary, what transpired in Iraq can be described as a transition from a singular dictatorship to multiple authoritarian factions, which transformed the country into a breeding ground for terrorism, crime, and corruption. Ultimately, Iraq has become a strategic base exploited by the Tehran regime and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards to support and finance criminal organizations and terrorist activities throughout the region.

The Iraqi popular opposition movement, present in every household and family, both within the country and among the renewed forces in exile, holds immense reserves of resources, energies, and aspirations.

The masses of popular opposition are actively involved, many are considered the silent majority, and others are residing in exile to escape injustice, tyranny, and persecution. Those in the United States are hopeful that the new U.S. administration under President Trump will provide them with the hope of a safer, more stable, and prosperous Iraq – one that is free from terrorism, corruption, and the influence of militias and sectarian political parties pursuing harmful foreign agendas that threaten peace and stability in the region.

This popular momentum seeks security, stability, and peace in the region, aiming to foster collaborative relationships that promote shared interests both regionally and internationally.

It is essential to acknowledge that the journey toward peace may necessitate a decisive confrontation with the forces of evil and darkness, whose sole objectives are destruction, instability, and bloodshed. Mukhlis believes that President Trump, along with many candidates in his prospective administration, understands this reality and has the potential to restore equilibrium through a series of strategic actions.

What is needed now is a completely new proactive, rather than reactive policy toward Iraq.

It’s not a secret anymore that the successive U.S. administrations since the regime change in Iraq were not properly engaged and at some point not just failed to address the challenges on the ground, but in fact they often contributed to the problem rather than being part of the solution. Given Iraq’s geopolitical significance in the Middle East, a strategic focus on rebuilding the country’s political structure, countering Iranian influence, and actively engaging in Iraq’s energy sector emerges as essential for fostering regional stability. This approach not only aims to enhance the economic prospects for American businesses but also addresses the burgeoning demand within the Iraqi market. A successful and stable Iraq would be a gift to the world.

This article was originally published on OpsLens.com.

It was the dreaded time of year, the holidays.  I inwardly cringed at the incessant questions about where I would spend Christmas, would I be alone, did I have a special someone, why was I still single?  The truth was, I didn’t care about what I did for the holidays at that point in my life, but it was so socially stressful to field the endless questions and endure the looks of pity I inevitably received.  The pressure of not being married was real.  Questions from family friends would lead down that road of asking if I had any “good prospects”.  Thirty-six and unmarried – the pressure was on!

I waited until I had a career to get married and have kids, but so many of my friends fell prey to the “you’re old at thirty, you better hurry up and have kids while you can,” mentality only to find themselves at mid-life getting divorced and not knowing who they were anymore. Though I’ve never been through a divorce, I know what it’s like to have long term relationships end and the feeling of being somewhat lost upon being single again.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kathryne Mejias, Founder of Born for More. Her personal journey through divorce and self-discovery inspired her to create Born for More which became her way to align her career with her passion for empowering women to redefine themselves and embrace their full potential. As a speaker and mental health advocate, Kathryne uses meditation, energy healing, and mindset resets to help women reconnect with their authentic selves. Through coaching, events, and speaking engagements, Kathryne helps women turn their challenges into opportunities for transformation. Her upcoming book, The Soulful Divorcée, is a fresh, empowering guide to navigating divorce, processing emotions, and reclaiming your power. It follows her first book, Soulful Beauty, which inspires women to embrace their inner confidence and strength.

Born for More is about helping women release the past patterns that once defined them and step into the lives they truly want. It’s more than just personal growth, it’s a community that focuses on redefining divorce and life’s transitions, shifting the narrative from victimhood to empowerment. Divorce, in particular, can feel like the end, but Kathryne sees it as the beginning of a new cycle, a chance to embrace who you are and create a life that aligns with your highest self. This is a space for women to heal, grow, and discover their potential, embodying who they were always meant to be.

Kathryne explained to me that divorce has been the most challenging experience of her life. She describes it as a journey that stripped her bare, forcing her to confront fears, doubts, and emotions she didn’t even know existed. At times, she felt like the ground beneath her was crumbling, leaving her with no choice but to dig deep and uncover and inner strength she had yet to meet.

Divorce is often painted as an ending, but for Kathryne, it became a beginning. It was the start of a life where she would no longer settle for less than she deserves or tolerate the things she once thought she had to endure. Divorce was the catalyst that allowed her to write a completely new book.

Even in the most painful moments, transformation is possible. You can rise, not as the person you were, but as the person you are destined to become.

The biggest struggle for people dealing with divorce is often stepping away from the life they knew and entering the unknown. It’s not just about ending a marriage; it’s about letting go of routines, plans, and a vision for the future you may have held for years. That transition can feel overwhelming, like you’re walking into uncharted territory without a map.

For single parents, the challenges are amplified. Juggling schedules, managing responsibilities, and co-parenting effectively can feel like a constant balancing act. It’s emotionally taxing to create a sense of stability for your children while you’re still finding your own footing.

But Kathryne believes that with these challenges come opportunities for growth. You discover an inner strength you didn’t know you had, learn to navigate life in a way that aligns with your truth, and create a new chapter that reflects the person you’re becoming. The journey is tough, but it’s also transformative. She believes that the hardest part about being single or unmarried is learning to navigate life on your own terms, without leaning on the societal norms or expectations that often come with being in a relationship. It can be challenging to face those moments of solitude, but they also hold the greatest rewards. Being single gives you the space to truly get to know yourself – your desires, passions, and what makes you happy without external influence. It’s a time for self-discovery and growth, where you can focus on building a life that reflects your authentic self. While there are times you might long for companionship, it’s also an opportunity to cultivate a deep connection with yourself and create a foundation of self-love that will only enhance future relationships.

Kathryne helps people navigate divorce by guiding them to shift their perspective from feeling like a victim to embracing it as a time of empowerment and transformation. Divorce is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to release what no longer serves you and create a life that truly aligns with who you are.

Through her Soulful Sessions, she works one-on-one with individuals to rebuild their self-worth, heal from past patterns, and gain clarity about their next steps. These sessions are tailored to each person’s needs and include meditation, mindset resets, energy work, and actionable strategies. Her goal is to help clients feel confident, empowered, and beautiful from the inside out as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

Kathryne has been through the entire divorce process herself, so she can deeply relate to the emotional highs and lows that come with it. Her experience allows her to connect with her clients on a personal level, offering both empathy and guidance to help them navigate their journey. Ultimately, she helps people not only move forward but to do so with confidence, self-love, and a renewed sense of beauty and purpose.

Healing after divorce involves several equally important steps that all center on building a solid relationship with yourself. First, never settle for anything less than you deserve. Divorce is an opportunity to redefine your standards and align your life with your true worth. It’s essential to stop putting yourself aside – prioritize your needs, dreams, and well-being.

Second, fill your own cup first. Focus on nurturing yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically. When you find happiness within yourself, you create a foundation that isn’t reliant on anyone else. Instead, relationships become an extension of your self-worth and happiness, not the source of it.

Finally, remember that healing is a journey. Give yourself grace, take the time to rediscover who you are, and trust that this process will lead you to a more aligned and fulfilling life. These steps together create a powerful framework for moving forward with confidence and authenticity.

Kathryne’s upcoming book, Soulful Divorcée, set to release in 2025, dives into her personal journey of reinvention and provides inspiration and tools for others facing similar challenges. She also creates empowering events like The Soulful Divorcée live event, offering community, expert guidance, and practical tools for growth.

If you would like to learn more about Kathryne Mejias and Born For More, please keep an eye out for her upcoming book, The Soulful Divorcée: A Journey to Self-Discovery, Freedom, and True Alignment, releasing in 2025, and her live event, The Soulful Divorcée, happening on March 29th, 2025, in Toronto.

This article was originally published on OpsLens.com.

There it was, my shiny new Mustang that I had just purchased, much to everyone’s envy. I had recently graduated college and had happily begun my first office job in the heart of downtown Sacramento, California. I had driven the car to work, and parked in our company’s parking lot just as I did every day, except today I had a brand new car! I walked out, exhausted from the day’s work, and was shocked to see that someone had keyed the car all the way down the driver’s side. It was a passionate keying too, someone put a lot of bitterness into it.

This could have been a random occurrence, or it could have been executed by one of the catty women in my office. Sometimes people can just be vicious because they are jealous. At the time, we didn’t have social media, so I didn’t experience the types of bullying that social media can sometimes facilitate, but I definitely had some anger aimed at me from behind cubicle walls. These days, people tend to hide behind their keyboards.

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Marina Nestel, Founder and CEO of The Little Black Book, one of South Africa’s leading PR and events companies. Her client list features high-profile brands and personalities, including H&M, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, One & Only Hotel, Richard Branson, Sol Kerzner, Chivas Regal, Cartier, and many others. The Little Black Book specializes in luxury brand activations, high-profile events, and cause-driven campaigns that continue to shape the PR industry in South Africa. Marina is known as the Queen of PR with a big heart.

I’ve learned that even people with the biggest of hearts can face the wrath of the green-eyed monster.

Marina worked her way up from a waitress, cocktail bartender, and hostess in five star hotels in London, to interning for the esteemed global PR company Purple PR. She then moved back to Cape Town, South Africa and worked for Dunhill at British American Tobacco. The high end circles she moved in allowed her to build her network and she decided to start her own company, The Little Black Book.

She began The Little Black Book in her home out of the back of the laundry room with no support, in fact being told frequently to “get a proper job”. She proved the naysayers wrong as the business exploded in less than a year, becoming an internationally renowned events and public relations agency. She not only reached success with a long list of career highlights, but she did so as a working mother of a newborn baby.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing though. After her marriage collapsed and a series of unfortunate events, Marina was separated from her child and subjected to many humiliating rules and regulations policing even phone calls with her son. Then the social media smear campaign began.

In a very well-coordinated series of attacks, Marina was deemed a prostitute, drug addict, and everything under the sun except an alcoholic. Marina admits very openly that she is a recovering alcoholic and works to bring awareness for people who struggle with addiction.

Thus began Marina’s parental alienation nightmare. Parental alienation is when one parent intentionally seeks to damage a child’s relationship with the other parent. This can be done in a number of ways including creating a negative narrative about the other parent, discouraging the child from spending time with that parent, making that time uncomfortable, and in more extreme cases, encouraging the child to stop contacting the other parent. The child is psychologically affected during this experience and often into their adult lives. Marina has no contact with her son now, but she still attempts to send him photos and videos and she calls him regularly, to no avail. She explains that she will never stop trying to connect with her only child.

As a PR entrepreneur, Marina understands that she is sitting on a life story which needs to be heard. She’s a survivor, she’s resilient and she is an inspiration to victims of parental alienation and cyber bullying around the world. She would like to make people aware about the various trials and tribulations she has been subjected to, including vexatious litigation. Vexatious litigation is meant to bother, embarrass, and/or cause legal expenses to the defendant.

Though the cyber bullying, harassment, and slander still goes on, Marina managed to leave South Africa where she had been tormented for so long. Marina has since swapped her work look of stilettos and couture dresses for a bikini. She swims in a warm ocean on a tropical island all day. She eats in gourmet restaurants and relaxing in a hammock is a regular occupation. Her “happily ever after” is with her fiancé and her career as a human rights public speaker for parental alienation and cyber bullying, as well as running her global PR and events business all from a blissful, peaceful paradise in Thailand. To her trolls and haters she has an attitude of “in the bin you go with the rest of the rubbish”, and she keeps moving forward.

As a wise friend once told me, the best revenge is living well. Marina Nestel embodies this phrase.

If you would like to learn more about Marina Nestel and The Little Black Book, please visit thelittleblackbook.co.za.

This article was originally published on OpsLens.com.

Our family friend’s eyes narrowed as he peered over to see what I was reading in the back seat of the car. The look of shock when he realized was priceless. I was in the third grade, and the book was The Shining by Stephen King. My parents looked on proudly as they realized that their child loved reading. At a very young age, I had graduated from Harry the Dirty Dog and Rotten Ralph to full length novels, and horror was definitely my thing. It began in the third grade with the first novel I read, The Amityville Horror. I was that kid who would take great joy in huddling in a dark closet with my friends and telling them scary stories that I had concocted myself. I was the one who would leave everyone at the family gatherings with nightmares of my tales. I loved horror movies, scary books, all things ghostly, and haunted houses.

Being as enamored as I am still, to this day, with all things spooky, I was thrilled to find out about BloodManor, New York City’s premier haunted attraction. BloodManor is a first-class haunted house attraction with approximately 10,000 square feet of themed rooms, corridors, and a labyrinth of passageways. BloodManor is designed to be the most intense, creepy, and scream-inducing haunted house attraction in New York State.

The building at 359 Broadway in the Tribeca area of New York City, known as BloodManor, has quite a spooky history. Built in 1852, it was used by photographer Matthew Brady to photograph some of America’s most famous, and infamous, people. President Abraham Lincoln was among some of the famous people photographed in the building. During the Civil War, Brady was scorned for adopting a mobile studio to capture some of the world’s most graphic images of battle. The public criticized him for “making a buck” off of the daily tragedies that were ravaging the country. For all the criticism he received, he was documenting and capturing the souls of all of the men who were fighting for their country.

When Brady returned to his studio at 359 Broadway, he noticed something interesting in every photo that had been developed within the rooms of the third floor. In the photographs, the men’s faces appeared to be melting, strange apparitions floated above each soldier in the fields, and those men who were closer to the lens had black eyes.

In 1859, Brady closed his studio due to the “incessant screams of the photographed men”. It is said that if one travels the halls of the third floor throughout the night, you will hear the faint sounds of the camera taking a photograph followed by the screams of the men in the final moments of their lives.

After Brady, much was unknown about the tenants of the building up until 1943, when two brothers along with their brother-in-law and his brother purchased and operated a textile wholesale business at 359 Broadway. The business flourished and continued through the early 1970s, but in 1958 a huge fire at a nearby building ruined many lives in the area forever. One young firefighter named Wilson Palmer saved over a dozen women and children during that horrible night, but his own life could not be saved in the end. In the days following the fire, Wilson took to taking nightly walks around the neighborhood. After a few weeks of these evening strolls, Wilson complained of hearing horrible screams coming from the textile factory at 359 Broadway. He would swear there were young men dying in there, yet everything was dark and there wasn’t a soul in sight.

Approximately twenty four days after the fire that he fought so heroically, Wilson hung himself from the rafters in the firehouse. In his hands he had clenched a five dollar bill, with Abraham Lincoln’s eyes blacked out and written in calligraphy found only in letters written with a feather dip pen in the early 19th century, were the words “NO PHOTOS”.

The third creepy story that is known about the building at 359 Broadway involves Brooklyn mob boss “Crazy” Joe Gallo. Gallo was killed at Umberto’s Clam Bar in 1972 by someone connected to the Colombo family. The driver of the car that night, a man by the name of Luparelli, ended up going to the FBI claiming that he was being followed by loud screams and woken by them in the night. It was discovered that Luparelli and his family were former tenants of the building at 359 Broadway.

In current times, the events of 2020 and the sadness, loneliness, isolation, and loss that was caused has seemingly incited more activity throughout the halls of BloodManor. Many local residents have come to the BloodManor staff with strange stories from the past couple of months. Some claim they see flashing lights from the third floor of the building – flashing lights similar to that of an old camera. Others claim they hear gunshots coming from within the building, and there are also stories of seeing shadows of men with tall top hats passing through the windows illuminated by the street lamps outside. All of this activity serves to heighten the excitement of BloodManor’s 21st anniversary Halloween season. Beginning in September, BloodManor opened its doors to the public and promises the scariest season they have ever had.

This year, BloodManor boasts the addition of three new rooms and brand new costumes. The Manor is open every weekend and some weekdays beginning in September and running through November. I know my inner horror-aholic would love to go!

For more information about BloodManor, please visit www.bloodmanor.com.

This article was originally published on OpsLens.com.