american allegiance conference in north america. and we'll take you there live. and a very good tuesday to you. i'm kristen welker in washington in for andrea michelle. the united states military is entering a new phase in the might against isis. and the president's decision to green light surveillance flights over syria raises two critical questions, are air strikes next? and would they be enough to cripple the growing terror left. michael leitner is a terrorism expert and joins me now. thank you for being here. >> good to be here. >> let's start with the new surveillance missions. what is the purpose and does it mean that air strikes are inevitable? >> i don't think they're inevitable. surveillance does two things, first, it helps us identify

targets if the president chooses to go down that path. it gives us an idea of what isis is thinking beyond syria and iraq. do they intend to strike outside of syria and iraq to the homeland? certainly, strategically, yes. the question is how tactually imminent would that be? >> you said it seems lake the president is laying the groundwork for the possibility of air strikes? >> i think so. the reason i think strikes in syria are ultimately likely because otherwise we're truly playing a defensive counterterrorism game and that's very hard to sustain. what i mean by that simply trying to identify people and going to syria and potentially coming back, we're going to miss some of those. one of the ways we keep isis off guard, you strike them and keep them off balance. and i think ultimately, the

president is going to be faced with a situation where they see real and imminent threats. if the standback to not strike would be too difficult to take. >> the president has been adamant that he's not going to put u.s. boots on the ground in syria. he's not going to put boots on the ground in iraq. some u.s. military say it's go to be hard to slow isis in syria without putting boots on the ground. is it possible to achieve what the administration might hope through through air strikes through providing more arms for the rebel forces, for example? >> i think it is in iraq. fundamentally, we have troops on the ground. that's the iraqi troops. air strikes for them can roll them back in syria. in syria, no. ultimately, what we're going to need, strike isis and other elements of the opposition and give more space for more moderate opposition. those will be our boots on the ground. without that, air strikes can't do that. >> of course, one of the complicating forces is here is

president bashar al assad. the administration has been calling him to step down for years. he hasn't. if the president decides to move forward with air strikes, this could be very complicated. the syrians are saying we want to know about it but add administration is saying we're not going to align ourselves with bashar al assad. >> yeah. this is bashar al assad saying we were always on the same side fighting extremism. our answer is, no, we in fact have two enemies here. our enemies are isis and ultimately bashar al assad. >> let me get your take on this in terms of the military forces we're seeing in isis, some of them are western officers. the british intelligence is asking for help. and let me just read you from the british police. he says, quote, every reasonable person in the country has been touched by the pitiless murder of james foley and the

murderer's british nationality has focused attention on extremism in the uk as well as the middle east. investigators are making significant progress but we will not be giving a running commentary. what do you make of that and how large of a problem is this? >> this is an incredibly vivid illustration of the fear that's in the hearts and minds of counterterrorism officials across western europe and united states. westerners, more than 1,000, have travelled to syria, fighting with these groups coming home with western passports. the british police, one of the best organizations in the world in identifying these organizations trying to get them deradicalized. they don't know everyone. fewer than 50% be identified before they come back with immediate engagement with the community. it's part mership with the state local official it's in u.s. working with muslim communities to identify individuals who may have gone to syria and got training and could come back. >> it seems like investigators are close to figuringing out who

james foley's killer is. how difficult is it going to be to find that person and persons? >> yeah, it is incredibly hard. they may identify him. the key point is they may not have known he was there before this video. the fact is unlike other places like yemen, pakistan which are far more difficult to travel to, syria is very easy for westerners. they can take a single flight to turkey, go over a porous border. so identifying those terrorists, that is the key counterterrorism challenge and that is what has people so nervous today. >> and when you talk about the differences, michael, of going into syria and iraq. syria is a far more complicated terrain, isn't it? there are concerns about civilian casualties, and obviously some of the concerns that we talked about in terms of the assad regime? >> it's really sad when iraq is the easy problem and in fact it is here. we're getting a government in

place. we have the kurdish forces. we have the iraqi forces. syria is just a mass of confusion. more than 190,000 dead in the past several years in the civil war. no friends on either side. the moderate opposition really has been moved out by organizations like isis. this is a huge challenge. this is not one solved in weeks or months. it's years away. >> michael leiter, thank you very much. turning now back to the president who is going to be making remarks in north carolina right now at the 96th convention of the american legion. let's take a listen. >> let me say that i join you in honoring a friend many of you, an army veteran and a great legionnaire from north carolina, jerry henley. to senators richard burr and kay hagan and mayer dan

claudefelter, thank you for welcoming us to the great state of north carolina and to charlotte and for great support of our troops and veterans. and i do have to mention the presence of boys nation. matthew ello from lacy spring, alabama. i welcome matthew and all the incredible young people, boys and girls nation last month. i was running a little bit late. so they just started singing, filling the white house with patriotic songs. and then they sang happy birthday to me. so i was pretty moved and they're a tribute to the legion and to our country. i brought with me today our news secretary of veterans affairs bob mcdonald. and for those of who are not aware, bob is one of america's most accomplished business leaders. he comes from a military family. he excelled at west point,

served as an army airborne ranger. so he's got a reputation for jumping into tough situations. and he's hit the ground running. visiting hospitals and clinics across the country. hearing directly from veterans. and helping us change the way va does business. by the way, washington doesn't agree on much these days but he got confirmed 97-0. people understand he's the right man for the job. he has my full support and bob, i want to thank you for once again serving your country. it's an honor to be back with the american legion and the story of your service, we see the spirit of america. when your country needed you most, you stepped forward. you raised your right hand, you swore a solemn oath, put on that

uniform and earn the title you carry to this day, whether soldiers, sailor, airman, marine, coast guardsman. among you of proud veterans of world war ii, vietnam, desert storm and the balkans and the newest veterans from iraq and afghanistan. across the nation, you served with honor, you made us proud. and you carry the memory of friends who never came home. our fallen, our prisoners of war. those missing in action. here rose that our nation can never forget. when you took off that uniform, you earned another title. the title of veteran. and you never stopped serving. as legionnaires, you put on that

cap, wore that emblem for god and country and took care of one another. taking sure our veterans received the care and benefits that you've earned and deserve. and just as you defended america over there, you helped build america here at home. as leaders and role models in your communities. as entrepreneurs and business owners, as champions for a strong national defense. you helped the united states of america become what we are today. the greatest democratic and military force for freedom and human dignity that the world has ever known. now, these are challenging times. i don't have to tell you that. around the world, as well as here at home. you turn on the tv, and we're saturated with heartbreaking images and senseless violence and terrorism and tragedy. and it can be easy to grow cynical, or give in to the sense

that the future we seek is somehow beyond our reach. but as men and women who have been tested like few others, you should know better. you know that cynicism is not the character of a great nation. and so even as we face, yes, the hard tasks of our time, we should never lose sight of our progress as a people or the strength of our leadership in the world. think about it, six years after the worst financial crisis since the great depression, in some ways the crisis had the potential of being worse than the great depression, thanks to decisions we made to rescue our economy. thank to the determination of the american people, we are stronger at home. over the past 53 months our businesses have added nearly 10 million new jobs. the longest streak of private sector job creation in american history. construction and housing are

rebounding. our auto industry and manufacturing are booming. our high school graduation rate is at a record high. more young people are earni ini their college degrees than ever before. millions of americans now have quality affordable health care. we've cut the deficit by more than half. and now we have to sustain this momentum so more people share in this progress. so our economy works for every working american. and just as we're stronger at home, the united states is better positioned to lead in the 21st century than any nation on earth. it's not even close. we have the most wonderful military in history. that's certainly not close. from europe to asia, our alliances are unrivaled. our economy is the most dynamic. we've got the best workers, we have the best businesses, we've got the best universities and the best scientists. with our domestic energy

revolution, including renewable energy, we're more energy independent. our technologies connect the world. our freedoms and opportunities attract immigrants who yearn to breathe free. our founding ideals inspire the oppressed across the globe to reach for their own liberty. that's who we are. that's what america is. and moreover, nobody else can do what we do. no other nation does more to underwrite the security and prosperity on which the world depends. in times of crisis, no other nation can rally such broad coalitions to stand up for international norms and peace. in times of disaster, no other nation has the capabilities to deliver so much so quickly. no nation does more to help citizens claim their rights and build their democracies.

no nation does more to help people in the far corners of the earth escape poverty and hunger and disease and realize their dignity. even countries that criticize us, when the chips are down, they need help, they know who to call. they call us. that's what american leadership looks like. that's why the united states is and will remain the one indispensable nation in the world. now, sustaining our leadership, keeping america strong and secure means we have to use our power wisely. history teaches us of the dangers of overreaching and spreading ourselves too thin and try to go alone without international support. or rushing through military ventures without understanding the consequences.

and nobody knows that more than our veteran families, because you're the ones that bear the wages of war. you're the ones who carry the scars. you know that we should never send america's sons and daughters in harm's way unless it is absolutely necessary. and we have a plan and we are resourcing it and prepared to see it through. you know the united states has to lead with strength and confident and wisdom. and that's why, an incredible sacrifice, by so many of our men and women in uniform, we remove more than 140,000 troops from iraq and welcome those troops home. it was the right thing to do. that's why we refocused our efforts in afghanistan and went after al qaeda's leadership in the tribble regions in afghanistan and pakistan, driving the taliban out of its

strongholds and training afghan forces which are now in the lead for their own security. in just four months we will complete our combat mission in afghanistan and america's longest war will come to a responsible end. and we honor every american who served to make this progress possible. every single one. especially the more than 2200 american patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in afghanistan, to keep us safe. and now as afghans continue to work towards the first democratic transfer of power in their history, afghan leaders need to make the hard compromises that are necessary to give the afghan people a future of security and progress. as we go forward, we'll continue to partner with afghans so their country can never again be used to launch attacks against united states.

now, as i've always made clear, the blows we've struck against al qaeda's leadership don't mean the end to the terrorist threats. al qaeda affiliates still target our homeland. we've seen that in yemen. other extremists threaten our citizens abroad as we've seen most recently in iraq and syria. as commander in chief, the security of the american is my highest priority that is why with the brutal attack of isis i have authorized military strikes to protect our military and diplomats who are there. let me say it again, american combat troops will not be returning to fight in iraq. we will not allow the united states to be dragged back into another ground war in iraq. because ultimately it is up to the iraqis to bridge their differences and secure themselves.

the limits strikes we're conducting have been necessary to protect our people and have helped iraqi forces begin to push back these terrorists. we've also been able to rescue thousands of men and women and children who were trapped on a mountain with air drops of food, water and medicine show american leadership at our best. and we salute the brave pilots and crews who are making us proud in the skies of iraq every single day. and more broadly, the crisis in iraq underscores how we have to meet the evolving terrorist threat. the answer is not to send in large-scale military deployments that overstretch our military and leave for us occupying countries for a long period of time and end up feeding extremism. rather, our military action in iraq has to be part of a broader

strategy to protect our people and support our partners to take the fight to isis. so we're strengthening our partners with moderate opposition in syria. we're urging the iraqis to forge the kind of government that can deliver security forces and good governance that are ultimately going to be the antidote against terrorists. and umping countries in the region and building an international coalition including our allies to support iraqis as they take the fight to these barbaric terrorists. today, our prayers are with the foley family in new hampshire as they continue to grieve. the brutal murder of their son and brother jim. but our message to anyone who harms our people is simple. america does not forget, our reach is long, we are patient, justice will be done. we have proved time and time again, we will do what's

necessary to capture those who harm americans, to go after those who harm americans. and we'll continue to take direct action where needed to protect our people. and to defend our homeland. and rooting out a cancer like isil won't be easy and it won't be quick. but tyrants and murderers before them should recognize that kind of hateful vision ultimately is no match for the strength and hopes of people who stand together for the security and dignity and freedom that is the birth right of every human being. so, even as our war in afghanistan comes to an end, we will stay vigil. we will continue to make sure that our military has what it needs. and if today's generation of service members keeps us safe, and as they come home, we also

have to meet our responsibilities to them. just as they meet their responsibilities to america. >> though, when i was here at the legion three years ago, i said that the bond between our citizens and our forces has to be a sacred trust. and for me, our administration, upholding our trust with our veterans is not just a matter of policy, it's a moral obligation. and working together, we have made real progress. think about it. working with the legion and other veteran service organizations, we've been able to accomplish historic increases to veteran spending. we've protected veterans health care from washington politics with advanced appropriations. we've been able to make va

benefits available to more than 2 million veterans who didn't have them before, including more vietnam vets who were exposed to agent orange. we've dedicated major new resources for mental health care. we've helped more than 1 million veterans and their families pursue education under the post-9/11 g.i. bill. and moreover, as agents of veterans groups have said, once you get in the door, the care is very good. the specialized care is among the best in the world. and many of the hard working folks at the va are veterans themselves. veterans serving veterans. and we can never thank them enough for their good work. but what we've come to learn is that the misconduct we've seen at too many facilities with long wait times and veterans denied

care. folks cooking the books is outrageous and inexcusable. as soon as it was disclosed, i got before the american people, and i said, were would not tolerate it and we will not. and i know the legion's been on the front line spanning out across the country helping veterans who have been affected. i know bob is going to give you an update on the actions that we're taking. but what i want you to know, directly from me, is that we're focused on this at the highest levels. we are going to get to the bottom of these problems. we're going to fix what is wrong. we're going to do right by you and we're going to do right by your families. and that is a solemn pledge and

commitment i'm making to you right here. already, we're making sure that those responsible for manipulating or falsifying records are held accountable. we're reaching out to veterans more than 250,000 so far to get them off wait-lists and into clinics. we're moving ahead with reforms at the veterans health administration. and to help get that done, you supported and congress passed and i signed into law the veterans access choice accountability act. which means more resources to help hire more doctors and nurses and staff. that means if you live more than 40 miles from a va facility or your va doctors can't see you fast enough, we'll help you go to a doctor outside of the va. and we're instituting a new culture of accountability. bob doesn't play. bob likes to recall a cadet prayer from west point which should be the ethos of all of

us. choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. with the new legislation i signed into law bob and the va have the authority to more quickly remove senior executives who don't meet our standards. if you engage in criminal practices or cover up a serious problem, you should be and will be fired. and, by the way, if you blow the whistle on higherups, because you've identified a legitimate problem. you shouldn't be punished. you should be protected. so, my bottom line is this, despite all the good work that the va does every day, despite all the progress that we've made over the last several years. we are very clear-eyed about the problems that are still there. and those problems require us to

regain the trust of our veterans and live up to our vision of a va that is more effective and that truly puts veterans first. and i will not be satisfied until that happens. and we're in the midst of a new wave of veterans. more than 1 million service members returning to civilian life. so we have to do more to uphold that sacred trust. not just this year or next year, but for decades to come. we're going to have to stay focused on the five priorities i outlined last year. and i just want to reiterate them show you know what it is we're committing to. number one, we need to make sure our veterans have the resources. the new funding that we just

passed with senators burr and kay hagan, it helps. in these times, i've proposed another increase in funding for next year. and i'll continue to expose any health care that turns it into a voucher system. we don't need vouchers. you need a va system that you have earned and that you can depend on. we need to make the system work. second, we need to make sure veterans are actually getting the health care you need when you need it. reforming the vha and more doctors and staff is a good step. but with this new wave of veterans, we've got to deliver the care our newest veterans need most. and that includes tailored care that treats our women veterans with respect and dignity. that means doing even more to

help -- that mean doing even more to help veterans from all -- >> and you are just listening to president obama at the american legion announcing 19 new executive orders aimed at improving the va. he also touted the fact that he's ended the war in iraq, drawing down the war in afghanistan. and touched on the recent tragedy, the brutal execution of american journalist james foley. saying that the u.s. will remain the number one indispensable nation on earth and saying will continue to take action when it is needed. joining me now, julie pace white house correspondent from the associated press. and chris smith editor of politics.com. >> julie, i want to start with you, the president didn't get into a whole lot of detail about syria and what he might be planning there, yet, he was quite clear the air strikes that

he started in iraq are just the beginning of what he laid out as a long, potentially long military action there, in that region? >> absolutely. we've heard this from the president over the last couple weeks even before james foley's unfortunate death. the president basically preparing the american people for a long-term commitment in this region to root out isis. it's still unclear what that means. obviously, air strikes on the table. the president and his advisers look at this more broadly. they say if we did take military action both in iraq and syria, there's still a need for diplomatic avenues. and getting other countries involved and not having this be jut on the u.s. shoulders. >> chris, what was your interpretation of president's remarks, particularly when it comes to air strikes in syria, we know he has authorized those surveillance missions to identify isis targets. >> not really, i'm with julie on

this, he largely went over what we already know. the most interesting lines from the speech, probably the lines that came most from the heart were his warning to isis in regards, the death of jim foley. we have a long memory, we will stand firm. you know, that's -- obviously, that's the kind of audience he's talking to finds appealing, but it's also, i think, what in an interesting way, a sentiment the american public also backs. we know this is a war-weary president but theed in that this is the president who captured osama bin laden. the article that the administration won't forget. i think he's in strong rhetorical policy there. now, the broader policy as it relates to the region, much more comfortable and significantly less popular with the american people. >> and, julie, going back to you, obviously, the broader goal

today was to talk about the va. he's announcing these new executive orders but it comes on the same day that the oig is releasing a report that showed there was not necessarily a link to the deaths at the va and those long wait times. and yet, there's still broad agreement that something needs to change. the president said it's still outrageous and inexcusable. this is still a big problem for the obama administration, isn't it? >> it really is. just a few weeks ago, the va scandal was a huge problem for the president. you look at what has happened in the meantime. i think what the president has done said is say to the american people i haven't forgotten about this issue. even though i'm dealing with iraq and syria and ukraine, this is something that has plagued the u.s. for years and always gets pushed to the side. he's trying to show he's not trying do that. >> julie, chris, thank you for

breaking it down for us. we appreciate it. coming up, celebrations on the streets in gaza. more on the breaking news in the middle east where both hamas and israeli officials have agreed to a cease-fire to end that seven-week long conflict. we'll have a live report about that. stay with us. vo: this is the summer.

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jackie's heart attack didn't come with a warning. today her doctor has her on a bayer aspirin regimen to help reduce the risk of another one. if you've had a heart attack be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen. breaking news. out of the middle east to tell you about where both hamas and israeli officials have accepted an egyptian-brokered cease-fire for gaza. yet there are reports of siren warnings of rocket attacks sounding in southern israel after the cease-fire was due to take effect. nbc's aimmen mohyeldin is in london. ayman, what do we know about the

cease-fire? >> well, the institution news o cease-fire was made public by hamas and israel and other palestinian factors. it had been laid out and going to be laid out shortly by the egyptian government. shortly afterwards, 7:00 p.m. local time in cairo and the west bank both the palestinian president and egyptian officials have confirmed that a cease-fire had been reached. according to the terms of cease-fire which have not yet been made public the cease-fire would bring an end to all palestinians and no rocket fire into israel or gaza. and at the same time, a lifting or easing of the siege, if you will in the gaza strip. allowing construction supplies, food, other commodities to enter gaza from egypt. obviously as the images on the screen reveal there is a sense

of elation. a sense of celebration among the palestinians in the gaza strip. hamas came out and said this was a victory for them. shortly after the cease-fire went into effect, there were the sounds of sirens in southern israel. there are reports that at least one israeli was kid as a result of palestinian rocket fire. and the israeli military said today was also a day that saw about 70 palestinian rockets land inside southern israel. even though there is news of the cease-fire coming in, there's going to be a lot of questions as to whether or not it will be dushable and sustainable in the coming hours, kristen. >> we know you'll be monitoring that for us. it's my understanding this deal did not address some of the broader more complicated issues, for example, hamas wants to build an airport in the region. talk a little bit about that. what remains undone in this deal? >> well, there's still the big picture issues that have not been resolved.

one of main issues is that 2 wants gaza strip completely demateri dematerialize. that's going to be extremely difficult, it's going to be extremely difficult for palestinians and egyptian factions to agree to. but at the same time, palestinian officials wanted their own factions. they wanted a seaport and gaza could not agree to it at this time which would mean there would be no oversight as to what is being brought into the gaza strip. so this is what is being described as a short-term compromise. that is, a return to the status quo or to the agreement that was brokered by them. we're expecting the talks to happen directly in egypt

starting in 30 days or so. >> ayman, thank you for your great reporting. we appreciate it. joining me now pennsylvania senator bob casey. senator casey, thanks so much for joining us on a day of breaking news here. let me start right there, what is your reaction to the reports of cease-fire that's been brokered in the middle east. what's your level of optimism that this is going to sick? >> well, kristen, i think the optimism, if any, is guarded because of what has happened over the last couple weeks where a cease-fire is announced. israel agrees to it. the palestinian authority agrees to it and hamas stands down. and all of a sudden, they start launching rockets again. so i hope this can end in a more positive and constructive manner than recently. but i have to say my optimism is very much guarded because hamas is a terrorist organization. depend on what day it is,

sending rockets into israel indiscriminately and has for a number of years. especially, most intensive offively over the last couple of months. >> senator let me shift to the crisis in syria. as you know, the president has ordered surveillance flights to try to detect isis targets. what is your reaction to that? do you believe air strikes in syria are now inevitable, and do you support them? would you sign off on them? >> well, i don't think they're inevitable but i think it's prudent. i think the steps that the president has taken today are very prudent. making sure when we have an interest, in this case, pushing back on isis and their brutal efforts to not only take over iraq, but also to do everything they can to have kind of one country between iraq and syria. i think the air strikes were appropriate. and i think the intel and the targeting has been appropriate. coupled with a good fighting force, in this case, a lot of

the great fighting done by the kurdish forces, the peshmerga. but i think it's also prudent the step the president is taking, reportedly, at least, i don't have a specific briefing on this. but reportedly taking steps to gain even more intelligence as it relates to syria. the president and his national security team have to make an assessment as to whether or not to have strikes in syria. but i believe, is this my view, it's very important to push back aggressively, and with a really determined focus against isis. because they're not just having great success on the ground in iraq, but the beheading plaintiff foley is one indication, and i'm afraid, just a preview of what they would do to other americans and others around the world if they're not aggressively confronted. and i think it's very important we do that. >> senator, let me just get to you comment on some more breaking news that is just

coming into nbc. a gentleman by the name of douglas macarthur mccain of california reportedly killed over the weekend while fighting for isis. what can you tell us about this, and more broughtly, what can you tell us about the number of americans who are traveling overseas to join that fight, to join isis fighters against americans and others in the region? >> well, i can't tell you -- i don't know, i should say, much about the specifics of that particular case. but all you have to do is read the newspaper and members of congress have a little more information about the rise of both american and as well as western citizens going to places in the middle east, or in the region and becoming part of a jihadist world. and becoming radicalized. so all the more reason why we have to pay attention, to not just what happens in syria and

iraq, but have to pay attention to efforts here in the united states that lead to radicalization, and then an individual goes across the world and engages in terrorist acts around the world, sometimes, against americans. >> all right, senator bob casey, thank you so much. we appreciate it. and today, what is expected to be a rare face-to-face greeting between russia's vladimir putin and ukraine's petro poroshenko, as they meet to discuss that conflict that continues to rise in ukraine. the summit comes amidst the capture of rebel forces in that region. a claim russia continues to deny. we'll take a quick break and be right back. .. that's two more pills. the evening's event brings laughter, joy, and more pain... when jamie says... what's that like six pills today? yeah...

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politicians, celebrities and activists joined the brown family as they mourned the death of their son who was shot by a police officer 17 days ago. this as schools in the area welcome back students after violent protests put the community in lockdown. joining me now is msnbc's tremaine lee. thank you for being here. yesterday, the browns called for the supports to stop in honor of funeral. today a different scene. you have city council cancelling its first meeting tonight out of fear for some of those protests. so is ferguson inching towards getting back to normalcy? >> i think at this point, normalcy is kind of a relative term after two weeks. the big question is how does this community move forward, how do you bridge that gap that seemed so wide between the police and the community. now after burying michael brown,

his family has asked for calm to move forward and healing. for many of them, as one gentleman told me yesterday, there is no healing without justice. justice means an arrest of officer wilson and a successful prosecution. again, we're talking about children returning to school. that's a big point of healing this community in the sense in the nearest term because they've been with the tons so much violence on one side of the law and the other. to say normalcy is kind of iffy at this point. but i think they're inching towards some semblance of what was before this tragedy happened. >> and you were at that funeral yesterday. an incredibly powerful, moving funeral. what was your main takeaways from the day? what images were you left with? >> i think the big take-away, unlike many funeral where is it seemed somber and sad. i think the family and those organizing protests around the death of michael brown want to take this motel and turn it into a movement. so when you heard that the

reverend al sharpton and others talk about seeking justice, michael brown's name isn't necessarily hinged to violence and protests and riots, but it elevates this conversation. not just the lives of black men. and again, political action. so there are people registering voters. when you look at the disparities in all of governing bodies in this community, almost loll completely white. so how do you transform this moment into a real semblance of a machine that works in favor of black people as poe -- posed to they feel against them. >> trymayne lee, thank you for your great reporting. thank you very much. we'll be back. a card that gave you that "i'm 16 and just got my first car" feeling. presenting the buypower card from capital one. redeem earnings toward part or even all of a new chevrolet, buick, gmc or cadillac - with no limits.

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mcclain from san francisco. he was killed over the weekend. according to the free syrian army, they are the ones reporting this. photos of mccain's passport and his body which feature a distinctive neck tattoo have been seen by nbc news. we now want to bring in a senior writer for nbcnews.com. she broke this story. cassandra, thank you for joining us from the london bureau. what is the latest you know about the case. >> the latest we know, a young man by the name of douglas mccain was killed in a battle in northern syria. >> how did you figure out this has happened? i understand you've been talking to his family members as well, right, cassandra? what are they telling you about him? how did he get to this radical state?

>> there are a lot of questions still unanswered about how he ended up on a battlefield in syria. what i do know, friends and family told me he had a typical childhood growing up in minnesota. going to high school, loved basketball. over the years at some point, things started to shift. he started showing more of a propensity to posting isis pr propaganda on social media and then his travels took him to turkey and then he ended up in syria. >> how were you able to break this story? how did you determine he in fact had been killed and how was he found? >> this is not just my reporting. it was a team effort all across the record with the help of colleagues on the ground. specifically, omar sheikh moammar. we received a tip. we pursued it very carefully. making sure we could verify it. we don't take these things

lightly. over the past 48 hours we were able to establish that this fighter found on the battlefield was douglas mccain. >> awe and i have been reporting on the broader issue here, isis, of course, the group that the administration has said is responsible for killing american journalist james foley. one of the big concerns on the part of this administration is the fact that you have these westerners, people from britain. people from the united states who are joining the fight for isis. what does this case -- what did mccain tell us about these americans who might feel compelled to join isis overseas? >> it puts a human face on something we've been hearing for some time. officials have told us for a while now, there are believed to be a handful of americans fighting with isis in syria and iraq. we now have a human face to attach to this. >> we absolutely do. fantastic reporting to you and

your seem, cassandra. thanks so much for joining us. and that does it for this edition of "andrea mitchell reports." tomorrow, andrea is back in the anchor chair so you don't want to miss that. remember to follow the show on facebook and twitter. "ronan farrow daily" is next. have a great day and a great rest of the week. i'm meteorologist bill karins and another hot day is under way and it's going to stay that way. this afternoon, we should have heat indexes topping out around 110, st. louis, memphis, little rock, oklahoma city into the dallas area, it's still very hot and humid. thunderstorms will cool you off but some of those storms could be strong and we could see airport delays. where memories will be forged into the sand.

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cease-fire that's reached between israel and hamas. celebrations broke out with this news. the deal was it was brokered by egyptian brokers backed by hamas. announcing the cease-fire around the same time, hamas also confirmed the deal. israel tweeted just minutes ago that a mortar fire from gaza killed an israeli civilian in eshkol. and one leveled high-rise and damaged another. back here in the u.s., a new report shows that no vets died because of reports at hospitals. there's no evidence that veterans died as a result of those delays and alleged cover-ups at the va hospital in phoenix. the president's action include increasing access 0 to menta