13 Comments
author

Mission accomplished. New grandson arrived last night--a long day. 5 yr old was suggesting Fantastik ("fantastic with a K") for the name, but reason prevailed. Gramma and Grampa came through baby sitting experience in fine fettle.

Expand full comment

Congratulations!!

Expand full comment

As the Duran guys gleefully intoned (referring to the Russian rapprochement with N Korea and recent stop in Hanoi), “Even a 3-year old could have predicted this!” A bit like what happens when you leave the stove unattended and the babysitter is busy clicking send: a cold war becomes hot in no time!

Expand full comment

It's rather incredible how much Team Biden has screwed up in the last 4 years.

Expand full comment

Remember what Obama said? “Never underestimate Joe’s ability to F***k things up”. I don’t believe he was kidding when he said it. Kind of sums up Biden’s presidency I think.

Expand full comment

Yes this all seems to be about "shoring up" Chinese and Russian defenses in the Pacific, which actions are perfectly understandable given the U.S. saber rattling against China. Apparent agreement between Russia and China as per Ukraine with an important geographical card in North Korea thrown in for good measure. Vietnam and Malaysia are also huge.

Mark, thank you for your analysis. It just keeps getting better and better all the time. I used to think I had pretty good intuition about this stuff (absent your level of research). Now I depend on you. Few can do what you do in applying the level of intellect and experience you have to your analysis. You do all this in time that I (and many others) do not have. I REALLY appreciate it. You are a prophet for good in these dark days and I believe you are doing God's work.

Expand full comment

Speaking of the South China Sea, the Chinese have their dander up... https://dailycaller.com/2024/06/20/chinese-coast-guard-rams-philippino-boats-wields-blades/

Expand full comment

They haven't plated the Venezuela card either.

Expand full comment

I heard a programme a while back about the northern Arctic route for oil and other goods. Amazing stuff. A whole world is unfolding that is out of reach of US interference.

Expand full comment
author

There is the Bering Strait.

Expand full comment

Yes. That's an obvious choke point if the GAE wants to use it

Expand full comment
author

Another potential conflict area!

Expand full comment