Recently I highly recommended a Youtube featuring Judge Nap talking with Doug Macgregor. It was particularly interesting because Judge Nap challenged Macgregor a bit regarding what the IDF is doing in Gaza. Judge Nap was calling Israeli actions outright war crimes, and Macgregor seemed to be soft pedaling the issue—saying the US wasn’t a signatory to a lot of the conventions and resolutions that are normally invoked with regard to war crimes. I’m not sure if Macgregor has been doing some rethinking, or whether someone got to him, or he got a briefing from contacts, but in his latest interview—with Danny Davis—he sounds different. Now, they don’t really go into the legal issue of war crimes and genocide—despite the title—but the tone just seems different to me. They do discuss is a pretty frank way the dynamics within the Middle East region as well as between the US and the region—especially with Israel. It’s a lively and stimulating—and scary—exchange. My partial transcript, below, starts a bit before the 10:00 mark.
- enough missiles to overwhelm Israeli missile defenses and reach all of Israel
- extremely dug in at border
- motivated and trained fighters (not usual conscripts. Did well in Syria.
- has anti ship missiles
- I assume has lots of drones
Iran
- influence / backer of Herzbolla
- forces in Syria
- herzbolla controls Lebanese government
- influenced / backers of Houthani Rebels.
- large influence operation in Shia Area
- huge force of Drones
- huge missile force developed with North Korea including missiles that can reach Israel
- anti aircraft missiles. I’m not sure how advanced.
- military technology alliance with Russia. They did Russia a huge favor in Ukraine.
- found bests around sanctions
- restive population due to economic and corruption issues
- has dark terrorist cells worldwide
Jordan and Egypt have no interest in war with Israel. Egypt is typical Middle East conscript army. Jordan is on knife edge, poor, and has Palestinians and ruling Tribe (former of Mecca Saudi family threw out).
Syria is a wasteland.
Iraq is still recovering.
Turkey has huge capabilities with a professional army, but has economic issues. Loss would be bigger than potential gains. Trying to be leader of Sunnis, and regain historical clout. Macgregor believes could crush Israel.
Russia
- hypersonic missiles
- base in Syria
- most advanced anti aircraft systems in the world
- most advanced anti missile capability in the world.
- most advanced electronic warfare systems in the world
- technology is battle proven
U.S.
- aircraft and bases in Turkey, Jordan, and Gulf State's
- two aircraft carrier groups in area
- some anti missile capabilities
- bases in Syria and Iraq that are being attacked daily
It strikes me on reading these posts that we suckered the Ukrainians into doing our unfinished dirty work against Russia, whereas it’s US who have been suckered, in the form of massive amounts of money poured into DC’s political coffers, into this “no limit” support of Israel. Equally callous, cynical and morally abject positions, utterly at odds with the sentiments and vision of our greatest leaders and most eloquent documents. So far gone! But just saw this and wanted to share it on Thanksgiving!
I hear ya I just wonder "what unfinished dirty work against Russia" is suppose to be about? I don't see it and the rationale. Obviously getting suckered into this thing by the UK (who's always against Russia) and the EU. But what's left unfinished?
By unfinished I mean the lingering animus against Ru harbored by, as you say the Brits and American neocons. No never mind Russia was an ally in WW Ii - a minor detail. And of course it is “unfinished” as long as we persist in seeing Russia as though it were the big bad Soviet threat of the 1950’s and 60’s. As Mercouris repeatedly intones, the US is “incapable” (read: unwilling)) of addressing what for Russia is the cause of its invadion of Ukraine: Nato agression. So the seemingly endless cycle continues…Happy Thanksgiving!
It does seem that the Muslim countries of the region do have a greater range of possible responses than in the past. Some of these factors could undoubtedly work synergistically.
If I recall a few months ago Erdogan was re-elected in a runoff. His opponent who narrowly lost was Pro NATO, Pro EU and a Nationalist. The opponent Kemal K., had the support of the Mayors of Istanbul and Ankara. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kemal_K%C4%B1l%C4%B1%C3%A7daro%C4%9Flu
I wonder how far Erdogan would "push" things with Israel given his tenuous support back home amongst the electorate. Less we forgot in 2016 a military "coup' attempt... https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36816045
Erdogan's saber rattling could ratchet up some internal reaction. Turkey may not be as stable as Erdogan professes it to be.
Plus, Turkey is not in great shape financially - Erdogan "bought" the election with lots of government paid-for freebies to the population that since the election have caused serious inflation. Like Israel, one wonders how Turkey could afford to fight a war; and Turkey unfortunately for them has no "sugar daddy" to support them.
Well folks, I just now figured it out, no really. I always believed that USA meant United States of America, silly me, actually USA stands for Unconditional Support Always - for Israel.
Both DD and DM seem to overestimate the hostility Israelis feel toward Palestinians. In fact, polls have shown that the Jewish population has blamed Netanyahu for Oct 7 and also does not agree with what his government is doing in Gaza:
If somehow Netanyahu could be removed from office that might make things better. But I tend to agree with DD and DM that the red lines have already been crossed for the Arab and Muslim world. Too bad we have no leadership and no sanity in any branches of our government when it comes to enforcing any limits on Israel.
P.S. - On the eve of Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you, Mark, for all your incredible hard work this past year and for your thoughts and your talent. You are one of the few voices of sanity that promote greatly needed thought for a lot of us through this incredibly anarchic time. Best to you and your family - have a great Thanksgiving!
Turkey is a house of cards waiting to crumble with Alevis and Kurds making up nearly half the population while Pakistan just had a US backed regime change. People forget the Turkish flotilla incident years ago and nothing happened.
These conflicts continue to prop up the US dollar as it sends dollars overseas.
The Saudis just took the first step in unpegging their currency from the U.S. Dollar (with China's help). As the nations of the ME see how U.S. Dollars are pouring in to support Israel's actions in Gaza, you can bet that will accelerate their move away from using Dollars in trade and for reserves and toward using RMB (China).
I 100% agree with your post, Howard. As you observe, it is especially troubling that the wars in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza are splitting otherwise unified conservatives. I've been estranged from my Democrat friends for some time now. Now I find myself unable to communicate with half my conservative friends...who embrace our warmongering.
As for how it ends...I think the reason we 'cannot see' how it ends is because we don't want to see how it ends. But I think we know how it ends. Or at least how it further unravels. The unimaginable horror of Israeli genocide in Gaza has ripped the mask off Israeli and Jewish hypocrisy that has formed the prevailing social, political and economic narrative in the US during my entire lifetime.
It is undeniable that during the last 70 years no one could criticize anything a Jewish person in power said or did: Because. Regardless of the logic of any criticism. Just because. It is pretty obvious that a pro-Israeli Lobby has increasingly controlled Congress and American politics. See Mearsheimer and Wald got. A Jewish-American oligarchy largely controls American banking and finance, elite higher education, Silicon Valley, Hollywood and the MSM. This control has trickled down into ordinary American life where criticism of any aspect of the power structure is prohibited. So wokeism, CRT, trans ideologies, BLM, and George Floydism prevail. Stereotypical Jewish criminals like Bernie Madoff, Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, and Samuel Bankman-Fried are identified but their behaviors are airbrushed out. Who were Epstein's accomplices? Is it 'antisemitic' to ask these questions?
Of course, saying any of this out loud is a heresy (perhaps even here) and practically a capital offense -certainly sufficient justification for individual cancellation - and probably would have remained such if it were not for October 7. But now it is turning out that Israelis and ordinary Jews are capable of the same kinds of hypocrisy and reprehensible acts as everybody else in the world. And it is becoming common knowledge that the establishment of the State of Israel was fraught with illegality and racism. And it is turning out that the Muslim world doesn't take responsibility for or feel guilty about Hitler or the European wars of the 20th Century. And it is turning out that youth around the world don't give the Israelis a pass on 'apartheid' or violence against Palestinians or territorial aggrandizement just 'because'.
So, how will it end? I suspect it will be a very dangerous time for the State of Israel. The Muslim world is far stronger and more powerful than it has ever been. The combined military power of Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia is capable of imposing devastation. And yet Israel seems to be doubling down on its enemies. I think they are risking their own destruction. That's how I think it will end.
Further issues. Anti-gentilism--is it a thing? Jewish liberalism--what is the motivation? Is it coincidental, simply a sign of greater enlightenment (even though it runs counter to Judaic culture), or is it a tactic of some sort directed at the surrounding culture?
It's really sad that Americans generally take little interest in what's being done around the world in our names--it seems to take major wars to get our attention. However, we now have alternative ways of getting news. I agree--these wars have backfired. Ukraine is the prime example. All these jerks saying this is a great way to "bleed" Russia? Exactly who has been bled? I'd say the US has been bled in both tangible (resources) and intangible (moral standing) ways. I think that was Macgregor's main point--having bled NATO's military preparedness and vast financial resources in Ukraine, we're not in a position to take on another long war. I believe there are more people out there who agree with you than you may believe. It's just that most Americans have yet to make the connection between Empire and troubles at home. I think that realization is coming.
I am worried the average American will not wake up until something really bad happens (to them financially or physically). The MSM with the censorship industrial complex will see to that.
Anyway, keep up the great work Mark, your musing are on target and very insightful. The comments are excellent as well and a positive reflection of your efforts.
Exactly. He thinks it's his Get Out Of Jail card. He hasn't realised that there are worse places than Jail. We had dinner with a Lebanese couple last weekend. They say that the level of anger against Israel there is off the charts. It's very hard to disagree with the Good Colonel on this one.
Hi, Frances. They were middle-class Lebanese (dentists!), so didn't have the visceral hatred of the US that many of the Hezbollah supporters do. They also have the money to escape, so they are one step detached from the poor old Lebanese average Joe who has to stay put. The husband was quite sure that everything will kick off next week. That's his opinion, but it was interesting to hear an opinion from the inside.
Military Balance of Power
Israel
- has some anti missile defense
- has nukes
- aircraft are primary strike weapon
- better trained / capable military than area
- extreme casualty adverse
- has focused more on counter insurgency
- extensive drone capabilities
- good isr capabilities including cyber warfare
- has a navy and submarines
- relationship with Azerbaijan
- largest tank force in area
Herzbolla
- enough missiles to overwhelm Israeli missile defenses and reach all of Israel
- extremely dug in at border
- motivated and trained fighters (not usual conscripts. Did well in Syria.
- has anti ship missiles
- I assume has lots of drones
Iran
- influence / backer of Herzbolla
- forces in Syria
- herzbolla controls Lebanese government
- influenced / backers of Houthani Rebels.
- large influence operation in Shia Area
- huge force of Drones
- huge missile force developed with North Korea including missiles that can reach Israel
- anti aircraft missiles. I’m not sure how advanced.
- military technology alliance with Russia. They did Russia a huge favor in Ukraine.
- found bests around sanctions
- restive population due to economic and corruption issues
- has dark terrorist cells worldwide
Jordan and Egypt have no interest in war with Israel. Egypt is typical Middle East conscript army. Jordan is on knife edge, poor, and has Palestinians and ruling Tribe (former of Mecca Saudi family threw out).
Syria is a wasteland.
Iraq is still recovering.
Turkey has huge capabilities with a professional army, but has economic issues. Loss would be bigger than potential gains. Trying to be leader of Sunnis, and regain historical clout. Macgregor believes could crush Israel.
Russia
- hypersonic missiles
- base in Syria
- most advanced anti aircraft systems in the world
- most advanced anti missile capability in the world.
- most advanced electronic warfare systems in the world
- technology is battle proven
U.S.
- aircraft and bases in Turkey, Jordan, and Gulf State's
- two aircraft carrier groups in area
- some anti missile capabilities
- bases in Syria and Iraq that are being attacked daily
- some drone abilities against insurgents
- isr advantage
Damn Ray. Your lists are awesome! Happy thanksgiving!
It strikes me on reading these posts that we suckered the Ukrainians into doing our unfinished dirty work against Russia, whereas it’s US who have been suckered, in the form of massive amounts of money poured into DC’s political coffers, into this “no limit” support of Israel. Equally callous, cynical and morally abject positions, utterly at odds with the sentiments and vision of our greatest leaders and most eloquent documents. So far gone! But just saw this and wanted to share it on Thanksgiving!
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/ordinary-americans-are-nations-unshakeable-greatness
I hear ya I just wonder "what unfinished dirty work against Russia" is suppose to be about? I don't see it and the rationale. Obviously getting suckered into this thing by the UK (who's always against Russia) and the EU. But what's left unfinished?
By unfinished I mean the lingering animus against Ru harbored by, as you say the Brits and American neocons. No never mind Russia was an ally in WW Ii - a minor detail. And of course it is “unfinished” as long as we persist in seeing Russia as though it were the big bad Soviet threat of the 1950’s and 60’s. As Mercouris repeatedly intones, the US is “incapable” (read: unwilling)) of addressing what for Russia is the cause of its invadion of Ukraine: Nato agression. So the seemingly endless cycle continues…Happy Thanksgiving!
I hear ya. Happy thanksgiving!
I was tempted to jump in and respond, but figured you would. My post in prep will address that unfinished business.
In between servings of drumsticks and stuffing…look forward to it!
Economic and Physical Attack Possibilities by the Muslim World, short of War.
1. Oil Embargo ala 1973?
2. Israeli owned or bound ships by “Houthani” seizure / attacks
3. Ending Petro Dollar
4. Ending trade using U.S. Dollars (KSA is still using the petrodollar for oil, but other areas are diversifying).
5. Attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria (happening)
6. Attacks in other U.S. bases in Jordan, U.A.E., K.S.A. , etc.
7. Terrorists attacks in U.S. - one may have just happened.
8. Herzbolla missile attacks of Israel - happening
9. Attacks into Israel from Syria
10. Terrorist attacks against Jewish targets outside Israel
11. Pro Palestinian demonstrations in the West
12. Using lawfare to charge Israel with human right crimes
13. Boycott of oil to Israel
14. Economic boycott of Israeli exports.
15. Kicking U.S. out of Turkey Airbase
16. Kicking U.S. out of Iraq
17. Pressure campaign to get U.S. bases out of Middle East
18. Syrian Deal between Assad, Erdogen, Kurds that forces U.S. out of Syria
It does seem that the Muslim countries of the region do have a greater range of possible responses than in the past. Some of these factors could undoubtedly work synergistically.
Mr. Lippincott echoes my sentiments exactly:
https://lippincott.substack.com/p/spirited-young-men-should-stay-out
If I recall a few months ago Erdogan was re-elected in a runoff. His opponent who narrowly lost was Pro NATO, Pro EU and a Nationalist. The opponent Kemal K., had the support of the Mayors of Istanbul and Ankara. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kemal_K%C4%B1l%C4%B1%C3%A7daro%C4%9Flu
I wonder how far Erdogan would "push" things with Israel given his tenuous support back home amongst the electorate. Less we forgot in 2016 a military "coup' attempt... https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36816045
Erdogan's saber rattling could ratchet up some internal reaction. Turkey may not be as stable as Erdogan professes it to be.
Wasn’t that recent election another failed regime change special? I vaguely recall some rumblings of such an attempt by our best and brightest.
As was the coup attempt.
Yep
Plus, Turkey is not in great shape financially - Erdogan "bought" the election with lots of government paid-for freebies to the population that since the election have caused serious inflation. Like Israel, one wonders how Turkey could afford to fight a war; and Turkey unfortunately for them has no "sugar daddy" to support them.
Agreed. And i believe Erdogan is on record saying this will be his last term.
Echoes of the West’s approach with Ukraine…
“the people in place grew up in an era of spin and PR.”
Unfortunately It’s had minimal impact on Russia.
Well folks, I just now figured it out, no really. I always believed that USA meant United States of America, silly me, actually USA stands for Unconditional Support Always - for Israel.
Lindsey Graham wakes up in a cold sweat yelling "it's existential!"
Both DD and DM seem to overestimate the hostility Israelis feel toward Palestinians. In fact, polls have shown that the Jewish population has blamed Netanyahu for Oct 7 and also does not agree with what his government is doing in Gaza:
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/11/israels-netanyahu-is-defying-the-u-s-and-biden.html
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/11/18/a-lot-of-discontent-netanyahu-alone-as-israel-turns-on-wartime-pm
If somehow Netanyahu could be removed from office that might make things better. But I tend to agree with DD and DM that the red lines have already been crossed for the Arab and Muslim world. Too bad we have no leadership and no sanity in any branches of our government when it comes to enforcing any limits on Israel.
P.S. - On the eve of Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you, Mark, for all your incredible hard work this past year and for your thoughts and your talent. You are one of the few voices of sanity that promote greatly needed thought for a lot of us through this incredibly anarchic time. Best to you and your family - have a great Thanksgiving!
Turkey is a house of cards waiting to crumble with Alevis and Kurds making up nearly half the population while Pakistan just had a US backed regime change. People forget the Turkish flotilla incident years ago and nothing happened.
These conflicts continue to prop up the US dollar as it sends dollars overseas.
The Saudis just took the first step in unpegging their currency from the U.S. Dollar (with China's help). As the nations of the ME see how U.S. Dollars are pouring in to support Israel's actions in Gaza, you can bet that will accelerate their move away from using Dollars in trade and for reserves and toward using RMB (China).
Janet Yellen’s not too worried.
https://twitter.com/RudyHavenstein/status/1724538575096787118#m
Test
Did I pass?
Superb comment! Thank you.
@Howard
"I cannot see how this ends..."
I 100% agree with your post, Howard. As you observe, it is especially troubling that the wars in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza are splitting otherwise unified conservatives. I've been estranged from my Democrat friends for some time now. Now I find myself unable to communicate with half my conservative friends...who embrace our warmongering.
As for how it ends...I think the reason we 'cannot see' how it ends is because we don't want to see how it ends. But I think we know how it ends. Or at least how it further unravels. The unimaginable horror of Israeli genocide in Gaza has ripped the mask off Israeli and Jewish hypocrisy that has formed the prevailing social, political and economic narrative in the US during my entire lifetime.
It is undeniable that during the last 70 years no one could criticize anything a Jewish person in power said or did: Because. Regardless of the logic of any criticism. Just because. It is pretty obvious that a pro-Israeli Lobby has increasingly controlled Congress and American politics. See Mearsheimer and Wald got. A Jewish-American oligarchy largely controls American banking and finance, elite higher education, Silicon Valley, Hollywood and the MSM. This control has trickled down into ordinary American life where criticism of any aspect of the power structure is prohibited. So wokeism, CRT, trans ideologies, BLM, and George Floydism prevail. Stereotypical Jewish criminals like Bernie Madoff, Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, and Samuel Bankman-Fried are identified but their behaviors are airbrushed out. Who were Epstein's accomplices? Is it 'antisemitic' to ask these questions?
Of course, saying any of this out loud is a heresy (perhaps even here) and practically a capital offense -certainly sufficient justification for individual cancellation - and probably would have remained such if it were not for October 7. But now it is turning out that Israelis and ordinary Jews are capable of the same kinds of hypocrisy and reprehensible acts as everybody else in the world. And it is becoming common knowledge that the establishment of the State of Israel was fraught with illegality and racism. And it is turning out that the Muslim world doesn't take responsibility for or feel guilty about Hitler or the European wars of the 20th Century. And it is turning out that youth around the world don't give the Israelis a pass on 'apartheid' or violence against Palestinians or territorial aggrandizement just 'because'.
So, how will it end? I suspect it will be a very dangerous time for the State of Israel. The Muslim world is far stronger and more powerful than it has ever been. The combined military power of Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia is capable of imposing devastation. And yet Israel seems to be doubling down on its enemies. I think they are risking their own destruction. That's how I think it will end.
Further issues. Anti-gentilism--is it a thing? Jewish liberalism--what is the motivation? Is it coincidental, simply a sign of greater enlightenment (even though it runs counter to Judaic culture), or is it a tactic of some sort directed at the surrounding culture?
It's really sad that Americans generally take little interest in what's being done around the world in our names--it seems to take major wars to get our attention. However, we now have alternative ways of getting news. I agree--these wars have backfired. Ukraine is the prime example. All these jerks saying this is a great way to "bleed" Russia? Exactly who has been bled? I'd say the US has been bled in both tangible (resources) and intangible (moral standing) ways. I think that was Macgregor's main point--having bled NATO's military preparedness and vast financial resources in Ukraine, we're not in a position to take on another long war. I believe there are more people out there who agree with you than you may believe. It's just that most Americans have yet to make the connection between Empire and troubles at home. I think that realization is coming.
I am worried the average American will not wake up until something really bad happens (to them financially or physically). The MSM with the censorship industrial complex will see to that.
Anyway, keep up the great work Mark, your musing are on target and very insightful. The comments are excellent as well and a positive reflection of your efforts.
Thank you. 🙏
You're welcome, Howard--and thanks. Unfortunately it seems to be human nature to only slowly wake up to a crisis.
Exactly. He thinks it's his Get Out Of Jail card. He hasn't realised that there are worse places than Jail. We had dinner with a Lebanese couple last weekend. They say that the level of anger against Israel there is off the charts. It's very hard to disagree with the Good Colonel on this one.
What was their feelings about Hezbollah?
Hi, Frances. They were middle-class Lebanese (dentists!), so didn't have the visceral hatred of the US that many of the Hezbollah supporters do. They also have the money to escape, so they are one step detached from the poor old Lebanese average Joe who has to stay put. The husband was quite sure that everything will kick off next week. That's his opinion, but it was interesting to hear an opinion from the inside.