Let’s do some Big Picture aggregating. First, there’s a very nice half hour video available that takes as its overall theme: Inflating a Cold War State of Mind. That title neatly combines the two dominant realities of our world today, the dual threats of economic disorder and war on a global scale. This video actually dates back to April, 2022, so it provides an opportunity to judge how perceptive the two featured guests were at that time. Here’s the blurb at Youtube:
Interesting but rather doom-laden article by Martin Armstrong today. He mentions the massive show of force by the Russian Navy in the Black Sea and thinks it signals a big uptick in the conflict. You don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure that one out. However, he also talks about the pressure on Putin from the hardliners in Moscow, who, according to MA, might try and oust him by May if things don't move along more decisively. He's pretty sure that WWIII is coming our way. Also, Armstrong doesn't agree with Tom L and others about the reasoning behind the Fed's interest rates policy. He believes that the Fed is keeping interest rates high not just to fight inflation but because it knows that the Biden Regime is heading for war and "lowering interest rates would now cause a capital crisis when staring war in the eyes." I don't know enough about economics to know who is right, and I don't know Armstrong's success rate as an analyst. But this just shows how complicated it is for the average Joe to work out what the heck is going on behind the curtain. https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/markets-by-sector/bonds/beware-the-plot-behind-interest-rates/
I'm skeptical of MA's idea that the Fed is helping the Zhou regime prepare for war. For example, Powell's actions, ever since he was reconfirmed, have brought our allies to their knees in any realistic military sense. Powell has also openly stated that he has no problem with multi-polar reserve currencies.
Clausewitz stated war is a continuation of policy with other means, and our idea that Putin bears responsibility for 'ending this terrible war in a decisive fashion' or 'be worried about the neocons doing something really crazy' may reflect our policies more than his. From his perspective maybe the crazier we get the better, and my assumption is that he has already won what he set out to accomplish, and more. Maybe it is the responsibility of saner heads to limit any future advantages he might gather from a prolonged conflict. I will leave it to others to discuss the moral and humanitarian aspects of this war. If Putin is reprehensible, the "big guy" who gets a cut of everything and our government that now denies the rule of law to political adversaries and has no concern for the well-being of the citizens does not merit my admiration.
The longer Putin & Russia hold off the better they look in the eyes of the world and it gives us time to curb the dogs of war on our side of the fence
Russia is totally committed to achieving its stated aims of "de-nazifying and demilitarising" Ukraine. Putin knows that his People will not forgive him if he stops short of these objectives. He also knows that Ukraine, if allowed to survive as NATO's Nazi State, will become a hub for Western terrorism against the entire Eurasian project. Nothing short of resounding victory will suffice, if the Russian Federation is to survive.
The military discussion is interesting. In my view, only option 4 offers the possibility of a game changing decisive blow. Sever the lines of communication through which Western military aid flows, and it's all over but the shouting. The West has limited ability to resupply Ukraine, but the recent purchase of 155mm ammunition by the US from South Korea shows that the supply of munitions, while not limitless, can be extended, and waiting for Ukraine to run out might take longer than Putin is willing countenance.
Option 4 is riskier in some respects, but the greatest victory the Russian army won in its entire history (Stalingrad) was won in this way. Kickoff not later than mid February.
Agreed. What seems clear is that Russia has to end this war relatively soon and present the neocons with a fait accompli. Dragging it out increases the chances of the latter doing something really crazy. The other options (1-3) seem safer bets militarily but are still relatively limited.
Its petty obvious that Biden was in charge of all the money laundering in Ukraine. 10% for the big guy. But I can't believe we ever heard of those documents either. Someone must have done an end run.
Yeah. I'm not sure what to make of this. It almost looks like a move to push Zhou out, but the difficulty with that is that it could open the floodgates for all the Ukraine related corruption. Wait and see.
Right, push him out and bury the documentation of his families activities in the national archives. From what I recall of the Mar-a-Largo fiasco, they take everything in the same room, closet, safe, if classified material is found.
My guess is that that Putin will not decide to put an end to this terrible war in decisive fashion. Why should he? I previously argued here that President Trump had managed to gain control of Afghanistan with 250 troops and no casualties. I was reminded he didn't have total control, and of course there was no peace agreement, or even a cease fire. True, but what he got was as good as it gets in Afghanistan, and was a significant victory on the ground. Putin has no interest in winning , and any agreement would likely entail concessions on the ground. Most important, the Ukraine is an embarrassment for the West, and we are likely to make stupid moves in an effort to gain an elusive victory, weakening NATO and America. Having declared victory, we have to stay in the game or lose face. So we continue to lie, and throw more money at a lost cause. What's money anyways to the kids in Congress?
Perhaps I'm taking you too literally, but Putin has every intention of winning.
It's just that the neocons and Russophobes have convinced themselves that Putin measures winning by territory. He has stayed his objectives, and they are about security for Russia.
He has to take things slowly for several reasons, including the limited territorial designs of the original SMO and the expectation that he will eventually be facing real NATO troops. For the latter, he must not spend his troops and Russia's political will on a dramatic thrust when he is achieving the degradation of a significant part of NATO's strength through attrition.
Possibly, Perle, but I can imagine the madness fermenting steadily in the minds of the neocons as each day passes. For the moment, they can just about delude themselves that they are winning, but as reality sets in, they will react in a way that might put us all in danger. I think Putin needs to get this over with. And even if he ends it tomorrow, the repercussions for Nato, Europe and the US are going to be painful for years to come.
Yes, as you say, "even if he ends it tomorrow, the repercussions for Nato, Europe and the US are going to be painful for years to come." But if it doesn't end, it goes on and on, and Putin can sit back and enjoy the spectacle, attacking when advantageous. Sad to say, I trust Putin more than my government to act rationally, and his measured response will likely target those attacking him. Our regime has not only alienated its citizens, but seems to be operating in a sort of virtual reality.
Interesting but rather doom-laden article by Martin Armstrong today. He mentions the massive show of force by the Russian Navy in the Black Sea and thinks it signals a big uptick in the conflict. You don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure that one out. However, he also talks about the pressure on Putin from the hardliners in Moscow, who, according to MA, might try and oust him by May if things don't move along more decisively. He's pretty sure that WWIII is coming our way. Also, Armstrong doesn't agree with Tom L and others about the reasoning behind the Fed's interest rates policy. He believes that the Fed is keeping interest rates high not just to fight inflation but because it knows that the Biden Regime is heading for war and "lowering interest rates would now cause a capital crisis when staring war in the eyes." I don't know enough about economics to know who is right, and I don't know Armstrong's success rate as an analyst. But this just shows how complicated it is for the average Joe to work out what the heck is going on behind the curtain. https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/markets-by-sector/bonds/beware-the-plot-behind-interest-rates/
I'm skeptical of MA's idea that the Fed is helping the Zhou regime prepare for war. For example, Powell's actions, ever since he was reconfirmed, have brought our allies to their knees in any realistic military sense. Powell has also openly stated that he has no problem with multi-polar reserve currencies.
Yes, there's no guarantee that MA is correct. It's just another idea out there.
I believe Substack have instituted an update: you can now embed Rumble videos. Try it next time to see if it works, I've seen it on other substacks.
Tx. I'll ck that out. I've tried to research that several times in the past.
Clausewitz stated war is a continuation of policy with other means, and our idea that Putin bears responsibility for 'ending this terrible war in a decisive fashion' or 'be worried about the neocons doing something really crazy' may reflect our policies more than his. From his perspective maybe the crazier we get the better, and my assumption is that he has already won what he set out to accomplish, and more. Maybe it is the responsibility of saner heads to limit any future advantages he might gather from a prolonged conflict. I will leave it to others to discuss the moral and humanitarian aspects of this war. If Putin is reprehensible, the "big guy" who gets a cut of everything and our government that now denies the rule of law to political adversaries and has no concern for the well-being of the citizens does not merit my admiration.
The longer Putin & Russia hold off the better they look in the eyes of the world and it gives us time to curb the dogs of war on our side of the fence
Russia is totally committed to achieving its stated aims of "de-nazifying and demilitarising" Ukraine. Putin knows that his People will not forgive him if he stops short of these objectives. He also knows that Ukraine, if allowed to survive as NATO's Nazi State, will become a hub for Western terrorism against the entire Eurasian project. Nothing short of resounding victory will suffice, if the Russian Federation is to survive.
The military discussion is interesting. In my view, only option 4 offers the possibility of a game changing decisive blow. Sever the lines of communication through which Western military aid flows, and it's all over but the shouting. The West has limited ability to resupply Ukraine, but the recent purchase of 155mm ammunition by the US from South Korea shows that the supply of munitions, while not limitless, can be extended, and waiting for Ukraine to run out might take longer than Putin is willing countenance.
Option 4 is riskier in some respects, but the greatest victory the Russian army won in its entire history (Stalingrad) was won in this way. Kickoff not later than mid February.
Agreed. What seems clear is that Russia has to end this war relatively soon and present the neocons with a fait accompli. Dragging it out increases the chances of the latter doing something really crazy. The other options (1-3) seem safer bets militarily but are still relatively limited.
Its petty obvious that Biden was in charge of all the money laundering in Ukraine. 10% for the big guy. But I can't believe we ever heard of those documents either. Someone must have done an end run.
Yeah. I'm not sure what to make of this. It almost looks like a move to push Zhou out, but the difficulty with that is that it could open the floodgates for all the Ukraine related corruption. Wait and see.
Right, push him out and bury the documentation of his families activities in the national archives. From what I recall of the Mar-a-Largo fiasco, they take everything in the same room, closet, safe, if classified material is found.
https://redstate.com/bonchie/2023/01/11/the-creepy-cult-surrounding-the-gas-stove-panic-gets-exposed-n686846
The part I find funny is that none of these people ever heard of gas heaters.
And running a 240 volt cable from the panel to the stove could be nearly impossible. If the panel even has room.
It appears Scott Ritter has been banned again. Here he lays it on the line:
https://twitter.com/REVMAXXING/status/1612998514161721344
My guess is that that Putin will not decide to put an end to this terrible war in decisive fashion. Why should he? I previously argued here that President Trump had managed to gain control of Afghanistan with 250 troops and no casualties. I was reminded he didn't have total control, and of course there was no peace agreement, or even a cease fire. True, but what he got was as good as it gets in Afghanistan, and was a significant victory on the ground. Putin has no interest in winning , and any agreement would likely entail concessions on the ground. Most important, the Ukraine is an embarrassment for the West, and we are likely to make stupid moves in an effort to gain an elusive victory, weakening NATO and America. Having declared victory, we have to stay in the game or lose face. So we continue to lie, and throw more money at a lost cause. What's money anyways to the kids in Congress?
Perhaps I'm taking you too literally, but Putin has every intention of winning.
It's just that the neocons and Russophobes have convinced themselves that Putin measures winning by territory. He has stayed his objectives, and they are about security for Russia.
He has to take things slowly for several reasons, including the limited territorial designs of the original SMO and the expectation that he will eventually be facing real NATO troops. For the latter, he must not spend his troops and Russia's political will on a dramatic thrust when he is achieving the degradation of a significant part of NATO's strength through attrition.
Possibly, Perle, but I can imagine the madness fermenting steadily in the minds of the neocons as each day passes. For the moment, they can just about delude themselves that they are winning, but as reality sets in, they will react in a way that might put us all in danger. I think Putin needs to get this over with. And even if he ends it tomorrow, the repercussions for Nato, Europe and the US are going to be painful for years to come.
Yes, as you say, "even if he ends it tomorrow, the repercussions for Nato, Europe and the US are going to be painful for years to come." But if it doesn't end, it goes on and on, and Putin can sit back and enjoy the spectacle, attacking when advantageous. Sad to say, I trust Putin more than my government to act rationally, and his measured response will likely target those attacking him. Our regime has not only alienated its citizens, but seems to be operating in a sort of virtual reality.
Virtual UN reality.