Scrolling down the link, I couldn't help but notice the venue where the Ukrainian Prosecutor General was invited to speak. Georgetown is no longer a serious academic institution or forum for genuine intellectual discovery or debate. No chance they'd ever invite a Russian to speak unless it was Navalny. Pains me to say this as an alum who specifically chose the school in the mid-80s because its undergrad Russian Studies program was the most hard-ass (well, maybe Hopkins, too) against the SOVIET SYSTEM, NOT the Russians per se. Should have known when they brought Madeleine Albright on board to teach one of my requirements--literally, the spring semester immediately following the Berlin Wall coming down. Dropped her class immediately after the first lecture, opting for a 29yo guy in his first teach gig who was great. OK, rant over.
Now the claim that we don't have enough Abrams tanks in storage is a lie, we can provide them to Ukraine if we want to. But do we want to? Is this intended to protect advanced tech in the Abrams? If so, an extensive redesign will be required, since the armor is itself classified. (The Brits, who have promised Challengers, are now wanting assurance that the tanks won't be used in operations where they might be captured) This whole Ukrainian tank project is starting to feel like the promise that Colonel Fannin will reach the Alamo in time.
EDIT: It's been suggested that the tanks we're sending will have no depleted uranium mesh in he armor. That will sharply degrade the protection against Russian sabot rounds.
Current production of Abrams tanks is eleven per month, and there are orders from Taiwan, Poland, and Australia waiting to be filled. The next two years of production is spoken for. Do they plan to jump Ukraine to the head of the line?
I was just listening a bit to Alex Mercouris. He was saying that his impression from remarks Putin made today--I was unable to locate them--is that Putin is determined to "see this thing through, all the way to the Polish border." I have to say, I've always been very skeptical about the idea of Russia allowing Poland even an inch of territory to the east of their current borders. For various historical and national reasons, but especially given Poland's performance in this crisis.
Which reinforces the idea that Putin has no reason whatsoever to “ throw in the towel” and give NATO or the neocons an easy way out of the mess they’ve created. As far as I can tell at this point, all the exit ramps are closed and Putin is going to hold his position until he achieves his goals and all the hyperbole and bravado in the world isn’t going to change his mind.
This is all very intelligent and I am sure Davos, the IMF, the Swiss bankers and our government has highly intelligent people keeping the ship afloat, but even well-trained adolescents are taught not to exceed their allowance, and it might be good to get a job on the side. The markets cannot go down because, well, it is unthinkable, and of course we are prosperous. Only, all of a sudden, lettuce and eggs are expensive and in short supply. Wall Street runs on Greed and Fear, and as long as Greed is prevalent....
A little history. Business was booming in the 1920s, with many new technologies and highly profitable enterprises sprouting up. At one point it overheated and the markets crashed. There was little public or private debt, and yet the economy tanked. FDR and the 'new deal' didn't help, but those in charge were geniuses compared to now.
The debt ceiling debate is upon us, and we have a tremendous political problem here as it is so important that whatever side we are backing doesn't get the blame, but meanwhile the Titanic has hit the iceberg and lifeboats are in short supply. Trump spent money and got productivity for the buck. It would be nice if we were still producing oil and gas and selling at current prices rather than buying for our strategic oil reserve at these prices. There are laws of economics and heading into a Depression with massive public and private debt is not a good thing. But not to worry, as we can blame our misery on Trump, Putin or the tooth fairy.
There is an amazing global dichotomy at work here: The West pouring all its economic wealth into the Ukrainian blackhole while the East is creating a whole new economic universe. And Ukraine is the dividing wall between the two rapidly diverging worlds. It's staggering to witness.
Covid was the first economic black hole that had the West’s focus that enabled a rise in government power, destroyed a lot of small businesses, and weakened Western economies. My gut feeling is China pushed the extreme Covid policies in the West.
Ukraine is the successor being blamed for increased energy costs and food shortages, justifying build back better.
Both justified an increase in censorship and propaganda.
And the increase in energy costs and food shortages is/will cause a huge increase in illegal immigration in the us and Canada. The non enforcement of the us border is allowing immigrants from around the world to cross. Michael Yon in Panama is covering this.
On the coming Ukraine collapse, I'm trying to figure out what to make of the Zelenskyy goverment's anti-corruption raids (allegedly, with US pressure) on Ihor Kolomoisky's properties today. Kolomoisky, as you know, is Z's biggest backer and, effectively, his sponsor, and, as such, one of the (if not THE) most-powerful men in Ukraine. Certainly, more influential than Z himself.
Does Z get rolled in with the Kolomoisky stink and, ultimately, get replaced by a more "agreement capable" leader who could credibly negotiate with Putin? I have no idea, but the timing is curious. It would be a nice face-saving option if the US were to be able to say, "we're here to support Ukraine, and have to honor their wishes toward a resolution of this conflict."
Russia, Iran, and China are slowly replacing the US Financial control mechanisms, such as Swift, that were used to strong arm countries into agreeing to us demands.
What happens if Western Green demands in energy and agriculture result in higher prices and less supply. And pressures non Western countries affected by the Wests actions.
Sri Lanke was just the start, but Pakistan and South Africa seem fragile. The green push against coal in South Africa is causing major problems. And the anti fertilizer push will cause food shortages. The end results will be regime changes. How much longer can the West afford the bribes needed to push their green agenda outside the West?
China and Russia seem to be pushing everywhere against US and Western influence. Laying lots of foundations to replace the Western financial systems / structures.
There is another African country where green European bribes are also killing their power production. I expect serious pushback as happened in Sri Lanke.
I'm looking forward to the twin track damage control: "We gave Ukraine the ball, but they didn't run with it!" alongside "The experts lied to us about the vaxxes!" It's going to be a fascinating year.
Look what's coming up in of all places Ukraine... https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/01/ukraine-war-live-updates-latest-news-on-russia-and-the-war-in-ukraine.html
Wonder if there are any pyrotechnics planned to rustle the guests.
Yup, interesting choice.
Scrolling down the link, I couldn't help but notice the venue where the Ukrainian Prosecutor General was invited to speak. Georgetown is no longer a serious academic institution or forum for genuine intellectual discovery or debate. No chance they'd ever invite a Russian to speak unless it was Navalny. Pains me to say this as an alum who specifically chose the school in the mid-80s because its undergrad Russian Studies program was the most hard-ass (well, maybe Hopkins, too) against the SOVIET SYSTEM, NOT the Russians per se. Should have known when they brought Madeleine Albright on board to teach one of my requirements--literally, the spring semester immediately following the Berlin Wall coming down. Dropped her class immediately after the first lecture, opting for a 29yo guy in his first teach gig who was great. OK, rant over.
"What's distracting attention from this shift is the hubbub about tanks and other Western weapons for Ukraine. Looking past the noise, however..."
Yeah, let's look past that noise for a minute.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3279948/deputy-pentagon-press-secretary-sabrina-singh-holds-a-press-briefing/
Now the claim that we don't have enough Abrams tanks in storage is a lie, we can provide them to Ukraine if we want to. But do we want to? Is this intended to protect advanced tech in the Abrams? If so, an extensive redesign will be required, since the armor is itself classified. (The Brits, who have promised Challengers, are now wanting assurance that the tanks won't be used in operations where they might be captured) This whole Ukrainian tank project is starting to feel like the promise that Colonel Fannin will reach the Alamo in time.
EDIT: It's been suggested that the tanks we're sending will have no depleted uranium mesh in he armor. That will sharply degrade the protection against Russian sabot rounds.
What confusing answers at that press conference. Sounds like tanks from the us are being slow walked.
Current production of Abrams tanks is eleven per month, and there are orders from Taiwan, Poland, and Australia waiting to be filled. The next two years of production is spoken for. Do they plan to jump Ukraine to the head of the line?
I too am confused.
Exactly. The Germans have been snookered.
I was just listening a bit to Alex Mercouris. He was saying that his impression from remarks Putin made today--I was unable to locate them--is that Putin is determined to "see this thing through, all the way to the Polish border." I have to say, I've always been very skeptical about the idea of Russia allowing Poland even an inch of territory to the east of their current borders. For various historical and national reasons, but especially given Poland's performance in this crisis.
Which reinforces the idea that Putin has no reason whatsoever to “ throw in the towel” and give NATO or the neocons an easy way out of the mess they’ve created. As far as I can tell at this point, all the exit ramps are closed and Putin is going to hold his position until he achieves his goals and all the hyperbole and bravado in the world isn’t going to change his mind.
This is all very intelligent and I am sure Davos, the IMF, the Swiss bankers and our government has highly intelligent people keeping the ship afloat, but even well-trained adolescents are taught not to exceed their allowance, and it might be good to get a job on the side. The markets cannot go down because, well, it is unthinkable, and of course we are prosperous. Only, all of a sudden, lettuce and eggs are expensive and in short supply. Wall Street runs on Greed and Fear, and as long as Greed is prevalent....
A little history. Business was booming in the 1920s, with many new technologies and highly profitable enterprises sprouting up. At one point it overheated and the markets crashed. There was little public or private debt, and yet the economy tanked. FDR and the 'new deal' didn't help, but those in charge were geniuses compared to now.
The debt ceiling debate is upon us, and we have a tremendous political problem here as it is so important that whatever side we are backing doesn't get the blame, but meanwhile the Titanic has hit the iceberg and lifeboats are in short supply. Trump spent money and got productivity for the buck. It would be nice if we were still producing oil and gas and selling at current prices rather than buying for our strategic oil reserve at these prices. There are laws of economics and heading into a Depression with massive public and private debt is not a good thing. But not to worry, as we can blame our misery on Trump, Putin or the tooth fairy.
There is an amazing global dichotomy at work here: The West pouring all its economic wealth into the Ukrainian blackhole while the East is creating a whole new economic universe. And Ukraine is the dividing wall between the two rapidly diverging worlds. It's staggering to witness.
Covid was the first economic black hole that had the West’s focus that enabled a rise in government power, destroyed a lot of small businesses, and weakened Western economies. My gut feeling is China pushed the extreme Covid policies in the West.
Ukraine is the successor being blamed for increased energy costs and food shortages, justifying build back better.
Both justified an increase in censorship and propaganda.
And the increase in energy costs and food shortages is/will cause a huge increase in illegal immigration in the us and Canada. The non enforcement of the us border is allowing immigrants from around the world to cross. Michael Yon in Panama is covering this.
https://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/2023/02/are-us-and-world-globalists-building.html?m=1
I’m not sure what the goal of the de policing / de Prosecution in large blue/ Democratic areas is. I’m sure it’s connected.
On the coming Ukraine collapse, I'm trying to figure out what to make of the Zelenskyy goverment's anti-corruption raids (allegedly, with US pressure) on Ihor Kolomoisky's properties today. Kolomoisky, as you know, is Z's biggest backer and, effectively, his sponsor, and, as such, one of the (if not THE) most-powerful men in Ukraine. Certainly, more influential than Z himself.
Does Z get rolled in with the Kolomoisky stink and, ultimately, get replaced by a more "agreement capable" leader who could credibly negotiate with Putin? I have no idea, but the timing is curious. It would be a nice face-saving option if the US were to be able to say, "we're here to support Ukraine, and have to honor their wishes toward a resolution of this conflict."
Just speculating, of course.
It is intended to keep the home team fans at bay.
Russia, Iran, and China are slowly replacing the US Financial control mechanisms, such as Swift, that were used to strong arm countries into agreeing to us demands.
What happens if Western Green demands in energy and agriculture result in higher prices and less supply. And pressures non Western countries affected by the Wests actions.
Sri Lanke was just the start, but Pakistan and South Africa seem fragile. The green push against coal in South Africa is causing major problems. And the anti fertilizer push will cause food shortages. The end results will be regime changes. How much longer can the West afford the bribes needed to push their green agenda outside the West?
Let the great courting rituals begin.... https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/31/us-chinese-and-russian-officials-tour-africa-as-charm-offensive-gathers-pace.html
China and Russia seem to be pushing everywhere against US and Western influence. Laying lots of foundations to replace the Western financial systems / structures.
This piece on SA believes green power can save it.
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/South-Africas-Energy-Crisis-Could-Spark-A-Political-And-Economic-Disaster.html
There is another African country where green European bribes are also killing their power production. I expect serious pushback as happened in Sri Lanke.
kleptocracy Plus tribalism, mixed with a bit of Marxism = disaster
I liked how the Sri Lankans dealt with their own Young Global Leaders. They burnt down their houses and gave them a good thrashing.
Thats a prescription for a lot of things.
I'm looking forward to the twin track damage control: "We gave Ukraine the ball, but they didn't run with it!" alongside "The experts lied to us about the vaxxes!" It's going to be a fascinating year.