“The Eternal Enemy” is how some Russian officials refer to Britain, based on nearly two centuries of British efforts—since WW1 in conjunction with the US, the Anglosphere—to bring Russia down.
Your post puts today’s events in context with past events and does us a great service. I think these events may be seen through two lenses.
We see the historical thread you highlight that continues in the sequence of power struggles and wars with no less than geographical world domination as the objective. (I hold that thought and remind myself of the parallel attempt to attain one world government through other mechanisms, whether it be via monetary, health, tech and myriad other forms of control.)
This then brings out in stark definition, using spiritual glasses for those so inclined, the greater struggle that is not limited to the flesh and blood dimension. The other thread, that is a greater war, is longer and entwines with events such as those your post highlights. The in-your-face outcome is a massive direct increase in death and destruction (the opposite of life abundant - Jn 10:10) that only kinetic war brings. However, it may be arguable more critically, there will be longer duration indirect after effects. Such as the increase in hatred which cannot be measured but is understandable if one of yours died because of the aggression of the Other (but never the hand behind the curtain). Hatred is so easily manipulated by that hand and Europe is one big mess of ill-feeling and discord among the various peoples such that death and destruction can be perpetuated over time. I only recently came to understand the significance of this statement, “my kingdom is not of this world”, whereas our real enemy is – of this world, its kingdoms and empires. And current events make me realize how inadequate we are to prevent this wash, rinse, repeat nightmare on our own. I am relieved that I’m not the only one to realize this. Here’s Tucker for instance. https://youtu.be/N32UPXGChgo?t=1559 Cut straight to 26:00. I would recommend we follow his advice. Ten minutes a day from each of us is the way out of this unholy quagmire.
Oh, and the Eternal Enemy. That’s not Britain for the Russians or any other nation or people. It’s the serpent of old, the beginning of the thread.
Reading through the Bhadrakumar piece, one thing that struck me is his paraphrase/quote of Biden:
"One of the things that the US can do is to provide security to Ukraine to defend itself, as it does for Israel — ie., 'if there is a peace agreement, if there’s a ceasefire, if there’s a peace agreement.'"
That indicates that the Biden admin badly wants a "cease fire" to freeze things in place (this is of course nothing new), very likely so the West gains time to build up Ukraine's military capabilities again - just like was done via the Minsk agreements. They know Ukraine is losing now and will lose badly if the SMO continues unabated. The problem, of course, is that Russia will never agree to a cease fire unless the Zelensky govt is removed. So Zelensky is not in a good place, with pressure now coming on him from all sides and no good outcome for him. It will be interesting to see what the NATO members agree on regarding Ukraine coming out of Vilnius.
That's what worries me re: these provocations we hear about i.e., the Nuke plants and alleged plans to start something bigger. As Zelensky and Co. get squeezed who knows what they're capable of.
I should add that Biden's statement also gives the U.S. an "out" for not supporting Ukraine with weapons in the absence of a ceasefire. These guys think they are pretty clever.
We don't know who made the decision. But we do know there was too much dissension in NATO regarding that... some (sane) members aren't willing to participate in a war against Russia directly and that would be required by Article 5 if Ukraine were to be admitted while the SMO is still going on (of course).
The Brits just can't come to terms with the cold, hard, fact, that their empire is no more. The USA hasn't yet accepted that our Special Relationship™ with Great Britain is quite troublesome, a source of great misery throughout the world. Anglosphere should seek advice from the Mongols, a people whose great empire fell apart due to being weakened by infighting and intrigue, they have ~650 years of post empire experience. I would not be surprised if the Idiots in Charge* of the West® end up causing their/our own demise.
History can often unlock the riddles of the present as you so deftly illustrated today Mark. Many thanks. Your essay also reminded me of Shakespeare’s observation that the “good men do is oft interred with their bones, but the evil lives on”.
On another note, does Sullivan actually think that anyone, anywhere believes that drivel that he was pushing about the nature of the war in Ukraine? I mean really, is the guy brain dead enough to think that the Russian’s or, for that matter, any nation in the world would trust the US to negotiate in good faith?
It looks as though it's all unravelling for the neocons. Now we'll see if they back off and turn their rabid attention elsewhere, or whether they double down on the madness and do something even more stupid. As for the Brits, I remember reading a book a while back about the Crimean War and noticing how the language we use today towards the Russkies is almost exactly the same. Interestingly, we (Brits, French and Turks) officially won the war - but if I recall, Russia won the peace and got virtually all of its demands met. Plus ca change...!
This makes me wonder even more about Obummer, with his sending back the bust of Churchill, his supposed thoughtless gifts to the Queen? The talking heads all spoke of him “severing the special relationship” yet there he was neck deep in “Maiden”. What changed or who got to him?
I think I can confidently say on behalf of most here that when we are disparaging of 'Brits' or 'Americans' or any other nation, we are referring to the establishment not the general population. Please don't reduce our commentary down to general racism which is what you seem to think is happening - it is not. Sometimes we inject humour into the commentary to lighten the load of what we are all, Americans; Brits; Aussies and Europeans alike, are currently facing up to in terms of our criminal governments/ruling elites.
Speaking of generalised racism, I think maybe you should clarify what you mean by Semitic.
I used to read from Real Clear Defense a lot, but it has turned into 90% Ukraine propaganda. The articles posted if you even just know a little about what’s going on are ridiculous.
We can take some comfort (if that is the word) in this headline from the Daily Telegraph and mentioned by Mercouris, who himself was stunned to be in agreement with it!
“Here Comes Biden, World’s Worst Diplomat “ by Niles Gardner. Some very not-so-flattering adjectives followed. Damage limitation before Vilnius?
I'm rather hoping he manages to fart in Queen Camilla's presence like he did last time they met. Of course being a year older we could place bets on a sharting incident taking place. As for damage limitation - I think the Telegraph piece may be more to do with Biden angering the Brit establishment consistently over the last 2 or so years - they really don't like him.
Moscow Times is a Western publication with a record of disinformation re Russia. Teplinsky would probably be a choice of the hardline "win this thing now or tomorrow at the latest" faction. MT could end up being right, but running with their reports is too far out on a limb for me.
Hmm. The Eternal Enemy. Interesting concept.
Your post puts today’s events in context with past events and does us a great service. I think these events may be seen through two lenses.
We see the historical thread you highlight that continues in the sequence of power struggles and wars with no less than geographical world domination as the objective. (I hold that thought and remind myself of the parallel attempt to attain one world government through other mechanisms, whether it be via monetary, health, tech and myriad other forms of control.)
This then brings out in stark definition, using spiritual glasses for those so inclined, the greater struggle that is not limited to the flesh and blood dimension. The other thread, that is a greater war, is longer and entwines with events such as those your post highlights. The in-your-face outcome is a massive direct increase in death and destruction (the opposite of life abundant - Jn 10:10) that only kinetic war brings. However, it may be arguable more critically, there will be longer duration indirect after effects. Such as the increase in hatred which cannot be measured but is understandable if one of yours died because of the aggression of the Other (but never the hand behind the curtain). Hatred is so easily manipulated by that hand and Europe is one big mess of ill-feeling and discord among the various peoples such that death and destruction can be perpetuated over time. I only recently came to understand the significance of this statement, “my kingdom is not of this world”, whereas our real enemy is – of this world, its kingdoms and empires. And current events make me realize how inadequate we are to prevent this wash, rinse, repeat nightmare on our own. I am relieved that I’m not the only one to realize this. Here’s Tucker for instance. https://youtu.be/N32UPXGChgo?t=1559 Cut straight to 26:00. I would recommend we follow his advice. Ten minutes a day from each of us is the way out of this unholy quagmire.
Oh, and the Eternal Enemy. That’s not Britain for the Russians or any other nation or people. It’s the serpent of old, the beginning of the thread.
Very inlightening. No wonder the peace talks of JFK and President Regan were deterred.
Reading through the Bhadrakumar piece, one thing that struck me is his paraphrase/quote of Biden:
"One of the things that the US can do is to provide security to Ukraine to defend itself, as it does for Israel — ie., 'if there is a peace agreement, if there’s a ceasefire, if there’s a peace agreement.'"
That indicates that the Biden admin badly wants a "cease fire" to freeze things in place (this is of course nothing new), very likely so the West gains time to build up Ukraine's military capabilities again - just like was done via the Minsk agreements. They know Ukraine is losing now and will lose badly if the SMO continues unabated. The problem, of course, is that Russia will never agree to a cease fire unless the Zelensky govt is removed. So Zelensky is not in a good place, with pressure now coming on him from all sides and no good outcome for him. It will be interesting to see what the NATO members agree on regarding Ukraine coming out of Vilnius.
That's what worries me re: these provocations we hear about i.e., the Nuke plants and alleged plans to start something bigger. As Zelensky and Co. get squeezed who knows what they're capable of.
I should add that Biden's statement also gives the U.S. an "out" for not supporting Ukraine with weapons in the absence of a ceasefire. These guys think they are pretty clever.
Was surprised to see this:
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-closes-door-nato-ukraine-says-war-russia-must-end-first
I wonder who really made the decision?
Pressure from the Pentagon and the more politically oriented Neocons.
We don't know who made the decision. But we do know there was too much dissension in NATO regarding that... some (sane) members aren't willing to participate in a war against Russia directly and that would be required by Article 5 if Ukraine were to be admitted while the SMO is still going on (of course).
Not Biden. He doesn't even know where Ukraine is.
Best quote from zerohedge:
“ You don't have to worry, Joe Biden will do everything in his power to ensure that Putin loses the war in Iraq.”
Biden's right on this one: Putin's really behind the curve on Iraq. Maybe a new assignment for Priggy and the Wagner Boys.
The Brits just can't come to terms with the cold, hard, fact, that their empire is no more. The USA hasn't yet accepted that our Special Relationship™ with Great Britain is quite troublesome, a source of great misery throughout the world. Anglosphere should seek advice from the Mongols, a people whose great empire fell apart due to being weakened by infighting and intrigue, they have ~650 years of post empire experience. I would not be surprised if the Idiots in Charge* of the West® end up causing their/our own demise.
*Neocons, Globalists, Lindsey Graham, etc.
History can often unlock the riddles of the present as you so deftly illustrated today Mark. Many thanks. Your essay also reminded me of Shakespeare’s observation that the “good men do is oft interred with their bones, but the evil lives on”.
On another note, does Sullivan actually think that anyone, anywhere believes that drivel that he was pushing about the nature of the war in Ukraine? I mean really, is the guy brain dead enough to think that the Russian’s or, for that matter, any nation in the world would trust the US to negotiate in good faith?
And Sully’s other line about not going to war with Russia in Ukraine, only makes me wonder what more suitable location have the morons chosen?
Wouldn't you love to see Biden walk a tight rope? Over a vat of hot oil? A cage of raging Tigers? The grand canyon?
Actually, Joe, I think over a large group of grieving Ukrainian wives and mothers is more fitting!
That's a good one
It looks as though it's all unravelling for the neocons. Now we'll see if they back off and turn their rabid attention elsewhere, or whether they double down on the madness and do something even more stupid. As for the Brits, I remember reading a book a while back about the Crimean War and noticing how the language we use today towards the Russkies is almost exactly the same. Interestingly, we (Brits, French and Turks) officially won the war - but if I recall, Russia won the peace and got virtually all of its demands met. Plus ca change...!
Even odds on double down
Something like this:
https://youtu.be/lFBgQpz_E80
Think AUKUS
With a wink and a nod--it's all deniable, which is the major point. When it's leaked, there's a reason for that, too.
This makes me wonder even more about Obummer, with his sending back the bust of Churchill, his supposed thoughtless gifts to the Queen? The talking heads all spoke of him “severing the special relationship” yet there he was neck deep in “Maiden”. What changed or who got to him?
As a Brit I approve this message.
LOL!
I think I can confidently say on behalf of most here that when we are disparaging of 'Brits' or 'Americans' or any other nation, we are referring to the establishment not the general population. Please don't reduce our commentary down to general racism which is what you seem to think is happening - it is not. Sometimes we inject humour into the commentary to lighten the load of what we are all, Americans; Brits; Aussies and Europeans alike, are currently facing up to in terms of our criminal governments/ruling elites.
Speaking of generalised racism, I think maybe you should clarify what you mean by Semitic.
Edward I moment = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Expulsion
Cassander is indulging in escalatory rhetoric.
Speaking for myself, I prefer to avoid escalation of that sort. Civil discourse should be the preferred mode here.
https://tomluongo.me/2023/06/22/podcast-episode-146-richard-poe-perfidious-albion/
Want to link to a selection of the most illuminating?
Thanks!
Daily Mail in their Ukrainian Coverage copies MI6’s talking points, Russia is about to collapse, Ukraine is doing amazing, etc.
I have no idea who Stephen Breyer is, but seems a Neocon. I’ve no idea in the accuracy of this article on him:
https://penspages.wordpress.com/2016/06/11/the-usual-suspects-pt-3-dr-stephen-bryen/
This is why I'm careful to characterize him when I quote him.
Thanks Mark! It is very helpful knowing the political leanings / biases of a writer. Knowing that usually explains the “why” of what a person wrote.
Yeah. Gotta be very careful. This subject is a minefield.
I used to read from Real Clear Defense a lot, but it has turned into 90% Ukraine propaganda. The articles posted if you even just know a little about what’s going on are ridiculous.
The propaganda in U.K media is exhausting and ridiculous.
We can take some comfort (if that is the word) in this headline from the Daily Telegraph and mentioned by Mercouris, who himself was stunned to be in agreement with it!
“Here Comes Biden, World’s Worst Diplomat “ by Niles Gardner. Some very not-so-flattering adjectives followed. Damage limitation before Vilnius?
I'm rather hoping he manages to fart in Queen Camilla's presence like he did last time they met. Of course being a year older we could place bets on a sharting incident taking place. As for damage limitation - I think the Telegraph piece may be more to do with Biden angering the Brit establishment consistently over the last 2 or so years - they really don't like him.
Article behind a paywall or I would have posted link
Tx C!
Slow learners?
Moscow Times is a Western publication with a record of disinformation re Russia. Teplinsky would probably be a choice of the hardline "win this thing now or tomorrow at the latest" faction. MT could end up being right, but running with their reports is too far out on a limb for me.