Bessent is delusional if he thinks that the Iran talks will fortify the dollar. Why would Iran, having just removed itself from a subordinate position, a position it's in precisely because the U.S. uses the dollar and the financial superstructure around it to coerce the rest of the world, go back to putting itself in a subordinate position? It wouldn't.
“People literally voted against an Iran war when they voted for Trump. They voted against an Iran war.
Trump said this during the campaign. I was standing right next to him. "Voting for Biden or Kamala or whoever, whatever zombie they put in to represent the interests of the ruling class. That means a war in the Middle East. Endless wars in the Middle East."
People voted for Trump so this wouldn't happen. They voted for him. They got it anyway.
They got exactly what they would have gotten under Biden or under Chuck Schumer or pick your Democratic leader. It's the same thing.”
Thanks as always Mark. The Equity Insider article is a stunning read. Bessent glides over concepts such as ‘the strength of our rule of law’ (blowing up boats, genocide, anyone?), ‘credibility of our institutions’ (FDA, CDC and covid), and ‘household prosperity’ (erosion of middle class incomes, and ‘it made choices that have created vulnerabilities that led strategic industries and critical supply chains to migrate overseas’ - did America’s working families do that, Scott?) Imho this is a a master class in plain, simple, farmyard BS - a collection of brazen deceptions delivered in dulcet tones that make the head spin.
Tucker argues that the European, 'drone wall,' in Ukraine has been brought to fruition, making body counts irrelevant at this point. I share his sentiment.
Tucker also drops the fact he is about to release an interview with former Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. I am interested in watching because Bout's English is very good and he was actually complementary of the US when he was exchanged for Brittney Griner.
I want to see his enemies go to jail, too. The delay in their facing charges for their misdeeds is disheartening and even if we see convictions for some of them, the media will paper over their misdeeds.
As for Trump, he certainly warrants removal. I'd prefer that he will voluntarily step down. I'm not naive about him doing the right thing.
NOT SO HIDDEN HAND - GULF STATE COOPERATION -- ABRAHAM IS DEAD
Abraham Accords: Functionally dormant --- I labeled it DE FACTO DEAD months ago
Iranian missile/drone strikes hit US-linked bases across Qatar (Al Udeid), UAE (Al Dhafra), Bahrain (Fifth Fleet HQ), Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and others. Satellite imagery and analyses document damage to hundreds of structures, aircraft, radars, hangars, and fuel depots—rendering some sites temporarily "all but uninhabitable" or forcing skeleton operations, evacuations to hotels/offices, and significant repair costs (hundreds of millions to billions, with timelines of months to years for full restoration of advanced systems).
Gulf monarchies prioritize regime survival and wealth above ideology [[[ all talk on the Palestine issue - The Monarchies Come First }}}} . While They will not fully jettison the US "security umbrella" as it offers unique capabilities == A new architecture is emerging—more regional, inclusive of Iran on Gulf terms, Pakistan-heavy for muscle, China/Russia for balance
Gulf states are actively discussing regional security frameworks, including engagement with Iran on post-conflict arrangements (e.g., Hormuz security, revenue-sharing ideas), expanded ties with Pakistan, and outreach involving Turkey.
Pakistan's role stands out prominently: It has troops in Saudi Arabia, discussions with Qatar for deeper pacts, training offers (e.g., Bahrain pilots), and is mediating/facilitating US-Iran talks. Gulf actors value Pakistan's nuclear deterrent, combat experience, lower costs, and anti-Israel stance. Narratives of an "Islamic NATO" or Pakistan-led umbrella (with Saudi, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt interest) circulate actively.
Iran funding/guarantees: Saudi-Qatar coordination with Iran is evident in reconciliation summits and post-war diplomacy. There are reports of Gulf states exploring accommodation with a "victorious" or resilient Iran. Pakistan and others have played protective/mediating roles in Switzerland talks (US-Iran technical discussions in Bürgenstock/Lucerne, with Qatar-Pakistan involvement in the Islamabad MOU framework). Rumors of guarantees to keep Iran engaged align with mediation efforts.
Abraham Accords and US/Israel position: Normalization momentum has stalled or reversed for some. Saudi-Iran reconciliation talks and broader Gulf-Iran outreach sideline Israel-centric deals. Israel remains isolated in this dynamic, with Gulf priorities shifting to de-escalation and economic recovery.
Absolutely "mean, savage, cruel...."; meanwhile DJT tells the world at G7 meeting that he can do anything he wants, and "I'm brilliant"---he actually said that
They're not the only ones. True purchase rates are hidden, since reporting is voluntary.
If you listen to Andy Schectman of Miles Franklin, there have been absolutely unprecedented physical outflows from the exchanges for months, in amounts that logistically can only mean state or state-adjacent actors. Meanwhile, the paper markets are used to pump& dump the price and get holders of physical to panic, which then gets scooped up at a discount.
There is a persistent suspicion in the gold community that Tether is working for the Fed. Genius and clarity acts mean they can keep any interest from bonds they purchase to "back" their stablecoins, and they've bought massive amounts of gold. The theory is that the Fed is using them as an off-balance sheet vehicle to accumulate without causing a dollar panic.
America falsely claims our unfrozen assets will buy their agriculture. Interesting. The only crop we're harvesting is what you planted: decades of mistrust. It's organic, abundant, and homegrown. But apparently the US only exports GMO soybeans, broken promises and trash talks.
Sarah, thanks for the posting, because I do not use X. Ghalibaf is realistically plain-talking so that low-information citizens of Western countries get the truth which otherwise will be blanketed in "puffery", just the way Donald Trump receives "news" of the consequences of his failures.
I can’t claim credit as I don’t have social media. The tweet screenshot was shared by Danny Haiphong who had Larry Johnson last night. It’s easy then to search for the tweet using the name of the poster and the first 3-4 words in his opening sentence
Thanks, Sarah for the X how-to tip, and for the letter from the lady Bishop, an oxymoron, I believe. I appreciate her written voice to the world's Anglican community. She didn't mention what she would be doing, as a freedom activist within Great Britain, to demand that Parliament and the King call off the abusive disrespect, including arrests, ticketing fines, and bullying of Christians on the island itself; nor did she demand of Parliament and the King that they cut of all financial relationships with the Zionist enterprise. Last of all, the tone of her letter screams the same lukewarm "coexist" pablum of the Vatican's Synodal Way, which I abhor as cowardice and infirmity of belief in the Church founded by Christ Himself.
One last thing. Where are we? How far have we come? Madam Kwiatkowski writes, “Today, Congress debates whether or not Christians reading the New Testament should be judicially punished for not self-censoring the parts that offend Zionists.
The war on the First Amendment is led by Trump appointees like Counterterrorism Czar Sebastian Gorka who believes anti-Israel speech amounts to incitement, and is therefore illegal."
Remember PNAC? Project for a New American Century? Not even 30 years ago, at perhaps the apex of US' Unipower Hegemony, a treatise or two were published by arch neocons which envisioned and advanced the concept of the US becomming the permanent self-interested bully.
Bombs and Bullets, rah rah rah.
Way before China displaced US industrial dominance (although it was in the works!), way before Russia invented all those new weapons, way before the military "right sized", way before BRIICS and so much other stuff. Even WOKE was just a cockroach of a notion infesting liberal campuses, and National Debt was a now pinned-for 60% of GDP.
Don't try to tell Bessent, but I don't think that caste of neocons is going to get their century of glorious Hegemon.
Could well and likely be. Another factor is ME countries selling Gold to get the Dollar liquidity they need because of the unexpected loss of oil revenue.
Turkey faced soaring inflation due to high fuel costs. The country’s central bank sold gold to offset the impact. Turkey sold $3 billion’ worth of gold in a single week in March. This is gold as an insurance policy. When your economy runs on oil exports that don’t get delivered or you can’t afford the soaring fuel prices, you cash in your insurance policy…gold.
Bessent is delusional if he thinks that the Iran talks will fortify the dollar. Why would Iran, having just removed itself from a subordinate position, a position it's in precisely because the U.S. uses the dollar and the financial superstructure around it to coerce the rest of the world, go back to putting itself in a subordinate position? It wouldn't.
Tucker Carlson:
“People literally voted against an Iran war when they voted for Trump. They voted against an Iran war.
Trump said this during the campaign. I was standing right next to him. "Voting for Biden or Kamala or whoever, whatever zombie they put in to represent the interests of the ruling class. That means a war in the Middle East. Endless wars in the Middle East."
People voted for Trump so this wouldn't happen. They voted for him. They got it anyway.
They got exactly what they would have gotten under Biden or under Chuck Schumer or pick your Democratic leader. It's the same thing.”
Thanks as always Mark. The Equity Insider article is a stunning read. Bessent glides over concepts such as ‘the strength of our rule of law’ (blowing up boats, genocide, anyone?), ‘credibility of our institutions’ (FDA, CDC and covid), and ‘household prosperity’ (erosion of middle class incomes, and ‘it made choices that have created vulnerabilities that led strategic industries and critical supply chains to migrate overseas’ - did America’s working families do that, Scott?) Imho this is a a master class in plain, simple, farmyard BS - a collection of brazen deceptions delivered in dulcet tones that make the head spin.
Well said.
Recommend LJ and Pepe's new YouTube channel, Transition Protocol in this context, and to balance Marin's persistent pessimism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkiJqG5XGUw&t=105s
From ZeroHedge.
www.zerohedge.com/personal-finance/generational-crisis-nearly-third-us-adults-under-35-are-still-living-their-parents
We can invest in Israel's genocide but our future generation is left holding the bag.
"!/3 US adults <35 still living with parents"
while
"Yesterday’s good parents are now perceived as toxic.
Estrangement increasingly defines modern family life, even among relatives who share the same space."
https://tinyurl.com/5fjhsxrb
14 minutes of Tucker tying the current situation together on Danny Davis' podcast:
https://youtu.be/C-x-JjL2p2o
Tucker argues that the European, 'drone wall,' in Ukraine has been brought to fruition, making body counts irrelevant at this point. I share his sentiment.
Tucker also drops the fact he is about to release an interview with former Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. I am interested in watching because Bout's English is very good and he was actually complementary of the US when he was exchanged for Brittney Griner.
From RealClearInvestigations about the Russia Hoax.
https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2026/06/25/russiagate_prosecutor_calls_audible_on_grand_conspiracy_probe_1190728.html
Thanks. I'd luv to see that. It's to the point that I'd luv to see Trump impeached but I'd also luv to see his Russia Hoax enemies all in jail.
I want to see his enemies go to jail, too. The delay in their facing charges for their misdeeds is disheartening and even if we see convictions for some of them, the media will paper over their misdeeds.
As for Trump, he certainly warrants removal. I'd prefer that he will voluntarily step down. I'm not naive about him doing the right thing.
NOT SO HIDDEN HAND - GULF STATE COOPERATION -- ABRAHAM IS DEAD
Abraham Accords: Functionally dormant --- I labeled it DE FACTO DEAD months ago
Iranian missile/drone strikes hit US-linked bases across Qatar (Al Udeid), UAE (Al Dhafra), Bahrain (Fifth Fleet HQ), Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and others. Satellite imagery and analyses document damage to hundreds of structures, aircraft, radars, hangars, and fuel depots—rendering some sites temporarily "all but uninhabitable" or forcing skeleton operations, evacuations to hotels/offices, and significant repair costs (hundreds of millions to billions, with timelines of months to years for full restoration of advanced systems).
Gulf monarchies prioritize regime survival and wealth above ideology [[[ all talk on the Palestine issue - The Monarchies Come First }}}} . While They will not fully jettison the US "security umbrella" as it offers unique capabilities == A new architecture is emerging—more regional, inclusive of Iran on Gulf terms, Pakistan-heavy for muscle, China/Russia for balance
Gulf states are actively discussing regional security frameworks, including engagement with Iran on post-conflict arrangements (e.g., Hormuz security, revenue-sharing ideas), expanded ties with Pakistan, and outreach involving Turkey.
Pakistan's role stands out prominently: It has troops in Saudi Arabia, discussions with Qatar for deeper pacts, training offers (e.g., Bahrain pilots), and is mediating/facilitating US-Iran talks. Gulf actors value Pakistan's nuclear deterrent, combat experience, lower costs, and anti-Israel stance. Narratives of an "Islamic NATO" or Pakistan-led umbrella (with Saudi, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt interest) circulate actively.
Iran funding/guarantees: Saudi-Qatar coordination with Iran is evident in reconciliation summits and post-war diplomacy. There are reports of Gulf states exploring accommodation with a "victorious" or resilient Iran. Pakistan and others have played protective/mediating roles in Switzerland talks (US-Iran technical discussions in Bürgenstock/Lucerne, with Qatar-Pakistan involvement in the Islamabad MOU framework). Rumors of guarantees to keep Iran engaged align with mediation efforts.
Abraham Accords and US/Israel position: Normalization momentum has stalled or reversed for some. Saudi-Iran reconciliation talks and broader Gulf-Iran outreach sideline Israel-centric deals. Israel remains isolated in this dynamic, with Gulf priorities shifting to de-escalation and economic recovery.
.
https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/israel-bombs-gaza-coastline-tents-beach-displaced-palestinians----I think that this grievous act is a manifestation of Scott Bessent's economic statecraft writ large.
Mean, savage, cruel.......
Absolutely "mean, savage, cruel...."; meanwhile DJT tells the world at G7 meeting that he can do anything he wants, and "I'm brilliant"---he actually said that
Some days it does seem like he can do anything he wants.
He can't defeat Iran, however.
He can do anything he wants in terms of interior decoration and building ballrooms, but not much else.
"The Chinese keep buying gold"
They're not the only ones. True purchase rates are hidden, since reporting is voluntary.
If you listen to Andy Schectman of Miles Franklin, there have been absolutely unprecedented physical outflows from the exchanges for months, in amounts that logistically can only mean state or state-adjacent actors. Meanwhile, the paper markets are used to pump& dump the price and get holders of physical to panic, which then gets scooped up at a discount.
There is a persistent suspicion in the gold community that Tether is working for the Fed. Genius and clarity acts mean they can keep any interest from bonds they purchase to "back" their stablecoins, and they've bought massive amounts of gold. The theory is that the Fed is using them as an off-balance sheet vehicle to accumulate without causing a dollar panic.
VERY interesting. Thanks, Alex.
Pax Silica, the Israel-Palantir-State department connection, now takes out the EU. US is moving rapidly to consolidate imperial resources.
https://www.thecanary.co/global/world-analysis/2026/06/25/eu-signs-pax-silica/
https://x.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2070119359607869733
America falsely claims our unfrozen assets will buy their agriculture. Interesting. The only crop we're harvesting is what you planted: decades of mistrust. It's organic, abundant, and homegrown. But apparently the US only exports GMO soybeans, broken promises and trash talks.
Sarah, thanks for the posting, because I do not use X. Ghalibaf is realistically plain-talking so that low-information citizens of Western countries get the truth which otherwise will be blanketed in "puffery", just the way Donald Trump receives "news" of the consequences of his failures.
I can’t claim credit as I don’t have social media. The tweet screenshot was shared by Danny Haiphong who had Larry Johnson last night. It’s easy then to search for the tweet using the name of the poster and the first 3-4 words in his opening sentence
If a tweet is longer than one slide, this helps:
https://twitter-thread.com/
A piece of good news; the UK now has an Archbishop who speaks for Christianity (and humanity):
https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/news/pastoral-letter-archbishop-sarah-mullally-and-archbishop-hosam-naoum
The previous incumbent (a former BP oil exec) wouldn’t meet Pastor Isaac Munthar and bent over backwards to protect Israel from criticism
Thanks, Sarah for the X how-to tip, and for the letter from the lady Bishop, an oxymoron, I believe. I appreciate her written voice to the world's Anglican community. She didn't mention what she would be doing, as a freedom activist within Great Britain, to demand that Parliament and the King call off the abusive disrespect, including arrests, ticketing fines, and bullying of Christians on the island itself; nor did she demand of Parliament and the King that they cut of all financial relationships with the Zionist enterprise. Last of all, the tone of her letter screams the same lukewarm "coexist" pablum of the Vatican's Synodal Way, which I abhor as cowardice and infirmity of belief in the Church founded by Christ Himself.
One last thing. Where are we? How far have we come? Madam Kwiatkowski writes, “Today, Congress debates whether or not Christians reading the New Testament should be judicially punished for not self-censoring the parts that offend Zionists.
The war on the First Amendment is led by Trump appointees like Counterterrorism Czar Sebastian Gorka who believes anti-Israel speech amounts to incitement, and is therefore illegal."
Remember PNAC? Project for a New American Century? Not even 30 years ago, at perhaps the apex of US' Unipower Hegemony, a treatise or two were published by arch neocons which envisioned and advanced the concept of the US becomming the permanent self-interested bully.
Bombs and Bullets, rah rah rah.
Way before China displaced US industrial dominance (although it was in the works!), way before Russia invented all those new weapons, way before the military "right sized", way before BRIICS and so much other stuff. Even WOKE was just a cockroach of a notion infesting liberal campuses, and National Debt was a now pinned-for 60% of GDP.
Don't try to tell Bessent, but I don't think that caste of neocons is going to get their century of glorious Hegemon.
The following isn't a perfect analogy but it'll do.
These men are modern day money changers, the kind Jesus ran out of the temple.
Well, they all made money their God... and they used God to make money.
Price of gold is way down, $4000, from near $5000, as the dollar increases in strength.
https://no1sdailydigest.substack.com/p/daily-digest-2026-06-25?
I smell market manipulation of the prices of gold, silver, and oil. And China buys more gold.
Could well and likely be. Another factor is ME countries selling Gold to get the Dollar liquidity they need because of the unexpected loss of oil revenue.
https://dailyreckoning.com/a-golden-opportunity-just-appeared/
Quote from the post...
Turkey faced soaring inflation due to high fuel costs. The country’s central bank sold gold to offset the impact. Turkey sold $3 billion’ worth of gold in a single week in March. This is gold as an insurance policy. When your economy runs on oil exports that don’t get delivered or you can’t afford the soaring fuel prices, you cash in your insurance policy…gold.
Sorry, Nutmeg. I posted first and then read your very good post and link. I think this is being repeated throughout the ME at present.
NP. Turkey also sold a lot of its US Treasury holdings in March as well. They got hit hard by the war.