Great synopsis as usual, Mark. Just two points. Will Schryver says that "The trajectory of events is not amenable to the voice of the people." True enough, but as Trump and the neocons are finding out, events aren't proving very amenable to the ruling classes either. The "elites" can initiate events, but it's much harder to control them. Secondly, we are 3 months in to Trump's reign and only 2 or 3 lines of this summary concern what he was elected for: domestic policy. Doesn't that say something?
‘…There is a continuity of oligarchic power and policy stretching back many generations…’
Idea: nationalize central banks, vanguard, blackrock, and state street and then investigate anyone who squawks about it. We DO have power, but we’re kept divided, pitted against each other. Sheep, and so we deserve our plight.
China-Iran rail system set to launch w/ major hub at port in Chandahar, on Iran-India border, to dismay of Pakistan, which was unable to overcome US pressures against collaborating with China
Funny you mention that rail link, Tristam. After hearing about Trump's threats to stop shipments of oil from Iran to China I had a look at the map. I'd never realised how close Iran and China are geographically. A rail link or pipeline makes sense. However, I'm sure that the same people who did for Nordstream will be interested in any developments here.
For anyone who is interested in Japan's reaction and threat, this clip will give a flavor of how they currently view the U.S. tariff-associated demands;
It may be interesting to remember that Israel's two main air defense systems [[ that replaced the US Patriot ]] are David’s Sling and Arrow (Arrow 2 and Arrow 3) - Each of them missed interception for whatever reason as well The U.S.-provided Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system also attempted to engage but missed the target. This is a layered defense system and Houthi missile passed right though it
The Patriot system was deemed of lessor value - in fact Israel is now providing that to Ukraine a decommissioned Patriot air defense system, including approximately 90 PAC-2 interceptors, previously used by Israel, has been transferred to the United States for refurbishment before delivery to Ukraine. New York Times report on May 4, 2025; reporting also up to 8 systems in total may be transferred subsequently
So these [[ David’s Sling and Arrow (Arrow 2 and Arrow 3) and THAAD ]] are the top of the line defenses for Israel and the US - Ukraine gets the seconds
The IAF confirmed no failures in detection, interception protocols, or early warning systems, Air raid sirens were activated across central Israel, prompting people to seek shelters.
That missile likely traveled approximately 2,000–2,150 kilometers (1,243–1,335 miles) from Yemen.
Total Estimated Monetary Losses for the Airport Closure
Single-Day Closure (May 4, 2025):
Direct Losses: $8–18 million ($2–5 million aviation, $5–10 million tourism, $1–3 million tax revenue).
- but even with the best case scenario, opened for business the effects will last more than 1 day
Yemen Keeps Countering - US Trump felt if they bombed more than Biden
Yemen issue would disappear
Yemen going after airports
In Strictly military terms and/or jargon --->>> Wow , Holy Cow,
My speculation, the US bombings in Yemen gave Yemen the perfect excuse
to esculate
- Yemen may well have been resolved to control of the red sea and of that control
just Israeli shipping --- but the US and Israel pushed the pendulum and now it has swung
------
On March 26, 2025, President Donald Trump, speaking in the Oval Office, commented on the U.S. military strikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels, saying, “The Houthis are looking to do something. They want to know, ‘How do we stop? How do we stop? How can we have peace?’ The Houthis want peace because they’re getting the hell knocked out of them,” and added, “They want us to stop so badly… They’ve got to say, ‘No mas.’ But I can only say that the attacks every day, every night…”
------
New updates posted by Yemen couple hours ago
Ansar Allah (Yemen)
@RswlM40925
·
The Yemeni Armed Forces announce a no-fly zone over Israeli airports and that they will target all airports, including Ben Gurion Airport, and warn all companies not to deal with these airports to protect their interests.
@Yemenimilitary
🚨🚨A complete aerial siege has been imposed on the Zionist entity at all airports, and it will be enforced starting from this hour.
Trump's chaotic rhetoric actually makes it easier for other nations to do what must be done. Western sanctions have induced Russia to become much stronger and self-sufficient, and they now have free rein to finish the SMO with the tacit support of most nations. Trump's tariffs are similarly inducing China to separate its economy from any reliance on the US market, which makes them also more independent and resilient. And the only way for Europe to repair itself is to crash quickly and then rebuild from the ashes. Trump has pulled the rug out from under NATO, so they can no longer depend on the US military to protect them. Is Trump just acting crazy or is he really nuts? Or perhaps crazy like a fox!
Excellent comment, Tom. No-one in Moscow, Beijing or Teheran is saying, "Hey, I think we can do business with this guy!" They ignore him and go their own way. And yes, Europe is probably in the most hopeless situation of all, and a crash n burn is the only solution. There are signs of regime change, though, with the news from Romania and the UK by-elections. However, the Euroweenies in charge of us will react in the only way they know how: doubling down.
Great synopsis as usual, Mark. Just two points. Will Schryver says that "The trajectory of events is not amenable to the voice of the people." True enough, but as Trump and the neocons are finding out, events aren't proving very amenable to the ruling classes either. The "elites" can initiate events, but it's much harder to control them. Secondly, we are 3 months in to Trump's reign and only 2 or 3 lines of this summary concern what he was elected for: domestic policy. Doesn't that say something?
‘…There is a continuity of oligarchic power and policy stretching back many generations…’
Idea: nationalize central banks, vanguard, blackrock, and state street and then investigate anyone who squawks about it. We DO have power, but we’re kept divided, pitted against each other. Sheep, and so we deserve our plight.
Sad but true. And a lot of we sheep also side with the elites, as so many did during Covid.
Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran.
Who do you all think is responsible for the explosions in Iran's port, and the explosion in Mashhad?
I am inclined it to think it is Mossad or CIA or both.
Nah, spontaneous combustion, Doz.
Good news -- Bad news:
China-Iran rail system set to launch w/ major hub at port in Chandahar, on Iran-India border, to dismay of Pakistan, which was unable to overcome US pressures against collaborating with China
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEyb-6iqoyY&t=150s
Brian Berletic: US is provoking tensions between Pakistan and China
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGrK19nQT3M
Funny you mention that rail link, Tristam. After hearing about Trump's threats to stop shipments of oil from Iran to China I had a look at the map. I'd never realised how close Iran and China are geographically. A rail link or pipeline makes sense. However, I'm sure that the same people who did for Nordstream will be interested in any developments here.
MAGA's Trump lament:
"Is you is or is you ain't my baby?
The way you're acting lately makes me doubt
Yous is still my baby, baby
Seems my flame in your heart's done gone out...
Is you is or is you ain't my baby?
Maybe baby's found somebody new
Or is my baby still my baby true?"
Dedicated to MTG.
For anyone who is interested in Japan's reaction and threat, this clip will give a flavor of how they currently view the U.S. tariff-associated demands;
https://youtu.be/vreZFpxNbGQ?t=1072
When you've lost Japan, you've really lost. America's most docile colony.
.
.
.
It may be interesting to remember that Israel's two main air defense systems [[ that replaced the US Patriot ]] are David’s Sling and Arrow (Arrow 2 and Arrow 3) - Each of them missed interception for whatever reason as well The U.S.-provided Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system also attempted to engage but missed the target. This is a layered defense system and Houthi missile passed right though it
The Patriot system was deemed of lessor value - in fact Israel is now providing that to Ukraine a decommissioned Patriot air defense system, including approximately 90 PAC-2 interceptors, previously used by Israel, has been transferred to the United States for refurbishment before delivery to Ukraine. New York Times report on May 4, 2025; reporting also up to 8 systems in total may be transferred subsequently
So these [[ David’s Sling and Arrow (Arrow 2 and Arrow 3) and THAAD ]] are the top of the line defenses for Israel and the US - Ukraine gets the seconds
The IAF confirmed no failures in detection, interception protocols, or early warning systems, Air raid sirens were activated across central Israel, prompting people to seek shelters.
That missile likely traveled approximately 2,000–2,150 kilometers (1,243–1,335 miles) from Yemen.
Total Estimated Monetary Losses for the Airport Closure
Single-Day Closure (May 4, 2025):
Direct Losses: $8–18 million ($2–5 million aviation, $5–10 million tourism, $1–3 million tax revenue).
- but even with the best case scenario, opened for business the effects will last more than 1 day
[ tourism, suspended flights, insurance, etc etc ]
Yemen Keeps Countering - US Trump felt if they bombed more than Biden
Yemen issue would disappear
Yemen going after airports
In Strictly military terms and/or jargon --->>> Wow , Holy Cow,
My speculation, the US bombings in Yemen gave Yemen the perfect excuse
to esculate
- Yemen may well have been resolved to control of the red sea and of that control
just Israeli shipping --- but the US and Israel pushed the pendulum and now it has swung
------
On March 26, 2025, President Donald Trump, speaking in the Oval Office, commented on the U.S. military strikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels, saying, “The Houthis are looking to do something. They want to know, ‘How do we stop? How do we stop? How can we have peace?’ The Houthis want peace because they’re getting the hell knocked out of them,” and added, “They want us to stop so badly… They’ve got to say, ‘No mas.’ But I can only say that the attacks every day, every night…”
------
New updates posted by Yemen couple hours ago
Ansar Allah (Yemen)
@RswlM40925
·
The Yemeni Armed Forces announce a no-fly zone over Israeli airports and that they will target all airports, including Ben Gurion Airport, and warn all companies not to deal with these airports to protect their interests.
@Yemenimilitary
🚨🚨A complete aerial siege has been imposed on the Zionist entity at all airports, and it will be enforced starting from this hour.
https://x.com/Yemenimilitary/status/1919119571614589367
Wonder what "There's going to be hell to pay!" is in Yemeni Arabic?
Trump's chaotic rhetoric actually makes it easier for other nations to do what must be done. Western sanctions have induced Russia to become much stronger and self-sufficient, and they now have free rein to finish the SMO with the tacit support of most nations. Trump's tariffs are similarly inducing China to separate its economy from any reliance on the US market, which makes them also more independent and resilient. And the only way for Europe to repair itself is to crash quickly and then rebuild from the ashes. Trump has pulled the rug out from under NATO, so they can no longer depend on the US military to protect them. Is Trump just acting crazy or is he really nuts? Or perhaps crazy like a fox!
Excellent comment, Tom. No-one in Moscow, Beijing or Teheran is saying, "Hey, I think we can do business with this guy!" They ignore him and go their own way. And yes, Europe is probably in the most hopeless situation of all, and a crash n burn is the only solution. There are signs of regime change, though, with the news from Romania and the UK by-elections. However, the Euroweenies in charge of us will react in the only way they know how: doubling down.