Thanks Rob, it has definitely been a big week in geopolitics and many thanks for the round up.
The West has screwed the pooch and doesn't know what to do any more besides ritualised belligerence that no longer works.
I think Trump has lost the plot and makes himself more foolish by the day and the rest of the world is taking note. I can't believe the total lack of prudence on display. I would have thought a bit of quiet and some proper thinking would have gone a long way, but no it's pedal to the metal and damn the consequences. Fuck! Here's me thinking that the fate of humanity might have been given a bit more consideration than the disposal of a dirty tissue.
I think homo sapiens are going to need a new name, one that more honestly reflects the lack of sapience.
If the US gets drawn into Iran it may be the decisive moment in breaking the old world order. The 'west' doesn't realise how weak it is compared to those who oppose it. When I listen to the MSM I think it lives in a different universe.....
Cheers John - it's all going horribly wrong for the West. The only place not under threat from Iranian missiles today is Gaza and virtually all Israelis are in shelters and staying there.
HMS Prince of Wales looks tempting if we get involved. That would the final straw for Starmer. Poor guy accused of chumming up to an alleged coke fiend and Ukr. male models burning his car. Next it will be that his wife's place of worship extols the virtues of ethnic supremacy.
Another great piece. I'm glad you mentioned the Chinese dimension now the rail line is up and running between Iran and China I don't think we can overlook its significance. Thats why i agree the US will get involved like they did in Lebanon. Can the B2s attack Iran without entering her airspace? Presumably, the Russians or the Chinese will let the Iranians know when the bombers are on the move. Its a strange one but i always have a sixth sense not to trust the Russians when it comes to Israel. I just can't shake the feeling they play a double game. Said it before but China has to show her hand soon. Some serious military manoeuvres in the vicinity of Taiwan might cause the US to pause in the Middle East.
Cheers Michael. Yes - the Chinese will probably help Iran in many ways, including intelligence 'warnings'. I think the Americans can avoid Lebanon because they have Syria but I'm not sure. I've heard some reports that Russia has betrayed Iran in some way but I am sceptical because I've seen no proof and because I don't think Russia has any reason to betray Iran. Of course, I could be wrong. I think the US is probably focusing on Iran rather than Taiwan at the moment but maybe the Chinese will tease them a little.
Trump, the personification of the USA, act now, whitewash later.
On his way to being strapped to the mast on a Dubya Bush redux.
Except, Iraq is a kitchen fire compared to the inferno that Trump the mouth, Trump the Senile is about to start in Iran. Gott's self-claimed Chosen still haven't figured out that he doesn't like them.
Thank You Rob, for all your hard work this week. Very informative. We live in interesting times.
The parallels between the Israeli-Iran war and the Ukraine war are spooky: A US proxy provokes, and threatens the sovereignty of a well-armed nation with desirable resources; part of the provocation is the killing of an ethnic group allied to the victim nation; in defending itself the victim nation shows superior fire power; the aggressor nation's leader lies constantly to the MSM.
The most desirable outcome on both cases is the end of nationhood for the proxy nation, and freedom from tyranny, of the ethnic group. Oh, and the end of US hegemon, and US aggression.
I have seen footage of the British aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth passing through the Suez Canal. The US is also positioning 3 aircraft carriers in the ME. US planes on those US carriers total 45. Very good of them to expose so much military equipment to hypersonics.
Russia appears to be trying to placate both sides, possible because Tehran has not officially asked Russia for help. On the other hand China, which buys 90% of Iran's oil (they supply 30% of China's total oil needs), is already helping. It has sent two warships, that specialise in electronic surveillance, to the Persian Gulf. Given the Yankee bellicosity towards China, I'm guessing that China would rather take on the Yanks in West Asia, than to have to fight them on its home soil, and lose countless Chinese civilians.
Because the US and Israel use decapitation of national leaders as a strategy, the Iranian ayatollah has taken out insurance for Iran. He has stepped aside and handed decision-making over to the Revolutionary Guard. That includes decisions about nuclear futures.
Footage from Tehran on Thursday night showed an incredible barrage of Israeli missiles, presumably drones, being intercepted by Iran. Israel has taken a leaf out of the Iranian playbook, because they send drones and older missiles to Israel as their opening salvo to exhaust the Iron dome. Iran's serious fire power is yet to come into play. I think they are saving a lot of it for the Yankee bases in West Asia.
Cheers Joy - interesting stuff. Another similarity is that both Ukrainians and the Israelis are terrorist who target civilians - though Israel kills people by the dozens rather than one or two a day.
How Trump needs up to 2 weeks to make a decision/carry on what he is doing in the interests of the zionists shows exactly who he is.
Gaslighting the public into thinking the US/ West may back down and that he honestly knows what is going on and has a say in it.
Also who in their right minds would put a hospital in between 2 intelligence buildings and then complain when a few windows got knocked out during a war? https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1935610643870089695
The war in Ukraine slowly rolls along its path of attrition to the next stage.
I have been following the maps on lost armour this week then cross checking that with other sources and the UAF generally have to give ground now where ever the Russians attack.
It is tuning into a rout. But I feel the next stage will be more Ukrainian terrorism.
Cheers Anthony. I think Trump is playing games in giving this 2 week deadline. I think we can best understand Trump if we view him as a businessman and showman who knows little about anything else - apart from golf. He is incapable of some clever ruse to enforce various 'deals' and is probably deferring to those placing most pressure on him in his decisions on foreign policy. So don't be surprised if the US ups the ante as soon as it is ready. That could be in days or weeks. But I think it will happen, if only in some symbolic form - e.g. a token strike on an underground nuclear facility which they can say was destroyed. Let's hope things improve this week.
I hear that the MAGA group is split between those who still support him and those who are disappointed that he has broken his promise about 'forever wars'. With the Mid-Terms in mind, this could account for his current hesitancy in getting the US fully involved in Iran.
The closet neocons and Israeli-first Republicans are trying to do to the MAGA base what the Democrats do to the progressive base: berate them for not being on board with stupid foreign policy, calling them dumb and misguided, and still expecting them to show up and vote.
They are playing with electoral fire if the Neocons get their war, and I suspect Trump is keenly aware of that.
For me also a big question is, do the Arab countries at the Persian Gulf will be allowing the US to use their soil for the purpose to attacking Iran? And if not, what about the huge war logistics needed by the US Navy and Airforce?
And isn't it easy for the Iranians to destroy the few harbors and airfields in Little-Israel?
They haven't attacked the desalination plants yet which would really impact on Israel's future existence. Kinda ironic that the bad guys are sticking to International Law but us good guys aren't.
I see the West being rolled into supporting genocide while crumbling from within everywhere. The productive other 7 billion will have to be patient because the bribery based system can print money for quite a while still. As the flame sputters on the Western system that has lost its ability to be productive, honest or transparent, many will suffer. The fuel for financial ponzi and the propaganda bull$h!t are not quite depleted enough to see a new dawn coming. The physical stores of the West will have to be used up before people lose patience with the band of fumbling Neros at the G7.
Thanks for acknowledging the hard work - I'm having to spend more time on the Update because I'm covering new ground and more ground. It's not like working in the coal mines - though - even if I do sweat. I loved the 'fumbling Neros' image Pym. Hey - the Western world is disintegrating and we are privileged to be witnessing it. In a sense, it's a bit like watching one's own flesh decaying.
Remember that we are individuals. If a group that has the same characteristics as you, on average endorses something you do not endorse, there is no collective blame. You are already doing a lot by publishing your interpretation.
Thanks Rob, it has definitely been a big week in geopolitics and many thanks for the round up.
The West has screwed the pooch and doesn't know what to do any more besides ritualised belligerence that no longer works.
I think Trump has lost the plot and makes himself more foolish by the day and the rest of the world is taking note. I can't believe the total lack of prudence on display. I would have thought a bit of quiet and some proper thinking would have gone a long way, but no it's pedal to the metal and damn the consequences. Fuck! Here's me thinking that the fate of humanity might have been given a bit more consideration than the disposal of a dirty tissue.
I think homo sapiens are going to need a new name, one that more honestly reflects the lack of sapience.
Cheers
Cheers Chris - there is definitely a lack of sapience at the top - in the West at least.
Thanks guys i have never really reflected on the meaning of sapiens/sapience- another nice word for the lexicon.
If the US gets drawn into Iran it may be the decisive moment in breaking the old world order. The 'west' doesn't realise how weak it is compared to those who oppose it. When I listen to the MSM I think it lives in a different universe.....
Cheers John - it's all going horribly wrong for the West. The only place not under threat from Iranian missiles today is Gaza and virtually all Israelis are in shelters and staying there.
HMS Prince of Wales looks tempting if we get involved. That would the final straw for Starmer. Poor guy accused of chumming up to an alleged coke fiend and Ukr. male models burning his car. Next it will be that his wife's place of worship extols the virtues of ethnic supremacy.
Another great piece. I'm glad you mentioned the Chinese dimension now the rail line is up and running between Iran and China I don't think we can overlook its significance. Thats why i agree the US will get involved like they did in Lebanon. Can the B2s attack Iran without entering her airspace? Presumably, the Russians or the Chinese will let the Iranians know when the bombers are on the move. Its a strange one but i always have a sixth sense not to trust the Russians when it comes to Israel. I just can't shake the feeling they play a double game. Said it before but China has to show her hand soon. Some serious military manoeuvres in the vicinity of Taiwan might cause the US to pause in the Middle East.
Cheers Michael. Yes - the Chinese will probably help Iran in many ways, including intelligence 'warnings'. I think the Americans can avoid Lebanon because they have Syria but I'm not sure. I've heard some reports that Russia has betrayed Iran in some way but I am sceptical because I've seen no proof and because I don't think Russia has any reason to betray Iran. Of course, I could be wrong. I think the US is probably focusing on Iran rather than Taiwan at the moment but maybe the Chinese will tease them a little.
Your weekly is pure gold, I visit most of your references, your resumè are perfect. it makes it
easier for a person that her memory is not what it was. many times I have to consult with my
daughter that has an almost photographic memory, my son, an asperger has an incredible memory
but only in what he is interested in, that is enciclopedic. Thank you so much!!
Good to be appreciated - thank you Sue.
Trump, the personification of the USA, act now, whitewash later.
On his way to being strapped to the mast on a Dubya Bush redux.
Except, Iraq is a kitchen fire compared to the inferno that Trump the mouth, Trump the Senile is about to start in Iran. Gott's self-claimed Chosen still haven't figured out that he doesn't like them.
March America to Madding Armageddon.
Thanks again for another informative update. The lead photograph would be hilarious were it not so true.
I thought it was very apt for this week. Cheers Mahmoud.
Thank You Rob, for all your hard work this week. Very informative. We live in interesting times.
The parallels between the Israeli-Iran war and the Ukraine war are spooky: A US proxy provokes, and threatens the sovereignty of a well-armed nation with desirable resources; part of the provocation is the killing of an ethnic group allied to the victim nation; in defending itself the victim nation shows superior fire power; the aggressor nation's leader lies constantly to the MSM.
The most desirable outcome on both cases is the end of nationhood for the proxy nation, and freedom from tyranny, of the ethnic group. Oh, and the end of US hegemon, and US aggression.
I have seen footage of the British aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth passing through the Suez Canal. The US is also positioning 3 aircraft carriers in the ME. US planes on those US carriers total 45. Very good of them to expose so much military equipment to hypersonics.
Russia appears to be trying to placate both sides, possible because Tehran has not officially asked Russia for help. On the other hand China, which buys 90% of Iran's oil (they supply 30% of China's total oil needs), is already helping. It has sent two warships, that specialise in electronic surveillance, to the Persian Gulf. Given the Yankee bellicosity towards China, I'm guessing that China would rather take on the Yanks in West Asia, than to have to fight them on its home soil, and lose countless Chinese civilians.
Because the US and Israel use decapitation of national leaders as a strategy, the Iranian ayatollah has taken out insurance for Iran. He has stepped aside and handed decision-making over to the Revolutionary Guard. That includes decisions about nuclear futures.
Footage from Tehran on Thursday night showed an incredible barrage of Israeli missiles, presumably drones, being intercepted by Iran. Israel has taken a leaf out of the Iranian playbook, because they send drones and older missiles to Israel as their opening salvo to exhaust the Iron dome. Iran's serious fire power is yet to come into play. I think they are saving a lot of it for the Yankee bases in West Asia.
Cheers Joy - interesting stuff. Another similarity is that both Ukrainians and the Israelis are terrorist who target civilians - though Israel kills people by the dozens rather than one or two a day.
Great update, as usual Rob.
Well look at the mess the World is in now.
How Trump needs up to 2 weeks to make a decision/carry on what he is doing in the interests of the zionists shows exactly who he is.
Gaslighting the public into thinking the US/ West may back down and that he honestly knows what is going on and has a say in it.
Also who in their right minds would put a hospital in between 2 intelligence buildings and then complain when a few windows got knocked out during a war? https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1935610643870089695
The war in Ukraine slowly rolls along its path of attrition to the next stage.
I have been following the maps on lost armour this week then cross checking that with other sources and the UAF generally have to give ground now where ever the Russians attack.
It is tuning into a rout. But I feel the next stage will be more Ukrainian terrorism.
Lets hope things improve next week.
Cheers Anthony. I think Trump is playing games in giving this 2 week deadline. I think we can best understand Trump if we view him as a businessman and showman who knows little about anything else - apart from golf. He is incapable of some clever ruse to enforce various 'deals' and is probably deferring to those placing most pressure on him in his decisions on foreign policy. So don't be surprised if the US ups the ante as soon as it is ready. That could be in days or weeks. But I think it will happen, if only in some symbolic form - e.g. a token strike on an underground nuclear facility which they can say was destroyed. Let's hope things improve this week.
Yes Rob. I am pretty sure the US will join in within a few days, poor defenceless Israel or something excuse.
The Western leaders only understand more war.
Great picture for the update by the way!
It was a gem really courtesy of Colonelcassad.
Bang on the money re the US. Any idea where the B2s fired from?
100% right on that one Rob!
It is becoming more and more possible to read Trump etc like a book.
The sources I have read say the damage is fairly superficial-so far.
I wonder what Russia and China knew and how will react to the upping the latest move by our passive aggressive insane leaders?
Cheers Anthony - It's good to right sometimes even if it happens only rarely.
"Donald Trump, that same Donald Trump who started this war,..."
As Annalena Baerbock said: "Doesn't matter what our voters want!".
It will be very interessting what happens, if the disappointed MAGA fans are stopping any support to Trump and he is alone at home...
I hear that the MAGA group is split between those who still support him and those who are disappointed that he has broken his promise about 'forever wars'. With the Mid-Terms in mind, this could account for his current hesitancy in getting the US fully involved in Iran.
The closet neocons and Israeli-first Republicans are trying to do to the MAGA base what the Democrats do to the progressive base: berate them for not being on board with stupid foreign policy, calling them dumb and misguided, and still expecting them to show up and vote.
They are playing with electoral fire if the Neocons get their war, and I suspect Trump is keenly aware of that.
For me also a big question is, do the Arab countries at the Persian Gulf will be allowing the US to use their soil for the purpose to attacking Iran? And if not, what about the huge war logistics needed by the US Navy and Airforce?
And isn't it easy for the Iranians to destroy the few harbors and airfields in Little-Israel?
They haven't attacked the desalination plants yet which would really impact on Israel's future existence. Kinda ironic that the bad guys are sticking to International Law but us good guys aren't.
It could be usefull to play not all trump cards at the same time. And maybe stay always just below the escalation level.
Lots of hard work there!
I see the West being rolled into supporting genocide while crumbling from within everywhere. The productive other 7 billion will have to be patient because the bribery based system can print money for quite a while still. As the flame sputters on the Western system that has lost its ability to be productive, honest or transparent, many will suffer. The fuel for financial ponzi and the propaganda bull$h!t are not quite depleted enough to see a new dawn coming. The physical stores of the West will have to be used up before people lose patience with the band of fumbling Neros at the G7.
Thanks for acknowledging the hard work - I'm having to spend more time on the Update because I'm covering new ground and more ground. It's not like working in the coal mines - though - even if I do sweat. I loved the 'fumbling Neros' image Pym. Hey - the Western world is disintegrating and we are privileged to be witnessing it. In a sense, it's a bit like watching one's own flesh decaying.
Remember that we are individuals. If a group that has the same characteristics as you, on average endorses something you do not endorse, there is no collective blame. You are already doing a lot by publishing your interpretation.