Iran has successfully navigated the first phase of its resistance to U.S. sanctions pressure. The U.S. State Department has admitted it's goal of reducing Iran's oil exports to zero is not feasible. The goal now is a 25% drop to 800,000 barrel per day. And that is no joke. It's a big drop from where … Continue reading Moving Forward, Iran Outflanks the U.S. in Iraq and Beyond
Europe
Time Runs Out on U.S. Opposition to Nordstream 2
The Nordstream 2 pipeline represents the last stand of U.S. influence over the internal affairs of Europe. Once finished it will stand as a testament to the fundamental split between the European Union and the United States. Europe will see this as its first successful defense of its newly-declared independence. And the U.S. will have … Continue reading Time Runs Out on U.S. Opposition to Nordstream 2
Italy Courting China is a Masterstroke of Chaos
Next week's visit to Italy by Chinese Premier Xi Jinping has nearly everyone jittery. The recent announcement by Five Star Movement Leader Luigi Di Maio that his country is prepared to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with China to be a part of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative has set off a firestorm of … Continue reading Italy Courting China is a Masterstroke of Chaos
Blackmail, Balderdash and the Brexit that Wasn’t
After a lot of drama, British Prime Minister Theresa May came back from Brussels with a breakthrough on Brexit. Only it wasn't. While the changes to the protocol that governs the implementation of the Irish Backstop are an improvement they are far fro enough to allay the rightful fears of Brexiteers and the Northern Irish. … Continue reading Blackmail, Balderdash and the Brexit that Wasn’t
Super Mario Draghi’s Day of Reckoning Has Arrived
“Within our mandate, the ECB is ready to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro. And believe me, it will be enough.” -- Mario Draghi July 26th 2012 No quote better defines Mario Draghi's seven-plus years as the President of the European Central Bank than that quote. Draghi has thrown literally everything at the … Continue reading Super Mario Draghi’s Day of Reckoning Has Arrived
Brexit Ultimatums Fly Freely Betraying Bad Faith
So the EU has given the U.K. a 48 hour ultimatum to come up with an acceptable change to the Irish Backstop. But, the problem is, and Brussels knows this, there is no acceptable change to the Irish Backstop. There can be no re-implementation of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland and the … Continue reading Brexit Ultimatums Fly Freely Betraying Bad Faith
Merkel Draws the Line Against Trump
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has turned the corner on relations with the United States. Her speech at the Munich Security Conference should be considered Germany's divorce filing from the U.S.-led post-WWII institutional order. It's clear that to me now that Merkel's priorities for what is left of her term in office are as follows: Carve … Continue reading Merkel Draws the Line Against Trump
Interview: Ron Paul and the Never-Ending Story of Empire
The other day was felt like the fulfillment of a life goal. Sitting down to talk politics, economics, and climate with the irreplaceable Ron Paul was beyond a thrill, it was an honor. It's been a long time coming. This blog and the content I produce is the culmination of a fifteen year journey towards … Continue reading Interview: Ron Paul and the Never-Ending Story of Empire