Governments have lost control of the narrative that they are in control of events. Everyday I wake up to another instance of outrageous censorship from some 'social media' company blocking or banning someone for no apparent reason. The latest outrage is Twitter banning the account of Wikileaks publisher Julian Assange's mother, Christine. Australian and New … Continue reading Censorship Tightens As Governments Lose Control
Politics
Moving Forward, Iran Outflanks the U.S. in Iraq and Beyond
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
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
The Slippage Continues – India Resists Trump On Everything
With the U.S.'s attempt at regime change in Venezuela going nowhere fast it's becoming increasingly obvious that major vassals allies aren't scared of the consequences of defying us. India, in particular, has been quite clear in its opposition to Trump's edicts on who they can and cannot trade with. And with Prime Minister Narendra Modi … Continue reading The Slippage Continues – India Resists Trump On Everything