The World Cup isn't the only good thing happening in Russia today. Everyday new avenues of escape from dollar belligerence hit the headlines. Today's is the announcement that Russia and India finally agreed to conduct military hardware business now under sanctions from the US Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) in bilateral currency swaps -- … Continue reading Another Sanctions Own Goal – Russia and India Ditch Dollar in Defense Deals
Russia
Mr. Trump Attacks Aluminum, Russia Attacks the Debt
Looking at the unfolding trade war between Donald Trump and the world the phrase that should come to mind is "One good turn deserves another." In the case of the insane sanctions on Oleg Deripaska and Russian Aluminum giant, Rusal, back in April, we finally got some clarity as to how Russia can and will … Continue reading Mr. Trump Attacks Aluminum, Russia Attacks the Debt
The Unfreezing of Korea Begins
Now that we've had a few days to let the war-mongers and Democrats (or do I repeat myself) fulminate over the summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un it's important to look at what actually happened and where we're going next. For a good analysis of what was actually accomplished, read this excellent post over … Continue reading The Unfreezing of Korea Begins
Of Carrots, Sticks and How the Empire Fails
It's important for bullies to always win. Because once their weakness is exposed they can no longer be bullies. Empires don't start out as bullies. They start out as the reaction to the last Empire which became a bully after embracing hubris over humility. Empires have to resort to bullying near the end because they … Continue reading Of Carrots, Sticks and How the Empire Fails
G-6? 7? 8? How About the Gang That Can’t Shoot Straight?
I have to say that as much as I don't like the direction Trump's foreign policy has gone, there are still plenty of moments of unbridled joy in watching the man work a crowd. His suggestion of allowing Russia back into the G-7 is one of those moments. Trump has a nearly preternatural way of … Continue reading G-6? 7? 8? How About the Gang That Can’t Shoot Straight?
Next Stage of Pressure on Iran – Lower Oil Prices
President Trump is stepping up his attack on Iran. He's now planning the long-game for maximum pressure. The news that Trump quietly asked Saudi Arabia to ramp up output by 1 million barrels a day is the key. From the analysis at Oilprice.com: Saudi Arabia and some of its close Arab allies in the Gulf, … Continue reading Next Stage of Pressure on Iran – Lower Oil Prices
Interview: Fault Lines – Gazprom and the Hybrid War on Europe
I spent a few minutes chatting with Lee Stranahan (@stranahan) and Garland Nixon (@garlandnixon) on their radio show, Fault Lines on Sputnik Radio this morning. We went over the importance of Gazprom and its centrality to so many geopolitical hotspots around the world today. Gazprom is a company with the highest political risk of any stock … Continue reading Interview: Fault Lines – Gazprom and the Hybrid War on Europe
Petroyuan is Only the Beginning, Pop Goes the Metals Market
No boom today. Boom tomorrow. There's always a boom tomorrow" -- Susan Ivanova "Babylon 5" When Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) bought the London Metals exchange in 2012 all the speculation about about the effects on gold trading. The primary reason for buying the LME was to obtain its warehouses and ensure a free … Continue reading Petroyuan is Only the Beginning, Pop Goes the Metals Market
