Over the summer Russian President Vladimir Putin went on a charm tour across Europe. In a whirlwind weekend he danced and dined his way through two important meetings, first at the Austrian Foreign Minister's wedding and then a garden party summit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. I wasn't the only one to note the importance … Continue reading More Peace Dividends as Merkel and Macron Join Syria Summit in Sochi
Russia
Putin Lays Down the Law at Valdai
Every year Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the Valdai Economic Forum. And each year his talk is important. Putin isn't one to mince words on important issues. With tensions between Russia and the West reaching Cold War levels, Valdai represented the first time we've heard Putin speak in a long-form discussion since Helsinki and … Continue reading Putin Lays Down the Law at Valdai
Speaking to Russians and Trump’s Mad Method
"You know General, sometimes the men don't know when you're acting. It's not important for them to know. It's only important for me to know." — Patton The more I observe Donald Trump the more I'm convinced he's more bark than bite, that his instincts on foreign policy are correct but his method is mad. … Continue reading Speaking to Russians and Trump’s Mad Method
Trump Folds on Nordstream 2 Because … Logic
Since its first announcement I have been convinced the Nordstream 2 pipeline would be built. I have followed every twist of this story from my days writing for Newsmax. And the reason for my confidence can be summed up in one word. Money. Nordstream 2 simply makes too much economic sense for any amount of … Continue reading Trump Folds on Nordstream 2 Because … Logic
Bill Browder Strikes Back in Europe
"I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further." — The Empire Strikes Back Since Vladimir Putin brought up Bill Browder’s name in Helsinki events have escalated to a fever pitch. Russia is under extreme attack the U.S./European financial and political establishment. And part of that push is coming from Browder himself. … Continue reading Bill Browder Strikes Back in Europe
Russia Raises Rates to Raise Stability
2018 has not been kind to the Russian Ruble. Despite a improving macroeconomic statistics and a widening positive balance of trade the Ruble has lost more than 10% versus the dollar so far this year. So, the recent decision by the Bank of Russia to surprise everyone and raise interest rates 0.25% seems like a … Continue reading Russia Raises Rates to Raise Stability
The Fate of Syria Lies in Trump’s Hands
Everything is pointing to a real confrontation between the U.S. and Russia over the retaking of Idlib in Syria. And when everything is pointing one direction, I always like to look at the other way to see what might really be going on. My latest article at Strategic Culture Foundation lays out the argument … Continue reading The Fate of Syria Lies in Trump’s Hands
Podcast Interview: Alex Krainer and the Grand Deception of Bill Browder
Having just launched the official Gold Goats 'n Guns Podcast last week I'm delighted to bring you my first interview where I'm on the other side of the microphone, as it were. Alex Krainer is a commodities trader and the Author of Grand Deception: The Truth About Bill Browder, the Magnitsky Act, and Anti-Russian Sanctions … Continue reading Podcast Interview: Alex Krainer and the Grand Deception of Bill Browder