One Day - Three Biden Failures
The three issues below are unrelated to each other except that they convey the rapid failure of the Biden administration.
There were state governor elections in Virginia and New Jersey and they results do not look good for the Democrats:
Tuesday’s elections left the Democratic Party reeling after one Republican won the governor’s race in Virginia and another posed an unexpectedly strong challenge to New Jersey’s incumbent governor, with the race still too close to call.
...
A year after Mr. Biden won Virginia by 10 percentage points, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, failed in his quest to win back his old office, losing to the Republican candidate, Glenn Youngkin, in a contest that was closely watched for what it could signal about voters’ satisfaction or lack thereof with the incumbent president and his party. Mr. McAuliffe conceded to Mr. Youngkin on Wednesday morning.
Atrios explains best why the Dems are again losing:
[T]he story of every Dem election win is they promise lefty stuff, fail to deliver, then they lose subsequent elections and then tell themselves that doing all the lefty stuff they didn't do was the cause. They lose power, eventually go back to running on lefty stuff, win, and then again fail to deliver.
The failure to deliver is a indeed a constant. But there is a reason behind that. The U.S. election system is basically based on bribery and thus incapable to deliver the policies most people want.
The system has little to do with real democracy. It is a sham. People around the world know this. People in the U.S. know it too and want it changed:
In the Global Attitudes Survey this spring, Pew asked 18,850 adults in 17 advanced economies, including the United States, about their views of American society and politics. Countries surveyed included Britain, Canada, Australia, France, Germany and South Korea.
“Very few in any public surveyed think American democracy is a good example for other countries to follow,” Pew’s report said. ...
Over the last days there has been a conference of the parties of the UN climate convention. U.S. President Biden had planned to 'lead' it.
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Biden then insulted the Chinese President Xi Jingping for not coming to the conference:
Joe Biden launched a stinging attack on China on Tuesday for the failure of the country’s president, Xi Jinping, to show up to the Cop26 UN climate summit, and failing to show leadership on the climate crisis.The US president said it was a “big mistake” that his Chinese counterpart had chosen not to attend the summit, where more than 120 world leaders have spent the last two days discussing ways to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C.
“We showed up,” Biden told a press conference, speaking before world leaders departed, to leave the floor to their ministers and officials for two weeks of tense negotiations.
“They didn’t show up … It is a gigantic issue and they just walked away,” he said, also criticising Russia and Vladimir Putin.
“How do you do that and claim to have any leadership mantle?”
Wearing his imaginary leadership mantle Biden then demanded to pump and burn more oil:
President Joe Biden kept up the pressure on OPEC+ to combat high oil prices, blaming it for inflationary pressure at home just two days before Saudi Arabia, Russia and the rest of the cartel meet to discuss oil policy.“If you take a look at gas prices, and you take a look at oil prices, that is a consequence of, thus far, the refusal of Russia or the OPEC nations to pump more oil,” Biden told reporters at a news conference at the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow. “And we’ll see what happens on that score sooner than later.”
The pressure on OPEC+ is unusually strong. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday to press for increased production. Other oil-consuming nations are pushing hard as well, with Japan and India wanting more production as the energy crisis threatens to undermine the economic recovery in Europe and Asia.
To demand more oil pumping at a global climate summit is probably the most tone deaf 'leading' anyone could think of.
The Iranian Republican Guards Corp revealed a rather wild story today:
The US military confiscated the Iranian tanker loaded with crude oil in the Sea of Oman, which connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, and intended to unload its shipment to another tanker and direct it to an unknown destination.Reacting promptly, however, members of the IRGC’s Navy carried out a heliborne operation on the stolen ship’s deck, gained control of the vessel, and directed it back toward Iran’s territorial waters.
US forces then proceeded to chase the tanker using several helicopters and warships, but their attempt at taking over the vessel for a second time was thwarted again by Iranian naval forces.
The tanker is currently in Iranian territorial waters and under the protection of IRGC’s Navy.
There is video footage available which seems to confirm all but the first part of the story. It shows the IRGC landing on the tanker, U.S. war ships coming in and IRGC fastboats putting themselves between the tanker and two full fledged U.S. Navy destroyers. But how or why the U.S. was involved with the tanker in the first place is not clear to me.
The tanker is the Vietnamese flagged vessel SOTHYS. It may have been involved in smuggling oil from Iran when the IRGC intervened.
There has been so far no statement from the U.S. side on this. But whatever it had planned seems to have failed.
Posted by b on November 3, 2021 at 18:17 UTC | Permalink
next page »Yes, that means US has not intention to get back to JCPOA. Instead of good gestures they are F-ing it up. I think there will be another tanker incident very soon.
Posted by: John202 | Nov 3 2021 18:38 utc | 3
Thanks for the posting b
I want to respond to one part you wrote
"
The failure to deliver is a indeed a constant. But there is a reason behind that. The U.S. election system is basically based on bribery and thus incapable to deliver the policies most people want.
"
My America was not always an asshole country. Depending on how one measures human progress, I posit that Social Security Insurance as it was originally created and ran independently until the Reagan/Greenspan led "successful" rape of the program is an example of social good that was tried but corrupted by the same global private finance elite behind the bribery.
It is unfortunate that the current manufactured Left/Right frictions are covering up the reality view of our Top/Bottom world
Posted by: psychohistorian | Nov 3 2021 18:41 utc | 4
On a per capita basis, the US is the largest CO2 emmiter in the world. Also much of what is manufactured in China and Mexico is exported to consumers in the US. In light of this fact, an argument could be made that the US is even more to blame for this problem.
Posted by: Michael Crockett | Nov 3 2021 18:57 utc | 5
Indeed "The U.S. election system is basically based on bribery... People in the U.S. know it too and want it changed." The Pew survey is surprising: 81% agree that the USG is not a democracy, perhaps only because the oligarchy actually admits that.
The judicial, executive, and legislative branches of the USG are all controlled by bribery, as are the mass media. But most in the US just watch TV Hope and Change scams, pray that the Dems will do what they have never done, or attack reformers for private gain.
The US unregulated market economy has created a religion whose values are selfishness and dishonesty, and this will neither reform its institutions nor be reformed by institutional changes. Its reform will require generations of complete isolation from the world, leading to internal repression and poverty, and at last enough anger for reform.
Posted by: Sam F | Nov 3 2021 19:07 utc | 6
If one had to guess, if the Tanker was full and returned back to Iranian waters, then the US Navy was successful in preventing its delivery for now anyway, as for the their precise intentions or events, as MoA points out it is unclear what the specific goal of the mission actually was.
Can't say it's a particularly good look for the US either way, even brainwashed Americans must be wondering by now wtf their Navy is doing in the Sea of Oman trying to steal Iranian oil while their Govt pretends to negotiate a nuclear deal they signed.. then left.. and now want to somehow change after the fact.
Let's Go Braindead....
Posted by: Et Tu | Nov 3 2021 19:07 utc | 7
@Michael Crockett | Nov 3 2021 18:57 utc | 5
The problem is one of extreme hypocrisy on the part of these political jokers, they lie about the non-problem of CO2 as they enrich themselves and cause misery in the world.
Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 3 2021 19:28 utc | 8
Biden Administration (and Democratic Party) failures can not be divorced from their support for an authoritarian woke agenda that is almost designed to energize the right.
I have called it a 'perfect storm' for the Left.
It's difficult to believe that this 'perfect storm' is not orchestrated to cause a rightward shift in the country just as the Cold War(s) get colder. IMO that turn right is a joint project of the Democratic and Republican Parties.
We ignore such indications of 'managed democracy' at our peril. Another such indication, which I have pointed to many times at moa, is Kissinger's 2014 WSJ Op-Ed in which he called for USA to meet the challenge from Russia and and China by returning to the methods and principles that made it great in the past. Ten months later, Trump was the MAGA candidate and breezed thru the Republican primaries as the other 18 seasoned politicians failed to adjust their campaigns to the populist nationalist that was running away with the nomination. Really?!?!
!!
Posted by: Jackrabbit | Nov 3 2021 19:32 utc | 9
"But whatever it had planned seems to have failed."
I´m not so sure about that. So far Iran did export oil, chiefly to Asia. That`s of course perfectly legal by international law since the US sanctions have been revoked within the framework of the JCPOA. But it`s illegal according to national US law. In order to protect it`s customers from secondary US sanctions Iran probalby had to re-load and funnel it`s freight through shell firms several times.
At the same time the Biden administration had been looking the other way. As a concession to Iran and a sign of good will in order to reach another deal. (Which of course had never been received in this manner by Teheran but only as a sign of weakness.)
This might be over now. Iran might have prevented the hijacking of it`s tanker (this part of the story couldn`t be confirmed independently) but the oil did certainly not reach it`s customer.
Posted by: m | Nov 3 2021 19:35 utc | 10
Related to US democracy being a sham, as Sri-Lankan writer Indi Samarajiva points out:
"American elections are billion-dollar bribery festivals."
"American corruption is so deep it's become imperceptible. They're comfortably numb."
"America has proudly legalized corruption."
"Why bomb the poorest countries on Earth for decades, and lose? It's just corruption."
https://indica.medium.com/manchin-and-sinema-are-just-corrupt-291e705a2a1a
Related to COP26, CBC News, our Canadian state news agency, of course just simply adopts and propagates the US narratives to attack Russia and China without providing an objective look at their commitments, at the comparative per capita emissions (that Michael Crockett @5 brought up), etc.
The US act of piracy, if confirmed - another example of thuggery - would not be surprising at all from the organized crime syndicate that is the US.
psychohistorian @4, agreed the left-right and so many other divisions being played up by the media all serve to distract the 99% from the root problem that is plutocracy.
Posted by: Canadian Cents | Nov 3 2021 19:37 utc | 11
@John202 | Nov 3 2021 18:38 utc | 3
Yes, that means US has not intention to get back to JCPOA.
However, the US isn't the only player
Iran to Resume JCPOA Negotiations in Vienna on Nov 29 - Iranian Deputy FM
But I agree that the US, which is now simply practicing old fashioned piracy, has no intention to get back to JCPOA. Irans goal is to remove the illegal sanctions.
Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 3 2021 19:39 utc | 12
So while the empty suit Biden, while speaking at a global climate conference, is calling for more oil pumping by those irresponsible and greedy Russians (and Saudis), the US military is busy trying to steal oil from the Iranians, and then gets their asses handed to them? Makes you proud to be an American, it does. /s
Posted by: Perimetr | Nov 3 2021 19:44 utc | 14
Posted by: Perimetr | Nov 3 2021 19:44 utc | 14
And then you have this. US Marines suffer humiliating defeat in combat drills
I'm always skeptical of that type of story, especially coming from the Daily Mail. But it seems to jibe with reality and how things played out in Afghanistan and Iraq. The US military is not intended to win in combat. It's intended to siphon dollars from the taxpayer and funnel them into the bank accounts of weapons makers, pirates and mercenaries. Same as it ever was, documented accurately in "War is a Racket."
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Nov 3 2021 19:55 utc | 15
The establishment scams the 2020 US elections to install Kamala-Joe, crossing their fingers and praying that everyone buys the tall tale that they were the most popular presidential candidates in American history, non-stop gaslighting the public that the evil "deplorables" are now "domestic terrorists", but secretly the establishment really wants the so-called "right" to be victorious and win instead.
[sarcasm]Sure! Makes perfect sense![/sarcasm]
Posted by: William Gruff | Nov 3 2021 19:57 utc | 16
Was this ship on its way to Venezuela?
https://twitter.com/s_m_marandi/status/1455849731855368193
The US stole a tanker on its way to Venezuela with Iranian fuel. The captain/crew betrayed Iran & aided the US. The regime stole & sold the Iranian fuel.
Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 3 2021 20:11 utc | 17
The tanker is the Vietnamese flagged vessel SOTHYS. It may have been involved in smuggling oil from Iran when the IRGC intervened.
There are no UN sanctions prohibiting the export of Iranian products to whereever and to whomever...
The transport of Iranian crude on tankers whatever the flag, is not smuggling.
The only thing Iran should have done... but didn't do... was blow the two tin cans out of the water using ASHMs.... For Piracy on the High Seas.... which under admiralty law is punishable with death.....
I say again.... piracy on the high seas... is punishable with death....
Go check it out...
INDY
Posted by: George W Oprisko | Nov 3 2021 20:16 utc | 18
Jackrabbit
I think you are so right, I gave up voting after Obama 1st election because he was so clearly a cia prop and I am embarrassed that I voted for this murderer. But watching the Democrats make totally fools of themselves and still people think they are some how better then Trump? They are the same! Corporate thugs.
I am working on some art work which involves research on corporate war mongers and I came across this article
Strangesounds.org How big corps destroy America . Black Rock the worst of the worst is rarely mentioned by the enviros or the anti war groups. They are really scary
Posted by: Susan | Nov 3 2021 20:18 utc | 19
"We did not announce the oil vessel incident with the IRGC so it will not affect the nuclear negotiations (Vienna talks)"
US officials
"We are at a time were the US is more concerned about reaching a deal with Iran than Iran is"
Posted by: mikh | Nov 3 2021 20:25 utc | 20
William Gruff #16
Well it makes perfect idiocy IMO. But the odd thing is I dont hear/see much from the #fraudsquad proposing any candidate to challenge the booby prize of Buttigieg/Harris. Methinks they would melt in the heat of ridicule if they did propose anyone but then they could always try Sanders for three in a row fakery. That would prove, yet again, that the democrats are entirely beyond hope let alone change.
let's go Brandon
let's go Braindead
Loved it.
Posted by: uncle tungsten | Nov 3 2021 20:27 utc | 21
It's three strikes and you're out. The Democrats are surely headed to a crushing defeat in 2022/2024.
And let's remember, in the USA approx. 50% don't participate in the electoral process. The largest block of folks who do vote do so without political party affiliation called 'independent.' The rest are divided between GOP/Dems and third parties.
The USA is not a democracy, or a representative democracy. It is a corporate oligarchy on its way to 1984.
The USA has now admitted the world will be ruled under 3 Great Powers.
And soon the USA will be a myth like Atlantis.
Posted by: gottlieb | Nov 3 2021 20:28 utc | 22
Very nice, B, hugely entertaining!
Just stumbled on this little gem here...
"Hi, the name's Joe, but friends call me Brandon!"
Posted by: Scotch Bingeington | Nov 3 2021 20:29 utc | 23
re: The U.S. election system is basically based on bribery and thus incapable to deliver the policies most people want. . .The system has little to do with real democracy. It is a sham.
Yes, but it's more than the election system because democracy is more than elections,
democracy: a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives
There is nothing built into the Constitution to enable government by citizens. For example, other countries have national referendums. One can't even imagine that ever being done in the US because the entire governance, at every level, is basically based on bribery.
Posted by: Don Bacon | Nov 3 2021 20:34 utc | 24
I'm nominating Atrios for the MoA Wordsmith Of The Week Award...
...for explaining EVERYTHING one needs to know about Dems in 54 words.
Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Nov 3 2021 20:39 utc | 25
I guess the posturing of a dotard doesn't really matter ultimately. The world goes about its business indifferent to the oh-so-clever apes who live in it. We need to understand what that business is fast and leave Brandon to his slippers and long twilight.
Posted by: Patroklos | Nov 3 2021 20:41 utc | 26
Don Bacon @24--
Well Don, a few states are more democratic in that there are some ways for direct citizen participation; but overall, you're correct. And as we both know, at the federal level, the initial participation level was designed to be very low and was. The estimation is fewer that 10% of those eligible to vote today voted to adopt the 1787 Constitution, which is why I call the entire process of ousting the Articles of Confederation an elite coup that enthroned an oligarchy. The Anti-Federalists were 100% correct in their objections and remain so today.
Re: Posted by: mikh | Nov 3 2021 20:25 utc | 20
"We did not announce the oil vessel incident with the IRGC so it will not affect the nuclear negotiations (Vienna talks)"
And if we did not announce it then it did not happen, right? The psychotic masters of disinformation now believe their own propaganda.
Posted by: Perimetr | Nov 3 2021 20:53 utc | 28
I live in Virginia and I can tell you McAuliffe ran a lousy campaign. Since this is a "blue" state, perhaps he thought he didn't have to do very much. He tried to scare voters into voting for him by linking Youngkin to Trump. The Democrats did this during the Trump regime, to little success, and seem to have learned nothing. What was missing from McAuliffe was an explanation of how he would improve Virginia. I think in general people hate the establishment and McAuliffe is very much from the establishment, so he needed to make crystal clear he was not business as usual.
Years ago I read something very appalling about McAuliffe, which I can't remember now, so for that reason I voted for a third party candidate. He did set up the Virigina Israel Advisory Board:
Posted by: Edward | Nov 3 2021 21:07 utc | 29
@ George W Oprisko | Nov 3 2021 20:16 utc | 18
The smuggling may refer to the export of subsidized fuel for profit. This type of criminal activity is obviously a loss for the nation as a whole.
I wouldn't be surprised to read that the Empire was exploiting this vulnerability. Anything goes in this game.
Posted by: robin | Nov 3 2021 21:08 utc | 30
Ahoy me Bucko's
We're here for skullduggery and booty on the high seas
arrrghh
Posted by: ld | Nov 3 2021 21:10 utc | 31
The inexcapable fact is that Biden was put there, as someone else could then run the country from behind him.
They are neither left nor right, but are those who couldn't stand in elections as individuals.
There are several possibilities.
One is the Israeli/Zionist influence. They are now actually represented by the CEOs of nearly all US Official Organizations (Three letter ones), and several members are also in the White House (Blinken, Nuland etc). As well as by AIPAC and other Lobbies.
Next are Corporations, and the five Major Banks. Anonymous entities with their own greedy motives. Include the Fed. and the central Banking system.
Followed by Oligarchs, who do not intend to be left out of the orgy.
I nearly forgot the Military-Industrial duopoly.
Many of these groups are interchangeable and can be intermixed with each other, the Bilderbergs, Trilateral Commissions, Davos,etc. Monarchies, Dictators etc.
They are all fighting to control the US.
So what have Americans got to do with foreign policy? Absolutely nothing.
***
However, in the recent case of the Oil-tanker-tango we are seeing, there is obvious collusion between the stated objectives of the Zionists (Bennett and Gantz style), and the US theft of Oil by the Military or Navy. Israel has not been able to start a new war with Iran, but has stepped up the assasinations, provocations and bombing on the territories of other countries.
Biden can be sent to Glasgow to catch up on his siestas, but the increasing activity in the Middle east, Ukraine, China sea all have a common element in an attempt to block the BRI by "deals" with neighbouring countries, as well as force of arms and thuggery.
The secondary conflictual situations - Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, which probably still include Afghanistan, may well sort themselves out by force of arms and resilience of the local populations.
****
Lets go Brandon........ but who is that guy Biden? Has he been sniffed out as a hanger-on?
****
PS. Europe is in the same state of having puppets in the front of the picture and the organizers behind - so I am not picking on just the Americans. We have the same problem. We just don't have Biden.
Posted by: Stonebird | Nov 3 2021 21:10 utc | 32
Song for Brandon et al
More on the Mandates coming your way
Posted by: Perimetr | Nov 3 2021 21:18 utc | 33
It's not just political bribery in the US, our entire government and the corporations supporting it are nothing but grifters. I suspect this is one of the many reasons so many fell for the Trump grift, and still do to this day.
Not only do we not have any form of single payer healthcare system, like every other industrialized country (and many poor countries), we have non-stop insurance commercials trying to confuse the elderly that do receive Medicare, that there are benefits they don't receive because of the zip code they live in, or other such nonsense to scam money out of them. Any normal society would outlaw this kind practice, but here in the USA it's all about corporate profits.
Posted by: ReconFire | Nov 3 2021 21:19 utc | 34
Empty Suit's presidency sealed the fact that ameriKKKa is a democracy in name only. The people thought Mr. Hope and Changey would in fact change the world while instead he only took away any hope we had that ameriKKKa would change.
Dubya once called the Constitution a "piece of paper", Empty Suit made that fact.
Posted by: Gazza | Nov 3 2021 21:30 utc | 35
I see Twitter is doing its best to block access to info on the tanker incident. Geroman does have 4 short videos but its difficult to discern the events. One thing, there doesn't appear to be any second tanker in any of them, although there's an odd screen "anomaly" at :46 in the third video. The boarded tanker is clearly fully laden as seen in the second video. I'm being prevented from providing direct links to these videos by Twitter, so all I can do is supply Geroman's URL, where the videos are well off page bottom. I tried another trick and got this link.
It appears that Iran was alerted to the USN's initial actions and intervened before the hijacking/piracy could take place.
The US ranks 12th in per capita CO2 emissions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dioxide_emissions_per_capita
Posted by: Kevin | Nov 3 2021 21:48 utc | 37
There are two conclusions we can come from this, one boring and one very exciting.
The boring one is that the USA is slowly but inexorably degenerating towards a fascist dictatorship. That confirms my "Byzantine hypothesis".
The exciting one is that Biden essentially confirmed Marx's theory of inflation is true. Here's the replay:
“If you take a look at gas prices, and you take a look at oil prices, that is a consequence of, thus far, the refusal of Russia or the OPEC nations to pump more oil,” Biden told reporters at a news conference at the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow. “And we’ll see what happens on that score sooner than later.”
According to which parameters is Biden questioning OPEC oil output? The answer can be no other than the amount of USDs he pumped into the American economy (which is a continuation of the Trumpian policy of the 2020). Biden is positing the MMT/Keynesian theory, which states the rise of supply of money should automatically create its corresponding demand because capitalism is a system in equilibrium; therefore it can only be because OPEC (with Russia serving as its evil mastermind) is violating the delicate flower of the free market. Put in simpler words, the USA think it is unfair the rest of the world is not giving the goods it thinks it deserves.
The only explanation for Biden's whining is that Marx's inflation theory must be true: the USD is merely a fiat currency with no inherent value. The only thing with inherent value is value itself: if the USA doesn't produce enough value to reciprocate with the rest of the world (i.e. back up those trillions of newly printed USD), there's a limit it can game the system with monetary devices like quantitative easing and money printing. The rest of the world, on its part, is stopping sending the USA its produced goods for the simple reason they need to survive: if they're not paid back in true value, they will literally starve, their social fabric disintegrating.
The deeply, fundamentally corrupt bribery that runs the US political system ("donors") can not be blamed on Joe Biden, nor on any other one politician.
In fact, they would not be politicians if they were not taking those bribes. Taking the money is the price of entry to electoral politics. Do it, or you just can't run.
Trump played to that in 2016 by saying he would not take money, he was too rich to need it. People loved that. He actually did then take money, and a lot of it, but that just made him like everyone else who ever ran for office. The important point is that people knew it, and responded to the promise to fix it, the (broken) promise to be different.
The important point is that voters would respond well to the option of a not-bribed candidate. How that could happen is hard to say. Ralph Nader wrote a book suggesting billionaires could just wave a magic wand of money, and that would be different. Hard to say that would leave the candidate in any way independent of that one donor.
Posted by: Mark Thomason | Nov 3 2021 21:55 utc | 39
The comment WRT smuggling ignores the fact that it was a VLCC crude tanker...
I stand by my post.
INDY
Posted by: George W Oprisko | Nov 3 2021 21:57 utc | 40
karlof1 #36
It appears that Iran was alerted to the USN's initial actions and intervened before the hijacking/piracy could take place.
Thank you and agreed with that interpretation. I would be fairly certain that Iran's intelligence apparatus throughout the Gulf would be among the best. My assumption is there was no offloading of cargo but rather a close watching game to pounce on the ship should the hint of it being nabbed and/or redirected by USA pirates be confirmed by a change of course. Its hard to tell with reports right now but the Iran team was mighty well prepared to intervene.
Simultaneously the Saudis have ramped up the rhetoric to hysteria levels regarding Lebanon and this shipping thingy could be part on an integrated ME destabilisation game between USA and Muhammed bin Bonesaw or some other occupying state that seeks to smash Shia and maintain conflict.
This a must read piece by Radwan Mortada in the Cradle and deep dives into the Lebanon sea of political intrigue. Excellent journalism.
Saudi Arabia has gone nuts on Lebanon. The Gulf state took draconian measures last week that are tantamount to declaring war against the Levantine state.The Saudis expelled the Lebanese ambassador from Riyadh, withdrew their Beirut envoy Walid Bukhari, declared a total boycott of Lebanese imports, and demanded several other Arab allies follow suit. All this, ostensibly, because Lebanon’s Minister of Information George Kordahi described the Saudi–Emirati aggression on Yemen as a “futile war.”
Other Gulf states swiftly jumped on the bandwagon. The UAE demanded its citizens leave Lebanon, and provided Lebanese diplomats 24 hours notice to exit the Emirates. Riyadh’s actions were accompanied by a propaganda war waged by Gulf-funded Lebanese and Arab conventional and social media, demanding either the resignation of Minister Kordahi or his dismissal by the Lebanese government.
Posted by: uncle tungsten | Nov 3 2021 22:46 utc | 42
Mark Thomason @Nov3 21:55 #39:
Trump played to that in 2016 by saying he would not take money, he was too rich to need it. People loved that. He actually did then take money
Even his $25 million Trump University settlement was paid for by someone else (a Trump friend and business partner).
The settlement itself was another lie: he said he would not settle - that he NEVER settles. But he did.
<> <> <> <>
Then there's Bernie. He surprised everyone when he raised lots of money from small donors in the 2016 Democratic Primary race. But after the 2016 election he started a PAC that would raise money from large donors. IIRC, Bernie pulled back from accepting large donors after an outcry from his deluded base which never asked themselves: why was he interested in seeking large donations at all?
!!
Posted by: Jackrabbit | Nov 3 2021 22:47 utc | 43
Stonebird @Nov3 21:10 #32: Biden was put there
Exactly.
!!
Posted by: Jackrabbit | Nov 3 2021 22:50 utc | 44
For 18 months Americans have been subjected to dictates that killed out jobs and economy, closed schools, forced us to take poison shots for a non-emergency illness and, just for fun, have us wearing pieces of plastic and fabric over our faces to ride a bus or buy food. None of us got to vote on any of this nonsense and most complied. But now a few got a chance to vote against one of the worst murderers of the elderly on NJ and the Clintonian scum in Virginia. What a surprise! It was all about the fake pandemic, with a split between neo-liberals and anyone else. The winners are also awful, but the point was to end the fakery. It might work.
Posted by: Pjerome | Nov 3 2021 22:57 utc | 45
Edward @Nov3 21:07 #29: McAuliffe ran a lousy campaign.
Not surprising.
IMO the turn to the right is orchestrated by the Deep State that controls the duopoly.
McAuliffe was Hillary's running mate in 2016. 'nuff said?
Virginia appears to be a Waterloo for the Left. A set-back that they are not likely to recover from. In fact, IMO the Democrats are likely to double-down on 'woke' craziness in the wake of this set-back, just to reassure their base further anger conservatives and independents (and seal the Left's defeat).
The rape that made headlines days before the election reminded me of the Kuwaiti woman's claims of babies being thrown from incubators (see link below). A very convenient (and very false) accusation that drew outrage that was consistent with Deep State objectives.
How False Testimony and a Massive U.S. Propaganda Machine Bolstered George H.W. Bush’s War on Iraq.
!!
Posted by: Jackrabbit | Nov 3 2021 23:20 utc | 46
The boring one is that the USA is slowly but inexorably degenerating towards a fascist dictatorship. That confirms my "Byzantine hypothesis". vk
To me, USA is institutionally democracy, and operationally, oligarchy. Typically, and USA is typical, oligarchs are a fractious lot but share many common interests. Concerning FASCISTIC aspects, there are not many, but some can be discerned, like ideological phobias to certain nations or countries, e.g. Russophobia. Cult of leaders has some flashes, but somewhat fleeting -- when I have seen commentaries on Biden following his elections, I witness such a flash of mass adulation, and by now, we know it was fleeting. Other aspects, like trains moving in a timely fashion, are absent (look up "supply chain crisis", an aspect of anarchy).
Posted by: Piotr Berman | Nov 3 2021 23:25 utc | 47
uncle tungsten @42--
Thanks for your reply! Here's the Outlaw US Empire's denial. The info supplied by the item I linked in my reply to George is critical to the puzzle:
"Since Oct 25 until Nov 2, tanker according to AIS, was at anchor at Bandar Abbas anchorage, but as of 1630 UTC Nov 3, her AIS is off during last 27 hours."
I watched the videos, the USN vessels weren't merely "monitoring" given their close proximity. Here's what IMO occurred:
Tanker is bait to trap what Iran believes to be a hijacking attempt by the two USN vessels hanging just outside Bandar Abbas, which is an oil loading terminal. The trap is prematurely sprung; no oil was offloaded as there's no other tanker to receive it as the bait tanker is clearly fully loaded. HQ orders USN vessels to disengage and the drama ends. For Iran's version to hold up, it needs to have the transfer tanker appear in its copious video coverage. Of course, hijacking the bait tanker doesn't require another to act as a receiver; a USN XO could command a squad to board and seize the vessel which probably has an unarmed crew of a similar size; so easy-peasy. And they motor off away from Iran to ? The only people that really know the USN's intentions are the USN.
Iran could have another motive and that would be to warn USN from even thinking about hijacking one of its tankers again. And after some consideration, IMO that's what happened today.
Et Tu | Nov 3 2021 19:07 utc | 7
Lets go Braindead?
Hilarious, love it :)
Posted by: K | Nov 3 2021 23:39 utc | 49
So according to our establishment lagomorph the establishment wanted the "right" to win... but the CIA themselves voted for Team Blue. Check out the results in Fairfax and Louden counties in Virginia... the gated community suburbs housing large numbers of establishment operatives.
Look closely at that map folks and try to convince yourself that the Deep State was in the bag for Youngkin in Virginia. Try to tell yourself that things are going well for the establishment.
No, the Deep State just got smacked down hard by the voters.
Posted by: William Gruff | Nov 3 2021 23:48 utc | 50
American deplorables for the most part, are a bunch of dupes and cretins. The plutocrats looting their commons will continue to pit them against the black permanent underclass who own less than 0,05% of total wealth in the US. For ruling classes exploiting the rabble, the southern strategy remains. Lyndon Baines Johnson: “If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you.”
Reading the headlines, reactionaries in the USA will have us believing that hordes of minorities and communists bent on imposing purges :), and CrItIcAl RaCe ThEoRy run this fascist corporate state. If I was Chinese or Russian, I'd want more chaos in exceptional land...The sinking ship is already ungovernable. A Trump reelection with Col Blimps, Tom Cotton fascists, Boebert crazies and Ted Cruz free marketeers in charge of foreign policy will probably do the trick (reneging on their words and nullifying treaties left and right) - and destroy what remains of this crumbling republic.
Posted by: Boss Tweet | Nov 3 2021 23:50 utc | 51
William Gruff @Nov3 23:48 #50: the Deep State just got smacked down hard by the voters.
Only those that accept the notion that the Deep State is aligned with the Democratic Party will accept this statement.
Those of us who believe that the Deep State has great influence on BOTH Parties will see this statement as untrue and disingenuous.
And we can go further: Would anyone dispute that the Deep State is very pro-capitalism and pro-military? Which Party/Movement best reflects those values?
The Deep State understands that promoting their self-serving values is counter-productive. Instead, the Left must self-destruct and be turned back on general principal. Which is exactly what's happening.
!!
Posted by: Jackrabbit | Nov 4 2021 0:16 utc | 52
Boss Tweet @51
Except the headlines are telling us that the "deplorables" are domestic terrorists and not heroes, and that Critical Race Theory (or what people are calling CRT) is imaginary when The National Socialist Education Association asserts that they are promoting it in classrooms.
It is not the "deplorables" who are dupes and cretins, but rather the white middle class establishment lackeys who are trying to gaslight the population with delusional fake science and liberal capitalist ideology. The "deplorables" are resisting the "woke" middle class's best efforts to dupe them and it is driving those wokesters nuts.
Let's go Brandon!
Posted by: William Gruff | Nov 4 2021 0:16 utc | 53
The Deep State is currently aligned with the Democrat Party because the Republicans have become dangerously infected with populism. When (or rather 'if') the populism is purged from the Republicans and crushed out in society then the establishment will shift back to a more balanced treatment of the Dims/Repugs, but until then the establishment attacks hitting the Repugs are just collateral damage in the effort to put the populist genie back in the bottle.
Posted by: William Gruff | Nov 4 2021 0:24 utc | 54
Jackrabbit @46
Actually Sen. Tim Kaine was her running mate in 2016. I was a bit surprised by that choice, because Kaine can actually be good on foreign policy sometimes. I was expecting someone like Joe Lieberman. My guess is Clinton wanted someone to dilute her bloody foreign policy record, especially on Iraq. Or maybe she wanted someone willing to stand up to Israel sometimes. Anyway, I have called his office a few times and his staff didn't seem that immoral to me. I would talk with young women who struck me as well-intentioned, but naive and perhaps clueless. Kaine has tried to do some good things, such as revive the war powers act, but his efforts were flawed and didn't succeed. Kaine is definitely better then Virginia's other senator, Mark Warner.
When discussing the Democratic Party, I think one needs to break down the factions, mainly the conservative establishment Dems and the Sanders wing. As discussed in this post, the U.S. political system is rigged, and to participate you usually have to join one of the two parties, which are essentially monopolies. This means that political enemies who you would expect to be in different parties are nominally all "Democrats", supposedly all helping each other. In practice, the establishment goes to great lengths to destroy the left or non-Zionist politicians such as Dennis Kucinich, Cynthia McKinney, and others. For some reason Sanders ended up being the last man standing out of an earlier group of progressive congress members. This is not new, either; the McGovern campaign was fought tooth and nail by the establishment in 1972.
Posted by: Edward | Nov 4 2021 0:44 utc | 55
The Deep State has little difficulty in controlling either party. Both parties offer faux populism. Biden has reneged on all major campaign directives as ordered.
Of course, Trump never gave anything to his supporters in the trailer parks other than the bolstering of their xenophobia and racism. It was all gutting regs and tax cuts for the rich. Republican boilerplate. JEB would have done the same. Though he's more amenable to war.
Deep State (CIA) was uncomfortable with Trump. IMHO, they were afraid he'd say too much. Or say the wrong thing. Couldn't control his extemporaneous speaking. He is an idiot.
OTOH, now with Biden, they enjoy that he is quite malleable. But they didn't count on his dementia being as severe as it is. Causing great embarrassment and potentially serious instability. Likewise, an idiot.
No real populists.
Posted by: Kristan hinton | Nov 4 2021 0:55 utc | 56
Kevin
I seriously doubt that, here is why….. the US makes sure the pentagon is not included in the carbon emissions considering they are the largest emitter in the world their is no way the US is 12th.
Posted by: Susan | Nov 4 2021 1:02 utc | 57
@ William Gruff | Nov 4 2021 0:24 utc | 54
Is the so-called deep state not a divided house? Sure their ultimate aims are similar, but they have different special interests, thus their infighting. This is perhaps an opportunity to exploit for by the benefit of regular people?
If only we had the means to forge a way through the obfuscations, distractions and delusions that are so well funded by a tiny percentage who see themselves as having no obligation to respect the rights of others, whom they view as lessors — those who make up the majority of sentient beings.
There is something seriously wrong with a “Email culture elite” which does not have the ability to discern our reality nature yet their activities impact most others, and yet they believe they are the cat’s pajamas, all good despite the obvious destruction and misery caused.
I have no answer to the general problem other than just keep on keeping on, including playing music and connecting with your neighbors who you have more in common with than the speculators and bought politicians whatever their declared party allegiance.
Save a bee, plant a garden, fiddle a hornpipe jig, etc.; let those who throttle human development struggle to figure out how and where and why they went astray. If they “get it” then welcome them in with no aversion, no attachment. Life goes on.
Posted by: suzan | Nov 4 2021 1:03 utc | 58
Let's Go Brandon
Let's Go Braindead
Let's Go Brainwashed
Let's Go Zombies
If you are the God of Mammon elite you want to schedule your economic collapse at a time when the public cognitive dissonance is at its highest so that it can be more easily manipulated.
I can hear the trope's now......they are doing God's work.....its all legal.....don't want to change horses in middle of stream......Godless communism...
Posted by: psychohistorian | Nov 4 2021 1:17 utc | 59
Kevin at @37. You are correct. I will restate and clarify my comment. The two largest carbon polluters in the world are China-28% and the US-15%. Given that China has 1.4 billion people and then US 340 million, the US has a per capita carbon footprint that is double the per capita footprint of China.
Posted by: Michael Crockett | Nov 4 2021 1:31 utc | 60
Below is a link to the coming Covid failure of the Biden administration
Archbishop Viganò Writes Stunning Letter on Vaccine Program
The take away quote
"
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has written a stunning letter to America’s bishops in which he makes several astounding claims about COVID-19 jabs and the Church’s role in promoting vaccines.
Viganò asserts that vaccines normally go through years of rigorous testing, and that the lack of such a process in the case of COVID-19 jabs represents public health authorities conducting “experimentation on the entire world population.”
The Archbishop referenced drug treatments that have proven effective in fighting COVID without the risks of vaccines, noting that such drugs have been discredited by global health bodies and the media.
“It must be reiterated that there are effective treatments which cure patients and allow them to develop permanent natural immune defenses, something that the vaccines do not do,” he wrote. “Furthermore, these treatments do not cause serious side effects, since the drugs that are used have been licensed for decades.”
“International standards specify that an experimental drug cannot be authorized for distribution except in the absence of an effective alternative treatment: this is why drug agencies in the USA and Europe have prevented the use of hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, hyper-immune plasma, and other therapies with proven effectiveness,” he added.
Viganò goes on to state that the vaccines proving ineffective in preventing people from getting and passing on the virus means they can’t even be called vaccines.
"
The Covid genie is not going to stay in the bottle.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Nov 4 2021 1:35 utc | 61
So some here think Mc A ran a poor campaign in Virginia. I think he spoke from his heart when he made the remarks about parents and school boards, and that idiotic statement has killed him politically.
Posted by: Morongobill | Nov 4 2021 1:42 utc | 62
Bottom line truth here;
"The failure to deliver is a indeed a constant. But there is a reason behind that. The U.S. election system is basically based on bribery and thus incapable to deliver the policies most people want."
Great thread, should be required reading for all U$ citizens..
Posted by: vetinLA | Nov 4 2021 1:48 utc | 63
As usual, b is only presenting a partial view. I guess it's up to me to add to it and point a few facts.
The Democrats have been foaming at the mouth about Trump for 5 years now. That's all they talk about, instead of presenting an actual agenda. Of course they will begin to lose. And lose badly. They will lose the House, the Senate in 2022 and eventually the White House in 2024.
BUT! That's still a circus show because both the Democrats AND Republicans agree on who their enemies are: Russia and China and Iran. So even of the Democrats lose the House, the Senate and the White House(as they deserve to lose) NOTHING will really change.
Let's face it: The ONLY difference between the Democrats and Republicans is who they think their main enemy is: The Democrats think it's Russia while the Republicans think it's China. No wonder the Chinese are preparing. Imagine Trump back at the helm in 2024. The Chinese better get ready.
Posted by: Hoyeru | Nov 4 2021 2:15 utc | 64
Team Brandon also seems to have taken a hit with the recently released video of Kyle Rittenhouse from August 2020 during that night of mostly peaceful protests which leaves a lot of questions to be answered, like how did this even get to trial unless there was political interference? Political football will be competing with the NFL brand.
Posted by: Tom | Nov 4 2021 2:53 utc | 65
suzan @Nov4 1:03 #58:
Is the so-called deep state not a divided house? Sure their ultimate aims are similar, but they have different special interests, thus their infighting.
Please read Hoyeru's comment @Nov4 2:15 #64. The hyper-partisan "infighting" is just a smokescreen. Both Parties serve the establishment. And the faux populist "heros"/sarc that have emerged also serve the establishment.
1) The Tea Party floundered for years .. until billionaire conman Trump decided to run for the Presidency?
2) Bernie Sanders could have started his own Party or joined with the Green Party but he decided to make a doomed-from-the-start attempt to "take over" the Democratic Party? It never made any sense. But MSM played him up as a 'good-hearted' guy despite being out-of-touch with "American values" and the kiddies swooned. To drive home the point, the Democratic Party ran 'good-hearted' billionaires in the 2020 Primaries.
But Bernie soldiered on. Never swaying from his goal of crashing the progressive wave against the cliffs of the Democratic machine. And we now see the inevitable result of the trust and hope placed in establishment-friendly, pro-Empire Bernie: abject failure.
!!
Posted by: Jackrabbit | Nov 4 2021 3:01 utc | 66
Tom @Nov4 2:53 #65
Rittenhouse fired a total of four people. The first was chasing him but didn't have a weapon. The second and third were moving moving away from him when he Rittenhouse fired at them at point blank range. One of those he killed as they guy was trying to retrieve his skateboard, the other he missed. The fourth had a handgun (so that shooting seems justified as self defense).
Rittenhouse was underage. His parents/guardians/supervisors/ never should've allowed him to enter a crowd that had been declared an illegal assembly, especially with a firearm. Rittenhouse was more likely used as bait than for his skills as a medic.
!!
Posted by: Jackrabbit | Nov 4 2021 3:17 utc | 67
That may be true JR, but I think Ramin Mazaheri draws the correct verdict, not guilty.
http://thesaker.is/why-the-us-left-loses-they-cant-support-kyle-rittenhouse-kenoshas-jacob-blake/
"Rittenhouse is the 17-year old who shot three people during the Jacob Blake protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and let’s start off by stating a near-certainty: the kid is not going to be convicted.
Amid public chaos one guy chases you and grabs your gun, another beats you with a skateboard while you’re on the ground and grabs your gun, and another points a gun at you – there’s not a jury in America which won’t say shooting these three people wasn’t self-defense, I predict.
You wouldn’t even need a video of yourself saying you are in Kenosha with a gun and, crucially, a medical kit to “help people” – this will be an American jury which accepts violence as an everyday fact, and which esteems “stand your ground” self-defense. Even a video of what appears to be you cowardly punching a fellow teenage girl in the back won’t be enough to get 12 Americans to say that you weren’t justified to defend your life and property. I’m no lawyer, but this seems like an open and shut case… at least in America; and in states like Wisconsin, where openly carrying semi-automatic weapons is – incredibly – legal."
This writing by Ramin Mazaheri is quite a good take, well worth the time it tkes to read it.
Posted by: Tom | Nov 4 2021 3:41 utc | 68
Here's another embarrassment for the US, this time from Sputnik News:
UK Royal Marines Reportedly Obliterate Almost Entire Unit of US Forces During Drills
It seems that even with a reset halfway through the 5-day drill, the Royal Marines still defeated the US Marines very handily.
Though as one astute BTL commenter observes, if Afghan goat-herders can defeat the US military, who wouldn't be able to defeat them?
(Maybe the Australian Army would be asked to take "one for the team" and let the US beat them?)
Posted by: Jen | Nov 4 2021 3:56 utc | 69
re: Seyed Mohammad Marandi tweet @17
The US stole a tanker on its way to Venezuela with Iranian fuel. The captain/crew betrayed Iran & aided the US. The regime stole & sold the Iranian fuel.
Betrayed? Unless this was a translation mistake, does Seyed expect an unarmed transport crew to fight off armed soldiers?
Maybe it's time for Iran to hire Russian mercs to provide security.
Posted by: Ian2 | Nov 4 2021 4:38 utc | 70
I can't see the video on the link b posted.
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2021/11/03/669850/Iran-IRGC-confrontation-United-States-oil-piracy
Just stills from the video.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayast | Nov 4 2021 6:43 utc | 71
Posted by: Perimetr @ 14
So while the empty suit Biden, while speaking at a global climate conference, is calling for more oil pumping by those irresponsible and greedy Russians (and Saudis), the US military is busy trying to steal oil from the Iranians, and then gets their asses handed to them? Makes you proud to be an American, it does. /s
I d/n know an unproud, shamed, embarrassed American, nor do I know a reason for an America to be unproud, shamed, or embarrassed, but I do know a lot of Americans who are asking: who the hell is the USA?
Being an American is best described as being a member of a cultural nationalism. Americans have experienced three different governments since Columbus. Cultural nationalism transcends and is transparent to the nation state government that seeks to control the members of that cultural nationalism.
Whole culturally national persons, or even multi groups of culturally national people, are subjected to rule by law and use of force imposed by the control apparatus of the particular nation state <= responsible for the incarceration of various cultures. The 256 different nation states comprise the global divide and conquer control system <= it depends on having the entire population of the world incarcerated and bound to one of its 256 member nation states. The philosophy that supports nation state incarceration is divide and conquer. The process that locks the door and throws out the key, is called mind control and personality differentiation.
Nation state incarceration (1 of 256 nation states), subjects' that individual to massive numbers of sub government divisions (states, regions, local, neighborhood all incarcerating micro differentiating systems) all such sub divisions are designed to separate and differentiate the nation state sub-populations into controllable, mind set conformed, highly polarized (binary opposite) mind sets (Democraps or Reputards are manufactured binaries). Narratives that lend themselves well to mind control technology are used to develop and present content that polarize, differentiate and direct the minds and behaviors of the incarcerated.
Mind control propaganda and narrative control technology are used to manipulate the thinking of the nation state incarcerated. MSM controls narrative and engineered mind control content access to the media, content distribution to audiences, and profit making advertising funds the entire differentiation and mind control system. The system itself extracts the money for the advertising dollar support from the pockets of those the nation state governs and taxes. This consumer paid for outcome is true because the price for goods and services <=when paid for by a nation state incarcerated person, includes the profit making seller's tax deductible advertising contribution (cost of advertising) paid to the advertising distribution media <=which means advertising[which is a content] cost is added together with profit and other cost to make up the price the customer must pay for the product or service he or she purchases.
National elections to select candidates to serve in elected positions within the 527 position USA are near meaningless to those who are the voting governed. If it were not for outcomes important to local elections, few voters would waste time voting to select candidates to serve in top level national nation state governments.
Voter participation in election of candidates to serve in national USA governed America elections are limited to but three persons (2 for the 2 senator to represent the state which incarcerates the voter, and 1 to be the house member from the 1 out of 425 house of representative voting (incarceration) districts. (3 votes/527 positions. (3 votes allowed to each voter/527 positions to be filled by the election) = .6%/(number of voters who vote in the election . In other words, the impact a voter is able to assert in the determination of what makes up of the elected persons who operate the nation state government is so minimal, so negligible in determining outcome, that it is of no consequence to outcome. Worse, the impact of content engineered propaganda, the fact that voters are not effectively allowed to nominate persons to candidacy, gerrymandering and other stuff etc. further dilutes intention of a voting nation state incarcerated person.
Posted by: vetinLA | Nov 4 2021 1:48 utc | 63
the U.S. election system is basically based on bribery and thus incapable to deliver the policies most people want."
very interesting comment.. do you mean to be a candidate involves bribery or electing a candidate involves bribery.
Posted by: snake | Nov 4 2021 7:51 utc | 72
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayast | Nov 4 2021 6:43 utc | 71
I just viewed them. Pretty much follow the chronology Iran described. Video start by views of the ship from the air following with helicopter carrying commandos rappelling down onto the ship. Fast forward there are two US destroyer trying to get close to ship probably to ram it which then hampered by IGRC fast boats.
As far as video go there's only one clear provocation which involves US helicopter dropping flares right above Iranian boats.
Posted by: Lucci | Nov 4 2021 7:56 utc | 73
I am astonished that the third failure is unreported by 'our' MSM, despite it being reported here on MoA many hours ago.
I can imagine, having begun my working career in the MSM, that they don't know what form of words to use to excuse and justify this attempted USN piracy.
It's pathetic and it shows by their lack of reportage.
Posted by: Paul | Nov 4 2021 8:41 utc | 74
Jen #69
"(Maybe the Australian Army would be asked to take "one for the team" and let the US beat them?)"
They already have and the victors are busy setting up more bases in support of their occupation RIGHT NOW.
Posted by: uncle tungsten | Nov 4 2021 9:17 utc | 75
Nobody even notices the Rittenhouse name. Not a random kid. An aristocrat. Why is an aristocrat child sent on this mission? There is a game afoot.
Posted by: Oldhippie | Nov 4 2021 10:07 utc | 76
Posted by: psychohistorian | Nov 3 2021 18:41 utc | 4
Having read Gustavus Myers story of the Great American Fortunes, C. Wright Mills on the Power Elite, Domenico Losurdo on the history of Liberalism, Bill Blum's encylopaedia of the CIA, etc. I can assure you that Merica has always been an asshole country.
Posted by: v | Nov 4 2021 10:07 utc | 77
Really, can't expect much better from an oligarchic failed state.
Posted by: Hart Liss | Nov 4 2021 10:51 utc | 78
The USA blinks first:
So, gen. Milley finally develops on his theory behind the decision on calling gen. Li Zuocheng behind Trump's back.
Iran repo
Thank you b for another post; your analysis and insights are second to none.
Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayast | Nov 4 2021 6:43 utc | 71
Posted by: Lucci | Nov 4 2021 7:56 utc | 73
I'm adding my exclamation point to both posters, the PressNews link Biswapriya gave worked for me, incredible footage, jaw dropping. After seeing the way Iranians responded to U.S. piracy with unflinching courage and unbelievable coordination I'm speechless. Imagine what other countries are thinking now about U.S. actions and U.S. abilities as everyone must decide how to proceed internationally. Telesur in Venezuela is carrying the same footage so I'm guessing that the U.S. image continues to be shattered throughout the world.
Here's the link again.
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2021/11/03/669850/Iran-IRGC-confrontation-United-States-oil-piracy
Posted by: migueljose | Nov 4 2021 11:55 utc | 80
Posted by: migueljose | Nov 4 2021 11:55 utc | 80
great footages.
but what stuns me is that the Iranians using windows
Posted by: Kartoschka | Nov 4 2021 12:13 utc | 81
Iran repo
Going back and re-reading the post and links it is still sinking in that the U.S. had to have planned the piracy by positioning an empty tanker, ambushing the first tanker, then escorting the empty tanker alongside and taking the oil from the captured tanker and transferring it into the other. Game over, right? No. Iran responded and took physical possession of the second tanker and the U.S. didn't have enough firepower (or fortitude) to respond so they called/begged for reinforcements which took 40 minutes to arrive. Ok, now the Empire is ready to fight, right? No. The Americans went away!
And... the Iranians got it on video! This all happened October 23 or so. Maybe I missed it in the news but I just found out from b yesterday.
This story should be discussed for a long time. Many questions need to be asked and answers must be demanded.
Posted by: migueljose | Nov 4 2021 12:13 utc | 82
I am not able to watch the video of the tanker incident; I have a message about "crossdomain access denied".
Posted by: Edward | Nov 4 2021 12:50 utc | 83
Posted by: Edward | Nov 4 2021 12:50 utc | 83
Try this one, it has clips of the same footage linked to a twitter account, a bit more cumbersome but it might work for you. Iran's Presstv is blocked by lots of the social media oligarchs.
https://orinocotribune.com/iran-thwarts-us-attempt-to-hijack-oil-tanker-in-gulf-of-oman/
Posted by: migueljose | Nov 4 2021 13:04 utc | 84
@61 psychohistorian
"(...) this is why drug agencies in the USA and Europe have prevented the use of hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, hyper-immune plasma, and other therapies (...)"
So why have drug agencies in Russia, China, Iran, Cuba etc. done the same?
Posted by: m | Nov 4 2021 13:12 utc | 85
The earlier Iranian news story b quotes has the ships mixed up. The later PressTV story with the 7 minute video is more likely to have the correct story. This is a summary I wrote for our ACLOS site.
25 Oct. Iran's IRGC capture the Vietnamese flagged tanker SOTHYS in the Arabian Sea. (full video) According to Iranians, the tanker was carrying Iranian crude oil transferred to the ship by Americans, after they had captured another tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Gulf of Oman. No details of this previous incident or the ships involved are known.
The link to the Maritime Bulletin site Karlof provided has one important piece of information. The Sothys had been practicing radio silence until it was captured by the Iranians. This is further indication that it was part of an American piracy operation.
People are complaining that they have not been able to see the video. I have no problem seeing the video linked to the PressTV article, although the download link no longer seems to work. A also noted yesterday that the full version of the video was on YouTube, but I did not open the link.
PressTV have updated the video in their story. Yesterday it had Farsi captions, but today they have been changed to English. There is plenty of detail in the video for open source analysis. Note the compass angles shown in drone footage. Americans always hide all metadata from combat videos they publish.
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Nov 4 2021 13:18 utc | 86
So, gen. Milley finally develops on his theory behind the decision on calling gen. Li Zuocheng behind Trump's back.
Posted by: vk | Nov 4 2021 11:50 utc | 79
That is rather interesting, and that he (Milley) is still up there. No problem with what he did so far, except for a few bleats from the bleachers, despite the continuing China provoking elsewhere.
Well, deep state has been incoherent, not united, for some time now, perhaps it doesn't mean much. But the media has ignored it for the most part too, not even the red-meat right. I would think a few accusations of treason or the like would have been expected.
Perhaps the non-exceptional state of US military prowess is filtering through, a little more sanity is being allowed. Keep hope alive!
Posted by: Bemildred | Nov 4 2021 13:29 utc | 87
High Gasoline prices definitely an own goal
The U.S. is now producing 11.5m BPD which is only 10% below our all time high.
I get that lifting sanctions against Iran, while the right thing to do, is unpopular, but Venezuela?
I reasonably competent U.S. politician should be able to sell lifting sanctions on Venezuela. People in the U.S. may not like Maduro but we do not have a venomous hatred for him either, certainly not in the same league as Iran, Russia, N.Korea, or now even China.
Sure, belligerent Republicans would scream 'weakness' but Venezuela would insist on being allowed their old production quotas and that would really put pressure on the other members.
Posted by: Christian J. Chuba | Nov 4 2021 14:51 utc | 88
I expected better coverage from you B! You clearly did not do proper research which will mislead people on the topic! Here's the thing regarding the recent 'imaginary' Iran-U.S. confrontation that was cooked for sensational domestic consumption on the eve of the anniversary of Iran's 1980 occupation of U.S. Embassy held annually on Nov 3: The maritime details are all mentioned according to TankerTrackers.com (see below)
*China sent back Iran's oil cargo recently (due to the already full capacity of its local storage) and the Vietnamese tanker was en route to Bandar Abbas port in Southern Iran, when some dimwits inside the country wrote a scenario for the IRGC to ultimately shoot two birds with one stone, namely a) to carry out a 'show of force' in response to the recent Arab-U.S.-Israel joint drill in the Persian Gulf and, b) to have propaganda material for the Nov. 3 annual commemoration of the U.S. embassy capture.
*When the SOTHYS oil tanker-owned by Vietnam- carrying Iran's oil shipment entered Iran's territorial waters in late October, the film crew was brought on board the unsuspected ship and its dumfounded crew were caught off shocked! and the script started from then on. The tankers' crew thought the ship was being captured by pirates sent SoS to escort ships nearby (e.g. USS Sullivan). When the U.S. reached the perimeter and assessed the situation and even made contact with Iranian theater crew and discovered it to be a nothing burger, changed route and left the area and little did the 26 crew of the tanker knew that Iran was 'ceremonially' capturing its own ship for its own purposes! BTW, all of this happened in Oct. 25 and Tasnim news Agency which is managed by the IRGC first reported it yesterday (i.e. Nov.3) followed by FARS news which has the same affiliation. The U.S. Fifth fleet yesterday confirmed that nothing had happened and said that it did not want to create confusion for the purpose of non-interfering with the ongoing 4+1 diplomatic effort aimed at JCPOA revival.
*There are also more details on this imaginary U.S.-Iran incident which add to the absurdity of this saga, but I think what were written above would suffice.
Long story short, nothing happened and Iran basically pulled of a quite terribly-written script/stunt that I'd assume will draw a mixture of anger and humor for its absurdity than anything else! Iran does not need theatrics like this to boost morale or whatever, I'd assume there are people inside Iran who actually do not want the Raisi admin to succeed in solving problems so they create problems and unleash humiliating episodes in order to undermine the incumbent government, create pot holes, and question Iran's resolve. shame on them!
For more details see the reality for yourselves:
https://twitter.com/reza38079314/status/1456160120841322501
https://twitter.com/TankerTrackers?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
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Last but not least, B the title of your entry is unusually similar to the one written last night on DEBKA.com:
Posted by: Russell Kirk | Nov 4 2021 14:55 utc | 89
@84 migueljose
Thanks! I was able to watch a clip from a twitter account.
Posted by: Edward | Nov 4 2021 15:18 utc | 90
The tanker is the Vietnamese flagged vessel SOTHYS. It may have been involved in smuggling oil from Iran when the IRGC intervened.
I don't see any evidence that the SOTHYS was smuggling oil from Iran. According to the Iranian accounts, the US "confiscated" an Iranian tanker (Tanker#1), and then either attempted to or did in fact transfer the crude to another tanker (Tanker#2). It seems to be reasonably clear now that Tanker#2 = Sothys.
I cited the first of B's PressTV.ir links yesterday on the last thread at 13:56. However various reports seem to have been put out before the facts were clear, causing inconsistencies. When I saved it the first link stated that
The US military confiscated the Iranian tanker loaded with crude oil in the Sea of Oman, which connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, and intended to unload its shipment to another tanker and direct it to an unknown destination.Reacting promptly, however, members of the IRGC’s Navy carried out a heliborne operation on the stolen ship’s deck, gained control of the vessel, and directed it back toward Iran’s territorial waters.
That page has been updated today, and the same two paragraphs now read:
The US military confiscated an Iranian tanker loaded with crude oil in the Sea of Oman, which connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, unloaded its shipment to another tanker and directed it to an unknown destination.Reacting promptly, however, members of the IRGC’s Navy carried out a heliborne operation on the deck of the tanker with the stolen cargo, gained control of the vessel, and directed it toward Iran’s territorial waters.
Thus the transfer of oil by the US pirates from Tanker#1 to Tanker#2 was evidently indeed completed. Tanker#2, as receiver of the stolen cargo, was evidently under US control, hence the US attempts to block it after it was boarded by Iranian commandos.
Assuming this analysis is correct, Iran now has under its control in Iranian waters (1) the original cargo of Tanker#1 (now on Tanker#2) plus (2) the US-controlled pirate tanker Tanker#2. What is as yet unclear is what happened to Tanker#1, which according to PressTV.ir was "confiscated" by the US. Iran is championing its success at "thwarting" the US piracy, so does this mean Tanker#1 was released by the US after stealing its cargo? Iran gives no indication of any continued holding of Tanker#1 by the US (including, presumably, its crew) being a bone of contention.
The Orinoco Tribune linked by Miguel Jose above #84 states 'US naval forces “stopped an Iranian tanker in the Gulf of Oman, confiscated its cargo and transferred the cargo to another tanker that belonged to it before heading to an unknown destination,” stated the IRGC', so it does seem to be only the oil cargo that the US pirates "confiscated", and presumably let the vessel go. In which case Iran has all three: both tankers plus the stolen cargo.
According to the same Orinoco link the US attempted to hijack at least 4 tankers, all thwarted by Iran: 2 on October 16th, this one on October 24th, and a fourth in the Gulf of Aden on November 2nd.
All this appears to me to be a concerted effort by the US to provoke war. Each of these piracy attacks is an act of war of aggression against Iran.
Posted by: BM | Nov 4 2021 15:32 utc | 91
There are people in the Democratic Party, including some in leadership positions, whose top priority (other than getting themselves reelected) is to prevent the party and the government from moving leftwards. A solid majority of US citizens favor progressive policies and programs, which the Democrats promise when campaigning but then always fail to deliver when governing. That, in a nutshell, is why the Dems and the US are so messed up and why fascism may be right around the corner.
Posted by: Rob | Nov 4 2021 15:47 utc | 92
Rob | Nov 4 2021 15:47 utc | 92
Interesting point of view there, Rob:
"A solid majority of US citizens favor progressive policies and programs,"
Certainly isn't the case in my neighborhood...
And it sure looks like those "progressive policies and programs" brought on a significant recoil from the voters, at least in Virginia.
Posted by: Doesitreallymatter | Nov 4 2021 16:59 utc | 93
@psychohistorian #4
Social Security does a lot of good today, but let's not forget that the program was created as a PR ploy.
Social Security's retirement age was set at 65 at a time when American life expectancy was... a bit under 65.
The working age to retirees ratio was also entirely different back then.
As for rape of the program - why is it that a taxpayer's income over a certain threshold, must pay tax on 50% of Social security income a bad thing? The income going into Social Security was certainly not taxed. The subsequent growth is not (income) taxed although arguably not inflation proofed. If I could pay money into a program that guaranteed payments out from income put in for as long as I lived - once I hit 65 - and actually did inflation adjustments even if too low, I think a lot of people would love that option.
Posted by: c1ue | Nov 4 2021 18:46 utc | 94
c1ue@94
The interesting ploy was actually that FDR knew the US govt would have no problem paying benefits (the fed just needs to credit bank accounts). He wanted to try and protect the benefits from other politicians trying to take them away.
The problem is whether these benefits will be able to buy anything. This takes employed people making and distributing things and the necessary resources to make them.
Posted by: financial matters | Nov 4 2021 19:11 utc | 95
What need does a president attending a climate conference have for an 85-car motorcade (plus helicopters)?
Posted by: Lysias | Nov 4 2021 19:38 utc | 96
@Tom_Q_Collins " It's intended to siphon dollars from the taxpayer and funnel them into the bank accounts of weapons makers, pirates and mercenaries. Same as it ever was, documented accurately in "War is a Racket."
Yes. Fantastic book, as true now as it was in 1934. It perfectly explains the new concern about hypersonic missiles.
Posted by: ian | Nov 4 2021 20:00 utc | 97
@Doesitreallymatter (94) Opinion polls over the past several years consistently show solid majorities favoring Medicare For All, cancellation of student debt, rebuilding of infrastructure, raising taxes on the wealthy etc, and these majorities include surprisingly large numbers of Republicans. The problem for the Democrats is that many of their elected officials don’t genuinely support those policies, even though they may claim otherwise in public. Hence, you end up with the big promise-no delivery situation that we are currently witnessing.
As for Virginia, Terry McCauliffe, the Democratic candidate for governor, is a Clinton acolyte and a corporatist. He did not run on a progressive agenda. Besides, Virginia has a long peculiar history of electing governors who belong to the party opposing the president. You can look it up, I think it may be something like 9 out of the last 11 times.
Posted by: Rob | Nov 4 2021 20:33 utc | 98
Here is another US blunder. This time Canada takes a hit from hasty policy made on the run.
Posted by: Paul | Nov 4 2021 21:54 utc | 99
- The Democratic party is as much an establishment party as the Republican party is.
- Journalist Greg Palast once said that the Democrats prefer to lose an election instead of winning with a "lefty" candidate like Bernie Sanders.
Posted by: Willy2 | Nov 5 2021 9:31 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
Is that "smuggling" from the Outlaw US Empire's POV or legitimate trade from Iran's POV?
As for Biden, Let's Go Brandon!
Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 3 2021 18:27 utc | 1