Parliament Moves, Elections Let Empire Losses Accumulate
Yesterday saw three important political events, each with an outcome that is unsatisfactory for the U.S. and its European sidekicks.
In Pakistan the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) party had left the government coalition. Additionally some members of prime minister Imran Khan's PTI party had change sides. The opposition in the parliament was preparing a no-confidence vote against him. At the same time a report by the Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. said that U.S. officials had warned that Pakistan would stay on their enemy list as long as Imran Khan was left in his position.
This was understood to be a call for regime change with rumored bribes pushing the swing votes against Khan.
Yesterday the deputy speaker of the parliament did not allow the no-confidence vote to take place. Imran Khan then asked the president of Pakistan to dissolve the parliament and announced new elections within 90 days.
The case is now in the hands of the supreme court of Pakistan which, after a session today, will continue to hear the case tomorrow.
It seems likely that the supreme court will make a 'wise' decision, blame everyone and agree to new elections.
It will then be the voters who will have to decide mainly on an issue of Pakistan's foreign policy. Should it be independent and friendly with China and Russia or should it change back to the U.S. side?
I haven't found any recent polls from Pakistan but a few days ago Khan's party had won the local elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The people may well be impressed with his position and give him their vote.
As usual in Pakistan the military, who's leadership tends to be pro-U.S., may intervene though I doubt that it will have sufficient public support for it.
In Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban has won his fourth election with his party again gaining a two-thirds majority. Hungary is in the EU and in NATO but Orban has his own ways and is friendly with Russia's president Vladimir Putin:
While Orban had earlier campaigned on divisive social and cultural issues, he dramatically shifted the tone of his campaign after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, and has portrayed the election since then as a choice between peace and stability or war and chaos.While the opposition called for Hungary to support its embattled neighbor and act in lockstep with its EU and NATO partners, Orban, a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has insisted that Hungary remain neutral and maintain its close economic ties with Moscow, including continuing to import Russian gas and oil on favorable terms.
At his final campaign rally Friday, Orban claimed that supplying Ukraine with weapons — something that Hungary, alone among Ukraine’s EU neighbors, has refused to do — would make the country a military target, and that sanctioning Russian energy imports would cripple Hungary’s own economy.
“This isn’t our war, we have to stay out of it,” Orban said.
Orban's win makes further EU and NATO moves against Russia more difficult.
The third event that yesterday went counter to U.S. interests was the re-election of Serbia's president Aleksandar Vucic:
The IPSOS and CESID pollsters, which have proven reliable in previous Serbian ballots, predicted Vucic would end up with nearly 60 percent of the votes. If confirmed in the official tally, Vucic would win outright a second five-year term as president and a runoff vote would not be needed.The pollsters projected that Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party would win the most votes in the parliamentary ballot, with around 43 percent, followed by the United for Victory of Serbia opposition group with around 13 percent.
...
Vucic, a former ultranationalist who has boasted of his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has sought to portray himself as a guarantor of stability amid the turmoil raging in Europe due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speaking after voting in Belgrade, Vucic said he expected Serbia to continue on the path of “stability, tranquility and peace.”
...
In a country that went through a series of wars in the 1990s and a NATO bombing in 1999, fears of a conflict spilling over have played into Vucic’s hands. Although Serbia is formally seeking entry into the 27-nation European Union, Vucic has fostered close ties with Russia and China, counting on the Serbs’ resentment of the West over the 1999 NATO air war.Serbia has supported a U.N. resolution that condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but Belgrade has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow, a historic Slavic ally.
Another potential loss could occur in the elections in France next Sunday. President Emmanuel Macron is leading the polls but his advantage over the right-wing Marine Le Pen is narrowing. Current polls have Macron at 27% and Le Pen at 20% with socialist Jean-Luc Mélenchon following at 15%. A runoff vote, two weeks after the first round, between Macron and Le Pen could have surprising results as the people on the left will probably not vote for the neo-liberal Macron for the sole purpose of keeping Le Pen out of the Elysee.
France is a big player in the EU and NATO. Any upset in France would have major consequences.
Posted by b on April 4, 2022 at 15:52 UTC | Permalink
next page »Vis-à-vis the false flag:
Macron and ScholZ are being played again by the UK. Such chumps. Liz Truss up in arms squeaking about 'The Hague'.
It's all the same Syrian approach.
Been there, done that, have the T-Shirt.
Posted by: bjd | Apr 4 2022 16:11 utc | 2
Thank you, b! It is always good to hear good news, and I have been interested in Hungary ever since a PBS series featured that country - I think it was called "Baptiste" and a good underlying theme was problems created in European countries by the influx of migratory elements during instabilities purposefully created in the Middle East. Those countries have much to cope with, France being one of the key players.
Posted by: juliania | Apr 4 2022 16:14 utc | 3
All the other left parties should ask their electorate to vote for Mélenchon to make sure he goes to the 2nd round. They have no chance, each with 2 to 5% votes but it would give Mélenchon a chance to go to second round. If there is a final vote between LE Pen and Macron I dare say Macron will likely lose.
Posted by: maria | Apr 4 2022 16:23 utc | 4
Even if Le Pen could win, she'd still cuck to NATO. She's no Orban.
Posted by: John | Apr 4 2022 16:25 utc | 5
https://www.institutmontaigne.org/en/blog/nato-seen-frances-presidential-candidates
See the fine detail here. Le Pen is pro US and unlikely to change paths on ukraine.
Posted by: John | Apr 4 2022 16:29 utc | 6
If LePen looks like becoming President, they'll do a Trump style election fraud against her, (((They))) just can't have her in power.
Posted by: Hass | Apr 4 2022 16:30 utc | 7
Very good news regarding Orban and Vucic. I like the Orban Quote "Our victory is so big it can be seen from the Moon". :-)
It would be an important blow to the neoliberals if Macron lost.
Posted by: Norwegian | Apr 4 2022 16:30 utc | 8
Pakistan was the biggest of the three, although Orban's decisive victory runs a close second. Currently, I see Lithuania and Poland as the two big pains to be solved after Ukraine--both are ubber-Russophobic and very unlikely to renounce their NATO status to conform with Russia's security. Latvia has stated it will use rubles, and Estonia will likely also. Sri Lanka's problems seem self-inflicted as the government has mostly resigned.
Another important development is the initiation of proper diplomatic relations with Afghanistan. As the US, after twenty one years of corruption and mayhem, with a streak of sadism tight through it, settles into the happy task of starving the children of another muslim country to death, Russia, China, Iran and its other central Asian neighbours set about dealing with another humanitarian emergency for which the USA and the hyena states that revolve under its boots, are entirely to blame.
Meanwhile, speaking of starving children, there is a ceasefire in Yemen which could last. At least as long as the rulers of the UAE and Saudi Arabia keep their phones turned off when Washington calls.
All eyes are on Japan.
Posted by: bevin | Apr 4 2022 16:47 utc | 10
I have read several posts claiming that China has officially offered military support, should the situation require it. If these claims are true (have not seen evidence), this would effectively hinder any rash move by the Pakistan military. Khan has 90 days to clean house and set the narrative. It's probably more important to have the money elite and ISI on his side than the military. Myanmar has proven that China is capable of projecting power if necessary.
Posted by: Anon | Apr 4 2022 16:52 utc | 11
The attempted coup in Pakistan is very interesting. Its a natural US move. Russia and China are in embrace, with India sitting in a neutral zone and maintaining diplomatic and economic ties. Pakistan is also a member of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the political body behind the Asian intengration project lead by China and Russia), and a very important one too.
The Chinese wish to build a major part of thier BRI project to connect Pakistan to Chinese industry via rail and road. From developed Pakistani ports, goods can flow through Pakistan between China and countries to Pakistan's west, those being the Middle East, Africa and Europe. There is a parallel north-south trade corridor between Russia and Pakistan planned too. Pakistan will benefit from the trade flowing through her by way of dues and other taxes.
Thus, both China and Russia have a vested interest in Imran Khan's continued Prime Ministerial lead in Pakistan. Khan is also from Pashtun territory and can play a useful hand in relations with the Taliban government to the north in Afghanistan, which gives him even greater value to SCO group . His leadership is potentially dangerous to western interests and I would expect the usual bag of dirty tricks to be played by western intelligence agencies in the lead up to elections in Pakistan.
Nice article, b..
Pentagon can't independently confirm atrocities in Ukraine's Bucha, official says
Interesting fact that the Pentagon is playing the party pooper for the WW3 crowd. By being cited with "can't independently confirm" the Pentagon let the US war party know that the US military doesnt want to be involved in Ukraine based on a false flag. The US govt is not a unified body, each power structure has its own goals. And the Pentagon clearly is the (last?) adult in the room here.
Posted by: Arne Hartmann | Apr 4 2022 17:32 utc | 13
UK energy bills jumped 54% last Friday, and the authorities have prepared the little people for another increase of similar or even higher amounts in October.
BofE forecasts an economic contraction of the worst since 1706 - including both World Wars and the Great Depression.
So much winning... /sarc
Repeating: Our commodities(Russian), your payment problem(unfriendly countries)
Posted by: c1ue | Apr 4 2022 17:36 utc | 14
UK energy bills jumped 54% last Friday, and the authorities have prepared the little people for another increase of similar or even higher amounts in October.
BofE forecasts an economic contraction of the worst since 1706 - including both World Wars and the Great Depression.
So much winning... /sarc
Repeating: Our commodities(Russian), your payment problem(unfriendly countries)
Posted by: c1ue | Apr 4 2022 17:36 utc | 15
Press Tv had an article that said the US attempted a coup in Pakistan because Khan would not allow US bases in Pakistan and that Pakistan wasn't falling into line with regards to Russia. Khan on Saturday accused the United States of being behind the parliamentary no-confidence motion, calling it an attempt at regime change backed by Washington.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Apr 4 2022 17:37 utc | 16
It must have appeared surreal in the Pakistani parliament as politicians chanted death to America, the head of the Empire of Lies isn't doing to good these days in coups/regime changes, failing in Belarus, Kazakhstan (possibly MI6) and now Pakistan, though Ukraine has been a success.
One wonders if Pakistani gold, if the country has any held in the US will now be seized, as Afghanistan's gold has been, or if Pakistani gold is in the UK, it could be seized like Venezuelan gold has been.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Apr 4 2022 17:44 utc | 17
According to this Biden's poll ratings are not too good, and are on a par with Nixon when he resigned.
There's nothing like a good head turning war to get the poll ratings up, maybe that's on the cards.
https://dondebar.blogspot.com/2022/03/bidens-poll-numbers-approach-nixons-at.html
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Apr 4 2022 17:53 utc | 18
Pakistan PM names the US official behind the coup, as the US adds that there will be consequences if Khan is not removed.
"Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday named the senior US government official behind the controversial letter that threatened to overthrow Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) government.
Addressing a meeting of party leaders in Islamabad after the no-trust motion against him was dismissed in the country’s parliament; Khan said that during the national security committee's (NSC) meeting, foreign interference was noted in the internal politics of the country through a no-confidence motion.
He went on to mention the name of Donald Lu, the top American official dealing with South Asia in the US State Department, as the person involved in the ‘foreign conspiracy' to topple his government.
The embattled premier claimed that Lu had warned the Pakistani envoy to the US, Asad Majeed, that there would be "implications" if Khan survived the no-trust vote in the National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament."
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Apr 4 2022 17:59 utc | 19
Thank b. I hope Khan Will emerge victorious when all is said done. Should a US supported candidate take power then maximum pressure would be applied to allow for a US military base to be built or if not that, give permission for US/Nato overflight of Pakistan airspace.
Posted by: Michael Crockett | Apr 4 2022 18:01 utc | 20
This might be a good time to reflect upon the fact that the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan- the Durand line between the Indian Raj and Afghanistan- has always been unpopular, particularly among the Pashtun peoples which it divides.
Those who have dreamed of a federation, perhaps embracing the Tajiks too, will be celebrating the retreat of the British/American empire.
Posted by: bevin | Apr 4 2022 18:06 utc | 21
c1ue | Apr 4 2022 17:36 utc | 15
„Worst Contraction Since 1706“ - By Deborah D'Souza
=> Published May 07, 2020
Science lives from correcting errors! ,-)
Posted by: Hausmeister | Apr 4 2022 18:07 utc | 22
Michael Crockett@20
Any talk of US bases in Pakistan is likely to be anathema to New Delhi, which the US is desperately trying to woo back to its cause.
Posted by: bevin | Apr 4 2022 18:08 utc | 23
b's analysis is missing the major point, which is that Le Pen plus Zemmour, the two candidates that have called for Frexit and Otan exit, add up to 30 percent.
Posted by: Tomx | Apr 4 2022 18:18 utc | 24
@ c1ue | Apr 4 2022 17:36 utc | 15
Dear c1ue, I think you may have made a mistake: the link and info you published are from May 07, 2020, nearly 2 years ago.
Posted by: John V. Doe | Apr 4 2022 18:24 utc | 25
bevin @23--
Khan recently heaped some praise onto India, which I'd link but can't recall where I read that. There's also an excellent rant about Japan's condition written by a German at The Saker's providing a very different POV. Khan's call for new elections will devastate the opposition, which after this antic will be seen by the common Pakistani as Imperial tools, traitors to Pakistan. I doubt Khan's party will need a coalition to rule again. But he must protect himself as he's far too valuable to be lost at this historical moment. The unification of South and Southwest Asia's core nations--Iran, Pakistan, India--into alliance with China, Russia, and ASEAN via SCO and RCEP needs to be further entrenched and capped via the organization of a new global financial structure and currency, the entire Eurasian Bloc being the driver.
"Praying" that Pakistan and India bury the hatchet: also India and China. UAE and Syria heads meeting (first time since 2011). Saudis appearing to re-think the war against Yemen: this is the biggest for me. And Saudis talking to China re oil trade using Yuan.
ONLY thing about Joe Biden's campaign promise of "Nothing will fundamentally change in a Biden administration" that has come true is that presidential approval ratings are total trash (still). The entire freaking world is changing in such fundamentally HUGE ways (Trump would say "YUGE!") that his statement couldn't have turned out to be any more 180 degree out! But, not being on the inside, perhaps it was really that US corruption wouldn't fundamentally change? (<- Yup, that's it.)
Toss in exterminating Nazis and one can only marvel over how Russia (Lavrov for hero of this century) has been able to completely derail Biden's "goals."
Posted by: Seer | Apr 4 2022 18:55 utc | 27
I'm really happy that ORBAN prevailing in war between CIA, SOROS &GOEBBELS NEWS corp. World wide. It's refreshing to see that some kind of people don't loose their senses for ----- Emperors of LIARS
GOOD WORK - keep up with it.
Posted by: BB Rad | Apr 4 2022 19:00 utc | 28
elite are trying to extend divsion between india/pakistan, there are one people divided by britain. now that india is siding with russian and china, the elite nazi financiers need war on india. when india and pakistan unite would represent a new fair world against the evil western slave master of globe plantations.
Posted by: scv | Apr 4 2022 19:20 utc | 29
267 Ukrainian marines surrender in Mariupol.
The end is near in this theater.
Posted by: ChasingGlowies | Apr 4 2022 19:20 utc | 30
also,
the nazii financiers have been investigating new areas of division in china, they search for outskirt villages based on religious differences but mostly language.old playbook always breeds divide conquer by using opposing language as a funding objective for invasion using langage to divide nations...
Posted by: scv | Apr 4 2022 19:28 utc | 31
Posted by: c1ue | Apr 4 2022 17:36 utc | 15 (and 14)
The BoE article at Investopedia is from 2020, around the time of peak COVID restrictions there. Did the contraction predicted occur in England? I genuinely do not know. I don't see much spanning past 2020/2021 there in terms of predictions.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Apr 4 2022 19:47 utc | 32
REGARDING ENTRIES 14 & 15:
Did you NOTICE THE DATE of the article you are citting?!!!
********** Published May 07, 2020 ***********
Bank of England Predicts Worst Contraction Since 1706
By DEBORAH D'SOUZA
Posted by: susetta | Apr 4 2022 19:50 utc | 33
Closely watching financial data and taking in comments from top of the heap finance orgs / spox, has given me a creeping feeling. Won't burden you with excessive reading, data, but simply say I'm beginning to seriously wonder if Western leadership may possibly be a George Foreman typed character in the Rumble in the Jungle, and their opponent(s) is/are enacting a version of the Rope a Dope tactic? Many would recognize there is more than one opponent of the recently titled Rules Based Order in this contest.
How many times can the home team score on their own goal and not be thought of as the big dope felled by better strategists?
No negative aspersions intended toward Mr. Foreman who has proven himself to be a phenomenal person who overcame a great deal of adversity. He, and his team were just out foxed, one day, in a lifetime of days.
Our Western team couldn't say the same, nor did they originate from similar roots.
Posted by: bubbles | Apr 4 2022 19:56 utc | 34
Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 4 2022 16:34 utc | 9
Poland and Lithuania. That brought to mind the excellent film "Tsar" by Lungin with the late Pyotr Mamonov as Ivan Grozny, excellent film, uTube has it in Russian, but look for a version with subtitles. The actors are excellent and the film maker is very good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evHZyhIunoI
Posted by: Paco | Apr 4 2022 19:59 utc | 35
karlof1@26
Thanks for the tip- I will read the Japan thing now. As to Imran Khan, Americans don't understand what a giant he was in the Cricket World- a first rate batsman and a great bowler. (Shohei Ohtani plus.)
He was also, as Captain, the decision maker for his team.
Maybe Ohtani could go back go Japan and rescue his people from the Occupation?
Posted by: bevin | Apr 4 2022 20:07 utc | 36
I think that the situation after Macron's support of the transatlantic regime and after a year and a half of covid fascism, also in lockstep with foreign interests has reshuffled the deck and made Le Pen, who is obviously not on board with this, and who also can be seen as defending French independence and culture, may in these crisis times, overcome the traditional problems she has as noted by comment 1 of Senor Guevara. I agree with bjd on Scholz and Macron being played by the UK and other anglophone spook actions regarding the provocation. It is obviously fake unless you read the Luegenpresse based on the track records of the Russian military compared to the largely thug Nazi groupings influencing the Ukrainian military, and the fact it is under the control of the anglo-yankee spook regime just like the Syrian 'resistance' as can be noted. The "White Helmet" propaganda methods are merely being transferred to Nazi agents. The Kiev regime kills two birds with one stone in the Bucha case by liquidating those who cooperated with the Russians during their period of controlling the town and then dressing up the liquidations with a phony Russian accusation to help their propaganda narrative.
The basic question cui bono, who benefits, indicates Ukrainian guilt, as does the comparisons of how Russian forces have acted up to now compared with the various war crimes committed by the Azov crowd in Mariupol and other Ukrainian actions. I think the Russian reaction should be no more substantive negotiations with the yankee puppet regime, though perhaps talks should continue for propaganda purposes. Long term, they should see to the formation of a competing regime headed by the guy they sprung from house arrest a couple of weeks ago, and the takeover of all oblasts with significant Russophone populations, and perhaps giving Poland control of the Galician rump.
As the days pass, the true nature of the provocation will become apparent, and, considering that Orban's win was about 10 or 15% greater than anticipated, with the passage of a couple more weeks and an intensifying economic crisis, it becomes more likely that LePen scores an upset win, which could lead to serious consequences for the EU, which has become just another client state of the yankee-Anglo spy alliance.
Posted by: exiled off mainstree | Apr 4 2022 20:09 utc | 37
Pak and India both can drag out this 'Will she or won't she?" act, while the superpowers pile on favors and gifts to officials far and wide. In reality, for elites in both countries, avoiding a hard choosing of sides is the most lucrative path.
Ultimately, military involvement or not, Pak can turn their back on Russia but not China. Vice versa for India. Both could bargain for discounts from the Middle East and Australia, work the finance thru Dubai rather than Shanghai, which plausibly leaves the former colonial powers with leverage.
Posted by: ptb | Apr 4 2022 20:17 utc | 38
@ 12
Gwadar port, servicing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a part of the China BRI, has been stumbling because of instability and mismanagemment. But there seems to be some progress recently with a new highway open to traffic next month. Meanwhile the trade between Pakistan and China has been increased, with metals going to China and manufactured goods to Pakistan.
Posted by: Don Bacon | Apr 4 2022 20:17 utc | 39
Biggest worry here is Imran Khan. He is a prime target for assassination, before or after his victory in elections. China has already declared their support and that they will not tolerate any meddling in Pakistan by “anyone”. Pakistan is of utmost importance to BRI, not to mention all the billions the Chinese have already spent there. They will not see those investments evaporate without a fight.
Next worry, and even a bigger one IMO, is Poland who is pushing hard for a hot war between Russia and NATO. They have been rebuffed a few times now by the master but the Russophobic fanatics in the government will not relent, despite their population’s opposition to getting entangled with the Russians. Russians recognize that fact as well and know that this could be the real war, not so much the Ukraine.
Any of these crazies could trigger a global conflict, with the blessing of our crazies here in US. And I still think it is coming.
Posted by: Alpi | Apr 4 2022 20:17 utc | 40
Re: Not putting your shoulder to the propaganda wheel, and how Democracy was once perceived, prior to the PNACer era.
"Gilbert: There is one difference. In a democracy, the people have some say in the matter through their elected representatives, and in the United States only Congress can declare wars.
Göring: Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."
https://www.prosebeforehos.com/quote-of-the-day/02/08/naturally-the-common-people-dont-want-war/
"and in the United States only Congress can declare wars." Another casualty of the "The Rules Based Order". Democracy slain on the alter of the War on Terror, which evolved to the War for Terror. Gangsters of yesteryear were said to have laid out terms such as do what we want or we will fuck you up.
Sometimes, things aren't really all that complicated, if you ignore the White Man's smoke.
Wise old Indian once said, "Only a White Man can make that much smoke."
Posted by: bubbles | Apr 4 2022 20:19 utc | 41
Neither Le Pen or Zemmour are advocating for Frexit and Otanexit. To the contrary, both far right candidates push for a clash of civilization with strong neo-conservative and Zionist alliances. In fact, their patron Vincent Bolloré needs the Africom (pentagon military command) logistics and support to protect the French looting operations in their Africa Franc CFA zone. The phony French nationalists bankrolled by African blood money are currently fighting for survival. The collapse of the 5th republic will accelerate should they loose the struggle against pan-African forces in Mali (backed by Russia, the young Malian officers were in Moscow last week) and west Africa.
Posted by: Augustin L | Apr 4 2022 20:20 utc | 42
The first casualty of War is Truth (Live w/Scott Ritter)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN7o-ThhFfY
Posted by: Will | Apr 4 2022 20:24 utc | 43
scv | Apr 4 2022 19:28 utc | 31
but mostly language...divide conquer by using opposing language as a funding objective for invasion using langage to divide nations...
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
I don't sing my mother tongue
No, this is not a love song
what to make of a world in which it is Google providing the context in which language is to be understood? uh, land of confusion? wunderbar wonderbra. mickie maus is in the maison blanc.
Posted by: rjb1.5 | Apr 4 2022 20:36 utc | 44
Pakistan?
Is anyone paying attention?
Bankrupt, with a corrupt elite.
Not remotely survivable without huge aid.
Posted by: Duncan Idaho | Apr 4 2022 20:41 utc | 45
Next worry, and even a bigger one IMO, is Poland who is pushing hard for a hot war between Russia and NATO. ...
despite their population’s opposition to getting entangled with the Russians.
Posted by: Alpi | Apr 4 2022 20:17 utc | 40
Polish people have suffered from poor leadership for centuries, not sure of all the exact reasons as I haven't studied their history enough. Sad though as any Polish immigrants to my country I've known were good people. It's leaders have had this inclination to punch far above their weight for some time and now Poland being in NATO only aggravates the syndrome. But the reality at this time is, they are like a juke box, Washington etc. put their money in, and they will play any song the neos want to hear. Present cockiness based on being Nato's barking dog. No responsible leadership would lead with their chin like that given the possible consequences to the citizens of Poland.
Now Poland has an influx of millions of refugees from Ukraine and yet they have had an outflow of workers to the rest of the EU for years, so clearly there's no place for these people unless Poland is just a transit point or there is an intention to use them as ultra cheap labor with no rights like what Turkey has done to Syrian refugees.
Poor buggers may end up thinking the WEF plan is a good choice.
Posted by: bubbles | Apr 4 2022 20:45 utc | 46
Pakistan?
Is anyone paying attention?
Bankrupt, with a corrupt elite.
Not remotely survivable without huge aid.
Posted by: Duncan Idaho | Apr 4 2022 20:41 utc | 45
Clearly their elite came along too late to take advantage of the YUGE wealth accumulated from smuggling opium on a commercial scale to organized criminal syndicates in China. Unlike the British and American elite.
May I recommend a book titled The China Syndrome to better explain that and much much more.
Posted by: bubbles | Apr 4 2022 21:12 utc | 47
The same crew who own Macron own Le Pen even better.
As long as the French are evicted from West Africa.
Do the Yellow Vests have a Candidate?
Posted by: WTFUD | Apr 4 2022 21:22 utc | 48
Unfortunately, the French Establishment will pull out all the stops to prevent Le Pen from acquiring power. They will act covertly and overtly, lawfully and unlawfully, but Le Pen will be denied the French presidency no matter what.
Posted by: TEP | Apr 4 2022 21:32 utc | 49
The past few years seem to have been a continuous set of losses for the US:
- Failed trade war with China
- Hong Kong BS shutdown with HK security laws
- Embarrassing retreat from Afghanistan (losing Central Asia)
- Failed colour revolution then coup in Belarus (now Russian ally)
- Failed coup in Kazakhstan (now Russian ally)
- Outmaneuvered by the Russians in Ukraine (to become a Russian ally / part of Russia)
- Backfire of sanctions on the West, increased support for Putin in Russia
- The Rest of the World refusing to sanction Russia and turning toward non-US$ payment systems
- US arrogance against India and China ends up helping them get closer
But they continue with the same BS still seeming to expect a different outcome
- The colour revolution / coup attempt against Khan in Pakistan (probable outcome Khan wins and US vassals reduced)
- Hungary and Serbia tell the US Empire to get lost at the polls, no matter how much US and EU pressure (perhaps counter-productive?)
- Desperately trying to stop Thailand pass a law to get all the foreign (i.e. US etc.) NGOs and foreign-funded NGOs under proper control to restore sovereignty.
- I don't know much about what is going on in Myanmar, but certainly looks like a Western "democracy" uprising. If China and India make peace, perhaps India stops supplying the Western-backed forces and stability breaks out in Myanmar.
- The usual bullshit "Russian killers" false flags that do not work outside the Western MSM bubble
Apart from turning Europe into an even greater vassal, one with a failing economy, is the US winning anywhere else? Seems even in South America and Central America they are not getting their way as they used to. Many nations in outright revolt against the US (Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia), surprisingly resistant to Russian sanctions (Brazil) or have thrown out US lackeys (Argentina, Honduras). Then of course we have Mali...
It certainly is a global multi-faceted war, but the US seem to be having the shitty end of the stick most of the time.
Alastair Crooke weighs in with another article about the coming rearrangement of international finance and currencies, "A Once in a Century Opportunity", an efficient review of events and writings related to them on that topic. So, if you missed reading those articles, Alastair's linked to most of them. I still aver that Galzyev's essay at The Saker is the best as it explains the most--past, present and future.
@ Roger 50
Sure the US fails continuously, but they (congress, MIC, etc) laugh all the way to the bank.
Posted by: Don Bacon | Apr 4 2022 21:44 utc | 52
Roger @50--
IMO, India and China are rapidly mending fences most likely due to Russia's intervention. And it didn't take long for Pakistan's relations with Russia to normalize after its SCO ascension. The next Asian nut to crack needs to be the Philippines followed by the occupied nations of Japan and South Korea, both of which will prove very difficult. Do see my comment @26.
I have not been able to access Southfront over the past few days via Brav, or any other browser and with or without VPN. Does anybody else have that? I suspect McAfee is blocking it.
Posted by: schmoe | Apr 4 2022 22:01 utc | 54
@Posted by: Don Bacon | Apr 4 2022 21:44 utc | 52
But the currency of that bank looks less and less like a global one which will retain its value
@Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 4 2022 21:53 utc | 53
The Philippines has been so thoroughly Americanized over time, just like the Japanese they love the nation that committed mass murder against their civilian population and made it a vassal. 90%+ of Filipino's had a very positive view of the US as recently as 2015. Japan has its own issues about hating China. South Korea is still very much ruled in the background by the Japan-collaborationist elites that were installed by the US after WW2. There is also the small problem of the US occupying forces in Japan (85,000) and South Korea (29,000), in the latter the SK army still reports to a US general. It will be tough going ....
Do the Yellow Vests have a Candidate?Posted by: WTFUD | Apr 4 2022 21:22 utc | 48
Technically there is one French candidate that is different from the other, it's Jean-Luc Mélenchon. He's a radical left that will start by GTFO of NATO and probably drop the sanctions against Russia.
Nevertheless he's now credited 3rd position, he need nothing short of a miracle to be qualified to the 2nd turn.
Posted by: w | Apr 4 2022 22:09 utc | 56
what to make of a world in which it is Google providing the context in which language is to be understood? uh, land of confusion? wunderbar wonderbra. mickie maus is in the maison blanc.
Posted by: rjb1.5 | Apr 4 2022 20:36 utc | 44
Rammstein really nailed it with that song.
Posted by: Jpc | Apr 4 2022 22:17 utc | 57
Philippine President Duterte ran on an anti-USA platform (of sorts) which got him elected. As the corruption - the payola - the baksheesh had been understood by the filipinos as having come from the US, Duterte was a breath of fresh air to the common people.
Duterte promised to stop corruption and to address the concerns of the commons.
Duterte stated that if he needed any money, he would get it from China.
I heard these words with my own ears. (Just as I'd heard Hans Blix saying there were no WMD in Iraq).
Fast Forward
Duterte lied. Now he's kowtowing to Uncle Hegemon. Easily bought, I venture.
Posted by: Chaka Khagan | Apr 4 2022 22:17 utc | 58
Imran is very canny.Known him forty years.Met him first on the charity cricket tour as a stand
in for a no show.
His only mistake in life was marrying his first wife,a Goldsmith ie Rothchilde.
He will be fine.
Posted by: winston | Apr 4 2022 22:28 utc | 59
Exiled on Le Pen
You nailed it and she gets even higher polls among the 18-35 , possibly because they dont trust the MSM.
Reason for the latest intl escalation?
Posted by: Tomx | Apr 4 2022 22:39 utc | 60
Posted by: Roger | Apr 4 2022 22:08 utc | 55
You nailed it.
Posted by: A.L. | Apr 4 2022 22:47 utc | 61
Macron will win again,unless the French vote massively, Le Pen will lose again. If she does win, they might try to force another "co-habitation" a al Jospin and Chirac.
Posted by: Fernando Martinez | Apr 4 2022 22:55 utc | 62
Roger @55--
With the collapse of Dollar Hegemony, it will become very difficult to finance those garrisons, something Trump realized and made an effort to rectify. If you understand Hudson's Super Imperialism thesis, without Dollar Hegemony, foreign nations will no longer inadvertently support Outlaw US Empire militarism and their own occupations, and the Empire will be in no condition to afford such upkeep. I'd imagine by 2030 all occupation will have ended if not sooner. The key task then for us sequestered within the Empire will be to fight for our own freedom, a new constitution and institutions.
His only mistake in life was marrying his first wife,a Goldsmith ie Rothchilde.
He will be fine.
Posted by: winston | Apr 4 2022 22:28 utc | 59
Did that union have anything to do with his rise in politics perchance?
Posted by: bubbles | Apr 4 2022 23:28 utc | 64
Rumor on bad sources. Lt.General Roger Cloutier captured in Mariupol. I have no idea if this should be believed. Please post any info.
Posted by: oldhippie | Apr 4 2022 23:32 utc | 65
Scott Ritter is incredible:
https://rumble.com/vzn4yg-the-first-casualty-of-war-is-truth-live-wscott-ritter.html
Posted by: njet | Apr 4 2022 23:58 utc | 66
@w | Apr 4 2022 22:09 utc | 56
What is your analysis of this article that Mélenchon supports the Ukraine NAZI run regime with the support of Talmudic pharisee oligarchs?
Mélenchon aligns with NATO’s war against Russia in Ukraine
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2022/04/04/mele-a04.html
Posted by: krollchem | Apr 5 2022 0:07 utc | 67
De ex-communist Hindu newspaper from India gives an interesting summary of Imran Khan's involvement with politics: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/game-for-the-throne-on-imran-khans-attempts-to-cling-to-power/article65290092.ece
He was brought in with military (there called the "establishment") backing but lost that recently. The military have half their families studying in the USK but now China plays a big role in Pakistan through the new road from Xinjiang to their Arabian sea port of Gwadar in Baluchistan.
Pakistan has been called an army with a country, quite the opposite of India.
Posted by: Antonym | Apr 5 2022 1:29 utc | 68
At the risk of sounding uncouth:
Orban won motherfuckers! We are all gonna make it! Fuck the WEF, Neocons, and fuck Zionism!
Posted by: Cthulhu | Apr 5 2022 1:39 utc | 70
If the runoff is between Le Pen and Melenchon (Macron's support could always collapse), what happens then?
Posted by: Lysias | Apr 5 2022 1:40 utc | 71
Thank you again, b, for this post, and especially further news on the Pakistan front. I relate that situation in importance as did karlof1 above, particularly as it affects a very sensitive region recovering from the long US occupation.
I didn't actually ignore the previous post on the Bucha claims - accidentally skipped over that one not realizing it had been posted. I thank Providence that I did; having just read through the comments, there would have been nothing I could have contributed, save to join others in losing touch with reality. We have had so many lies foisted upon us, it must feel like Diogenes with his lantern at times -- and there was a full court press banging lanterns one against another on that thread.
What I could see there was that the outskirts of Kiev were competing with the inner regions of Mariupol, and citizens caught in both - a tragedy of immense proportions. No wonder we were affected here. I recently wrote about standing and waiting. I do believe, if we are facing The Long Game this seems to be, we need to slow down and above all take care of ourselves.
I used to be a long distance swimmer - backstroke - swimming a mile nightly after school. I loved it, 17 lengths of a seawater pool in New Zealand, watching the stars... I go there often still, in my thoughts.
It helps.
Posted by: juliania | Apr 5 2022 3:14 utc | 73
@ juliania.. that is a nice place to go.. thanks for sharing..
Posted by: james | Apr 5 2022 3:53 utc | 74
Old Hippie @ 65:
I can only find this tweet from Miguel / Formosa Club about the unconfirmed capture of US Lieutenant General Roger Cloutier by the Russian Army.
https://twitter.com/Miguel18011505/status/1510583834173382660/photo/1
Posted by: Jen | Apr 5 2022 3:59 utc | 75
NATO LANDCOM Commander Maj Gen Roger L. Cloutier trapped in Azov Camp in Mariupol
@Jen .. Indeed same source … earlier visit to non-member Ukraine WTF
Lt. Gen. Roger Cloutier, the NATO allied land component commander, shakes hands with Army Col. Kendrick Traylor, commander of area support group Black Sea, while touring Novo Selo Training Area in Bulgaria - 9 March 2022
https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense/status/1501649095269703687
Quite unlikel he would be in Mariupol …
We retired to Hungary in 2009 just before Fidez (Orban) was elected. The country at that time was quaintly beautiful and pretty much as the rest of Europe was in about 1970. The previous government was horribly incompetent and seriously corrupt (Gyorchany has $1B in a foreign account) so Fidez came into power a second time with an overwhelming majority. I must note though that Orban was a politician groomed by Soros and represented the neo-liberal cause and was ousted rapidly in his first term. Fidez re-invented itself as a middle-right Christian conservative party. They are equally corrupt BUT represent mid-stream social values. I will also note that in my experiences here most people miss communism as things were far better then. However, since the changes Orban implemented things have steadily improved here and it is now a modern country. The first thing he did was impose a “temporary” 27% VAT which was used to pay off the IMF and World Bank loans made under the socialists. If you have these hanging over you then your country has zero freedom. He also delayed “indefinitely” Hungary moving to the Euro zone and has kept the Hungarian Forint as the currency, again reusing to be shackled to the ECB. He also re-introduced trade to Russia. Russia during the Soviet era was the main export and cutting off all trade with Russia was disastrous. Entering the EU with promises of equality were revealed to be outright lies. The EU has never accepted FSU members as equals and Hungary cannot export its agricultural products into Europe. We have excellent produce and wine as well as the finest pork and chicken in the world but it is banned from European export due to subsidies to farmers which has been deemed illegal (although France and Germany do it). Orban has done some amazing things to help the Hungarians including establishing a separate contract for long term and very favorable rates using the Turkish Stream coming in through Serbia. He had contracted Russia to build, again at very favorable rates, a second and third nuclear power plant so Hungary can become electrically self-sufficient. He alone prohibited the mass immigration of Middle Eastern economic refugees as they do not legally qualify as actual political refugees as they entered Hungary through safe EU members or left safe countries like Turkey. Hungarians absolutely hate Muslims with good reason after the massive slaughter of 1.5 million Hungarians by the Ottoman Empire. Hungary is a more or less Catholic country and while 80% are in fact atheists they still hold strong Christian values. Wokeism and LGBTQ are not acceptable whatsoever here and it is cultural. Nothing will change that. In the past Hungary and Poland (or the Visigard 4 previously) assisted each other in fending off EU attacks. The US has slowly replaced all these governments with “friendly” governments leaving Orban in Hungary and Poland isolated. Poland is drifting away so it may all be left to Hungary to be the stopgap for neoliberalism. I believe this will result in Hungary leaving both NATO and the EU which I believe will be a benefit as the global power is going to shift away from the US and towards Russia/China. Aligning with them is a better move for Hungary and they are partnering with Serbia.
With all that in mind Orban represents the only thing that stands in the way of neoliberalism. Both NATO and the EU require 100% consensus to get anything passed and Orban frequently blocks globalist or neoliberal (neocon) legislation. So, as regards the US he is seen as an enemy. For example, John McCain made 3 trips here threatening Hungary under Obama’s leadership. How Hungary has evaded a color revolution can only be explained by the simple fact that the overwhelming majority approve of his actions. However, inside a few isolated areas, he is despised. This would be most of the city of Budapest and the city of Szeged both islands of liberalism in a sea of conservatism.
The US effort to create an amalgam of opposition parties, all of whom hate each other, was a disaster. The only real opposition is the Jobbik Party which has a history of anti-Semitism and neo-Nazism. They have cleaned up their act now so represent a real alternative that may become a threat in the next election. Fidez is as horribly corrupt as the rest and the people are unhappy about it. A big difference though is the corrupt politicians here in Hungary spend the money here in building new homes, factories, etc. so it actually helps the economy.
Posted by: Old Microbiologist | Apr 5 2022 5:35 utc | 78
@ Old Microbiologist | Apr 5 2022 5:35 utc | 79 with the personal report on Hungary
Thanks for that perspective. I am curious about the corruption. What types and negative effects on society? Does it effect environmental or social welfare things? Developmental/construction design/inspection stuff?
My experience in the US is with land use/property development corruption....somebody lying about distance of property to ROW (right-of-way) and taking of such for ornamental rock wall.
State corruption I experienced was immoral hiring practices for short term employment that favored family and they actually had to show up to get paid......
I blame it all on the God of Mammon core to our society that radiates out the greed/corrupt values.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Apr 5 2022 6:08 utc | 79
Posted by: Old Microbiologist | Apr 5 2022 5:35 utc | 79
Thanks that was really interesting about Hungary :)
Posted by: K | Apr 5 2022 6:57 utc | 80
@ Robert Lindsay | Apr 5 2022 5:34 utc | 78
Wikipedia claims that this general was KILLED in MARIUPOL, UKRAINE, on March 28, 2022.
It doesn't anymore, only a new line just under the portrait photo (as of a little bit ago, "last edited on 5 April 2022, at 07:06 (UTC)"):
Died
11/09/2023
Moscow
Somebody's having fun and games with this Wiki page. In the (four minutes) prior update, he died in Mariupol, many years ago... Two minutes later, the line about when he died is now gone.
They always told me Wiki was horseshit. But you don't understand, I'd refute, it's the ultimate encyclopedia, organically sprouted from collective wisdom. I can't believe the things I used to believe!
Posted by: Aleph_Null | Apr 5 2022 7:18 utc | 81
Posted by: Old Microbiologist | Apr 5 2022 5:35 utc | 79
Thank you for the wealth of info. I guess why a color revolution has not occured so far is because Hungary is in EU and the optics will be terrible. However, the pain train from EUrocrats is coming. The usual accusations of corruption and more will bring financial sanctions/withdrawls of EU funds, if I'm not mistaken up to 5 billion euros/year contributions to Hungary's economy. Hopefully, Orban and his government are fully prepared to fight for these important funds.
Posted by: Boo | Apr 5 2022 7:27 utc | 82
That Baier interview is phony as a three dollar bill and obviously to make him seem to be referring to some recent event. Clearly no knowledge of attack on Russian fuel depot. He does mention the Mariupol corridor offer for Ukrainian troops. When was that? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJB-gtHdBzc&t=2s
Posted by: Laurence | Apr 5 2022 8:29 utc | 83
In nod to Russia, Ukraine says no longer insisting on NATO membership https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220308-in-nod-to-russia-ukraine-says-no-longer-insisting-on-nato-membership
Issued on: 08/03/2022 - 18:02 Modified: 08/03/2022 - 18:00
Posted by: Laurence | Apr 5 2022 8:38 utc | 84
From what I understand, the shares of Gazprom Germany have been sold to 2 Russian companies (Palmary ...) which have started the liquidation
The German ministry has blocked everything because the acquisition from non-EU must be approved by the Federal Network Agency (BMWK)
The Ministry temporarily passed the management of the facilities to the same Federal Agency
https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2022/04/20220404-bmwk-setzt-bundesnetzagentur-als-treuhanderin-fur-gazprom-germania-ein-erwerb-der-gazprom-germania-gmbh-durch-jsc-palmary-schwebend-unwirksam.html
Posted by: FZappa | Apr 5 2022 8:41 utc | 85
Posted by: Old Microbiologist | Apr 5 2022 5:35 utc | 79
Story of Hungary is somewhat similar to the story of Serbia. Except Vucic grew up as an ultranationalist during Milosevic. Difference is that Serbia is not in the EU which gives Vucic a lots of space for manoeuvre. Chinese money is building infrastructure highways, bridges, railroads. Government is highly corrupt but still popular especially with pensioners. He mastered a system of redistributing of taxpayers money in form of little giveaways due to Covid19 that obviously benefited pensioners the most. Only central Belgrade and Novi Sad have reasonably strong anti regime movements. Vucic will consolidate his power in coalition with trusted “socialist” mate Dacic
Posted by: Milos | Apr 5 2022 8:43 utc | 86
Posted by: FZappa | Apr 5 2022 8:41 utc | 86
Usually there are several "Straw Men" companies ready to act as liquidators with zero assets available - especially in the retail sector. I suppose had Gazprom prepared it could have had a Cyprus or Israeli or Australian front established to acquire the "soon-to-be insolvent" entities
Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Apr 5 2022 8:58 utc | 87
As well as seizing Gazprom offices in Berlin Germany has kicked out Russian diplomats.
"Germany has reportedly declared 40 Russian diplomats “undesirable persons.” They have five days to leave the country.
Berlin has decided to “declare a significant number of members of the Russian embassy unwanted persons."
"Germany has taken ownership of a local branch of Russia’s state-owned energy giant Gazprom. Berlin’s energy regulator will temporarily control the company despite Moscow’s previous insistence that such a move would be illegal."
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Apr 5 2022 9:28 utc | 88
Do Ukrainians normally walk in the streets? Evenly spaced. On alternate sides.
Is Maxar the Pixar of Moronic AngloZioNazi Fabrications?
Say you're a Russian with an AK and armor why just one shot alternating Ukrainian jaywalkers? Why not blow the whole town away?
Posted by: Laurence | Apr 5 2022 9:28 utc | 89
Obviously Gazprom from 7 am on 1 April stopped the injection and storage works in the largest storage facility in Germany.
https://www.gazeta.ru/business/news/2022/04/05/17523505.shtml
How will the Federal Agency fill it?
Posted by: FZappa | Apr 5 2022 9:43 utc | 90
Paul Greenwood | Apr 5 2022 8:58 utc | 88
Sure strawmen, and this was the planned new owner JSC Palmary who were to hold 0,01% of the Capital of several 200 Millions of Euro. Date of fulfillment 01.04.22.
Now BMWi of Germany has taken over the command (not seized) on Gazprom Germany with all her daughters. Fullfilled when published in official Bundesanzeiger at 04.04.22. See link of FZappa above. From now on only state of German can give orders about all effects or else of these companies.
What all press outlets in this case "forget" to mention is the fact that all contracts on delivery of gas to Germany are hold by Wingas, a daughter of GP Germany.
A very good question in this respect would be if all these contracts (and that are the long-durance and low-priced ones) keep validity if Gazprom Russia claims that GP Germany has been sold and bears no responsibility for Russia whatsoever. Or better: Can Dr. Habeck coerce Gazprom to fullfill contracts that are disputed? What about the money in the accounts if it is still there?
I am no lawyer but I know for sure that will take some time to clear under international jurisdiction.
Posted by: Piepenbrink | Apr 5 2022 9:47 utc | 91
An important article from India by R.K.Raghavan and Ajay Goyal
"We now have a first-class international crisis on hand — a man-made crisis of the kind that comes once in millennia and causes empires to fall....
" a new world order is already here...
"...Within Europe, Russia is now cut off from trade, finance and travel. The sanctions and restrictions now numbering over six thousand make the Cold War’s Iron Curtain look like a plastic sheet. ...
"Any possibility of normalisation of relations between the western alliance and Russia can be ruled out for a generation....
" The Indian position has demonstrated that while Prime Minister Modi seeks the closest economic, technological, and strategic ties with the West, India has finally broken free of the post-colonial mindset. The Indian leadership no longer views the world from London’s perspective. It is putting Indian interests front and centre. This is not about India walking a tight rope, but for the UK, Europe and the United States to walk a tight rope not to offend India, the world’s fastest-growing economy...."
http://johnhelmer.net/a-new-world-order-is-already-here/#more-47865
Posted by: bevin | Apr 5 2022 10:34 utc | 92
Given the level of UK involvement in Ukraine crisis my impression that the next big war will be Falklands II . This time Russia will make sure Argentina wins.
Posted by: Milos | Apr 5 2022 10:44 utc | 93
https://t.me/readovkanews/30086
Zelensky chooses war — the battle for Donbass is inevitable
Today's statements by the Ukrainian president leave no shadow of doubt that the negotiation process is an external information noise before the general battle on the "Donbass arc". Today Zelensky multiplied by zero all the statements of the negotiators on both sides:
• Crimea is a Ukrainian territory. There can only be a postponement of the issue of the return of the peninsula
• Donbass is our territory. ORDLO is very important for Ukraine
• Russia's return to positions as of February 23
• If we are offered to join NATO tomorrow, we will join. But this will not happen, unfortunately
It is obvious that the Kiev authorities have finally chosen for themselves the "war to the end". No half measures and peace agreements should be expected anymore. The point of no return has been passed.
Posted by: Boo | Apr 5 2022 11:07 utc | 94
I think both sides know by now what the endgame will be: Ukraine will be split in an Ukrainian and Russian part. The only unknown is where the new borders will be set up. I think the minimum Oblasts will include: Donetsk, Lugansk, Kharkov, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Nikolaev and Odessa.
From a strategic point of view, the Oblasts to the right bank of the Dnepr should taken as well: Chernigov, Sumy and Poltava. The Chernigov Oblast borders Kiev, which is of strategic importance to make sure rump Ukraine wont be a threat anymore. The same in the Korean frozen conflict: North Korea is 40 Km away from Seul and can easily flaten the city, which makes sure that South Korea doesnt go full war mode.
Its impossible for Putin to withdraw from all of Ukraine except for Donbass in exchange for sanction relief. He would be eaten alive by the Russian public. The Russian public is behind him with around 80%, there is no room for compromize. The same goes for Ze, he cant compromize on giving away Crimea and Donbass without being killed by his nationalist war party.
So when both sides cant compromize now, there are only 2 options: A compromize will be found later on, if either side becomes tired of war and accepts that the maximalist position is out of reach or if either side achieves the goals set out. In other words: Can Russia achieve occupation of all the aforementioned Oblasts before the Russian public becomes tired of war? I think Russia will achieve her goals before that. Ze can neither win nor compromize. Putin cant compromize, but he can win.
Posted by: Arne Hartmann | Apr 5 2022 12:22 utc | 95
Macron is the end of the line for the French political establishment, he was set up the by bankers to do one last smash and grab and try to introduce the failed neoliberal economic policies of the US and Britain before the populists force a political realignment that leaves their kind out in the cold.
He also has a habit of acknowledging non-neoliberal problems, like de Gaulle doing his 'I have understood you!' (But that doesn't mean I agree or will do anything about this) bit whether it's immigration which he seems to flip flop on or issues of postmodern philosophy, particularly the mutated re-imported kind from America.
He can't and won't solve any of France's existential issues. He doesn't solve any political problems at all. Meanwhile the Front Nationale has been morphing to better suit it's constituents and gone from a neo-reactionary far right party to essentially a social democratic party with conservative nationalist leanings. In essence they've become the party of the (Ethnic French) working class. The inability of the designated left to separate themselves from these post-modern anti-nationalists means they will always fail, only from the designated right can actual social democratic challenge now present itself, as inane as that would have sounded to people 30 years ago.
Essentially Le Pen merges collectivism on economic with collectivism on social and cultural (And ethnic) grounds. That's a very appealing slate to people who have been mauled by the consequences of individualism on both economic and social grounds. If it seems like a contradiction it's only because the late 20th century was so god damned weird.
Posted by: Altai | Apr 5 2022 12:46 utc | 96
Thanks. I got busy elsewhere and couldn't post a reply until now.
I think every country has corruption with the US being perhaps the worst of all. I had thought that Switzerland was perhaps immune but our next-door neighbors are Swiss citizens (Hungarian parents who escaped in 1956) and they tell me that it is just as bad there.
Here it is in different forms. For example, Orban created a Men in Black SWAT team type of organization abbreviated TEK for anti-terrorism. I note Hungary has never had a single incident of terrorism so no actual need for this. The TEK is 1,200 strong and the Hungarian military less than 10,000 so they serve as personal guards and security for Fidez in addition to performing counter-terrorism intelligence duties. They wiz around the country in groups of black Mercedes or Audis with blue flashing lights and blackened windows containing very important people (and blatantly violating traffic laws). Usually with an additional police escort so that must make it legal. There must be a lot of them as this seems to happen all the time. Also, in the Budapest airport, the guys in black SWAT gear carrying machine guns are all members of TEK.
Corruption, when we got here, was top-down and particularly noticeable at the low levels. Should you get stopped by a cop you just bribe your way out of it that kind of thing and it was normal and usual. The same for city government etc. It was that way for everything and very similar to all the other FSU countries like Ukraine and other shit hole countries. Back then when you saw a doctor you were expected to put 20,000 HUF in their pocket (roughly $80). Also thankfully, that is gone now.
The new form of corruption now in Hungary, like in the US, is at the highest levels. Orban set up a system where the EU money gets disbursed by a FIDEZ appointed team and of course, roughly 50% or more goes into their pocket. He added 15,000 deputy Ministers, none of whom have actual jobs but draw enormous salaries. It is like that. The same for EU funded improvement projects where half the funds get pocketed and are always contracted to friendly people. He also nationalized cigarette sales and only Fidez approved vendors can sell them now. He tried to do it with alcohol and there was instant revolt. Hungarians make a lot of homebrew liquor and take drinking seriously. Smoking is fairly predominant here and prices went up a great deal after nationalization but that is apparently tolerable. The same for when he tried to pay back the Christian Democrats who demand that all businesses close on Sundays. That lasted about 2 months before everyone started protesting in big ways. The same for property tax which was blocked by the Supreme Court. Since then he has reduced the out-and-out blatant theft but it still goes on in big ways. His daughter’s husband is now one of the richest men in Hungary second after Orban’s former plumber in his old village of Felcsut which got a huge Football training stadium and a fast train to Budapest. Really, it is all outrageous. Castle purchases, etc. But, all the politicians everywhere are the same. However, in the things that really count he has made astute decisions. Hungarians on the whole are homophobic, anti-Semitic, anti-Roma, and anti-Muslim maybe in that order. It is a long-standing complicated societal set of values and not much is ever going to change it. It isn’t actual hatred just deep antipathy. It is what I call “innocent” in that they don’t know why they feel this way as it has always been that way and it is tradition to think this way. On a personal level, it is not a problem. Hungarians are fairly xenophobic as well but tolerate foreigners. However, foreign food restaurants fail if they don’t shift to Hungarian cuisine. Most Hungarians prefer to vacation in Hungary or in former territories of Hungary stolen from them in the Trianon Treaty. The Hungarians cut off from Hungary in those regions still speak Hungarian and refuse to be assimilated into the country that stole the land. It is a huge problem and Orban gave automatic citizenship to all ethnic Hungarians in those areas who also vote. Most Americans I have run into are either Hungarians that fled in 1956 to the US or are children of them and prefer to live in Hungary. For Hungarians Hungary is home and why feel deeply about it.
Posted by: Old Microbiologist | Apr 5 2022 14:43 utc | 97
At the Cradle, Bhadramakumar has a different take on the situation in Pakistan:
https://thecradle.co/Article/columns/8783
He argues that the pro Washington Army has taken over. And the coup against Kham succeeded.
Posted by: bevin | Apr 5 2022 14:50 utc | 98
@ Old Microbiologist | Apr 5 2022 14:43 utc | 98 with the follow up about corruption in Hungary.....thanks
Your description of the ethnocentrism of the region was good, thanks more.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Apr 5 2022 15:14 utc | 99
Reportedly a video of succesfull ambush UkroArmy did against a RuArmy unit retreating from Bucha.
Captured POWs were tied up then summarily executed.
Posted by: Arioch | Apr 5 2022 15:53 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
Good comments. Nevertheless, I am sure Le Pen will not win. This circus happens with almost every presidential election in France. In the 2nd round the country rallies around Le Pen's (Jean-Marie or Marine) opponent.
Posted by: Ernesto Che | Apr 4 2022 16:04 utc | 1