Backlash Of Sanction On Russia Must Not Lead To Sanctions On Everyone
More than a year ago I was wrong in predicting that the backlash from sanctions would push the 'west' to accept Russia's demands.
The Sanction Backlash Will Push The 'West' To Accept Russia's Demands - Mar 9, 2022
The Anglo-Saxons prevented that - at least so far.
But parts of my predictions were still correct:
The first [map] shows the countries which banned Russian airplanes from their airspace. Russia in turn denied its airspace to operators from those countries. It will cost quite a bit for U.S. and EU airlines as their flight times and cost to and from Asia, which typically fly through Russian airspace, will now increase. Carriers from Asian countries will now easily out-compete U.S. and European airlines on these routes.
That has indeed happened. U.S. carriers have lost much of their traffic to Asia to Asian airlines as their flight time on those routes are now shorter and their prices cheaper.
But instead of appealing to the U.S. government to take back the sanctions, which would be good for them and their customers, they ask to sanction the Asian carriers.
Banned From Russian Airspace, U.S. Airlines Look to Restrict Competitors
Unable to fly through Russian airspace because of the war in Ukraine, U.S. airlines are stepping up a lobbying campaign on Capitol Hill and at the White House to address what they say is a growing problem: They are losing business to foreign competitors who can take passengers between the United States and Asia faster and more cheaply.
Russia closed its airspace for U.S. and European carriers not because of the war in Ukraine but because the U.S. and its NATO proxies closed their airspace for Russian carriers. To mislead about that, as the opener of NYT piece does, is a disservice to the reader.
Flights on U.S. carriers from the U.S. to India, which previously crossed Siberia, now have to take other routes:
Airlines for America estimated the lost annual market share of U.S. carriers at a collective $2 billion per year.
But for passengers who chose the right airline the issue makes no difference:
As of Wednesday, the outbound leg of an April round-trip journey from New York’s Kennedy Airport to New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport cost about $1,500 and was estimated at 13 hours and 40 minutes on Air India, according to Travelocity. The most comparable flight on a U.S. carrier: a $1,740 American Airlines trip with estimated flying time of 14 hours and 55 minutes.
The consumer's choice here is obvious.
“Foreign airlines using Russian airspace on flights to and from the U.S. are gaining a significant competitive advantage over U.S. carriers in major markets, including China and India,” the presentation, dated February, said. “This situation is directly to the benefit of foreign airlines and at the expense of the United States as a whole, with fewer connections to key markets, fewer high paying airline jobs” and a dent in the overall economy.
....
Now airlines are pressing the White House and Congress to fix the problem by subjecting foreign carriers from nations not already banned from Russian airspace to the same restrictions applied to U.S. airlines, effectively forcing them to fly the same routes as their American competitors.The Biden administration should “take action to ensure that foreign carriers overflying Russia do not depart, land or transit through U.S. airports,” said Marli Collier, an Airlines for America spokeswoman.
The proposal appears to have gained traction with the Transportation Department, which recently drafted an order that would ban Chinese carriers that fly passengers to the United States from flying through Russian airspace, according to three people who were briefed on the order.
In effect the transport department, lead by dimwit mayor Pete Buttigieg, says: "F** the consumer. Just take away the good choices they have."
Air India and other Asian carriers would not be happy about such steps. It is not their fault that they can still cross Russia while U.S. carriers no longer can. The government of the countries that would have such rules imposed on their airlines by the U.S. would see that as a quite unfriendly step.
Making flights more expensive for everyone, as the planned steps would do, would also hurt U.S. tourism and general commerce.
The New York Times writers then try to argue that there is a security issue. U.S. citizens on an Air India flight making an emergency landing in Russia could somehow be endangered. The cases they use to argue that are nonsense:
In 2014, a Malaysia Airlines flight was shot down over Ukraine, killing 298 people.
...
In 2021, a Ryanair flight from Greece to Lithuania was diverted to Belarus, a close Kremlin ally, after officials in that country alerted air traffic controllers to a supposed bomb threat on the plane. Their true purpose, U.S. prosecutors said, was to arrest a dissident journalist who was a passenger by inventing a false safety issue.
...
Last year, the American basketball star Brittney Griner was detained at an airport near Moscow and later sentenced to nine years in a penal colony for carrying vape cartridges of hashish oil in her luggage. She was freed in December.
A flight over an active battlefield in Ukraine, some murky issue in Belarus and a U.S. woman who admitted that she had smuggled drugs into Russia are not demonstrations of danger for U.S. passengers on Air India over Russia. Even if such flight would have to land in Russia there would be no trouble. Russia is not at war with the U.S. and private U.S citizens in Russia are safe.
To close the airspace for Russian airliners was simply a dumb idea. During a prank call European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde admitted to a fake Zelensky that sanctions on Russia have failed.
Sanctions that do not work, or even caused a backlash, should be lifted immediately and not be extended into sanctions on everyone.
Posted by b on March 18, 2023 at 17:22 UTC | Permalink
next page »In that prank call Lagarde also says that the CBDC or Central Bank Digital Currency will be used to control how people use it, i.e., the central bank can shut your account off or only let you use their digital currency to buy what they allow. This is all about the NWO trying to stay the course even though there has been one disaster after another for them, i.e., they are doubling down on everything thinking that will make up for their losses. Democrats are now trying to get laws passed that would make criticizing non-white people an actual criminal offense. Speech laws like that have been enacted in many European countries for a while now, where even stating true things can get you prosecuted. For example, recently a number of journalists are being prosecuted for stating the truth of the Ukraine War because it contradicts what is promoted by their politicians and mainstream media. Countless liberal politicians in America and Europe are all on the same page, all trying to use the law to suppress critical reporting of them, their political parties, their donors, and their activist supporters, in the name of stopping “harmful” hate speech and misinformation. Recently a Democrat in Congress, Sheila Jackson Lee, pushed a bill criminalizing “antagonism based on replacement theory, or hate speech that vilifies or is otherwise directed against any non-White person or group.”
Posted by: kana | Mar 18 2023 17:27 utc | 1
Thank you b.
Empire doesn't lift sanctions & there is no acknowledgement of failed policies nor self correction.
..from AsiaTimes, another example of sanctions effect --
Russia war waves buffeting far-away Indonesia
Western sanctions jeopardize $3 billion gas project while authorities try to stem a flood of Russian and Ukrainian ‘tourist’ arrivals
JAKARTA – Ripples from the Russia-Ukraine war are being felt in far-off Indonesia, with sanctions threatening the future of a US$3 billion joint natural gas project in the North Natuna Sea and misbehaving Russian visitors in danger of losing Bali as a popular safe haven.
For British firm Harbour Energy, the boom may be about to be lowered on its newly discovered Tuna block, close to Indonesia’s maritime border with Vietnam, because of its 50% partnership with Russia’s state-owned Zarubezhneft oil company.
“Work on the project has now largely been suspended as a result of European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) sanctions imposed on Russian entities,” Harbour Energy told Asia Times in a statement. . .here
Posted by: Don Bacon | Mar 18 2023 17:34 utc | 3
Countries with airlines threatened in this way should respond in kind targeting American airlines. Perhaps confiscate their slots at the relevant airports in response.
Posted by: Julian | Mar 18 2023 17:42 utc | 4
Re: Posted by: kana | Mar 18 2023 17:27 utc | 1
Speech laws like that have been enacted in many European countries for a while now, where even stating true things can get you prosecuted. For example, recently a number of journalists are being prosecuted for stating the truth of the Ukraine War because it contradicts what is promoted by their politicians and mainstream media. Countless liberal politicians in America and Europe are all on the same page, all trying to use the law to suppress critical reporting of them, their political parties, their donors, and their activist supporters, in the name of stopping “harmful” hate speech and misinformation.
Don't let YOUR language be corrupted. There is NOTHING liberal about those laws and those politicians pushing those laws - they are authoritarian and regressive - NOT liberal.
Posted by: Julian | Mar 18 2023 17:45 utc | 5
Well just to add to this ridiculous request for sanctions Zelensky has announced that he will be placing sanctions on President Assad of Syria some of it's politicians and some Iranian ones.
What utter madness is this? The sanctions imposed are illegal in any event and are to prevent any economic threat to the USA. The USA are, de facto, admitting that they cannot compete with the ROW.
Do they think this can go on and on and on? It's already all on the brink of collapse.
What a shitshow!
Posted by: Jo Dominich | Mar 18 2023 17:45 utc | 6
It's important to remember that the USG and most of its corporate heads look at commercial relations through the lens of the game of Monopoly and try to eliminate as much competition as possible so they can reap the benefits of Monopoly Rent, a policy perspective that goes back to the early 1900s and has only grown since. Yes, for a short period it was politically required to bust Trusts/Monopolies, but that changed after WW1. IMO, the easiest way to comprehend Outlaw US Empire geoeconomic strategy is through the lens of a Monopoly game player where the aim is to control as much as possible and thus drive everyone else into bankruptcy. Look at what it's doing to Europe, and how it used the IMF and World Bank to destroy Third World development by imposing dependency.
As for sanctions, the best thing to do is ignore them, and when they impinge create alternative institutions, which is now being done by the RoW. As Russia and China have shown, the West isn't required for development, although China has certainly created a special case for itself as it lured the West into geoeconomic dependency on its economy. However, China's goal isn't to Monopolize like the West; rather, China understands it can benefit more from sharing, a concept the Western nomenclatura mind finds hard to accept. It's that mindset that will cause the West's destruction as a bloc as the only way forward for humanity is a shared, cooperative future as key resources dwindle as the century moves forward.
And we can continue. EU to ban Chinese, Indonesian, Philippine and Indochinese airlines: coming soon.
Posted by: unimperator | Mar 18 2023 17:54 utc | 8
Go back through history, back all the way to 1806 when Napolean sanctioned Britain by forbidding continental europe from trading with Britain. Name one instance where sanctions worked....bet you can't. Castro out lasted, by my count, 9 U.S. presidents. Insanity it is said is doing the same thing over and over again, each time hoping for a different result
@ karlof1 | Mar 18 2023 17:51 utc | 7
Good analogy. Win:Lose, Winner takes all, vs Win:Win, All players benefit.
Thanks for the posting b
Empire is tying itself in a knot trying to change the course of the RoW caravan rolling on into the future.
In doing so it is showing itself as the self centered, craven, greedy cult of barbaric patriarchy it is and has been for centuries.
Self destruction in front of an audience that will know what they don't want to build as a form of social organization.
The shit show may continue long after it has any impact on the self organization of the RoW.
The only question remaining is if empire will destroy humanity in its pique of existential loss of jackboot control.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 18 2023 18:06 utc | 11
@Julian | Mar 18 2023 17:45 utc | 5
As I explain in my Political Terminology - The 9 minute FAQ to knowing everything necessary to understand American politics, "Liberals are the descendants of the frightened aristocrats and plutocrats who watched the French revolution in dismay and invented liberalism as a kinder, gentler version of feudalism to maintain their wealth, power, and necks. The US was founded as a liberal oligarchy and remains that way today, less the kinder-gentler aspects because they are no longer necessary once the sheep are persuaded that they need the oligarchs that are eating them one at a time to keep them safe from the dangerous wolves out there."
Posted by: Hermit | Mar 18 2023 18:06 utc | 12
Interesting that any alleged concern about carbon emissions on the part of the airlines and the US Democratic administration goes out of the window when there’s profits at stake and a hybrid war to be fought. What about the extra airmiles? Small beer no doubt compared to Nordstream but I guess they think the voters are too stupid to notice.
Posted by: Phil E | Mar 18 2023 18:17 utc | 13
I see that false formulation, 'because of war in Ukraine', all over the place. The ligenpresse doesn't want to mention sanctions because sanctions were a choice by the governments the media is aligned with, and those choices are causing the suffering of their own people.
The MSM would rather lie about even the smallest details than tell an inconvenient truth.
Posted by: Figleaf23 | Mar 18 2023 18:26 utc | 14
Don't let YOUR language be corrupted. There is NOTHING liberal about those laws and those politicians pushing those laws - they are authoritarian and regressive - NOT liberal.
Posted by: Julian | Mar 18 2023 17:45 utc | 5
------------------------------------------
I think I have disagreed with you on some issues, but on this we walk a common path. People can fix their mouth to say anything: I am conservative, I am a liberal, I am a progressive, I am a leftist, etc. etc. It is what they do, not what they say that matters. All these terms have a textual and historic meaning and content, and the same is true for "liberals" who no longer act like liberals.
In the late seventies and eighties (most notably during the administration of Bill Clinton) a new animal arose in US politics (also in the UK). In the US, the animal called itself NEW DEMOCRATES. What they really were was NEO-LIBERAL's who embraced old style laissez-faire economics not seen since before the the Great Depression, consequently the New Democrats jettisoned the DP's traditional working-class base to better serve their big donor masters. To this day most neo-liberals reject the neo-liberal label, insisting that they are just liberals with an open mind; but you can fix your mouth to say anything can't you.
Posted by: Ed | Mar 18 2023 18:31 utc | 15
I see that false formulation, 'because of war in Ukraine', all over the place.
@ Figleaf23 | Mar 18 2023 18:26 utc | 14
Except regarding the price of natural gas, or the stability of regional banks, here in sunny California. Certain subjects are rigorously relegated to "OMG nothing to do with the proxy war in Ukraine," while whistling past the graveyard hereabouts.
Posted by: Aleph_Null | Mar 18 2023 18:36 utc | 16
Welp, the other shoe just dropped. President Trump to be arrested on Tuesday. Unbelievable. Civil War II in the US, and I can't imagine the US will be sending too much more aid to the Ukraine. Our priorities have shifted.
Posted by: LGB! | Mar 18 2023 18:44 utc | 17
The current imbecilic behavior of the US neocons will never end unless their petrodollar privilege is taken away from them as soon as possible. China, Russia and their allies need to act much more seriously if they want to replace the dollar hegemony with something effective. US/EU neocons' behavior has become totally irrational and bizarre.
Posted by: maskazer | Mar 18 2023 18:51 utc | 18
Marie Antoinette would say "let them fly private jets".
Posted by: Patso | Mar 18 2023 19:02 utc | 20
Sanctions that do not work, or even caused a backlash, should be lifted immediately and not be extended into sanctions on everyone.Posted by b on March 18, 2023 at 17:22 UTC | Permalink
That would be realpolitik, not ideology. In a world of ideology everyone will be forced to choose: either you are with us and get their sanctions, or you are with them and get our sanctions.
Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 18 2023 19:03 utc | 21
Sanctions are just cancel culture on steroids. Jimmy Dore:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpRvv_QibnY
Posted by: Thurl | Mar 18 2023 19:17 utc | 22
@Unimperator:
'And we can continue. EU to ban Chinese, Indonesian, Philippine and Indochinese airlines: coming soon.'
Don't you see? That's exactly what they want, according to Agenda 2030 private air travel by anybody other than the 'elite' is to be banned.
It's just a different approach to achieve the same end.
Posted by: Ken Tucky | Mar 18 2023 19:25 utc | 23
The bottom line is that Nato/most European nations that have sanctioned Russia don't give a toss about the effects of those sanctions on their own citizens, infact by backing the sanctions they are actively damaging their own economies and the businesses within their countries.
Hit the governments where it hurts in their own pockets, mass demos, temporarily stop paying taxes, vote them out at every local and national elections, let them know that you know they have put US interests ahead of their own citizens interests.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Mar 18 2023 19:30 utc | 24
I was thinking along these very lines when I learned just yesterday that Canada is fixing to fuck over Canadian industries and consumers with planned sanctions on Russian steel and aluminum in order to satiate the unhinged Russiaphobes in Ottawa. I hope that the defense industry takes a hit, though it will likely be secretly granted exemptions. Trudeau cherishes his arms export industry.
Posted by: nwwoods | Mar 18 2023 19:37 utc | 25
The NWO still thinks it has China 'in the bag', thus they will wait until after 2026 to change the trajectory, while trying to coral India in. China really has no idea of what is going on and is seeking to consolidate their hold on SE Asia, Australia and the Philippines.
It is likely that the RU Army will continue its expansion in the meantime.
The Ukraine 'project', as stated by the Russians has up to a 3-5 year 'window', something that was never contemplated by the NWO.
Arms Control is totally 'out the window'.
Posted by: T S | Mar 18 2023 19:39 utc | 26
"IMO, the easiest way to comprehend Outlaw US Empire geoeconomic strategy is through the lens of a Monopoly game player where the aim is to control as much as possible and thus drive everyone else into bankruptcy."
karlof1 | Mar 18 2023 17:51 utc | 7
Although I don't have them at hand you might be interested to know there are studies that assert there is a close analogy between the game Monopoly and current capitalism.
It's a statistical argument that the game teaches us. By the end of the game one player holds all of the property. It's a mathematically guaranteed result.
Posted by: David G Horsman | Mar 18 2023 19:43 utc | 27
Posted by: Ken Tucky | Mar 18 2023 19:25 utc | 23
You may be right, but if Agenda 2030 only plays out in the Global Community a.k.a "The Waste", then the rest of the world will be getting some serious competitive advantages. EU will be looking a lot like Soviet Union in 1919 and 1991.
Posted by: unimperator | Mar 18 2023 19:45 utc | 28
My suggestion is for Asian airlines subject to restrictions in respect of overflying Russia, should fly to Bermuda, the Bahamas or Mexico, and sanctioned Asian countries should forbid American airliners flying to their countries. Very simple and effective.
Posted by: Nuno Cardoso da Silv | Mar 18 2023 19:52 utc | 29
It might be noted that sanctions used in the way that the US applies them to countries such as Cuba, North Korea and Syria among others, and in particular to Iraq in the past, amount to war crimes. Of course the ICC won't issue arrest warrants against those US govt officials who initiate sanctions against countries that would cripple those countries - because representatives of the ICC themselves would be sanctioned or subjected to arrest if they are in US territory.
Posted by: Refinnejenna | Mar 18 2023 19:56 utc | 30
The tyrants who run this sh1t show don't care about consequences as long as they profit. They stole our democracy and sold it to their pals. We pay for the wheat they steal and give us the chaff.
They use the media, also stolen from the people to turn us against each other. Using their lamps to make a darker world.
The tyrants only care of being on top. Their mountain is made of the corpses of their victims. As long as they're on top is all that matters to them.
Posted by: Rabbit | Mar 18 2023 19:59 utc | 31
" To close the airspace for Russian airliners was simply a dumb idea. During a prank call European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde admitted to a fake Zelensky that sanctions on Russia have failed.
Sanctions that do not work, or even caused a backlash, should be lifted immediately and not be extended into sanctions on everyone. "
The sanctions haven't failed and are working just as designed as their goal is the destruction of Europe and other majority indigenous European nations. Some folks here are still naive I see.
Posted by: Deplorable Commissar | Mar 18 2023 20:00 utc | 32
I’m not sure if posting correctly, apologies in advance...
Here is a link. Adam Smith, and the current system employed by Western economics, is wrong...
Posted by: Azscout | Mar 18 2023 20:01 utc | 33
Of course it is so much harder to refuse when the blonde is courting your country. However, unbeknownst to you she is talking to all the guys behind your back...
Posted by: Azscout | Mar 18 2023 20:04 utc | 34
Sanction is criminal act , the US is corrupt regime with a criminal intent on supremacy and colonialism.
Look what they are doing in Syria , occupying the lans illegally, stealing its resources oil and wheat selling it and shipping to Turkey and Israel , and paying for Israel bombing Syrian territory.
Shame on them .
Posted by: Bobby | Mar 18 2023 20:27 utc | 35
@kana | 1
Dutch intends to enforce each and every money transaction from €100 needs to be monitored … mass surveillance #moneylaundering #idiots #farmerscoalition
https://nos.nl/artikel/2456142-kabinet-wil-betalingsverkeer-beter-laten-monitoren-kamer-heeft-vragen
@ Julian | Mar 18 2023 17:45 utc | 5
---
Liberalism is synonymous with property rights.
The hierarchy is:
property > the individual > society
Posted by: too scents | Mar 18 2023 20:41 utc | 37
Germany needs to develop austerity measures …
Budget dispute exposes cracks in Germany's government
https://www.dw.com/en/budget-dispute-exposes-cracks-in-germanys-government/a-65022677
Beefing up the military, phasing out fossil fuels, modernizing infrastructure, reforming the social benefits system, the education sector, health and the pension system... The German government has a long list of urgent projects. And all of them come with a hefty price tag.
… coalition partners unwilling to accept austerity measures …
thanks b...
cia and friends shot down the mh17 over ukraine... they can't really use that as an excuse for others not flying over russia... as usual.. everything is coming up 100% bullshit with the usa and its little sychophant msm in tow... they might figure everyone is an ignoramus, but they are wrong...
Posted by: james | Mar 18 2023 20:51 utc | 39
@ too scents | Mar 18 2023 20:41 utc | 37
The hierarchy is:property > the individual > society
Doomsday for the human race is imminent, yet (Corporate & individual) property rights are sacrosanct:
"You'll have to answer to the Coca-Cola company" - Youtube. 3m35s.
David G Horsman @27--
Thanks for your reply. Yes, I figured that out long ago and it wasn't too long after that nobody who knew me wanted to play Monopoly--it teaches the Zero-sum game. The RoW has learned the hard way not to participate in the West's "games" and is now busily creating their own. When one reads the three initiatives Xi has proposed, entry/participation in them is all based on behavior--proper behavior shows you have an acceptable base of values and so you're welcomed into the RoW Club. If you portray dysfunctional behavior and thus prove to have deviant values, you won't be granted membership. How long a period of time will be required to prove your change in behavior is genuine rather than a ruse is unknown at this time, but I suspect it must be at least one generation (20 years) if not more in several cases.
How utterly typical of the crybaby American (and likely Brit, Dutch and French) airlines.
Banned From Russian Airspace, U.S. Airlines Look to Restrict CompetitorsUnable to fly through Russian airspace because of the war in Ukraine, U.S. airlines are stepping up a lobbying campaign on Capitol Hill and at the White House to address what they say is a growing problem: They are losing business to foreign competitors who can take passengers between the United States and Asia faster and more cheaply.
What a bunch of total pussies to go about it that way. The only *legitimate" non-disingenuous reason I could think that they chose this approach would be that they aren't comfortable flying over Russian airspace, even if they were allowed to, so long as the war is raging. But I highly doubt they had the safety of Asian and other airlines' planes in mind when making these demands.
Any sanctions on those companies will result in some *serious* ill-will and almost certainly some form of reciprocation.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 18 2023 21:49 utc | 42
I thought it was stupid of Russia to allow U.S. to fly over its airspace to supply the U.S. in its Afghanistan occupation. Russia was allowing this even while it had a heroin epidemic due to the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan. U.S. allowed and protected the poppy-growing of Afghans which were political allies of the U.S.
It was just one of many things Russia did to grease the wheels of the U.S. and the NWO.
Posted by: MiniMo | Mar 18 2023 21:49 utc | 43
Has anyone heard from bevin lately? It just occurred to me that I haven't seen anything from him in quite a while. In fact a couple of regulars have been missing as of late.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 18 2023 21:50 utc | 44
Posted by: LGB! | Mar 18 2023 18:44 utc | 17 ". Civil War II in the US"
When do you think it will start? Tuesday? Wednesday? Or will it wait for the actual trial?
If the case is about the payment to the hooker, it looks like the case against John Edwards and Edwards was found not guilty.
Posted by: Bill Smith | March 18, 2023 at 21:33
Posted by: Bill Smith | Mar 18 2023 21:51 utc | 45
China's ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, was asked a series of written questions by Global Times reporters. IMO, the Ambassador's conclusion provides a good recap:
"The more turbulent and unstable the world becomes, the more it is necessary for China-Russia relations to steadily move forward. Faced with a complicated international situation, China is willing to work with Russia to maintain peace, security and development, jointly build a global community of shared future, implement the BRI, promote the leapfrog development of pragmatic cooperation between the two countries, and continuously advance China-Russia relations for a new era. Regardless of how the international situation changes, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era will inevitably move forward at a higher level."
An editorial was also published supporting Xi's visit and contained these two complementary paragraphs:
"President Xi's upcoming visit will also be a tour of peace. There is one major concern for the outside world: Does China have specific actions to bring about peace and promote talks during this visit? This expectation itself stems from China's continuous efforts to play a constructive role and ease the Ukraine crisis in its own way. China is one of the few major powers that can build a bridge of communications between Russia and Ukraine. This is even more precious as both sides in the conflict find themselves in a deadlock.
"However, it must be said that China is not the cause of the Ukrainian crisis, nor a party to it. It is the US and Western countries that have got themselves deeply involved in the crisis. The key to solving the Ukraine crisis is not in China's hands, but in those of the US and Western countries. If they continue to stir up trouble instead of cooperating, it will be unlikely that any efforts to bring about peace and promote talks will be effective." [My Emphasis]
IMO, it was SOP for the Outlaw US Empire to issue a rejection of any attempts by Xi to facilitate peace in the Nato-Russian War even before anything was offered thus showing the Empire's policy in the matter--the war's to continue until a result the Empire likes is achieved. Also note the bolded text that's the core of the narrative China's been promoting for the benefit of RoW, a narrative with the benefit of having the truth on its side.
I couldn't stop grinding my teeth while reading b's article. I get so pissed off when I see the sheer lunacy of the us's actions in this world. It's ALL about the money god damn it!! I second the idea of Nuno at post 29 that the RoW, if they are inconvenienced severely must restrict ALL american flights from landing at their airports OR switch american airline terminals to the farthest most difficult Gates imaginable at every airport!!
Posted by: safe | Mar 18 2023 21:52 utc | 47
It's not just sanctions that the MoA echo chamber has been wrong about. Its pretty much everything. "Bakhmut is Falling" has turned into Bakhmut is culminating. Now, I am no Biden lover and I hope Russia can salvage some kind "victory" from the colossal Charley Foxtrot Putin has got Russia into, but it's not looking good at this point.
Anybody with a fair mind and who does not mindlessly consume Russian propaganda would agree, but that leaves out about 99% of the commentariat around here.
Posted by: Longhorn | Mar 18 2023 21:59 utc | 48
Hit the governments where it hurts in their own pockets, mass demos, temporarily stop paying taxes, vote them out at every local and national elections, let them know that you know they have put US interests ahead of their own citizens interests.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Mar 18 2023 19:30 utc | 24
You have nailed it.
Extermination electorally is the way to put manners them.
Smug complacency has been in place decade's.
Posted by: jpc | Mar 18 2023 21:59 utc | 49
Of course, the ICC won't issue arrest warrants against those US govt officials who initiate sanctions against countries that would cripple those countries - because representatives of the ICC themselves would be sanctioned or subjected to arrest if they are in US territory.
Posted by: Refinnejenna | Mar 18 2023 19:56 utc | 30
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Or worse, and this is the kind monster the International Finance Capitalist Class (IFCC) has become. I am amazed that the world cannot see them for what they are. They are gangsters with an international military force to do their dirty work: NATO.
Posted by: Ed | Mar 18 2023 22:10 utc | 50
https://southfront.org/u-s-allies-seek-regime-change-in-russia/
Τhe International Criminal Court is NOT the same, as the U.N.’s International Court of Justice...
..the U.S.-and-allied regimes are starting a case in the International Criminal Court — which has no jurisdiction over Russia and over Ukraine and over the United States, all three of which nations refused to ratify and therefore are not subject to that Court’s jurisdiction (since it’s not a “Universal” court like the U.N.’s International Court of Justice is) — initiating this purely propaganda ‘case’ against Russia.
Wikipedia itself makes this elementary fact about that Court quite clear, by saying: “It lacks universal territorial jurisdiction and may only investigate and prosecute crimes committed within member states, crimes committed by nationals of member states, or crimes in situations referred to the Court by the United Nations Security Council.” The U.S. and its allies are bringing this case as a propaganda-vehicle, but the Court itself, by ‘investigating’ this case that falls outside its jurisdiction, is destroying whatever pitiful international credibility that it had.
Posted by: ΚΓΨ | Mar 18 2023 22:10 utc | 51
Anybody with a fair mind and who does not mindlessly consume Russian propaganda would agree, but that leaves out about 99% of the commentariat around here.
Posted by: Longhorn | Mar 18 2023 21:59 utc | 48
-----------------------------
Then why are you here Troll?
Posted by: Ed | Mar 18 2023 22:13 utc | 52
The war party doubling down on failure simply means twice the fail. It’s like a little bratty kid taking his ball
And bat home ‘cuz he’s a spoiled brat.
Meanwhile 87% of the works are happy the bratty kid went home to pout.
Posted by: Exile | Mar 18 2023 22:15 utc | 53
@LongBongHit -
b is being as transparent as is humanly possible here. The prediction that "the west" would accede to Russia's demands was a very narrow one to begin with. In fact the EU *IS* buying Russian oil and gas, but they are doing so at a significant markup through intermediaries. Otherwise, all the predictions from those who mindlessly push NAFO propaganda have been duds. The Russian economy is not suffering, there is no internal pressure for a change of leadership, Ukraine is being ground down to dust and AFU sacrificing a huge number of troops compared to a relatively tiny number of Russian casualties.
Pray tell, however, what qualifies as "Russian propaganda" in the context of this conversation? Other than his own article from last year, the only thing b cited was the New York Langley Times.
It's nearly impossible to 'consume' anything pro-Russia without going to great lengths to find it. Not even RT is as jingoistic as European and American "news" sources.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 18 2023 22:17 utc | 54
Posted by: Refinnejenna | Mar 18 2023 19:56 utc | 30
“It might be noted that sanctions used in the way that the US applies them to countries such as Cuba, North Korea and Syria among others, and in particular to Iraq in the past, amount to war crimes.”
——————-
No, not war crimes, but Crimes Against Humanity as defined in the documentation that established the Nuremburg Tribunals.
Posted by: Cato the Uncensored | Mar 18 2023 22:21 utc | 55
Turns out many EU countries increased imports from Russia massively in 2022. The same will be still going on in 2023, albeit through third parties. And of course the Elephant in the room: non-western -currencies.
#TheNewWorldOrder : A whopping 68% increase in EU-Russia trade | World News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-8LMaizgok
Posted by: unimperator | Mar 18 2023 22:22 utc | 56
Posted by: Ed | Mar 18 2023 22:13 utc | 52
I like to read fantasy.
Posted by: Longhorn | Mar 18 2023 22:22 utc | 57
It's nearly impossible to 'consume' anything pro-Russia without going to great lengths to find it.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 18 2023 22:17 utc | 54
"LongBongHit", now that right there was funny.
Impossible to find pro-Russia commentary? On MoA? Surely you jest. This blog does not tolerate any dissent from the "party line". And the party line is that Russia is oppressed, winning the war (SMO), and the West is evil. The truth is a lot more nuanced than such simplistic thinking.
Posted by: Longhorn | Mar 18 2023 22:28 utc | 58
Posted by: Longhorn | Mar 18 2023 22:22 utc | 57 "I like to read fantasy."
Funny. When I was asked sometime ago, I said it was for amusement. I like your line better. But there are things I have learned here, points of view that I would not have otherwise been exposed to.
Posted by: Bill Smith | Mar 18 2023 22:40 utc | 59
"...How long a period of time will be required to prove your change in behavior is genuine rather than a ruse is unknown at this time, but I suspect it must be at least one generation (20 years) if not more in several cases."
Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 18 2023 21:23 utc | 41
My son this morning was showing me a video clip from a comedian of his generation that lightly touched on most of the issues we discuss here. The camera moved from the performer to quite a large audience of young people who caught every nuance in his patter and gestures with great enthusiasm.
It struck me that when all else fails in terms of diplomacy or example on the part of our 'betters' (whose numbers as far as the media is concerned have woefully shrunk) the classical format of comedy can still express truths in an universal language. I'd imagine that audience was 20 years and up for the most part - it was very encouraging to see. It made me want to retrieve the link(I will) and post it on tomorrow's week in review.
I must say I never thought as a teen involved in a game of Monopoly that adults could make this their dream of a lifetime. That is really, really sad.
Posted by: juliania | Mar 18 2023 22:47 utc | 60
I guess longhorn and bill smith favor countries that kill and displace millions of innocent people. What can you do. Can't change a psychopaths mind.
Posted by: Sid Farkus | Mar 18 2023 22:49 utc | 61
IMO, what Trump has posted to social media is certainly a backlash as RT reports:
"US the greatest threat to Western civilization – Trump"
Former US President Donald Trump slammed “globalists” and the American neoconservative establishment in a video posted to his social media accounts on Thursday, declaring that the US and “some of the horrible, USA-hating people that represent us” are the “greatest threat to Western civilization today.”“These globalists want to squander all of America’s strength, blood and treasure, chasing monsters and phantoms overseas while keeping us distracted from the havoc they’re creating right here at home,” the 2024 presidential candidate explained.
It's really a shame that Trump is the contradiction he is as he kept going the policies and promoted the very people he now deplores, while being a murderer himself. But again, he is saying the right things, although some will call it fantasy.
My bus stop now features an ad "Democracy. Diversity. Climate change. You are EU." TV news now contains an item about prices of common foodstuff going up, hints how to save money when buying food, followed by "happy happy" news: people buying stuff, people going on holiday. Others with the same experience?
Posted by: Passerby | Mar 18 2023 22:57 utc | 63
@Unimperator: 'And we can continue. EU to ban Chinese, Indonesian, Philippine and Indochinese airlines: coming soon.'
Don't you see? That's exactly what they want, according to Agenda 2030 private air travel by anybody other than the 'elite' is to be banned. It's just a different approach to achieve the same end.
Posted by: Ken Tucky | Mar 18 2023 19:25 utc | 23
US neocons do not see they are isolating their country.
There is a swing door – swings both ways. What’s good for the goose is also for the gander.
So, in turn EU, US ,Canada and UK Airlines will be banned; all airlines grounded.
Return of the steam boats.
= = = = = =
March 21, 2023
states and federal Security Services, said prepping for the arrest of Trump on Tuesday.
Oh my, they really are focused on tarring the guy from a re-run. Not that I’m a Trump fan. He is out of his depth and sold out; did not deliver on draining the swamp, instead was bitten by the alligators.
= = = = = =
The certified imbeciles:
My 2 nickels on the ICC pretense indicting Putin forWar Crimes. He is guilty for saving the children under the R2P doctrine. Too bad the ICC has no jurisdiction; I would offer to sit on the legal defense team and apart from the hypocrisy of it, my first submission on authorities for this kangaroo court - a demand under their “rules based-diktats” - given war crimes have no statute of limitations:
to name a few running free
1999 -
former Senator Biden, now pretend prez
Blair, Kissinger, Bush Jr. Cheney, Clintons, Obama, Trump
and there is that
R2P doctrine
Save the Children doctrine
But this ICC caper is not about Putin because the proxy war plan to isolate and defeat Russia has failed. If Putin is tarred a war criminal he’ll be shunned, kept uninvited.
However, in non-western cultures the first action is to save the children then adults. The USA-led west is being mocked and shunned.
A thought: there can be no peace negotiations. By western standards you do not negotiate with a war criminal. Negotiations will be settled by RF forces on the battlefield.
I will be focused on Monday 20th, the week of Xi's visit to Moscow.
Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 18 2023 22:59 utc | 64
I'm (like many others on this side of the pond) beginning to wake up after taking a curious red pill.
Posted by: S. Wayne | Mar 18 2023 23:10 utc | 66
" b is being as transparent as is humanly possible here. The prediction that "the west" would accede to Russia's demands was a very narrow one to begin with. In fact the EU *IS* buying Russian oil and gas, but they are doing so at a significant markup through intermediaries.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 18 2023 22:17 utc | 54 "
How much is this markup ? From what I understand Russia is selling its oil at $35 dollars a barrel. Even if India and others raise the price 50% thats still only $65 a barrel.
Posted by: Deplorable Commissar | Mar 18 2023 23:11 utc | 67
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 18 2023 21:50 utc | 44
IIRC Bevin said about a week ago he was going away on vacation for a while and would not be posting when away. I'll be glad when he returns as my depression level has been rising.
Posted by: Chas | Mar 18 2023 23:22 utc | 68
Impossible to find pro-Russia commentary? On MoA? Surely you jest. This blog does not tolerate any dissent from the "party line". And the party line is that Russia is oppressed, winning the war (SMO), and the West is evil. The truth is a lot more nuanced than such simplistic thinking.
Posted by: Longhorn | Mar 18 2023 22:28 utc | 58
Dear Foghorn Longhorn:
Many here are not pro-Putin per se, but are 100% anti-warmongering U.S. Deep State. I for one am disgusted with being represented by lying scum, who are allergic to reason and diplomacy, and would rather see their neighbor's sons killed in a war that has nothing to do with the West. Eastern Europe has been fighting over dirt for centuries.
The good news is no one trusts the West anymore, and the U.S. in particular. Biden is crazier than a 3-peckered Owl, and has the attention span of a gnat. And like bankruptcy, the U.S. dollar is losing its shine, slowly, slowly, then soon enough, suddenly.
Posted by: kupkee | Mar 18 2023 23:23 utc | 69
In Natural Law, the basis of reality, inanimate persons do not exist – past, present, or future. A significant part of the American legal system became fatally flawed when corporations, inanimate beings (sans outside intervention), were deemed 'persons' in official 19th century court rulings.
America's national and trans-national corporations, and many abroad, are dependent upon this erroneous legal fiction, which makes them liable for compensation to those harmed by it, and their descendants, when adjudicated in Natural Law.
International Neocons depend upon such corporations for continuity. Astute legal minds must focus upon this clear Crime Syndicate Cult weakness, with the intent to obstruct its ongoing destruction of our Natural World.
Posted by: BDC | Mar 18 2023 23:30 utc | 70
@ psychohistorian | Mar 18 2023 18:06 utc | 11
Your saying, "The only question remaining is if empire will destroy humanity in its pique of existential loss of jackboot control," is really the heart of the matter. Just as Russia, whatever happens, is indomitable because it possesses the Great Equalizer of nuclear weapons and mutually-assured destruction, so the US possesses the same thing.
Given the outrageously arrogant, presumptuous, greedy quest of the US elite for "full-spectrum dominance," an impossible aspiration for them in any world for a host of reasons aired and detailed on MOA, the response of the rest of the world to continuous US hectoring and aggression ought to be tit for tat. Or rather, because other countries have suffered mass exterminations and mass deaths because of the US elite, it would be entirely reasonable for them and the rest of the world to impose sanctions on the US. But what really restrains that, in the end, is the US elite threat to destroy humanity, which, criminals that they are, has to be considered.
It would really feel good not only for all foreign countries to expel all US forces and bases, but also to exclude US citizens from entry and expel all US foreign residents back to the US unless they renounce their citizenship, ban all trade with the US whatsoever, ban the use and possession of US dollars or anything else manufactured in the US, break all diplomatic relations, expel all US embassies and consulates and demolish their buildings and sow the ground with salt, demolish all structures built by the US, ban all US Internet connections, expel the US from all international organizations, confiscate all US-owned property, and prohibit all contact with US citizens. But what can be done is necessarily limited by the nuclear threat, since one does not want to get down to a final nuclear game of chicken.
So the world needs to be more cooperative, not confrontational, as observed by Karl t karlof1 | Mar 18 2023 17:51 utc | 7.
Posted by: Cabe | Mar 18 2023 23:41 utc | 71
Posted by: kupkee | Mar 18 2023 23:23 utc | 69
Foghorn Leghorn was not as good as LongBongHit.
I hate to break it to you but we share the same worldview. I read some dissident Russian viewpoints (Igor Girkin, Rolo) and also nationalistic Russian Telegram accounts (translated of course). I suppose I am against the neo-Lysenkoism.
I can see the point of Russia being worried about NATO encroachment but that appears to be more of an excuse for a land grab, post US quitting Afghanistan.
Posted by: Longhorn | Mar 18 2023 23:41 utc | 72
Re/ danger in case of overflying Russia:
There was actually an instance over a decade ago where US agents (US Marshalls, IIRC) arrested some dude that was wanted by the US, in an airplane, while the airplane was overflying some island in the Pacific that was a US possesion. In fact, I seem to remember that the airplane got diverted to fly over the island so as to, supposedly, enter US airspace and thus US jurisdiction, just so that the Marshalls could get this guy.
So, you know, maybe the Americans are afraid others will do onto them as they do onto others.
Posted by: rert | Mar 18 2023 23:47 utc | 73
How much is this markup ? From what I understand Russia is selling its oil at $35 dollars a barrel. Even if India and others raise the price 50% thats still only $65 a barrel.
Posted by: Deplorable Commissar | Mar 18 2023 23:11 utc | 67
I don't know what it is at the moment and I'm sure it's different for each country (or maybe not if a deal with EU approval?) - I never said or implied that Russia will be getting the benefits of the markup; as you've pointed out they are selling it extra cheap, at a loss, but the EU countries that are purchasing it are paying a hefty markup to whoever the intermediaries are. Whether that puts the final cost at or above market value, I have no idea although I'm sure at least some of the information is available. But the point isn't that Russia profits, just that the oil and gas are still flowing and that EU countries are buying it one way or another. On a related note, yes, we can all see the current market prices for these things, but do any of us know how much it actually costs Russia to pull it out of the ground and transport it? It's entirely possible that even if they're taking significantly less than market value, they're still selling it for more than it costs them to extract.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 0:01 utc | 74
@ Hermit | Mar 18 2023 18:06 utc | 12
Is there a site from which one can access all of your writings?
Posted by: malenkov | Mar 19 2023 0:02 utc | 75
>>followed by "happy happy" news: people buying stuff,
>> people going on holiday. Others with the same
>>experience?
>>Posted by: Passerby | Mar 18 2023 22:57 utc | 63
Just yesterday heard a program on NPR here in the US that was sending the same message. Making believe that people are now traveling more and treating themselves by buying more stuff. Since people in the US are like sheep - highly dependent on what they think everyone is doing - this might just work to prop up demand and delay the economy’s meltdown.
Posted by: PlatoIAmNot | Mar 19 2023 0:10 utc | 76
Posted by: Longhorn | Mar 18 2023 22:22 utc | 57 "I like to read fantasy."
-------------------------------------
Funny. When I was asked sometime ago, I said it was for amusement. I like your line better. But there are things I have learned here, points of view that I would not have otherwise been exposed to.
Posted by: Bill Smith | Mar 18 2023 22:40 utc | 59
--------------------------------------------
Mr. longhorn and Mr. Smith, I am delighted that you both are amused at the various views that you find here at MoA. It is certainly a hodge podge of view that you won't get from MSM. MSM pushes a US approved narrative that is strictly enforced, and people (like me) are not allowed to question the narrative or the motives behind the narrative in any significant manner or degree. Dissenting voices are cut off or did you even notice?
For example, on many non MSM sites like MoA there is little doubt that the Biden Administration ordered the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines. We knew this even before the investigative article by Sy Hersh came out. Did you guys read anything about the Sy Hersh article in the MSM in the last month and a half? Neither did 99% of most Americans. It was non-MSM organizations and internet outlets like MoA that forced the NYT's and other mainstream "news" sources to respond to Sy Hersh's allegations that the White House ordered and directed the terrorist attack on Germany's most important economic infrastructure; before internet sites like MoA pushed the issue, MSM was happy to ignore Hersh because he did not tow the White House narrative on this subject.
Even more important is that when forced to respond, the MSM responded with the most outrageous cover story anyone could imagine and did it with a straight face. I won't go into detail because the MSM ran with their "sailboat named Andromeda" cover story, which was published around the world in unison, and without haste, after refusing to say a word about Mr. Hersh's article for more than a month.
But independent voices like MoA caused the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz to panic and, working with German MSM, they concocted the "sailboat theory" story. Now the entire world is laughing at both Biden and Olaf.
If you were paying attention, you would have found the same bullshit coming from MSM about Russia and the lead up to the US/NATO proxy war in Ukraine, going back to before the 2014 US coup and ouster of the elected government in Ukraine.
So, am I a Putin apologist or are you guys an apologist for US Imperialism? I would like a show of hands from the bar.
Posted by: Ed | Mar 19 2023 0:13 utc | 77
Cabe @71--
Thanks for your endorsement. What's actually happening is that long list of actions are slowly occurring. Indonesia just announced it wants its citizens to begin using new Indonesian payment cards and drop VISA and Master Card. That action is part of one region's initial steps to dedollarize, which means not just to cease using the dollar but also its institutions. That will start a trend within the ASEAN and G-20. As I just wrote elsewhere, long journeys always begin with small steps.
juliania @60--
Thanks for your reply. My wife showed me a "reel" someone posted on FB of a comedian asking why the USA was so much against dictatorships and listed their attributes, many of which already exist withing the USA, essentially proving anecdotally that the USA is a dictatorship of the 1%, and the audience was eating it up very similar to George Carlin's shows, one of which I was fortunate to see in the late 1970s. So, yes, comedy remains a vehicle for dissent. But despite Carlin's truths and the millions that absorbed them, we didn't have a rebellion during his lifetime, and the chances today aren't much better.
Posted by: Outraged | Mar 18 2023 18:04 utc | 10
I remember a Japanese story about a Buddhist hell where everyone attended a sumptuous banquet, but was required to eat with 4-foot long chopsticks so they couldn't feed themselves and starved. But for the enlightened, it was heaven because they fed each other.
Posted by: TPaine | Mar 19 2023 0:33 utc | 80
@Likklemore | Mar 18 2023 22:59 utc | 64
A thought: there can be no peace negotiations. By western standards you do not negotiate with a war criminal.
Exactly! The ICC could be called 'We don't negotiate with Niggers' Court in the Hague.
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Mar 19 2023 0:35 utc | 82
TPaine @80--
"Keep feeding each other..." was a mantra from Woodstock as well. Another variation is "Feed your mind." And as Ed wrote @77, we here at the bar also bring the food of knowledge as we all feed each other. That's why the trolls try so desperately to derail our discourse, the most effective ones imitating genuine barflies, some of which persisted for years.
@ Petri Krohn, post 82
Thanks. Good to see you have more than the sense of it. U.S.A dumb leadership construct policies without forethought of consequences.
But the descriptor "niggers" was cancelled many years ago. It's either the colour enhanced group or the colour deprived. Get the drift?
Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 19 2023 0:48 utc | 84
"International Neocons depend upon such corporations for continuity. Astute legal minds must focus upon this clear Crime Syndicate Cult weakness, with the intent to obstruct its ongoing destruction of our Natural World.
Posted by: BDC | Mar 18 2023 23:30 utc | 70"
While I understand and sympathize with your comment, it should be noted that the US did not create this concept of an inanimate financial entity. It featured significantly in vinayas and monastic management in Buddhism from the point at which stupa and relic puja started to have financial implications, in the 3rd century BCE or earlier. Stupas were considered to be imbued with Buddha spirit to the point that what belonged to a stupa had a financial existence separate from the monastic community's. This allowed the monastic community to issue loans in the name of the stupa, which would be forbidden by vinayas to ordinary bikkhus.
Posted by: TPaine | Mar 19 2023 0:49 utc | 85
This highlights the strategic importance of the Arctic as a transport route in the near future. If Russia maintains its absolute dominance of the Arctic, it can be used as an economic lever against rogue states.
Posted by: Jason | Mar 19 2023 1:06 utc | 86
Touche! Perhaps a Moscow Mule or a Black Russian for your astuteness?
Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 19 2023 0:34 utc | 81
-------------------------------------
I am fond of the Moscow Mule. Thank You!
Posted by: Ed | Mar 19 2023 1:09 utc | 87
I concurred with 52, 53 and 54 then I really enjoyed the banter...made me guffaw a few times. Some of you are so sarcastically funny that it sometimes causes sore stomach. Like others, I prefer to always be an independent thinker, sometimes swayed but never with the 95% sheeples.
Posted by: Arcticman | Mar 19 2023 1:12 utc | 88
Another ongoing backlash is the Saudi-Iran Agreement that Crooke expounds further upon in his al-Mayadeen column, "Iran–Saudi Deal: Not a Diplomatic Normalisation, But An ‘Architecture’", where I very much agree with his describing it as an architecture as it provides a foundation for much more to follow. An excerpt:
"But then the geo-strategic ‘plates’ moved: It was obvious that US interest in the region was flagging badly -- and it was equally clear that China and Russia were coming into their own, with a much more attractive formula than that of Washington: Instead of demanding absolute fealty and subordination, China insisted on respect for sovereignty and autonomy in respect other states’ internal affairs.
So, there was the ‘pull’ exerted on the two rival Islamic states by the rise of the new global powers (China-Russia); but the other part to the equation was that the Saudi leadership had become jaundiced by the US demeaning them as vassals. Even Trump insulted the Kingdom when he said the latter ‘could not last a week’ without US protection. And then when the Aramco facilities (Abqaiq) were attacked by missiles, where was their US protection? It was not there."
But perhaps the most immediately important consequence Crooke noted in his conclusion:
"Simply put, Netanyahu’s dream of an Arab alliance coming together to support Israeli military action against Iran is over. This is significant, as Netanyahu well knows that Washington would never support military action against Iran, absent substantive, active Arab support behind it. That’s over, too. The 1980 Carter Doctrine that determined that the US would allow no rival to rise in the Middle East is over too. China-Russia and Eurasia is rising.
"This Accord comes at an awkward time for Netanyahu. Iran was penciled in to be the diversion for 'Israel’s' spiking internal trauma. Now he has to confront the crisis with nothing more than the crisis itself."
One wonders who the Outlaw US Empire will sanction from Occupied Palestine. Perhaps Nuland can personally deliver some cookies?
Ed @77--
Touche! Perhaps a Moscow Mule or a Black Russian for your astuteness?
karlof1 | Mar 19 2023 0:34 utc | 81
___
I'll chip in for that. Ed quite deftly exposes Longhorn's feigned willful ignorance. But are White Russians off the menu? Canceled?
And thanks for your insight on Monopoly. Never took to it, an agonizing game, which has now it's become all too real ... and deadly, with "Get out of Jail Free" cards up players sleeves. Missing from the board game: military carnage and the nuclear option.
Posted by: Doug Hillman | Mar 19 2023 1:39 utc | 90
I see the comments insisting that the skewed lens is that of the barflies here as sort of desperate cries to reassert internal 'realities' imparted since birth.
To try to slow inevitably changing perceptions of the epochal events that unfold before us. As futile as trying to stop the tides. Historians will not be kind to those of us in the indolent West whom allowed our collective destinies to be hijacked in service of a rapacious few.
The bar is what you make it..and some of us make something of it indeed. Truth in this age is something best sifted with care from rivers wide and deep.
My prognostication is slow burning economic crisis continuing until the inflection point, that is the shit show continues ..until it doesnt. We are in uncharted territory with deranged lunatics at the helm of the West.
Posted by: Doctor Eleven | Mar 19 2023 1:50 utc | 91
Sanctioning Asian Airlines will lead to deeper issues than what most would have you believe. For once, the loss of employment for US citizens who work for those airlines in America US politicians have to pick their poison, either mass employment or loss of profits for the American airlines.
Posted by: VP | Mar 19 2023 2:08 utc | 92
I suppose the Americans think they have come up with a clever solution, however if you give an idiot a large bucket of paint he will inevitably paint himself into a corner.
And as Winston Churchill once said
Americans Will Always Do the Right Thing — After Exhausting All the Alternatives.“ — knowing full well that American politicians could never Exhausting All the Alternatives.
Posted by: ATM | Mar 19 2023 2:32 utc | 93
Posted by: VP | Mar 19 2023 2:08 utc | 92
> US politicians have to pick their poison, either mass employment or loss of profits for the American airlines.
They can lift the sanctions too. And ask Russia to forgive their foolishness.
Posted by: hopehely | Mar 19 2023 2:33 utc | 94
one would be hard pressed to find where sanctions have been taken back . there were some that seemed temporary lifted then returned. but they are acts of war, economic war. empires view that the people must suffer to rise up against the leaders is narcissistic . it was worth it half a million dead iraqi kids is the mindset. those kids never said they supported usa or saddam , they just died from lack of food and basic medical help
Posted by: hankster | Mar 19 2023 2:50 utc | 95
@ VP | Mar 19 2023 2:08 utc | 92
I doubt it would be mass unemployment -- several thousand directly affected workers at the most, although that could domino over time into a few ten thousands. But do keep in mind that the PTB always prefer the "needs" of corporations over workers. In fact, increasing unemployment is current quasi-explicit Fed policy right now. Worker concerns are always the last consideration, acknowledged if at all then only for political point-scoring.
Posted by: malenkov | Mar 19 2023 3:03 utc | 96
Where are people getting the $35 a barrel oil price that India is paying from? Everything I've seen is minimum $60+
Posted by: Dylan | Mar 19 2023 3:09 utc | 97
American carriers asking the American government to protect them from foreign competition? Isn't this outlawed under the WTO?
Posted by: Old Brown Fool | Mar 19 2023 3:16 utc | 98
@ Dylan | Mar 19 2023 3:09 utc | 97
Good question. My understanding is that the Eurotoadies have been buying it at about $65/barrel from third parties that no doubt are taking a cut of the sale price, but I don't have any information concerning how much the third parties are paying the Russians. I've heard that Russia budgets with a $40/barrel price in mind. But then, do the Russians still calculate using dollars as a measure?
Posted by: malenkov | Mar 19 2023 3:22 utc | 99
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 18 2023 21:50 utc | 44
saw some bevin last week, i think. haven't seen sushi for a long time.
Posted by: polarbear4 | Mar 19 2023 3:24 utc | 100
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