U.S. Escalates War - Strikes Group Which Had Followed Orders To Stand Down
Updated below (9:00 UTC):
On January 28 a drone strike killed U.S. soldiers near an (illegal) U.S. base on the Syrian/Iraqi/Jordan border triangle. The attack followed after open U.S. support for the Israeli attempt to genocide Gaza.
Yesterday a U.S. 'retaliation' strike on leaders of an Iraqi militia under the command of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior killed two top officers of Kataib Hezbullah. (The Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah is not related to Hezbullah in Lebanon):
U.S. Strike in Baghdad Kills Iranian-Backed Militia Commander (archived) - New York Times, Feb 7 2024
Videos from the scene showed the charred wreckage of a vehicle in a neighborhood of eastern Baghdad, and a nearby fire.A senior Kata’ib Hezbollah official and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps both said that two commanders had been killed in the strike. Witnesses said identification cards found nearby identified them as Arkan al-Elayawi and Abu Bakir al-Saadi.
In response, crowds gathered at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, chanting “America is the devil.”
Wednesday’s strike came after three quieter days in the Mideast, following American salvos on Friday and Saturday, the first in what Mr. Biden and his aides have said will be a sustained campaign of retaliation.
The U.S. strike came days after Kataib Hezbullah had promised to follow orders from the Iraqi government to stand down and to cease all hostile activities.
As Reuters reported last week:
Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah says it suspends attacks on US forces - Reuters, Jan 30 2024
Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah announced on Tuesday the suspension of all its military operations against U.S. troops in the region, in a decision aimed at preventing "embarrassment" of the Iraqi government, the group said."As we announce the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces - in order to prevent embarrassment of the Iraqi government - we will continue to defend our people in Gaza in other ways," Kataib Hezbollah Secretary-General Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi said in a statement.
Three U.S. troops were killed in a drone attack near the Jordan-Syria border on Sunday that the Pentagon said bore the "footprints" of Kataib Hezbollah, though a final assessment had not yet been made.
A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the group's statement, adding: "Actions speak louder than words."
The order to stand down had come from the Prime Minister of Iraq but was also supported by the government of Iran which has some ideological influence on Kataib Hizbullah:
Kataib Hezbollah's decision followed days of intensive efforts by Iraq's prime minister to prevent a new escalation after the Jordan attack, his foreign affairs adviser Farhad Alaadin said."Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has been hard at work in the past few days, engaging with all relevant parties inside and outside Iraq," Alaadin said in an interview.
"All sides need to support the efforts of the Prime Minister to prevent any possible escalation," he added.
In its statement, Kataib Hezbollah also said there were disagreements with allies over its attacks, singling out Iran.
It said counterparts in the Axis of Resistance "often object to the pressure and escalation against the American occupation forces in Iraq and Syria," the statement said.
But a week after Kataib Hezbullah, under order of the Iraqi Prime Minister, announced its stand down, the U.S. escalated the situation by killing two Kataib leaders, Abu Baqir al-Saadi and Hajj Arkan al-Alaywi, with a drone strike in the mid of Baghdad.
Kataib Hezbollah is a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces of Iraq which are an official part of the security services of Iraq. An attack on it is an attack on the State of Iraq.
This to me seems to be an intentional escalation by the U.S. designed to deepen the conflicts in the Middle East.
Already the first U.S. 'retaliation strike' after the January 28 attack which hit some 85 alleged targets was quite exaggerated.
Several other 'retaliation strike' against Houthi positions in the center of Yemen also seemed to be far more devastating than Houthi action against seaborne assets, related to Israel and the U.S/UK, would allow for.
It looks like the Biden administration is intentionally hitting back much harder than would be appropriate.
It may well hope that such exaggerated 'revenge' strikes will create some 'deterrence'.
But any such believe is false.
When Kataib Hezbullah leaders are killed, after they had followed orders to stand down, than other Kataib members will ignore all future stand down orders and restart their own attacks on U.S. positions in Iraq and elsewhere.
The U.S. wants a larger war in the Middle East?
The way it behaves it is likely to get one.
Update (9:00 UTC):
The Office of the Prime Minister of Iraq has responded to the U.S. attack:
المكتب الإعلامي لرئيس الوزراء 🇮🇶 @IraqiPMO - 8:09 UTC · Feb 8, 2024American forces has repeated irresponsibly all the actions that would undermine the established understandings and hinder the initiation of bilateral dialogue. It conducted a blatant assassination through an airstrike in the heart of a residential neighborhood in the capital, Baghdad, showing no regard for civilian lives or international laws.
By this act, the American forces jeopardize civil peace, violate Iraqi sovereignty, and disregard the safety and lives of our citizens. Even more concerning is that the coalition consistently deviates from the reasons and objectives for its presence on our territory.
This trajectory compels the Iraqi government more than ever to terminate the mission of this coalition, which has become a factor for instability and threatens to entangle Iraq in the cycle of conflict, and our armed forces cannot neglect their constitutional duties and responsibilities, which demand safeguarding the security of Iraqis and the land of Iraq from all threats.
God's mercy and honor to the martyrs of this attack and to all martyrs of Iraq.
Major General Special Forces
Yehia Rasool
The Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Also this from another PMF militia:
Marwa Osman || مروة عثمان @Marwa__Osman - 5:43 UTC · Feb 8, 2024Statement Issued by the Iraqi Islamic Resistance Al-Nujabaa Movement after the US assassinated Hezbollah Brigade leader in Baghdad:
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. "O you who have believed, fight those adjacent to you of the disbelievers and let them find in you harshness. And know that Allah is with the righteous." [Quran 9:123]
O valiant resistors, you who fight the oppressive occupier, now is your time, this is your battle. By Allah, it is nothing but a single death, so let it be with honor and dignity. Let our revenge for the blood of the martyrs be to hold America, its allies, partners, and interests accountable. Let this be our first and foremost cause from now on.
Today, in the heart of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, the treacherous American aircraft targets the revered commander in the Popular Mobilization Forces and the Hezbollah Brigades, the martyr Abu Baqir Al-Saadi. The commander Al-Saadi was affiliated with an official Iraqi institution linked to the General Commander of the Armed Forces, leading to his martyrdom.
Where is sovereignty and the sanctity of blood and land? Iraqi people, let this disregard for Iraqi blood be a constant reminder. By Allah, this will not be limited to the sons of the Popular Mobilization Forces or the men of the resistance alone. The hand of treachery will extend to anyone who stands against this oppressive occupier, even those who think they are safe from the flames of occupation. If there is not a firm and decisive official stance from the Iraqi government, our response will be resolute, with the permission of Allah. These crimes will not go unpunished, and you will know then that our patience has run out.
Await our response, as we will choose the appropriate time and place, and the outcome is for the righteous.
The Islamic Resistance Movement of Al-Nujaba
Thursday, 8th of February, 2024
Corresponding to 27th of Rajab, 1445 Hijriyah."
Posted by b on February 8, 2024 at 8:26 UTC | Permalink
next page »This should be a reality check for those countries in Europe that signed "Defense Cooperation Agreements" with the US. You do as you're told or else...
Posted by: Jonathan W | Feb 8 2024 8:40 utc | 2
Those fuckers picked the leader of Kataib Hezbullah because they knew a) this group was active in fighting amerikan ally daesh/isis and b) typically ignorant and uninformed zionists would imagine it was connected to Lebanon's Hezbollah, who have been doing all they can to resist the zionist state.
IOW have their cake & eat it, thanks to an indoctrinated amerikan population - nothing new here.
Posted by: Debsisdead | Feb 8 2024 8:42 utc | 3
Well can't blame US as they are not part of the stand down order. Stupid people think war is play play.
Posted by: Surferket | Feb 8 2024 8:57 utc | 4
No respect for the sovereignty of other nations, these are more extra judicial murders on the rap sheet of Genocide Joe.
Trump is similarly guilty and together with Biden, Obama, Johnson and Sunak should be put on trial for their violations of international law.
Posted by: Lev Davidovich | Feb 8 2024 9:02 utc | 5
Posted by: Surferket | Feb 8 2024 8:57 utc | 4
The US and UK are not officially at war, hence the illegality of these extra judicial killings. As illegal as dressing up as the Beastie Boys, going into a Gaza hospital, killing unarmed patients and then declaring “they were ‘terrorists’ and we killed them as they were planning an attack”.
The US and UK specialise in committing international terrorism, largely drone strikes or air strikes. I’m not sure they have capacity either logistically, politically to do anything else.
It’s become easier to see who are the terrorists and who are the freedom fighters.
Posted by: Lev Davidovich | Feb 8 2024 9:12 utc | 6
@ Debsisdead | Feb 8 2024 8:42 utc | 3
Always lovely to see your posts here. You are respected because you spare no bullshit, and do not seek “Inetification.”
Those fuckers picked the leader of Kataib Hezbullah because they knew a) this group was active in fighting amerikan ally daesh/isis and b) typically ignorant and uninformed zionists would imagine it was connected to Lebanon's Hezbollah, who have been doing all they can to resist the zionist state.IOW have their cake & eat it, thanks to an indoctrinated amerikan population - nothing new here.
This reads like the Irish anger over Orange assassinations.
Thank you for that. Ireland was the first victim of Norman imperialism.
People live to blame the “Anglo’s”, but forget they were the first victims.
That’s not to cast aspersions on any of this “race theory”business, but rather a call to all people resisting: “race” goes back to the Norman invasion and theft of Angle-land, and in the US only 40 years ago people of the same skin color, with just as varied hair and eye colors, were attributed different “races”:
— Poles
— Italians
— Slavs
— Germans
— Irish
— Mexicans
— Scots
— Welsh
— Spanish
— French
Al of these have been labeled “separate races”, these last centuries.
Not a single one has been called “White” until the domination of world rhetoric by the US/uk Academe.
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 9:13 utc | 7
Diplomacy to fascists means free hits landed while their victims lower their arms. There is nothing left to negotiate beyond destruction of this cabal-controlled empire.
Posted by: titmouse | Feb 8 2024 9:19 utc | 9
Since the US is in the title, i will post this in this thread.
https://sonar21.com/transcript-of-tuckers-interview-with-president-putin/
Anyone here ever watched or read "CIA analyst" Larry Johnson?
This guy just posted an alleged transcript of the Carlson/Putin interview that will air tonight at 6PM EST. In Larry Johnson's own words: 'If this is a fake it is well done. I’m inclined to believe it is real.'
I less than one minute, I was already calling this a bad fake. I have watched well over 50 hours of Putin interviews. His answers are much longer and complex, he is much more diplomatic and subtle, and likely to elaborate on a number of topics, which doesn't seem the case in any of his answers. No anecdotes or personal touch, no specifics, in short, no Putin.
I could go on further, but for anyone looking at Larry Johnson and the likes for 'analysis' and information, don't waste your time. He is, like many others, cashing in on the clicks and the contrarian narrative bandwagon and offers nothing new or original. And for someone calling himself an 'analyst', i can only say he is not very good at it, if not a total a fraud.
We shall see this evening, i will obviously post the humblest mea culpa and an apology in the next thread in the off chance i am wrong. One would hope Larry could do the same for promoting such opportunistic second rate amateur rubbish as 'analysis'.
Posted by: Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 9:32 utc | 10
blame the “Anglo’s”, but forget they were the first victims.
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 9:13 utc | 7
My god man, they stole it all from the Britons and Celts.
The Anglo Saxons are from Germany / Denmark region! Angles and Saxony lol :-)
Posted by: Lavrov's Dog | Feb 8 2024 9:38 utc | 11
Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 9:32 utc | 10
Yes. It's a total fake.
Larry Johnson is an idiot. Or a plant. I never read or watch his crap.
Posted by: Lavrov's Dog | Feb 8 2024 9:42 utc | 12
Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 9:32 utc | 10
This guy just posted an alleged transcript of the Carlson/Putin interview that will air tonight at 6PM EST. In Larry Johnson's own words: 'If this is a fake it is well done. I’m inclined to believe it is real.'
I'm pretty certain this is the same as the transcript posted here a couple of days ago by Naive on the "Ukraine - An Army Without Officers Has No Chance Of Winning" thread:
Naive | Feb 6 2024 20:33 utc | 82
So, yeah, fake.
Posted by: Kukulkan | Feb 8 2024 9:46 utc | 13
@ Posted by: Kukulkan | Feb 8 2024 9:46 utc | 13
@ Posted by: Lavrov's Dog | Feb 8 2024 9:42 utc | 12
LOL i worked my way through the rest of it. Sweet Jesus... they even made fake Putin talk about about American football, Taylor Swift and even misquoted Napoleon.
Larry is truly an A grade idiot.
Posted by: Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 9:59 utc | 14
Jews and americans are the same. Agree on something and they stab you in the back at the first opportunity (the Minsk agreements come to mind). Just wait for when the covid scam becomes a public topic, if it ever does. Every single person and tapeworm who was organizing that genocide will change sides ("oh no, how could we have known, we were just doing our best") and loudly demand forgiveness (which they themselves never show anyone). The moment they're forgiven (instead of going in front of a firing squad where they belong), they'll launch the next "disease X" genocide and this time it's going to get real.
Posted by: Michael A | Feb 8 2024 10:10 utc | 15
The blood-thirsty Empire only understands violence. So give them some.
Everybody need to work together to take down a US carrier. Big hole so it sinks fast.
Posted by: Zippy the Pinhead | Feb 8 2024 10:11 utc | 16
not sure if this is place to post ..RT running a prog re Julian Assange UK 11.30 a m. today...reminding us of his exposure of USA military etc ...and probably timed as TC interview today too .
Posted by: Jo | Feb 8 2024 10:19 utc | 17
You can compare it to the Victor Orban interview. The questioning technique is not even Carlson's
https://rumble.com/v3d4cql-tucker-carlson-ep.-20-hungarys-prime-minister-viktor-orbn.html
Posted by: Blue Dotterel | Feb 8 2024 10:28 utc | 18
But back to article and speaking of idiots of the American variety, let me segue with this.
The same cultural naivete and American-centric mindset that hindered Larry Johnson's analysis is likely also hindering the Bidenistas* in theirs.
Whether it is in underestimating the outrage, betrayal and rejection felt by those struck in spite of their conciliatory efforts, or the arrogant miscalculation that somehow even a deliberate escalation like that can always be contained and deter further escalation.
Americans act like bullies, always have, always will. The only way to stand up to a bully is with overwhelming force. A bully picks on a weaker target precisely because he is afraid of being hit. The moment bullies feels they are in danger, they either back off, or search for an easier target.
Much of the US calculus always assumes the ultimate safety and impunity of its interests, particularly among its ruling class. Perhaps those wishing to deter the US ought to consider how to affect the bully's sense of impunity if they actually want to establish any deterrence of their own.
*feel free to re-use it if you like it!
Posted by: Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 10:29 utc | 19
Which is more correct ?
Biden = Andropov
Biden = Chrenekov
Biden = Yelstin
Posted by: Exile | Feb 8 2024 10:41 utc | 20
@ Posted by: Exile | Feb 8 2024 10:41 utc | 20
I think the likes of Pedo Pete / Genocide Joe ought to be classified more in the Nero, Commodus or Caligula category...
Posted by: Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 10:46 utc | 21
Kataib Hezbollah should have learned from the past: The Americans do not follow any laws or agreements.
Those who do not learn quickly are obliterated to make way for younger, smarter leaders.
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Feb 8 2024 10:59 utc | 22
Exile @20
I believe the name was Chernenko, but in my opinion Biden is not fully comparable to any Russian leader. The closest would be Nicholas II for incompetence, Yeltsin for corruption, post-stroke Brezhnev for health and vigour.
Posted by: AJ | Feb 8 2024 11:01 utc | 23
"The U.S. wants a larger war in the Middle East?
They way it behaves it is likely to get one.
(from b, above)
We must consider that ALL this in the middle east, (Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Yemen,) plus other actions as cited below, are deliberate measures to start or continue combats in multiple places at once, (Middle east incluing palestine, Indian Ocean, Hormuz, Ukraine-still, Taiwan-China, continued aggravation in Africa)
So, are the "leaders" of the US insane, stupid or is this a "plan" to introduce conscription to calm unrest in the US itself, and have an armed force at it's command? or To "compensate for the loss of ontrol over the financial markets as the dollar is undercut and ready to tank? Or a way to control the information cycle, to eliminate the charge of genocide for Zionists in Gaza, and by extension those countries that have cut UNRWA funding without having any other information than Israel's accusation?
The middle east is"just" another front after Ukraine isn't it? But WHO IS PUSHING for the other wars?
****
They are even trying to provoke China to take "Taiwanese" territory, to be able to claim that China "started" a war. These two islands mentioned below and shown on twitter, are so close to the Chinese mainland, only hundreds of meters from a major city, that it is inconceivable that the US Special forces are anything but bait.
https://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1755433789474623987
https://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1755433793568281064/photo/1
Kinmen is supplied for water by the Chinese mainland. (Maybe an American warship will distribute plastic bottles of water, as they did in Haiti after the earthquakes?
****
PS. Europe is on total info control and shutdown of any sign of independance. (Hungary, Clare Daly etc. etc.)
**
Just two questions Who? and Why?
Speaking of fascist states that apply force first and last and always, like what we are seeing with USA policy, that Thierry Meisen Voltaire,net article on the thread of fascism from Jabotinsky through Yitzak Shamir to Benzion Netanyahu & Levi Strauss & Rabbi Kahane into today with fascist, genocidal Israel with Benjamin Netanyahu & Itimar Ben-Gvir, was a tour de force of threading together history's malefactors. (gasp, pant, whew! last time I try to write like 19th Cen authors!) Those fascists never went away and have been involved in evils continuously through the years.
I recommend the article for those who haven't yet. It ties up some global mysteries.
Posted by: titmouse | Feb 8 2024 11:04 utc | 25
Larry Johnson is quite good. He asked his readers what they think of the transcripts authenticity and they tore it to pieces pretty quickly with Larry responding and agreeing with the scepticism. I prefer authors who are prepared to make the occasional mistake and admit to it than stridently righteous types
Posted by: Chairman Meow | Feb 8 2024 11:09 utc | 26
Which is more correct ?
Biden = Andropov
Biden = Chrenekov
Biden = Yelstin
Posted by: Exile | Feb 8 2024 10:41 utc | 20
I suggest Biden = Nicholas II
Posted by: Stonebird | Feb 8 2024 11:03 utc | 24
Just two questions Who? and Why?
Who ? The private banks in London and New York and the many federal reserves.
Why? Money and power.
Posted by: Eoin Clancy | Feb 8 2024 11:18 utc | 28
My god man, they stole it all from the Britons and Celts.The Anglo Saxons are from Germany / Denmark region! Angles and Saxony lol :-)
Lavrov's Dog | Feb 8 2024 9:38 utc | 11
The “Britons” and the”Celts” were the exact same people, you ahistorical scumbag mercenary loser.
And the Angles/Saxon’s intermarried with those peoples.
The Normans, OTOH, simply enslaved them, after literally stealing everything on the island.
You should rename yourself “Hapsburg’s Dog”, to be less Satanic.
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 11:22 utc | 29
The Normans, OTOH, simply enslaved them, after literally stealing everything on the island.
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 11:22 utc | 29
I feel your pain. What year was that?
Posted by: Jonathan W | Feb 8 2024 11:27 utc | 30
Oh, Wow!
(Comics reference there for all you pre-Gen-X readers out there)
@ Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 9:32 utc | 10
Even I could have done better on this freshman libel of Larry Johnson.
Clearly, Rubiconnned is working on behalf of a US letter-agency. Which one is anyone’s guess.
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 11:39 utc | 31
What's with the Larry bashing here?
Larry put it out and said it may well be fake. He probably shouldn't have bothered. Soon we'll see the real thing anyway.
Larry is a good guy and reaches lots of people who are unlikely to visit places like this, and has helped steer many Americans away from the MSM disinformation machine. Lefty windbags may dislike his right/libertarian angle on things, but it's an important constituency. Especially in the US.
We are lucky to have him.
Posted by: Glasshopper | Feb 8 2024 11:49 utc | 32
Posted by: Stonebird | Feb 8 2024 11:03 utc | 24
"The U.S. wants a larger war in the Middle East?
They way it behaves it is likely to get one.
(from b, above)
We must consider that ALL this in the middle east, (Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Yemen,) plus other actions as cited below, are deliberate measures to start or continue combats in multiple places at once, (Middle east incluing palestine, Indian Ocean, Hormuz, Ukraine-still, Taiwan-China, continued aggravation in Africa);
Not sure I agree totally with this.
(1) The US want to be out of the Ukraine war so as to concentrate (eventually) on China. They would hand the "heavy lifting" in Ukraine to NATO.
(2) The US has important strategic interests and concerns in the ME, but IMO does not really need a full-on war to protect these. Clever diplomacy could achieve most of these if the US had any clever diplomats - a long shot from the present situation- but theoretically a realistic option.
(3) It is Israel that wants the US and associated Western countries to become involved in a large ME war. I think that is the only way the Zionists can see the expansion of "Greater Israel" ever happening any time soon. Israel is not capable of doing the "heavy lifting" for this by itself.
Seems to me the US State Dept. and White House are going along with this general plan but that the Pentagon may have serious doubts as to its overall feasibility for success.
I cannot see the widespread multiple front conflict envisaged by Stonebird being realistic - unless of course it goes nuclear and WWIII results.
Posted by: Barrel Brown | Feb 8 2024 11:49 utc | 33
Anyone old enough to remember the Norman capture of Dublin in 1171? Let's teach them a lesson, those fuckers.
Posted by: Jonathan W | Feb 8 2024 11:52 utc | 34
Britain was forced to withdraw its Type 45 destroyer from the Middle East, either due to that it was struck, or due to the fact that its diesel engines are unable to operate in warm climates for any extended duration of time.
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/type45-withdrawn-yemen-technical
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2024 11:56 utc | 35
by Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 9:32 utc | 10
I tend to agree with some points. Johnson is specialized and better educated on Latin America, where he was running stuff for the Room 292 aka Oliver North 'planet control', kill squads, black-ops and such. Compartmentalized analyst for a certain topic. While entertaining to read, in the eyes of well educated European it still resonates as a bit naive, one dares to say: 'A typical American'.
While McGovern isn't. So anything concerning Europe and Russia is more trustful coming from him.
The truth is that currently there is an action going on of having a clandestine consultancy between old and retired 3-letters, with some layers of currents on how to control the crash.
Posted by: whirlX | Feb 8 2024 12:02 utc | 36
Looks like the US is looking, sounding and acting more like Israel every day.
Yeah, yeah, I know - nothing really new here, but murdering someone who's taken a good faith de-escalation measure is Zionism personified: "don't mess with me, bro, 'cause I'm f***ing loco!"
Posted by: expat | Feb 8 2024 12:05 utc | 37
Pacifica Advocate @29
It would be easier to take your opinion more seriously if you knew how to spell Habsburg. And there is no need for the name-calling, against Lavrov's Dog, or anybody else here!
Posted by: AJ | Feb 8 2024 12:06 utc | 38
"I think the likes of Pedo Pete / Genocide Joe ought to be classified more in the Nero, Commodus or Caligula category..".
Posted by: Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 10:46 utc | 21
For imperial Roman analogues my favourite is Marcus Licinius Crassus, a Triumvir known as 'the richest man in Rome' but best known for his work in the emergency response business. He offered fire insurance to wealthy city property owners at an extortionate rate. When they declined, a fire broke out, threatening the entire property. Crassus' fire service was coincidentally close at hand and put the fire out as soon as the property owner signed over title for a pittance. This is described by Wikipedia as "property speculation".
I don't know if Biden took Crassus as an exemplar, but I think Crassus would have admired him.
https://www.insurancejournal.com/magazines/mag-features/2023/02/06/705408.htm
Posted by: Tom Paine | Feb 8 2024 12:07 utc | 39
@ Rubiconned and @ Lavrov’s dog are clearly tag-teaming puppets.
I’m just saying/sayinn’.
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 12:10 utc | 40
@ Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 11:39 utc | 31
"Libel is a method of defamation expressed by print, writing, pictures, signs, effigies, or any communication embodied in physical form that is injurious to a person's reputation; exposes a person to public hatred, contempt or ridicule; or injures a person in their business or profession."
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/libel
Perhaps those who fail to discern between someone quoting an individual's words and sharing an opinion derived from such words, vs an individual engaging in libel, ought not to engage in the very activity with which they accuse others of.
It is also a violation of the terms of this blog to attack others with one's comments, even with such idiotic ones and yours. It was nonetheless entertaining. Tooroo, mate.
Posted by: Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 12:10 utc | 41
The Celts were pushed west into Ireland , wales and Cornwall and north into Scotland. Most studies show the celts were wiped out by warfare by the angles and Saxons around 300 AD to 500 Ad. Assimilation through intermarriage etc would have retained the Celtic way of life far more. Eg language, culture, society etc.. there must have been intermarriage but probably limited and more like the intermarriage between conquistadors and indigenous Mexicans.
Posted by: Peacemakesplenty | Feb 8 2024 12:15 utc | 42
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 8 2024 11:56 utc | 35
These mechanical faults of UK military vessels can also be read as one or more pretexts to be well clear of the kitchen before the grease fire flashover.
What next, wrong type of snow?
Posted by: anon2020 | Feb 8 2024 12:15 utc | 43
Tom Paine @39
Crassus also defeated the Spartacus rebellion, and crucified the 6,000 captured rebels, lining the road from the battlefield to Rome with the crosses. Crime minister Satanyahoo would, no doubt, approve.
Posted by: AJ | Feb 8 2024 12:17 utc | 44
Not a single one has been called “White” until the domination of world rhetoric by the US/uk Academe.
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 9:13 utc | 7
That statement is certainly false. Let's set aside the astonished observations of "tribal" indigenes in the global south as related to Portuguese and Spanish priests who accompanied partisan conquistadores.
I've no idea what "Academe" means to you, but I know this: The legal rights, ergo political significance, of a "white" complexion is attested in modern European documents as early as 1400 CE., following Augustine's theologies (4th cen. CE) and Herodotus' Histories (5th ce. BCE) and crude spiritual and naturalist theories of "race", respectively. Hence, utility of this phenotypical nomenclature in the first US census (1790) and "civil rights" law (1866) should not come as any surprise to you. But it does. Why is that?
Posted by: sln2002 | Feb 8 2024 12:28 utc | 45
My god man, they stole it all from the Britons and Celts.
The Anglo Saxons are from Germany / Denmark region! Angles and Saxony lol :-)
Lavrov's Dog | Feb 8 2024 9:38 utc | 11
"The “Britons” and the”Celts” were the exact same people, you ahistorical scumbag mercenary loser.
And the Angles/Saxon’s intermarried with those peoples.
The Normans, OTOH, simply enslaved them, after literally stealing everything on the island.
You should rename yourself “Hapsburg’s Dog”, to be less Satanic."
Posted by: Pacifica Advocado | Feb 8 2024 11:22 utc | 29
There is revisionist history -see below-(1) that shows that Britons and Celts may have been different peoples.
Regardless of the academic dispute your vicious ad hominen attack on Lavrov is reprehensible ; by doing that you are only illustrating the paucity of your intellect, tact and civility.
"In popular media, as well as many academic sources, the inhabitants of ancient Britain are called “Celts”. In this way, they are presented as being part of the same nation as the inhabitants of ancient France, or Gaul. However, some scholars in recent decades have called this classification into question. They argue that the Britons should not be classed as Celts. What is the basis for this argument? And do these arguments stand up to scrutiny?
The key argument against using the term “the Celts” to refer to the ancient Britons is the fact that the term is never used in that way in ancient writings. So, how did ancient writers use the term “the Celts”?
The earliest use of this term comes from Greek historians. One notable early example is Ephorus. When describing the world as it was known at that time, he referred to four nations in four cardinal directions. According to his description, the Ethiopians lived to the south, the Indians lived to the east, the Scythians lived to the north, and the Celts lived to the west.
That is not to say that these were generic terms given to nations living in those directions. Ephorus displays knowledge of countless specific nations in all directions, including to the west. Therefore, it is evident that those four nations were merely the major nations living in those cardinal directions. To the Greeks, the Celts (or Keltoi as they spelled it) was not a generic term for westerners, but they were the most notable nation living far to the west. (1)
1. https://www.thecollector.com/were-the-britons-celts/
The car was consumed by fire, but "their ID was found nearby" ... ? Some part of this story is obviously a lie. Just like they found the 9-11 hijackers IDs in the rubble.
Posted by: ivanislav | Feb 8 2024 12:37 utc | 47
Posted by: Glasshopper | Feb 8 2024 11:49 utc | 32
What's with the Larry bashing here?Larry put it out and said it may well be fake. He probably shouldn't have bothered. Soon we'll see the real thing anyway.
[...]
We are lucky to have him.
This is exactly how you preempt the actual video release. Put something out that is shorter and creates controversy. Disclaim authenticity so you don't damage your source too much whenn it ultimately gets debunked.
When this is repeated in MSM like the NYT, 90% of readers exceed their attention span and remember only the transcript as the arent't literate enough or can't be bothered with a 90 nminute interview anyway.
This drowns out the debate for 90% of americans right there.
The transcript reads like a 5 minute hit job from ChatGPT. All the soundbites attributed to Putin are showing. A literate Russian can not even utter short sentences like this in translation.
Posted by: SOS | Feb 8 2024 12:40 utc | 48
"Not a single one has been called “White” until the domination of world rhetoric by the US/uk Academe."
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 9:13 utc | 7
"That statement is certainly false. Let's set aside the astonished observations of "tribal" indigenes in the global south as related to Portuguese and Spanish priests who accompanied partisan conquistadores.
I've no idea what "Academe" means to you, but I know this: The legal rights, ergo political significance, of a "white" complexion is attested in modern European documents as early as 1400 CE., following Augustine's theologies (4th cen. CE) and Herodotus' Histories (5th ce. BCE) and crude spiritual and naturalist theories of "race", respectively. Hence, utility of this phenotypical nomenclature in the first US census (1790) and "civil rights" law (1866) should not come as any surprise to you. But it does. Why is that?"
Posted by: sln2002 | Feb 8 2024 12:28 utc | 45
You are correct sln; Avacado I believe its stuck in an unforgiving ideological meme which, unfortunately, makes him unable to accept stark reality,
Idiot Iraqis. You'd think after so many years and so many deaths they'd have learned that any truce/deal/cease fire with the USA is pointles.
Posted by: Comandante | Feb 8 2024 12:41 utc | 50
Facist extremist and genocidal Netanyahu reaffirms his steadfast commitment in succeeding with the execution of the remaining Israeli hostages by simply and ‘once again’ refusing to accept a peace agreement with Hamas.
Posted by: AI | Feb 8 2024 12:43 utc | 51
our armed forces cannot neglect their constitutional duties and responsibilities, which demand safeguarding the security of Iraqis and the land of Iraq from all threats.
If there is not a firm and decisive official stance from the Iraqi government, our response will be resolute, with the permission of Allah. These crimes will not go unpunished, and you will know then that our patience has run out.
These are as close to declaration of war as you get outside of nation states.
Now all it takes is a Fatwa or two and there will be war.
I expect one or two diplomatic increasingly forceful requests to leave, then someone will lose patience.
As the USA will not vacate their bases and resettle to "Israel", there is no peaceful resolution possible. War it is.
Posted by: SOS | Feb 8 2024 12:45 utc | 52
b gets thing wrong again. The US forces in Jordan are stationed at Tower 22 as part of a long standing bi-lateral border security assistance arrangement. Nothing “illegal” about their position. The Iraqi militias firing drones into Jordan is a clear illegal act.
https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-jordan/
B has become infected by his readers detachment from reality. He no longer seems to care if his comments are truthful. The important consideration is spreading propaganda not truthful info.
Posted by: zargo | Feb 8 2024 13:06 utc | 53
Posted by: zargo | Feb 8 2024 13:06 utc | 53
What’s the troll legal opinion on US drone strikes in other countries?
Saying as it’s the topic of the thread and your all for pointing out what’s legal.
Posted by: Lev Davidovich | Feb 8 2024 13:14 utc | 54
@ Rubiconned and @ Lavrov’s dog are clearly tag-teaming puppets.
I’m just saying/sayinn’.
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 12:10 utc | 40
Oh really? How nice. Take a number and stand in line.
While you're there, try and be a grown up, and even consider saying: Thank you for the heads up!
:-)
Posted by: Lavrov's Dog | Feb 8 2024 13:14 utc | 55
Yesterday, Jon Elmer and Ali Abunima on Electronic Intifada (“Can a Gaza ceasefire be reached”) explained the Hamas counter-proposal to the ceasefire outline initiated by Israel, Washington and Qatar over a week ago. Hamas’ plan is a cautious, timed series of actions spreading over 3 phases, each one up to 45 days leading to a permanent ceasefire, which would not entail any release of Israeli soldiers until the 2nd phase. Amendments have to be met by Israel to move to a succeeding phase, explains Elmer; if Israel violates the terms, the Israeli soldiers will not be released. The plan is viable and at the same time in line with Hamas non-negotiable position of no prisoner exchange (since November) without Israel withdrawal from Gaza and end of war. The plan also calls for construction of temporary housing for Gazans to return to area of their homes with guarantees from other states. Elmer’s analyzis of the strength of the Hamas position after so many days of horrendous war and then the making of a reasonable and workable, step-by-step plan developed by Hamas, is a positive for Palestine, in my understanding. In Ali Abunima’s words, “Israel did not succeed in breaking the bond between the Resistance and the Palestinian people.” Of course, Nut today, unofficially, now rejects the plan, recognizing imo he can’t spin it or turn it into any military gain if implemented. (On this evening news Biden says it looks like it’s “over-the-top.”) As the situation stands currently, imo, Nut must continue with the negotiation he started being no closer to accomplishing any of the objectives he said would be achieved in the first couple of weeks –“the dismantling of the Resistance, the dismantling of the Hamas government, or the return of the captives” says Ali Abunima, But Israel now threatening to go into Rafah on the border with Egypt where over a million Palestinian refugees are sheltering. Let Gaza Live!
After reading many of the above comments I have to say that they do not express any discomfort, in the least, that people continue to be killed. It does not matter what group or what nationality they belong to, killing is killing and it needs to stop. It won't stop until people who tolerate it for the sake of being some "armchair general" or "part time geopolitical advisor" understand that they need to change because the "ass they save may be their own."
Larry is truly an A grade idiot.
Posted by: Rubiconned | Feb 8 2024 9:59 utc | 14
Or maybe someone has hacked his website and have posted that there to embarrass him?
Um, nah. He's a A Grade idiot. lol
Posted by: Lavrov's Dog | Feb 8 2024 13:20 utc | 58
Can the Al-Qassem brigades keep actively fighting until late March or early April ? Beyond April ?
Can Al-Qassem continue to raid outside the Gaza fence ?
Posted by: Exile | Feb 8 2024 13:26 utc | 59
Posted by: zargo | Feb 8 2024 13:06 utc | 53
Actually, all the initial reports from the ground stated that the drone attack was committed against Yankeestan's illegal military base cum ISIS training base in al-Tanf, which accidentally happens to be on the Syrian part of the border.
Only afterwards were the Mockingbirds forced to "correct" the story pointing to Tower 22, as usual without providing any substantial proof to back up their Pentagram-authored script...
Posted by: ThirdWorldDude | Feb 8 2024 13:28 utc | 60
Wt baker @ 57
Thank you for saying all of that, you have spoken for me.
-------
I'm looking at you cannock, any opotunity to go off topic your right their. Why ? Whats going on ?
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 8 2024 13:32 utc | 61
From the Update,
Office of the Prime Minister of Iraq:
"American forces has repeated irresponsibly all the actions that would undermine the established understandings and hinder the initiation of bilateral dialogue".
I understand this to refer to the negotiations that began the day before three National Guard soldiers were killed at the Syria/Jordan border.
Iraq and the US sat down for official negotiations regarding the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.
The very first session was followed the next day by a provocation. The US killed it's own troops (National Guard) in order to create a pretext for
intensified bombing of Iraq.
How is that for negotiations. A mafia could use that model.
"You want us to leave? Here is what we are capable of. Instead of leaving
we are going to turn up the heat big time. We will murder our own, assassinate
your leaders, bomb your capital in civilian areas. And what are you going to
do about it? Hey, I said, what are your going to do about it!"
How is that for negotiations.
Posted by: librul | Feb 8 2024 13:35 utc | 62
December 2010
Massive demonstrations in Iraq going on for months, toned down and progressively unreported by Al Jazeera to let the show move to the Arab Spring.
Posted by: Minaa | Feb 8 2024 13:40 utc | 63
Why would a few MEDEVAC Sikorsky HH-60M Black Hawks be ready and taking off in Romania near the coast, while Poseidon-8 is flying in the area? How come that GPS is jammed along Western Moldavian border? Global Hawk flying around being on-off on the different ADS-B receivers. Many planes unable to identify.
Avdeyevka bombed like it is a WWII again. Tucker's interview comes out, he goes to Serbia. Asylum, diplomatic immunity? Snowden II chase?
It is a weird day today.
Posted by: whirlX | Feb 8 2024 13:46 utc | 64
Trying to understand the bipolar US foreign policy, I have thought of the following possibilities as explanation:
a. It is some 5D chess I cannot understand, lacking adequate information.
b. There is no single one foreign policy and the US establishment is not a monolith. There are many different players (e.g. White House, State Department, CIA, Pentagon, MIC, Wall Street, and others) that follow their own, sometimes competing, agenda and this reflects on the conflicting actions.
c. Tactical plans go awry, particularly when blunder follows blunder, and actions are spasmodic.
d. Keeping appearances is the most important consideration, hence the overkill.
I lean towards a combination of all b-d, but keep (a) in mind as well.
Posted by: Lathe Biosas | Feb 8 2024 13:54 utc | 65
I'm not surprised that the US killed those commanders. This is what the US does.
Whatever about the Israeli proxies in the State Department and in Congress I still doubt that the Pentagon is naive enough to attack Iran directly - there must surely be some within with sufficient nous to recognise the consequences of an all-out war in ME/WA which both the US and Israel would, in all probability, lose.
The Al-Quassim Brigade set a trap for Israel - and it fell right into into it - and it cannot find its way out. Daring, well planned and orchestrated, and unbelievably consequential for the entire region as well as positioning Palestine, and its tortured people, at the fulcrum of global geopolitics.
The US has followed Israel into the same trap - not surprising as Israel, and its claque of proxies within the US, has basically set US foreign policy in the region for decades.
The Empire is on the way down, and if Israel gets its wet dream of US assistance in attempting to wipe out Hezbollah in Lebanon, and a US attack on Iran, then the little death following such a wet dream may,in all probability, signal the total demise of the State of Israel. As to the possibility of Israel using its nukes against Iran - one notes the recent naval exercises between Iran, China and Russia.
I don't expect much from the Sunni Princes- their wealth funds are held hostage in Dollars, as is the Iraq oil revenue. Nor do I expect much from Egyptian Military Junta - too used to being bought. The Sunni Street,however, is furious but the ability to both project and use real power is Shia.
Next month is Ramadan - tensions will boil over ... and I would not like to be in one of those US bases in Iraq or Syria -
Israel is accelerating the Empire's demise and is now its major strategic liability - yet the Empire appears to be totally oblivious to this fact.
The Empire is also Europe's strategic liability, and again, Europe appears to be totally oblivious to this fact.
Posted by: Don Firineach | Feb 8 2024 14:00 utc | 66
Trying to understand the bipolar US foreign policy, I have thought of the following possibilities as explanation:
"a. It is some 5D chess I cannot understand, lacking adequate information.
b. There is no single one foreign policy and the US establishment is not a monolith. There are many different players (e.g. White House, State Department, CIA, Pentagon, MIC, Wall Street, and others) that follow their own, sometimes competing, agenda and this reflects on the conflicting actions.
c. Tactical plans go awry, particularly when blunder follows blunder, and actions are spasmodic.
d. Keeping appearances is the most important consideration, hence the overkill.
I lean towards a combination of all b-d, but keep (a) in mind as well."
Posted by: Lathe Biosas | Feb 8 2024 13:54 utc | 65
I would suggest: (e) The West Elite-the Anglo/Zionists- realize that they cannot have a 'great reset- which is basically a scheme for locking in the Elite's privilege for good with the Serfs power and population diminished can't be executed with other countries the BRICS-having more freedom, more prosperity so they need to be wiped out and/or subsumed into the Empire so that a single Global gov. can be established. Finally, they are moving at warp speed because they aren't stupid they know that the vast indebtedness of both Western public and private purse will wreck their plans so provoke until a peer fights back and they will begin WW3.
That's why Russia is moving too so slowly in the SMO they realize the trap that is being laid.
….. Israel is accelerating the Empire's demise and is now its major strategic liability - yet the Empire appears to be totally oblivious to this fact.
The Empire is also Europe's strategic liability, and again, Europe appears to be totally oblivious to this fact…….
Hear Hear
Posted by: Exile | Feb 8 2024 14:18 utc | 68
Pacifica Advocate @29
It would be easier to take your opinion more seriously if you knew how to spell Habsburg.
Posted by: AJ | Feb 8 2024 12:06 utc | 38
____
In all fairness, “Hapsburg” is the standard misspelling used by historians writing in English. It is dying out, thanks largely to the Jelaviches, but SLOWLY.
Posted by: malenkov | Feb 8 2024 14:37 utc | 70
Posted by: ThirdWorldDude | Feb 8 2024 13:28 utc | 60
The US has consistently reported attacks at its bases in Iraq and. Syria. No reason for them to dissemble on the attack on Tower 22.
Jordan does have a reason to dissemble. The Jordanian Army has been engaging in cross border raids into both Syria and Iraq. These raids have been aimed at stopping the movement of ISSIS smuggling operations. These Jordanian attacks have created military tensions with both Syria and Iraq. Jordan clearly wants the attacks on Americans in their country not to draw them into having to defend its borders.
The drone attack may very well have targeted the Syrian US base, but the operators saw that they could follow the US surveillance drone back to its home base
That is the thing about wars, unexpected actions by parties involved constantly create uncertainties. The Iraqi militias had targeted the U.S. based in Iraq and Syria, it was only after this attack that Kataib Hizbullah ordered its spillers to stop attacks—-do you really believe they called a stop because they actually killed some Americans? No they ordered a stand down because they realized this attack could embroil them with Jordan.
People here are so wrapped up in deciphering Foucault’s Pendulum that they are unable to engage in honest analysis.
Posted by: zargo | Feb 8 2024 14:55 utc | 71
arry Johnson is quite good. He asked his readers what they think of the transcripts authenticity and they tore it to pieces pretty quickly with Larry responding and agreeing with the scepticism. I prefer authors who are prepared to make the occasional mistake and admit to it than stridently righteous types
Posted by: Chairman Meow | Feb 8 2024 11:09 utc | 26
Seconded on Johnson. In general we shouldn't tear someone for an error.
Also generally the space of English-speaking alternative geopolitical analysts is quite small, I don't think we're at a point where we can dismiss any one of them.
Posted by: Afro | Feb 8 2024 15:05 utc | 72
Blinken/Biden couldn't bear the risk of attacking Iran, so it attacked Iraq. I guess they want to re-fight the latter parts of the Iraq war. Unlike last time, they won't be able to buy their way out.
Posted by: pxx | Feb 8 2024 15:14 utc | 73
Posted by: zargo | Feb 8 2024 14:55 utc | 71
Is that you, John Kirby? LMAO
Posted by: ThirdWorldDude | Feb 8 2024 15:44 utc | 74
A stranger walked into the bar and hijacked the thread, diverted attention from the most recent war crime by US ... arguing about Tower22 ...
(sigh)
Posted by: crone | Feb 8 2024 15:50 utc | 75
I'm not sure about anyone else but I haven't seen a satellite photo of the damage at Tower 22/al-Tanf. This is a bit unusual for CENTCOM as they usually let one out on the big events, not from themselves of course, to show how badly the evil terrorists hit them and how much the US, sorry Coalition is needed to keep the peace.
To not do so raises a warning flag to me as we did get a pre-hit Tower 22 and issuing a damage site photo would have been very easy, they undoubtedly have them. It makes me wonder if the US correct or were Jordan and Kataib Hezbullah, both of whom claimed to hit a Syrian site?
Either way the US response appears to be very strong, almost as if they are trying to stir up the PMUs into widescale action. Maybe someone in the Pentagon has read the tea leaves and needs the situation to deteriorate so they have to leave, rather than allow the neocons to stick it out whist US troops get killed around them, figuratively speaking as they will be safe in DC.
Posted by: JohninMK | Feb 8 2024 15:58 utc | 76
Far from bringing freedom, justice and democracy, the Americans bring terror, torture and death to everywhere they go.
Posted by: Bill R | Feb 8 2024 16:20 utc | 77
The “Britons” and the”Celts” were the exact same people, you ahistorical scumbag mercenary loser.
And the Angles/Saxon’s intermarried with those peoples.
The Normans, OTOH, simply enslaved them, after literally stealing everything on the island.
You should rename yourself “Hapsburg’s Dog”, to be less Satanic.
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 8 2024 11:22 utc | 29
You're aggressive application of the racial theory of history marks you out as an American of the Democrat variety. Republican racial theorists typically keep their racial psuedo science to themselves.
How do you feel about the 1619 project, Pacifica?
You're probably too old to change, but using race to read history is pretty much always going to give you the wrong answer.
Of course, in Dem dominated regions of the country, say California, you'll be treated as a really intelligent person...so long as you favor the "correct" races, which it seems you do.
News flash: the majority of white people are wage slaves, as is true with every other racial group. The vast majority of all races on earth are wage slaves. Consequently, their existence, sufferings and interests are quite similar.
It's elementary stuff, but some people need to be reminded.
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Feb 8 2024 16:22 utc | 78
I sadly report that RFKjr, according to the link to questions about his platform that I posted earlier, is on board with such assassinations. That puts him with Obama, Trump, and Biden in having explicitly supported such murderous atrocities. Very sad considering his family background. I had hoped he would by now, as the genocide situation was being legally assessed, have rescinded such assertions. It's right there still, and I haven't seen that he has.
My condolences to the families of the victims.
And to Debsisdead, please stop badmouthing the American people. All peoples are at the mercy of their governments, and it is very clear that the US government has lost all humanity not only against its 'enemies' but also against its own people, blatantly repressing elements that would protect and inform in both cases. That is why I still say the Israeli people are not to blame, even if they have been taught crud from infancy. They do not know what they should know. An awakening is coming, has already begun. And we here are part of that.
Posted by: juliania | Feb 8 2024 16:29 utc | 79
by Afro | Feb 8 2024 15:05 utc | 72
True and a correct position. It is just important that current alternative info space is like a box of puzzles, where each plays its role, one being more colorful than the other.
I prefer such wide expertise, as opposed to a monolith block. They all have their roles and together are indeed consisting of a hologram memory.
That why they deserve respect. Constructive criticism is useful, I think, as to keep a consistency in an accelerated chaos, and that is becoming really hard.
If I am interested in a naval and a war science, I go to Martyanov, if on how everything is bizarre, perhaps Duran, for China and the region on Berletic, Johnson for American views, McGovern Russian views etc. It is really good to have many perspectives, to get the object properly rendered.
Posted by: whirlX | Feb 8 2024 16:31 utc | 80
What's with the Larry bashing here?
Larry put it out and said it may well be fake. He probably shouldn't have bothered. Soon we'll see the real thing anyway.
Larry is a good guy and reaches lots of people who are unlikely to visit places like this, and has helped steer many Americans away from the MSM disinformation machine. Lefty windbags may dislike his right/libertarian angle on things, but it's an important constituency. Especially in the US.
We are lucky to have him.
Posted by: Glasshopper | Feb 8 2024 11:49 utc | 32
Well, I'll tell ya: there's no such animal as 'ex-CIA.' While I actually think that Larry is sincere in most of his statements, his mind set is still well within the fundamental conceptual structure that made him a CIA analyst to begin with. And, he is constantly running nonsense narratives up the flag pole to see who salutes. For instance, his persistent narrative about the poor training of IDF forces being responsible for the atrocities they commit. I don't know what his motivation in publishing a fake Putin/Carlson transcript was, but the possibilities range from (best case) wanting to stimulate a bit of critical thinking, to testing a narrative to see how well it might go over with a less well-informed audience. Larry is most likely a long-running limited hangout machine.
Posted by: Honzo | Feb 8 2024 16:32 utc | 81
peoples are at the mercy of their governments
Posted by: juliania | Feb 8 2024 16:29 utc | 79
---
By definition a government is a reflection of the polity.
USAians desire what they have.
Posted by: too scents | Feb 8 2024 16:39 utc | 82
Trying to understand the bipolar US foreign policy, I have thought of the following possibilities as explanation:
a. It is some 5D chess I cannot understand, lacking adequate information.
b. There is no single one foreign policy and the US establishment is not a monolith. There are many different players (e.g. White House, State Department, CIA, Pentagon, MIC, Wall Street, and others) that follow their own, sometimes competing, agenda and this reflects on the conflicting actions.
c. Tactical plans go awry, particularly when blunder follows blunder, and actions are spasmodic.
d. Keeping appearances is the most important consideration, hence the overkill.
I lean towards a combination of all b-d, but keep (a) in mind as well.
Posted by: Lathe Biosas | Feb 8 2024 13:54 utc | 65
I'd go with 'all of the above.' The 5d chess aspect is there, but you have to understand both the real-world constraints on achieving the objectives of the ruling elites and what those objectives HAVE TO BE because of their class position.
For instance, the primary objective of forcing the current war in Ukraine at this time is the subjugation of Europe. Putin can't be toppled, anybody following public media could predict that sanctions wouldn't work- I mean, BRICS is no secret. Accelerating ties to China were talked about even in the MSM. The crazy talk about war with Russia, China and Iran is maskirovka for the war against Europe, which began in earnest with the one-two punch of the Maidan and the scuttling of the Iran nuke deal. These two events set the stage for the energy starvation of EU, and provoking the SMO assured the demilitarization of European armies, making EU completely dependent on the US. It also enables the bought and paid for political elites to institute the most egregious moves to do away with the vestiges of the rights and influence of the mass of EU citizens.
The war on Europe is being won handily by the US. The war in Ukraine will be drawn out, if at all possible, until Germany is fully de-industrialized and it's technical base and skilled workforce are transplanted to the American mainland. After that, peace can break out, the EU and NATO can crumble, and European countries can become Russian client states while the US concentrates control of the Americas.
That is the most 'do-able' of the options that might protect the class position of American elites. Actually bringing down Russia or China is pie-in-the-sky to distract the masses.
Posted by: Honzo | Feb 8 2024 16:46 utc | 83
News flash: the majority of white people are wage slaves, as is true with every other racial group. The vast majority of all races on earth are wage slaves. Consequently, their existence, sufferings and interests are quite similar.
It's elementary stuff, but some people need to be reminded.
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Feb 8 2024 16:22 utc | 78
Yes they do. Class war is the only war.
Posted by: Honzo | Feb 8 2024 16:51 utc | 84
Ukraine Maidan meets Baghdad Ten Years Later
February 2014, President Viktor Yanukovych signed an agreement with the opposition,
*most* of the opposition, that is. The Neocon-supported Nazi factions
did not sign.
The very next day the Maidan exploded when shooters performed a false-flag.
Kiev went into flames and the President fled for his life.
Fast forward and we find another search for agreement, a false-flag and
then Neocons setting Baghdad into literal and figurative flames.
Everyone had been anticipating a false-flag, a false-flag to take war in the Mideast
to the next level.
The false-flag came the day after Iraq and the US sat down for their first session
of negotiation on an agreement for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.
National Guard troops stationed at the border between Syria and Jordan were killed
by an alleged drone, allegedly operated by Iraq's PMF (allegedly "Iranian-supported").
Now, instead of the US withdrawing from Iraq, the US warmongering has gone next level.
Posted by: librul | Feb 8 2024 16:53 utc | 85
Juliana @ 79
Thanks for that fine example of karma, can you see the irony ?
Americans being treated unfairly.
Who has america treated unfairly.
How many people in america profit from US unfairness.
If americans want to be treated fairly how about treating others fairly instead of calling them terrorists.
Americans are the terrorists even if by staying silent.
Save your sympathy for Gaz, prioritise.
I'm sorry i respect you but your wrong.
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 8 2024 17:03 utc | 86
It strikes me that these kinds of assassination are like fragging in army units writ large. I am hopeful that they now signal an end point to all occupations. I know they didn't ever for Israel, which has used this kind of targeting of individuals not actively engaged in war from its earliest days. As has Ukraine. But I commend other nations for not employing such means as they can never be justified.
Posted by: juliania | Feb 8 2024 17:18 utc | 87
PS. Europe is on total info control and shutdown of any sign of independance. (Hungary, Clare Daly etc. etc.)
**
Just two questions Who? and Why?
Posted by: Stonebird | Feb 8 2024 11:03 utc | 24
The simple answer.There isn't oversight or accountability anymore in Europe.
These malicious clowns can act with impunity.
That fool Verstofad typifies the total acquiescence of the EU political pond life.
Posted by: jpc | Feb 8 2024 17:20 utc | 88
Meenwhile the israelie terrorists funded by extremist america intensify their mass murder campaign in Gaza. Bombing Rapha area targeting private homes, huge casultiys expected.
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 8 2024 17:36 utc | 89
Auto translation:
When we see US refineries burn,
When we see US factories burn,
When we see US power stations burn,
When we see US highways and railways brought still and silent,
When we see US airports and seaports brought still and silent,
When we see US store shelves empty,
When we see the US papers (Dollars, ed) used for kindling,
When we see the spoilt, narcissistic, and fat Americans cry, wail, and nash their teeth, asking how and why this happened as they are turned out from their homes by the descendents of the people they bombed out of their homes,
Then, and only then will you know that our vengeance has begun.
We have righteous vengeance as our right to claim and we shall seek it.
Our wrath will be poured out upon American soil and they will learn the horrors that have have inflicted (upon others, ed).
Our wrath will not stop until the sins of America have been paid for, in full, through the blood of Americans and the forfeiture of their homes and their lands, and the lives of their sons.
Colonel Abdul Ibin Abdul, Commander of second reserve resistance (the forerunner of Al Nujiba Resistance Militia), Iraq, 2004.
Posted by: Let it come to pass | Feb 8 2024 17:36 utc | 90
"...I sadly report that RFKjr, according to the link to questions about his platform that I posted earlier, is on board with such assassinations...."
It's a family thing- his dad and his uncle were OK with numerous attempts on Fidel's life, Diem's demise etc.
Anyone who thinks that the American people have any power over foreign policy has not been paying attention. They don't and the only thing that they can be blamed for is not rising up and making a revolution. But then who has? Not the British, for example, or the Canadians.
One thing that can be said about the US Foreign Policy is that it is home grown-the policy of its own ruling class, whereas Canada's is simply warmed up in Ottawa after being concocted down south.
Posted by: bevin | Feb 8 2024 17:37 utc | 91
The West Asia situation is indeed a jumbled mess. Deep State (DS) refuses to withdrawal from any of its occupied positions inviting conflict for their removal via body bags. DS has a large reserve stationed in Kuwait I expect to be deployed to Iraq. The huge problem for DS is how to move the oil it will need from the region to the USA. To do so, will require far more troops and gear. There're also sizable numbers of troops in Qatar and Bahrain to be deployed. Controlling the regions oil resources for its own use is why the Empire is in the region. Most players are also aware of that fact, while the US and Western publics are kept in the dark about the future of their energy supplies. The task facing the regions governments, aside from Iran, is how to finally become independent of the Outlaw US Empire in all respects. The vast majority of the native populace want the Empire gone and justice for Palestine. To get the latter, the former must be accomplished first. IMO, that's the regional Big Picture. IMO, to eject the Empire, a wider war will be required as the DS must be forced to commit its reserves. Yes, this is beyond Biden and Trump, which is something IMO Putin, Xi, and others know/understand.
It’s amazing these assassinations. They simply have no idea what rules of civilization they are breaking.
Imagine the reaction in Washington if there was a drone strike on Gen. Austin or Admiral Kirby or Gen. Gallant ?
Posted by: Exile | Feb 8 2024 17:41 utc | 93
Patrick Lawrence has new piece on Consortium News excoriating the Biden administration.
https://consortiumnews.com/2024/02/07/patrick-lawrence-lost-fearful-in-the-middle-east/
Other than Israel's Zionists, who apparently see this as their "moment", it's difficult to discern a plan afoot in the Middle East since October. The utter incompetence of the senior administration foreign policy people, as Lawrence describes, is solely responsible for the ongoing carnage, and their admonition of "concern", repeated now for four entire months, is entirely meaningless due to the fact they hold all the leverage and could shut down the horror-show at any time but won't. In light of this, progress in compelling Israel to stop - which is the overriding priority - will remain slow, as the second priority is avoiding a wide-scale conflict across the region. Israel's eventual strategic defeat does seem assured.
Several years ago, Larry Johnson tried to surge the Turcopolier website towards a "Wuhan wet market deliberate Chinese biological terrorism" constellation, and reacted with anger when persons demonstrated the timeline didn't match the assertion. He's not an objective analyst.
Posted by: jayc | Feb 8 2024 17:49 utc | 94
karlof1 @ 92
The huge problem for DS is how to move the oil it will need from the region to the USA. To do so, will require far more troops and gear.
The strategic aspects of this are stil puzzling to me. USA needs to deny thast oil to the US but that Syria/Erbil bit is just a tiny sideshow helping Israel. Pipelines in the region are long dead, even with some available for the US it's VLCCs only.
Strategically this is catastrophic so I wonder how this is supposed to work for the US? All it takes now is for Ansarallah to look east or Iran or the last straw to break UAEs back.
If this happens, Houston can start rejigging their refineries to do without Saudi sweet crude. That would also be the day the last LNG tanker sets course for Europe.
Maybe these are the strange "second order effects" no one in the beltway is worried about?
Posted by: SOS | Feb 8 2024 17:54 utc | 95
Posted by: Exile | Feb 8 2024 14:18 utc | 68
##################
They are not unaware. A byproduct of power pursuit in the present is the suspension of self-awareness.
It took me far too long to understand that the leaders are the dumbest people (certainly in the West). We often conflate their status, titles, and followers as indications of human quality, not dissimilar from how men and women will overlook poor character in physically beautiful people.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 8 2024 17:55 utc | 96
duh, sorry..
"USA needs to deny thast oil to the US"
->
"USA needs to deny that oil to the EU"
Posted by: SOS | Feb 8 2024 17:55 utc | 97
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 8 2024 13:32 utc | 61
#################
Attention-seeking behavior.
When you notice the consistent pattern of day-in-day-out digression, coupled with the sheer volume of posting ...
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 8 2024 18:00 utc | 98
Larry has been institutionalised by his career arc.Narrow lines at best.
Posted by: Jm | Feb 8 2024 18:01 utc | 99
LoveDonbass @ 98
agreed on that nicely encapsulated.
Paid or new broom over enthuseasm and inflateded ego.
Less is more.
Respect.
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 8 2024 18:06 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
To get even with Iran the US is bombing its own ally
Posted by: Jonathan W | Feb 8 2024 8:28 utc | 1