News & views not related to the wars in Ukraine and Palestine …
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January 29, 2026
Open (Neither Ukraine Nor Palestine) Thread 2026-025
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Silver and gold received big paper smashes yesterday and last night. Over the decades the LBMA and COMEX have proven that they are incapable of running a free and fair market.
The past 24 hours are merely a continuation of those ‘practices.’
So, I think it’s a shame when financial markets ruin themselves, because they are vital to living in a prosperous country and times. But it’s worse than shenanigans with the PMs. The same games have led to copper being badly underpriced and we’re due for a mega shortage there too.
Stocks? Also heavily manipulated, by which I mean their prices are set rather than discovered. Oh, and we really have no idea how much naked shorting goes on there either, thanks to gross regulatory failures.
But are they? What if the plan all along has been to wreck the smaller PM dealers by throwing unsurvivable volatility at them? What if the plan is to set the larger financial markets up for the sort of failure that triggers The Great Taking?
What if the plan, all along, was the concentration of everything into the hands of the few? “You’ll own nothing (and be happy).” Did you ever wonder exactly how that was going to come about? Well, wonder no more, you are witnessing it unfold in real time in these entirely fake, contrived, rigged and fraudulent “”markets.”” Well, guess what? Reality is coming at us fast, and real things now have options.
China has become the place where true silver physical price discovery is being set, and that means the entirely fraudulent US/London paper markets are becoming irrelevant, quickly. The massive gap between the paper price (NY) and the physical price (China) tells all. Such a thing cannot persist in a real, not fake, market. Hang on. We’re in the ‘death throes’ phase of a wildly mismanaged debt-based fiat money regime.
https://x.com/chrismartenson/status/2017233392459186347
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 17:58 utc | 303
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 17:54 utc | 302
I think I’ve found an estimate.
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 17:58 utc | 304
@ Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 17:54 utc | 302 who asked
”
What are 24 kt gold coins (gold Krugerrands from the 1980s) worth?
”
Currently about $600/oz less than yesterday….just check the current markets….grin
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 17:59 utc | 305
THE SILVER MARKET IS BEING HEAVILY MANIPULATED RIGHT NOW.
Silver is trading at two completely different prices at the same time. In the US (COMEX), silver is around $92.
In Shanghai, physical silver is around $130. That’s a 40%+ premium in Shanghai. Same metal. Two prices. And this gap is exactly what manipulation looks like.
Here’s why: 1. COMEX IS MOSTLY A PAPER MARKET In the US, silver trading is dominated by paper contracts. Most of the volume is not real silver moving around. It’s contracts being bought and sold. And the paper to physical ratio is estimated around 350:1. That means for every 1 real ounce, there can be hundreds of paper claims. So when big players dump paper contracts, the price drops even if physical silver is still tight. No actual silver needs to be sold. They just sell paper and push the price down.
2) SMM AND SHANGHAI REFLECT REAL PHYSICAL DEMAND SMM prices reflect actual physical transactions inside China. Silver holding around $120 there already shows stress. Shanghai spot prices near $130 show something even clearer: buyers are paying up because they need physical silver now. These premiums appear when supply is tight, delivery matters, contracts are not enough. Shanghai is not pricing paper leverage. It is pricing availability.
Where paper dominates, silver prices are suppressed. Where physical demand dominates, silver trades much higher. COMEX shows a paper price. SMM and Shanghai show the physical price. The gap between them is proof that silver prices are being heavily influenced by paper trading, while the real market is already clearing much higher.
https://x.com/BullTheoryio/status/2017281043284582756
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 18:00 utc | 306
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 17:59 utc | 305
Around $5,000 an ounce. I didn’t buy them back in the ’80s. Somebody did and, well, there they are. I won’t sell for now.
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 18:04 utc | 307
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 17:54 utc | 302
https://www.bordergold.com/us/product/1-oz-gold-maple-leaf-random-date/
Hit the ‘Sell’ button for a current price. Most random/loose coins are just paid as melt. But don’t sell. IMO $8-10k physical is not an unrealistic expectation in a year. If physical demand spikes, much higher is likely. The ‘paper gold’ is musical chairs. Don’t hold paper.
Posted by: ftp | Jan 30 2026 18:08 utc | 308
The Chinese price premium seems to be holding up well. According to some analysts, COMEX has to deliver a relatively high amount of silver contracts in March, which is why they want the paper price to go lower and will double, triple, quadruple down etc. to achieve it.
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 18:11 utc | 309
The Kremlin announced Larijani is visiting Putin. That’s it, no further info although we know what the conversation’s contents are generally. Perhaps Putin will act as a messenger to ensure Trump understands the gravity of the debacle he’ll cause if he causes Iran to close Hormuz.
@ Caliman | Jan 30 2026 17:36 utc | 297
spoken like a cocky self assured and arrogant usa person… your day is coming..
Posted by: james | Jan 30 2026 18:23 utc | 311
the debacle he’ll cause if he causes Iran to close Hormuz.
Posted by: karlof1 | Jan 30 2026 18:13 utc | 310—
Ismaele had a good summary yesterday.
https://geopolitiq.substack.com/p/iran-about-to-close-strait-of-hormutz
Bottom line: Iran is prepared and willing to go to war. And, imho, the won’t spare the US command hiding in a hotel.
Posted by: MorePain4Cakes | Jan 30 2026 18:30 utc | 312
TPTB are pushing gold price even lower today…$4700 somewhere which is almost $1K/oz down from yesterday.
Anyone else think we are on the brink of something big?
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 18:33 utc | 313
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 18:33 utc | 313
There have been speculation, and it’s just one theory, it could be an indicator of an attack on Iran this weekend.
The rationale would be large banks and funds offloading their shorts imminently before the attack on Iran. We will only know later, but they could be flipping to net long positions today, if that were the case.
What is certain for sure is all the speculative longs, including those with margin debt, are being shaken out. China is still at $123, only a drop of around $10 or less than 10%.
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 18:40 utc | 315
..So essentially what Nato has is some mercs sent to suicide attacks on pick-ups and some drone operators that is slowing down RUAF. While the immobile conscript army is being diluted by overwhelming, unified and centralized RUAF strike-recon complex is not a recipe for winning. The main priority for RUAF is finding out counter-measures for FPV drones, which remains one of the sole effective weapon Nato has. Then they have nothing.
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 14:29 utc | 248
“Military men are dumb, stupid animals to be used as pawns for foreign policy.” Henry Kissinger, quoted by Bob Woodward in The Final Days, 1976
So what are mercs? This one aint too bright –
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/585244/new-zealander-khol-gillies-loses-leg-after-fighting-in-ukraineNew Zealander Khol Gillies loses leg after fighting in Ukraine
New Zealander Khol Gillies had to wait days to be evacuated from the battlefield in Ukraine.
A New Zealander who was severely injured while fighting in Ukraine said he sang Aotearoa’s national anthem to keep himself going as he was rescued.Twenty-five-year-old Khol Gillies had to wait days to be evacuated from the battlefield, with his foot all but blown off, because fierce fighting made it nearly impossible to reach him.Gillies, who is originally from Hawke’s Bay, had been in Ukraine for six months fighting as a volunteer.It’s been three months since he was shot multiple times during a drone and ground attack. He’s now recovering in a hospital in Europe after having his leg amputated.Gillies told Checkpoint he still hasn’t processed the day he was injured.“We were manning our positions, and we came under a heavy attack. My comrades’ weapons were destroyed and we were running out of ammunition,” he said.“Mine was the only functioning firearm, so I had to take point and obviously protect the group. Amongst all that, we started getting hit with drones, artillery bullet fire, small arms fire. My training and instincts really kicked in, and I wasn’t really thinking too much. I was just doing.”During the attack, Gillies said his ankle was “blown off”, leaving his knee shattered and a 10-to-15-centimetre gash down his leg.“I knew from then on, we had to really get out of there quick. [But] as we’re making our way out amongst what was happening, I sustained more injuries,” he said.“My left eardrum had been blown out, so I couldn’t quite hear the drones coming. But I do remember looking down, seeing my injuries and thinking ‘shit, I want to live.’ So, I just started running.“The adrenaline was pumping and as soon as I got to safety, I just dived in the hole. First thing I did, I reached down and checked my reproductive organs. Those were still intact and so I was very happy.”He said he had to wait nearly five days in the bunker with his comrades, and waiting for the weather to turn.“Fog is the only time that you can really manoeuvre around, so the drones can’t use their thermals and all their optics. It’s pretty much a no-fly zone when the fog is out, so that’s all we’re waiting for – some bad weather, which is good weather.”Despite his injuries, he still did what he could to support his fellow comrades.“I was still pulling radio and guard duty. I mean, it wasn’t too bad. I was just laying down, watching the door, manning the radio. My comrades were attending to my needs and pretty much being my medics for me.“At one point, I did think about dying because of the pain. I can’t describe the pain. It was horrible.”During one of the nights in the bunker, Gillies was woken up by the sound of nibbling.“I looked down at my leg and I saw two bloody rats there. And I think ‘holy shit, they’re eating my leg,” he said.After over four and a half days, Gillies was pulled out of the bunker during a foggy morning on a stretcher by three of his comrades.“We had to navigate me through a minefield and that was tough,” he said.He was then placed on a ground drone, a type of vehicle that is used to evacuate wounded soldiers.“That lasted about four hours to get me out. These things go maybe 10… at the maximum 15km’s an hour. During that trip, I ended up getting hypothermia and it was really cold.”He said the trip was agonising.“The machine that I was on was a bit smaller than me, so my legs were hanging out the front, and I had to keep holding them up because they kept getting caught on the dirt and foliage.”“There were also other enemy drones that would hover above me and I was just wondering, will I get hit and die here or something?”Gillies sang the New Zealand National Anthem and ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by the Bee Gees to pass the time and take his mind off his wounds.‘I have no regrets about going’Gillies said he knew instantly from the first day after being hit and staying in the bunker that he was going to lose his leg.“I had two tourniquets on for those five days, and I lost I think 50 percent of my blood. We couldn’t stop the bleeding.”“From then on, I just knew that it had to come off, it didn’t look good. But my reproductive organs were good. I still had my hands so I can play the PlayStation. So, I was quite happy, but I was somewhat content with my injuries.”“I mean it still sucks having no leg. Yeah, it’s not as bad as it could have been. I’m one of the lucky ones.”But despite his injuries, he said he has no regrets about going to Ukraine.“Maybe putting my wife through all of this. But no, I have no regrets. My comrades are saying if I didn’t do what I did, they most likely would have died and I would have still had my leg, but I’m very happy that wasn’t the outcome.”Khol Gillies said one of the reasons why he wanted to serve in Ukraine is because of hearing stories during his childhood from one his grandfathers, the late Sir Robert Bob Gillies.“That was very inspiring to me and I’ve always just felt good about helping out. I feel like it’s an honour to serve and help, no matter where it is, as long as you know the cause is righteous in some sort of sense.“I felt like I had the capacity and the will to do something and me just being back at home, knowing that I had those things and was doing nothing about it was eating away at me and I probably wouldn’t be happy with myself, knowing that I could have helped do something.”Gillies has since been awarded a Ukrainian military medal of valour.‘This was something he felt strongly about.’Jasmine Gillies, Khol’s wife, supported him when he decided to go to Ukraine. Khol left New Zealand for Ukraine at the end of June last year.“Initially, when he first told me, I had mixed emotions about it, but I supported what he wanted to do. I knew this was something he felt strongly about.”Jasmine said a few days after Gillies was injured, she had a feeling that something bad had happened.“I reached out to one of his friends in his unit and he got back to me, and he confirmed my suspicions that something had happened to Khol,” she said.“I think he didn’t want to worry me too much, but he did explain to me that it was quite serious and that Khol was in the middle of being evacuated and it had something to do with his leg.”Although it worried Jasmine that Gillies was overseas fighting in a war, she always believed he would come out alive.“I booked my tickets within two days of finding out that he had been injured. I just knew I just needed to get there to be with him and support him in any way that I could.”Jasmine arrived in Europe two weeks ago with help from Kiwi K.A.R.E, a charity led by former NZ Army Colonel Tenby Powell that provides medical aid and evacuations to New Zealand soldiers.“I was nervous to see him. I hadn’t seen him for six months and I was trying to stay strong for him. I didn’t want to cry when I saw him because I knew he would already be going through it,” she said.“I [didn’t] want to put any more stress on him or put my emotions on him or anything like that. It was extremely hard.”She said it has been difficult being away from home and her family.“We would have been more comfortable; I guess if we were going through this process back at home so he could get visitors and familiar faces.“It’s been hard just having each other, although I am grateful, we have at least that.”The journey back homeIt’s a long path forward for Khol Gillies.Once he leaves the hospital, he will be going into rehabilitation to learn how to walk again and to have a prosthetic leg made.“I’m starting to do as much as I can here now. I will start doing press-ups again just to gain some strength. I’m looking at maybe three months it’ll take me; I’m healing pretty quick.”Gillies said he’s aiming to come to back to his home in Hawke’s Bay.“I dearly miss home and everything we have at home; I have such a deeper appreciation for everything in our country.“Just the way of life, like every little thing that I used to take for granted before, that’s completely vanished. I am thoroughly looking forward to a steak and cheese pie and some pavlova.”He said he’s been grateful to receive support from the Weatherman Foundation and the Ukrainian military.“The Weatherman Foundation has helped me a lot, they’ve organised my hospital care. Ukrainian military will be helping me out with the prosthetic because I am under contract with them.”But he’s got a GiveaLittle page to help fundraise for travel back to New Zealand and things he’ll need to help his recovery back at home.“Extensions for like [the] shower, bathroom, toilet, just ramps, just stuff I haven’t really thought about at the moment. But I know I’ll need it.”
Posted by: tucenz | Jan 30 2026 18:40 utc | 316
james | Jan 30 2026 18:23 utc | 311
Wow! Where the f did that come from? Do you disagree with the comment that the absolute ease by which the US has effectively turned VZ into a vassal state indicates we’re in a new era? That anyone playing by the old rules, like I’m worried Iran and Cuba are, is going to be hammered blind before they know it? It’s just reality, james, much as many here would prefer to ignore it.
Our day is coming? Oh, yes indeed … the sins committed and the hubris DEMANDS a comeuppance of historic proportions. “His judgement commeth, and right soon” …
Posted by: Caliman | Jan 30 2026 18:42 utc | 317
What is certain for sure is all the speculative longs, including those with margin debt, are being shaken out. China is still at $123, only a drop of around $10 or less than 10%.
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 18:40 utc | 315
Yup. Bifurcated markets. But the West has not been living in reality for a very long time.
In the West, a very good buying opportunity IMO. Silver just ticked up so I suspect -50% broke the psychological block for buyers and now will be rising.
Posted by: ftp | Jan 30 2026 18:45 utc | 318
Posted by: Caliman | Jan 30 2026 17:36 utc | 297
re: “little countries” getting slapped around
Venezuela is the latest to get beat up. The western spin depends on red team vs blue team talkers:
red team says the mask– hood, actually– is off and they will squash anyone who doesn’t submit.
blue team says the mask– hood actually– needs to stay on and they are not thuggish klan members (but you are not allowed to look in their closet) and they are not willing to say much on the record regarding Venezuela at this time.
Meanwhile, the Latinos are way over 90% in support of the Venezuelan people and are hating the gringos more and more. Blogs speak favorably of Cuba. They praise Mexico’s Scheinbaum for her calm, cool demeanor in dealing with Trump, much like Putin and Delcy do. They have a term they use to describe a “cool head” (“cabeza fría”) which is being heard more and more when someone stands up to Trump without insulting him but at the same time refusing to back down (Mark Rutte comes to mind). Most peons aren’t ready to pick up a gun and risk their life to shoot a gringo or at this point, a Trump toady. Me neither. But “the street” is buzzing and it’s not in favor of the US. Meanwhile, China is looking real good south of the border.
Bottom line, money talks and Latins are doing business with China
https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/29/WS697ab72fa310d6866eb36546.html
Posted by: migueljose | Jan 30 2026 18:46 utc | 319
Do you disagree with the comment that the absolute ease by which the US has effectively turned VZ into a vassal state indicates we’re in a new era?
Posted by: Caliman | Jan 30 2026 18:42 utc | 317
#####
Anyone who believes that has lost the plot.
Venezuela has not been vassalized. American companies are afraid to go in.
China is still getting Venezuelan oil, and the government is still intact.
It is hard to communicate in a world where people (as Reagan said), believe things which just aren’t so.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jan 30 2026 18:51 utc | 321
@ migueljose | Jan 30 2026 18:46 utc | 319 with the vibe from South America or whatever it is suppose to be called…thanks
China, Russia and Iran are doing the heavy lifting currently and the rest of the world nations just need to hang on until the fighting stops and the dust settles.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 18:52 utc | 322
From ZH without link because…
DOJ Releases 3 Million Pages Of Epstein Files Including Hundreds Of Thousands Of Photos
The Justice Department on Friday announced the ‘final’ release of 3 million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case, according to deputy AG Todd Blanche.
The department, which missed the deadline for a ‘full’ release of Epstein’s files of Dec. 19 by a mile, said it was working on redactions to protect the names of the victims and witnesses, however previous releases have contained unnecessary redactions when revealed elsewhere.
“We complied with the statute,” Blanche said during a press conference, adding that the DOJ did not protect anyone for political reasons, adding that they are not secretly holding onto a collection of unpublished files – insisting that there is no “tranche of super-secret documents about Jeffrey Epstein that we’re withholding.”
Even more reason to think that something big is coming this weekend
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 19:18 utc | 323
Something different – a video book review: Peter Turchin’s End Times Dissected
Recommended by the man himself, so we can assume it is faithful to its content.
Fifty minutes long so probably quicker than reading the book and, if not to your liking, buying it.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Jan 30 2026 19:23 utc | 324
@318 ftp
I’m buying. Ride or die. F*** their paper game. And until we close our military bases and come home, f*** the dollar.
Posted by: NemesisCalling | Jan 30 2026 19:27 utc | 325
however previous releases have contained unnecessary redactions when revealed elsewhere.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 19:18 utc | 323
Note the absence of assurances that these three million pages haven’t been similarly over-redacted.
It will take a while to figure out, especially if everyone is distracted by a shock and awe outbreak…
Posted by: ChatNPC | Jan 30 2026 19:28 utc | 326
🇺🇸🇮🇷Washington, in cooperation with the United Kingdom, France, Israel, and four Arab countries, has prepared a list of targets for a strike on Iran.
Maybe we need an Iran thread
Posted by: Jo | Jan 30 2026 19:28 utc | 327
On something BIG coming this weekend……….
US Military Tells Key Ally to Prepare for an Attack on Iran
In addition to military targets, Trump is considering strikes on senior Iranian leaders with the aim of spurring the overthrow of the Iranian government.
Senior U.S. military officials have informed the leadership of a key U.S. ally in the Middle East that President Donald Trump could authorize a U.S. attack on Iran this weekend, multiple sources have confirmed to Drop Site News. Strikes could commence as early as Sunday, the ally was informed, if the U.S. decides to move forward…………………..More
https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/united-states-iran-imminent-attack-strikes-trump-israel
Posted by: PassionateProgressiv | Jan 30 2026 19:33 utc | 328
Caliman | Jan 29 2026 22:29 utc | 157
And what when the electricity goes off?
If people cannot write in reasonably legible fashion, or have to forever consult AI / websites / Google before “knowing” anything (being basically unable to figure things out without such props) …… it is an indicator that society is well on its way to being trashed.
So what was the real reason — the real motivation for imposing — modern ‘trendy’ education ….. since when, the 1980s or earlier? Prior to then, even children of lesser intelligence tended to be quite literate.
For example, just compare the “reading age” of lower-end newspapers back 50 , 75 or 100 years ago, with what it is today.
Posted by: Cynic | Jan 30 2026 19:34 utc | 329
More information is emerging of the gold and silver manipulation. As expected, it’s mostly paper based games in London and COMEX. A massive coordinated paper attack, aimed to cause panic selling. Might buy some oz’s more with this dip, and emerging small cap miners will keep printing money over coming years.
An INCREDIBLE day of manipulated price plunges in gold and silver spot!
It’s being blamed on Trump’s pick of Kevin Warsh for Fed chairman, but there’s much more behind this move. It’s a coordinated London / New York / Wash D.C. paper attack to engineer volatility and try to cause a panic selloff.
What it really means, in my view, is a rare buying opportunity into metals that will keep trending higher as the dollar collapses and dollar debt explodes. The Shanghai price for PHYSICAL silver is $123 / oz! This indicates a $33+ gap between western paper markets (silver now at $90.52) vs. Shanghai physical markets.
That’s because western governments can manipulate the paper price, but can’t print physical silver. Paper may plunge even more before close of markets today, as this is an all-out assault on silver and gold. But none of this manipulation can generate more silver, or increase silver mining output, or reduce the need for silver in industrial processes.
If you own silver, hold on tight! If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to acquire physical, there’s plenty of silver supply on the buying side, across most U.S. silver dealers. Smart people STACK when the herd is panicking. This is one of those moments, in my view! * NOT financial advice. Do your own research and make your own decisions, obviously.
https://x.com/HealthRanger/status/2017286811748278664
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 19:35 utc | 330
So… why are there so many incredibly aggressive threats and wars coming from Trumo these days? Maybe….
—❗️🇺🇸 BREAKING: Newly released Epstein Files show that Trump held orgies (sex parties) with underage girls at his golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes, California
It is reported that after the orgies, some of the girls went missing, rumored to ‘have been murdered and buried at the facility’.
Trump’s head of security allegedly threatened a survivor that she’d end up as ‘fertilizer’ for the golf course, ‘like the other cunts’.
The document also claims that Trump had dealings with the infamous Mexican ‘Sinaloa Cartel’.
https://t.me/Middle_East_Spectator/27779
(there are more links like this, but this will do for now)
Posted by: Norwegian | Jan 30 2026 19:37 utc | 331
karlof1 | Jan 30 2026 18:13 utc | 310—
Most people don’t seem to know about the Chinese/Russian force that is due to arrive in the entry to the straits of Hormuz. (Right hand side close to coast) Several large Chinese destroyers have been seen and an unknown (to me) amount of Russian frigates. Who will participate in mutual manoeuvres. ie a “trigger force. The following is from IntelSky on X. (Pro-US). Brilliant move by Iran to say that the other major powers are on Their side!
Trump will have to decide whether to act in the very small “window” before they arrive, or stop.
“The Great Power Shield”: Joint Maneuvers Turn the Tables… Trump Faces Two Options: Immediate Strike or Forced Postponement. —
Updated Strategic Report (Dawn of Friday – January 30): The “Wildcard” intelligence that Tehran was concealing has been revealed. The entry of China and Russia into the naval theater of operations (the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean) under the cover of “drills” fundamentally alters the rules of engagement. It places the United States before an unprecedented strategic dilemma. Here is an analysis of this development that may “pump the brakes” on the American Armada:
1. The “International Human Shield” Strategy Announcing maneuvers at this fatal timing (following the U.S. buildup) is a stroke of genius from the Iranian planners. * Military Significance: The presence of Chinese and Russian naval assets in the expected area of operations (Sea of Oman) creates a strategic “Tripwire.” * The American Dilemma: The U.S. Admiral cannot launch Tomahawk missiles or execute wide-scale air raids in a zone where Chinese or Russian destroyers are present. The risk of accidentally striking one of them is too high, potentially escalating a “regional” war into “World War III.” * The Result: These vessels serve as “Floating Shields” that protect the Iranian coast simply by being there.
2. A Race Against Time: The 48-Hour Window If Trump does not act now, the window will close. * The Scenario: The United States is now forced to choose: * Strike Immediately: Before the Chinese and Russian naval units arrive and intermingle with Iranian ships. * Cancel or Postpone: Once the maneuvers commence, the area becomes a de facto “internationally prohibited zone,” making a large-scale attack politically impossible.
3. The Eastern Alliance’s Message: “You Are Not Alone” This is the strongest message of deterrence Washington has received. * The Signal: Iran is proving it is not isolated, but rather part of a global axis. Russia and China are signaling to Trump: “Striking Iran is a red line that impacts our national security.”
4. A New Interpretation of the “Jask” NOTAM Expiry This development may explain why Iran allowed the “Jask” NOTAM (A0358/26) to expire tonight without extension. * The Logic: Tehran may no longer need to close the area using its own forces, knowing that allied naval units are en route. It has effectively swapped the “Closure NOTAM” for the “Joint Maneuvers NOTAM” (which is likely to be issued soon).
Field Conclusion * The U.S. Position: Cornered. The “Shock and Awe” plan faces a potential Chinese-Russian field veto. * The Iranian Position: Has successfully internationalized the crisis and drawn allies directly into its theater of operations. Assessment The next few days (prior to the arrival of Russian and Chinese ships) represent Trump’s only remaining opportunity. If this period passes without an attack, the maneuvers will impose a “forced truce,” and Trump may be compelled to return to the negotiating table rather than pulling the trigger. Iran has played a political “Checkmate” card in stoppage time.
🇺🇸🇨🇺❗️Donald Trump accused the Cuban government of cooperating with Russia, China, and terrorist organizations against the United States.
According to Trump, the largest Russian overseas electronic intelligence center and a Chinese military base are located in Cuba.
Posted by: Jo | Jan 30 2026 19:39 utc | 333
Cuba next….
🇺🇸⚡️Trump declared a state of emergency in the US due to an alleged threat to national security from Cuba.
Lots of posts re activity out middfleast…spylanes, transport planes etc etc intel slava
Posted by: Jo | Jan 30 2026 19:42 utc | 334
LoveDonbass | Jan 30 2026 18:51 utc | 321
Did you miss the part where the acting president of VZ did exactly everything the US admin asked for (changing the oil/gas relationship with the big corps to the benefit of the latter most recently) while giving fiery speeches about how this all is per Meduro’s secret plan? Did you expect a satrap to walk around with a big sign around her saying “I obey” even if they do?
Did you miss where Mexico is not going to be sending Cuba oil either, even as Schenbein, whom I really appreciate and like, puts the best face on it she can? She knows what the score is.
Sitting on our asses and opining here is easy; these ladies care for tens of millions of poor people who can be severely damaged by a temper tantrum in the WH, so they will play the game. I wonder if Iran will too, as push gets to shove.
Posted by: Caliman | Jan 30 2026 19:44 utc | 335
@330 unimperator
The double whammy of a 30$ price dip and the ongoing refiner back-up means LCS probably will not be buying much or at all. This will scare the weak hands which was by design.
“There is no safe haven from the Almighty technocrat and his scourge, the dollar!”
Sure, buddy.
Selling to gather liquidity for the massive amounts of bullion being melted and buying it back as physical?
Was this hinted above or did I see this thought somewhere else?
Posted by: NemesisCalling | Jan 30 2026 19:45 utc | 336
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 19:35 utc | 330
🙂
It worked for a couple of hours.
Good luck getting silver. Earlies deliveries I can find in bulk are in March at the moment. Nobody wants to sell anything but paper.
Posted by: NemesisCalling | Jan 30 2026 19:45 utc | 336
Yes. 299
Posted by: ftp | Jan 30 2026 19:48 utc | 337
This weekend we will see the acid test between Trump, Putin and Xi.If Trump seriously gives the order to attack Iran and Iran is the loser, then Putin and Xi will have lost face.Then the BRICS will be dead and the US dollar will remain the champion.
Posted by: Oberbayer | Jan 30 2026 19:49 utc | 338
Cuba has only 22-15 days of oil left……suppose Russia and China attempt to send oil shops to rescue. This sounds like a very dastardly plan by DT…some kind of re-run in a very sick way.
Posted by: Jo | Jan 30 2026 19:49 utc | 339
Reportedly bullion dealers are now moving to use the Shanghai price as their index price, not COMEX or LBMA. So another shot in the foot.
https://x.com/cirnosad/status/2017305779913756995
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 19:52 utc | 340
Chinese silver prices from earlier today.
Physical silver in China drying up (Jan. 30, 2026) ==> https://youtu.be/wn245bZ-F-0
Posted by: too scents | Jan 30 2026 19:52 utc | 341
Sitting on our asses and opining here is easy; these ladies care for tens of millions of poor people who can be severely damaged by a temper tantrum in the WH, so they will play the game. I wonder if Iran will too, as push gets to shove.
Posted by: Caliman | Jan 30 2026 19:44 utc | 335
#####
I am not opining. I am remarking on what is, not what people want to imagine or see.
Venezuela is still doing business with China. American companies have declined to go in. The Venezuelan government is still sovereign.
They have made some reforms, which IMO, are probably very smart. Never waste a crisis, similar to how Putin used the sanctions to reorganize the Russian economy.
Now, can you provide any substantive evidence of actions inside Venezuela that show American full control?
I hope Iran survives and reaches even greater heights, and you come to regret siding with and living among Zionists.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jan 30 2026 19:53 utc | 343
@ Caliman | Jan 30 2026 18:42 utc | 317
it was a spontaneous response to your post… i am sorry if it upset you… i read a few quotes earlier today in a book i am reading and it reminded me of all this as well.. here they are…
“he would can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” and “god has a special providence for fools, drunkards, and the united states of america”..
how the media characterizes what is happening on the world stage, in particular the western media on trumps accomplishments, and the reality on the ground are 2 separate things…
it sounds like you are delighted with trumps ”accomplishments”… if so – enjoy it while it lasts… looks like fools gold to me..
Posted by: james | Jan 30 2026 19:58 utc | 344
Posted by: Norwegian | Jan 30 2026 19:37 utc | 331
I guess that explains why he is going after all the other cartels.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Jan 30 2026 19:58 utc | 345
🇺🇸🇮🇷The American military is massively transporting air defense systems from the mainland to the Middle East in anticipation of an expected strike on Iran and a retaliatory attack.
🇺🇸🇮🇷❗️Two strategic bombers B-52H Stratofortress of the US Air Force flew from the mainland of the country towards the Indo-Pacific region.
🇺🇸🇮🇷At least 10 tactical electronic warfare aircraft of the E/A-18 Growler type from the US Air Force have been sent to the Middle East in anticipation of an expected strike on Iran.
🇺🇸🇮🇷Attached is the updated deployment of the American naval vessels that will be involved in the event of an attack on Iran.
The list of vessels includes one aircraft carrier and 7 guided missile destroyers.Most of them are within 700 km range of Iran – the range reached by the Iranian Zolfaghar missiles (short-range ballistic missiles).
1. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) – Aircraft carrier (the main carrier in the group)
2. USS Spruance (DDG-111) – Guided missile destroyer (Arleigh Burke-class)
3. USS Petersen Jr. (DDG-121) – Guided missile destroyer (Frank E. Petersen Jr.)
4. USS Murphy (DDG-112) – Guided missile destroyer (Michael Murphy)
5. USS Roosevelt (DDG-80) – Guided missile destroyer
6. USS D. Black (DDG-119) – Guided missile destroyer (Delbert D. Black)
7. USS McFaul (DDG-74) – Guided missile destroyer
8. USS Mitscher (DDG-57) – Guided missile destroyer
🇺🇸🇮🇷Attached is the updated deployment of the American naval vessels that will be involved in the event of an attack on Iran.
The list of vessels includes one aircraft carrier and 7 guided missile destroyers.Most of them are within 700 km range of Iran – the range reached by the Iranian Zolfaghar missiles (short-range ballistic missiles).
Map.on original post intel slava
All part of the plan to benefit Board of Peace.
🇺🇸🇮🇷Over the past 2 weeks, the number of reconnaissance flights by American aviation over southern Iran has increased to almost daily activity, with aircraft and UAVs flying on 11 of the last 14 days.
Posted by: Jo | Jan 30 2026 20:02 utc | 347
There are rumours a large institution shorted the metal markets by more than a trillion dollars. In addition the London Metals Market opened an hour late due to “technical issues”.
Anyone know more?
Posted by: Menz | Jan 30 2026 20:07 utc | 348
🇺🇸🇮🇷The next batches of transport aircraft C-17 Globemaster III and refueling aircraft KC-135 Stratotanker of the US Air Force have departed from Europe for the Middle East.
With each passing day, the concentration of forces and resources for the operation against Iran is increasing.
🇺🇸🇮🇷Trump is considering the possibility of a US commando raid on targets in Iran, reports The New York Times, citing sources.
The Pentagon has provided the US president with a wide range of options for action, but he has not yet made a decision and is still open to finding a diplomatic solution.
Some American officials have admitted that Trump’s threats of military action are aimed at pushing Iran into negotiations.
In recent days, the president has been pondering whether regime change would be a viable option
🇺🇸🇮🇷 Reporter: “Are you giving Iran any kind of deadline to make a deal before potentially taking military action?” Trump: “Only they know for sure.”Reporter: “Have you communicated that to them?”Trump: “Yap, I have”There is a deadline🔗Join us | @MyLordBebo
.
Posted by: Jo | Jan 30 2026 20:11 utc | 349
Posted by: too scents | Jan 30 2026 19:52 utc | 341
Still see 1 kg silver bars being sold at the local bullion dealer, at a price of 108 EUR ($128). Obviously with VAT inclusive. Without VAT it’s $105. Another dealer is out of stock for those.
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 20:14 utc | 350
There are rumours a large institution shorted the metal markets by more than a trillion dollars.
Posted by: Menz | Jan 30 2026 20:07 utc | 348
—
If true then the real story is that the exchange allowed the order.
Posted by: too scents | Jan 30 2026 20:14 utc | 351
“Then the BRICS will be dead and the US dollar will remain the champion.
Posted by: Oberbayer | Jan 30 2026 19:49 utc | 338 ”
If they do help Iran , most likely, you will have WW3. I doubt they will though.
https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/491a10d1-23bb-4c78-a6cd-0b08f612fea8_640x360.jpeg (640×360)
Posted by: WhatAbout? | Jan 30 2026 20:15 utc | 352
@350
Obviously this price was per OZ (one kg has 32 oz).
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 20:15 utc | 353
“China, Russia and Iran are doing the heavy lifting currently and the rest of the world nations just need to hang on until the fighting stops and the dust settles.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 18:52 utc | 322 ”
I disagree. A large, united front of nations would make the US back down. Thats why the US prefers to go after individual, isolated, countries.
Posted by: WhatAbout? | Jan 30 2026 20:20 utc | 354
LD – The one and only thing the US govt cares about in re to VZ is the disposition of their energy exports: who controls them. And, unfortunately, it definitely appears that the US controls them, with the Qatar receivership and all. The Venezuelans themselves will likely pave the way for the return of the oil majors over the next few years …
James – As a supporter of our first president’s retirement advice of “peace and free trade with all, entangling alliances with none”, I am entirely against the DC empire. But I don’t close my eyes to reality either …
Posted by: Caliman | Jan 30 2026 20:20 utc | 355
@ Caliman | Jan 30 2026 20:20 utc | 355
thanks caliman.. i appreciate your views and position here..
Posted by: james | Jan 30 2026 20:21 utc | 356
John Gilberts | Jan 30 2026 1:06 utc | 183
*** Founded in Washington in 1987, Carlyle Group currently manages around $474 billion in assets. The company has long-standing business ties to US President Donald Trump…” ***
A thoroughly evil corporation the European branch of which was headed (to be fair, on merit rather than as a reward for treason) from 2001 to 2005 by former UK Prime Minister John Major.
His administrration had privatized much of Britain’s essential infrastructure, including the railway, and been very much involved in the first Gulf War plus destruction of Yugoslavia. It also brought in an already-convicted fraudulent US insurance corporation, Unum, to devise UK heath, work and welfare agendas — which it has thereafter continued to do under successive governments.
The 1992 general election was interesting because Major’s Tory government wanted to — but only narrowly — lose it (being seriously afraid the economy was about to nosedive) but Kinnock’s alleged “opposition” was so inept they managed to lose it anyway. But it is extremely unlikely that the UK would have been any less of a US puppet had Kinnock won.
They’re all in it together. Crooks, traitiors, perverts, compulsive liars and bought corporate puppets. So the big-name politicians cannot really denounce for Trump for stuffing his own family and crony pockets via criminal activities, since they had already done so themselves.
Posted by: Cynic | Jan 30 2026 20:25 utc | 357
This weekend we will see the acid test between Trump, Putin and Xi.
Posted by: Oberbayer | Jan 30 2026 19:49 utc | 338
the released files, then removed, then released again with a part deleted (but already downloaded by everyone) suggests Iran is getting bombed to shift the focus. eventually Trumpy will have to find a more or less martial law fix for all his problems, from the stuff in the new files to ICE to Iran and Cuba. Brics are passive spectators, they do not matter anywhere, forget about them. As useless as UN
Posted by: rk | Jan 30 2026 20:26 utc | 358
Seyed M. Marandi: Iran Warns of Overwhelming Retaliation to ANY U.S. Strike
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6XHVDtHRX4
Posted by: Norwegian | Jan 30 2026 20:32 utc | 359
If they do help Iran , most likely, you will have WW3. I doubt they will though.
Posted by: WhatAbout? | Jan 30 2026 20:15 utc | 352
######
That is where we’re headed IMO. Iran, and some of the other West Asian powers, have signalled that they are ready to move on from the Colonial status quo. As Trump has been more adamant about Israel, his Arab allies have become squeamish and started backing out the door. This started a long time ago, with Sisi declining to meet Trump at the White House when he was summoned.
They have been tolerant to a point, and my feeling is that they know that they cannot go on for another couple of years. At some point, a stand must be made. If not now, when? For many of them, making a stand involves shutting the windows and staying indoors until it is all done.
The US can’t project much strength now, and Iran and the region are stretching logistics as far as possible.
Some people imagine nukes in the air; if they listen to Western media, that will be the narrative.
I have a suspicion that the Axis has a few tricks up its sleeve, not unlike the localized turning off of Starlink.
The Axis won’t initiate but will let the West dash itself on the Iranian defense, like how the Ukrainians dashed themselves on Surovikin’s line a few years ago.
This needs to be an invasion if the Zionists want to accomplish their goals. To invade, they would need 500,000+ men. They don’t have anywhere near that.
IMO, this may be a smash-and-grab in an attempt to mortally wound the Iranian state, such that they can start to peel chunks off over the next few years. I have been thinking and thinking about how they might attempt that.
Killing the Ayatollah won’t do it.
Killing the IRGC Command structure won’t do it.
Killing 20,000 Iranians won’t do it.
To find out, as they say in sports, “that’s why we watch the games”.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jan 30 2026 20:34 utc | 360
The crap around Trump just gets deeper and deeper.
BREAKING! Donald Trump Directly Implicated In TPUSA Coverup! w/ Stew Peters
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 20:34 utc | 361
Posted by: ftp | Jan 30 2026 18:08 utc | 308
Thanks….
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 20:35 utc | 362
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jan 30 2026 19:53 utc | 343
These people are scared to death as the US slips into depression and they have NO idea what to do. As a result, they bully other militarily weaker countries ad strut around like adolescent bullies in a schoolyard crowing about how tough they are. It’s really sad. These aren’t men or adults. They are 15 year old psychopaths in adult bodies. They are well on their way to destroying any future for Americans and it makes me very sad. Unfortunately, they control both parties.
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 20:47 utc | 363
@Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 20:47 utc | 363
This is the truth as I see it also.
Posted by: Norwegian | Jan 30 2026 20:56 utc | 364
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 20:47 utc | 363
#####
Zooming out, it is likely that Americans survive like the Roman people survived multiple collapses and restorations of the Empire.
The label “American” may come to mean a different group of people, with different values and ambitions.
This is really just a blink in time. It is very possible that no one will be talking about these days 5 years from now.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jan 30 2026 20:56 utc | 365
Posted by: Norwegian | Jan 30 2026 19:37 utc | 331
As I understand, these odious stories (and there seem to be many) are allegations from individuals, so they may have happened or not.
But there are genuine emails from Musk and Gates and others proving that they lied with regard to Epstein.
Posted by: mk | Jan 30 2026 21:00 utc | 366
That’s the lesson from the Persians and Chinese, IMO.
Last night, I watched a long lecture on Persian history that went back 2,300+ years. That was a massive Empire, and today only the Iranian state remains.
The Chinese have risen and fallen too many times to count.
It’s not that our lives are not important, but in context, they aren’t as important and crucial as we imagine them to be.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jan 30 2026 21:00 utc | 367
I’m late to this thread and can’t say if I’ll be able to read through before sunday, so forgive for possibly foregoing a pertinent discussion, but I have to reply to john | Jan 29 2026 15:34 utc | 10 who links an article by Hua Bin on directed energy weapons in Venezuela, New York on 9/11 and elsewhere.
Hua Bin discusses the “Judy Wood hypothesis” of the World Trade Center destruction as a central idea in his article. I believe that Heinz Pommer is right on this question: Wood is right by observing that the process shows massive energy input from outside sources, but wrong in her speculations about the nature of this event. Pommer claims that a slow-burning uranium charge beneath the towers set off their collapse; his argument his excellent.
In light of this, Mr. Bin’s analysis of other documented and possible instances where “directed energy weapons” are used is problematic. I do not know about the radiation effects on the people trapped on the WTC upper floors according to Pommer’s model, so let’s leave that aside (as I will any musings on Havana Syndrome). The acoustic and microwave crowd control gear he mentions is not news, so let’s skip that also. However, the reports about frying electrics in Venezuela is worth noting.
I cannot discuss his sources, only the claims on a basic physics level. The reports of smoke, fire and metal oxidation in military grade electrical installations are important, even shocking if true. The effects and the required energy density are (as I believe) not compatible with a conventional electronic warfare technique. This looks like a slow-burning EMP blast from a nuclear device.
Does anyone here happen to know how that would relate to the various international treaties on atomic weapons? Could this capability explain the success of the operation in the face of opposing forces in Venezuela?
Posted by: persiflo | Jan 30 2026 21:08 utc | 368
Price of Gold
What if it rebounds back to $5800?
It only took a week or so to get from $4800 to $5800. If the price-change was due to market manipulation – and that seems likely to me – how long can that manipulation go on?
This next 10 days are going to be decisive. We’re at the momentarily-balanced point between two major fronts: Iran – China – Russia – BRICS on the one hand, and gold-the-dollar-the-Empire on the other.
MoA provided all the lead-in, we know what to expect.
This may be a good, and rather short, buying opportunity for gold.
Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Jan 30 2026 21:14 utc | 369
how long can that manipulation go on?
Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Jan 30 2026 21:14 utc | 369
—
Markets that are seen to be unfair very quickly run out of participants. If the CME has allowed a naked short to place a huge order without the margin to back it up then the ice is thin indeed. If the market moves against that short position the CME could go bust.
If the CME survives this folly while fair participants lose real money it will be very much diminished. People will take their business to Shanghai rather than be cheated.
Posted by: too scents | Jan 30 2026 21:31 utc | 370
we would do well to rediscover the “AI” debates of the 20th century, because none of the fundamental philosophical problems have been resolved, we’ve just gotten better at probabilistic retrieval algorithms by jamming ALL THE DATA IN THE WORLD into them, and massaging the data sets a little bit to make it better for a chatbot interface.
Posted by: fnord | Jan 29 2026 17:33 utc | 46
That is right on. Let me add that the field – broadly speaking Cognitive Science – would do well to seriously read Edmund Husserl, especially his Crisis of the European Sciences from 1937. He has no solution, but offers an irrefutible and frankly astounding insight into why the mathematical approach to consciousness cannot and will not work. The consequences of this are enormous; essentially the whole Naturalist approach to metaphysics goes out of the window.
I go so far as to claim that this “Husserlian turn” shows that the metaphysics of substance is the actual root of the problem, as many MoA readers will know.
Posted by: persiflo | Jan 30 2026 21:32 utc | 371
@ too scents | Jan 30 2026 21:31 utc | 370 who wrote
”
If the CME has allowed a naked short to place a huge order without the margin to back it up then the ice is thin indeed. If the market moves against that short position the CME could go bust.
”
CME use to be the only game in town. I expect that naked shorts are a regular happening at CME and like you, I hope they are forced to go bust.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 21:38 utc | 372
https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/united-states-iran-imminent-attack-strikes-trump-israel
LOL. It will be a disaster for all parties, and Iran had better flatten “Israel” and every manned US base in the region as well as aircraft carriers.
P.S. What became of Trump’s “No New Wars” mantra and the voters for whom that was a (or the) primary issue? I’m hearing crickets.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jan 30 2026 21:41 utc | 373
removing the number of the post is not helpful… leaving the time stamp is good, but the number is a much quicker reference for others, even if it is off by one or two numbers…. i don’t imagine you’ll change your approach, but i was curious to see old microbiologists post @ 45… consider including the number… thanks..
Posted by: james | Jan 29 2026 19:51 utc | 110
Seconded! ICYMI, the new blog software readily transports the copypasted hyperlink behind the comment number; it is permamently associated with the referred comment, irrespective of later reordering, which is most convenient.
Posted by: persiflo | Jan 30 2026 21:50 utc | 374
@Norwegian | Jan 30 2026 15:28 utc | 261
Your trust for Wood is a tell all.
Khalezov believed it was a 150kT nuke but that is impossible due to the prompt noise and seismic signal it would have made. He made a great contribution to other parts of the explanation though
The internet is now much more cleansed than it used to be and those who manage to be informed linked and thereby facilitated big brothers cleansing of the sources. That is a depressing thought that all who help to bring light also guide the censors
Posted by: petergrfstrm | Jan 30 2026 21:54 utc | 375
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jan 30 2026 20:56 utc | 365
Yeah. Given what I know about history, that makes sense.
Posted by: Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 21:57 utc | 376
P.S. What became of Trump’s “No New Wars” mantra and the voters for whom that was a (or the) primary issue? I’m hearing crickets.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Jan 30 2026 21:41 utc | 373
Most likely Trump doesn’t want the strikes, which is why deep state is putting pressure with the epstein files.
Personally I think those regarding Trump are fake/made up, but it doesn’t really matter. Speaker Johnson in the US congress said the entire US political system would collapse if all Epstein files are released, meaning they are all compromised. No doubt a lot of EU politicians are also in the Epstein files.
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 22:00 utc | 377
I’m replying to this post in the Ukraine thread here, for it’s long and OT.
Posted by: Woke American | Jan 30 2026 19:01 utc | 171
Thank you again for your interest in Africa.
I’ll start by addressing the questionable claims in your post about relations between China and Africa.
No, there isn’t a massive transfer of skills. In fact, that’s one of our disappointments.
The majority of investments are in activities that China itself needs, such as mining and ports, and essential infrastructure that we lack, like roads, hospitals, and schools.
Those who imagine factories and thousands of trained engineers are mistaken.
But it’s important to understand that Africans are well aware that foreigners don’t want to create competition for their own manufactured goods.
What we generally ask for are processing units for our exported raw materials to increase their added value, or for transforming local consumer goods.
And even then, it’s difficult to be competitive and profitable because of costs, particularly energy, and in the face of cheap imports. We understand perfectly well that no one wants to invest at a loss.
The problem is the propagandists of so called “multipolarity” who spread this idillc image of China and Russia developing Africa at the speed of light, instead of and for Africans, things that do not exist on the ground.
The training component of the cooperation is minimal and sporadic. It takes place at the academic level through the awarding of scholarships in China (or Russia) for degrees or internships.
On the ground, our main inssatisfaction concerns areas where we already have expertise, but where Chinese workers have to come and do the work here.
This is linked to the economic model of their aid or loans, where money from a Chinese state bank is given to a Chinese company to build infrastructure in our countries.
And of course, these companies tend to import everything from China, even what is available locally, so the economic impact is reduced.
But of course, we are already too grateful for the aid to refuse these conditions. Especially since these are usually loans or donations.
Posted by: Sebgo | Jan 30 2026 22:04 utc | 378
This year I’m not going to care. I’m returning to old form assessments. A question, sources to evaluate, scholarship to read, an argument to be made.
Posted by: Patroklos | Jan 29 2026 19:53 utc | 112
How about you add an oral presentation by the student of the written argument they prepared at home (using whatever means they find suitable)? That’s also more lively than just submitting a written treatise, while not having to close-read all those as the basis for evaluation may even result in less work for the professors. If you just want them to read a specific text, ask them to discuss some pertinent theme from it. – I assume your faculty has already evaluated this idea, if so I’d be curious to learn why it was deemed impractical.
Posted by: persiflo | Jan 30 2026 22:06 utc | 379
No doubt a lot of EU politicians are also in the Epstein files.
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 22:00 utc | 377
#####
Friend, they don’t care. They have been getting away with openly supporting a genocide.
Everyone thinks there is pressure, but the elites are not like regular people. They don’t fear the public. They revel in flaunting their crimes.
Trump wants this. Trump has always wanted this. He hasn’t hid it; people have convinced themselves otherwise.
Trump murdered Soleimani in cold blood, which has no analogue in the West. No one cares if Hegseth or Rubio was assassinated. No one cares if Vance or Thiel were assassinated. Soleimani was a national hero as a commander, strategist, philosopher, and political figure.
Anyone who believes Trump must be pushed into war is being naive, IMO.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Jan 30 2026 22:08 utc | 380
Continuing
Posted by: Sebgo | Jan 30 2026 22:04 utc | 378
As a reply toPosted by: Woke American | Jan 30 2026 19:01 utc | 171
In the Ukraine thread.
###
Your analysis of Africans’ perceptions of the Chinese is correct. However, as with Russia, this analysis is only partial.
Indeed, we are not dealing with China as a single partner, but with two very distinct Chinas, which complicates matters.
State China is a responsible and reliable partner, very careful not to repeat the mistakes of the West.
It understands the enormous financing needs of Africans and responds to them quite well. It also facilitates many things through humanitarian aid.
But there is another China on the ground: the China of entrepreneurs and individuals.
And there, relations are sometimes conflictual because their behavior is, to say the least, questionable: massive influx of expatriates, destabilization of local businesses, racism, corruption, and scams of all kinds.
Sometimes these relationships turn into violent confrontations, and the populations are all the more frustrated as the authorities tend to protect the Chinese so as not to deteriorate relations with the Chinese state.
These two facets of China in Africa converge on certain levels, and that’s where things get most complicated
The first case is that of the Chinese company that comes to Africa to execute a contract for infrastructure financed by China. Because that’s how they operate, much to the disappointment of the locals.
The second case is that of a Chinese private company that wants to conquer the local market and uses corruption at the highest levels of the African state.
In both cases, these people are seen as new colonizers who are taking the market and the jobs of the locals.
The hostility is all the stronger because the leaders of these Chinese companies often behave in a very contemptible and condescending manner, which the locals interpret as racism.
What you need to understand is that the distinction I just made isn’t readily apparent to everyone in a largely poorly educated population, which therefore easily equates all these people with China and the Chinese.
And that’s why, while you might hear a very positive view of China from our leaders or analysts, you’ll hear a very different story from the general population.
I hope it helps.
Posted by: Sebgo | Jan 30 2026 22:09 utc | 381
@ Sebgo | Jan 30 2026 22:04 utc | 378 with the sharing….thanks
I am sorry that African countries are not yet getting the support you think they need to improve their conditions.
Just like I see the leadership of the Axis of Resistance being compromised by the world in which they must operate for the moment, I see the support they would like to give to underdeveloped countries being forced into the still remaining colonial context to a greater degree than we might like to see.
I know that doesn’t help the reality on the ground currently but I do believe that there is hope for a better tomorrow for all citizens of spaceship earth.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 22:13 utc | 382
Saint Jimmy | Jan 30 2026 11:53 utc | 231
[re the Oligarchy]
*** These people have fantasies of closing themselves off in a tightly controlled community with some loyal slaves to do the dirty things like producing and cooking food and making sure they have energy, etc. They fantasize that they will be protected from the completely impoverished hunter-gatherer zombies outside the compound by robots and mines and loyal human attack dogs. It’s an incredible but horrifying realization that many of the planet’s wealthiest people actually believe such a world is possible, desirable, and worth creating. I’m convinced that many of them are actively working toward creating such a world and see it as the only future in which a small portion of humans survive without becoming primitive and brutal.***
As I’ve mentioned before, ‘Zardoz’ gets rather under-rated in the ranking of dystopian-future books.
Perhaps because, unlike most, the film of it came out first.
But it very much fits with the above description …
…… except that the characters in the book were nowhere near as bad as those in the reality.
Posted by: Cynic | Jan 30 2026 22:14 utc | 383
osted by: Cynic | Jan 30 2026 22:14 utc | 383
I have long assumed that one of the real rationales for oreshniks are the bunkers the western elite plan to use
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 22:13 utc | 382
Thank you for your kind words and your interest in Africa.
But people make no mistake, we are not playing the spoiled children who complain about not having received everything.
We are aware that our development depends first and foremost on ourselves.
That the Bretton Woods system and globalized capitalism are organized to facilitate plunder and hinder development is a fact we must deal with.
The fact that imperialists impose corrupt leaders in our countries to help their plunder is another realty we must do with.
But we must at least do what we can with what we have, while we collectively fight with other countries of goodwill to change things.
And for that, Russia, China and others are playing a very important role.
Among the things we can do is try to change the image and harmful communication of some who claim to be partners but end up being unfriendly in practice.
Posted by: Sebgo | Jan 30 2026 22:32 utc | 385
Patroklos | Jan 29 2026 21:50 utc | 146
You obviously have thought deeply about this and make a great deal of sense in your argument.
Here’s the thing, though: when you assign a research paper, is not the product you are asking for the submitted report you get back? As an engineering manager, when I assign a problem to be solved, I’m interested in the solution provided by my employee – not how he arrived at the solution so much or what tools he used but whether it’s the correct, thorough, and thoughtful solution to the problem. […]
Posted by: Caliman | Jan 29 2026 22:29 utc | 157
I’m with Patroklos on this one. Real expertise in a humanities subject doesn’t submit to the functional logic of knowledge application found in STEM sciences, it just doesn’t work that way. The deeper reason behind this is that right/wrong, aka truth, in those fields is conceptually (“methodologically”) different, which again is a consequence of the subject matter those sciences are about. In response to another argument made upthread, the humanities are also much more important for the historical backbone of any civilization than merely being tasked with creating “ideological footsoldiers”. The contrary is true: without historical self-awareness, society is bound to fly blind ideologically.
Posted by: persiflo | Jan 30 2026 22:34 utc | 386
SGE silver spot is at $122, CME $84. The premium has drastically increased, now at 45%. Incredible.
Posted by: unimperator | Jan 30 2026 22:43 utc | 387
Princess Bodica | Jan 30 2026 14:51 utc | 253
*** When people stop trusting the future, they stop having children.***
But note that the Oligarch class and its key apparatchiks keep breeding like the toxic lice they are …..
More that really do need to be exterminated if literally everyone else in the world is to escape being enslaved forever, or murdered in various (“wealth producing”) ways.
Posted by: Cynic | Jan 30 2026 22:46 utc | 388
” Princess Bodica | Jan 30 2026 14:51 utc | 253 *** When people stop trusting the future, they stop having children.*** ”
The slums and destitute places of the world would beg to differ.
Posted by: WhatAbout? | Jan 30 2026 22:49 utc | 389
This looks like a slow-burning EMP blast from a nuclear device.
Posted by: persiflo | Jan 30 2026 21:08 utc | 368
*******************
There are two basic questions to be answered before any rational speculation on possibilities can proceed:
1. What is the source and quantity of energy in the proposed ‘weapon’; and,
2. How is the resultant energy of the weapon directed, and delivered, and deposited in the target.
A sufficient understanding of the processes involved, and the requirements for initiating and sustaining those processes, in a fission or fusion device will preclude any consideration of ‘slow-burn’ mechanisms.
Assuming that we still live in the real world, the application of the fundamental laws of physics will serve as a useful first-stage filter to remove the absolute impossibilities.
Posted by: General Factotum | Jan 30 2026 22:50 utc | 390
“And that’s why, while you might hear a very positive view of China from our leaders or analysts, you’ll hear a very different story from the general population.
Posted by: Sebgo | Jan 30 2026 22:09 utc | 381 ”
So the Chines are “racists” and the Chinese government just pretends not to be. Interesting, I wonder if the Chinese are also “racist” in regard to all the other groups they operate amongst ?
Posted by: WhatAbout? | Jan 30 2026 22:54 utc | 391
Somebody smarter than me ought to be able to get at least two AI engines into an argument…forever and just sit back and watch all that expensive compute power redline whilst bankrupting the Tech Bros.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Jan 30 2026 1:40 utc | 192
Has been done already. They chose a discussion between avatars of Slavoj Zizek and Werner Herzog. No link from me.
Btw, in a 2008-ish conference on machine learning I saw a presentation by some guy who had two robots pass a ball back and forth endlessly, and was hoping they would eventually come up with a language between them …
Posted by: persiflo | Jan 30 2026 22:55 utc | 392
Sebgo@381:
Thanks for this real-world explanation which has the distinct smell of truth about it unlike some of the wild and obviously idealized exaggerations one frequently encounters on such matters.
Posted by: John Gilberts | Jan 30 2026 22:59 utc | 393
Biggpapi | Jan 30 2026 15:58 utc | 266
*** Trump supporters and pedophile mega fans think that Jeff Bezos is a leftist.There is retarded, and then there’s being retarded enough to think the world’s foremost union buster is a leftistThe extent to which culture war has eaten right wingers brains cannot be exaggerated Just spewing the most retarded nonsensical shite possible ***
They probably give each other regular blowjobs.
When not doing/getting the same re top members of the alleged modern “Left” and Wokism.
Forget fake labels. They are all the same side.
Posted by: Cynic | Jan 30 2026 22:59 utc | 394
how do researchers that can’t even define what life is or how it works imagine they can extend it indefinitely?
Posted by: Organic | Jan 30 2026 2:51 utc | 203
Two reasons: they think they have figured out the principles on which everything works out – a false premise; not much different the ancient Greek idea of the logos which was refuted 2,400 years ago already; in its current form an historical artifact of the metaphysics of substance sans God (while also ignoring the quantum findings and the nature of mathematics). And they repress their fear of death, which leads to irrational projections.
Posted by: persiflo | Jan 30 2026 23:07 utc | 395
Ghislaine Maxwell Claims Dozens of Epstein’s Accomplices Got Off Scot-Free
https://www.rt.com/news/631788-maxwell-epstein-accomplices-scot-free-secret-settlements/
“Twenty-five men reached ‘secret settlements’ with accusers, while four others were never charged, the late sex offender’s partner has claimed.
On the campaign trail, Trump promised to release the ‘Epstein files’, but as president he has bristled at the issue, dismissing calls to make the documents public as a politically motivated ‘hoax.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Jan 30 2026 23:09 utc | 396
In response to
”
Btw, in a 2008-ish conference on machine learning I saw a presentation by some guy who had two robots pass a ball back and forth endlessly, and was hoping they would eventually come up with a language between them … [/S]
Posted by: persiflo | Jan 30 2026 22:55 utc | 392
”
I have added the appropriate ending to your story so those less educated here do not get the wrong impression.
############
To the earlier comments about engineers which I had the experience of managing……I went to a hippy college [TESC] and got an undergraduate degree in long range planning methodologies and economics but given my computer exposure since 1969 at Weyerhaeuser, I was well along in my computer career enough to be managing projects and others, including engineers.
What I found is that anybody that overly focuses their education on a very narrow range of things is bound to have limitations of generality in areas…blindness or projection from what they knew/learned.
I found that working through a robust project planning process was best for managing engineering “cats”.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 23:10 utc | 397
I meant to write managing/herding cats….no preview and my lazy
Posted by: psychohistorian | Jan 30 2026 23:13 utc | 398
Democrats Reach Deal With White House To Keep Immigration Gestapo Funded
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2026/01/30/mhxq-j30.html
“…The Democrats, a party of Wall Street and war, will do nothing to stop Trump’s attacks on workers in America or anywhere else, because they represent the same class interests as Trump and the Republicans.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Jan 30 2026 23:27 utc | 399
More than 200 killed in coltan mine collapse in eastern DRC, officials say
Rubaya mine produces about 15% of the world’s coltan, which is processed into tantalum, used in mobile phones
More than 200 people were killed this week in a collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, a spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of the province where the mine is located, told Reuters on Friday.
Rubaya produces about 15% of the world’s coltan, which is processed into tantalum – a heat-resistant metal that is in high demand by makers of mobile phones, computers, aerospace components and gas turbines. The site, where local people dig manually for a few dollars a day, has been under the control of the M23 rebel group since 2024.
The collapse occurred on Wednesday and the precise toll was still unclear as of Friday evening.
“More than 200 people were victims of this landslide, including miners, children and market women. Some people were rescued just in time and have serious injuries,” Muyisa said.
An adviser to the governor said the number of confirmed dead was at least 227. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the media.
The UN says M23 has plundered Rubaya’s riches to help fund its insurgency, backed by the government of neighbouring Rwanda – an allegation Kigali denies.
The heavily armed rebels, whose stated aim is to overthrow the government in Kinshasa and ensure the safety of the Congolese Tutsi minority, captured even more mineral-rich territory in eastern Congo during a lightning advance last year.
Posted by: Menz | Jan 30 2026 23:34 utc | 400