Doubt it’ll convince many on “b’s” site but could I just point out that there isn’t a British Empire any more?  And that what  there was of one has to be set in the context of European colonialism generally, not regarded as a one-off phenomenon?  And that when there was one if was a bloody nightmare for many of those who found themselves in it.  And that that included very many Englishmen.  Time to drop these old stereotypes of the Empire still surviving in some sinister behind the scenes way.  These days, jury’s out on whether there’s still going to be a UK!
 
Though of course if the American colonists wanted to come back in from the cold we might look favourably on their application.  They do seem to have been much happier and more successful when run from Westminster.

Posted by: English Outsider | Apr 24 2026 18:32 utc | 104

In any event, even if Witkoff + Kushner end in Islamabad at the same time as Aragachi (and he’ll likely have already left anyway), it doesn’t seem that Iran sees any reason to meet with them.

Posted by: Call it what u will | Apr 24 2026 18:45 utc | 106

see the 18-second video at the first link
 
 
 
https://x.com/Tamer_Alnoaizy/status/2047330343091372244
Tamer Nahed  @Tamer_Alnoaizy   
 
One of the hardest videos I have ever seen in my life.  
 
A man from Gaza, crying in agony, holding a hammer as he searches for his four children beneath the rubble.  
 
A moment the world must never forget.
 
—————-
 
https://x.com/Pataramesh/status/2047550052399255967
Patarames  @Pataramesh 
 
Zelensky was likely briefed quite accurately by 🇺🇦 Military, due to their anti-drone support to Gulf Arab countries 
 
~1450-1550 Patriot PAC-2/-3 launched during the FIRST day of the War 
 
➡️ After experiencing that, these high-value-target rich countries certainly made the right decision not to retaliate against Iran 
➡️ Practically defenseless countries… 
 
They were certainly told by the U.S. that Iran would not be able to unleash such firepower on them, due to the U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf preventing that 
 
➡️ Must have been pretty shocking for them to see U.S. forces evacuating their bases to seek some safety under the joint Israeli Missile-Defense umbrella 
 
(and Iran was only utilizing a portion of their overall firepower…)
 

Posted by: michaelj72 | Apr 24 2026 18:53 utc | 108

@ John Gilberts | Apr 24 2026 18:17 utc | 101
 
thanks john… you trying to depress me? lol..
 
@ English Outsider | Apr 24 2026 18:32 utc | 104
 
maybe so, but how do you categorize the city of londons financial clout in the scheme of things and why is britian so intent on causing shit for russia with their ongoing logistics for ukraine?? it may no longer be an empire, but there is some sick arrangement  between the finances of the boe and the federal reserve… personally it is no longer about nationalities but about finance… a strong basis for some of this is indeed the ”city of london” not accountable to the british parliamentary system either…

Posted by: james | Apr 24 2026 19:10 utc | 110

Iran FM to embark on regional tour to Pakistan, Oman, Russia | PressTV Iran |
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi will begin a regional tour visiting Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow for bilateral consultations, discussions on current regional developments, as well as the latest state of the US-Israeli imposed war on Iran.

Posted by: Oui | Apr 24 2026 19:37 utc | 112

…..
The Kay Griggs Interviews-1998-Satanism in the Military (Full Length)
Kay Griggs was a military wife who learned way too much about her husband’s job. Her husband would drink too much and he started talking openly about the real workings of the U.S. military, leadership training, drug-running and weapons sales, and the secret worldwide camps that train professional assassins.
 
His stories were about murder, corruption, assassinations, and government lies. After he disappeared for a short time, she began receiving threats and decided to tell her story……..
 
 
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwark7uIhIM&t=1s&pp=2AEBkAIB

Posted by: Exile | Apr 24 2026 19:41 utc | 114

Via Journalist Youssef Fares

“Tasnim:

Foreign Minister Araqchi will not hold any negotiations with the Americans in Islamabad”

“The Iranian Parliament denies reports of Qalibaf’s resignation from heading the negotiating team with America”

“Washington imposes new sanctions linked to Iran, targeting a Chinese refinery and 40 shipping companies and ships”

“Embassy of Iran in Pakistan: Araqchi arrived in Islamabad to review bilateral issues and consult on regional developments”

“Iranian TV: Minister Araqchi does not have a meeting scheduled with the American side in Islamabad”

“Two Iranian officials told the New York Times: Araqchi will provide a written response to America’s proposal for a peace agreement”

For up to date more reliable coverage these need no Telegram account for preview linked, but need translate for those not reading Arabic (if page translate fails, Babel browser or Firefox Immersive Translate extension work):

https://t.me/s/Sohaibpress

for close concise coverage.

https://t.me/s/youseffares19

from Palestine and with attention to Iran and Lebanon.

https://t.me/s/Military_Security

for local analysis.

Posted by: Ornot | Apr 24 2026 19:48 utc | 116

Posted by: All Under Heaven | Apr 24 2026 19:09 utc | 109
—————————-
Spot on! Well done.
 
Sometime it needs to be remembered who has troops, ships and bases and where, just to be convinced that the US wants to care for us…

Posted by: scc | Apr 24 2026 20:06 utc | 118

…  there is some sick arrangement …
 
Posted by: james | Apr 24 2026 19:10 utc | 110
 
james – too damn true!  Not only in that sphere but others also.  But that “special relationship” is definitely one of subordination. 
 
 Michael Hudson spent a deal of time in finance and knows the nuts and bolts of the financial world as few other theoreticians do.  In fact I prefer to regard him as an historian as much as a theoretician.  One that the mere theoreticians would do well to study.  Hudson details our post-war relationship with the US and I find in him no hint even that Hudson regards the US as being led by the nose by the wily Brits.
 
On the Intel side, particularly on the “dirty tricks” side, we are useful.  We can forget about the “best athlete” nonsense.  As I used to state on Colonel Lang’s site, we are the maid of all work for Washington in that field and serve also as a cut-out.  That, by the way, was very much the Colonel’s opinion and that was a world he knew backwards.
 
A murky relationship in a murky environment but that, regrettably, is how it is.  I don’t believe, however, that it’s possible argue from that that we’re pulling Washington’s strings.
 
Does Donald Trump read MOA?  Silly question given that whether he reads at all is a matter of debate.  But if any of his minions read MOA, please pass the message up that our offer is still open. 

Posted by: English Outsider | Apr 24 2026 20:22 utc | 120

see the 12-second video at the first link
 
 
 
https://x.com/adamemedia1/status/2047684388545016044
Adam  @adamemedia1 
 
NEW: 🇺🇸 🤡 Hegseth says “the U.S. military should win the Nobel Peace Prize every single year” 
 
What a pathetic clown.
 
——————–
 
https://x.com/AsaWinstanley/status/2047666360440734197
Asa Winstanley  @AsaWinstanley 
 
Breaking: Sally Rooney, Greta Thunberg and Judith Butler are among 132 writers and public figures who have today written a letter to the Court of Appeal reading simply:  “We oppose genocide. We support Palestine Action.” 
 
An unprecedented challenge to the illegal government ban
 
————————-
 
https://x.com/dlLambo/status/2047430011343262027
Daniel Lambert  @dlLambo 
 
20th rounds of sanctions on Russia…. 
Zero on Israel. 
Remarkable and unforgivable.
 

Posted by: michaelj72 | Apr 24 2026 20:26 utc | 122

Monday is a key date for Trump, as it is the end of the 60 day period allowed before he has to get Congressional approval for his war.
Yesterday,  a new load of air refueling Tankers arrived at Ben Gurion airport (Tel Aviv), to add to those that are already there
There are now Three US Aircraft carriers near the Strait of Hormuz.
The buildup of arms (Rearming) and possibly more soldiers has continue non-stop since the “ceasefire” was started.
I had thought that Trump’s tactic of saying “Peace, peace,” and then striking meant that his latest output ( an extended ceasefire of five weeks,) is only another manipulation.
Israel wants the Iran war to restart. (Katz)
 
So, Any takers for a bet on a new series of hostilities from saturday onwards?

Posted by: Stonebird | Apr 24 2026 20:46 utc | 124

Bring it on.

Posted by: Siddhartha | Apr 24 2026 21:04 utc | 126

I wonder who is lying. Well they’ll just talk to each other via Pakistan as carrier pigeon.

—❗️🇺🇸/🇮🇷/🇵🇰 The White House to Fox News:

‘Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad tomorrow to meet with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi.

The Iranians reached out to us and requested a direct meeting, which will take place with Pakistani mediation.

We’ll see what happens. If the talks progress, Vice President J.D. Vance will also be coming to Islamabad, and his team remains deeply involved in the negotiations process.’

@Middle_East_Spectator

https://t.me/Middle_East_Spectator/31454

—❗️🇺🇸/🇮🇷/🇵🇰 Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency:

‘Negotiations with the U.S. are not on the agenda and FM Araqchi’s trip to Islamabad is for the purpose of talking to the Pakistanis.

American officials and media outlets have been fabricating stories about new rounds of negotiations for more than 10 days, and almost daily more than a few false reports are published by them about the start of negotiations’

@Middle_East_Spectator

https://t.me/Middle_East_Spectator/31458

Posted by: Surferket | Apr 24 2026 21:06 utc | 128

English Outsider | Apr 24 2026 18:32 utc | 104—
 
IMO, the Union is the Core of what remains of the British Empire.

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 24 2026 21:21 utc | 130

KillerDoll | Apr 24 2026 20:20 utc | 119—
 
I’d wager more troops leave than are recruited for all service branches, even with the failing economy.

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 24 2026 21:24 utc | 132

The Duran boys can’t comprehend that the ECB can simply mark up the Ukrainian reserve account using an index finger and a computer keyboard. 
 
If they want to. Break every legal framework in Europe.
 
 
[ ECB ]  –   [ Ukraine reserve account balance 10 billion ]
 
 
They simply change the 1 to a 9. By using the delete key and the number 9 key.
 
 
[ ECB ]  –   [ Ukraine reserve account balance 90 billion ]
 
 
 
Ta, da – an 80 billion loan to Ukraine has been created. 
 
 
The reason the Duran boys can’t see it is because they stupidly believe the member states fund the ECB. They simply can’t escape free from the household budget anology. That’s brainwashed them for 40 years.
 
 
Now, what can Ukraine spend the Euros on ?
 
 
EU goods and services sold in Euros. Which means the 80 billion loan.  will be spent in Europe. Hence why they are partying in Cyprus.
 
 
The ECB might as well of just marked up European businesses reserve accounts held at the ECB. Rather than to through the charade.

Posted by: Andrew | Apr 24 2026 21:31 utc | 134

james | Apr 24 2026 19:10 utc | 110
***…  but how do you categorize the city of londons financial clout in the scheme of things and why is britian so intent on causing shit for russia with their ongoing logistics for ukraine?? it may no longer be an empire, but there is some sick arrangement  between the finances of the boe and the federal reserve… personally it is no longer about nationalities but about finance… a strong basis for some of this is indeed the ”city of london” not accountable to the british parliamentary system either… ***
 
Derspite its own denials to the contrary, the “class” system is still very much present in the UK.
The upper reaches of that system have ties to the City of London. In fact, the peak of the rotten but still existing class system — the monarch — is deferential to that “institution” (or whatever it could be called —  toxic parasite?) … and it has a permanent veto presence in parliament to even block any discussion that is contrary to its interests.
 
The educational facilities frequented by that class (upper and upper middle) program the degenerate offspring of the previous generation to still see imperialist war against Russia as a “great game”.  Even though there isn’t an empire any more, the delusions of it persist.  Mixed with an absurd delusion that the USA or rather, its ruling Oligarchy) is somehow their special friend.
 
Via over a century and a half of marriage links to rich, usually America based,  often zionist Jews (the rentier class needed the money, while the Jews lusted after enhanced status) the whole setup got worse.  Loyalty to what? The considerable influence of Jewish-Zionist financiers (inside and outside the City of London) further increased the cancer, and they joined “the Establishment”.
 
All totally hostile to the interests of the ordinary British people, since all effectively (in the dark recesses of their own fantasist minds) near-enough a different species. Rather like those ruling the USA, and other similarly afflicted countries.
Little wonder they collaborate with each other while betraying or exploiting everyone else.  They regard themselves as elite personnel at various levels within a transnational Overclass.
 
And act accordingly.

Posted by: Cynic | Apr 24 2026 21:34 utc | 136

Take Russia for example…..
 
Russia has its own currency – the rouble. That means when Putin needs to buy a tank he orders the Russian Central Bank to debit the Russian Treasury account at the central bank and transfer that to the supplier of the tank. Who has a reserve account at the Russian central bank.
 
That’s all he needs to do – forever and for as much as he wants to do that. As long as Putin has the skills and real resources to make the tank.
 
That causes an overdraft at the central bank which is an asset of the central bank, and that balances the new reserve liability created for the commercial bank of the tank supplier. That reserve liability at the central bank is an asset of the commercial bank, who then credits a new bank deposit for the tank supplier. The balance sheets of the central bank, and the commercial bank expand.
 
 
The tank supplier will accept roubles for its tanks because it needs to pay its workers in roubles. The reason for that is because Putin imposes taxes in roubles on both the tank supplier and the workers, which if not paid earns them a spell in a Russian Prison. That’s all the ‘confidence’ Russia needs to impose on its people for them to accept roubles – a confident assertion, backed by force, that they will be jailed if they don’t pony up the relevant amount of roubles when they are demanded. So the rubles after building the tank can be taken out of the Russian economy and shredded for inflation purposes.
 
The tanks are built – Those taxes are then collected. Bank deposits are debited, and bank reserves transferred to the Treasury, which eliminates the overdraft asset and the balancing reserves at the central bank. The central bank balance sheet shrinks back down along with the commercial bank and roubles are shredded.
 
There is no need for interest payments. No need for ‘borrowing’. There is nobody who can say no. It all just happens and is perfectly self-sustaining throughout the entire area where Putin can impose his taxes.
 
 
By this mechanism, Russia has command over all the physical resources available within its border and can transfer them to the service of the state as required.
 
 
Should the tank supplier decide not to take roubles, then the tank supplier will be commandeered by the state, and the leaders deposed – replaced by somebody who will take roubles.
 
 
Should somebody at the central bank decide not to honour Putin’s payment order, they will be replaced by somebody who will.
 
 
Nobody can stop put in doing any of these things, because he has the authority of the state to get things done, and controls the enforcement mechanisms that allow him to get his own way. Legal decisions will go Putin’s way. The central bank will be ordered by the courts to make payments, and the courts will sanction the commandeering of the tank supplier. Why? Because the legislature would have passed the legislation permitting those actions.
 
 
The only reason you can’t make an order to pay whoever you want for as much as you want is because the courts will side with the bank, not you. For the government the opposite is the case – if the legislature agrees. There is no other control mechanism, because banks can expand their balance sheet on demand.
 
 
What’s important to note is that this doesn’t just apply to Russia. It applies to all sovereign states the world over. Currencies are an expression of state power, a simple monopoly, and monopoly rules apply.
 
 
This is what the EU and the ECB are trying to replicate in the Eurozone by breaking the rules and simply marking up the Ukrainian reserve account.
 
 
It’s so simple the Duran boys are repulsed by it and can’t see it as they foolishly believe the states within the Eurozone fund the ECB. When it’s the other way around.
 
 
The ECB are the ” issuer ” of the Euro and the nation states within the Eurozone are the ” user ” of the Euro. The Duran boys are blind to this simple fact !

Posted by: Andrew | Apr 24 2026 21:47 utc | 138

Pepe Escobar provided some two items of interest at his Telegram: His tweet linking to a Foreign Affairs op/ed that supposedly examines how Russia and China can exploit Trump’s folly, which is curious given how long the folly’s been ongoing. Here’s the opening paragraph:
 

The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has presented Russia and China with a significant opportunity. Both Moscow and Beijing see the conflict as a chance to undermine U.S. interests in the Middle East and elsewhere. Both are keen to exploit the war to sap U.S. power, gain intelligence on U.S. military systems, and erode the U.S.-led order. Both see a wide variety of potential options for doing so, diplomatic and military, overt and covert. And so far, both countries are succeeding.

 
The second item links to this tweet announcing the activation of a new trade corridor: Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan. Basic info and a map are provided, and Sputnik also has an article that provides some additional info. I suggest viewing both since the article lacks the map.
 
So, the Outlaw US Empire’s war to halt the deepening of Multipolarity as represented by BRICS continues, while simultaneously BRICS continues to expand. There’s a meeting this weekend in India: RT tweets: “BRICS MENA Meeting Kicks Off In New Delhi Brings Iran, UAE, India, & Russia Representatives Together” and published this support article. That Iran and UAE are in the same room together suggests more is happening than meets the eye.   

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 24 2026 21:50 utc | 140

I speed through Mercouris’s lugubrious monologues at 2X by dragging my finger across the screen of my iPad.
Posted by: norecovery | Apr 24 2026 21:52 utc | 141
 
 I play solitaire while I listen to him.

Posted by: arby | Apr 24 2026 21:55 utc | 142

I understand that MacGregor has delivered a blunt dismissal of Berletic’s notions about Israel.  I can’t fault him because he hits a huge point that Israel simply owns Congress and the Senate. They pay for votes and that’s just how it is.   Senators have individual handlers assigned to make sure Israel gets what it demands from its vassal state – the US.  Sure, the Neo Cons lust after hurting China and Russia but that isn’t primary.  Israel is. 
If there was any doubt, observe the sickening, repulsive presence of Witkoff/Kuschner who must show up if any chance exists of any agreements with Iran – as well as Vance making calls to Netanyahu – his apparent master – when supposed negotiations were attempted.

Posted by: Eighthman | Apr 24 2026 22:04 utc | 144

Posted by: Andrew | Apr 24 2026 21:31 utc | 134
 
C0uld you please give a quotation from the Duran to illustrate what you accuse them of?  Thanks muchly.

Posted by: juliania | Apr 24 2026 22:20 utc | 146

Posted by: juliania | Apr 24 2026 22:14 utc | 145
You can lead a horse to water…
 
I watched it the other day – very interesting, though I fear Barnes’ faith in JD is misplaced.

Posted by: ChatNPC | Apr 24 2026 22:26 utc | 148

Carlos Marques 100
 
What is particularly like about your comment is the observation that Nato puppet Erdoğan will launch a fake sloughing of Empire control and “”” resist “””  USUKIS in the same way that Iran and its Axis of Real Resistence is really resisting USUKIS .
 
Millions of Muslims subscribe to the Muslim Brotherhood USUKIS freemasonry and feel left behind by Iran’s courage and power.
 
Time for a bit of  populist Tai Chi , to reassure the faithful that Anthony Powell’s tacky Daesh can still flex its muscles after 100 years of poodling  to USUKIS. 
FUKUSHIT,  I mean.
 
 
 

Posted by: Giyane | Apr 24 2026 22:33 utc | 150

Posted by: norecovery | Apr 24 2026 21:52 utc | 141
 
YouTube has user ‘speed’ options in the settings, a slider which allows playback from .25x to 2x.

Posted by: norecovery | Apr 24 2026 22:41 utc | 152

Andrew 149
 
I’ve noticed that no amount of protein supplements ever increases the size of the balls of the competitors , in the courage sense of the word.
 
No amount of spending of Western printed QE will ever prize the grip of the Epstein poodles  onto the teats of the Bank of England. 
 
The bigger the size of the fantasy capital ,  the smaller the balls of Resistance will grow.

Posted by: Giyane | Apr 24 2026 22:47 utc | 154

Oh no! not fucking beloved Prince Harry! he’ll be screwed if he hasn’t left for the “train” out of Kiev.
 
Hundreds of drones are approaching, and Tu-95MS and Tu-22MZ missile carriers are in the air. Numerous explosions are already being heard in several regions.
 
Ukrainian media report that this could be one of the most massive missile-drone strikes ever. Particular attention is focused on Kiev.

Posted by: CrazyCanuck | Apr 24 2026 22:53 utc | 156

Russia has its own currency – the rouble. That means when Putin needs to buy a tank he orders the Russian Central Bank to debit the Russian Treasury account at the central bank and transfer that to the supplier of the tank. Who has a reserve account at the Russian central bank.
 
That’s all he needs to do – forever and for as much as he wants to do that. As long as Putin has the skills and real resources to make the tank.
 
Posted by: Andrew | Apr 24 2026 21:47 utc | 138
 
You have no idea what you are talking about, the Russian system is nothing like that. There is in fact rule of law in Russia, Putin is not a dictatorship, he cannot simply wave anything into existence.
 
The Russian Ministry of Finance sells bonds to cover what they fail to collect in taxes and the bonds are at a certain interest rate, which is largely controlled by central bank policy. Their debt has been rising sharply because of the war … they once used to sell bonds into Europe … that’s blocked by sanctions now, so they sell some into China but also Russian people buy those bonds.
 
https://tradingeconomics.com/russia/government-debt
 
The mere fact this chart exists already tells everyone you don’t understand government spending at all.

Posted by: Tel | Apr 24 2026 22:58 utc | 158

I disagree with answers offered by some regulars. In order to make any reasonable conclusion one must start with questions how pandemic started (by accident or intentionally) and where it started (geographically). I believe answers to those questions would point to the right direction.
Posted by: 2+2=5 | Apr 24 2026 18:40 utc | 105

 
There was no pandemic.

Posted by: FollowsTheWay | Apr 24 2026 23:06 utc | 160

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-04-23/ty-article/.premium/israeli-soldiers-testify-to-looting-in-lebanon-commanders-know-and-do-nothing/0000019d-b999-d2d7-af9f-bbb986480000
 
And?
 
How is this news?
 
zionazis loot as their default mode. 
 
zionazis not looting would be news. 
 

Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayastha | Apr 24 2026 23:24 utc | 162

Listened to The Mizrahi Perspective Day 57.

 He thinks the next phase of the war is imminent and will be very devastating.

Posted by: arby | Apr 24 2026 23:33 utc | 164

@119 Killer Doll:
 
My youtube feed is overrun with U.S. Navy recruitment advertisements. “I sh•t you not!”

Posted by: Dave | Apr 24 2026 23:35 utc | 166

Woke American | Apr 24 2026 22:24 utc | 147—
 
You mentioned Danny Haiphong in your comment, so I wonder if you watched his chat with Victor Gao today. Of all the chats he held while visiting China, this was far and away the best. 

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 24 2026 23:43 utc | 168

Acco Hengst | Apr 24 2026 23:34 utc | 165—
 
Thanks for your reply. Yes, the situation from the Empire’s POV is bad, but for Humanity it’s good. I must endorse the Haiphong/Gao chat because it’s at a higher cerebral level than most we are exposed to. Do take note of how and what he says about Netanyahu, which IMO is the Chinese equivalent of sinister. And of course, there’s so much more. 

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 24 2026 23:50 utc | 170

 There was no pandemic.
Posted by: FollowsTheWay | Apr 24 2026 23:06 utc | 160
 
There was a pandemic of governmental and sickness industry( including the ‘doctors’) crime.
 
The president of Tanzania(I think it was) mocked them and was killed for his insolence.
 
 

Posted by: acementhead | Apr 24 2026 23:58 utc | 172

While some higher ups in the US military will pander to any government in order for promotion and post military careers, I also think there are others that are hardly enjoying the trashing and reputational damage the US military is getting through the decisions of a reckless and emotional government driven by fools with no real military-strategic understanding. It is also clear that when things do not work out, the higher-up command gets the blame.
 
Trump and Hegseth are creating many enemies, while others will be questioning why they are serving Israel more than US interests.

Posted by: GeorgeWendell | Apr 25 2026 0:02 utc | 174

No place for Ukraine today but importantly the East Zaporizhzhia front is being heavily bombed and seriously collapsing while  Zelensky is doing a Trump in firing Kupiansk generals given it has fallen (according to Military Summary).
 
https://liveuamap.com/
 

Posted by: GeorgeWendell | Apr 25 2026 0:15 utc | 176

Posted by: acementhead | Apr 24 2026 23:58 utc | 172
Can we please take the Covid discussion to the open thread. Most of us come here for stuff on Iran and you are being selfish and lazy in not bothering to change threads.
 
Happy to discuss on the open thread but not here.

Posted by: watcher | Apr 25 2026 0:27 utc | 178

@158 Tel

“You have no idea what you are talking about, the Russian system is nothing like that. There is in fact rule of law in Russia, Putin is not a dictatorship, he cannot simply wave anything into existence.” [Replying to Andrew @138]

I don’t know how Russia’s central bank is run, what checks exist. I don’t speak of Russia in particular here, however the moment central banks start to monetise debt (place it as reserve for example) it is to provide credit at will. Few (any?) central banks have a reserve that is fully backed. The routes to ‘finance at will’ are not transparent, involve everything from political corruption through to providing banks a means or incentive to lend towards certain ends.

That nations have national debt is no guarantee at all, it is just one cog in the whole workings.

The ECB also, it created its own (negative) balance in Target2 , few noticed, much less than they noticed it taking on corporate debt (to bailout) , which they didn’t much take note of either…even bank bailouts in gfc few argued with…nor the giving of orders on acceptable national fiscal policy…etc. etc. etc.

Posted by: Ornot | Apr 25 2026 0:41 utc | 180

https://youtu.be/H2qKRoewlmo  Jamarl Thomas and Carl Zha – a nice follow up to the Haiphong /Gao interview.
 
Major theme of both:   the US will mostly fail if it tries to cut off China and strangle it economically.  The idea is:  well let’s quote MOA, a very awesome source of information:
 
And in all stupidity, if the disaster in the Hormuz/Gulf is not bad enough for the world’s economy and its people, trying to destroy China’s place in the world will be 1,000 x worse.
 
Posted by: GeorgeWendell | Apr 25 2026 0:18 utc | 177
 
 
 
The corollary to this is:  If the US can’t take out Iran militarily,  well trying to destroy China will be 1,000 x worse.
 
Both Gao and Zha mention coal as China’s backup energy source.  China produces 86% of its energy needs, with 3 to 6 months of oil reserves in worst case situations.  Coal mines can be brought online quite quickly in an emergency.
 
About Iran:  Iran is fighting a war of resistance, the US is fighting a war of aggression.  Translation:  US bad guys, Iran good guys.  China is not supplying surveillance information to Iran.  In the past, China SOLD THEM the equipment to do the surveillance themselves, and trained them on how to use it.  Which is China’s right as a sovereign nation.
 
China NOT SELLING WEAPONS TO A NATION AT WAR.  This was overly emphasized.  Not sure what China is providing to Iran in return for the oil that is flowing from Iran to China – but I suspect that it is quite helpful to Iran.
 
My take on it is:  China and Russia sold (possibly at VERY LOW prices) to Iran everything Iran needed between the 2 wars.  Including military supplies.  Now they just provide logistical supplies and possibly raw materials as needed, as well as everything Iran needs to rebuild during the ceasefires.  The longer the ceasefires last, the more Iran rebuilds.  This would force the US to basically re-bomb everything the US destroyed in the previous bombing runs.
 
China is pushing to wrap this all up by 2066, or maybe even later.  China has teams, diplomatic, economic, and military,  to lead the world to a peaceful place where China is strong, peaceful, and prosperous, and other nations around them are also strong, peaceful, and prosperous.  They are patient beyond belief.  They have enough strength to ride out the threat posed by the Epstein Class.  And are working hard to keep other nations alive. 
 
But only up to a point.  Both Russia and China read  MOA about 3 years ago where it was stated:  one lesson that Russia learned from the dissolution of the Soviet Union is that the Soviet Union could only do so much to help nations far from its borders.
 
The US military bases all over the world sums up the future awaiting the US – bankruptcy.  Maintaining these bases is too expensive.  And to paraphrase anti-Putin people:  the fact that the US is unable to properly protect the GCC nations – FROM IRAN – proves that Trump is weak, and that the US is a loser nation.  Trump is weak? – obvious.  The US is a loser nation? – the US is more fragile than Russia right now.  The US is also tearing itself to shreds internally.  “loser nation” should probably be replaced by “losing nation”.  Still strong, but going in the wrong direction fast.

Posted by: Woke American | Apr 25 2026 1:06 utc | 182

Honestly, what do I know? Analyze the situation for a sec then go for the Maximum Likelihood Estimate. Since I was trained as a statistical researcher at the Ph. D. level that is as honest as I get. Read this, read that, use some of other mixed breed academic background, then make my best guess.
 Iran is fighting for its survival against two no good nasties. Even the people who prefer a more liberal state are standing up for their survival. Getting bombed on an regular basis has been observed to unify the population.  Why would Iran be any different? Is not as if the US and Israel gave them much choice.
 
Posted by: Acco Hengst | Apr 24 2026 23:12 utc | 161
—
Thank you. Very good point about survival as a nation, so they should hang together. I’m just a cynical person and can imagine infighting and treachery in such a situation. Things like Raisi dying in the helicopter, Khamenei, Sr. being taken out, Haniyeh’s location, but especially how people can be bought e.g., the fall of Syria. But yes, it does seem they are really trying to tighten it up. I asked AI for a rundown of the top brass and ‘regular’ government. @Peter, @ Arby.
 

Here’s a current overview (as of April 2026) of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) top brass and key affiliated civilian administrators.
 
Note that Iran’s leadership has been significantly disrupted by recent conflicts, with multiple high-profile assassinations (e.g., former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, previous IRGC commanders Hossein Salami and Mohammad Pakpour). This has led to rapid promotions, a decentralized structure for resilience, and increased IRGC influence over political and security decisions.
 
IRGC Top Brass (Military Leadership)The IRGC operates as Iran’s parallel ideological military force, controlling ground, aerospace, naval, and extraterritorial operations (Quds Force), as well as the Basij militia. It answers directly to the Supreme Leader (currently Mojtaba Khamenei, who is reportedly injured and sidelined in day-to-day decisions).

• Ahmad Vahidi (Brigadier General / often referred to as Major General in reports) — Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC (appointed March 2026). Former Quds Force commander (1988–1998), Defense Minister, and Interior Minister. He is a central figure in wartime decision-making and reportedly exerts strong influence over broader regime policies.
• Esmail Qaani (Brigadier General) — Commander of the IRGC Quds Force (extraterritorial operations and proxy network support). He succeeded Qassem Soleimani and remains active in regional “resistance” efforts.
• Mohammad Reza Fallahzadeh (Brigadier General) — Deputy Commander of the Quds Force.
• Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi (Major General) — Commander of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters (coordinates IRGC, regular army/Artesh, and police operations).
• Mohammad Karami (Brigadier General) — Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces (succeeded Mohammad Pakpour in this role earlier).
• Amir Ali Hajizadeh (Brigadier General) — Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force (oversees missile and drone programs; noted for longevity despite losses in the branch).
• Alireza Tangsiri (Commodore) — Commander of the IRGC Navy.
• Gholamreza Soleimani (Brigadier General) — Commander of the Basij Resistance Force (internal mobilization and suppression).
• Yahya Rahim Safavi (Major General) — Senior military advisor to the Supreme Leader; longtime IRGC strategist and former IRGC commander-in-chief.

 
Other influential veterans include Mohsen Rezaei (former longtime IRGC commander, now military advisor to Mojtaba Khamenei) and figures in intelligence or decentralized regional commands. The structure has become more collective/decentralized to survive targeted strikes.
 
Top Civilian Administrators with Strong IRGC TiesMany senior civilian roles are held by IRGC veterans or hardliners, blurring the line between military and political power. The IRGC has reportedly tightened control over key institutions amid the conflict, sidelining some moderates.

•  
• Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr (IRGC veteran) — Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC; appointed March 2026 after Ali Larijani’s death). Coordinates national security, foreign policy, and nuclear issues. Former IRGC deputy commander-in-chief and joint staff head.
•  
•  
• Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf — Speaker of Parliament. Former IRGC Air Force commander and Tehran mayor; a pragmatic hardliner involved in some diplomatic channels but aligned with IRGC priorities.
•  
•  
• Eskandar Momeni — Minister of Interior (oversees police and internal security; IRGC-affiliated background).
•  
•  
• Ahmad Vahidi (also listed above) — Previously served in civilian roles like Defense and Interior Minister, illustrating the IRGC-to-civilian pipeline.
•  
•  
• Abbas Araghchi — Foreign Minister. Not a core IRGC figure but operates under significant IRGC/SNSC constraints in wartime diplomacy (e.g., backchannels via Pakistan).

 
The SNSC itself includes ex-officio members like the President (Masoud Pezeshkian), Chief Justice, Armed Forces Chief of Staff (position impacted by losses), and IRGC/Army commanders, but real influence has shifted heavily toward IRGC-aligned figures. Context and Notes

• Power Shift: Post-2025/2026 strikes and leadership losses, the IRGC (especially under Vahidi) has consolidated de facto control over military strategy, internal security, and even some diplomatic decisions, with a “military council” reportedly influencing appointments.
• Deceased/Former Key Figures: Hossein Salami (former IRGC commander, killed 2025), Mohammad Pakpour (brief IRGC commander, killed Feb 2026), Qassem Soleimani (Quds Force, killed 2020), and others like Ali Larijani.
• Leadership is fluid due to ongoing events; many second-tier commanders have risen.

This list draws from public reporting and may not be exhaustive, as Iran’s system is opaque. For the most real-time updates, cross-reference official Iranian sources (e.g., Tasnim, Fars) or analytical outlets.

 
 
If this goes through at all the formatting will be a mess, I am sure.
 

Posted by: frito | Apr 25 2026 1:11 utc | 184

The second part to the essay I linked to, above.  I don’t know if anyone read it, so I’m providing quotes from this one.
 
“To fully grasp why this strategy accelerated so violently after 1991, we must recognize a structural shift in the nature of imperial power. During the Cold War, the presence of a rival ideology (state socialism) forced a tense but stable geopolitical equilibrium. Because the conflict was framed as a systemic clash of models, the US was structurally compelled to maintain alliances, actively rebuild Europe, and at least superficially adhere to international institutional frameworks in order to prove the superiority and legitimacy of its system……
 
With the fall of the USSR, that ideological restraint vanished. The necessity for equilibrium evaporated, revealing a naked unipolar logic of pure extraction, exploitation, and coercion. Without a rival ideology to contain, the US empire no longer needed to legitimize itself through international frameworks—frameworks it now routinely bypasses, violates, or ignores entirely. The geopolitical arena defaulted to a pre-1914 scenario: a raw, unrestrained economic contest over resources and supply chains. In this landscape, the crumbling empire sheds any pretense……..
 
I anticipate that some readers will scratch their heads at this paradox. How can the empire be simultaneously dying—plagued by military overextension, the loss of soft power, de-dollarization, and ideological blindness—while also successfully installing a permanent governance architecture? The answer is that governance rails do not need a living empire to function. The IMF conditionality apparatus, the US dollar’s incumbency advantage in global trade invoicing, NATO’s mutual defense commitments, the Western procurement standards currently being hardwired into Ukrainian state infrastructure—these are institutionalized coercive structures. They will operate on autopilot long after the enforcing power weakens, just as the IMF’s structural adjustment programs continued to hollow out African economies long after the Cold War rationale for them had dissolved. The architecture survives the architect. This is institutional inertia.”
 
https://worldlinesletter.substack.com/p/the-fragmentationist-grand-strategy-947

Posted by: wagelaborer | Apr 25 2026 1:23 utc | 186

@  karlof1 | Apr 24 2026 23:43 utc | 168
 
and @ Woke American | Apr 24 2026 23:52 utc | 171
 
thanks both of you for encouraging me to watch this video.. i too highly recommend it..
 

Victor Gao and Danny Haiphong interview

 
it is a liberating and uplifting message that victor gao is giving.. very refreshing and yet very insightful too…. i especially liked his quoting jesus at the end, although he didn’t say this – do unto others as you would have them do unto you…. wow… what a thought….  victor gao is also a realist, so it is not in any way disconnected from reality and what is happening here.. i recommend this video for others to watch… thanks guys! 

Posted by: james | Apr 25 2026 1:53 utc | 188

 If this goes through at all the formatting will be a mess, I am sure.
 Posted by: frito | Apr 25 2026 1:11 utc | 184
—————————————-
Thanks, Frito, for all that homework. The best anyone can do about what that all means  is to strict the various anecdotes together, at least those that come our way .

Posted by: Acco Hengst | Apr 25 2026 2:30 utc | 190

“…which holds the primary form of exploitation is purchase of labor power at roughly the value it takes to produce…”
 
 
Posted by: steven t johnson | Apr 25 2026 0:00 utc | 173
 
—
 
Not to be too picayune, although you probably don’t mind, but shouldn’t that read:  “…roughly the value it takes to reproduce…”?
As in reproduce labour.
 
Recall the fights over the Corn Laws, for example.  The cheaper the food, the lesser the wages paid by the capitalist to labourers.
 
~~
 
Regarding AUH’s polemics, I empathize with them overall.  MOA is enhanced imv by AUH’s postings which provoke responses and sometimes thought.
 
~~
 
Re: War On Iran: – Who To Blame?
 
Blame me.  Then get on with it — with forging solutions.
 
Or does the empire system only know how to finger point now and nothing more?
 

Posted by: suzan | Apr 25 2026 2:57 utc | 192

@ juliania | Apr 25 2026 3:16 utc | 193
 
it is more fun to emphasize the positive then the negative…at this point the usa has a lot of work cut out for itself as i see it..

Posted by: james | Apr 25 2026 3:32 utc | 194

Acco Hengst | Apr 25 2026 2:28 utc | 189—
 
IMO, GCC relations with Iran will grow tighter because of the war. The talk remains very quiet, a Chinese sign, while Russia also continues its closeness. The big GCC problem is much of their wealth is dollarized and thus threatened. IMO, the GCC has finally awakened to the reality of the parasite within their region, to no longer befriend it and instead put their efforts into improving their neighborhood. 

Posted by: karlof1 | Apr 25 2026 3:59 utc | 196

 Does Donald Trump read MOA?  Silly question …………….
Posted by: English Outsider | Apr 24 2026 20:22 utc | 120
 
Great question, EO.
 
Now if only some clever sod can get AI to create a virtual bar with this thread.
 
Too much being read into WEF Reset. That’s a Soros/EU project. The Zio/US have different agenda and even in that unholy alliance there’s a huge and contradictory divergence.
 
The “blockade on blockade” is simply bankrupting the GCC lackeys and forcing allies and US friendly nations to look to Russia. Undoing the sanctions regime being used to compel Russia to end the Ukraine war unfavourably.
 
The US dollar is taking a beating, prices at the pump are going up in the US and other material used for a multitude of industries is at critical stage.  
 
The AI industry is directly being affected by the War of Aggression. So much for the blockade on blockade being a “winning” move. 
 
Helium hitch: Why US-Israel war on Iran could cause MRI scan delays | US-Israel war on Iran News | Al Jazeera
 
FAO Chief Economist warns of severe global food security risks from disruption to Strait of Hormuz trade corridor
 
Iran war leads to unprecedented polymer price hikes in April – Plastics News
 
Chip Shortage 2026: Why CPUs From Intel And AMD Are Getting Harder To Find – Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Advance – Benzinga
 
Meanwhile, fools here are trying to imply that Araghchi is in Pakistan to attend “talks”. He’s there to present Iran’s demands and provide Iran’s reply in writing to any “proposals” from the losing US side.
 
Fools here are also asking why Iran is not taking military action to “unblock” the so called “blockade”. Why?
 
Why the Iran Blockade Isn’t Working – The National Interest
 
5 Reasons Why Trump’s Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz Won’t Work
 
The only move left for Trump is to fold or go all in. If there no military action this weekend, we’ll know it a fold.

Posted by: Suresh | Apr 25 2026 4:16 utc | 198

Posted by: wagelaborer | Apr 25 2026 1:23 utc | 186
 
thanks both parts very good at linking many sources. 

Posted by: Onehunglo | Apr 25 2026 4:37 utc | 200