uprisings, foreign intervention, and military coups.
Yet to the imperial powers’ disappointment, the Bolivarian
Revolution remains deeply rooted in the Venezuelan
collective spirit, especially among the poor, who
bear the brunt of sanctions and aggression.
Continuous organizational and political
efforts by the ruling socialist coalition
have kept the core of the population
mobilized --- and vigilant.
On the other hand, Venezuela's political and economic
strategists proved to be smarter than the enemy
..expected. After defeating a military coup in
2002 (against Chávez), crippling sabotage
of the oil industry in 2003, a revocatory
referendum in 2004, uprisings in 2014,
2017 and 2019, (including the self-
styled alternative "presidency",
of Juan Guaidó and an attempt
at an invasion from Colombia),
the revolution... successfully
steadied both the economy
and the political system,
integrating most of the
opposition - into the
lawful structure.
As in the case of Iran, the foreign economic aggression
helped the Venezuelans to redefine (and refine) their
development model ....and the country's military and foreign policy doctrines.
Traditionally, before the US economic and financial blockade,
Venezuela imported at least 70% of its food with its oil
revenues, neglecting domestic agriculture:
purchasing food abroad, was easier
and cheaper.
To avoid famine --- the government centralized food imports and
organized the CLAP (Local Supply and Production Committees)
system, based on the socialist-oriented Communal Councils of
self-government.
The "CLAP bag" - ensured a subsistence-level of staples and
proteins to almost every family - initially with produce from
other countries, while simultaneously promoting domestic
agriculture by securing state purchases of produce... at
market prices.
Thanks to these policies, along with technological and financial
incentives, the trend has reversed since 2019, and Venezuela
is now self-reliant in about 90% of its food needs. Food self-
sufficiency ----- is one of the key elements in any war.
Controversial but effective monetary policies that allowed
a partial dollarization of internal trade - helped control
hyperinflation, as did flexible customs barriers.
As a result, imported goods filled shelves, and new shops and
supermarkets flourished. Though prices skyrocketed and
inequalities resurged, the atmosphere changed
dramatically, capital returned ...and growth.
This, together with drastic police strategies, brought calm to
a city that was becoming notorious for its high crime rates.
Emigration numbers also diminished and the trend of
returnees .....soared.
This economic resilience is only one part of the Latin American
country's preparedness for the eventuality of a direct attack.
The other, is a deeply reformed military doctrine
Facing the direct threat of aggression, Hugo Chávez - himself... an
army officer - deeply changed both the country's military doctrine
and its ordnance base, through contracts with Russia, China and
Iran. Military academies replaced the US-molded old national
security and counterinsurgency scheme with a "war-of-the-
people" against foreign foes, doctrine.
An army general in the border zone proudly told me in 2019:
"Before Chávez, we were a dump for outdated US military
equipment, our guns pointing at our own people.We are
now a modern army, equipped with the best weaponry
available ---- and we rely on the people for defending
our country".
Millions have enrolled since 2008-2009 in the People's Bolivarian
Militias, trained by the regular army. A government official
explained that "milicianos" are being trained as snipers,
and in guerrilla warfare and intelligence, which has
apparently shown results ------- in the capture by
commoners of several sea and land infiltrated
mercenaries..... over the last decade.
Venezuela's top military leader --- the Minister of Defense, General Vladimir Padrino López, has warned that a foreign incursion will
meet a well-trained and well-equipped staggered defense all
over the nearly one-million square kilometres of territory,
abundant in jungles, mountains and "balls" - among its
some 30-million-strong population ---- as commander
Chávez once proclaimed.
Since August, military drills and air-defense exercises have
been made public, in addition to operations to disperse
ordnance and troops..... to unknown locations.
Likewise, Interior Minister Cabello has warned --- that those
supporting a foreign invasion will be treated as traitors to
the motherland, aiming mainly at María Machado, the
extreme-right leader who has, over the years,
repeatedly called for the overthrow of
Maduro via a military intervention,
a coup ---- or a civil war.
Machado, a fierce supporter of the Israeli regime and who was
awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace prize, recently renewed her
calls for a US invasion, which she termed as "liberation"
from drug dealers and Russian, Chinese, Iranian,
Hamas and Hezbollah agents.
She has also promised to give a free hand to US companies
to take over Venezuela's natural resources, in the case
that she is installed as the ruler.
Machado, who is believed to be hiding in the now-empty
premises of the US embassy compound in Caracas, is
the only West-backed opposition figure in Venezuela
to be supporting the aggression.
The Bolivarian leadership has stood calm and united in front
of the menace, which is seen to be - so far - a psychological
operation aimed at generating public panic and fractures,
to destabilize the country and facilitate the possible
killing or capture of Maduro and his close circle.
They know well - that divisions and social destabilization have
been the key factors in previous successful US interventions,
such as those of Grenada in 1983 and Panama in 1989.
Internationally, many Latin American countries have been soft
on this very sensitive matter, given the tragic history of CIA-
directed coups and interventions, under pressure & afraid
of enraging Trump. Colombia's president, Gustavo Petro,
was swiftly blacklisted and labeled a drug dealer
after he denounced the murder of fishermen
in the Caribbean at the UN.
The story is different in the Caribbean ------- where the entire
community of island states, except for Trinidad & Tobago,
has rejected a repeat of Grenada in 1983, when six of
them supported the US invasion.
Also different is the scenario resulting from strategic alliances
that Venezuela has been forging with Russia, China and Iran.
In 2019, Iran organized a daring sea-convoy operation, to
bring gasoline and parts for a Venezuelan refinery at an
extremely critical time.
Last week, Russian president Vladimir Putin solemnly put into
effect a bilateral strategic pact, which includes a mutual
military assistance clause, and Russian media outlets
have claimed that it was Russian advisors who
uncovered a CIA false-flag operation from
Trinidad last week. China on its part,
has publicly rejected the US's
bullying in the region.
A prolonged conflict between Venezuela and the US, analysts concur,
might become a quagmire --- and spark instability and chaos in the
entire sub-region, especially the borders with Colombia, with an historical track record of guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary activities, and Brazil, the where Venezuelan authorities have been able to leash the bands of illegal gold seekers ------ who once controlled the border.
In order to occupy a vast and complex country, there must be a
number of factors, besides overwhelming air power, and most
of them are not there, hence.... the apparent hesitation.
A former Venezuelan diplomat once told me - that it is high time
for President Maduro to take good care of himself. Despite this,
Maduro has not slowed down his agenda, frequently attending
public events and maintaining close contact with the people.
He understands that his physical presence instills a sense
of calm and confidence among the populace.
The military, just in case, has publicly warned -- that no matter
what happens, they won't allow "a bunch of fascist oligarchs"
to reign over the country ......under a foreign occupation.
This story thus .... has an open end.
Alejandro Kirk is a Venezuelan-Chilean journalist
and a senior correspondent for Hispan TV.
(The views expressed in this article ---- do
not necessarily reflect those of Press TV)
At Rhondda Records ------ we all say:
''Long live progressive Venezuela!''
What do you say?
_____________________________________________
The UN must return to its
beginnings - and reform
by Luis Beatón, Chief El Salvador correspondent
and former correspondent at the United Nations
November 6th, 12:16am
(source: Prensa Latina)
This time I skipped the United Nations General Assembly, it
seemed useless this year, but you can always watch last
year's speech if you want to waste time like I did, wrote
the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, in English
on his X account.
“Useless” and “wasting time” were words that the Salvadoran president used... to highlight the reason for his absence in September from the conclave that was once considered
a mecca of world diplomacy... where the States - to a certain extent ...understood each other.
In the 1980s, the crisis of the multilateral system was incipient,
although the United States and other powers were already
shielding their national and international interests with
justifications ....that were not convincing.
Since that time, Washington and its international allies - have
hindered the implementation of Security Council resolutions,
for example 435, to erase from the face of the earth the
opprobrious apartheid regime in South Africa, and
Israel's aggressive policy - prevented the
implementation of agreements for the
creation of a Palestinian State. The
American veto --- was permanent.
In those difficult times for the world, when the American extreme
right was gaining space - even the alternate ambassador who
accompanied Jeane Kirkpatrick at the UN, Douglas J. Feith
- invited the organization to change its headquarters.
Much of the blame must be sought in Washington,
where unilateralism is promoted, to oppress and
impose policies on the poorest nations.
Recently Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and former Foreign
Minister of Sweden, addressed the issue and said that: “to
survive, the United Nations must leave the United States”.
Like 40 years ago when we witnessed at the organization's
headquarters the direction the world was taking, and that
the General Assembly - was an occasion to take stock of
the situation in the world, now, on the 80th anniversary,
it was not the same.
According to Bildt, from any point of view the situation at the UN
is serious. Its Security Council, in which China, Russia and the
United States each exercise their right of veto, is mired in
permanent confrontation over one issue or another,
which prevents the rest of the organization from
advancing ---- in almost anything.
An overwhelming majority of member nations support the solution
to the Middle East crisis, where the Palestinian problem is the
Gordian knot, ideas that have dragged on for decades, and
that are not fulfilled - due to American complicity with the
Zionist regime. Likewise, what can be thought ---- when
the General Assembly demands, for example, the
cessation of the criminal economic blockade
- political and financial - that Washington
has implemented against Cuba.... to
destroy that country.... and the
White House turns its face
--------- and toughens it.
Crises demanding UN intervention abound around the world,
from Gaza and Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Haiti, Myanmar and Afghanistan, to name
just a few.
However, Bildt, like other analysts, estimate that the great
powers are obsessed with their mutual confrontations
and with the Trump administration withdrawing not
only its active support, but also its financing,
which makes the outlook for the UN......
look bleak.
Does the UN have a future? Although the demand for its services
is as great as ever, its ability to respond to it --- has been clearly
diminished. There is no way for it to survive, without reducing
its ambitions and capabilities; How exactly it does it, will be
a central question in the coming years, Bildt said.
Moving the headquarters outside the United States, would be a
logical step, not only because of the withdrawal of US funding
and the need to save costs, but also because of Washington's
refusal to grant visas to those attending UN meetings, as it
did this year... with Palestinian leaders.
In the Swedish politician's opinion, a UN that is no longer based
in New York would be different in many ways. But moving, may
also be -------- the only way for it to survive.
Dag Hammarskjöld, who was Secretary General of the UN (1953-
1961), said in a famous phrase that the organization was not
created to bring us heaven, but to save us from hell. That
task remains as important as ever. But for things to
remain the same, everything must change,
Bildt cited.
It is clear that the UN must return to its beginnings and reform
itself in accordance with the needs of a world that opposes
speeches like that of President Donald Trump against
efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.
According to Omar Salinas, energy engineer and public
policy analyst, the UN was born with the aspiration
of being a universal space for meeting, debate
and representation.
However, with the passage of time that vocation became
denatured until the General Assembly was reduced to a
solemn ritual, more useful as a media showcase, than
as a real instrument of global consultation.
The image projected by this forum of world diplomacy is no
longer that of the plurality of voices, but that of a club that
reserves the right of admission and that distributes the
global agenda...... according to particular interests.
According to Salinas, history shows that when institutions
stop representing them, people....... look for other paths.
If the UN does not change, does not move its headquarters,
it will hardly be able to sustain the legitimacy that the
illusion of universality once granted it, as protector
of international law and peace.
In Salinas' opinion, expressed in a comment recently published
by the newspaper El Salvador, what is at stake is not only the
reputation of a diplomatic forum --- but the credibility of the international system as a whole.
Couldn't agree more - what do you think?
____________________________________________
"There will be --- no alliance."A US supporter
won in a country that is friendly to Russia.
What does this mean for Moscow?
by Maxim Gabrielyan (Leading
Editor of the "World" Dept)
October 20th, 5:16pm
(Lenta.ru)
The victory of candidate Rodrigo Paz, in the presidential election in
Bolivia - creates “maximum risks” for the Russian presence in the
country as the new head of state wants to review the contracts
signed with Moscow. This was stated by Viktor Kheifets,
Professor of the Department of Theory and History of
International Relations at St. Petersburg State
University and Editor-in-Chief of the Latin
America magazine, in an interview
with Lenta.ru.
On October 19th, the second round of the presidential election was
held in Bolivia. In the final round, Senator Rodrigo Paz, the son of
the former President Jaime Paz, and right-wing populist Jorge
Quiroga, were competing for the presidency.
Both politicians --- have no ties to the country's ruling left-wing
Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party, which has been in
power since 2005 and has taken an anti-US stance and
actively collaborated with Russia and China. Both
candidates have also announced plans to
review contracts with Moscow
and Beijing.
It is noteworthy that one of the first to congratulate Paz was
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is known for his
pressure on the Latin American left. He also expressed
hope that Bolivia would fully restore its contacts
with Washington.
What Russian projects in Bolivia are threatened by Paz's victory?
In particular, Heifetz recalled that Russia and Bolivia have an
important agreement on lithium, which is relatively cheap to
extract in the Latin American country. This metal is of
geopolitical importance, as it is used in the
production of batteries.
In 2023, Rosatom's subsidiary Uranium One Group signed
an agreement with the Bolivian state-owned company,
Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos.. to create a complex
for the development of this metal worth $600 million.
The risks for Russia --- are high, if not maximum. Our agreement
was weak to begin with, and its specifics were only expected
to be finalized after the elections when it would be clear who
would win. At this point, the best option for us would be to
simply remain there, at least formally.
In addition, Heifetz recalled that since 2023, Bolivia has been home
to the Russian Nuclear Research and Technology Centre in El Alto,
which is the highest in the world. He emphasized that the victory
of the opposition forces.. poses risks of its closure.
"There is a misconception -- among the old Bolivian elites that
this nuclear project was allegedly agreed upon with certain
'corrupt elements' on the part of the Bolivian government.
Therefore, the new authorities may reconsider this
contract," Heifetz said.
However, the expert expressed hope that it could be
preserved, as it brings great benefits to Bolivia.
How will the opposition's rise to power
affect Russia's relations with Bolivia?
According to Kheifets, the opposition candidate's victory will
make it impossible to maintain the trusting political dialogue
that previously existed between Russia and Bolivia.
A political dialogue between Bolivia and Russia at the same
level as it was during the Movement for Socialism will be
absolutely impossible. At best, the country will take
a neutral stance towards us.
"In the worst-case scenario, there will be a drift towards the
United States. In general, there should be no alliance with
Russia," the researcher concluded.
How could a change of government in Bolivia
exacerbate the situation in the region?
In addition, the Latin American expert pointed out the risks
of escalating the situation in the region. For many years,
Bolivia ---- has actively supported the president of
Venezuela Nicolas Maduro ----- who is facing
military pressure from the administration
of US President Donald Trump. The
victory of Paz -- who does not
consider the Venezuelan
leader to be legitimate
will only exacerbate
the situation.
It should be noted that Paz does not consider Maduro to be a
legitimate president. Therefore, he will clearly take the side
of the United States on this issue. In general, his foreign
policy program for bringing Bolivia back into the
international arena ....involves normalizing
relations with the West.
At the same time, Heifetz pointed out ------- that the new Bolivian
authorities should not be expected to take the radical steps in
support of the United States, which, for example, President
of Argentina, Javier Milei, allows.
"Pas promised not to make any sudden moves, so let's see how
well he can do it. It's unlikely that Bolivia will take the same
stance as Javier Milei's Argentina. And as we can see,
even with him.... it's possible to work together.
However, the tilt towards the United States
will still be noticeable," the professor
concluded.
I blame the divisions caused when Evo Morales tried - like Putin - to extend his constitutionary term limits ----- and was betrayed by Arce.
What do you think?
_______________________________________
Zelensky's Ukraine has turned into
a concentration camp --- and
is incapable of reaching
peaceful agreements
September 22nd, 7am (Source: Vesti.ru)
In the Ukrainian media, there was a discussion about the "difficult
decisions" that Zelensky is allegedly preparing, as he said at a
meeting with deputies of the Servant of the People faction on
September 16. Some observers claimed that the allegedly
illegitimate "saw the light" and was ready for
negotiations, while others denied this -----
saying that the drugged Fuhrer stayed
in his previous positions.
However, all this chatter makes no practical sense, because
Zelensky.... is incapable of making any decisions, either
“hard” or “easy.” The political clown is firmly trapped
in the reality he has created. And he has created
this reality not by making any decisions, but
by being unable to make any decisions
or take any steps.
In 2019, Zelensky withdrew from the Minsk agreements, but he did
not offer anything in their place. This marked the beginning of his
general line: to do nothing and not accept anything for which he
would have to take responsibility. The implementation of the
Minsk agreements required Ukraine to make compromises
and restore order within the country. If Ukraine had done
this, it would have regained control of the Donbas, and
there would have been no war. Ukraine would have
remained a peaceful and democratic nation.
The failure to implement the Minsk agreements led to a worsening
of relations with Russia, which inevitably escalated the conflict.
However, Zelensky did not make any decisions regarding this,
assuming... that everything would resolve itself. When the
special military operation began, it came as a complete
surprise to the drug-addicted leader, but it did not
sober him.. or his entourage.
Russia offers negotiations, and they begin in Istanbul in the spring
of 2022. A decision must be made, but Zelensky avoids making a
choice. Boris Johnson, who was the British Prime Minister at the
time, makes the choice for Ukraine. This choice -- is supported
by US President Biden, and only then, does Zelensky join in.
For Biden, the decision to continue the war in Ukraine has
resulted in a political defeat. Not only for him, but for his
entire team. Johnson is also experiencing a decline in
his political career.
Just recently, the illegitimate one was hysterical about the need
for an immediate ceasefire, which was impossible without
negotiations, and now he is saying that he does not
accept this scenario and is demanding security
guarantees from Western countries, as a
condition for ending the war.
"We have a different story - than Korea. In Korea, the war ended
without a final peace treaty. This is relevant to the discussion
of security guarantees and why Ukraine needs them. It is
possible that there will not be a final document to end
the war. Therefore, some people ----- such as French
President Macron, argue that security guarantees
should not wait for the end of the war. I agree
with them, that a ceasefire is sufficient to
provide security guarantees", says
the illegitimate one.
In other words, he is proposing, firstly, to get away from any peace
agreements and arrangements, which will save him from making
any decisions and taking on any obligations, and secondly, to
force the collective West to protect his regime forever. This
is no longer the Biden scheme, where the collective West
finances and the Ukrainians fight, but a new scheme
where the collective West both finances the Kiev
regime and officially supports it with its armed
forces. Thus, the collective West is paying for
both the Zelensky regime and maintenance
of its armies to protect this regime.
How possible is such a scheme? After all, Trump left
Biden's scheme by refusing to fund the Kiev regime.
"We don't spend money on this war. It is funded by NATO. NATO
buys our equipment. I.... don't really want to make money from
this war. But this happens because they buy our equipment,"
the US president said.
It turns out that Zelensky is going against Trump's schemes,
just as he did during the scandal in the Oval Office.
Throughout his political career -- the illegitimate one has been
playing the same game, fueling expectations that he is about
to make an important decision, only to backtrack on
everything he has promised.
Now, he is doing the same with Washington. Zelensky is
demonstrating Kyiv's complete inability to negotiate
peace, despite repeatedly promising the opposite
to Trump. Similarly, he made similar promises to
Merkel & Hollande in 2019, but failed to fulfill
them or even intend to do so.
At the same time, Zelensky cannot make any peace --- even if he wanted to. The country's economy is completely dependent on
external investments, and external investments depend on
the presence of war. Zelensky's Ukraine simply does not
have another economy -- and there is no place to get it
from. The economy that existed, has been destroyed
by the war and the criminal regime's repressions.
Therefore, in the West, the country is not seen as peaceful at
all, but rather as a testing ground for Western weapons. The
Washington Post has published an article claiming that
since Ukraine will not join NATO, it should be used as
a testing ground for fighting Russia.
If this strategy works, the Ukrainian military industry could
eventually help equip the U.S. and European armies... with
advanced drones and other military technologies.... that
are being developed in the midst of a war with Russia.
Such a publication is yet another piece of evidence that the
collective West --- views the Ukrainian conflict as a money-
laundering scheme under the pretext of a war with Russia.
By labeling Western weapons as Ukrainian firstly, profits
can be hidden somewhere away from taxes and prying
eyes. Secondly, weapons can be supplied to hotspots
under the guise of Ukraine, such as Taiwan. Ukraine
has already boasted of creating the underwater
kamikaze drone "Toloka".
Recently, this drone was demonstrated in Lviv. It is claimed that
it can travel up to 2,000 kilometres and carry up to 5 tons of explosives. This raises several questions: Why would Kyiv need a deep-sea drone if the war is taking place in the air and on land? Why is it being displayed in Lviv -- which is far from the sea but close to Ukraine's western border?
Why is it being showcased if it is intended for use in this conflict? This whole.... "submarine in the Ukrainian steppes" comedy, raises concerns. It's intended for China --- so they won't figure out who really produced it.
Western investors, who bought Zelensky's Ukraine with offal, will
never allow it to return to a peaceful path and become a stable
state with a peaceful economy. As we know, whoever pays
for a girl ...gets to dance with her, and Zelensky has
destroyed domestic capital under the slogan of
"de-oligarchization." There is no money to
build a peaceful Ukraine.
But there is no one to build a peaceful Ukraine, and there is no
peace party in the country that could lead the country out of
the war. The peace party has been purposefully destroyed,
repressed, killed, expelled from the country, slandered,
and banned by law. Zelensky did not want peace; he
was interested in personal power, and the easiest
way to maintain power is through perpetual war.
The current Ukrainian so-called "elite" is completely incapable of
living in peaceful conditions.. and building a modern state. They
have completely forgotten how to live in the interest of others, negotiate, and keep their promises. The country has suffered
from catastrophic cultural and managerial degradation. The
rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens, have been taken
away through war.
All of this was done under the command of Western curators, who
turned the country into a battering ram for Russia and a military
training ground. Zelensky did not oppose this, but instead
benefited from the triumphs and gains of the collective
West, profiting from Western aid and the genocide of
the Ukrainian people, whom he never considered
as his own.
Therefore, the illegitimate one is incapable of making any
decisions, and the Ukrainian political elite is incapable
of turning the country's policy.... towards peace and
détente. They are skilled at creating expectations
but lack the ability to fulfill them, leading to an
endless cycle of war and casualties.
In order to survive, the Ukrainian people need to ignore Zelensky's
and his gang's promises ------ as they will never be fulfilled. The
Ukrainian elite has sold the people to the collective West as
cannon fodder, and they have no intention of changing their
course. Today, the West is not welcoming the Ukrainians,
and they are being forced back into the war. The only
option left is the one that the new six regions of
Russia have chosen ----- using their right to
self-determination. They --- have left the
control of the criminal Ukrainian elite,
expelled it from their territories and
begun to build their lives.. as part of the Russian Federation.
This successful experience will surely spread to other
regions of Ukraine, as it is the path to the salvation
of the Ukrainian people.
Chairman of the Council of the
Other Ukraine Movement,
Viktor Medvedchuk
I feel love for this man, who was
tortured for months by the Kiev
regime after the US driven
violent coup.
Maybe - he will be Ukraine's
President - let's hope soon!
If not - what do you hope for..?
______________________________
Explainer: Why Iran rejects the two-state solution for Palestine & what a 1-state model entails
September 17th, 11:35am
by Ivan Kesic
(PressTV)
The UN General Assembly last week overwhelmingly endorsed
the so-called New York Declaration, pushed by Saudi Arabia
and France, which calls for a two-state solution to the
Palestinian issue.
The 142-10 vote saw the Israeli regime, the US, Hungary
and Argentina voting against the resolution with 12
notable abstentions, including Iran.
The event was boycotted by the US and the Israeli regime, with
the vote occurring just a day after Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu publicly declared that
there would be no Palestinian state.
Iran’s abstention is rooted in its long-standing advocacy for
a single, democratic state in Palestine determined by a
referendum of its original inhabitants.
Tehran's decision not to participate was not a passive act but
a calculated and conscious political statement, explained in
a formal letter to the UN Secretary-General, which outlined
basic objections to the very premise of the declaration.
The Iranian mission to the UN emphasized that any practical
solution must be based on the recognition of the inalienable
right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the
rejection of forced displacement, principles it believes the
New York Declaration fails to adequately address.
This vote once again highlighted the deep divisions within the
international community regarding the path to a just and
lasting peace in Palestine, pitting a widely supported
diplomatic initiative against the principled,
ideological opposition of key regional
actors - like Iran.
Why did Iran abstain from UN vote the two-state solution?
Iran refrained from voting on the UN resolution endorsing the New
York Declaration due to a profound and principled disagreement
with its content and underlying issues, which Tehran views as
fundamentally flawed and unjust.
The Islamic Republic has consistently stated that a lasting and
genuine peace can only be achieved -- when the historical and
inalienable rights of the Palestinian people are fully
recognized, a condition it believes ------- the
declaration ignored.
From Iran's perspective, the declaration distorted the realities
on the ground by creating a false equivalence between the
occupying regime and the occupied people, thereby
absolving the Zionist entity of its primary
responsibility for over eight decades of
occupation, horrendous crimes, and
the denial of fundamental rights to
the people it has occupied.
Tehran argues that the statement deliberately overlooked the
reality of the Zionist occupation and its continued presence
in Palestinian territories as part of a broader colonial
project that has been the main factor of instability
in the region.
Furthermore, Iran contends that the authors of the statement
have intentionally ignored the fact that the Israeli regime
and the United States are themselves the greatest
obstacles to the realization of the so-called two-
state solution, making the entire exercise...
disingenuous.
The account of the events of October 7, 2023, is also deemed
incomplete and misleading, as it isolates this date from the
context of 80 years of occupation and settler-colonialism
while ignoring the legitimate right of the Palestinian
people to self-defense under international law.
Iran has also explicitly rejected the statement's call for the
disarmament of Palestinian resistance groups, viewing it
as a violation of the rights of an occupied nation --- that
would leave Palestinians defenseless.
Finally, the exclusion of vital regional security issues, such as
establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in West Asia, further
convinced Tehran that the declaration was not a serious or
comprehensive framework for peace, but rather, a
mechanism that paves the way for the
continuation of the crisis.
What is the two-state solution?
The so-called two-state solution is a proposed framework aimed
at resolving the Palestinian issue by establishing two separate
states within the historical boundaries of Mandatory Palestine,
which experts argue seeks to carve out a place for Zionists
on Palestinian land.
This model has been the dominant paradigm for international
diplomatic efforts for decades and was the central objective
endorsed by the recent UN General Assembly resolution.
The solution envisions a Palestinian state based on the 1967
borders, with occupied East Jerusalem as its capital, and
typically includes provisions for a negotiated land swap
and a resolution to the Palestinian refugee issue.
The recent declaration supported by 142 nations framed this
solution as the viable path to a peaceful resolution of the
long-standing Palestinian issue.
However, from the perspective of Iran and some other countries,
this solution has proven to be an unachievable promise over
several decades, one that has only resulted in the
increasing violation of Palestinian rights by
the occupier.
They argue that it has served to deepen the injustices faced
by the oppressed and occupied people by legitimizing the
existence of a Zionist regime built on occupied land
without addressing the root causes of the issue.
It also brings into question... the continuous expansion of illegal
Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which fragment
the envisioned Palestinian territory, and the political reality
within the Zionist entity, where leaders frequently reject
the concept outright, as evidence that the two-state
solution is no longer a viable or just outcome,
instead functioning as a diplomatic cover
--- for the entrenchment of a permanent
system of apartheid and occupation.
What is the one-state solution?
The one-state solution is a proposed alternative model for
resolving the protracted logjam that involves the creation
of a single, democratic Palestinian state encompassing
all of the land between the Mediterranean Sea and
the Jordan River.
This single state would be home to all its current inhabitants
— Palestinian Muslims and Christians, Israeli Jews... and
other residents — on an equal basis, granting everyone
equal rights and citizenship ....regardless of ethnicity
or religion.
The core mechanism for establishing this state, as championed by
the Islamic Republic of Iran, is the holding of a free, democratic,
and inclusive national referendum among all the original
inhabitants of Palestine, which includes Muslims,
Christians, and Jews who lived there before
the establishment of the Zionist entity.
This process would necessitate the right of return for all
displaced Palestinian refugees to their ancestral
homeland ---- so they can participate in
determining their political future.
Advocates, including the Islamic Republic, argue that this is
the only truly democratic solution that can bring genuine
and lasting peace to the land, as it directly confronts
and dismantles the structures of apartheid and
ethnic discrimination ----- inherent in the
current set-up.
They draw a parallel to the overthrow of the apartheid regime
in South Africa, suggesting that a similar transformation is
possible in Palestine through sustained resistance and
international pressure.
The envisioned state would be a pluralistic democracy where the
will of the majority ---- expressed through continuous democratic
processes, would determine the government and laws, thereby
ending the Jewish character of the Zionist entity & replacing
it with a state that guarantees full equality and rights for all
its citizens.
What is Iran's position on the Palestinian issue?
Iran's position on the Palestinian issue is absolute and principled,
rooted in the belief that the Zionist project in Palestine is an
illegitimate colonial enterprise that must be confronted
and ultimately reversed.
The official stance of the Islamic Republic is one of non-recognition
of the Zionist entity and unwavering political and moral support
for the Palestinian resistance against the occupying regime.
Tehran's ultimate strategic goal is the liberation of all of Palestine,
from the river to the sea, not merely the freedom of a part of it
and the status quo in other occupied territories.
Iran rejects any plan that seeks to partition Palestine, including
the two-state solution, which it views as a capitulation to
Zionist demands that tramples on the rights of the
Palestinian people, and ignores the historical
rights of refugees.
Instead ----- Iran has formally proposed a four-stage democratic
solution to the United Nations, which involves the return of all
Palestinian refugees to their homeland, the holding of a
national referendum --- with the participation of all the
original inhabitants of Palestine (Muslims, Christians,
and Jews), the establishment of a political system
based on the outcome of that referendum... and
subsequent decisions by that elected system
regarding other current residents.
The Islamic Republic maintains that the Palestinian people have
an inalienable right to self-defense and to resist occupation as
recognized under international law, and it provides support to
a wide array of resistance groups across the region, based
on their opposition to occupation ------ rather than their
sectarian identity.
It has consistently called for an immediate and unconditional
ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered humanitarian access, and
reconstruction, but firmly believes that a lasting peace
will remain impossible until the occupation is entirely
ended and the rights of the Palestinian people are
fully restored --- through a democratic inclusive
process --- that reflects their genuine will.
What was Imam Khomeini's position?
Founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini’s stance
on Palestine was not a peripheral concern but a central,
defining pillar of his revolutionary ideology and a core
religious obligation from the very inception of his
political movement against the West-backed
Pahlavi regime.
His profound engagement with the issue -- was first catapulted into
public discourse during his historic Ashura sermon in 1963, where
he explicitly condemned the Pahlavi regime’s ties with the Israeli
regime and framed the Zionist project as a catastrophic tragedy
designed to usurp Palestinian land ------- and destroy the very
foundations of Islam, the Qur’an, and Islamic scholarship.
This public declaration - was preceded by written warnings, such as
his March 1963 letter to unions in Qom ---- where he urgently alerted
Muslims worldwide, that the existential danger posed by the Israeli
regime threatened not only Palestine but the entire Muslim Ummah
--- its independence, and its economies, which he believed were in
peril of being seized by Zionists.
For Imam Khomeini, the Palestinian cause...... transcended mere
political solidarity. It was a fundamental and civilizational battle,
wherein the increasing power of the Zionist entity signified the
deliberate subjugation and destruction of the Muslim world.
This perspective informed his consistent and unwavering position,
in which he characterized the Zionist entity as a cancerous
tumor that required eradication, an obligation he believed
was incumbent upon all Muslims: to prevent the
metastasis of this entity... from consuming
other Islamic nations.
The mechanisms for combating this threat, as outlined by Imam
Khomeini, were comprehensive and demanded absolute unity
and resistance from the Islamic Ummah.
He vehemently rejected any path of negotiation or compromise with
the Israeli regime, viewing such actions as tantamount to betrayal
of the Muslim cause, a conviction starkly demonstrated by his
severance of Iran’s diplomatic relations with Egypt following
Anwar Sadat’s recognition of the Zionist entity through the
Camp David Accords, which he condemned --- as a
treacherous pact that strengthened the Israeli
front and divided the Muslim nation.
Instead of diplomacy, Imam Khomeini prescribed a set of actionable
principles: providing comprehensive support - to the front lines of
battle, avoiding self-destructive differences, rejecting any fear of
Zionism’s defenders, forging unity among Islamic governments,
and severing ties with any nation that normalized relations
with the Israeli regime, coupled with material and
spiritual aid from Muslim peoples, including
blood, medicine, and food.
Recognizing the failure of Arab governments.. to adhere to this path,
he turned directly to the Muslim masses, announcing International
Quds Day as an annual symbol of international Muslim solidarity
and a means to revitalize Islamic spirit and vigilance, urging
them to separate from compromising leaders --- and take
ownership of the liberation struggle.
Ultimately, Imam Khomeini’s stance was immortalized in his
political-divine testament, where he enshrined support for
Palestine as an eternal principle, framing the issue as a
cosmic struggle between oppression and justice and
instructing future generations, that the enemies of
Palestine were enemies of God, the Qur’an,
and Islam itself.
His solution was never dependency on Eastern or Western powers,
but a steadfast adherence to the teachings of the Infallible Imams,
advocating for self-reliance, unwavering resistance, and the unity
of the oppressed.
In doing so, he established Palestine as the indisputable axis
of Muslim unity and the ultimate litmus test for confronting
oppression, a legacy that continues to define the Islamic
Republic’s foreign policy and ideological commitment
to the Palestinian resistance against a fraudulent
and usurping regime.
What is Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's position?
Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s
perspective on the Palestinian issue, is fundamentally rooted in a
historical narrative that frames the establishment of the Zionist
entity as a deliberate colonial project orchestrated by Western
powers, particularly the United Kingdom and later the United
States, to fracture the Muslim world and maintain imperial
dominance over the Middle East.
He asserts that the occupation was not achieved through legitimate
means but through a calculated process of deception, manipulation
of global public opinion, and brutal force against the indigenous
Palestinian population, beginning with the purchase of lands
from absentee landlords at inflated prices and escalating
to the violent expulsion of farmers and residents
from their homes.
This historical injustice, in his view.... was facilitated by a global
propaganda campaign that systematically portrayed the Zionist
settlers as oppressed victims while framing the displaced and
resisting Palestinians as aggressors, thereby... inverting the
reality of the issue and garnering international sympathy
for the occupiers.
The Leader identifies three core foundations upon which the Zionist
project was built: relentless cruelty and violence towards the Arab
inhabitants, a sophisticated manipulation of the global media to
distort the truth, and extensive collusion, or lobbying, with
powerful governments and international institutions, like
the United Nations, which he argues have consistently
shielded the Israeli regime from accountability.
For Ayatollah Khamenei, the plight of the Palestinians is not a
simple territorial dispute but the central issue for the entire
Islamic Ummah, representing a malignant tumor planted
at the heart of the Muslim world designed to prevent
unity, undermine powerful Muslim unity, and serve
as a permanent base for Western and Zionist
aggression against Islamic nations.
Consequently, he rejects any diplomatic solution that involves
negotiation with the usurping regime, including the two-state
solution, which he views as legitimizing the occupation and
is an impractical deception that has only enabled further
Israeli expansion and violence.
Instead, he has proposed a single, democratic state encompassing
all of historic Palestine ----- determined by a referendum among all
original inhabitants—Muslims, Christians, and Jews—as the only
just and viable path to peace, a solution he believes must be
achieved through unwavering resistance supported by the
entire Muslim world.
Earlier this week... at the 26th Baghdad International Book Fair, Leader of the Islamic Revolution’s book ‘Referendum in Palestine’, featuring his views on the Palestinian
issue, was unveiled.
The book advocates a referendum as a rational, fair, and civilized
method to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and pave
the way for their liberation from the Zionist occupation.
It emphasizes the dignified return of all Palestinians to their places
of origin, the right of all Palestinians, including Muslims, Christians
and native Jews - to vote, and the continuation of comprehensive
efforts ------ until the Israeli occupiers comply with the will of the
Palestinian people.
That took a while --- to hammer the point !
Perhaps it was needed. What do you say?
_______________________________________________
Google’s $45M ''Deal'' with Netanyahu:
Is Tech Fueling Propaganda in Gaza?
September 6th, 2:52 pm
(teleSUR)
Google Netanyahu propaganda deal fuels
misinformation as Gaza faces famine
and blockade
Controversial campaign: Google’s $45 million deal
with Netanyahu’s office promotes Israeli
narratives while Gaza starves.
The $45 million Google Netanyahu propaganda deal has
sparked global outrage, exposing how tech giants are
shaping narratives in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Google -I- in the Crosshairs: The $45
Million Netanyahu Propaganda Deal
A Google Netanyahu propaganda deal worth $45 million ---- signed
in late June 2025 --- has thrust the tech giant into the centre of a
global controversy over digital propaganda, media manipulation
and the weaponization of information in the Israel-Gaza conflict. According to investigative outlet Drop Site News, Google --- was designated a “key entity” in the Israeli government’s public relations strategy, tasked with amplifying official
narratives ------ that downplay the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
This contract marks one of the most expensive and systematic uses of digital advertising by a state to influence global public opinion during an active war.
The campaign launched ---- shortly after Israel imposed a total
blockade on food, medicine, fuel, and humanitarian supplies
to Gaza on March 2, 2025 — a move that the United Nations
and human rights groups have described - as a collective
punishment of civilians. At the time, Israeli lawmakers
debated the potential “reputational damage”.. of the
blockade, signaling a coordinated effort to control
the narrative before the world.
Google’s role has been pivotal. Through its advertising platforms
—YouTube, Display & Video 360, and Google Ads — the Israeli
government has pushed state-produced content to millions
of users worldwide..... often bypassing traditional media
gatekeepers and leveraging algorithmic amplification.
One particularly controversial video, published by Israel’s Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, claims: “There is food in Gaza. Any other claim
is a lie.” Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the clip
has garnered over 6 million views, largely due to paid promotion
through Google’s ad network.
This form of state messaging, known in Hebrew as “hasbará”
-- literally “explanation” -- but widely understood as government propaganda — is now being scaled through Silicon Valley’s most powerful digital tools.
Geopolitical Context: Digital Warfare in the Age of Tech Giants
The Google Netanyahu propaganda deal must be understood ---- as
part of a broader shift in modern warfare: the battle for narrative
dominance. In an era where perception shapes policy,
governments are increasingly turning to private
tech corporations to wage information wars.
This is not just about public relations — it is asymmetric
digital warfare, where algorithms, data, and advertising
budgets are used as weapons.
Israel has long been a leader in digital influence operations.
But the 2025 campaign represents a quantum leap in scale
and sophistication, combining paid media, AI-driven
targeting, and platform partnerships to shape
global discourse.
The deal coincided with Operation Rising Lion, a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025 that resulted in.. over 1,000 Iranian civilian deaths, including women and children. During this period, Google’s platforms were used to justify Israeli strikes ...and discredit Iranian and Palestinian sources.
Meanwhile, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) received $3 million from Israel --- for similar campaigns, and Outbrain/Teads ----- a Franco-Israeli ad network, secured $2.1 million in government contracts.
Together, these expenditures form a coordinated digital propaganda apparatus, designed to control the global narrative.
Critics argue that by accepting these funds, U.S. tech companies ---- are complicit in disinformation that obscures war crimes & humanitarian suffering.
The fact that Google, a U.S.-based corporation, is enabling a foreign government to manipulate global audiences raises serious questions about corporate accountability, transparency, and neutrality.
Moreover, the deal underscores the erosion of journalistic independence, as state-funded content floods platforms without clear labeling or fact-checking. Unlike traditional media, digital platforms are not bound by editorial standards -- allowing governments to bypass scrutiny and reach audiences directly.
YouTube and the Weaponization of Video Content
YouTube, owned by Google, has become a central battleground
in the information war over Gaza. The platform’s algorithm
favours engagement over accuracy, often promoting
emotionally charged or controversial content
— making it ideal for propaganda.
The viral video claiming “There is food in Gaza” is a case in point.
It features a well-lit warehouse with stacked food packages,
accompanied by a voiceover dismissing reports of famine
as “lies spread by terrorists.” The footage is selective,
omitting the reality on the ground.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs (OCHA), Gaza is experiencing a full-scale famine, with
95% of the population facing acute food insecurity.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 367 people have died
from hunger and malnutrition since October 2023, including 131
children. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has described
conditions as “apocalyptic,” with hospitals
overwhelmed and families surviving
on grass and animal feed.
Yet, Google’s ad tools have ensured that the Israeli government’s
message reaches millions of viewers, often without context or
counter-narratives. The use of targeted advertising allows the
content to appear in search results, recommendations, and
even on unrelated videos through pre-roll ads.
This raises ethical concerns, about algorithmic bias and
corporate complicity. While Google claims that its ad
policies prohibit “misleading content,” it makes
exceptions for “government messaging,”
effectively granting states a free pass
to spread disinformation under the
guise of official communication.
Silencing Dissent: Targeting Palestinian Voices
The Google Netanyahu propaganda deal, is not only
about promoting Israel’s narrative—it is also about
discrediting and silencing Palestinian voices.
Organizations like the Heinrich Hayab Foundation -- which
documents human rights abuses in Palestine, have been
systematically targeted.... in Israeli campaigns. Their
reports on civilian casualties, forced displacement,
and medical shortages are dismissed as “terrorist
propaganda” in state-sponsored content.
Social media accounts of journalists, activists, and humanitarian
workers in Gaza have faced shadow banning, demonetization,
and suspension—often without explanation. Meanwhile, pro-
Israel content is amplified through paid promotions and
algorithmic favouritism.
Experts warn that this creates an information asymmetry where
one side’s suffering is minimized, while the other’s is magnified.
As one digital rights advocate stated: “When Google becomes
the megaphone of a state at war, truth becomes the
first casualty.”
Global Backlash --- and Calls for Accountability
The revelation of the Google Netanyahu propaganda deal
has triggered international condemnation. Human rights
organizations, digital ethics experts, and UN officials
--- have called for greater regulation of tech
companies involved in conflict zones.
European lawmakers have demanded that Google disclose all
government contracts related to war zones and implement
stricter content labeling for state-sponsored ads. In the
U.S., members of Congress have questioned whether
such deals violate foreign lobbying laws ----- or
constitute unauthorized military support.
Activists are also pushing for algorithmic transparency,
demanding that platforms reveal how content is
prioritized and who funds its promotion. The
lack of oversight, they argue, allows
governments to manipulate public
opinion without accountability.
Moreover, the deal has reignited debates about Big Tech’s role
in geopolitics. Once seen as neutral platforms, companies like
Google, Meta, and X are now recognized as strategic actors
with the power to shape wars, elections, and
social movements.
Conclusion: Truth in the Age of Digital Propaganda
The Google Netanyahu propaganda deal is more than a business
contract — it is a watershed moment in the evolution of
information warfare. It reveals how democracy, truth,
and human rights, are increasingly vulnerable to
manipulation by state-corporate alliances.
While Gaza starves, algorithms feed the world a sanitized version
of reality. While children die from malnutrition, paid ads claim
there is “plenty of food.” This is not just misinformation
— it is an immoral obscenity.
As the world grapples with the consequences, one truth remains
clear: the battle for Gaza is not only being fought on the ground,
but in the digital sphere — and the tech giants — are no
longer bystanders.
The international community must act. Regulation, transparency,
and ethical accountability are no longer optional. They are
essential to preserving the integrity of information in an
age where truth is under siege.
Author: JMVR
Source: Agencia Anadolu
Mealy-mouthed article, evasive and too long?
What do you think?
_________________________________
Putin: Russia and China share the same vision
of promoting a just world order based on
the global majority
August 30th, 11am
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
The Kremlin has published an interview
with Putin for the Xinhua news agency.
On the eve of an unprecedented visit to China,
Vladimir Putin gave an interview to Xinhua
news agency. We are publishing it in full.
Xinhua: In May of this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a
state visit to Russia and took part in the celebrations marking
the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and
the visit was a great success. Your visit to China is also
scheduled to take place in the near future. What are
your expectations from this upcoming trip? Over
the past decade and more, you and the
Chinese President - have maintained
close contact, guiding and shaping
the course of a continuous
development in bilateral
relations. What do you
think of President Xi
Jinping as a leader?
Vladimir Putin: Indeed, our friend, President of the People's Republic
of China Xi Jinping's visit to Russia in May was a great success,
had a wide international resonance, and received the highest
praise in our country. The visit coincided with the sacred
date of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great
Patriotic War, which is a deeply symbolic event for
the development of Russian-Chinese relations.
We have confirmed the strategic choice of our
nations to strengthen the traditions of good-
neighbourliness, friendship, and mutually
beneficial cooperation for the long term.
At the celebrations in Moscow, the Chinese leader was the main
guest of honour. During the high-level bilateral talks, key issues
of cooperation between our countries were discussed in a very
fruitful manner. As a result, a detailed joint statement was
adopted, and a substantial package of bilateral
documents was signed.
Yes, very soon, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, we will pay
a return visit to China. I will be very pleased to visit Tianjin again,
where, as you know, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
summit is to be held, which China is organizing as the chair
of the SCO. We hope that the upcoming summit will give
the Organization additional momentum, increase its
ability to respond to current challenges and threats,
and strengthen solidarity in our shared Eurasian
space. All of this will contribute to the creation
of a more just and multipolar world order.
As for the Russian-Chinese talks, they will be held in Beijing. I will
be happy to discuss all aspects of the bilateral agenda with
Chairman Xi Jinping, including political and security
cooperation, economic ties, and cultural and
humanitarian relations. We will... also
exchange views on current regional
and international issues, as is
our tradition.
In Beijing, we will also pay tribute to the common feat of our fathers,
grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, who together defeated a
militaristic Japan, thus putting an end to World War II. We will
honour those who sealed the blood-brotherhood of our
nations, defended the freedom and independence of
our states and their right to sovereign development.
Chairman Xi Jinping is very respectful of his country's history, as
I have personally observed. He is a true leader of a major global
power, a strong-willed individual with strategic thinking and a
global perspective, who places a high priority on national
interests. It is crucial for China that such a person is at
the helm of the country during a challenging and
transformative period in international affairs.
The President of the People's Republic of China serves as an
example to the world of how a respectful and equitable
dialogue with foreign partners should be conducted.
Russia highly appreciates the Chinese President's
sincere desire to develop a comprehensive
partnership and strategic cooperation
with our country.
Xinhua: China and the Soviet Union, as the main theatres of war
in Asia and Europe during World War II, suffered enormous
sacrifices and made significant contributions to the
victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. In today's
complex international environment, what do
you think is the relevance of preserving the
memory of this victory? How do you think
China and Russia should jointly protect
their shared historical memory - when
certain forces in the international
arena..... seek to distort
historical truth?
Vladimir Putin: As I have already mentioned, this year we are
celebrating, together with our Chinese friends, the 80th
anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and
the surrender of militaristic Japan, which marked
the end of World War II.
The peoples of the Soviet Union and China -- bore the brunt of the
war, and suffered the heaviest human losses. It was the citizens
of our countries who bore the brunt of the struggle against the
invaders --- and played a key role in defeating Nazism and
militarism. In the face of these harsh challenges, the
best traditions of friendship and mutual assistance
were strengthened, forming the foundation of
modern Russian-Chinese relations.
Let me remind you that even before the outbreak of the Second
World War, in the 1930s, when Japan launched a treacherous
armed conflict against China, the Soviet Union extended a
helping hand to the Chinese people. Thousands of our
military officers provided advisory support to
strengthen the Chinese army and conduct
military operations. Soviet pilots also
fought bravely - alongside their
Chinese brothers in arms.
Between October 1937 and June 1941, the Soviet Union supplied
China with a total of 1,235 aircraft, thousands of artillery pieces,
tens of thousands of machine guns, as well as ammunition,
equipment, and supplies. The main route was a land
corridor ----- through Central Asia to the Chinese
province of Xinjiang, where Soviet specialists
quickly constructed a highway - to ensure
uninterrupted supplies.
Historical facts indisputably testify to the severity and scale of the
battles of those years. We remember the great significance of the
famous "Battle of the Hundred Regiments", when the troops of
the Chinese Communists were able to liberate territory with a
population of 5 million from the Japanese occupation. Just
as we remember the unprecedented feat of Soviet soldiers
and commanders in military conflicts with Japan at Lake
Khasan and on the Khalkhin-Gol River. In the summer of
1939, our legendary commander Georgy Zhukov won
his first brilliant victory in the Mongolian steppes,
which was essentially a prelude to the future
defeat of the Axis powers of Berlin, Tokyo,
and Rome.
In 1945, the Manchurian Strategic Offensive played a crucial role
in the liberation of northeastern China, dramatically changing
the situation in the Far East and leading to the inevitable
surrender of militaristic Japan.
And of course, Russia will never forget that it was China's heroic
resistance that was one of the decisive factors that prevented
Japan from attacking the Soviet Union and striking us in the
back during the difficult months of 1941-1942. This allowed
the Red Army - to focus its efforts on defeating Nazism and
liberating Europe. The close cooperation between our two
countries was also an important element in the formation
of the anti-Hitler coalition, contributed to the emergence
of the Chinese state as a great power, and facilitated
constructive discussions on the post-war world
order and the intensification of the anti-
colonial movement.
It is our duty to always honour the sacred memory of our
compatriots who showed true patriotism and courage,
endured all the trials, and defeated powerful and
cruel enemies. We have deep respect for all the
veterans, those who died bravely for the
freedom of future generations and the
independence ..of our countries. We
are grateful to the Chinese side for
their careful preservation of the
memorials to the Red Army
soldiers, who gave their
lives, in the battles for
the liberation of China.
This sincere and responsible attitude towards the past is in
stark contrast to the situation in some European countries,
where obelisks and graves of Soviet liberation soldiers are
being desecrated and destroyed, and "uncomfortable"
historical facts are being repressed.
We see that in a number of Western countries, the results of the
Second World War are being revised, and the verdicts of the
Nuremberg and Tokyo Tribunals are being blatantly ignored.
These dangerous trends are based on a reluctance to
acknowledge the direct responsibility of the current
Western elites for the World War they unleashed, a
desire to erase shameful pages of their history,
and an intention to encourage revanchism and
neo-Nazism. The historical truth is being
falsified and suppressed in favour of
political expediency.
Under the pretext of imaginary Russian and Chinese
threats, Japanese militarism is being revived, and
in Europe, including Germany, they are setting a
course for the re-militarization of the continent
- without hesitation.
Russia and China strongly condemn any attempts to distort
the history of the Second World War, to glorify the Nazis,
militarists, and their henchmen, to vilify the liberation
fighters. The results of the war, as enshrined in the
UN Charter and other international documents,
are unshakable, and their revision ------ is
unacceptable. This --- is an unwavering
position shared by our Chinese friends.
The memory of the joint struggle of the Soviet and Chinese peoples
against German Nazism and Japanese militarism, is an enduring
value for us. I repeat, President Xi Jinping's participation in the
Russian events marking the 80th anniversary of the Great
Victory was a significant and deeply symbolic event.
A Joint Statement was also signed between Russia and
China ------ on further deepening their comprehensive
partnership and strategic cooperation in the new
era to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the
Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War,
the Chinese victory in the war against
Japanese aggression, and the
establishment of the
United Nations.
This document outlines the consolidated response of our countries
to the attempts of a number of states to destroy the historical
memory of humanity - and replace the basic principles of the
world order, interaction, and dialogue established after the
Second World War with the notorious “rules-based order.”
Xinhua: In recent years, practical cooperation between China and
Russia in areas such as energy, agriculture, automobiles, and
infrastructure has yielded positive results and continuously
achieved new breakthroughs, and the volume of bilateral
trade, has reached record levels. How do you assess the
current state of Chinese-Russian practical cooperation?
What are your plans for further promoting high-quality
and mutually beneficial cooperation between China
and Russia?
Vladimir Putin: Economic relations between Russia and China have
reached an unprecedented high level. Since 2021, the growth in
trade has amounted to approximately \$100 billion. China is
Russia's undisputed leader in terms of bilateral trade, and
Russia ranked fifth among China's foreign trade partners
last year. I would like to emphasize that the figures for
trade are only estimated in dollar terms, but the
settlements between our countries have been
almost entirely transferred to our national
currencies -- and the share of the dollar
and the euro has dropped to the level
of statistical error.
Russia holds the leading position in terms of oil and gas exports to
China. Since the launch of the Power of Siberia pipeline in 2019,
the total supply of natural gas has exceeded 100 billion cubic
metres. In 2027, we plan to commission another gas pipeline,
the so-called Far Eastern route. We are also effectively
cooperating on LNG projects in the Russian Arctic.
We continue to work on reducing trade barriers between us. In
recent years, we have established exports of pork and beef
to China. In general, food products and agricultural goods
occupy a leading position in Russia's exports to China.
Bilateral investment is increasing. Last year, an updated Russian-
Chinese Investment Cooperation Plan was adopted. This year, a
new Agreement on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of
Investments was signed. Major joint projects are being
implemented in priority sectors.
Our countries are working closely together in the industrial sector.
Russia.... is one of the world's leading markets for Chinese car
exports. At the same time, Russia is localizing the production
of not only Chinese cars but also household appliances. We
are also working together to build high-tech production and
infrastructure facilities. We have ambitious plans in the
construction materials industry.
In short, economic cooperation, trade, and industrial cooperation
between our countries are developing in many areas. During my
upcoming visit, we will discuss further prospects for mutually
beneficial cooperation and new steps to enhance it for the
benefit of the people of Russia and China.
Xinhua: This year marks the end of the "cross-year" cultural
exchange between China and Russia. Over the years, our
countries have established extensive cooperation in
areas such as education, cinema, theatre, tourism,
and sports. How do you assess the results of
Chinese-Russian cultural and humanitarian
exchanges and cooperation? What -- are
your perspectives on further promoting
the strengthening of ties between the
people of China and Russia?
Vladimir Putin: Large-scale bilateral humanitarian initiatives have
made a significant contribution to the promotion of friendly
relations. The national Years of Russia in China and China
in Russia (2006-2007) were very successful. The Years
of Languages, Tourism, Youth, Media, Regional
Cooperation, Sports, Science, and Innovation,
which were launched in turn starting from
2009, received wide public attention.
Today, cultural exchanges between Russia and China continue
to develop dynamically. The "road map" for Russian-Chinese
humanitarian cooperation until 2030, which includes more
than 100 large-scale projects, is being consistently
implemented.
I would like to highlight the successful organization of the
Russian-Chinese Years of Culture, which are being held
in 2024-2025 and are timed to coincide with the 75th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic
relations between our countries. The rich and
diverse program of this "cross-cultural"
initiative is receiving a strong public
response in both Russia and China.
I would like to add that the Russian side has initiated the
International Music Contest "Intervision", which is
scheduled for September 20, 2023. We are
pleased that our Chinese partners have
shown interest in this project.
There are great prospects for cooperation in the fields of education
and science. There is a good dynamic of academic mobility and
interuniversity contacts. Today, there are over 51,000 Chinese
students studying in Russia, and 21,000 Russian students
studying in China. By the way, in May, President Xi
Jinping and I agreed that our countries will hold
"cross-year" education events in 2026-2027.
Cooperation in the scientific, technical, and innovative fields is
expanding, including fundamental research and megascience
projects. In particular, Lomonosov Moscow State University
and Peking University intend to establish a joint institute
for fundamental research. We support the creation of
modern laboratories and advanced centres in
priority science-intensive fields to preserve
the technological sovereignty of Russia
and China.
There is active cooperation in the field of film production. In
February, the joint film "Red Silk" was released in Russia.
We expect it to be seen by Chinese audiences in the
near future. In May, the parties signed an Action
Plan for film production in Moscow. We hope
that in the near future, we will have many
good Russian-Chinese films that will
convey the right moral guidelines..
and traditional spiritual and moral
values to our citizens, and tell the
truth about important historical
events. In order to achieve this,
we've launched a new project,
the Open Eurasian Film Award.
This is a unique film platform
where there is no room for
bias or political intrigue.
I will also focus on such an important issue as tourism. The figures in this sector ---- are encouraging. In 2024, the number of mutual tourists increased by 2.5 times and reached 2.8 million people.
We have achieved good results in sports cooperation. We would like
to thank our Chinese partners..... for their active participation in
international Russian sports projects, including the innovative
Future Games, the BRICS Games, and many others. The
Chinese team was one of the most representative at
these competitions. We believe that sports should
be as far as possible from politicization.
We pay special attention to youth policy. We highly appreciate the
well-coordinated work of the leading media outlets in Russia and
China. Our cooperation between the archival agencies serves
the purpose of preserving historical truth, which is being
effectively implemented.
It is encouraging that bilateral humanitarian cooperation is gaining
momentum. This is undoubtedly a strategic area of our relations
aimed at building a broad public base of friendship, good-
neighbourliness, and mutual understanding.
Xinhua: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO),
is a comprehensive regional cooperation organization
established by China and Russia, which is essential
for ensuring peace, stability, and development in
the Eurasian region. China is the rotating chair
of the SCO for 2024-2025. The 25th meeting
of the Council of Heads of SCO Member
States will be held in Tianjin China, in
the near future. How do you assess
the constructive role that the SCO
has played for more than 20 years
in maintaining regional peace
and stability, and promoting
common development, and
prosperity? In your opinion,
in what aspects ----- should
member states strengthen
exchanges & cooperation?
Vladimir Putin: The creation of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization in 2001 embodied the common desire of
Russia, China, and the Central Asian states of
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and
Uzbekistan ------ to strengthen trust,
friendship & good-neighbourliness,
as well as peace and stability in
the region.
Over the years, the SCO has developed a solid legal framework
and established mechanisms for fruitful cooperation in the
fields of politics, security, trade, investment, and cultural
and humanitarian relations. India, Pakistan, Iran, and
Belarus... have joined the Organization, and partner
countries and observers representing the political,
economic, and cultural diversity of Eurasia, are
actively involved in joint activities.
The secret of the SCO's attractiveness is quite simple: it is a firm
commitment to the philosophy of creation, openness to equal
cooperation, non-aggression against third countries, and
respect for the national characteristics and identity
of each people.
Based on these values, the SCO is involved in building a more just multipolar world order based on international law -- with the UN playing a central coordinating role.
The formation of an equal and indivisible security architecture in Eurasia, including through close cooperation between SCO member states, is a significant contribution to achieving this global goal.
We see the Greater Eurasian Partnership ----- as the socio-economic foundation for this process, which involves aligning national development strategies
and regional integration initiatives ---- and
strengthening the cooperation between
the SCO, Eurasian Economic Union,
the CIS, ASEAN ------ and other
international organizations.
I am confident that the summit in Tianjin, as well as the SCO Plus
meeting, will become an important milestone in the history of
the SCO. We support the priorities outlined by the Chinese
chairmanship, which aim to further consolidate the SCO,
deepen cooperation in all areas... and enhance the role
of our organization on the global stage. We pay special
attention to synchronizing our work, with practical
steps taken during Russia's chairmanship of the
Council of Heads of Government of the SCO.
I hope that we will be able to give the SCO a new dynamic and
modernize it in accordance with the demands of the time.
Xinhua: As Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly
emphasized ------ China is ready to work with Russia to
strengthen mutual support on multilateral platforms,
such as the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS -------- to protect the development and security interests of the two countries, to unite the Global South.... and to promote a more just rational international order. How do you assess the cooperation between China and Russia, in
these multilateral formats? In emerging areas such as climate change, artificial intelligence governance ---- and reforming the global
security architecture. In your opinion, how can China and Russia set
new benchmarks ---- in
global governance?
Vladimir Putin: Cooperation between Russia and China in
multilateral formats is a huge part of our relations and,
of course, a significant factor in global politics. The
exchange of views on key international issues
repeatedly confirms that Moscow and Beijing
share a broad common interest --- and have
similar views on fundamental issues. We
are looking in the same direction when
it comes to promoting a fair and
multipolar world order, based
on the countries of the
global majority.
The Russian-Chinese strategic partnership acts as a stabilizing
factor. As the two largest powers in Eurasia, we cannot ignore
the current challenges and threats, both on our shared
continent and around the world. This topic is
consistently addressed in our bilateral
political dialogue.
Russia's conceptual proposals - for building a unified space of
equal and indivisible security in Eurasia, align with President
Xi Jinping's Global Security Initiative.
Russian-Chinese cooperation at the UN is at an unprecedented
high level and fully complies with the spirit of comprehensive
partnership and strategic cooperation. Our countries place
particular emphasis on working together in the Group of
Friends in Defense of the UN Charter ------ which is a
significant tool for consolidating the Global South.
One of the most significant outcomes of the
group's work is the resolution "Eradicating
Colonialism in All Its Forms and
Manifestations," which was
adopted by the UN General
Assembly on December
4, 2024.
Russia and China are in favour of reforming the World Organization
so it can fully regain its authority and adapt to modern realities.
In particular, we advocate giving the Security Council a more
democratic character by including countries from Asia,
Africa, and Latin America. However, any changes
should be carefully considered.
Moscow and Beijing's close cooperation has made positive
adjustments to the work of leading economic platforms
such as the G20 and APEC. In the G20, together with
like-minded countries..... primarily from the BRICS
group, they have focused the agenda on issues
of global concern, strengthened the format
with the African Union, and strengthened
ties between the G20 and BRICS.
This year, our South African friends are leading the G20. We hope
that their presidency will solidify the achievements of the Global
South and serve as a starting point for democratizing
international relations. The Chinese presidency of
APEC in 2026 is expected to boost Russian-
Chinese cooperation.
We actively cooperate with China in BRICS in order to increase
ts influence as one of the key mechanisms of the international
architecture. We jointly promote initiatives aimed at expanding
the economic development opportunities of the participating
countries, including the creation of common platforms for
partnership in key sectors. We pay special attention to
attracting additional resources for the implementation
of significant infrastructure projects. We stand in
solidarity for further increasing the role of BRICS
in addressing pressing issues of our time, and
we share a similar perception of the situation
in the field of regional and global security.
We are united --- in our opposition to
discriminatory sanctions in global
trade ---- which hinder the socio-
economic development of the
Union's member states,
and the entire planet.
We are in favour of reforming the International Monetary Fund and
the World Bank with our Chinese friends. We agree - that the new
financial system should be based on the principles of openness
and genuine fairness, providing equal and non-discriminatory
access to its instruments for all countries without exception,
and reflecting the real position of member countries in the
global economy. It is important to avoid using the financial
sector for neo-colonial purposes --- that contradict the
fundamental interests of the global majority. Instead,
we need progress for the benefit of all humanity.
I am confident that Russia and China will continue to work
together to achieve this noble goal and to join forces for
the prosperity of our great nations.
_____________________________________________
Plastic, Ideas, and Hands: How the People's
Military-Industrial Complex Helps the Army
Without Government Contracts
by Daria Aslamova
July 9th, 2:07pm
(Pravda.ru)
When factories are silent, volunteers help:
how the people's military-industrial
complex works on the basis of
the Interbrigades
Pravda special correspondent.En Daria Aslamova visited the
Interbrigad volunteer base in Donetsk and spoke with the
movement's coordinator Yuriy Staroverov and volunteers
who came from different parts of Russia.
What Russkaya Vesna dreams of ten years later, how volunteers
train soldiers, produce equipment for the front, and why
mannequins in the form of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
are standing in the museum - in a large report
from Donbass.
Yuri Staroverov: "We collect technologies
and transfer them to military units"
— The Interbrigades movement emerged in 2014, driven by
the support of Russians who were passionate about the
referendum in Crimea. It later evolved into a volunteer
organization, uniting individuals who were willing to
take up arms to help the southeast of Ukraine
return to Russia.
Hundreds of volunteers came through us. The war was different
back then: there was no serious preparation, and people came
to help as they could, thousands at a time. Then came the
Minsk agreements, and the war slowed down, so we
changed our approach.
Since the beginning of the special military operation in the
spring of 2022, we have been based in Donetsk. This is
our central office and base. Our areas of focus include:
working with volunteers who continue to travel,
a systematic supply of the army with volunteer-made
products, we use both camouflage and false targets.
We make products for UAVs, for drops, and some for artillery.
There are serious holes in the supply, and some things are not
produced by state-owned enterprises at all. This is especially
true for everything related to FPVs: in addition to the drones
themselves, there is also related equipment and additional
devices that improve their performance.
Today, war requires specialists. Simply having a warm heart is no
longer enough. Therefore ---- we have high requirements for both
motivation and training. It takes at least six months to a year to
develop a specialist. Many people drop out along the way, and
that's okay—we don't focus on numbers. What matters to us
is that our soldiers fight effectively.
They mostly come from us:
gunners,
signalmen,
UAV operators,
tactical medics.
That is, not just fighters, but people with specific specialties.
— I see you have the USSR flag hanging behind
you. Is this an important symbol for you?
— Of course, it is important. In Donetsk ---- we can especially feel
this connection between the past and Russia's historical legacy.
The USSR was a powerful nation --- and we are still experiencing
the tragedy of its disintegration. The Russian-Ukrainian conflict
is one of the consequences of this disintegration. The current
war is a direct result of the reckless division of borders
between Russia and Ukraine. This was a major
historical mistake, and we are now paying
the price for it.
— Is the poster “We need peace, the
Russian world” a popular slogan?
— This is an adapted image that appeared back in 2014. It was
one of the symbols of the Russian Spring. I wanted to present
Russia as a formidable, strong, and beautiful woman who
would not let her people down, would take revenge, and
would restore order. Everyone.. was waiting for Russia
back then, but unfortunately, they only saw it in 2022.
— Yuri, is this something like an Interbrigade museum?
— Yes, it's a kind of museum. It includes our products, and the
trophies that our units have given us --- such as chevrons and
items from the liberated territories. There's also a mannequin
named Taras, who is a drone operator dressed in full combat
gear. There's another mannequin named Mykola, who is an
assault rifle operator. Both are made from real items
belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
— So all the equipment is Ukrainian?
— Yes, it's a trophy. We also have fired-off tubes ---- including
Western ones. There are souvenir items like the casing of a
Western mine, all of which are volunteer exhibits. For
example, the armour plates are the result of the
"people's military-industrial complex." People
are learning how to produce, test -- and send
samples. Much of it is handmade ---- from the
armour to the stoves that run on trench fires.
— Are stoves still needed at the front?
— Yes, it's acute. It's the fourth year of the war, and with the
first frosts, there are a lot of requests. In just one winter, we
distributed about four tons of trench candles and three
hundred stoves. They are made in Nizhny Novgorod
using freon tanks. It's a simple, cheap, and
functional design.
— What kind of probe did you mention?
— A mine-clearing probe is a tool for clearing mines. There are
many different types of mines, and if you take a step in the
wrong direction, you could step on a mine. The probe
allows you to feel the ground. Our probes are made
of three sections with dielectric needles and do
not attract magnetic mines. They are also
made by volunteers, and everything is
sewn and assembled by hand.
— So these are all individual supplies provided by volunteers?
"Exactly. Everything that we produce -- candles, stoves, test leads, pouches - is transferred free of charge. The fighters
have two sources: the help of volunteers and their own
salaries. The commercial sector also works, but there
is a spread of quality. We are closing something that
is not on the market at all. For example, here -
"Energetik" - a replacement of the standard
battery ----- for the military radio "Azart".
Without it there is no communication,
and without communication, there is no army.
— You're still making false targets. What is it?
— These are mock-ups of positions and equipment that distract
the enemy's attention. They are made by our partners in the
regions, and we distribute and implement the concept. It's
not enough to just set up a mock-up; it needs camouflage
and realism. For example, our mock-ups of mortars work
perfectly: the enemy spends their ammunition on the
plywood, while the real positions remain safe.
— So it's like scarecrows in the field, but only for the military?
- Very realistic scarecrows. They distract FPV drones --- and
artillery. One such layout costs a maximum of 1800 rubles,
and a drone costs up to 50 thousand rubles. This is
economy, technology and life. We make models of
incubators, remote controls, wi-fi bridges,
"Starlinks" - to confuse the enemy.
— And this model is the "Incubator"?
— Yes. It's just foam with an inscription, but... it looks like real
stuff. That means the enemy will be working on it. Nowadays,
everything has to be done from the bottom up: there are no
commercial alternatives. We're not only providing products,
but also technologies to the brigades and units. In two
brigades, our models are being produced according to
our drawings. This saves equipment --- and people, as
well as the position of the UAV. Since we're currently
engaged in a drone war, these positions are of
utmost importance to the enemy -- and they
won't spare any resources. So, if there are
any signs that our UAV is working, he
throws everything in there.
Olya, a volunteer from Perm: "I want to
be a part of a big common cause."
Olga came to Donetsk from Perm. Here she is
one of the key participants in 3D-production.
"We make things that aren't available in official supplies,
from caps for painkillers to elements of impact devices,"
she explains. "For example, we make 'nefopamniches,'
which are capsules that hold a potent drug. Soldiers
use them when they're injured. It's a simple device,
but it allows for safe and quick administration
of painkillers."
Parts for shoulder pads, the impact elements of ammunition, are
also printed here. All designs are first modeled, then printed on
3D printers, and assembled by hand. Olya has mastered all
stages of production on-site in Donetsk.
"I've been taught everything here: modeling, printing, and
processing," she says. "It's exciting. You just take a
plastic filament and create a product that can
save lives."
Artem, a volunteer from Nizhny Novgorod: "How
can you be uninvolved in historical events?
Artem is 18, and he is a student at the Department of Radio
Physics at Lobachevsky University in Nizhny Novgorod. He
took academic leave from the university and came to help
on the spot.
"I started in 2022, when I was in ninth grade. I made stretchers,
then moved on to 3D printing. I'm currently working in a
workshop in Donetsk," he says. "Our goal is to reduce
the workload on printers and free them up for more
complex tasks, such as making shanks or parts
for combat drones.
Artyom shows a mold for casting plastic products: first, a silicone
mold is made, and then two-component plastic is poured into it.
This is how the necessary consumables for the front are
created: buttons, locking parts, and small
structural elements.
— Why am I here? Because the best people are here in Donetsk.
People from all over Russia, from St. Petersburg, Perm, Moscow,
Nizhny Novgorod, and Krasnodar, are coming here. There are a
lot of very interesting, active, and passionate people here.
Because --- this is where we belong. Russian people are
defending their country, and I want to be a part of it.
This is an historic event, and it's impossible to
stay on the sidelines.
Powerful stuff? Think - with this motivation
they can be beaten? ------- then think again!
______________________________________________
Medvedchuk:Missing Ukrainian children
should be searched for in Europe, US --- not in Russia
July 4th, 7am
(Vesti.ru)
European politicians' claims that Zelensky wants peace
and is doing everything he can to achieve it, are
baseless. Nevertheless, they continue
to be made.
"Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated that it is ready to end this
war through serious negotiations. Instead, Putin has not backed
down from any of his maximalist demands – he does not want
negotiations, he wants surrender," the German Foreign Minister, Wadephul, said in Kyiv.
Wadephul repeats Zelensky's mantra, which he has been
repeating since 2019, when he first took office, that any
conditions that do not meet his painful "wishes" are a
form of coercion to surrender. What kind of serious
negotiations can we be talking about? Zelensky
has never initiated negotiations during the
entire Ukrainian conflict; instead --- he
issued a decree -- prohibiting them.
This is a political farce that many
European politicians consider
to be serious.
Such an illegitimate position, leads to the fact that Ukraine's
negotiating position worsens every time - but this, does not
sober up official Kiev. The recent calls for a ceasefire, did
not arise on their own but for two reasons. Firstly Russia proposed an Easter ceasefire and then negotiations in
Istanbul --- and Zelensky received a kick in the arse
from Trump to attend them. Naturally --- he began
to shout about his own conditions, traditionally
presenting Russia's conditions as a demand
for surrender.
Secondly, the situation on the front lines is getting worse for
the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and Zelensky has decided
that it's time to talk to Russia -- in order to stop the
offensive. According to The Wall Street Journal,
Ukraine lost the most territory in a single
month since the end of 2022 in May.
Russia has managed to accelerate the pace of its advance
in recent months, as it did last Autumn, before wet, cold
conditions slowed Moscow's advance.
So what? Is Zelensky.... trying to negotiate with Moscow? No,
he's playing the role of a "victor" as he retreats on all fronts.
Recently, Zelensky signed documents to establish a special
tribunal against Russia for its war in Ukraine. He expects
the tribunal to be launched this year. It's unclear how
the drug-addicted leader...... can judge the Russian
leadership while negotiating with them. So who is
demanding surrender? The only answer, is that
Zelensky, with the tenacity of a stoned drug
addict, is demanding Russia's surrender in
the face of his military defeat, believing
that he has outsmarted everyone.
And the Council of Europe is playing into this heavy drug-induced
delirium. It turns out that the Council of Europe doesn't need
any peace negotiations either, and it's ready to fight to the
last Ukrainian, and then to the last European. This raises
a question from Russian literature, which Zelensky
has banned: "And who are the judges?"
It is clear, that Zelensky does not expect any real punishment for
the Russian leaders, and neither does the Council of Europe, but
he needs this political circus to justify his criminal policies and
the criminal thugs, rapists & robbers whom he has unleashed.
He and his criminal gang need to create a pretext for fleeing
to Europe after a military defeat and to legalize the money
that his corrupt machine has laundered during the war.
After the quarrel with Trump in the Oval Office ---- Zelensky is no
longer welcome at the villa in Florida that Biden had previously
reserved for him. After supporting Israel's illegitimate attacks
on Iran, he will not be welcomed in any Muslim country,
leaving only Europe.
Zelensky has been telling people that “only street children
are left unsupervised.” He has been accusing Russia of
kidnapping Ukrainian children..... for a long time.
"We know the names of tens of thousands of children, and
we have evidence of hundreds of thousands more who
were abducted by Russia in the occupied territories
of Ukraine and then deported," Zelensky said from
the UN General Assembly podium.
"The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant
for Putin --- for this crime. We are trying to bring these children
home, but time is running out. What will happen to them?
These children are being taught to hate Ukraine in
Russia, and all ties to their families have been
severed. This --- is clearly a genocide."
Later, it turned out to be a dirty slander and libel. There were no
hundreds, let alone tens of thousands, of children. The ICC had
no evidence at all, except for Zelensky's cries, but the warrant
was issued.
On April 24, 2024, Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian President's
Commissioner for Children's Rights, participated in the first
face-to-face negotiations with Ukraine, on the return of
children separated from their parents. The meeting
took place in Qatar, which acted as a third party
and provided a platform for dialogue in Doha.
"The negotiations - were constructive. The parties discussed
the fact that there is no list of 19,500 children, as previously
reported by Zelensky and the Ukrainian media. There are
also no cases of direct and purposeful relocations of
Ukrainian children to Russia," she told reporters.
Officially, it was recorded that there were not thousands or
hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children living in
Russia, but only 29. These children were not
deprived of their freedom, as they were
rescued from shelling, taken out of
the war zone, and their parents
and relatives...... were
searched for.
But the issue of children in Kiev has not been resolved. The
Ukrainian side has once again raised the issue of 300,000
children who were taken out of the country, but was only
able to provide Istanbul with lists of 339 missing
children in the spring of this year.
"The number of children is 339... It is still unknown, how many
of them are with us and how many are somewhere in Europe,"
said Russian presidential aide, Vladimir Medinsky, during a
working meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
And this is where things get interesting. The Western press is
reporting, while Zelensky is keeping silent, about the real
disappearance of hundreds and even thousands of
children in Western Europe who were taken there
from Ukrainian-controlled territories.
Polish human rights activist Joanna Pachwicewicz has reported
that a children's home was "sold to Spain" --- from Ukraine. The
children's home was located in a village near Mariupol ------ and
there were 85 children there. 500 children from the territory of
Donbass, controlled by Kiev, were taken to Poland and Israel
by the little-known organization "Ukraine without Orphans".
Either Western "benefactors" or a religious organization, they call
themselves "Neo-Pentecostals". Where did they come from, who
allowed them to take the children? Questions without answers.
Many children have parents. But they can not find any traces
of their children - and this strange organization.
In the Netherlands, 170 Ukrainian teenagers have been reported
missing. Another 30 or 40 students ---- from another Ukrainian
orphanage were supposed to travel to Spain from Madrid to
the Canary Islands, but they disappeared along the way.
The Spanish police and authorities have referred to a
Ukrainian citizen who was supposed to be waiting
for them in the Canary Islands.
Additionally, 159 orphaned children, were evacuated from
southern Ukraine to Turkey, but their whereabouts have
since been lost. They were placed in a secret hotel in
Antalya, allegedly for security reasons, according to
the Turkish news agency Anadolu. The children's
current whereabouts are unknown.
Child trafficking in Ukraine is a real problem. The US State
Department, the European Union and the United Nations
Children's Fund (UNICEF) have called Ukraine a hot
spot for "human trafficking involving institutions."
Children from orphanages are sold to American
parents by unscrupulous adoption agents or
taken away under false pretenses, by
criminal groups, who then use them
in various lucrative frauds.
It turns out that the mass theft of children is taking place in
Europe and the United States, not in Russia. In this case,
the accusations should be directed not at the Russian
leadership, but at European and American politicians,
which is why PACE is trying to protect itself. I have
already written about the disappearance of four
hundred children in Europe. Meanwhile,
Ukraine is providing Russia with a list
of 399 missing children. Is this
a coincidence?
Therefore, these European judges, who are leading Europe to
war with false accusations, should be judged according to
the full extent of the law, which will happen in the near
future. As you know, the government in the United
States has changed, and Washington has
withdrawn from these dirty political
processes. The same will happen
in Europe. Zelensky and all the
criminal war-mongers, will
be on trial.
Chairman of the Council of the
Other Ukraine Movement,
Viktor Medvedchuk
Victor Medvedchuk was being tortured by Zelenski's thugs - but Putin saved him.... in a prisoner swap.
Best move on the chess board!
What do you think?
________________________
Medvedchuk: The EU
is turning into the
Fourth Reich
June 30th, 7am
(Vesti.ru)
On June 20th, Hungary held a referendum against Ukraine's
membership in the European Union. Europe is turning into
the Fourth Reich, according to Viktor Medvedchuk,
Chairman of the Council of the Other Ukraine
movement, in an author's column on the
media platform, Smotrim.
"2,168,431 Hungarian citizens --- opposed Ukraine's accession to
the EU, which is 95% of those who took part in the referendum.
Only 5% supported the admission of Ukraine," Hungarian
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in an interview with
reporters - before the start of the EU summit
in Brussels.
In general, 2, 284, 732 citizens participated in the referendum. The Hungarian authorities consider this result good for a
country - with a population of about 10 million people.
Voting took place from mid-April by mail and online.
Kiev traditionally, responded to this with hysteria.
"We are ready to listen to their concerns, and explain our
position... however, it is difficult to doubt, the general
manipulative purpose of this action of the Hungarian
government -- which has nothing to do with the
principles of democracy, openness and the
transparency of expression of will," the
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.
Naturally, Kiev did not explain what the manipulation consists
of --- or where the contradictions with the principles of
democracy lie. However, Orban provided arguments
for his position.
"When we accept a country into the European Union --- we need to
know what it is. Where are its borders? What... is its population?
Then we can talk about, whether its legal system or economic
system is suitable. No one can say what Ukraine is. We know
what it was. We don't know what it is now, and we don't
know what it will be... or what will remain of it. Where
are its borders? The population is fleeing. We don't
know how many people there are, or what will
happen." Hungarian leader Viktor Orban
said, on Kossuth radio.
Orban's arguments are quite clear: who should be accepted and
within what territories? What can be said about Ukraine's legal
system, even if its government is illegitimate? What can be
said about the country's economic potential, when its
economy does not cover half of the state budget?
There is no clear answer to these questions.
Ukraine was granted candidate status for EU membership in
June 2022. Kyiv had expressed its aspirations to become
an EU member by 2030, but this setback.... has left
Zelensky feeling anxious.
"What is needed now - is a clear political message that Ukraine
is firmly on the European path, and that Europe is fulfilling its
promises. Any delay could lead to doubts about Europe's
words and commitments," the illegitimate leader ---
attacked the EU.
However, the European Union.. continues to feed Kiev with false
promises. For example, the President of the European Council,
António Costa, believes that the Ukrainian government is
implementing reforms.. at an impressive pace.
"Therefore, now -- is the time to intensify our work and move
forward on our path to joining the European Union," he said.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission,
was even more forceful: "Under constant fire, Ukraine is
carrying out reform after reform. That's why the
Commission is advocating: for the opening of
the first block of negotiations. Ukraine has
fulfilled its task, and now it's our turn to
act. After all, the accession process
is based on merit. And Ukraine
deserves to move forward."
It is important to understand ------ what tasks Ukraine has
accomplished "under constant fire" and what reforms it
has implemented. European officials.. do not provide
much information about this, but if we analyze the
events in Zelensky's Ukraine, we can observe
the military's freedom; to capture people on
the streets, the development of corruption
and a liberalization of attitudes towards
it and a persecution of citizens under
the guise of "protecting democracy"
based on religious, political, and
ethnic criteria.
Ukraine has turned into a Nazi concentration camp ---- but
apparently, these.... are the “reforms”, that the European bureaucrats are welcoming. There are simply no others.
The question is: why does the current EU leadership want
to integrate ---- with the Ukrainian concentration camp?
"For Brussels, Ukraine's accession is a key issue: a political and
reputational coup, and a lucrative deal in a lost war. But this
agreement -- would be made at the expense of European
families. Ukraine would absorb.. every euro, forint, and
zloty that we have previously spent on strengthening
European families, farmers, and industry" --- Viktor
Orban said in April, when the referendum began.
The Hungarian leader believes that the EU has lost the Ukrainian
conflict, and now it wants to present it as a victory, albeit at the
expense of ordinary EU citizens. Therefore, its position does
not protect Hungarians.
The EU's defeat lies in the fact that ----- as soon as Zelensky
withdrew from the Minsk agreements, European diplomacy
did not even attempt to resolve the Ukrainian conflict, but
instead chose to wage war against Russia. This resulted
in the expenditure of vast amounts of resources - with
plans to continue investing in order to achieve their
goals --- of defeating Russia on the battlefield,
economically suffocating it, destabilizing
the situation within the country ----- and
overthrowing the current government.
However, these plans... have failed
to materialize.
Instead of changing its strategy and getting out of the crisis, the
EU leadership has taken a Panikovsky-like stance: "Shura, keep
sawing, they're golden," which is driving Europe into a further
crisis. As the debate continues, Ursula von der Leyen has
"accepted" Ukraine into the European Union.
"We are integrating our defense industry as if Ukraine were in
the EU. This is good for Kiev. And it's just as good for Europe,
as Ukraine is now home to extraordinary innovations,"
she said on social network X.
Regarding the "extraordinary innovations", it seems that we are
talking about corruption schemes, because Mrs. Ursula was
the German Defense Minister, where she had questions
about spending funds, which still remained without
clear answers. What, apart from corruption, can
push an official to integrate the EU defense
industry ----- into a warring country?
The following factors forced Zelensky's gang to
abandon a diplomatic solution to the conflict:
Corruption and the opportunity
to get rich on Western aid.
The opportunity to stay in power
due to the state of emergency.
The ability to destroy political opponents
-- which led to the destruction of the
country's constitutional system
and legal mechanisms.
Zelensky has trampled on the Ukrainian Constitution, and
destroyed the rights of its citizens. On June 28, 2025, he
published a congratulatory message on Constitution
Day, greeting Ukrainians with the Nazi salute
"Ukraine is Above All!"
"The social contract between all of us -- is that Ukraine comes
first, and Ukrainians come first - our independence, our rights,
and our dreams - for the entire nation," the illegitimate leader
wrote in his congratulatory message. I wonder if he knows:
that the slogan "Germany comes first", was mandatory in
all of the concentration camps of the Third Reich.
However, Article 3 of the Constitution of Ukraine states that the
highest social value is "the human being, his or her life and
health, honour and dignity, inviolability, and security." As
we can see, none of these values are being respected
in Zelensky's Ukraine and it has even been officially
declared --- that they will not be respected.
The corruption, greed, and lack of professionalism among the
elite have led to the destruction of Ukrainian statehood,
and modern European bureaucrats --- are eager
to learn from this experience.
Today, the EU leadership is trying to force the principle of
"peace through force" into every document. Zelensky's
Ukraine has already used this principle in its foreign
and domestic policies, but it has not helped to
resolve or end the conflict.
Instead, this principle has allowed Zelensky to eliminate
the opposition, persecute opposition media and voters,
and dismantle the only canonical Orthodox church
that could potentially challenge his authority.
This is what the current EU leadership needs, in order to stay
in power ---- and they are trying to destroy all the politicians
who are defending their countries' interests, by launching
a frenzied campaign against them, calling them traitors
and agents of Moscow. Zelensky's Ukraine is needed
by the current EU leadership as a battering ram to
destroy the national interests of the countries
that are part of the union. This --- is why
Hungary and Slovakia are opposing
this political process --- and they
have support in every country
in the European Union.
In order to crush such political resistance ----- the current EU
leadership needs a war, which it is preparing the citizens of
the European Union for. Then --- following the example of
Zelensky, all opponents and dissenters can be thrown
into prisons.
Earlier this year, a member of the European Parliament,
former advisor to the UN Secretary-General, Michael
von der Schulenburg, criticized the EU's policies,
stating that the union ---- had deviated from its
original principles of peaceful cooperation.
According to him --- aggressive rhetoric
dominates European political circles
today - and both diplomacy and
negotiations, have become
almost taboo.
"The EU has chosen war - it has chosen confrontation,
and it has chosen uncompromisingness," the MP said.
However, as we can see, such statements have gone
unnoticed, and the EU's rhetoric is becoming more
aggressive by the day.
It is clear that the escalation of military and anti-Russian
hysteria is damaging the economies of EU countries and
infringing on the rights and freedoms of EU citizens.
However -- as the example of Zelensky's Ukraine
shows -- such policies can be used to maintain
power.. and establish corrupt schemes. This,
is turning the European Union into a Fourth
Reich ------ a dangerous trend for the
modern world.
Chairman of the Council of the
Other Ukraine Movement,
Viktor Medvedchuk
Too.. melodramatic?
Only if you're a cow
going to slaughter!
What do yoo think?
_____________________
Who’s being set up --- as NATO agrees to
boost military spending to 5% of GDP?:
Global Times editorial
by Global Times
June 25th, 9pm
The 2025 NATO Summit was held from Tuesday to Wednesday
in The Hague, the Netherlands. In the joint statement after
the meeting, the most important "outcome"...... was an
agreement to raise defense spending -- to 5 percent
of GDP - a goal that prompted a "strong backlash"
in Europe when it was proposed by the US
earlier this year.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte --- acting as Washington's
"loyal canvasser," pulled out all the stops to "trick" European
countries...... into loosening their purse strings: When the
"Russia threat" --- was no longer enough, he trotted out
the "China threat," making irresponsible comments
about the Taiwan question and even smearing
China by using the Ukraine issue.
This not only digs a pit for the European countries
but also causes trouble and chaos for the world.
Raising defense spending - from 2 percent to 5 percent of GDP
in a decade - more than doubling it - will amount to trillions of
dollars in additional expenditure, making NATO one of the
fastest-growing entities in global military spending.
The last time NATO called for a military spending increase was in
2014 ---- with most of the largest increases coming from Eastern
European countries. Ten years on - have these nations become
more secure because of this? The answer --- is obvious. Not only was Eastern Europe implicated in the war --- but the whole of Europe was forced into the Ukrainian crisis, and the global economy has suffered as a result. NATO's unchecked and unrestrained military expansion --- is largely to blame.
Hyping claims that China's naval fleet is already the "same" size
as the US, and China will "possess 1,000 nuclear warheads
by 2030" -- is essentially an attempt to legitimize NATO's
infiltration.. into the Asia-Pacific. By using the "China
threat" to justify its military expansion, NATO even
beat the US to the punch in pledging to "prepare
for a possible conflict in the Taiwan Straits."
If NATO insists on extending its war tentacles to Asia,
it is almost certain that the more it increases its
military spending, the greater the strategic
suffering.... Europe will have to bear.
This logic of "engaging in military expansion --- while accusing
others of being a threat" is not only foolish but also malicious.
When Rutte emphasized -- that NATO "has no opt-out," it was
nothing but intimidation for member countries, that leaving
the alliance midway is simply not an option. His claim.. of
"securing our future," meanwhile, is precisely an attempt
to completely tie Europe to the US' war chariot. NATO,
a war machine that should have been shut down long
ago, now relies on clinging to US coat tails & doing
Washington's "dirty work" to survive, constantly
spinning the absurd narrative that "war equals
security" --- to scare Europeans. NATO has
become Europe's net liability. A classic
example, is that -- if NATO had not
expanded eastward..... there
would be no Russian-
Ukrainian conflict.
Among NATO's painstakingly groomed four "Indo-Pacific
partners" (IP4), three leaders skipped this summit -
partly due to concerns that, amid the current
Middle Eastern turmoil, the summit "could become a trap."
These countries neither want to get involved in Middle
Eastern conflicts nor be forced to pledge to increase
defense spending. US magazine The Diplomat said
that -- Australia's post-9/11 alignment with the
American missions in Iraq and Afghanistan
drew Australia into protracted conflicts.
These conflicts, initiated by NATO led by the US,
proved politically unpopular and.... financially
draining. It is clear from this that the idea
of "seeking peace ---- through force"
is actually unpopular ---- in the
international community.
The US' erratic behaviour in recent years has led many
European nations to believe they should do more to
strengthen their own defense.. and reduce their
dependence on the US. But a dramatic rise in
NATO military spending - clearly - runs
counter to that goal.
Before the summit, Rutte told US President Donald Trump
that "Europe is going to pay in a big way, as they should,
and, it will be your win." When this comment came to
light, it caused a media storm. Yet, this flattery and
boasting was met with Trump's contempt..... and
doubt about NATO's collective defense clause.
Despite this, Rutte continued to reassure Europeans, that they
should "stop worrying" but focus on "this huge irritant, which
is -- that we are not spending enough." NATO has long been
overwhelmingly driven by the US's will ---- but this act of
self-gaslighting reveals ----- just how dire Europe's
"strategic non-autonomy" has become.
The era of NATO.. is long gone. Under the guiding principle of
"America First," Washington repeatedly wields a "no money,
no protection" stance, reducing NATO to a bargaining chip
in US geopolitical trades. Allocating 5 percent of GDP
to military spending is a heavy burden for European
countries, but it still falls far short of satisfying
Washington's geopolitical appetite... and will
only make the US ask for more from Europe.
European nations, especially those unwilling
to be dragged into wars, must remain
clearheaded.
Only the Spanish, it seems. The rest of Europe has always run straight into war traps and debt traps..... and unless people act to change this...
Civilised morons, yes?
_______________________________________
The Communist's opinion
June 12th, 2:45pm
(KPRF official site)
A.E. Lokot on the date of June 12 and
---- its significance in Russian history
Anatoly Lokot, First Secretary of the Novosibirsk
Regional Committee of the Communist Party of
the Russian Federation, discusses one of
Russia's most controversial holidays
on his Telegram channel.
Novosibirsk region - Communist
Party of the Russian Federation.
''June 12 is one of the most controversial holidays in our country.
I support the idea of a holiday called "Russia Day," which
carries a patriotic and unifying message. This holiday
should be accompanied by an historical event of
equal significance and a corresponding date.
''In 1990, it was on June 12 that the Declaration on the State
Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist
Republic was adopted, which became a key link in
the "parade of sovereignties" of the union
republics towards their withdrawal
from the USSR.
''For your information, if you search for "Russia's Independence
Day" on a search engine, you will find detailed information
about who "gave independence" to our country on
June 12.
''The reaction of the Gorbachev leadership of the USSR to this
decision is a separate topic. For example, Joseph Stalin
dismissed the leadership of the post-war Leningrad
Regional Committee of the Communist Party of
the Soviet Union, for attempting to establish
a Central Committee of the Russian Soviet
Federative Socialist Republic, as he
understood the consequences of
such a move -- that threatened
the unity of the Soviet Union.
''The date of June 12 does not qualify as a day of unity or
Russia Day, as the Soviet Union almost lost Russia due
to the "parade of sovereignties" of the now-
administrative territories.
''Yeltsin, who was elected President of the Russian Soviet
Federative Socialist Republic a year later, on June 12,
1991, and declared, "Take as much sovereignty as
you want," is also a separate topic. However, it
is important --- to consider the historical
significance of the date of June 12.
I asked my good friend, who has dedicated his entire life to the
security of his homeland, what this date means to him. After
some thought, he replied, "I think the meaning is that we
exist at all, and there is hope that we will become
even stronger."
''The state certainly needs Russia Day. However, the date and
event should reflect the scale and historical significance of
Russia's centuries-long history.
''Maybe it's February 16, 2014, the day of the referendum on
the return of Crimea. This is an historic event! It marks the
beginning of the return of territories lost --- due to the
collapse of the USSR.
''May 9th, the Day of the Great Victory, can also be considered.
Our Belarusian brothers celebrate their main national holiday,
Independence Day, on July 3. It was on this day in 1944 that
Minsk was liberated from the Nazi invaders. By the way, for
everyone else, Independence Day is the day of their exit
from the USSR.
''Or June 24, 1945, the day of the Victory Parade with the
defeated Nazi flags and standards of the invaders,
thrown at the foot of Lenin's Mausoleum.
''I believe - that it is necessary to rehabilitate November 7,
by returning this date to the status of a national holiday.
This is because modern Russia is the successor of
Soviet Russia, which was formed as a result of
the Great October Socialist Revolution.
''On November 7, 1941, the famous Parade on Red Square
took place, marking the beginning of the strategic
victory at Moscow.
''Russia's history is rich in significant, no exaggeration,
great dates. Our role in protecting our national
history is, primarily, to shape the state's
attitude towards these events.
''Then even their sworn enemies will remember who broke
the spine of the fascist scourge. They won't dare touch
the monuments that symbolize the Soviet era. They'll
learn the great and powerful Russian language.''
That is a very measured reply to those who today
seek to portray the Communist Party of the
Russian Federation as ''out of touch'' and
bitter, but many millions in Russia - see
this date as a betrayal by Gorbachev
and --- especially --- Yeltsin. These
words will echo in many hearts.
What do you think?
___________________
China and CELAC: Deepening
Strategic Cooperation for
Mutual Development
May 29th, 11:37am
(teleSUR)
The Fourth China-CELAC Ministerial Meeting has ushered in
a new era of comprehensive cooperation between China
and Latin American and Caribbean nations, establishing
an ambitious framework for partnership across
multiple strategic sectors.
This enhanced collaboration, built on the principles of mutual
respect and shared development... represents a significant
evolution in South-South cooperation and offers a model
for international relations in the 21st century.
Economic Partnership and Infrastructure Development
The economic relationship between China and CELAC countries
has matured into a multidimensional partnership that extends
well beyond traditional trade patterns.
With bilateral trade... reaching US$450 billion in 2023, the
economic ties now encompass substantial investments
in infrastructure development, industrial capacity
building, and technological cooperation.
The Belt and Road Initiative has served as a crucial platform for
this expanded engagement, facilitating the implementation of
200+ major projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Infrastructure development, has emerged as a cornerstone of
this cooperation. The ambitious Bi-Oceanic Railway Corridor,
connecting Brazil’s agricultural heartland to Peruvian ports,
represents a transformative infrastructure project, that will
reshape continental trade routes and economic integration.
These infrastructure projects are creating substantial local
employment opportunities --- while facilitating technology
transfers and skills development.
The construction phase alone of major projects, typically
generates thousands of jobs for local workers, with
additional employment created - through their
associated service industries.
Moreover... these developments are accompanied by training
programs that enhance local technical capacities, ensuring
that the benefits of cooperation.... extend beyond the
immediate project timelines.
Industrial Cooperation and Value Chain Integration
The partnership has made significant strides in promoting
industrial upgrading - and value chain integration. In the
critical minerals sector, cooperation has evolved from
simple commodity exports, to the development of
complete industrial chains.
The steel industry provides another example of deepening
industrial cooperation. Chinese investments have
supported the modernization of steel plants
in Brazil and Peru, incorporating advanced
technologies....... that improve efficiency
while cutting environmental impacts.
These upgrades have enhanced the competitiveness
of local industries in global markets while creating
opportunities for technology transfers and
skills development.
In the automotive sector, Chinese electric vehicle
manufacturers are establishing production
facilities in several CELAC countries,
responding to growing regional
demand for clean transport
solutions.
These investments are contributing to the development
of local automotive industries.. while supporting the
transition to more sustainable mobility systems.
Energy Cooperation and Green Development
Energy cooperation has become an increasingly important
pillar of the China-CELAC partnership, particularly in
renewable energy development.
China’s Green Silk Road Fund has supported numerous
solar and wind energy projects across the region,
including major installations in Brazil, Chile,
and Argentina.
These projects are making significant contributions to
national energy security while supporting climate
change mitigation efforts.
Hydropower development represents another area of
successful cooperation. Chinese companies - have
participated in the construction of several major
hydroelectric projects in the region ---- which
are incorporating advanced technologies
to improve efficiency and environment.
The partnership is also expanding into emerging energy
technologies. Cooperation in hydrogen energy
development is gaining momentum, with
several pilot projects underway in
Chile and Argentina.
Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security
Agricultural cooperation has grown significantly,
encompassing technology transfer,
infrastructure development,
and trade facilitation.
Chinese agricultural technologies, including water-saving
irrigation systems and precision farming techniques, are
being adopted in several CELAC countries, improving
productivity --- while promoting sustainable land
use practices.
Joint research initiatives in agricultural science have yielded
valuable results, including the development of new crop
varieties adapted to local conditions.
These innovations ----- are contributing to food security while
enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural exports. The
establishment of modern grain storage facilities in several
countries, supported by Chinese investment, has helped
reduce post-harvest losses and improved food supply
chain resilience.
Trade in agricultural products continues to expand,
with China remaining a major market for Latin
American soybeans, beef, fruits, and other
agricultural commodities.
Financial Cooperation and Development Financing
Financial collaboration has created new opportunities for
development financing in the region. Currency swap
agreements between China and several CELAC
countries have enhanced financial stability
and facilitated trade settlements... in
local currencies.
These mechanisms have proven particularly valuable during
periods of global financial volatility, providing alternative
channels for international transactions.
China’s development banks have provided substantial
funding for infrastructure and industrial projects,
complementing financing from traditional
multilateral institutions.
These financial resources have supported the
implementation of national development
priorities while respecting the policy
space of recipient countries.
The partnership has also fostered innovation in
development financing models. Public-private
partnership arrangements have mobilized
additional resources for infrastructure
development, while risk-sharing
mechanisms have facilitated
investments, in sectors with
higher technical complexity.
Digital Economy and Technological Innovation
Cooperation in the digital economy has accelerated in
recent years, reflecting the growing importance of
digital transformation for economic development.
Chinese technology companies have participated in the
deployment of 4G and 5G networks across several
CELAC countries, improving digital connectivity
and supporting the growth of digital services.
E-commerce platforms have facilitated trade between
China and CELAC countries, providing new channels
for small and medium enterprises to access
international markets.
These platforms have helped reduce trade costs,
while increasing the visibility of Latin American
products in China ...and vice versa.
Scientific and Technological Cooperation
Joint research initiatives have expanded across
multiple scientific disciplines ----- fostering
innovation and knowledge exchange.
The China-CELAC Science and Technology
Partnership Program has supported
numerous collaborative research
projects - in areas such as
environmental science,
biotechnology..... and
materials science.
These initiatives have facilitated the sharing
of expertise and research infrastructure
between participating institutions.
Space cooperation has emerged as a particularly
promising area of collaboration. The China-
CELAC Space Cooperation Forum has
facilitated joint satellite projects
and data sharing arrangements
that support applications - in
agriculture, environmental
monitoring, and disaster
prevention.
Marine science cooperation has also advanced
significantly, with joint research expeditions
and capacity-building programs in ocean
observation and marine resource
management.
These initiatives are contributing to the
sustainable development of marine
resources ----- while enhancing
scientific understanding --- of
shared oceanic ecosystems.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchange
Educational cooperation has expanded
substantially, with growing numbers of
Latin American students pursuing
studies in China --- through
scholarship programs.
These educational exchanges - are building
bridges of understanding while developing
human capital in fields critical to national
development.
Confucius Institutes across the region have
promoted Chinese language learning and
cultural exchanges --- fostering mutual
understanding between the peoples
of China and Latin America.
Health Cooperation and Pandemic Response
Health cooperation has taken on increased
importance ----- in recent years. During the
COVID-19 pandemic, China provided
vaccines and medical supplies
to several CELAC countries
- supporting their national
vaccination campaigns
and their pandemic
response efforts.
This health cooperation has continued to evolve,
with joint initiatives in public health capacity
building and traditional medicine research.
The partnership has facilitated the establishment
of regional vaccine production capabilities, with
technology transfer agreements supporting
local manufacturing of vaccines and
other medical products.
These initiatives are enhancing regional health
security while contributing to the development
of local pharmaceutical industries.
Looking Ahead: Future Directions for Cooperation
As the China-CELAC partnership continues to
deepen, several promising areas for future
cooperation are emerging.
The digital transformation of traditional industries,
the development of circular economy models,
and the advancement of green technologies
represent particularly promising frontiers
for collaboration.
The continued expansion of financial cooperation
mechanisms, including the development of local
currency settlement systems and green finance
initiatives, will provide important support for
future projects.
Similarly, the growing network of academic and
research partnerships will foster innovation
and knowledge exchanges across
multiple disciplines.
The China-CELAC partnership stands as a testament
to the potential of South-South cooperation to
address shared development challenges
and create new opportunities for
mutual benefit.
By building on the strong foundations established
through years of collaboration, both sides are
well positioned to continue expanding and
deepening their partnership.... in the
next years.
What's not to like?
When you think of how the Europeans and US have raped these people.. and resent --- that it's harder now because the Chinese are treating them well, don't you feel just a tiny, weeny, bit uncomfortable?
_______________________________________
Medvedchuk:Istanbul meeting
...tightened the noose around
Zelensky's neck - even more
May 17th, 7am
(Source Vesti.ru)
Zelensky's attempt to disrupt the negotiations and blame
Russia for all this, has so far failed. The illegitimate one
continues to jump --- like a carp in a frying pan, when
circumstances for him are getting worse every day.
The history of negotiations in Istanbul -- has turned into a
story of Zelensky refusing something, and then agreeing.
At first, he did not want any negotiations at all, but he
received a kick from Trump --- and not only sent a
delegation, but also... came himself. Upon his
arrival in Ankara, the political clown began
to bawl -------- that Russia.... had sent a
"fake" delegation.
Illegitimate hoped that these cries would be replicated by
the Western media, after which they would declare him
a hero - and he would return to Kiev as a winner. But
this scenario was initially impossible, in principle.
CNN wrote that Zelensky in Turkey "faces an awkward choice."
"He should stay in Turkey.. long enough for Trump to know that he
is serious about the meeting, but not so long that it is clear that
he is waiting for representatives of the Kremlin. He should....
either reject the Russian Istanbul initiative as too late,
or join it - and thus start a completely new path in
peace negotiations," the TV channel wrote.
CNN suggested that Putin's decision not to go to Turkey, "may
have already paid off," as Trump has so far reacted relatively
mildly to the Russian president's absence. The TV channel considered the reaction of the US president reasonable...
because if the negotiations break down, then "the only
response available to the White House" ....will be
sanctions. But..... "the Kremlin is not afraid of
new sanctions and pressure from Europe,"
CNN believes.
The fact - that Zelensky would be tricked around his finger,
was understandable initially, since upon arrival in Turkey,
he began shouting like Panikovsky: "Who are you?". But
that pushed the opposite side to argue about who he
is --- and what he is.
In this regard... it is useful to recall the words of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who said, in 2023: "They have no money. They have no weapons. They can fight because we in the West support them. If - the Americans decide they want peace - there will be peace." And so the Americans said that they want peace, and, they demand it from Zelensky, but he is not able to provide it for them.
Let's start with the fact that today the main source of income
to the budget of Ukraine is war, it exists ---- as long as the
collective West finances this war. If the war ends, then
---- there will be nothing to live on.
Minister of Finance of Ukraine, Serhiy Marchenko, on the air of Rada TV channel said:: "Before the conflict --- the level of debt, in relation to GDP, was quite safe, it was 55%. Now it is quite significant, we are approaching 100% of GDP, the amount is quite significant. But it should be noted that most of this debt was lent during the conflict --- on favorable terms from our partners. In other words, we are talking about the fact that ----------- in the next 30
years, relatively speaking -- we will not
repay these debts..... In any case, we
need additional sources of financing
in Ukraine. And in any scenario, we
will not be able to independently
maintain the situation if - it is a
conflict in the state, in which
it currently exists, or --- if it
is a peaceful existence.….
Western financing of Kiev
from February 2022 --- to
the end of 2024 covered
almost 90% ...of the
country's budget
expenditures."
Verkhovna Rada deputy Tsymbalyuk confirms the Minister's
words: "With all the classic economic, financial, or more
precisely, factors, we are bankrupt." Thus, Zelensky
represents a bankrupt country, which he brought
to bankruptcy with his incompetent policy and
thieving team. Therefore --- Trump can play
them like a billiard ball --- no matter what
tantrums the illegitimate one arranges.
It's no secret that Zelensky came to Turkey not to make peace,
but to continue receiving money for the war -- since the whole country works on such a model, and there is no other... today.
It was the model of war for Western money, that shaped
Zelensky's Nazi regime in Ukraine. Therefore - the end
of the war, in any case, means the end of this regime.
"The Zelensky regime, is an exclusively puppet government
under the leadership of the British and Americans. I can't
decide.. which of them is the commander-in-chief. It is
important that nothing happens in Ukraine that the
United States or Great Britain would not want....
All of the key leadership positions in Ukraine,
especially in the military & security services
are held by British or American ---- to put it
mildly, "advisers". This is an exclusively
puppet meeting --- of Americans and
Britons," stressed Eike Hamer, a
political analyst from Germany.
"Dictator without an election, Zelenskiy better hurry,
otherwise he will have no country left," President
Trump wrote on February 19, 2025, and these
words remain relevant today. Trump is well
aware that Zelensky has no trump cards,
no political will, and no understanding
of a way out of this situation. That
is why --- it makes no sense for
Washington to put pressure
on Vladimir Putin.
"Nothing will happen until we meet with Putin. Obviously,
he was going to go, thought I'd be there too. But if I'm
not there, he won't go either," Trump told reporters
aboard the presidential plane.
If for Zelensky, Trump's words are a cold shower, then for
everyone who was aware of the Ukrainian situation,
they could not help but resound. "Perhaps Europe,
and even more so the United States, does not
want to recognize this impasse into which
Ukraine was brought ------ under "their
sensitive leadership", but in certain
conditions they will have to admit
it and then the Ukraine project
will either be.. "optimized"
within smaller borders,
or even written off as
unnecessary," -- I
wrote in 2021.
Zelensky.. is sucking hundreds of billions of dollars from the
collective West and hundreds of thousands of human lives
from Ukraine -- and it is clear that he is not going to stop.
This clown promised peace to the Ukrainian people and
deceived them, and also, cynically deceived Western
politicians with his victory over Russia. As you can
see, Zelensky knows ---- how to brazenly promise
beautifully -- and pull money for it, but he is not
going to fulfill his promises and is not able to.
And today he has fallen into a trap that he
has prepared for himself: there is no
money and no means to continue
fighting. To conclude a peace
treaty, is to sign a sentence
for himself --- as a political
adventurer who criminally
led the Ukrainian people
to slaughter.
Zelensky was forced to return to Istanbul, to continue the
peace process that was underway in the spring of 2022.
"Our delegation, has been approved by the President,
and has all the powers to conduct negotiations. We
are determined to be constructive and search for
ways to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. The task
of direct negotiations is to reach a long – term
peace, sooner or later, eliminating the basic
root causes of the conflict," said Vladimir
Medinsky, head of Russia's delegation.
Now Zelensky's pack is rushing around like monkeys in a cage
that they themselves have fallen into. The Russian delegation
is talking about "establishing a long-term peace" rather than
some kind of truce ---- which is much more in line with the
expectations of most world players, including
President Trump.
It is clear that after insulting the Russian delegation and
doubting its authority, political banderlogues will start
saying that the Russian conditions are unacceptable
to them ------ and they will never accept them.
Nevertheless, agreements began to emerge. Russia and Ukraine
will hold the largest exchange of prisoners, under the formula
"1,000 for 1,000" - said the head of the Russian delegation in Istanbul, Vladimir Medinsky - at the press conference after the meeting. The agreement was also confirmed by the Ukrainian side, and... it will be the largest prisoner exchange in the entire history of the conflict --- which confirms the seriousness.. of the Russian delegation's intentions.
By and large, no one thinks to ask Zelensky's pack what they will do ---- and what they will not do. "Zelensky is afraid of disappointment! Putin and Trump will not attend Russia-Ukraine talks," reads the headline in China's Sohu.
For Chinese journalists, it's no secret that the conversation will
be between the leaders of Russia and the United States, and
no one has taken Zelensky into account for a long time. At
the same time, the Chinese believe that they do not take
into account the Europeans who impose sanctions on
Russia --- and Zelensky.... was counting on them.
"Russian President, Vladimir Putin, called Western leaders who
imposed sanctions against Russia -- assholes. He then spread
his hands, apologized to the audience, and said, "Excuse me,
what else can I call them?" Sohu quotes the Russian leader.
Having sent Umerov to lead the delegation, Zelensky, shamefully,
fled to Albania, to complain about the life of the "coalition of the willing", and the main intrigue.... now revolves around the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
After all, every day he works against the criminal regime of Zelensky.
On the eve of the talks in Istanbul, I wrote: "The drug Fuhrer is
very predictable, so his game in Istanbul will revolve around
the fact ----- that he will demand a personal meeting with
Vladimir Putin, hopeful of disrupting the negotiations;
or again -- demanding a cease-fire for 30 days; of
course, neither one nor the other, will shine
for him."
As you can see, he did not get either one or the other
and continues to flounder --- not feeling the ground
under his feet, and clearly understanding... that
the noose around his neck.. is tightening.
Chairman of the Council of the
Other Ukraine movement,
Viktor Medvedchuk
The ''personal bodyguard'' of the
illegitimate one, is provided by
the British. I wonder what
their orders are?
What do you think?
_______________________________________________
The War the USA is Losing
Isn’t to China
by Nancy O’Brien Simpson
(Pravda: Truth)
In Washington, the bipartisan consensus on China has hardened
into reflexive hostility. Beijing is portrayed — not simply as a
competitor, but as a malevolent force — an authoritarian, expansionist superpower ——bent on upending the
global order. Meanwhile, American officials
pound the drum of capitalist virtue, as
if invoking "freedom" is sufficient
defense against stagnation.
But while the United States has spent the last few decades
asserting global dominance through military and political
interference, China has been building — literally
and figuratively.
Since 2013, China has invested over $1 trillion in infrastructure
projects across Asia, Africa, and Europe -- through its Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI). At home, it has constructed over 25,000
miles of high-speed rail, more than the rest of the world
combined. In contrast, Amtrak’s Acela Express
— America’s closest equivalent — reaches
an average speed of just 65 mph.
Even the recent $1.2 trillion U.S. infrastructure bill
barely scratches the surface of what decades of
disinvestment... have eroded.
China chose infrastructure.America chose interference.
In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq, under the pretext of
dismantling weapons of mass destruction, that didn’t exist,
spending an estimated $2 trillion in a war that destabilized
the region and cost hundreds of thousands of lives.
More recently, the failed war in Afghanistan - added another $2.3
trillion to the tally. By contrast, China has largely avoided direct
military entanglements since its 1979 border war with Vietnam --- preferring economic statecraft, to hard power.
In 2022 alone.. U.S. military expenditures reached $877 billion
- more than the next ten countries combined. China’s military
budget, though second globally, stood at roughly $292 billion.
The U.S. continues to develop the most advanced weapons
systems on Earth, yet it lacks universal healthcare, a
functioning rail system, or an education system
ranked among the top ten - globally.
China's educational ascent -- has been deliberate. Between 2000
and 2020, the country quadrupled its spending on research and
development. Chinese students, consistently outperform their
American counterparts in math and science, and the country
now graduates more engineers and computer scientists
than any other nation. In artificial intelligence and
biotechnology, it is increasingly competitive
with the U.S. — if not already leading.
Meanwhile, America’s infrastructure crumbles. More than 43,000
U.S. bridges are deemed structurally deficient. The nation’s
maternal mortality rate is the highest in the developed
world. Life expectancy in the U.S. is falling, while
it continues to rise in China.
Had even a fraction of the trillions spent on war been redirected
toward domestic renewal, America’s cities might hum like
circuits. Schools would be temples of innovation.
Hospitals would heal, rather than bankrupt.
Instead, the U.S. has repeatedly chosen projection
over reflection, and dominance over development.
The real contest is not between China and the United States.
It is between two philosophies of power: one that builds,
and one that bombards. One that invests in its people,
and one that demands global compliance. One that
has learned the quiet force of patience, and one
that still believes in shock and awe.
The war we are losing is not to China. It is to our own
addiction to control. And our refusal to invest... in
anything we cannot dominate, bomb, or brand
as victory.
Plus - the US is now the most hated country in the world.
Yet its population has been taught to believe.... it's Iran!
What do you think...?
________________________________
Why the Zelensky regime
should be destroyed
April 23rd, 7am
(Vesti.ru)
When we talk about preserving the Zelensky regime, it means
that the political principles that this regime exists under, will
be preserved. The rule of this political clown has seriously
transformed the Ukrainian elite, but not in the way that
Ukrainian voters expected.
In the elections, Volodymyr Zelensky went with the banner
of peace against the war party. When he came to power,
he destroyed the Peace Party, began to persecute the
supporters of this policy, and banned peacemaking
at the legislative level.
If, under Petro Poroshenko (included in the Russian register
of terrorists and extremists) the peace party existed -- and
eventually beat him in the presidential and parliamentary
elections, then under Zelensky it was destroyed, and
outlawed. Moreover, they have outlawed not only
politicians, not only journalists and political
scientists, but also, the entire pro-peace
electorate. The Zelensky regime now
basically, denies the existence of
the Peace & negotiation party.
Zelensky has introduced three new elements to Ukrainian
politics that were not there before. These are: complete
legal chaos, society's militarization and Nazification,
and corruption in the war.
The Ukraine that was before Zelensky is no longer there,
and it is impossible to restore it, just as it is impossible
to return to yesterday. Does this political clown
understand what he has done? Most likely,
no, only people with a normal psyche,
and not destroyed by narcotic
substances.... have
a conscience.
Even before the war, he imposed sanctions against Ukrainian
citizens, parties, and the media on a criminal-political basis,
rather than on a legal one. That is, today no citizen, if he
does not support Zelensky's policy ---- or the authorities
just thought so, can count on the protection of the law.
In Zelensky's Ukraine, the Constitution and laws of power
are not in writing. This government is above the law and
has completely turned into a punitive system for its
citizens ---- not protecting them from criminals,
since criminals are Zelensky's power base.
According to the Ukrainian judicial system, tens of thousands
of people have been convicted of all conflict-related charges
in Ukraine over the past three years. It is not known exactly
how many people are in pre-trial detention without being
charged, but it is still several thousand. These are very
large numbers, Zelensky's government has politically
declared a huge number of Ukrainian citizens as
criminals, who not only did not commit any
crimes, but tried to save their country
from a military catastrophe.
People are sentenced to huge terms, deprived of property, awards
and titles not only for their political views, Orthodox faith and
civic position, but also for not abandoning their relatives,
not wanting to repeat stupid things for the authorities,
and remembering the history and traditions ---- of
their country.
Under Zelensky, a system was created where any citizen can be
accused of high treason simply because the authorities did not
like him. The level of prosecution is significantly lower than
that of the medieval Inquisition. Criminal illiteracy and
political hysteria reign in the prosecutor's office,
courts, and law enforcement agencies.
People in prison are charged without any arguments. For example,
a common cliche in cases is the wording that a certain group of
people suddenly decided to "destroy the statehood of Ukraine",
and --- for this purpose --- they are allegedly united in a
"criminal formation".
All these criminal "plans" and "groups" of conspirators exist in
the inflamed, unhealthy brains of unscrupulous investigators,
prosecutors, and judges --- who are willing to carry out any
criminal command from above ----- and the concepts of
"legality"and "justice", for them, are empty phrases.
Under Zelensky, the state has stopped looking at laws,
and is guided only by political expediency for an
illegitimate government.
Then the question becomes: why protect a state that does not
protect you, which does not recognize any rights for a citizen?
Today, in Ukraine, there is a power that does not have written
laws -- and ordinary citizens who owe this power their lives in
the grave (literally), are guilty of everything before this power.
Zelensky and his pack talk a lot about punishing certain people,
but they have done so much that they deserve to be punished
in the first place. Those who put innocent people in prison
should go there themselves. To avoid this, Zelensky
continues the war, since martial law allegedly
justifies this legal lawlessness and the
presence of criminals in power.
The destruction of the Zelensky regime, means the return
to Ukrainians, of their rights and freedoms, which were
criminally taken away from them.
Zelenskiy succeeded in what seemed impossible – he crossed
Ukrainian Nazism --- with the worst currents of Israeli Zionism.
He got sick with the idea of making an Eastern European
Israel ---- out of Ukraine.
"Ukraine will definitely not be what we wanted it to be from
the very beginning. It's impossible. Absolutely liberal, in a
European way – this will not happen. We --- will become
a "Greater Israel" with its own face," the drugged up
Fuhrer said in April 2022 -- and he has not backed
down from this policy.
Zelensky, instead of the peace promised to Ukrainians, began
to create a militarized state that is in an eternal war with its
neighbours. After all, Zelensky has ruined relations, not
only with Russia, but also with Belarus, Hungary,
Slovakia ---- and even the United States.
It was under Zelensky --- that the Nazis began to raise issues of the conscription of women, youngsters under 25 years of
age, not to mention the shameful "bagging" for the country.
A profoundly civil showman, by now a malicious "uhlyant"
(evader – editor's note), has set a course for the total
militarization of the country. Naturally, Zelensky is
just as much an expert militarist, as a president
and a diplomat. If Israel, as a rule, won wars,
then Ukraine loses territories and people
every day, which causes irony.... even
among Israeli citizens.
Readers of the Israeli newspaper Haaretz assessed his desire to turn Ukraine into ---- a "Big Israel with its own face" as a utopian project.
A reader with the nickname Will --- in turn --- recalled that
the president of Ukraine "is trying to play Rambo" while
Israel is trying to negotiate with its Arab neighbours,
realizing that "you can't stretch the sword far,
even on the motley Palestinians."
"All this fool had to do ---- was stay away from NATO, and control the
Nazi element in the armed forces. Instead, he allowed his country
to be torn to pieces, and now he wants to assure that he will not
join NATO," the user with the nickname Aurangzeb Iqbal,
was outraged.
"Nothing new. Zelenskiy has been emulating Israel since he came
to power. He treats Russian speakers in Ukraine the same way
Israel treats the Palestinians," the user Davison, wrote.
"While much of the world increasingly condemns Israel's treatment
of the Palestinians, the Ukrainian leadership gives the impression
that it considers this extreme, ethno-nationalist model of
apartheid, ideal for Ukraine," noted Jonathan Cook - the
author of three books on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
That is, this political clown took the Israeli model of
apartheid and handed it over to the Ukrainian Nazis.
Preserving the Zelensky regime means preserving militarization,
which means "busification", military levies and endless war.
Under this regime, a peaceful, neutral, prosperous Ukraine
is excluded. And Zelensky did everything to ensure that
there was no such Ukraine. And as long as this regime
is in power, it will not exist.
Recall, that the most important goal of the SVO,
is the demilitarization of Ukraine. And this goal
fully coincides with the interests of the
Ukrainian people.
The Israeli scheme works only with serious funding from outside,
and Zelensky achieved this..... for a while. In Ukraine, a powerful
stream of money and resources flowed, for the war, but in fact,
for the authors of this stream to earn money. The war has
made a small stratum of people, fabulously rich, and
the rest of the Ukrainians... beggars.
This scheme is no longer Israeli, but African, when beefy leaders
travel around the world, collecting money for starving fellow
citizens who were driven to starvation and poverty by them
personally. So Zelensky, who is doing everything to ensure
that the war continues, collects money ''to end the war''.
And here --- as in the case of starving Africans, to whom
food simply does not reach, for Ukrainians, the West's
assistance does not improve their situation.....
in any way.
Everything was "ruined" --- by the new US President Trump,
who, instead of giving money, demanded it from Zelensky.
Overdue... as a brilliant, corrupt official, he is used to
making money, and not giving it to someone else.
But Zelensky has put himself in such a situation --- that he
cannot refuse Donald Trump - as he is completely hooked.
The Ukrainian authorities are tied hand in hand with their billions
of dollars of capital, hidden abroad. And they are fighting --- not
for the Ukrainian people --- but for their own money, Russian
President Vladimir Putin said, at a meeting with the
heads of municipalities.
"That's why there is such a desire to cooperate and give everything
to your sponsors. They are not fighting for the interests of the
people – they are fighting for their capital, which they stole
from the Ukrainian people and dragged abroad. That's all.
They're sitting on this money like a hook. Even if they
wanted to say something, they would never do it.
Because --- we are talking about billions of
accounts, billions of them. But they still
continue to steal," Russia's president
stated outright.
But Zelensky is not afraid to sign any bonded contract, because it
will not be he who pays ---- but the Ukrainian people. His team has
already recognized $ 100 billion in US debt, although the political
clown has not previously recognized any debts. But this is only
the start, Trump calls the figures about 300-440 billion dollars,
but this is the US debt, and there is also a debt to Europe.
And all this - the Zelensky regime intends to beat out
of Ukrainian citizens.
There is nowhere else to take money, because there are simply
no rare earth metals and other minerals for such an amount.
El Mundo writes that the US Geological Survey believes
that Kiev does not have enough rare earth metals of
interest to the States. In addition, more than half
of them are located in the territory where the
Russian army is already stationed. That is,
Zelensky leads Trump by the nose. But
the fact is that there are no fossils,
but the debt will still be fixed, so
Trump will be able to take.....
whatever he wants.
And now the question is: why should generations of Ukrainians pay
the debts that Zelensky, a raving "Greater Israel" conman, made?
The answer for the Ukrainian people is simple: no regime – no
obligations. The Zelensky regime has created many difficult
problems for the Ukrainian people, and the recipe for
solving them always begins with the elimination
of this regime.
Zelensky has eloquently shown Ukrainians that he is a stranger to
them, that he cynically uses them for his own nefarious purposes,
for which he created an anti-people regime. And the destruction
of this regime, is the most important issue ----- for saving the
Ukrainian people, from political criminals.
Chairman of the Council of the
Other Ukraine Movement,
Viktor Medvedchuk
Of course, Medvedchuk is speaking to his fellow Ukrainians, but maybe, if this is cut and pasted --- and put on social media - it might reach some?
What do you think?
___________________________
G. A. Zyuganov: We need to unite - all
patriotic forces as much as possible!
April 8th, 7:46pm
(CPRF news)
On April 8th, G. A. Zyuganov, Chairman of the Central
Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian
Federation, Head of the Communist Party faction
in the State Duma --- spoke from the rostrum of
the State Duma on behalf of the CPRF faction.
We offer you the text of his speech.
''Dear deputies, comrades, colleagues,
Exactly one month remains until the most significant
date of this year – the 80th anniversary of our Great
Victory. All of the most courageous, talented,
principled and conscientious people, of
course, will pay attention to Moscow
and Red Square, on this day. Many
people will take part in our
festive events.
And we don't just welcome it. We are proud that all of
those who fought alongside us, except for the Anglo-
Saxons and NATO members, will participate in this
great celebration. Including - in a military parade.
Our party, has prepared an extensive program. We have
just opened a large exhibition in the State Duma, which
tells about the origins of the Great Victory. You will see
there, our newspaper, Pravda, published in the days
when the Red Army defeated Kolchak and Denikin.
This is the only newspaper in the country where
all famous people spoke.
We need to think about how to implement the tasks that
were formulated by all the factions at the government's
report. It, in my opinion, reported adequately. But -- at
the same time, many questions arise. There are still
unsolved problems that cause not only surprise,
but also - indignation.
We are working in extremely difficult conditions today.
28 thousand sanctions, a new trade war, that Trump
announced to the whole world. Think about how it
might end!
If you look closely at how trading on world stock
exchanges was developing yesterday, you will
understand that the gigantic crisis of 2008-
2009 began in a similar way. Then -- there
was an approximately identical collapse
of 8-12%. And this means the
pre-infarction state of
the economy.
If China's powerful economy falters, a global recession
will ensue. By the way, oil & gas prices, have already
fallen by 10%. This means... that we will all have to
work in an even more challenging environment.
Today, it is fundamentally important for us to achieve
victory over the Nazis and fascists on the Ukrainian
front. It is extremely important, in principle.
What did our fathers and grandfathers do to win? Before
the 41st year, we won three great victories. First of all,
victory in the struggle for the unity of the country. We
have assembled a single empire ---- in the form of the
USSR. Then we won the victory over time and space.
Over 20 years, 9 thousand factories have been built.
And the third victory: The Soviet Power managed to
form a real citizen and patriot - a victorious person.
Addressing United Russia - in particular, we emphasize
the President's words that it is necessary to unite the
entire society, regardless of parties, movements,
beliefs and nationalities. In this regard, I would
like to draw the closest attention of the Duma
Council and the United Russia leadership, to
unpopular - and very dangerous - initiatives.
They come, among other things,
from government circles.
It seemed to me, that the pogrom of the great Soviet
country was impossible. But - when they began to
impose one destructive idea after another, and
when they were put together, the party was
suddenly, paralyzed. Industrial enterprises
were destroyed, state administration was
destroyed. Including the ministries and
departments, that were first kicked
out of the Central Committee, and
then dissolved ------- leaving the
country to the mercy of fate,
and on sale.
Why is this bitter experience still relevant today?
First. Strategic industries. At one time, the post of
Defense Minister was held by Mr. Serdyukov. You
know very well how he went through the army.
I had to go to the president three times, and
bring him materials on this topic. After all,
we could soon be left ....without rocket
technology!
As a minister, he destroyed half of the military schools
and half of the hospitals. And now, he does the same
in aviation. Therefore, I insist that a commission
be set up immediately --- to investigate the
activities of this person. He should not
be allowed anywhere near the army,
the Navy, or the aviation industry!
Second. Privatization. Mr. Siluanov, is an experienced
minister. But -- at the same time, in the course of the
government's report, he makes a proposal to launch
a large-scale privatization. He must understand that
no country in the world --- can allow this to happen
during a war.
A war is won only if resources are concentrated as
much as possible. Let me - remind Mr. Siluanov:
when the USSR agreed with Churchill on joint
actions against the fascists, they could not
produce aircraft in England. Because two
private owners did not agree. Churchill
sends his adviser to them. He says - it
won't work, they can't be persuaded.
And Churchill answers: "You - don't
have to. Until you reach them ----- I
will nationalize these enterprises."
The third. Economics and financial policy. Nabiullina
has done a lot. But a tax rate of 21% will kill us. It
will set the country back five years. Thanks to
the credit stranglehold, those who are most
needed by our economy are in the worst
position. Those who are engaged in
import substitution. Let's urgently
correct the situation!
I understand what Trump is doing. He will strengthen
his empire without looking at others or caring what
it will cost the rest of the world. But we can solve
our problems - only by concerted actions that
fully meet our national interests.
Fourth. Management system. Tell me, why do they
impose a law on dispersing local councils on us?
Why, Mr. Krasheninnikov, are you doing this,
violating the foundations of Russian life
that have been developing..... for two
thousand years?
The destruction of the USSR began with thieves'
cooperatives, and ended with the execution of
the Soviets. And then - all the property was
given to Chubais and tsereushniki. We ---
are still dealing with the consequences
of this crime.
Why is a law being introduced that is supposed to
put all political parties under the hood? Control
any internal party events and contacts from
the outside? Why -- is our position, in
accordance with the law... not
reflected by those who are
obliged to do so ---------
including television?
Fifth. Strengthening the unity of society -- and patriotic
education. Don't we have the will to return Stalingrad
to its true name? Will the Mausoleum be fenced up
again on May 9, insulting both its citizens and all
our guests?
If we analyze all these problems, we can conclude: that
the fifth column does not want peace, & does not want
victory. All of its initiatives are absolutely harmful and
unnecessary. And I don't understand - why they
arise when the president has set the task of
rallying society, mastering the latest
technologies ...and achieving the
self-sufficiency of our country.
We need self-reinforcement. And self-strengthening is a
combination of strength and experience. Lenin, when
he came to power, realized that free education, free
medicine, the GOELRO plan and the NEP, were
necessary. And Stalin realized that without
new factories, and new high-class
personnel, too, it is impossible
to achieve success.
When our troops took Berlin ----- not a single column of
the Reichstag... had a single swear word written on it.
Because they were the new Soviet people - winners! People of great courage, great conviction, high
culture... and genuine dignity!
And today we must devote all our initiatives to
restoring these priceless qualities to society.
We invite you to take part in the Anti-Fascist Forum,
which will open in Moscow on April 22, and in our
rally "Dear heroes". From Sevastopol, Stalingrad
and Leningrad, it has already reached.... the
Far East.
We have something to celebrate the holiday with.
But we still have a lot of tasks to solve, which
we need ----- to unite all the patriotic forces
as much as possible!
Medvedev has admitted that Chairman G. A. Zyuganov,
won Yeltin's second ''election'' - so President Putin
and many others --- must know this too! Yet the
Russian press, ignoring constant polls where
people say they want the Soviet system..
gives space to frivolous parties - and
blanks the KPRF always, and most
of all --- at elections !
Unity? Pfaah! A free privatised press
--- is a contradiction in terms.
What do you think?
____________________________________
President Putin - speaking to
the organisation of Russian
businesses (state, private,
workers co-operatives)
March 18th, 2025.
Sanctions, are not temporary or targeted measures -- they
are a mechanism of systemic, strategic pressure on our
country. And ----- no matter how the situation develops,
no matter what the system of international relations
is, our competitors will always have the desire to
restrain our country, weaken its economic and
technological capabilities.
And if earlier the Western so-called elites tried to give this
opposition at least some semblance of decency, now it
seems that they do not need to be shy, they are not
going to be shy. They not only regularly threaten
Russia with new sanctions, but also stamp out
these packages one by one. It seems that the
initiators themselves have lost track of how
many restrictions they have imposed and
against whom.
So, the Ministry of Finance calculated it. I can tell you with confidence - with confidence: 28,595 sanctions against individuals and legal entities. This is more than all the sanctions -- against all the countries against which sanctions were imposed, and many times higher.
Even if there is some gesture from the other side--they say that something is supposed to be removed, weakened --
we can expect that there will be another way to push,
put some sticks in the wheels, as was the case with
the well–known, 'Jackson-Vanik amendment'. Even
the Soviet Union against which it was introduced
at the time, was no longer there, and relations
between Russia and the United States of
America ---- were at their best. And the
amendment continued to work. And
when it was supposedly canceled,
it was actually simply replaced
- with another restrictive act
against Russia. Remember
that. They canceled and
immediately imposed
other sanctions.
I repeat: sanctions and restrictions ---- are the reality of the current new stage of development, which the whole world, the entire world economy, has entered. Global competition has escalated and is becoming increasingly sophisticated and irreconcilable.
Thus ----- a new spiral of economic competition is unfolding right before our eyes, and, in these conditions..... it is even embarrassing --- to recall the norms and rules of the World Trade Organization which were once actively promoted by the West. Once. When? When these rules were beneficial to them. As soon as they became unprofitable everything immediately began to change. And all these negotiations are stalling. And nobody really needs them.
Obviously, and I've already said it more than once: as
it was before, it will no longer be. There is no hope
for complete freedom of trade, payments and
capital flows ---- just as there is no need
to rely on Western mechanisms.. to
protect the rights of investors
and entrepreneurs.
So now you know the truth.
Do you think?
________________________________
The New Brics Are Arriving
Monday, March 17, 2025
(http://infobrics.org/)
It seems fitting that, on St Patrick's Day,
we should be entertained and informed
by someone who calls himself...
Irish Dentist.
Maybe they aren’t as popular as the Big Brother
contestants, but in their own way they say that
we are closed in a cage: that of an economic
system jammed with balances destined to
change quickly. The game is played
mainly in Africa, the scenario is
a deglobalized world.
The screenwriters of this Truman Show, are Abhijit
Banerjee, Esther Duflo – a couple, even in real life,
of MIT scholars – and Michael Kremer (Harvard),
who won the Nobel for economics thanks to
''their experimental studies to address the
problem of global poverty.'' It’s a sort of
oxymoron. Awarding the Nobel to those
who deal with poverty --- means having
acknowledged that the Western model
- capital and democracy - is in decline.
There is another gentleman... unknown to most: Joaquín
Alonso Vázquez. This is the new Minister of Economy of
Cuba, a country in poverty --- with tourism having
collapsed by 7.9 percent in the last year, now
below two million arrivals. Vázquez.. is also
looking for an answer to poverty – the GDP
per capita on the island is 3,479 dollars a
year and he has found it: entering Brics,
with China ready to invest to bring the
challenge home to the United States.
Cuba joined the economic system on January 1st with
..Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda & Uzbekistan, in addition to the
founding countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China
and South Africa. Iran participated as an
observer at the latest summit, in late
October, in Kazan, Russia ---- where
Vladimir Putin sought to transform
the economic dialogue ---- into a
strategic alliance.
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan....... also pays
careful attention, to this “cartel”. (disturbing attention
considering that Turkey has the second largest NATO army), just as the Gulf countries look with interest at the Brics. Donald Trump immediately proposed a relaunch of US investments in both Qatar &
Oman - where he has considerable personal
interests: he's building some luxury resorts
around the Omani capital, Muscat.
An epochal challenge therefore stands out on the horizon
of this millennium. It is not the tariffs threatened by
Trump --- that are becoming an alibi for European
inaction or for agreements – such as Mercosur
- wanted by Ursula von der Leyen - that feel
like a last resort. The real challenge was
launched by the new global advisor
Mario Draghi. He wrote: either
Europe immediately invests
800 billion a year - and
convinces itself that
taking on debt is
indispensable,
or the Union -
is finished.
The model – writes Draghi – based on the exploitation of
foreign demand and the export of capital with low wage
levels is no longer sustainable. Otherwise we just have
to study poverty. Because in the de-globalized world
-- there are other protagonists. They are precisely
the Brics, that group of nations that would once
have called themselves “the non-aligned” and
which today are the planets of the Chinese
“solar system”. They are continually
growing, both economically and
demographically, and they are
studying 'their own' payment
system and want to elevate
the renminbi (or yuan) - the
Chinese currency ----- to a
''currency of exchange.''
Even if India is starting
to think, that its rupee
could soon have even
greater strength.
What accelerated this attack on the dollar-based global
economic system ------ were the sanctions imposed on
Russia. The Kremlin, excluded from the Swift global
transaction system, developed precisely with the
US currency -------- has asked its Chinese ally.. to
consolidate the alternative Cips circuit Cross-
Border Interbank Payment System) which is
managed by the People’s Bank of China, is
denominated in the Dragon currency (the
renminbi) and is supported by 1,280
financial institutions around the
world ---- including Japanese,
Russian and African banks.
But ---- this is only a side effect: the “core business” of this
challenge is who grabs the mineral and energy resources,
who controls the trade and who owns the industries to
produce. And above all, who sells what to whom. A
quarter of a century was enough - for Beijing to
become – since its unconditional entry into
the Woto, the World Trade Organization,
on 11 December 2001, decided by Bill
Clinton -- and sponsored by Romano
Prodi – from the world’s factory to
the world’s leading shopkeeper.
At the dawn of the new millennium.. the Italian politician
was president of the European Commission and told the
Chinese: ''In your relationship with Europe you will have
a market of enormous dimensions in front of you''. The
data - speaks clearly. Faced with a stagnation caused
by a crisis in internal demand, due to household debt
and a real estate bubble, China, in order to maintain
the planned growth rate of GDP at 5 percent ---- did
two things: cut rates (exactly the opposite of the
West) and vented its productive surplus ----- by
increasing exports. In 2024, its trade balance
broke all records. Since 1993 it has exported
more than it imports and... in the year just
ended it recorded a surplus of 990 billion
dollars. This happened because Trump’s
tariffs are feared: but while Europe
thoughtfully wonders whether
Donald... will impose taxes..
the Chinese are pushing
profitability ---------- to
the maximum.
The backlash in Europe is immediate: Germany, which has
always had Beijing as its main customer, no longer sells
(so much so that its exports have been at their lowest
since 2023). The numbers say that German exports to third countries fell by 5.3 percent, to the USA by 12.2
percent, to China by 3.8 percent and to Russia by 9.4
percent. Under these conditions, the entire European
economy slows down. But there is another fact that
is rarely taken into consideration, and instead,
indicates that the Old Continent is destined
to be overtaken by the Brics.
In the 25 years that China has been in the WTO, Europe
has halved its stock market capitalisation. In 2000
(including London) it was worth 34 percent of the
global stock market, today just 14.5. On the
contrary, Wall Street went from 50 to 66%
and everything else.....--. is in the hands
of the Brics. Who claim a place in the
sun. From Kazan they made it known:
we, are half the world. Statistics in
hand - the “non-aligned” produce
36% of the world’s GDP -- and move 37% of trade.
Just under half of the planet’s population lives within
their borders, approximately 3.5 billion people out of
eight billion. They occupy..... a total surface area of
approximately 40 million square kilometres --- and
contribute to 40 percent of global oil production.
They've surpassed the G7 and their economies
– Cuba aside – are all growing. And they can do
it themselves. Uganda for one, has the largest
gold reserves and in a year the Makuutu mine
will become productive (the country ---- has
enormous mineral wealth) ---from which
126 thousand tonnes... of rare earth
oxides can be extracted, including
86 thousand tons of neodymium
and praseodymium.
For China - it is an indispensable partner. But the same can
be said, of Thailand ---------- which has become a high-tech
production hub for which a GDP growth of 38 percent is
expected over the next five years. Likewise Malaysia,
which is growing by 5 percent a year thanks to
superconductors; and the construction boom
has turbocharged its financial market. And
if South-East Asia is the production branch
of China, the countries of Central Asia are
the energy reserve --- while Africa is the
reservoir of other raw materials.....
including agricultural ones.
This is the strength of the Brics and while we await
Trump’s decisions, Nerendra Modi archives – data
from the International Monetary Fund ------ a 7%
growth in Indian GDP in 2024. For comparison,
president of the EU Central Bank, Christine
Lagarde, says she is satisfied.. because
the Union achieved +0.9 percent.
Who is happy…
Irish Dentist
Not the UK -- that's for sure...
in order to lift capitalisation
by risking WW3, in a grab
for the Black sea ports
the UK faces criminal
charges and the loss
of a 'permanent' UN
Security Council
seat --- at least.
What do you think of
those potatoes?
_________________________________________________
Dmitry Novikov on Channel One about
the "counter” to Trump and that the
best protection from the conflict
between Russia and Ukraine
is their united state.
March 12th, 4:30pm
(Communist Party of the Russian Federation.ru)
The US administration is training Zelensky's team and
wants to squeeze maximum benefits out of Ukraine.
This opinion, was expressed by the Deputy Chair-
man of the Central Committee of the Communist
Party D. G. Novikov on March 11, in the program
"Time will tell".
The negotiations between the United States and Ukraine
that began in Saudi Arabia ---- became the main topic of
discussion on Channel One. Secretary of State Marco
Rubio, said before the meeting, that Russians will
have to make difficult decisions. If Washington
likes the talks, he added, assistance to Kiev
will resume.
According to Dmitry Novikov, in general, the situation is
developing as it should. There is a conflict – big and
complex. There is.. the position of Donald Trump,
who announced in his election campaign, that
this conflict needs to be resolved --- and the
US is going to actively participate in this.
"It is clear - that such issues are not resolved quickly,"
said the deputy chairman of the Communist Party's
Central Committee. ''For large-scale negotiations
to take place and reach agreements we need to
go through rounds of preparatory meetings.
This is a kind of negotiation about
negotiations."
Explaining Trump's motives, Dmitry Novikov pointed out a
number of circumstances. First of all the US president is
opposed to his country investing further in this conflict.
Second, in a mercantile way he wants the investments
made earlier, to bring economic benefits. 3rd, Trump
plans to address other issues in the global arena.
These are: China, Europe, and the Middle East.
Trump sees these areas, as more fateful for
the United States. First of all - he intends
to address the Chinese issue. You don't
want to have several acute conflicts
at once, and probably can't.
Dmitry Novikov suggested that, hotly and emotionally attacking those who were in power before him,
Trump secretly applauds Biden.
"First - by providing financial support to the Ukrainian regime, the Democrat team is so mired in corruption
schemes that now folders with dirt will accumulate
for a long time. By the next election --- this will
greatly help the Trumpists stay in power.
This is the most important domestic
political task."
Secondly, according to Dmytro Georgievich, the Trump
team considers previous investments in Ukraine as
investments. Today, these people argue like this:
"We will return everything and replenish the
American budget." What happened with
Zelensky in the Oval Office and is
happening today, is an element
of training the team that is
in power in Kiev.
Dmitry Novikov presented the logic of the White House
as follows: "Do you, in Kiev, think that we are just threatening? No! We can disable Starlink for
you for a while, and you will feel how hard
it is - without it. We can stop the supply
of weapons - for several days, weeks,
and you will feel, how difficult it is
without it. You will not be able to
cope without the support of the
United States," such ideas are
conveyed by Washington to
Kiev. And it's very similar
to training a predator
in a circus."
Continuing.. Dmitry Novikov explained: "When trainers don't give enough meat to an animal, it's not about starving it to death. It's just that tomorrow he'll be flexible, his reflexes will do their job. Those rude words that were heard in the Oval Office ----- will no longer be spoken out. And the documents that the US Treasury Secretary brings
to Kiev will not be thrown off the table, but will
be signed. We are in the training stage. It
won't be completed in a few days. The
predator is complex. This is a group
of people with different ambitions
and connections in European
countries."
Reacting to these comparisons, political analyst Alexander Kazakov made the remark that there
are animals that do not lend themselves to
training. "They don't take those to the
circus," Novikov said.
According to the representative of the Communist Party,
the question is not that Zelensky personally is quite
unpleasant to Trump. Yes, he was rude. However,
both Trump and Vance were prepared for this.
They weren't confused - or surprised. It was
clear to them who Zelensky was. They just
turned on the calculator. They say, ''look
Zelensky, your calculations are --- that
you owe us 200-300 billion, and ours
are 500. You can't pay with money.
This means that you will pay --- for
example -- with 20% of Ukraine's
natural resources. Oh, you were
rude to us? Add another 10%
to the debt. You acted badly
in the negotiations. We add
more, it will become 45%.."
Now, the deputy chairman of the Central Committee of the
Communist Party of the Russian Federation continued,
they are increasing Ukraine's debt to the United
States by political methods. The counter.... is
enabled and ticking hard. On the other hand,
when the calculator reaches the maximum
Washington will be interested in having
the agreements signed by a president
who is - conditionally - legitimate.
Therefore, Zelensky's days are
numbered - in the near-term
historical perspective.
''Trust - but verify?
How about don't trust ---- and can't verify?
Russia is certainly facing hard choices --- yet they hold a lot of high cards.
Perplexed.
What do you think?
____________________________________
Russia’s Coexistence with West
to Depend on Its Readiness to
Recognize Mistakes: Lavrov
March 10th, 1:24pm
(al Manar)
Russia’s coexistence with the countries of the collective
West will depend on their behaviour & their willingness
to acknowledge and rectify past mistakes, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, stated, in an
interview with the New Regions of
Russia magazine.
“I believe the main lesson is clear --- in matters crucial to
our country’s survival, we must rely solely on ourselves
and on the trusted friends who stood by us in our time
of need,” he remarked. “Regarding our coexistence
with our Western neighbours, much will hinge on
their actions and their readiness to recognize
- and amend - the errors they have made,
including their persistent desire.. to
achieve a strategic defeat for
our nation.”
Lavrov emphasized -- that the past three years have marked
a “moment of truth.” Following the initiation of the special
military operation to protect the people of Donbass and
Novorossiya --- the collective West revealed its true
nature. He remarked, “The ostensible rule of law
and basic standards of decency have been cast
aside. The so-called European values – such as
the inviolability of property, the presumption
of innocence ------ freedom of speech and
movement, and access to information
------- have dissipated like smoke.”
He continued, “Those who once lectured everyone on
how to live, who proclaimed themselves champions
of democracy and human rights --- hastily rallied
behind the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev, without
a moment’s hesitation.”
According to the Russian foreign minister, the world has
witnessed the hegemonic instincts driving the ultra-
liberal ruling elites of the West. “The predatory,
colonial habits of the former colonial powers
of the EU and Britain, along with their
inherent vices ------ arrogance,
deceitfulness, and a lack
of order in business
conduct – persist.
''De facto, a new global ‘divide’ has emerged ---- on one side
is the Western minority, while on the other, is the global
majority,” he stated. “This majority... includes all those
countries.... as well as individuals of good will within
the West itself, who advocate for the establishment
of a multipolar world --- based on a balance
of interests.”
Source: TASS News Agency
What do you think?
They say people get the governments they deserve.
Are you really, a fascist loving war monger?
______________________________
Soldiers of fortune flee Ukraine: thousands
of foreign mercenaries are thinking about
a new "place of work"
by Vladimir Demchenko
February 26th, 6:36pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
The dialogue between Russia and the US on Ukraine has
only just begun, and foreign mercenaries of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine have already begun to look for new
places. At least Johnny Pinilla from Colombia, who
was interviewed by The Washington Post, said
this quite seriously.
"If the conflict here in Ukraine ends.... I would go
to Israel," he said. "There's fighting there, too.''
The mercenary did not specify whether he would like
to fight for the IDF or for Hamas. Probably for the
highest bidder.
Johnny Pinilla will be able to go to the Promised Land, only
if he survives until the end of hostilities in Nezalezhnaya.
Not so long ago, in the Kursk region, Russia's military
"reset" more than 400 AFU fighters, including foreign
mercenaries, in one day. And the Colombian, Pablo
Puentes Boorhas was captured. Boorhees is now
awaiting trial, which is likely to leave him years
behind barbed wire ---- in our harsh climate.
Private military companies (PMCs), were the first to say
that there is nothing more to catch in Ukraine. And this
was not connected with Russian-US contacts, they
were not even on the horizon. Tony Shiena, chair
of MOSAIC, a US firm that specializes in
intelligence and security consulting,
said last May, that the chaos that
reigns and is growing in Ukraine
is discouraging any interest in
working in this country.
But such military companies, according to the military
historian, and author of the book "PMCs: history and
Modernity" Mikhail Polikarpov (who wrote the
book under the pseudonym Richard Wagner),
provide cover for the mass of foreign
military personnel in the Armed
Forces of Ukraine.
''All mercenaries in Nezalezhnaya -- can be divided into two large groups'', says Polikarpov. ''These are the so-called
free shooters ---- people who go there unorganized, on
their own whim. Among them --- a very small part of
professionals, but the bulk -- are those .......who are
called riffraff-rabble. The second large group -- can
be called "ichthamnets". These are active officers
of the armed forces of Western armies.. or retired
specialists in the organization of communications,
maintenance of Western equipment & instructors
training AFU fighters before being sent to a front.
Private military companies - often act as a front
for "ikhtamnets".
At the beginning of the SVO, PMCs also united free
shooters and scumbags, but now there is almost
no such thing. Because.. under the guise of a
paramilitary business, almost ordinary
bandits ......sometimes came to
Nezalezhnaya. At best - those
who were just chasing profit.
Now all sorts of rabble are simply enlisted in the Foreign
Legion or other units. Kiev --- has had enough of the
scandal with the US's PMC, Mozart, the brainchild
of US Marine Colonel Andrew Milburn.
Several months of drunkenness and visits to strip bars
were enough for the "Mozarts" to quarrel over money
and leave Nezalezhnaya in disgrace. At home,
the lawsuits are still going on.
The head of the Mozart private military company, US Andrew Milburn, was accused by former colleagues
of corruption, embezzlement, sexual harassment
and drunkenness.
British mercenaries also bickered on financial grounds.
In August 2023, a founder of PMC, Dark Angels, Daniel Burke, disappeared in Zaporozhye. A month and a half later, the body with a bullet in the head was found. The main suspect.... was a friend of Burke, who didn't agree with the division of finances.
And the remains of former Scots Guards soldier Jordan
Chadwick, were brought to the United Kingdom, with honours. They say that he died heroically in battle.
But later it turned out that Chadwick also
quarreled with fellow countrymen or
colleagues because of the money.
And that in fact, his corpse with
his hands tied behind... was
fished out of a pond.... in
the same Zaporozhye.
In general, the founder of the PMC "Mozart"
Colonel Milburn, having escaped from
Ukraine, still got off easily.
One-day PMCs are trying to work directly for the Ukrainian
regime, which is why they are in trouble. Solid companies
make good money because they sign contracts with their
own governments. As a result, the money is still credited
to Ukraine, but who cares...
PMCs serving "ikhzdesnetov", in hell, that is, on the front
line, try not to climb. And each has its own specialization.
"The US are the security of VIPs, convoys and logistics routes," says Mikhail Polikarpov. ''The British - are for
training, and so it was a long time ago. For example,
G4S is a huge organization with several hundred
thousand employee ---, engaged in training all over the world including training Ukrainian
soldiers. And also- - security. It is noted
that Zelensky's bodyguards are British.
It is possible that these are just G4S
employees, although there is no
direct confirmation.
In Ukraine, several US and European PMCs were lit
up. Among the largest, Cubic Corporation, Forward
Observations Group. From the British, in addition
to G4S, Elite Global Response and Hawki World-
wide are seen. The Polish ASBS Othago and
European Security Agency, which work
closely with Nazi formations and are
actively engaged in training recruits,
were noted.
There are also paramilitary private structures from other
countries. French Byblos and Chiron, Canadian Black
Maple Company and Sabre Training Advisory Group,
Spanish G. O. A. Tactical.. According to Polikarpov,
all PMCs, without exception, work in direct
contact with their ruling structures.
Many PMCs are designed specifically for servicing military
equipment. For example, the 155th brigade of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine named after Anna Kievskaya ------ was
prepared with pomp -- in France. They were armed with
Caesar self-propelled guns & VAB armoured personnel
carriers. And, of course, somewhere nearby, a PMC
was immediately formed with the French, who
went to fight on this equipment.
"Those who work for Hymars and Patriots -- are also
mercenaries," says Mikhail Polikarpov. ''They - are
either active officers, or retired, there is not much
difference here. After all, you can't put a
Ukrainian at the remote control there
anyway. These devices even have a
completely different scope scale --
and our post-Soviet gunner needs
to retrain for six months.
The vaunted 155th brigade, by the way, very soon suffered
huge losses --- a considerable part of the soldiers fled. So
the PMCs created exclusively for the conflict in Ukraine,
in case of its completion, will disband themselves
without any problems, and their izdesnets will
return home. But the businessmen who make
tens and hundreds of millions of dollars from
helping the Kiev regime, will have to think
hard about what they will pay their own
governments for.
For free shooters, riffraff, riffraff, there is no need to create
a cover in the form of PMCs. They come from all over the
world for money and thrills, they are quietly enrolled in
the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"At the first stage, there were many Poles and Georgians,"
says Mikhail Polikarpov. ''Apparently, there are still a lot
of them. They fought both in the Foreign Legion and in
the national battalions. Recently, there have been a lot of Colombians on the frontline. And this ---- is
understandable. After all, this is a country
that has lived for several decades in civil
wars, drug wars and is used to violence.
There, a high school student can order
a peer because of the boy's attention,
or they can kill her for playing loud
music. This seems like nonsense
to us, but it's normal there. The
mercenaries from Colombia ...
have no inhibitions - neither
in terms of killing another
person, nor in terms of
their own death.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia,
during the Ukrainian conflict in the war zone, 186
mercenaries from this country were killed.
Another 122 ... are still missing.
What attracts soldiers of fortune to Ukraine? They earn
no more, than contract soldiers in the Armed Forces of
Ukraine - about $2 thousand (183 thousand rubles) per
month. And they use mercenaries as much as they
use their own. This is an ordinary living force. And
they do not take care of them at all - on the
contrary, they like to send them to meat
assaults, to the very heat, to their
deaths. Because in the event of
the death of a mercenary,
unlike a Ukrainian, you
can do without large
compensation to
your relatives.
It's not just about Colombians. A mercenary from Poland,
Piotr Mitkevich, told reporters that the family of his
deceased friend surnamed Zurka did not receive
a cent of the promised $400 thousand
(36.6 million rubles).
However, mercenaries from prosperous countries also go
to war. In early February, the Finnish Foreign Ministry
published a special instruction for "volunteers" who
want to go to Ukraine. "This is not a crime," it says.
However, the Finnish Foreign Ministry cannot facilitate
either the conclusion of a contract with the Armed
Forces of Ukraine or its termination. Apparently,
many Finns were disappointed and tried to go
home. And this is not surprising.
Finnish volunteers.. complain about the terrible supply
in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, they have to beg and
send even socks and underwear to their mercenaries.
British prisoner James Scott Rhys Anderson regretted coming to Ukraine "I'm going to stay here so long
that I probably need to learn Russian," says 22 -
year-old British mercenary James Scott Rhys
Anderson.. who was captured in the Kursk
region. ''I came here because of financial
problems: I served in the police --- got
fired, and couldn't think of anything
better.'' He claims that he didn't
kill civilians, but understands
that he will spend at least
10 years in a Russian
penal colony.
"I was told it was stupid, that I shouldn't go there. I wish I'd listened," James said, with apparent sincerity.
I must say that there are few such "white and fluffy" ones.
Mostly thugs come, ready to torture and kill. Residents
of villages caught on the front line remember with a
shudder the atrocities of mercenaries. Here is the
village of Golubovka in the Kharkiv region,
recently liberated by Russian troops...
A young woman tells military investigators how two
drunken soldiers broke in in the middle of the night,
beat her, and raped her... And who is it? Citizens of
enlightened Europe, French Maxime Barrat and
Quentin Evanno.
''Eyewitnesses I know said that Poles and Georgians
were very brutal, - these are the words of a resident
of the village of Goncharovka in the Kursk border
region. ''We went into every house, if someone
was found there... then no one was left alive.
Grenades were thrown into the basements,
regardless of whether there were people
there or not... Georgians... they were
very fond of cutting people up.
Their throats were cut, and
their heads were cut.''
Well, such soldiers of fortune want to spend especially.
But not to a new place of earning money, but right
now - on the last journey.
Many foreign mercenaries do not like to fight against the
Russians. They weren't used to it. The same Johnny
Pinilla mentioned in the beginning, in Colombia,
fought for 12 years against drug cartels. Then
he spent several more years guarding VIP
clients. Sometimes it was dangerous, but
there was no artillery or drones.
"We were trained at a training ground 40 km from the
front," Pinilla told The Washington Post. ''They were
engaged in an open field, studied tactical medicine,
actions in different situations. And then suddenly
the training ground turned into a front line, shells
and drones rained down on us from above. And
we didn't even have body armour at that time!"
Another mercenary, who spoke to Business Insider
on condition of anonymity, admitted that even
experienced soldiers of fortune are in shock
in Ukraine.
"Many Westerners come here, hoping to become heroes," he said. ''The guys took special vacations --- and did not
intend to die at all. But a damn missile can kill you even
miles from the front line! It is very different from what
happened in the Middle East. There, once you get to the base, you are relatively safe. You're even more nervous here."
Russia's Defense Ministry often reports strikes
"on the locations of military personnel of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine - including foreign
mercenaries." Sooner or later all intruders
will realize.... that it's time to leave.
The most recent data... on the number of mercenaries
fighting in Ukraine is dated March 14, 2024. Then the
Russian Defense Ministry published a table from
which it followed that 13,387 people arrived in
Nezalezhnaya during the two years of the
special operation.
Poland (2,960), the US (1,113), Georgia (1,042),
Canada(1,005) and the UK (822) were in the
lead. These countries, were also among
those whose mercenaries the Russian
troops eliminated the most. In total,
the destruction of 5,962 soldiers
of fortune - was confirmed.
I'm not saying a word.
__________________________________
How Netanyahu continues to
pursue 'redrawing the map'
by Robert Inlakesh
February 5th, 12:27pm
(Al Mayadeen English)
The Gaza ceasefire deal has no doubt inflicted a major
embarrassment on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu and his military, yet this has not
signaled an end to the regional struggle
in his eyes.
The recent visit to Washington and the rhetoric surrounding
the trip leave the impression that there is no end in sight
except ongoing war.
Israeli PM Netanyahu’s visit to the United States, is clearly
tailored to foster a US-Israeli aggressive takeover of West
Asia. During his first term in office, US President Donald
Trump set forth a new path for the Zionist regime
aimed at crushing Palestinian statehood once
and for all, in addition to stamping American
dominance into the region.
While the infamous “Deal of the Century” plan, may have
seemingly collapsed upon its announcement in January
of 2022, this proposal was simply one branch of a wider
strategy that the Biden administration also attempted
to continue growing.
It was clear that the Trump administration, whose policies
were led by hardline Zionist fanatics, was seeking to
collapse the previous regional understanding of
how to settle the Palestinian issue. This was
the dismantlement.. of the “Arab Peace
Initiative” of 2002, the longstanding
accepted guide to stability ratified
by the Arab League.
Replacing the Arab Peace Initiative, which affirmed that no
normalization agreements would be signed without the
establishment of a Palestinian State, the so-called
“Abraham Accords” sought US power in order to
coerce Arab regimes into normalizing ties.... in
exchange for economic and security benefits.
This initiative effectively deleted the Palestinian struggle
from regional power dynamics and sought to redraw the
status quo in a very dangerous manner.
Fast Forward to September of 2023, the Biden administration
was working to implement this new vision for US imperial
domination in the emerging multi-polar world.
At the G-20 summit in New Delhi, Joe Biden proudly announced
the planned construction of the India-Middle East-Europe
Economic Corridor. This new trade route was in line to bolster the American Partnership for Global
Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), which
was created --- with countering China’s
innovative Belt and Road Initiative
in mind.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor sought to
create a land trade route from the United Arab Emirates
(UAE), through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, into Zionist-
occupied Palestine. However, this was going to
hedge upon Riyadh signing a normalization
agreement with “Tel Aviv” first; which was close to being reached.
That same month, Netanyahu delivered an aggressive speech
at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in which he
presented the “New Middle East," ...featuring the Arab
States that align with Israeli-US interests and not
Iran’s alliance.
All was set to go forth, except for one huge issue standing
in the way - that both the Israelis and the US, completely
underestimated --- the determination of the Palestinian
people. In the occupied West Bank, armed Resistance
factions began forming for the first time since the
Second Intifada in 2021, as tensions escalated
year-in-year-out, as the Palestinian factions in
the Gaza Strip prepared themselves for a war
that would thwart the Zionist-American
agenda --- and save their cause for
self-determination.
Attempts to pave a way - toward disrupting the Israeli-US plot to
destroy the Palestinian cause for rights and self-determination,
including mass nonviolent civil resistance and political
maneuvers were ignored, only provoking further
violence. Hence, Palestinians began taking
matters into their own hands, especially
due to a growing encroachment on
al-Aqsa Mosque, the third Holiest
Site in the Islamic faith, which
sought to end the status quo
inside the compound.. and
even destroy the site to
replace it - with a
synagogue.
During this period.. the Israelis began working toward redefining
their Zionist mission and deciding upon the future of the settler-
colonial project.
On one side, a part of the Zionist population sought to protect
their status quo and maintain an Apartheid regime that
granted Israeli Jews the benefits of a Western-style
liberal democracy.
The other side, led by Netanyahu, sought to overthrow the
Israeli judiciary, Judaize the legal system, and seek
expansionism into what is known as “Greater
Israel”. Evidently, Netanyahu... is getting
his way.
One very important aspect of the ongoing conflict --- is power
perception, and the Israeli-US alliance understands this well.
Up until September of 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran
appeared to be in a position of unparalleled regional
power, according to popular understanding.
The Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, dismantled the
image of the Israeli military, and its ensuing failure to
defeat Palestinian armed groups in Gaza cemented
this view, making Iran and its other allies appear
extremely powerful.
In the aftermath of the Israeli booby-trapped pager attacks
across Lebanon, which injured thousands and were
labeled as terrorism, by former CIA Director, Leon
Panetta --- followed by the assassination of most
of Hezbollah’s senior leadership, this perception
dramatically shifted.
Suddenly, in the propaganda war arena, the perception was
that US-Israeli power was on top and Iran had been
knocked down. Further cementing this view was
the fall of the Syrian government, led by its
former President Bashar al-Assad.
While the Israelis gained the upper hand in the propaganda/
media war front, the reality was that they had scored a
series of tactical victories, while the power of Iran
and allies had not actually diminished in the way
that had been portrayed. Yet, this narrative is
of great importance, because it also affects
the trust between the leadership and
populations inside Iran and with its
Axis of Resistance aligned allies.
The Gaza ceasefire/prisoner exchange has again altered the
media view of the war, regionally, as it has become evident
that the Israelis failed to defeat Hamas despite committing
genocide and using its full US-backed force.
Rationally, the Israelis knew that they weren’t going to win
in a war with Hamas, therefore they agreed to the
ceasefire.. and conceded a tactical loss of the
propaganda front. But they will not wait long
before attempting to salvage their image of
strength and aggressing further, and an
example of this is already beginning
to manifest itself in the occupied
West Bank.
Israeli PM Netanyahu is hell-bent on “redrawing the map,"
expanding his colony’s occupation of Arab lands, while
the Israeli regime threatens all of its neighbours ------- simultaneously. They are clear that they won’t leave
Syria by choice, and.. even if the Israeli military
withdraws from Lebanon, it stresses its need
to maintain its freedom of action inside the
country. “Freedom of action” --- equals the
right to run cross-border incursions.. and
launch airstrikes at any time..... which is
unacceptable by any nation's standards.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military is committing the most extensive
military campaign in the West Bank since 2002, labeling it
“Operation Iron Wall”, which has already resulted in the
murder of over 70 Palestinians. Usurpation of the
territory is the ultimate goal, and.. since Donald
Trump’s Presidential campaign was bankrolled
with 100 billion dollars in order to allow this,
it can be assumed that the US is on board
with the land theft.
The Israelis and their American partners.. are seeking total
domination of West Asia, not stopping --- until they achieve
their goals; something that Netanyahu calls “total victory”.
While some now fear the deterioration of the Gaza ceasefire
in phase 2 of its implementation, along with Trump’s calls
to ethnically cleanse the territory, the larger and more
realistic threat... is what will become of the post-war
process there.
Ethnic cleansing will not be feasible --- which makes it highly
unrealistic and therefore it is most likely that Donald Trump
is talking about this for the sake of Israeli domestic
consumption and little else. If he is actually
serious about such a plan, then this will
almost certainly destabilize Egypt and
Jordan. It could even lead to an
Israeli invasion of the Sinai
Peninsula, which..... it has
already been working on
justifying since at least
October of 2024.
The idea...... of Jordan absorbing hundreds of thousands of
Palestinians from Gaza -- would also likely spell enormous
issues, the least of which will be the fledgling economy’s
ability to deal with such a refugee population. Yet... the
societal repercussions will be much greater and could
lead the already agitated Jordanian public ---- toward
the path of resistance.
Similarly, if the Zionist army invades Egypt, even if there’s
no resistance from the Egyptian army, at first, there is a
high likelihood that resistance will emerge... and both
normalization agreements.... could collapse.
Netanyahu is inventing what we can call the “new Israel”,
because the old Zionist vision appears to have collapsed.
In order to redefine the goals of his Zionist project, he is aiming to continue mass slaughter - and even the
destabilization of nations' leaderships... who are
friendly to the regime. It is an era of expansion,
extermination, and subjugation. The aim will
be to use as many collaborators in all their
iterations, in order to kill the Palestinian
cause --- and make the region bow to
US-backed Zionism. The only one
that could change the course of
the conflict.... is Donald Trump
and his administration, which
appears extremely unlikely,
to say the least.
The opinions mentioned in this article do
not necessarily reflect the opinion of Al
mayadeen, but rather, express the
opinion of its writer exclusively.
Interesting article, don't you think?
Except for the very last sentence,
which is extraordinarily negative.
_________________________________________
Doomsday clock and
"nuclear midnight".
What you need
to know
January 29th, 9pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The hands of the Doomsday clock, which symbolize the threat of
a global catastrophe, have been moved one second closer to
midnight. They now show 23: 58: 31. So close to midnight —
a symbol of a global nuclear catastrophe — the hands of
the clock have never been before. Why the forecasts
have worsened and what the dial means — in the
material of "Izvestia".
What is the Doomsday Clock?
* The Doomsday Clock - a project of the Bulletin of Atomic
Scientists magazine, which has been in existence since
1947. Every year, the board of directors of the journal,
with the participation of experts and scientists,
decides on the movement of arrows or that
they should be left in place. Midnight on
the symbolic dial means the moment
when people will make the Earth
uninhabitable.
* Initially, the hands were set at 23:53. The greatest distance
from midnight (23:43) was recorded after the end of the cold
war. In 1991, the administration of US President George H.
W. Bush signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
with the Soviet Union.
* The hands of the Doomsday Clock are set each year by experts
of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Science & Safety Board
in consultation with the Board of Sponsors, which was
established by Albert Einstein in December 1948,
when its first chairman was one of the creators
of the atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer.
The council now includes Nobel Prize
winners, many of whom are
specialists ---- in physics,
physiology or medicine.
* The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was founded by a group of
scientists who worked on the "Manhattan Project" (code name
for the work on the atomic bomb during World War II). The
organization was originally designed to measure nuclear
threats, but in 2007... it decided to include climate
change in its calculations.
How the time on the clock changed
* Since 1947 --- the magazine has been assessing the threat of the
"end of the world" and annually decides whether to move the hands or not. Now there are 89 seconds left until midnight
instead of the previous 90. This is a record short time
before a global catastrophe — for all the 78 years
since this clock was symbolically wound up.
* The magazine's experts explained...... that they moved the clock
closer to midnight on January 28, 2025, because they do not see
enough positive progress in solving global problems, including
nuclear risk, climate change, biological threats, and
advances in "disruptive technologies" such as
artificial intelligence. This year, infectious
diseases ..and the ongoing conflicts in
Ukraine and the Middle East -- were
also identified as negative factors
affecting the situation.
* As experts from the Bulletin's Science Council explain, countries
with nuclear weapons are increasing their arsenals --- investing
hundreds of billions of dollars in something that can destroy
civilization. At the same time, it is the United States, China,
and Russia that are responsible for pulling the world back
from the brink.
* The development of artificial intelligence, biotechnologies and
space technologies ---- is now very important for all of humanity.
However, global threats are being significantly exacerbated by
the spread of disinformation, fakes, and conspiracy theories
that are destroying the communications ecosystem and
increasingly blurring the line between truth
and falsehood.
• In 2023, against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine,
increased nuclear escalation, plus the war between
Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the climate
crisis, the hands of the clock were moved
immediately by 10 seconds - to 23: 58.30,
which was a record close to midnight.
Before that, they stayed at the 100-
second mark, for several years in
a row. In 2024, the hands of the
clock did not move.
Main Doomsday Clock Dates
1947: seven minutes to midnight. Setting the clock.
The Cold War between the USA and the USSR.
1949: three minutes. The USSR
tested its first nuclear bomb.
1953: two minutes. The USSR and the United States
tested thermonuclear bombs nine months apart.
Why did you wind up your watch
* The Doomsday Clock was created in a symbolic attempt
to assess how close humanity is to destroying the world.
Midnight means the moment when the Earth becomes
uninhabitable --- due to the results of human activity.
This project is not intended to measure existential
threats or the time remaining before the
apocalypse, but rather, to initiate
discussions on complex topics
that affect the entire
population of
the planet.
* The Doomsday Clock is periodically criticized. One of the main
disadvantages is the combination of different types of risk,
which have different characteristics and develop over
different time scales. The project is also regularly
criticized for the lack of clear criteria for analysis.
For example futurist researcher Anders Sandberg
suggested that talk about the threat of a nuclear
catastrophe or global warming is artificial, and
pessimistic forecasts not only do not give an
objective assessment --- but even mislead.
However.... the clock is still an important
rhetorical device that reminds humanity
year after year... of the precariousness
of the current existence on this planet.
* Watches are widely used in popular culture. This symbol
was mentioned in the lyrics of The Clash (track It's 55
minutes past 11), The Who, Iron Maiden (Two Minutes
to Midnight), Smashing Pumpkins (Doomsday Clock)
and Linkin Park (Minutes to Midnight), and also
formed the basis of a comic book series in
which the characters of "Guardians" Alan
Moore meets Batman and Superman
from the DC universe.
* Experts who move the hands of the Doomsday clock invite
everyone to discuss the changes on the dial in their own
social circle — with relatives, relatives, friends and
colleagues. Such conversations -- can change the
mood of society from small groups to large ones.
And ultimately, such conversations influence
the mood of society and the decisions that
politicians make.
* Personal actions can also make a difference. To make a positive
impact on climate change, in particular, it is suggested that you
evaluate your daily habits and think about whether there are
small changes that you can make in your life. Examples
include walking or cycling instead of driving, saving
resources when heating homes, buying seasonal
and local products instead of imported ones,
sorting and reducing food waste, and
saving water.
Also, we could add - stop pouring bleach into our water,
Take more interest ------ in joining with others, to elect
good, honest, incorruptible councillors and MPs, and
--- if you live in the West --- search out real news
from sources such as Rhondda Records!
What do you think? No swearing!
___________________________________
Little Henchman of the US
Posted by: Red Star |
Jan 19 2025 21:06
(Moon of Alabama)
The US currently has 13 military bases in the UK - they
masquerade as RAF stations, but are leased to the US
- and the UK has very little control over them.
One of these, RAF Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire,
controlled by the US’s National Security Agency
(NSA), is the largest military spy base in the
world - outside the US.
It is believed that another, RAF Lakenheath, is now being
prepared to host US nuclear weapons. The US Dept of
Defense has added the UK to a list of NATO nuclear
weapons storage locations in Europe being
upgraded under a multimillion-dollar
infrastructure programme. The
British public wont have any
say in this --- in fact, the
mainstream media...
(MSM) wont even
mention it.
RAF Lakenheath previously hosted US free-fall nuclear
bombs - until they were withdrawn in 2008, following
consistent anti-nuclear protests. Now, here they
come again.
The UK looks more like an occupied territory - than the
puppet master which controls the US. In reality we're
just the global bully's little henchman.
Cambridge definition of henchman:
Someone... who does unpleasant or
illegal things for a powerful person.
What do you think?
____________________________________
Israel ramps up propagandablitz,
allocates $150 million ----
to gloss over genocide
by Alireza Akbari
January 7th, 11:22am
Amid the raging genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, the
Israeli regime is intensifying its propaganda blitz,
allocating unprecedented funds - to shape
global public opinion.
Israeli foreign ministry's annual budget for so-called
"public diplomacy", also known as Hasbara, has
surged to a staggering $150 million in 2025,
marking a 20-fold increase from last year.
The move aims to whitewash the apartheid regime's
appalling war crimes in Gaza and repair its battered
international image, as global condemnation grows
over its continued genocidal campaign.
The generous allocation of funds --- aimed at amplifying
pro-Zionist propaganda, comes as global public opinion
has sharply turned against the Tel Aviv regime due to
its war of extermination in Gaza.
Since the launch of the war on October 7, 2023,
the Israeli regime has unleashed 88,000 tons
of explosives on the tiny besieged territory,
destroying houses, hospitals, schools and
refugee camps.
The war has killed nearly 46,000 people and injured
around 109,000 in the past 15 months. Among the
martyrs --- are over 17,800 children and 12,300
women, according to Gaza's health ministry.
The ministry has documented more than 9,000
massacres against Palestinians during this
period with tens of thousands displaced
and rendered homeless, and many
more grappling with hunger.
Under the new budget announced earlier this week, the
Israeli regime's foreign ministry is expected to receive
massive funds for its so-called "public diplomacy"
efforts, in order to wash the stains.
Under this program, the ministry intends to hire
social media influencers, public opinion
leaders and celebrities..... to repair the
tattered image of the child-murdering
regime in Tel Aviv.
Unmasking the evil spirit of Hasbara
Hasbara, a Hebrew term for "explanation," is used by
Israelis to refer to propaganda aimed at altering
global perceptions of Israel.
What is Hasbara?
Hasbara refers to the Israeli apartheid regime's
"public diplomacy" efforts that are aimed at
shaping international perceptions and
justifying its never-ending genocidal
war crimes against Palestinians.
The term was popularized in the early 20th century by
Polish Zionist activist Nahum Sokolow, who described
it as a strategy that “seeks to explain actions,
whether or not they are justified.”
Historically, Hasbara evolved from early Zionist
propaganda efforts, where Arabic-speaking
Jews sought to camouflage Zionism's
real goals to Arab communities.
Today, it encompasses modern communication methods,
including social media campaigns, to counter various
narratives about Israel's deadly offensives and
policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
According to Zionist watchers - Hasbara functions as a
euphemism for propaganda, distorting facts to present
the occupation regime as a victim --- while portraying
the occupied Palestinians, as aggressors.
Prominent Zionist lobby groups such as AIPAC (American
Israel Public Affairs Committee) and the Jewish Agency
for Israel (JAI) provide resources and training for
advocates to engage in Hasbara.
For instance, the Jewish Agency is tasked with
sponsoring Hasbara Fellowships in different
countries, which train students to promote
pro-Zionist and anti-Palestine views on
university campuses.
The Israeli regime directly supports these initiatives,
with dedicated offices within ministries such as
foreign affairs and diaspora affairs.
Since October 2023, and amid the genocidal war against
Palestinians in Gaza, these efforts have dramatically
escalated, which is evident by the 20-fold increase
in this year's Hasbara budget.
According to experts, the steep rise in the Israeli
regime's Hasbara budget this year is linked to
growing anger and outrage across the world
over the Israeli regime's ongoing genocidal
war crimes in Gaza.
The arrest warrants issued against Benjamin Netanyahu
and Yoav Gallant by the International Criminal Court
(ICC) as well as the historic rulings by the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) on
the Gaza genocide have contributed
to the surge in anti-Zionist
sentiment worldwide.
The daily war crimes and massacres in Gaza, according
to experts, have put the Israeli regime in a dangerous
position with even pro-regime voices now calling
for the end of occupation in Palestine.
The recent Israeli military raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital
in the northern Gaza Strip, which led to the mass
detention of medical staff --- including the
hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya,
triggered widespread protests globally,
which still continue.
In New York City, demonstrators outside the Israeli
consulate chanted "Free Gaza!" and "Stop the
Siege!" In London, crowds at Trafalgar Square
held signs reading "Healthcare is a Human
Right" and "End Israeli Apartheid."
Activists in Paris marched near the Eiffel Tower,
shouting "Solidarity with Palestine!" and
"No More War Crimes."
In Berlin, protesters at Brandenburg Gate displayed
banners saying "Defend Medical Facilities!" and
"Justice for Gaza!" In Toronto, rallies at Nathan
Phillips Square echoed calls for "Peace
in Palestine."
These demonstrations indicate growing anti-Israel
sentiment across the Western world, where
governments have been complicit in the
ongoing genocide in Gaza.
According to the Israeli daily The Times of Israel, the
allocation of the budget comes as "public opinion"
about the Israeli regime in the United States and
other countries has been "intensely battered."
The Israeli regime's foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar was
quoted as saying that the budget will be directed
toward influencing "sentiment in the foreign
press and on social media."
Sa'ar also stated his intention to focus on "American
college campuses," adding that the initiative will be
carried out in cooperation with US Zionist groups.
In April 2024, a wave of college protests swept across
the US ----- marking a significant escalation in student
activism regarding the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza.
The movement began at Columbia University on April 17,
when students set up a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment"
with around 50 tents, demanding that the university
divest from companies supporting Israel.
Following police intervention and mass arrests on April
18, solidarity encampments quickly spread to over 100
campuses nationwide, which were suppressed by law
enforcement agencies.
The Israeli daily Maariv quoted Sa'ar as saying
that he was determined to make a change.
“Every shekel devoted to this cause is an investment,
not an expense, and will strengthen Israel and its
standing in the world," he said, referring to
the Hasbara project.
According to reports, he has held sessions with
social media influencers, cultural figures, and
public diplomacy advocates abroad to
discuss strategies for implementing
the plan. Among the attendees at
these sessions were former
Israeli officials, media
influencers ----- and
even comedians.
On Thursday, Sa'ar held a meeting with a group of
candidates and emphasized the need for a
strategic shift in the regime's approach,
referring to the effort --- as
"consciousness warfare"
rather than "Hasbara."
Throughout the session, Sa'ar reiterated how the
distorted Israeli regime image worldwide has
constrained Tel Aviv’s political leadership's
ability to maneuver on the world stage.
Meanwhile, activists have criticized and ridiculed the
move, arguing that it seeks to justify the regime's
genocidal campaign in Gaza, which has drawn
widespread international condemnation.
The budget increase for the so-called "public diplomacy"
coincides with intensified Israeli military raids on
Gaza's health facilities, including Kamal Adwan
Hospital in northern Gaza.
The last functioning health facility in northern Gaza
was recently fully evacuated, and medical staff
were detained, with no information available
regarding their whereabouts.
Since the start of the war on Gaza in October 2023,
1,068 medical staff members have been martyred.
Additionally, 331 medical personnel have been
detained, with many executed inside prisons.
The Israeli attacks have rendered 34 hospitals non-
functional - forced the closure of 80 health centres,
--- and targeted 162 health facilities. At least seven
mass graves have been identified inside hospitals.
As the Israeli foreign ministry announced its increased
budget for influencers, corporate figure Van Jones
appeared alongside Noa Tishby, a producer,
actress, and an outspoken supporter of
Israeli policies.
On December 29th, Tishby shared a video on her
X account (formerly Twitter) featuring Jones
participating in lighting the "first-ever
Hanukkah candle.”
"@VanJones68 joins me - to light his first-ever Hanukkah
candle. We talked about the powerful bond between the
Black and Jewish communities and the importance of
showing up for one another," she wrote, with many
linking it to the new Hasbara project.
Tishby described Jones as "one of the strongest allies
the Jewish community has had in recent years." The
US author responded by saying they seek to
"repair the world."
The video sparked backlash on social media. Some
commented on Tishby’s post by highlighting
instances of the mistreatment of Black
individuals by illegal settlers in the
occupied territories.
“This is how your people treat Black people in
IsraHell!” wrote a user named Truth Seeker.
On its X account, Drop Site shared a video showing
young boys planting a barrel and explained that
“coordinated Hasbara campaigns” usually
involve prominent propagandists
(Hasbaraists), who spread the
same misinformation despite
substantial evidence to
the contrary.
It also documented how the same undated video was
shared by propagandist accounts, all claiming that
the young boys were Hamas members planting
bombs near a hospital in Gaza.
The page further noted that the video was
initially shared by COGAT, the Israeli
regime body... responsible for
coordinating aid into Gaza,
and was amplified.... by
prominent Hasbarists.
According to the account, this release coincided with
global outrage over Israel’s attack on Kamal Adwan
Hospital in northern Gaza, during which the
hospital was burned down, its director
abducted and reportedly sent to one
of Israel’s notorious prisons...
for torture.
In Slough, when people complained about
the stench from the industrial estate and
traffic fumes... the local buses added
rose petal perfume to the deisel....
Hasbara!
What do you think the apartheid
colonialists, should do?
_________________________________
Hind RajabFoundation ----- names
Israeli war criminals vacationing
after Gaza genocide
December 21st, 4:38pm
by Alireza Akbari
On December 12th, an X account associated with the
Israeli spy agency Mossad --- issued a stern warning
to regime soldiers against sharing personal photos
on social media.
“Do not post a picture of yourself in the battlefields of
Gaza or elsewhere,” it said, underscoring the risks of
exposure to an identity-revealing campaign targeting
members of the Israeli forces.
More than 45,000 Palestinians, most of them children
and women, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since
October 7 last year in the Israeli regime's all-out
genocidal war ----- backed by the West.
The X page affiliated with Mossad highlighted concerns
over a group identifying Israeli soldiers and sharing
their details with foreign authorities in countries
where the soldiers might be vacationing.
It warned Israeli soldiers that they may be "arrested"
and their vacation could turn into a "nightmare.”
Its reference... was to the Hind Rajab Foundation, named
in memory of a Palestinian girl who was tragically killed
alongside her family, by Israeli forces, late last year.
"It is too late; the evidence has been documented.
War criminals who have essentially testified
against themselves --- will not escape
justice," the foundation responded
to the advisory.
“However,” it hastened to add, “the true nightmare is not
that their vacation is ruined—it is the genocide these
criminals have committed.”
Mossad’s warning follows an earlier notice by the Israeli
military in early December, advising around 30 soldiers
to avoid traveling abroad ---- due to legal complaints
filed against them for war crimes.
In October 2024, the Hind Rajab Foundation filed a formal
complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC)
against 1,000 Israeli soldiers --- for perpetrating
war crimes against Palestinians in Gaza.
The foundation, a branch of the March 30 Movement,
was established following Israel’s genocidal war on
Gaza in October 2023, which has since spawned
the worst humanitarian crisis there.
The complaint targeted soldiers across all ranks, from
high-ranking generals and air marshals to low-ranking
personnel ----- for direct involvement in genocidal war
crimes in the besieged Palestinian strip.
The case was bolstered by over 8,000 pieces of
evidence, including videos, audio recordings,
forensic reports, and social media
documentation, meticulously
detailing the soldiers’
war crimes.
The ongoing Israeli genocidal campaign, which began
in October last year, has resulted in over 45,227
Palestinian deaths and left more than
107,573 injured.
Despite the mounting international outcry, some Israeli
soldiers have continued to flaunt their involvement in
the Gaza genocide, sharing photos and videos of
their war crimes on platforms like TikTok
and Instagram.
The simmering humanitarian crisis in Gaza, coupled with
Israeli soldiers boasting about their diabolic war crimes
has now prompted legal experts, activists, and human
rights organizations - to intensify their efforts to hold
the perpetrators accountable for these atrocities.
Among these organizations is the Hind Rajab Foundation,
which has identified several Israeli regime soldiers
and filed complaints regarding their war crimes
in the Gaza Strip.
The foundation is also informing the countries
where these soldiers are vacationing to urge
those governments to arrest the Israeli war
criminals over the ongoing genocidal war.
Israeli soldiers identified by Hind Rajab Foundation
On December the 18th, the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF)
announced ------- the identification of Gal Ferenbook, an
Israeli soldier implicated in the killing of a Palestinian
civilian and the degrading treatment of their remains.
It located Ferenbook in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and
formally demanded his immediate arrest by the
Sri Lankan authorities. It also submitted a
complaint to the ICC and requested
Interpol to issue a red notice
for his capture.
Ferenbook, a member of Company B, Sayeret Golani,
sparked outrage on August the 9th, 2024, when he
uploaded a video to his Instagram account
showing himself inside an armoured
personnel carrier (APC) in Gaza
after committing war crimes.
The footage, which was widely shared and condemned,
captured Ferenbook watching the remains of a
deceased Palestinian civilian on the
vehicle’s monitor.
The video also included a voice, speaking in Hebrew,
mocking the situation and referring to Ferenbook as
“Gal Foundouk, our terminator,” while laughing and
pointing to the remains.
Ferenbook, seen smiling and boasting, treated the
deceased as a war trophy, a clear violation of
international humanitarian law, according
to legal experts.
The video, corroborated by metadata and other
contextual evidence, confirms Ferenbook’s
presence in Gaza during Israeli genocidal
offensives and implicates him in
horrendous war crimes.
These include the outrages upon the personal dignity
of the deceased, the unlawful killing of a civilian,
and the destruction of civilian infrastructure
outside military necessity.
HRF's complaint, submitted under Article 15 of the Rome
Statute, calls on the ICC to open an investigation into
Ferenbook’s crimes.
The crimes include: outraging personal dignity (Article 8
(2)(b)(xxi)), willful killing of a protected person (Article 8
(2)(a)(i)), and destruction of civilian infrastructure
without military necessity (Article 8(2)(b)(ii)).
Israeli media, meanwhile, reported that the war criminal
Ferenbook had fled Sri Lanka, after the Brussels-based
foundation filed the case against him.
On December the 6th in 2024, HRF filed a legal complaint
in France --- against the Israeli regime soldier Roi Hakimi,
on charges of acts of terror & enforced disappearances
during Israel's genocidal war on Gaza.
The complaint, submitted under French criminal law, said
that Hakimi, a Master Sergeant in the Palhod Unit of the
Nahal Brigade, committed serious violations of
international law during the offensive.
Evidence presented includes Hakimi’s own social media
posts, which feature photos and videos of him in Gaza,
armed and in military uniform, amidst scenes of
widespread destruction.
The posts also document detainees in degrading
conditions and actions ------ indicative of gross
violations of international humanitarian law.
One particularly incriminating image depicts Palestinian
detainees, bound and stripped to their undergarments,
standing in freezing temperatures at night, amid
the ruins of Gaza.
The complaint asserts, that such treatment amounts to
torture and enforced disappearances — both explicitly
prohibited under international law and recognized as
crimes under French statutes.
The case relies on Articles 689-1, 689-2, and 689-13 of
the French Code of Criminal Procedure -- which grant
French courts jurisdiction over international crimes, including torture and enforced disappearances,
if the accused is present in France.
Hakimi is currently believed to be on French soil,
as evidenced by his social media activity, which
shows him spending quality time at a ski resort
in Savoie.
Brussels-based HRF has called on the French authorities
to exercise their jurisdiction and initiate immediate legal
proceedings to hold Hakimi accountable for war crimes.
On December the 3rd, in 2024, the HRF, in collaboration
with the March 30 Movement --- urged Belgium to deny
accreditation to Colonel Moshe Tetro, Israel’s newly
appointed military attaché.
The groups cited Tetro’s involvement in war crimes,
crimes against humanity, and genocide during his
tenure as head of the Coordination and Liaison
Administration for the Gaza Strip (CLA).
In a formal complaint filed with the ICC, it accused Tetro
of implementing policies that deliberately starved
Gaza’s population - by restricting essential
resources such as food, water, and
medical supplies.
These measures, described as a form of man-made
famine, have been condemned as collective
punishment targeting one of the world’s
most vulnerable civilian populations.
The ICC has previously addressed the use of starvation
as a method of warfare, notably in its warrants against
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the
military affairs minister, Yoav Gallant.
HRF argued that Tetro’s actions followed the same
pattern, perpetuating widespread suffering --- in
violation of international humanitarian law.
Tetro is also accused of directing attacks on hospitals,
including the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis city and
Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, resulting in mass
civilian casualties.
Evidence submitted to the ICC -------- includes records of Tetro’s communications with hospital directors, before the attacks - which systematically dismantled Gaza’s
healthcare system, leaving civilians without access
to critical medical care.
In a letter to Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HRF
Chairman Dyab Abou Jahjah emphasized Belgium’s
moral and legal responsibility ------- to reject
Tetro’s accreditation.
HRF and its partners have called on Belgium to take a
principled stand against impunity by denying Colonel
Moshe Tetro... diplomatic recognition.
The case has underscored the growing push for
accountability over Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
On November the 29th, the HRF, in partnership with the
March 30 Movement and represented by the attorney
Haroon Raza ------ filed another legal complaint in
Amsterdam, demanding the immediate arrest
and prosecution of three Israeli regime
soldiers for war crimes in Gaza.
The accused ------- Yehuda Tsfa, Yotam Shmuelevich, and
Liran Magal --- are members of the Latak Unit of the 932
“Granit” Battalion of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).
They participated in the destruction of civilian
properties in Gaza, including the burning of
homes in Gaza City and the destruction of
critical infrastructure, at Rafah Crossing.
The complaint, grounded in international humanitarian
law, asserts that these actions constitute grave
violations of the laws of armed conflict, which
protect civilian objects and prohibit attacks
that are indiscriminate, disproportionate,
or lacking military necessity.
The targeted destruction of civilian homes and
infrastructure is highlighted ---- as part of a
broader pattern of collective punishment
against the Gaza population.
The complaint referenced key provisions
of international law, to substantiate
the allegations:
Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the
destruction of property by an occupying power unless
necessary for military operations. The burning of
homes and destruction at the Rafah Crossing
do not meet this criterion.
Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention classifies
extensive destruction of property, as not justified by
military necessity and carried out unlawfully and
wantonly, as a grave breach of the Convention.
Article 54 of Protocol I --------- prohibits attacks on objects
indispensable to the survival of civilians, including food
supplies and drinking water installations. The Rafah
Crossing, essential for the delivery of food and
medical aid, falls within this category.
Article 8(2)(b)(ii) of the Rome Statute criminalizes
deliberate attacks on civilian objects that are
not military objectives.
Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the Rome Statute prohibits
starvation of civilians as a method of warfare -
including depriving them of objects essential
to their survival.
Rafah Crossing’s destruction has had devastating
consequences for Gaza’s civilian population,
exacerbating famine by blocking the flow
of food, medical supplies, and other
essential goods.
The deliberate targeting of such infrastructure,
the complaint argues, represents a calculated
strategy to collectively punish civilians --- in
violation of international law, according
to experts.
The complaint stresses that, under international law,
the Dutch authorities are obligated to act, as the
accused soldiers have reportedly been
present in the Netherlands.
By invoking legal precedents.. from the ICC and the
International Court of Justice (ICJ), the foundation
highlighted the responsibility of states -------
to apprehend and prosecute individuals
suspected of war crimes, and crimes
against humanity.
This case not only seeks accountability for the actions
of Tsfa, Shmuelevich, and Magal but also underscores
the critical need --- to address the ongoing impact of
such violations on the civilian population of Gaza.
On November the 27th, in 2024, the HRF submitted a
formal complaint to the ICC against Israeli soldier
Liam Shkedi, accusing him of war crimes, crimes
against humanity, genocide, and crimes
of aggression.
The complaint -- demands Shkedi's
immediate arrest and prosecution.
It detailed Shkedi’s involvement.. in the destruction
of a civilian home in Ni’lin, Ramallah, on March 23,
2023, as well as his role in a massacre in Gaza’s
Al-Bureij camp.
The attacks on Al-Bureij -- which targeted densely
populated residential areas, caused devastating
civilian casualties ---- and were characterized
as indiscriminate.
These incidents, the complaint asserts, are part
of a broader pattern of systematic violations of
international humanitarian law. The actions
attributed to Shkedi highlight the deliberate
targeting of civilians and civilian
infrastructure in Gaza and the
occupied West Bank.
HRF confirmed, that Shkedi is currently in Dubai, United
Arab Emirates, and formally requested that the Emirati authorities arrest him. Citing the UAE’s obligations
under international law, the Foundation urged his
immediate transfer to the ICC for prosecution.
To substantiate the case filed against the soldier, HRF
provided extensive video and photographic evidence,
including material sourced from Shkedi’s own social
media accounts.
The evidence reportedly documents his participation
in unlawful attacks on civilian infrastructure.
On November the 18th, in 2024, the HRF announced it
was investigating reports of the possible detention
of Israeli reserve officer Elisha Livman in Cyprus,
after complaints of war crimes committed
in Gaza.
Despite the development, Livman reportedly fled Cyprus
with direct assistance from the Israeli regime, as was
revealed by the Israeli newspaper, Israel Hayom.
This intervention, described by the HRF as a "brazen
example of state-sponsored impunity" --- has drawn
sharp criticism for undermining international law
and obstructing justice.
The HRF --- had filed a formal complaint with the Cypriot authorities, presenting extensive evidence of Livman’s involvement in war crimes. Among the evidence -- was video footage showing Livman setting fire to a civilian home in Gaza, declaring: “We will not stop until we
burn all of Gaza.”
The HRF highlighted that his statements and actions
demonstrate clear genocidal intent, violating both
the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute.
In a strongly worded statement, the HRF condemned
Livman’s escape, orchestrated with the active involvement of the Israeli regime. “This is
not just an obstruction of justice; it is
a deliberate attempt to shield a war
criminal from accountability,”
it said.
It also underscored that Cyprus retains full
jurisdiction over the case and called for
the investigation into Livman
to continue.
On November the 6th, in 2024 --- the HRF formally
requested the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)
in the UK to launch an investigation into Alon
Elgali, Chief Executive Officer of Meshek
Afar Limited, for war crimes in Gaza.
Elgali was reportedly in the UK at the time of the
complaint ---- accused of direct involvement in
grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions
and international humanitarian law.
The HRF’s letter to the MPS Commissioner detailed the
complaint that Elgali oversaw and participated in the
unlawful destruction and appropriation of civilian
property, including a mosque in Rafah, southern
Gaza Strip, between October the 31st and
November the 4th, 2024.
These actions, targeting civilian infrastructure in
protected areas, are cited as potential war
crimes under the UK’s ICC Act 2001 and
Geneva Conventions Act 1957.
The HRF provided video and photographic evidence
from Elgali’s social media accounts, which show
him operating and supervising bulldozers
demolishing civilian structures.
Witness statements corroborated that Meshek Afar
Limited was stationed in Rafah, specifically for
these operations demolitions.
Under Article 8(2)(a)(iv) of the Rome Statute,
the intentional destruction of civilian
property without military necessity
is classified as a war crime.
Additionally, Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention
identifies extensive destruction of civilian property as
a “grave breach,” requiring contracting parties, such
as the UK, to take legal action against those
responsible.
The HRF urged the Metropolitan Police’s Counter
Terrorism Command (CTC), which specializes in
investigating complex international crimes,
to prioritize the case.
The HRF highlighted guidelines from the College of
Policing, emphasizing the importance of handling
such serious complaints with urgency,
impartiality, and diligence.
On October the 24th, in 2024, another complaint was
filed in Ecuador against Sahar Enrique Cohen, an
Ecuadorian citizen over war crimes and crimes
against humanity during the Israeli genocide
in Gaza.
The complaint, submitted to the Criminal Court
of Guayas, seeks prosecution under both
Ecuadorian and international law for
Cohen’s role in systematic attacks
targeting Palestinian civilians
and medical facilities.
Cohen is accused of participating in the March 18,
2024, assault on Al-Shifa Hospital.... in Gaza City,
where thousands of civilians had sought refuge.
The attack resulted in the deaths of patients, including
children and the elderly --- due to the destruction of
critical medical infrastructure and the intentional
denial of life-saving resources.
The complaint terms these assaults as genocide and
crimes against humanity under international law.
The filing also details horrific acts of torture and
persecution committed by Cohen, including
physical and psychological abuse, forced
nudity, rape, and the deprivation of
essential resources like food
and water.
Citing Article 14 of Ecuador’s Comprehensive Organic
Criminal Code (COIP), the Foundation called on
Ecuador to prosecute Cohen for these grave
violations, asserting that Ecuadorian
jurisdiction..... extends to crimes
committed beyond its borders
when they contravene
international human
rights laws.
On October 18, 2024, the HRF revealed evidence that
Israeli war criminal Moshe Gafni was present in the
United Arab Emirates.
It announced plans to officially request his arrest and
notify UAE authorities. “We will officially request his
arrest and notify the UAE authorities.”
On October the 13th, in 2024, French-Israeli singer
Refael Allush was accused of involvement in the
ongoing genocide in Gaza. Allush participated
in the destruction, looting, and appropriation
of civilian homes and neighbourhoods,
according to the HRF.
Despite these complaints, Allush continued to travel
freely to France -------------- to perform at social events.
On October the 5th, in 2024, HRF issued an urgent call
to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ---- urging them
to arrest the Israeli war criminal.. and US citizen
Elias Gibs in accordance with international law.
It confirmed credible information about Gibs' presence in
the UAE, identifying him as a member of the infamous
Ghost Unit (Refaim). Gibs is implicated in the killing
of 120 Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The March 30 Movement, which partnered with the
Foundation, echoed these concerns, emphasizing
the urgency of Gibs' arrest, under the UAE's
obligations to international law.
On September the 27th, in 2024, the HRF revealed that
Israeli soldier Moshe Avichzer had been detained
in Morocco --- for his involvement in war crimes
committed during Israeli offensives in Gaza.
It reiterated its stance that "justice and accountability
must prevail," ---- highlighting the significance of
the detention ---- as a step toward holding
war criminals accountable.
Hats off to these wonderfully patient people
pursuing justice for the Palestinians. I say
.....thank you and God bless you!
What do you say?
__________________________________________
Assad knew, aligning with pro-Israel Arab
rulers - would mean betrayal of Palestine
by Omer Khaled
December 18th 3:09pm
Doomsayers are imprudently speculating that the
resistance axis has been crushed in Syria with
the ouster of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of
West-backed militant groups.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The resistance axis has in fact neutralized a significant
strategic threat --- which will become evident over time.
This axis remains undefeatable ---- and continues to be
a formidable force in the region.
The strategic importance of Syria to the resistance axis
in its protracted struggle against Israeli occupation and
Western imperialism cannot be overstated. Syria has
been a key player in this fight.
For decades, Syria served as a crucial logistical route for
supplying weapons to resistance groups in Lebanon and
Palestine, steadfastly supporting them despite crippling
sanctions and terrorism.
This unwavering commitment to the resistance front with
the goal of the liberation of occupied Palestinian
territories from Zionist occupation, ultimately -
cost Assad his long-standing hold on power.
Assad’s removal from power had for long figured high on
the agenda of the Zionist regime and its Western allies.
While the resistance axis and the Assad government
in Damascus were focused on confronting Israeli
occupation, some Arab states moved to
normalize ties with the very regime.
The farce of normalization with the Israeli occupation
not only represented a betrayal of the Palestinian
cause that the Arab nations claim to support,
but also served as a means to settle scores
with Assad.
Most of these regimes in the Arab world have for long
only offered lip service for the Palestinian cause to
avoid being in the crosshairs of the Tel Aviv
regime and its patron-in-chief, the US.
The 1978 Camp David Accords marked the beginning of
efforts by some Arab nations.... to normalize the Israeli
occupation of Palestine. This trend continued with the
1993 Oslo Accords, in which the Palestinian Liberation
Organization (PLO) formally recognized the illegitimate
Zionist entity.
Neither of these agreements found support or
acceptance among the people of West Asia,
including Palestinians. Nevertheless,
both deals played a significant role
in solidifying the presence of the
illegitimate entity on occupied
Palestinian land.
The 2020 Abraham Accords, orchestrated by showman-
turned-president Donald Trump, marked another major
milestone in the campaign to legitimize the illegal
occupation of Palestine. Many Arab regimes
fell into the vicious trap --- in exchange
for meager economic incentives.
Authoritarian regimes across the Arab world openly
competed to normalize relations with the Israeli
regime, publicly confirming what had been
privately known for decades — their
betrayal of Palestine.
This trajectory continued until October 7, 2023, when
Operation Al-Aqsa Flood changed everything. This
historic event fundamentally altered regional
dynamics and shook the very foundation
of the Zionist occupation ------- and its
Western patrons.
The October the 7th operation, launched in response to
decades of occupation, oppression, and subjugation,
was followed ----- by an all-out genocidal campaign
against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
In light of the genocidal war crimes perpetrated by the
Israeli regime in besieged Gaza — later.... extended to
Lebanon — normalizing relations with the occupation
ceased to be seen as a viable course of action.
Even some Western countries publicly condemned the
genocidal war crimes, and the International Criminal
Court (ICC) was compelled to issue arrest warrants
for Israeli war criminals.
Since the outset of the occupation of Palestine and the
establishment of the illegitimate apartheid entity on
stolen land, the US has acted as its sword & shield,
providing unwavering support to entrench the
occupation --- and enable settler-colonial
activities in the occupied territories.
For any country seeking favor with American elites and
the privileges that come with it, the formula has been
simple and clear: establish ties with the Israeli
occupation and turn a blind eye to its
atrocities against the Palestinians,
including women and children.
This is the primary reason --- why some Arab and Muslim
countries in recent years chose to shake hands stained
with the blood of Palestinian children for short-term
gains. However, the resistance axis refused to
compromise, standing its ground firmly in
rejecting the West-sponsored settler-
colonial project.
The Israeli-US project employed every tool at its disposal
to knock out the resistance axis and coerce countries in
West Asia into submission. While many yielded, Syria
remained steadfast in its support for the axis,
despite suffering - in many different ways.
The occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights and the
deep-seated hatred for the Zionist regime among
ordinary Syrians made the fight against the
occupation an existential priority for
the Syrian government.
Thus, ensuring the survival of this "cancerous tumour"
required one thing: the removal of Assad in Syria. Any
ruling dispensation in Syria that regards the Israeli
regime as an enemy would inevitably face
unrelenting hostility.
For years, Western powers, backed by the Israeli regime,
sought to overthrow the democratically elected Assad
government in Damascus, employing sanctions,
terrorist groups, and foreign mercenaries,
as part of their strategy.
After years of crippling and draconian Western sanctions
that decimated Syria’s economic infrastructure and
plunged its society into poverty, Assad was left
with limited choices.
Either he had to fight the armed militants while his army
was on the brink of collapse, or he had to accept offers
from Arab monarchies -- to abandon support for the
Palestinian cause -- and embrace Israel.
Assad fully understood what aligning with Arab rulers
who colluded with the US and Zionists would entail.
Such a move would inevitably draw him closer to
the US and, ultimately, require normalizing ties
with Israel. That - was the proverbial red line.
Amid this strategic ambiguity, Syria, steadfast in
its commitment to the resistance axis, was not
offered on a platter to the Zionist enemy, as
many mistakenly assume.
Instead, these turn of events have created a
new opportunity for the axis to shock
the enemy in the future.
Omer Khaled is a Syrian journalist who has covered
foreign-backed militancy in the Arab country for
many years.
(The views expressed in this article
do not necessarily reflect those of
Press TV.)
No, but they represent the views
of those... who have watched
the US and Israel - blowing
the arms and legs off of
children. What do you
think about that?
_________________________________
South Korea --- Eyes
a Rich BRICS Road,
to the Global South
by Lakhvinder Singh
December 4th, 2024
(BRICS PORTAL)
In 2024, the BRICS nations continue to consolidate their influence
in the global arena, collectively accounting for over 40% of the
world’s population and approximately 30% of global GDP
in purchasing power parity terms.
According to recent IMF projections, BRICS countries are set to
contribute over 50% of global GDP growth in the coming years,
underscoring their increasing weight in the international
economic landscape.
China and India, in particular, remain the principal economic
engines of the group - each maintaining robust trajectories
fueled by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and India’s
ascendancy as a prominent manufacturing hub.
Complementing these giants, Russia leverages its vast energy
resources, Brazil capitalizes on its agricultural and natural
wealth and South Africa anchors the coalition’s outreach
on the African continent. This strategic diversity enables
BRICS to wield considerable influence in shaping global
economic and political agendas.
Today, the BRICS is positioning itself as a counterweight to
traditional Western-led financial institutions like the IMF
and World Bank, aiming to restore balance and justice
in the emerging global economic order.
Central to this effort is the New Development Bank (NDB),
which began with an initial capital of US$100 billion to
fund infrastructure and sustainable projects,
extending beyond the BRICS members
to other emerging economies.
This initiative, combined with efforts to promote trade in local
currencies, reflects a strategy to reduce reliance on dollar-
based systems and challenge Western dominance in
global financial governance.
Moreover... BRICS has increasingly positioned itself as
a representative of the Global South --- advocating for
principles of non-interference & mutual development.
The 2024 BRICS summit in Russia reinforced this by welcoming
Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE,
highlighting its ambition to form a more inclusive
grouping with greater global influence.
Today, BRICS is not merely an economic grouping; it represents
the desire of the Global South for a shift toward a multipolar
global order, with the grouping increasingly diverging from
Western narratives on critical geopolitical issues.
This rising influence is reflected in efforts to reshape the
international financial architecture, promote new
development models ------ and challenge the
dominance of Western-led institutions
in international politics.
The group’s coherence in advancing the interests of the Global
South and its proactive pursuit of economic sovereignty and
technological self-reliance is pivotal to its vision of a new
world order.
Strategic Seoul positioning
South Korea’s rise as a major economic and technological player
has positioned it as an influential actor in global geopolitics. As
a significant member of the G20 -- and an active participant in
multilateral forums, South Korea has consistently advocated
for greater representation of emerging economies in global
governance institutions.
Despite its non-membership in BRICS, South Korea shares many of
the coalition’s aspirations, particularly in diversifying economic
partnerships and reducing dependence on a Western-centric
international order.
South Korea’s strategic policies, such as the New Southern Policy
(NSP), emphasize greater engagement with emerging economies
in South and Southeast Asia, regions where BRICS nations,
particularly India, hold considerable sway.
Furthermore, South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy aligns with BRICS
interests, particularly in fostering connectivity and infrastructure
development, providing fertile ground for deeper engagement
on both bilateral and multilateral platforms.
For South Korea, closer cooperation with BRICS, offers numerous
benefits. By actively engaging with BRICS-led initiatives such as
the NDB, South Korea can gain a foothold in emerging financial
frameworks, reducing its reliance on traditional Western
financial systems and broadening its influence in
global economic governance.
This involvement also positions South Korea as a neutral partner
that bridges traditional Western alliances with emerging powers
in BRICS, enhancing its diplomatic leverage and strategic
flexibility in an increasingly multipolar world.
The diversification of its export markets, supply chains, and
diplomatic engagements through partnerships with BRICS
nations will be essential for maintaining competitiveness
and securing long-term interests.
Collaborating with BRICS institutions, also provides South Korea
the opportunity to access emerging markets, and participate in
the growing regional integration efforts among BRICS members
and their allies.
India-South Korea in BRICS embrace
India and South Korea are already strong strategic and economic
partners. However... as BRICS expands its influence in the global
arena with India as a key player, it presents a unique opportunity
for South Korea to enhance its global status by strengthening its
bilateral ties and collaborating more closely on global security
and strategic issues.
Both nations possess complementary strengths and shared
interests, making cooperation increasingly beneficial amid
shifting global dynamics. India and South Korea have
established a robust economic partnership, but
there is still significant potential to deepen
trade and investment ties.
In the wake of BRICS’ rise, the two countries could focus on
expanding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA) to include areas such as digital
trade, intellectual property rights, and services.
This would not only provide preferential market
access and boost bilateral trade volumes but
also help South Korea strengthen its ties
with the Global South.
Additionally, South Korea can leverage India as an alternative
manufacturing hub amid shifting global supply chains,
particularly in electronics, semiconductors and
automotive manufacturing.
Participation in India’s ambitious infrastructure projects, such as
the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and the Smart Cities
Mission, presents further opportunities for Korean firms to
expand their influence and capitalize on India’s rapid
growth trajectory, reinforcing South Korea’s
engagement with BRICS countries.
The evolving geopolitical landscape demands stronger strategic
ties between South Korea and the Global South. Closer
cooperation with India in maintaining a free and
inclusive Indo-Pacific region, enhancing naval
coordination, and strengthening joint efforts
in counter-piracy and in counterterrorism
operations will bolster regional security
and stability, enhancing South Korea’s
role as a net security provider.
Moreover, the defense industries of both countries offer scope for
collaboration in areas such as co-production of defense systems
and joint development of critical technologies like missile
defense, drones, and cybersecurity, reducing the Global
South’s dependence on Western defense industries
for national defense capabilities.
Both India and South Korea are leaders in innovation and
technology, and collaboration in emerging fields such as
South Korea’s leadership in semiconductors can further support
India’s ambitions to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem
through joint investments and technology transfers, thereby
boosting India’s position within the Global South.
Strengthening cultural ties... and enhancing people-to-people
exchanges are essential for sustaining deeper collaboration.
By deepening academic exchanges, providing scholarships,
establishing joint research centres, and promoting cultural
collaborations in areas such as film, music, and cuisine,
South Korea can enhance mutual understanding and
support broader partnerships with India.
This cultural engagement can serve as a gateway for South Korea
to connect with BRICS nations and the Global South, which has
been a challenge due to its close ties with the United States
and Western-dominated institutions. Developing deeper
cultural relations with India... can correct this
diplomatic anomaly and allow South Korea
to extend its engagement beyond the
US and the West.
India and South Korea share common values of democracy,
development and international cooperation. With the rise
of BRICS, India can act as a bridge, bringing South
Korean perspectives into multilateral dialogues.
Joint efforts in platforms like the G20, UN, and
ASEAN can enhance diplomatic influence and
promote shared interests, including global
governance reforms, climate action
and cybersecurity.
Sustainability remains a key concern for South Korea.
Collaborative projects with India and BRICS member
countries in renewable energy infrastructure, smart
grids, electric mobility -- and autonomous transport
systems, can contribute to mutual energy security
and support a sustainable future while integrating
South Korea’s economy more deeply with the
rising Global South. By focusing on green
technologies, India and South Korea can
play a pivotal role in the global
energy transition.
South Korea’s engagement with BRICS, especially through
its strengthened partnership with India, offers a strategic
pathway for enhancing its global influence and securing
its long-term interests in an evolving multipolar world.
A robust partnership for a new era
As a member of the US-led security order in Northeast Asia and
heavily dependent on the United States for its security and
economic prosperity, it may not be easy for South Korea
to become a member of BRICS in the near future.
However, as the global order evolves with the rise of BRICS,
South Korea is uniquely positioned to enhance its
cooperation and engage in BRICS initiatives.
The rise of BRICS signifies a shift towards a multipolar global
order, wherein traditional power dynamics are being
redefined, and emerging economies are asserting
their influence on the world stage.
By proactively engaging with BRICS, South Korea can secure
strategic advantages, reduce its dependency on traditional
Western institutions, and expand its economic and
geopolitical reach.
South Korea’s strategic positioning as an intermediary between
Western alliances and BRICS nations - presents an opportunity
to shape regional and global dialogues, ensuring that its voice
remains influential amidst shifting power structures.
By focusing on strategic, economic, and technological
collaboration with India and engaging with the
broader BRICS coalition, South Korea can
protect its interests, seize new
opportunities and bolster its
status in an increasingly
multipolar world.
The foundation of South Korea’s partnership with India rests on
shared values, mutual trust, and complementary strengths,
making their cooperation pivotal, for navigating the
uncertainties of a changing global landscape.
Actively engaging with BRICS allows South Korea to align itself
with a coalition that is reshaping the global order, securing its
position as a key player in the evolving multipolar landscape,
and expanding its influence on the global stage.
This proactive engagement..... not only enhances South Korea’s
diplomatic & economic leverage but also solidifies its role as a
dynamic actor in a redefined global order - positioning itself as
a bridge between the emerging powers and those established
global players.
It is time for South Korea to adjust its diplomatic strategy to
claim its due place in the emerging new order in the region.
Lakhvinder Singh is director of peace and
security studies at the Asia Institute in
Seoul, South Korea.
Asia Times
Source: asiatimes.com
What a beautiful piece!
What do you think?
______________________________________
"Kaya Kallas is good for Russia":
the Balts --- will help the EU
collapse
by Evgeny Umerenkov
November 30th, 6:57pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
Political analyst Mezhevich explained the advantages
of appointing Kaya Kallas as the EU's top diplomat.
The EU Parliament, has approved the new composition of the EU Commission. Among 27 EU commissioners
- ministers who will join a new EU government from
December the 1st - there are three Balts at once.
Kaya Kallas, the former Prime Minister of Estonia, will
replace the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrel. Former
Prime Minister of Lithuania, Andrius Kubilius - will
become the Commissioner for Defense and Space
- this post is newly created. Valdis Dombrovskis
the former Prime Minister of Latvia, will be the Commissioner for the Economy.
What can we expect from them in the EU government? On this, I had a conversation with Nikolai Mezhevich
the President of the Russian Association for
Baltic Studies.
CALLAS IS A WANTED MAN
In February 2024, Kaju Kallas, then Prime Minister of
Estonia, was put on the wanted list by the Russian Interior Ministry. Presidential press Secretary,
Dmitry Peskov explained - that this step was
a response to its "hostile actions towards
both historical memory and our country."
Callas has made it clear that while serving in the EU,
she will seek indefinite sanctions against Russia.
"We should not be afraid of our own strength," the
Estonian woman said, about the possibility of
sending NATO troops to Ukraine. "Russia
says that this or that step is an
escalation, but defense is
not an escalation."
KUBILIUS IS PREPARING FOR WAR
At the hearing on his appointment to the post of
EU Commissioner, Andrius Kubilius said that he
expects --- a war with the Russian Federation
within "six to eight years" (despite the fact
that President Vladimir Putin called such
speculation "absolute nonsense"). So -
the EU is obliged, to increase military
production. In general, Kubilius sees
his main task as --- "preparing for
military aggression against EU
member states by Russia."
DOMBROVSKIS IS LOOKING FOR RUSSIAN MONEY
Former Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, has
been working in the EU structures for 15 years. In his
native country, he became famous for reducing the
pensions of working pensioners by 70%, and non-
working - by 10% (later, the Constitutional Court
declared this illegal).
"Russia -------- is obligated to pay reparations to Ukraine,"
Dombrovskis said a year ago -- as vice-president of the
EU Commission. "That's why we need to pay attention
to frozen Russian assets, including the reserves of
the Central Bank of the Russian Federation."
Dombrovskis called the signing of a memorandum
between the EU and Ukraine... on assistance to
Kiev for $18 billion euros - at the expense of
profits from our frozen assets -
"a great honour".
THE JUDAS TEAM
- Why is there such a preference for the Baltic States?
- If you were recruiting Jesus Christ for the team, only
people would be needed. But for the Judas team,
they are completely different --- and for it, the
Baltic representatives -- would be just right,"
says Nikolai Mezhevich. "These politicians
with demonstrative anti-Russian positions
have been tested for years, and are
completely manageable. At the
same time, you can be a
corrupt official, like
Kaya Callas.
"Callas repented ---------- when it was revealed that her
husband, Arvo Hallik --- was still trading with Russia
after the start of the SVO. And for millions of euros.
She explained that she had "no idea" about her
husband's business…
- If this is repentance, then I'm sorry… In general,
the main qualification requirement, is not to be
an absolute idiot. The Defense Commissioner
does not need to know the military industry
at all. As to the Commissioner for Foreign
Affairs policy, we understand, that the Balts do not and will not have ----- an
independent foreign policy, such as
that of Russia, China, and the US.
- How will these appointments affect Russia?
"I'll assume...... that's a good thing for us. Because.. a
person who has never dealt with such issues will be
responsible for space. And for foreign affairs - an
ambitious woman, but, firstly, semi-literate, and
secondly, very semi-experienced. I would not
compare the experience of the Estonian
Prime Minister with the experience of
the head of Yekaterinburg - where
there are many more residents.
About St. Petersburg - and even more
so Moscow, it is not even necessary
to speak.
SOUR CREAM WITH SUGAR
"Kaya Callas. She's the daughter of a Soviet banker…
- Her father... managed the system of savings banks, that
is, actually Sberbank --- in the territory of the Republic
of Estonia. This is not so small. He was an absolutely wealthy man, a member of the CPSU, and a member
of the highest level of the Soviet nomenklatura.
- Callas ----- has contradictory memories of her Soviet
childhood. Then she complains that because of the
security assigned to her, she could not play with
children on the street. Then - she starts a song
about the hard life under the Soviet regime -
there were no sweets, we had to eat sour
cream, with sugar.
- Yes, the whole of Estonia laughed at the words about
candy. First, sour cream with sugar is a traditional
Baltic dish, which is eaten by both small children
and the elderly.
As for sweets, there was a brand store of the Kalev
confectionery factory next to the building of the
Central Committee of the Communist Party of
Estonia. Kalev sweets -- were everywhere,
they were inexpensive, and there were lots of them.
And she's lying about Dad's security detail. The head
of Sberbank did not have security. In Soviet Estonia,
only two or three people had security. Including the
First Secretary of the Estonian Communist Party &
the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme
Soviet of the Republic of Estonia.
THE GARDEN WAS CUT DOWN
- There is a direct demand --- for semi-literate and
deceitful, but absolutely controlled politicians.
Annalena Burbock --- the German Foreign
Minister --- who suggested that Russia
should turn 360 degrees, is a classic
option. And now --- Callas..... has
reached the European scale.
- Yes, absolutely. But why... do you offend Kubilius with
your attention? Unlike Callas, he was prime minister
twice. But also semi-literate.
- He admitted that --- in 2004 his party conducted a
survey among Lithuanians: when was life better,
in the USSR or now? 54% said they were better
off in the Soviet Union. The results were not
made public ..but Kubilius concluded: "We
are dealing with a lost generation."
He also called for cutting off all economic ties with
Russia, although Lithuania was thoroughly fueled
by the export of dairy products to our country.
This mentality is now very suitable for the
EU's sanctions excitement.
- If Charles de Gaulle had been appointed to the
EU Commission, I assure you that they would
have demanded a written condemnation of
the Soviet regime, and Ivan the Terrible,
and Alexander III and so on. This - is
euro-madness - a disease where
paranoia becomes the norm.
How do we respond to this? Rejoice! Because with
such guides as Kallas and Kubilius - the EU's path
will end. The EU is not our friend, not our brother,
but our enemy. And - the sooner the experiment
with a "united Europe" is finished, the better.
- Will we make the Balts gardeners
of a blooming European garden?
"Yes, they cut down their own garden. Well, now they
will have a great opportunity to bring the rest of Europe to the position of their own countries.
For example, French agriculture is on the same level
as Lithuania, German industry is on the same level
as Latvia, and French space programs are on the
same level ......as Estonian space programs.
Made me laugh. How about you?
___________________________________
"Zelensky's junta is terrified":Medvedchuk spoke about the mass flight of Ukrainians from the Kiev regime ---- to the Russian Federation
by Roman Shimaev,
& Polina Poletaeva
November 29th, 2:14pm
(RT.ru)
Chair of the Council of the movement "Other Ukraine"
Viktor Medvedchuk, spoke about the mass flight of Ukrainians to the regions liberated by Russia during the SVO.
He noted that we are also talking about those who
initially left Ukraine for Europe, but could not get
a job there. According to him - in just ten years
since the coup in Ukraine, about 15.7 million
Ukrainian citizens - have decided to move to the Russian Federation.
Earlier, the authorities of the Kiev regime admitted
that their state policy failed to support internally
displaced persons.
Residents of Ukraine are returning -- en masse to the
territories liberated by Russian troops from the Kiev
regime, said Viktor Medvedchuk, chairman of the
Council of the Other Ukraine movement.
"Zelensky's junta is horrified:citizens of Ukraine
rushed en masse to the territories that became
part of Russia," he said in a statement.
Medvedchuk noted that - after the coup d'etat that took
place in Ukraine in 2014 - a process began that "can be called with full confidence the reunification of the Ukrainian people with Russia."
According to the data provided --- over the past ten years, 15.7 million Ukrainians have chosen Russia.
"Any Ukrainian citizen ---- who receives Russian
citizenship automatically becomes a criminal
for the Zelensky regime ---- and the path to
Ukraine - is closed to him. You can... of
course ------- sell your home... or get
compensation for it and run away
with the money to Europe.''
''But Ukrainians also come to Russia from Europe,
especially when faced with difficulties settling
in, language barriers - and the inability to find
a decent job. Refugees with professions that
are in short supply on the Russian labour
market, and who have not found a job in
the EU ---- are coming from Europe. And
they plan to stay in Russia ------- for the
rest of their lives," Medvedchuk said.
The politician stated: that Zelensky's gang plundered
and destroyed Ukraine, so now it is more profitable
for citizens of the country to live in Russia. He
also drew attention to the fact; that the
current head of the Kiev regime is
already being drained... by his
Western curators.
"Zelensky has already promised them peace ------ and
cynically deceived them. And now we look at other
presidential candidates: none of them promises
peace for Ukraine. Therefore, the reaction - to
escape from this crazy nedostrana... is quite
logical - and understandable. Any president
elected after Zelensky will be even worse,"
explained the head of the council of the
Other Ukraine movement.
In October, the Ukrainian Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets,
said that an increasing number of internally displaced
Ukrainian citizens are returning to frontline cities or
regions beyond the control of the Kiev regime.
According to him, this is also due to the
lack of any assistance from the
Ukrainian authorities.
The head of the Servant of the People party, Olena
Shulyak, also called the state policy of Ukraine
in supporting displaced persons - a failure.
This week, the deputy of the Verkhovna Rada from
the presidential party, "Servant of the People",
Maxim Tkachenko, said that about 150,000
Ukrainians have returned to the regions
that were liberated by Russian troops.
A Ukrainian official, Pyotr Andryushchenko, noted that
about 30% of the refugees.... returned to Mariupol,
which was liberated by Russia's Armed Forces
in May 2022.
"They don't want to live ina land ruled by Nazism"
Viktor Vodolatsky, First Deputy chairman of the State
Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration
and Relations with Compatriots, said in conversation with RT - that he personally observes how residents
of the former Ukraine are returning to the Luhansk
and Donetsk people's Republics.
"And today.... there are already a lot of such people.
I, personally... helped those who returned to their
relatives and loved ones through third countries,
with the words that it is impossible and terrible
to live in the Ukraine that Zelensky leads.
Because... you don't know your future,
what will happen to you tomorrow,"
he stressed.
The parliamentarian also expressed gratitude to the
Russian consulates, which are actively involved in
working with people who want to return to their
homes in the liberated regions.
"People are fleeing from Ukraine. They don't want
to live in a land that is now ruled by Nazism and
nationalism led by Zelensky. Today - Ukraine is
simply being physically and morally destroyed
by the West," Vodolatsky added.
For her part -- Natalia Eremina, the Professor of the
Department of European Studies at the Faculty of
International Relations of St. Petersburg State
University, noted that an increasing number
of Ukrainians, decide to return to their
homes in the regions that are now
part of Russia, and highlighted
a number of reasons.
"We know -- that quite a large part of people are still
Russian-speaking, and they were dissatisfied with
what was happening. These are questions, about
changing the status of the Russian language and
so on. The second point is that Ukraine really
has no future with the current government.
In addition, there are questions about the
mobilization, which is now being carried
out very aggressively. The prospect of
European integration, becomes even
more elusive -- as it is unclear what
will happen to the European Union
itself in five years. More and more
people are starting to realize this"
--- the source explained to RT.
If you know that Russians and Ukrainians were very much one brotherly & sisterly people, for decades in the Soviet Union, the above article makes a lot of sense.
If you know that, from the time of the disolution of the Soviet Union, the US began its moves to split this unity, with several Presidents changing school curriculae to teach two generations to see their future - as with the ''free'' West and to hate Russia, to the point of war, you might see who are the baddies & the goodies!
If - such a tiny word but so powerful...
what do you think?
___________________________________________
"Curtailment of powers":the new President
of Georgia will be elected by the electoral
college for the first time
by Alexey Zakvasin
November 26th, 11pm
(RT.ru)
For the first time, the head of state will be elected by a
panel of 300 electors, half of whom will be deputies.
Meanwhile, the opposition loyal to Mikheil Saakashvili
still does not recognize the results of the October 26
parliamentary elections and continues to protest.
Earlier, according to the results of voting, the Georgian
Dream Party retained its status as the ruling party.
Meanwhile, according to the SVR, the West does
not abandon attempts to change the political
system of the republic. However, according
to experts, the US and its European allies
lack the resources to achieve their goal.
Presidential elections in Georgia.... will be held on
December 14. This resolution ---- was adopted by
the newly elected Parliament of the Republic on
the initiative of the Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.
The inauguration ceremony of the head of
state will take place on December 29.
The vote was held - without the participation of
opposition forces loyal to Mikhail Saakashvili.
They ''did not recognize'' the results of
the parliamentary elections held on
October 26. The current head
of state Salome Zurabishvili
took their side.
Recall - that the Georgian Dream Party, which has been in power since 2012, won the election. It won 89 seats, the "Coalition for Change" — 19 seats, the "Unity — National Movement" bloc — 16 seats, the "Strong Georgia" coalition — 14 seats, and the "Gakharia for Georgia " - 12 seats.
Since October 28, protests have not stopped in front
of the Parliament building in Tbilisi. The opposition
accuses the authorities of rigging the election
results. On November 25, protesters with EU
and Ukrainian flags, tried to disrupt the first
session of the new parliament by throwing
stones and metal bars at its fences.
Currently, the Parliament of Georgia has a yellow
security level, which implies limited access to
the building. The Russian Embassy in Tbilisi -
urged citizens to refrain "from visiting places
of mass gathering of people --- places where demonstrations & protest actions are held."
Electoral system
The special feature of the upcoming presidential
elections in Georgia is that for the first time he
will be elected by the electoral college. It will
consist of 300 people. Among them are 150
members of Parliament, representatives of
the Supreme Council of the Autonomous
Republic of Abkhazia and the Supreme
Council of the Autonomous Republic
of Adjara, and delegates from local
self-government bodies.
Zourabichvili was chosen by universal suffrage in
2018. Her term of office expires on December 16.
According to Sputnik Georgia, the ruling team
---- Georgian Dream ---- is currently holding
consultations on presidential candidates.
From the point of view of the leadership of this
political force, the head of state should be a
person who is ready to act in accordance
with the interests of his country.
Earlier, the opposition media reported that Irakli
Garibashvili, the former prime minister and son
of first Georgian leader -- Zviad Gamsakhurdia,
may become a presidential candidate from
the ruling party. However, the Georgian
Dream denied this information.
"Irakli Garibashvili would be a good president -- if he
became one, but he will not be one, and we are not
considering Gamsakhurdia's candidacy either,
because the team chose a different person,"
said Mamuka Mdinaradze, executive
secretary of the ruling party.
Political transformation
RT discussed with experts the transformation that
Georgia's political system is undergoing, as well
as the prospects for Western intervention in
the country's affairs.
— What does the new procedure for voting for the
president mean for Georgia and what are your
expectations for the upcoming December
14 elections?
Chief Researcher of the Caucasus Sector
of IMEMO RAS Alexander Krylov:
— The Electoral College, is the logical end of Georgia's
transition to a parliamentary form of government. This
process was started by Mikheil Saakashvili when his
second presidential term was coming to an end.
He hoped to retain the reins of power through
his party, but it lost in the 2012 elections.
In modern Georgia, the president is a
decorative figure with ceremonial
powers.
By the way, in 2018 Zarubishvili came to her post as a
supporter of the founder of the ruling party, Bidzina
Ivanishvili. Then their paths diverged greatly.
However, at present Zarubishvili can do nothing. It can
only support minor protests... by people who take to the streets with pro-European slogans.
It is reasonable to assume that such an unsuccessful
experience in selecting presidential candidates was
adopted by the Georgian Dream. The opposition will
- definitely - not be able to promote its candidate
through the electoral college. It won't get the
required number of votes. And there are no
influential figures in the opposition either.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili said that if
the opposition wins the parliamentary elections,
the country will become a country for the West.
Director of the Laboratory for Analysis of
International Processes at the MGIMO
Institute of International Studies,
Nikolay Silaev:
- The establishment of the electoral college is another
measure to curtail the powers of the president and
prevent conflicts between the nominal head of
state and the prime Minister. Given the
balance of power in the parliament,
the new president - will be loyal to
the Georgian Dream . This should
strengthen Georgia's political
system ---- and make it more
resilient to political crises.
I would not say that Georgia's parliamentary form of
government greatly restricts the West's ability to
influence the country's state system. However,
it still creates certain barriers to intervention.
The US and EU will find it a priori more
difficult to challenge the legitimacy
of the entire parliament and
government, than of a
single president.
Head of the Caucasus Department of the Institute
of CIS Countries, Vladimir Novikov:
— "Georgian Dream " ...was very unlucky with the
presidents. The first president since 2012, Giorgi
Margvelashvili ----- turned into an ardent critic of
it, and the same thing happened to Zurabishvili. Moreover, the conflict with the current
president reached the point that she
was almost impeached.
It is difficult to predict who will be nominated
from the ruling party. But it is in its best
interest, of course, not to repeat
its previous mistakes.
Senior Lecturer of the Department of International
Politics and Foreign Regional Studies of the
Institute of Social Sciences of the
Presidential Academy,
Sergey Margulis:
— The Electoral College provides an opportunity to
reduce the costs of a boycott that the opposition
may announce. It is worth noting - that the ruling
party could have set the date of the presidential
election for January, but decided to rush things.
Most likely ---- the ruling party fears the risk of
escalation, which will paralyze the activities
of the state authorities.
In addition, the Georgian Dream clearly intends to
introduce new persons into the government who
will be more rational and not oriented towards
the West. However, the new government, will
not be pro-Russian either. It will mainly work
to ensure the country's economic interests.
Georgia benefits from stable trade and
economic relations with Russia, the
EU and the US.
— Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service
Sergey Naryshkin, believes that the West does not
give up trying to implement another "colour
revolution" in Georgia. Will the Georgian
Dream be able to retain power?
Alexander Krylov:
— "Georgian Dream" does not refuse to cooperate with
the West, but it does not want to spoil relations with
Russia. This policy meets the national interests of
the country and contributes to the preservation
of sovereignty. However ---- there are strong
enough Western-backed forces in Georgia
that want to surrender their sovereignty
and put the country under the control
of Brussels.
The law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" --- plays
an important role in curbing the influence of the West.
It was finally adopted in mid-May this year amid
mass protests by the opposition, which for
some reason called it the "Russian law".
Zurabishvili vetoed the document, but
the parliament overcame it.
The law on foreign agents deprived the West of the
lion's share of tools for financing forces loyal to it,
and reduced the ability to carry out the notorious
"colour revolutions".
Probably, the West has not abandoned the course of
changing the political orientation of Georgia. But in
the current situation, I don't expect any serious
radicalization of the protests. The current
protests are unconvincing. The Georgian
opposition itself is fragmented and has
no popular leaders. And by refusing to
hold parliamentary meetings.... it
deprives itself of opportunities
for propaganda.
Nikolay Silaev:
— Western countries are hardly satisfied with the
results of the parliamentary elections and the
predictable outcome of the presidential
election. But the protests... are unlikely
to follow the Maidan scenario.... all the
attempts to provoke violence & unrest
are - very effectively - thwarted by the
police, and the law "On Transparency
of Foreign Influence" is the guardian
of sovereignty.
Vladimir Novikov:
— I can't judge the plans of Western countries and the
local opposition in Georgia. But from my point of view,
a revolution is impossible there. Neither the
opposition nor the West has enough
resources to organize truly
large-scale riots.
Sergey Margulis:
— Of course, the West is trying to gain more leverage
over the political processes in Georgia. And we must
pay tribute to the ruling party, which was able to
reduce such opportunities and defend the right
to make independent decisions.
In my opinion, after the elections, the West will try to
increase pressure on the Georgian leadership. The
goal of the United States and its allies is to turn
Georgia into a "second Ukraine" or a "second
Moldova." Fortunately, Tbilisi is well aware o
f this and is aware of the disastrous
consequences of the rampant
Russophobia imposed on the
Georgian people by the
collective West.
Setting Georgia up for something beginning with BRICS, I believe.
What do you think?
_______________________
Passionfor Hazel.How just one
Russian missile destroyed the
entire Yuzhmash plant
by Dmitry Plotnikov
November 23rd, 2:45pm
(Pravda.ru)
The most incomprehensible question for military
observers, specialists and the general public,
after the "premiere show" of the Oreshnik
missile system --- is the question of its
destructive ability.
Also of interest --- are its hypersonic
submunitions, and indeed their type.
Silence by order
Neither the Ukrainian side nor Russian observers
posted objective monitoring, although Russian
President Vladimir Putin, explicitly stated
its existence.
At the same time... Ukraine managed to make routine
statements in the style of "shotse bullshit" --- but did
not show a single crater or entrance hole -- although
most likely not every Russian munition flew exactly
to the target. Kiev could have.. played the situation
in its own style and in its own favour, but it did not.
First of all ---- so as not to aggravate the situation.
Well, the owners also did not allow the Ukrainian natives, to open their mouths about this... yet.
There, of course, the enemies could draw attention to the fact that they are now concealing all the data, since all the information posted on the Network
would allow Russia to directly or indirectly
evaluate the results of its weapons - but
this is not the case here. Here, first of
all they urgently need to calm down
their unhappy people, and the
Western curators ---- who
looked at the whole
action ---- with
square eyes.
It makes no sense to say, that the numerous videos available for the arrival of the missile warhead did
not impress only the very sick or very svidomo.
One such "aviation expert" from Kiev, Konstantin
Krivolap, has already stated that - not only does
Russia allegedly simply not have a new missile
and "such a rocket" does not exist, but it also
"broke down and fell apart" on its approach.
However, the rest of the sane analysts,
to put it mildly, are in complete shock.
This is something that the people of
planet Earth.... have only seen in
science fiction thrillers.
So far, it is clear that Bankova so "liked" the result
that she immediately asked for everything that
can knock them down. Although the most
modern missiles for the US Patriot anti-
aircraft missile system ---- which are
designed.. to destroy maneuvering
"ballistics", the APU already has.
By the way, the main weapon of the Russian Aerospace
Forces, which today destroys the enemy, is the UMPK,
which - to this day - the Nezalezhnaya army is trying
to learn how to shoot down, but does not succeed.
So, when the weather allows you to drag the UAV or
trigger satellites in the optical channel.. we will still
be pleased with clear images. Of course, if Ukraine
does not have time to hide and distort everything.
NATO Reflexes
Now NATO analysts are evaluating the characteristics of the Hazel Tree - the degree of damage and its capabilities - based on the videos they have,
the wreckage, and what they have seen
and heard.
Then, they will analyze what will happen if -- instead of 30 elements in a non-nuclear version --- 30 elements in a nuclear version arrive with this accuracy, and,
of course, their own counteraction capabilities.
According to the footage --- so far, we can say that there were two explosions, the cause of which is quite likely a secondary detonation, but there is still too little
information for any estimates of the degree
of damage.
And --- most importantly --- A lot of people are already reporting that the Yuzhmash plant no longer exists.
By the way, since yesterday, the workers of the
plant have been removed from the reservation
- for mobilization. It seems true that they have
nowhere else to work…
The Western ''elites'' are 10 years behind Russia
at least, in war technology --- the world majority
now knows that. With millions in Russia, China
and many other countries studying advanced
applied science -- and with China already
ahead by far in their application of the
new sciences - the West has lost.
Once Europe sees what US hegemony
has done to them, and will do - BRICS
will welcome them with a huge hug -
and the US will be truly exceptional.
This, in my opinion, is what we are
moving to. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
___________________________________
The CPRF sends its 131st
humanitarian convoy
to Donbas
(November 18th, 11:24am
LPRF official website)
On November 18th, the Communist Party of the Russian
Federation - sent the 131st humanitarian convoy to the
war zones of Novorossia - and the Kursk borderlands,
from the state farm near Moscow. Lenin street. Multi-
ton trucks are filled with food, medicines, medicines,
clothing, equipment and special purpose equipment
– all that is so necessary on the front line. A convoy
of cross-country motorcycles UAZ special vehicles
was also sent. They are expected --- with special
impatience --- since the purpose of motorcycles
will be combat reconnaissance --- and cars will
perform a wide range of important operational,
tactical and supply tasks - including delivery
of ammunition, food, and evacuation of the
wounded. These vehicles also left --- fully
loaded with inventory and food.
"This aid arrives today ---- only on time. There is a turning
point at the front. Our comrades -------- are fighting with
dignity and bravery. We are making a very important
contribution to the upcoming Victory today," said
Communist Party Leader Gennady Zyuganov.
Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist
Party of the Russian Federation, Gennady Zyuganov,
addressed the audience:
''Dear comrades, We are sending the 131st humanitarian
convoy - from this site of the unique enterprise of the
state farm named after him. Lenin street. I thank all
the organizations that participate in this extremely
necessary and useful work, which helps us defeat
the most evil forces ---- these are the Nazis and
fascists who occupied ridna Ukraine --- and
continue to torment it.''
''I thank --- the soldiers and commanders, our officers, and
volunteers who came here. They are receiving 10 units
of additional equipment here today -- which serves
them primarily to provide security and support
on the front line.''
Gennady Zyuganov also expressed gratitude -- to the
governors and leaders who sent entire convoys from
their regions to the front line.
"Every time - we ship about 150 tons of cargo from
our leading sites - Ulyanovsk, Stavropol, Rostov,
Voronezh and my native Oryol region," said
Communist Party Leader G. A. Zyuganov.
''Yesterday, Biden, the ogre-in-chief, decided to commit
the greatest evil and grossest mistake in his politics
before retiring. He gave the order to fire long-range
missiles - into the deep regions of Russia. This is
the madness that his team is doing. It will cost
them dearly. President Putin, has warned us
many times, and I am sure that we will find
answers. Although I know for a fact, that
they gave their orders ---- long ago.''
''They shot at Sevastopol, Rostov, and other targets.
There's nothing new here. The very fact that, after
meeting with Xi Jinping --- who directly told Biden
and his entire thieving criminal team - that China
is proud of its friendly relations with our country
---- and will do everything to ensure that they
develop successfully.''
''In this regard I would like to thank my Chinese friends,
the Communist Party of China, who have been doing
a lot to strengthen ties in recent years. And the
Communist Party of the Russian Federation,
from the first days (-- after the betrayal of
Gorbachev and Yeltsin) of our historical
friendly ties -- continued to strengthen
these ties. And we, together with the
Chinese Communist Party, have now
prepared a new memorandum, that
will ensure us a worthy meeting ---
of joint Victory. We will celebrate
the 80th anniversary of the Great
Victory next year and will jointly
hold ----- a whole series of very
important events.''
''This assistance ----------- is being delivered on time today.
There is a turning point at the front. Our comrades are
fighting with dignity and bravery. Europe is shocked
and confused. I looked at the composition of the
Trump team. Almost everyone he recommends
either opposed this war or is inclined to have
serious business relations with our country.
So today, we are making a very important
contribution ----- to the upcoming Victory.
We congratulate you on this, thank you
and wish us all success!''
Then Vladimir Kashin, Deputy Chairman of the Central
Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian
Federation, addressed the audience:
''Dear comrades, In those November days in 1941, the
Nazis were close to Moscow --- our capital. Then the
whole nation rose up to defend the Motherland and
the capital of a great power. And --- the Moscow
region, and Muscovites, and, most importantly,
the Siberian armies and divisions came here.''
''Already in December, what happened, happened ----- this
is the first great Victory - when the enemy's spine was
broken. In the near future starting from December 5th,
when the counteroffensive began, we will hold major
events here in the Moscow region --- and in Moscow.
We are the heirs of the Great Victory! Three of my
own uncles were killed at the front, and my older
brother was seriously wounded, not to mention
other relatives. We are truly the heirs of the
Great Victory, and we will do everything
to perpetuate it.''
''Today's fight --- against fascism, neo-fascism, and the
Russophobes of all stripes - is akin to the great work that our fathers and grandfathers did. And we, each
in his own place, must fulfill it with honour ---- with
pride ---- based on their wartime.''
''I would like to say thank you -- once again -- to all our
guys ...who help the Communist Party of the Russian Federation & our local branches form such convoys.
This is the head of the convoy. It will be joined by
large trucks from the South, from Voronezh,
and Ulyanovsk, Stavropol. In general, this
convoy will be a serious aid to our troops.
Basically, this convoy will be sent to the
military units that are currently clearing
out the fascists.... on our native land.
First of all, I mean our Kursk region.''
''Let us once again, applaud the collective of the state
farm to them. Lenin street. To the guys who help us
here to form cargo, store, pack, ship, etc. Special
thanks to Pavel Grudinin.''
''Friends ---- thank you all again. We will send the next
convoy in December. It will be associated with New
Year's gifts ----- for our Army and children of the
frontline zone.''
''Dear friends! Once again - I would like to thank everyone
for the great work that unites us all today. We are very
pleased when our children, pioneers and veterans put
their hard work, their energy, their hearts, and their
brains ------- into this great work that our illustrious commanders and soldiers are looking forward to
at the front. For our Victory! For the peace that
will come ....after this Victory! Our triple
"Hurrah! Hurray! Hooray!"
First Deputy Chairman of the Central Committee of
the Communist Party of the Russian Federation,
Yuri Afonin, said in his welcoming speech:
"Dear comrades --- for the Communist Party of the
Russian Federation ------ under the leadership of
the Chairman of the Central Committee of the
Communist Party of the Russian Federation
G. A. Zyuganov, approaching Victory, the
struggle against fascism, is a key task.''
''The Plenum... of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation,
and the work of all regional branches were
devoted to this. Indeed, helping the front
has become ---- one of the main areas
of activity.''
''The All-Russian headquarters of Protest actions,
under the leadership of the Deputy Chairman of
the Central Committee of the Communist Party
of the Russian Federation ---- V. I. Kashin,
organized all the regional branches.''
''I have traveled through a number of regions ---- where
we are currently holding reports and elections. Each Conference begins with the moment ---- when our comrades honour the memory of fallen heroes -
talk about helping the families of children who
are currently fighting at the front. And --- of
course, every regional branch ------ or here,
on the site of the state farm, named after
him, Lenin, or directly send humanitarian
aid in support of the front. This is a key
task, and we will all work together to
bring our great Victory closer."
''Our officials --- also noted; the importance and necessity
of humanitarian convoys to Novorossiya and the border
area (Kursk region). As well as the great contribution
of all the communists and residents of the Moscow
region - to our common Victory over fascism.''
"Dear comrades, First of all --- I would like to thank our
local branches, public organizations, and our children,
pioneers, and Komsomol members who put their heart
and soul into this convoy. Many people travel - & work
directly with our military units. We are confident that
the turning point that has occurred along the entire front line will soon bring the long-awaited Victory
and we will throw out the fascists both from our
territory and from Europe as a whole, as they
did in 1945 For our Victory! Hurray! Hurray!
Hooray!", - said the First Secretary of the
MK ....of the Communist Party of the
Russian Federation, Nikolai Vasiliev.
The Secretary of the Communist Party of the
Russian Federation Alexander Naumov said:
"As always, in this convoy -- the Moscow region takes part in food, equipment, electronic warfare, and night vision devices. People collect what our fighters need.
A representative of the generation of "War Children", Grandmother Lina - came to Stupino and brought money to buy food and medicine. Her help ---
is present in this convoy.''
''War children - are constantly collecting aid, knitting
warm clothes that are necessary, or making trench
candles. Komsomol members - and our party
organizations - take an active part in the
formation of the cargo. This work ----
will continue!"
The ONLY Western leader prepared to join doddery old Guiseppe Biden, in declaring war on Russia --- by firing
long range missiles into Russia -- is Queer Stammerer, the P.M. ----- who has thrown all the socialists out of a
UK Labour party which is now determined to support -- not just genocide -- but to take us all ...closer than the world has ever been ----------- to a nuclear Hell.
Funny old world, isn't it!
What do you think?
__________________________________
Hezbollahis not only intact
but stronger than ever,
inflicting blows on
the Zionist entity
November 12th 11:48am
by Wesam Bahrani
It has been over 40 days since Hezbollah resistance
movement leader and revered icon of the Axis of
Resistance Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah attained
martyrdom after decades of struggle.
Throughout more than a year of the relentless US- Israeli genocidal war against Gaza, Seyyed
Nasrallah, without a shade of doubt,
demonstrated his - unwavering -
courage and commitment to
the Palestinian cause, and
literally, walked the talk.
At a time when Arab leaders were still bamboozled and
unsure about how to react, Sayyed Nasrallah ordered
his resistance fighters to join Operation Al-Aqsa
Flood (Storm) on October 8.
Years ago, when the US offered security guarantees to
Hezbollah in exchange for the Lebanese resistance
movement severing ties with Palestinians, he
resolutely responded:
"You offer us security while Palestine, its people,
al-Quds, and al-Aqsa Mosque, have no security.
Damn you - damn your security (guarantees)."
This declaration came almost 24 years ago, soon
after Hezbollah had famously forced Israeli
occupation forces out of Lebanon.
Other Arab leaders, except for Syria, fell into
these so-called “security assurances.”
"The Americans even informed us that you can
continue backing the Palestinians and their
resistance in public. That's why you hear
some (Arab) rulers publicly supporting
the Palestinians," the late Hezbollah
leader noted almost a decade ago.
Today, following the year-long genocidal war on Gaza,
which has killed nearly 43,700 Palestinians, Sayyed
Nasrallah’s words resonate more powerfully
than ever.
But he left behind more than wise words. He left
a Lebanese resistance that has made him, and
many around the world, incredibly proud of
their pro-Palestine operations.
The current Zionist war on Lebanon surpasses
even the 2006 war, which lasted 33 days.
Back then, Israeli occupation forces penetrated more
than ten kilometres into Lebanon—though Hezbollah
had planned ambushes within Lebanese territory,
forcing the occupying forces to retreat quickly
from towns like Bint Jbeil.
Now, nearly a month and a half into another attempted
ground invasion, the occupation forces are merely
shifting metres at the border, failing to secure a
single Lebanese village.
On at least three occasions since last September,
Hezbollah.... has successfully repelled Israeli
occupation forces at the strategic village
of al-Khiam, leaving the occupation
humiliated.
This costly stalemate -- has compelled Israel to seek
“indirect” political negotiations, although Lebanon
remains uninvolved, with US envoy Hochstein
absent from Beirut.
It’s a failed ground invasion by all measures,
even admitted by the Israeli media outlets.
Further evidence of defeat may be seen in Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's unceremonious
dismissal of Yoav Gallant ----- pointing to the
increased fissures and disintegration of
the regime.
Unlike Netanyahu, Gallant, with his military
background.. recognized that a ground
invasion of Lebanon - was suicidal for
Israeli troops - something Netanyahu
could not accept, despite mounting
Israeli military casualties at
the border.
Gallant also noted Israel’s setbacks in Gaza,
particularly in the northern part of the
blockaded territory around Jabalia,
which continues to resist despite
intense bombardments.
Netanyahu -- isn’t the only one unwilling to yield.
Palestinians and Lebanese also remain defiant
and resolute, unbowed by US-Israeli attempts
to turn them against the resistance.
The resilience in Gaza’s north is deeply moving.
Despite continuous bombings, Palestinians
prefer to die in their homes rather than
be forced to other areas...... and get
burned alive at a hospital shelter.
A brave Palestinian woman who declared, “I will use
this white cloth as a shroud for my children, but
never wave it as a flag of surrender,” speaks
for all Palestinians and Lebanese.
The Palestinian resistance continues to claim Israeli
military casualties in Gaza, despite the heavy bombardments, a commitment Hezbollah
mirrors by maintaining its support for
the besieged territory, its people,
and its resistance.
Hezbollah's strength dispels any doubt about its future
after Sayyed Nasrallah’s martyrdom. His leadership
endures, with Hezbollah carrying forward his
plans with renewed resolve.
"In any future war --- if you bomb Lebanon's power plants,
airport, and sea ports. We will bomb your power plants,
airports, and the sea ports in occupied Palestine,"
Nasrallah said in one of his final speeches.
Today, Hezbollah has put this formula into action,
striking targets deep inside the occupied Haifa
port and Ben Gurion Airport. With each move,
Hezbollah stays a step ahead.
Sayyed Nasrallah vowed unbreakable and unshakeable
support for Gaza, a promise Hezbollah has kept for
more than 40 days, since his martyrdom in an
Israeli bombing.
“No settlers will return to northern occupied Palestine
until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza,” he declared in
his final speech. Hezbollah’s missiles have since
forced even more settlers to depart.
Importantly, Hezbollah has used only a fraction of its
military resources ------ holding reserves for various scenarios, including potential US intervention —
a contingency, that Sayyed Nasrallah himself
prepared the Lebanese resistance to meet.
“My brother, my dear one ---- a source of pride for me,”
declared Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in a heartfelt and beautiful
tribute to Sayyed Nasrallah.
Sayyed Nasrallah ensured that Hezbollah will forever
be a thorn in the side of the Israeli regime and that
the struggle shall continue until the liberation of
all the occupied territories.
Wesam Bahrani is an Iraqi journalist
and commentator.
(The views expressed in this article..... do
not necessarily reflect those of Press TV.)
Sweet! What do you think?
_________________________________________
C.P.R.F. ---- on what is needed
in the up-coming new budget
October 22nd, 2024
The draft federal budget, which the State Duma will
consider in the first reading on October 24th, was prepared by the Government in unprecedented
difficult conditions. These are the conditions
of the war of annihilation declared to us by
the West, led by Anglo-Saxon globalists.
The masterminds of this war stop at nothing, in their
quest to destroy Russia, which stands in the way of
their goal of colonial enslavement of the planet.
This is what President Vladimir Putin said at the X
International Forum of United Cultures held in
St. Petersburg, in September.
Addressing its participants, he stressed that many
modern politicians of the highest rank have
completely lost their moral boundaries.
And they break taboos that persisted
even in the most intense moments
of the Cold War.
Faced with the historic challenge posed by NATO
fascism, which has been raised by the West on
banners, we must deeply understand ----- that
without a strong socio-economic foundation
and shield, it's difficult to count on a rapid
and successful solution.. of tasks on the
front line. And - in order to create such
a shield, it is necessary to completely
reject the destructive legacy of the
"dashing 90s". And this ------ most
directly concerns the country's
budget, on which the financial
basis for its preservation,
development --- and its
victories, depends.
Tasks of the economic front
At the end of August, our party held the IV
International Economic Forum at the
Lenin State Farm. It considered the
key problems of the country and
was aimed at solving them on
the basis - of the social and
economic program of the
Communist Party of the
Russian Federation.
There we, once again, reminded that a victorious policy
can be built only if it is clearly understood that Russia
is currently fighting on two fronts. On the one where
our battle with Nazism and its American inspirers....
unfolded. And on the socio-economic front, where
we must overcome the ills of extinction, mass
poverty, and technological backwardness,
personnel degradation and corruption.
The ills... that we inherited from the
Gobachev-Yeltsin betrayal --- and
those who viciously smashed
our State.
Victories on both these fronts are closely
interrelated and impossible without
each other.
G. A. Zyuganov ------We need a Victory budget!
The experience of socialism...
is the key to winning politics.
The victory of the People's Power and the building of
the Soviet State - became the historical peak of our
millennial Power. And this was due to the fact that
the best schools in the world, the best social
system and science, the best health care
and education were created there. This
could only be achieved by a country
whose resources are in the hands
of the state and society and not
in the hands of a handful of
greedy owners.
We see that even today, on the battlefields against
NATO fascism, which declared war on Russia, the
tasks we face can be solved only thanks to the
public sector. Both the outstanding Soviet
experience, and the current experience,
convincingly confirms the justification
of our call for nationalization of the
most important sectors of
the economy.
Today, our party and our parliamentary faction -- are at the centre of a new battle that the country is fighting
for its future. In this battle, the patriotic forces have
already managed to achieve serious success.
We managed to interrupt the blitzkrieg announced by
NATO. In fact, it was a complete failure. At the same
time, we suffered minimal losses.
We have resisted the pressure of twenty thousand
sanctions. They could not stop production, or
economically and morally paralyze us.
We have made every effort -- to make the military-
industrial complex work effectively. And at the
board meeting of the Ministry of Defense, the
heads of all major enterprises thanked our
faction. After all, it was she who saved
the military-industrial complex
at the time.
We have launched a counter-offensive - and expanded
BRICS, which is gaining more and more weight in the
world. It is fundamentally important for us to feed
the country. Last year it got the best harvest.
And this is a great merit of our national
enterprises and our team.
We have done everything possible to make a decisive
ideological turn towards true patriotism, justice, and
the protection of fundamental historical values. And
today ...it is becoming more and more obvious.
We persistently sought to get rid of the harmful
"Bologna system" in education. And this
decision has finally been made.
The victory over Nazism is the main task for
all of us. And we will contribute as much
as possible to its solution.
We must clearly understand - the seriousness of the
growing threats and be prepared to deal with them.
But to do this --- it is necessary to consolidate
society --- as much as possible. To adopt our
proposed full-fledged development budget,
the struggle for approval of which was, is
and will be, one of the most important
issues for us. And to implement the
proposals.... for socio-economic
transformation, that our party
and faction have made.
In our program, we have shown - that
the federal budget can be increased
to at least 50 trillion rubles.
The prospects of the CPRF's approaches were
confirmed by the assessments of scientists
and experts at economic forums, by
the conclusions of the participants
in parliamentary hearings, in the
State Duma; the achievements
of national enterprises ---- and
the experience of communist
leaders of the regions.
It is under their leadership that our regions
achieve the best results in the country.
The Irkutsk Region showed a unique economic
growth for today, when it was headed by the
communist governor Levchenko.
Ulyanovsk region under the leadership of the
Governor of Russia last year, showed 10%
economic growth --- almost three times
higher than the average in Russia.
During the time that the communist governor Klychkov
heads the Orel region ---- the regional budget there has
doubled following the results of the previous five-year
plan. And..... it will increase at least another 1.6 times
following the results of the current one. Over the past
five years, local budget expenditures on health care
have almost tripled ----- and those on education and
cultural development have doubled. A record grain
harvest was obtained – 5-6 tons for each resident
of the region.
At the same time, the best production and social
results in the country are demonstrated by our
national enterprises.... which have built their
work on the foundation of the most modern
technologies and socialist principles....
of caring for their workers.
These are convincing guidelines for the entire country,
which needs to be extended on this experience long
ago ...if we really want to achieve historic victories
on the battlefield and in the economy.
It's time to finally realize that Comprador capitalism
has failed all over the world. It is impossible to go
to the future with it! The fact that it has outlived
its usefulness was directly stated by President
Putin. But the Russian oligarchy continues to
cling to him with a stranglehold. Because
capitalism allows it to enrich itself
fabulously at the expense of our
resources, without sharing its
wealth with a country ------
fighting for its future.
The 500 richest people in Russia... have already
accumulated almost $ 700 billion in their hands.
At the current exchange rate, this is 62 trillion
rubles – more than one and a half times the
federal budgets.
These five hundred rich people ---- own 40% of the
country's total financial assets. And yet they pay almost the same share of their income.. as the
poor and beggars do, as taxes. We must put
an end to this blatant injustice ---- which
deprives the country of the necessary
financial resources for full-fledged,
truly victorious development!
We will all have to work hard to meet the historical
challenges we face. This includes --- each of the
10 positions related to large-scale economic
reconstruction --- which were announced
by the head of state last summer, in his
program address at the St. Petersburg
Economic Forum.
And in order for these positions to be implemented,
we will have to fundamentally change the socio -
economic course and resolutely turn it to the
left, despite all the wiles of our opponents.
And, in the same patriotic direction,
persistently deploy budget policy.
The key requirements of our "Victory Program"
are fully in line with the aspirations of the
absolute majority of citizens:
- Fundamental increase of the federal budget, its
transformation into a development budget.
- Return to state ownership of strategic sectors of
the economy and systemically important banks.
- Cancellation of the pension reform
and lowering the retirement age.
- Raising the minimum wage and subsistence
level...... in line with real inflation.
- State regulation of prices for essential
foodstuffs and medicines.
- Limit utility rates to no more than
10% of family income.
- Support for young and large families, including
interest-free installments for the purchase of
the first apartment for a family - for a period
of 20 years.
- Immediate adoption of the Federal Law
"On War Children" with measures of
state support for the elderly.
- Implementation of the state program of the
Communist Party of the Russian Federation
"Education for all" and guarantees for
receiving free high-quality education.
- Free provision of medical care
to residents of all localities.
- Ban on privatization of state
and municipal enterprises.
- Introduction of a normal tax on any income
of the rich --- and an exemption from taxes
of low-income citizens.
At the centre of our program and budget - is
the individual, their needs, and their future.
This is exactly what it provides - for
doubling the volume of industrial
production - and a fundamental
modernization and staffing
of agriculture.
The revival of Russian science and education.
Strengthening the social protection of workers,
the elderly, motherhood and childhood.
The adoption of such a program at the state level
and the fundamental change in the socio-
economic course laid down in it, are
necessary conditions for our
successful development
and our victory.
The Communist Party insists - that only a course based
on the ideology of justice and social equality will bring
real victory both at the front and in the battles for the
country's economic and social prosperity.
On the experience of the outstanding achievements
of the Soviet era --- of socialist construction.
We will do our best to establish a new, patriotic course.
And its integral part, will be a truly victorious revival
and development budget.
Medvedev is famous for admitting that Yeltsin ''won'' his second election - only by massive fraud - and that the Communist leader Zyuganov was the real winner, but he was defrauded - with C.I.A ''help''.
As you realise this, doesn't it make you - reach out to him with love and compassion?
What do you think?
____________________________
Desperate - To Catch Up In Hypersonics,
US Recycles Failed Weapons Programs
October 21st
(SouthFront)
Written by Drago Bosnic, independent
geopolitical and military analyst.
A bit over a decade ago....... most military experts were
convinced that the United States was the top player in the field of hypersonic weapons. The US Military Industrial Complex (MIC) ------ was adamant in underestimating Russian advances
- particularly when it comes to the
“Iskander” system, whose 9M723
missiles were the first ground-
based hypersonic weapons,
but were still usually listed
as quasi-ballistic missiles.
The NATO-orchestrated Ukrainian conflict
--- demonstrated the high maneuverability
and speed of the weapons used by the
“Iskander-M” missile system -- proving
beyond doubt that Moscow is around
15-20 years ahead, in development
and deployment of hypersonics.
In stark contrast, Washington DC’s attempts to ridicule
Russian advances ...seems to have had a “karmic”
effect on its own performance, as the Pentagon
has been going through one embarrassing
failure after another in the last decade
or so.
However, trying to denigrate your opponent through
the mainstream propaganda machine will not slow
down their technological advances in the
actual world.
It could surely make them look bad (albeit not beyond
the political West).. but nothing more than that. Still,
the US kept doing it. The mainstream propaganda
machine’s rather pathetic claims ---- that Russia supposedly “stole” non-existent US hypersonic
technologies became all the more ludicrous as
the Pentagon’s failures to develop a single
working weapon...... started piling up.
Despite running up to a dozen hypersonic weapons
programs -- the US has nothing to show for its
efforts. Back in March last year - things took
a turn for the worse -- after the cancelation
of the AGM-183A, an air-launched missile
carrying a hypersonic glide vehicle.
Dubbed the ARRW (Air-Launched Rapid Response
Weapon), the missile was supposed to be the US
entry point.... into the highly exclusive
“hypersonic club”.
The failures of the US MIC didn’t end there, however.
Namely -- its inability to make even relatively basic
weapons (relative to the US’s superpower status) became evident, resulting in more embarrassing episodes ----- such as the constant delays and
technological issues --- with the development
of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles).
And yet -------- given the geopolitical prestige of fielding
hypersonic weapons, it was important for Washington
DC to start suppressing information about the failures
of its programs --- which is why we still don’t have an
official confirmation of the most recent test’s results.
I already argued.... that it most likely failed, and while
definite evidence is still not there, subsequent events
reinforced this notion. In fact, the latest revelations
about the US’s intentions, regarding the revival of failed programs serves as a case in point.
Namely, the abortive AGM-183A missile
with an HGV warhead ...might actually
be restarted.
Nicknamed the “Super-Duper” by (for now) former
president Donald Trump, the ARRW (usually read
as “arrow”) - allegedly went the furthest in the
development and testing, at least according
to the War Zone. However, the weapon was
simply insufficient to match even North
Korean and Iranian designs, let alone
Chinese (to say nothing of Russian
advances - as they stand in a league of their own).
Military sources report that uncertainty surrounding
the future of the AGM-183A --------- was exacerbated
significantly in late September, as the US Air Force
gave Lockheed Martin $13.4 million in additional
funds ------ for R&D work on the officially
canceled program.
Namely, apart from the aforementioned sacking back in
March 2023 (officially due to “unspecified technical
issues”), there was a brief period of revival (albeit
unofficial), mainly due to repeated failures of
other programs. However, funding for the
AGM-183A was still cut in March 2024.
This effectively made it the second cancelation of the
project, with the US military promising it would move
to other programs. The missile was still paraded in
the Asia-Pacific in a “show of force” to North Korea
and China, but this accomplished virtually nothing,
as the true results of a test launch there, were
never published (....suggesting yet another
failure), while both North Korea and Iran
demonstrated: they can build and field
these missiles (with solid reports that
Iran actually used its own in combat).
And while it’s certainly a capable weapon on paper, the
AGM-183A program is either very poorly executed (at
best) or the US simply lacks the technology to field
such weapons.
The weapon carries an HGV warhead, meaning that
the booster should be the least of the Pentagon’s
problems, but it seems even this relatively
simple tech is an insurmountable
obstacle, resulting in repeated
failures and perpetual cost
overruns.
The HGV itself.. is the most complicated technological
challenge, as it requires world-class knowledge about
both rocketry and hypersonic gliding (unpowered
flight). Maintaining such massive speed in the
given circumstances is a major hurdle,
particularly as traditional ballistic
missiles keep losing momentum
as they fly further.
However, HGVs are capable of using their highly
advanced lift surfaces to not only sustain
hypersonic speed, but also maneuver
while doing so.
Russia mastered this technology during its “Avangard”
program (previously also known as the Yu-71 and Yu-
74), reaching staggering maximum speeds of up to
Mach 28 (nearly 10 km/s or over 33,000 km/h), as
well as intercontinental range (6,000+ to
18,000 km), making it the only strategic
hypersonic weapon in the world.
On the other hand, the failed ARRW is supposed to be
an operational equivalent of the 9-A-7660 “Kinzhal”
systems ......armed with 9-S-7760 air-launched
hypersonic missiles.
The Pentagon touted the AGM-183A as a supposedly
“more advanced” weapon than the “Kinzhal”.
However, while the latter is not only an
existing weapon, it has also proven its
capabilities in combat, something that
the US-made missile can’t even
match in highly controlled
test environments.
The would-be “game changer” was supposed to give
the US military “unprecedented strike options” and
was slated to be carried by both strategic
aircraft such as the B-52 bombers.... as
well as tactical jets such as the F-15.
However, the Pentagon’s repeated failures resulted in
ever lower financing. Long expected to be the first
hypersonic weapon in any Western arsenal, its
“problematic” testing record forced the USAF
to look for alternatives.
There’s even speculation that the program’s assets will
morph into another one dubbed Tactical Boost Glide
(TBG), indicating that the weapon will most likely
have a much shorter range than the one planned
for the AGM-183A.
The latter...... was supposed to be carried by B-52
bombers, while integration was also expected
for the new F-15EX fighter jets, the only
Western tactical aircraft capable of
deploying such large missiles.
However, if the TBG ends up having more modest
characteristics (which the name itself certainly
suggests), this missile could also be carried
by other tactical jets, provided it ever
gets fielded.
However, the very fact --- that the US is seriously
considering the recycling of the ARRW program
that was already canceled twice due to
excessive costs, unreliability, repeated
test failures, lack of progress in
improving the design, etc. is
very telling.
As all other programs failed, the US is now desperate
to at least match previously mentioned regional
powers such as North Korea and Iran.
What’s more, the latter, very likely, also gave its
hypersonic missiles to allies in the Middle East
(specifically in Yemen), making the US’s
embarrassment... all the worse.
Let the US stay embare- assed and - as the Iraeli leaders say let it turn to dust - and blow away.
What do you say?
____________________________________
Lebanon'svast espionage network
a product of US-Israel plots
against the country
by Julia Kassem
October 19th, 2:32pm
Exactly one month ago, the Israeli regime, shifted its
focus toward direct attacks on Lebanon, marked by
terrorist pager detonations on September 17 that
killed and injured thousands.
This was part of a strategy to pressure the Lebanese
Resistance to stop supporting Gaza, a goal the US
and France had been attempting to achieve
diplomatically for months.
In his last speech before martyrdom, Hezbollah leader
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah reminded Israeli premier
Benjamin Netanyahu that the regime would not
succeed in achieving its objectives through
military force.
Similarly, Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obaida
had delivered a warning to the Zionist entity weeks
earlier, emphasizing that they cannot forcefully
retrieve military captives, killing hundreds
of Palestinians in the process.
Nasrallah also affirmed, that Israel and the US cannot
kill, bomb, or assassinate their way to separating the
Lebanese front from Gaza or imposing a ceasefire in
Lebanon while continuing the no-holds-barred
genocidal war on Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel is today attempting to force
the implementation of Resolution 1701.
Prior to Nasrallah’s final speech, US media intensified
efforts to sow division between the peoples of
Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran.
On September 24, Israeli spy-turned-reporter Barak
Ravid claimed, based on unnamed Western and
Israeli officials, that Hezbollah had sought
more assistance from Iran, which he
said, was refused.
This was merely a projection of Israel’s growing
dependency on the US, reflected in an Axios
headline four days later, reporting that
"Israel asks the US to deter Iran after
Hezbollah leader's assassination."
Following Nasrallah’s assassination, French daily Le
Parisien falsely claimed that an Iranian mole was
responsible for it. Owned by Louis Vuitton CEO
Bernard Arnault, a major investor in Israeli
cloud security firm Wiz (developed by
Israel’s 8200 Intelligence Unit), Le
Parisien routinely serves as a
mouthpiece for Israeli psy-ops
that align with Washington &
Tel Aviv’s psychological
warfare.
This false narrative ------ echoed claims since the
martyrdom of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in
late July, which suggested Iran had betrayed
the resistance.
This narrative originated from The Telegraph and was
picked up by Middle East Eye, which also claimed
that IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani
was “under investigation.”
However, these claims were discredited when Qaani
publicly attended the funeral of senior IRGC
commander Abbas Nilforoushan, martyred
alongside Nasrallah on September 27.
The series of assassinations of top resistance leaders
like Sayyed Nasrallah, Saleh al-Arouri, and Sheikh
Kaouk was facilitated by the vast network of
US-Israeli spies in Lebanon.
After the Rafiq Hariri assassination, Lebanon was
pressured to hand over extensive data, including
communication infrastructure, road maps, and
personal networks.
Additionally, US orders forced the dismantling of
Hezbollah’s fiber-optic communication network,
which would have protected the resistance
and the broader community -- from Israeli
and Western interference, wiretapping
and surveillance.
In November last year, a significant quantity of US
military equipment was delivered to the Lebanese
Hamat Air Base, with US helicopters frequently
seen traveling to and from the base.
As in 2020, the US consolidated its activities with the
Lebanese Army and NGOs, even holding an “NGO
day” at Hamat Air Base as part of the US Civil
Military Support Element.
In the aftermath of Israeli bombings, US Ambassador
Dorothy Shea ordered Army Chief Joseph Aoun, a
loyal US lapdog, to shut the border crossing
between Lebanon and Syria and halt the
reconstruction work on the border to
impose a siege on the displaced
Lebanese.
Aoun defied Lebanese government orders,
refusing to distribute aid to displaced
civilians.
Meanwhile, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea,
vying for US approval as Lebanon’s next president,
contributed to incitement against displaced Shia
communities, falsely claiming Hezbollah
fighters were sheltering among them.
This incitement was echoed by US and Saudi-backed
media outlets like MTV and LBC, which claimed that
these shelters were hosting Hezbollah fighters.
The fruits of over 5 years of CIA incitement against
Hezbollah in its latter stages, were aided by the
aftermath of the US-engineered financial crisis
in Lebanon, and the subsequent colour
revolution aimed at compromising
Lebanon institutionally, via the
Lebanese Army Commander,
as well as individually ------
through the proliferation
of spies.
From 2019 to the present time, the Lebanese currency
devalued by nearly 100 percent, inflation skyrocketing
by at least 171 percent and Lebanon plunged into
darkness between 2020 and 2022, due to the
currency crisis.
In the first three years after 2019, over 185 Mossad
spies were caught and since then, more were
exposed nonstop. In the aftermath of many
of the Israeli bombings on Beirut in
particular, spies were pulled out
on the streets, to the rage of
community members.
The CIA's incitement against Hezbollah has been
amplified by Lebanon’s economic collapse. Since
2019, the Lebanese currency has devalued by
nearly 100%, with inflation skyrocketing by at
least 171%. Between 2020 & 2022, Lebanon
plunged into darkness due to the currency
crisis. During this time, over 185 Mossad
spies were arrested, with many
more exposed.
One spy, based on security sources cited by Al-Akhbar,
was arrested in Dahiyeh on October 2nd, a long-term
Mossad contact from Idlib, Syria. Drawing suspicion
when he filmed after the attack on the Islamic
Health Authority Centre in Bashoura, it was
found that he had sent photos of the
destruction sites to Mossad.
Other spies, like a Lebanese man named Bahaa ----
were found with extensive surveillance data on
key areas in Dahiyeh and near Beirut's airport.
The instruments recovered from him included
computers and two phones filled with images
of Dahiyeh streets and buildings, especially
around Airport Road (Tariq al-Matar) area.
Another Lebanese named “Mohammad H” was also
arrested in the neighborhood dividing main Beirut
from Dahiyeh. In early October, more spies were
caught and handed over to the Lebanese police.
Two weeks prior, another agent was arrested in the
Lebanese Forces-majority neighbourhood of Ain el-
Remmaneh, which borders Dahiyeh neighbourhood
in Chiyah, with extensive information on martyred
Hezbollah leader, Sheikh Kaouk, suggesting his
role in his murder.
Their motivation, investigations revealed, was financial
rewards - with large sums of dollars and Euros found in
their possession. In most of the espionage cases both
before the outbreak of war in Lebanon as well as
during the war, the agents were recruited via
social media, or directly through messaging
applications, and paid around $500 per
assignment, mainly transferring the
money via cash transfer.
When Israeli spy Joshua Tartakovsky was caught
in Beirut posing as a journalist two weeks ago,
US-backed elements in the judiciary and army
pressured for his deportation, allowing him
to escape accountability.
This mirrors the 2019 escape of former Israeli agent
Amer Fakhoury, revealing the extent of American
interference in the security system in shielding
spies and agents for Israel from accountability.
Washington is using these assassinations, aided by its
network of spies, to push for a US-favoued Lebanese
president. Western media - has also hinted toward it.
The Washington Post, for example... openly admitted
that the US saw an opportunity to politically sideline
Hezbollah in Lebanon. Days earlier, Israeli former
premier Yair Lapid proposed raising the salaries
of Lebanese Army officers from $120 to $500
------ in exchange for training by Emirati and
French forces, both of which collaborate
with Israel on intelligence.
The low wages, a direct result of the US-engineered
economic crisis, have contributed to the
proliferation of spies.
US Ambassador, Dorothy Shea --- further exacerbated
tensions, stating that Lebanon should “prepare for a
post-Hezbollah era” — a sentiment contradicted by
Hezbollah’s continued strength on the battlefield.
Today, 17 days into the Israeli ground invasion and
one month of direct war, Israel has failed to make
headway in Lebanon, with over 30 soldiers killed
and 300 injured, as per conservative estimates.
Israel's brutal siege on North Gaza, is an attempt to
make up for losses in Lebanon’s south by forcing
a final-solution-style mass murder (there’s a
name for it - the “General’s Plan”).
Israel, through its arrogance and hubris, is trying hard
to push its objectives. Believing it can be successful
in ethnically cleansing Palestinians from their
ancestral lands by recreating the Nakba, it
also believes it can replicate the goals it
had in occupying southern Lebanon in
1978 in a farcical pursuit of removing
the resistance from Lebanon.
The tactics of the US and Israel ---- may grow more
desperate in relying on psychological warfare and
manipulation of the media ---- to reach their
objective; of fracturing & delegitimizing
theresistance.
However, as the martyred Hezbollah leader Sayyed
Nasrallah reminded us, the movement remains as
strong as ever, both on the battlefield and in the
hearts of its supporters.
Julia Kassem is a Beirut-based writer and
commentator, whose work appears in
PressTV, Al-Akhbar, and Al-Mayadeen
English. She also appears on Press
TV's Expose show.
(The views expressed in this article do not
necessarily reflect those of Press TV.)
______________________________________
Qalibaf’s visit to Lebanon --- defying Zionist
threats, shows what real solidarity means
October 15th, 10:38am
by Musa Iqbal
The past few weeks have proven once again that if you are a
friend to the Islamic Republic of Iran and if you stand on the
right side of history, the Iranian nation will also be a
steadfast ally and supporter in return.
Despite Zionist threats of assassination and even threats to
blow up airplanes carrying Iranian officials after Operation
True Promise II, we have witnessed top-ranking Iranian
officials making public trips to regional countries,
including Lebanon.
The trips came amid the Israeli regime’s relentless
bombardment of Gaza and Lebanon after failing to
invade the latter through the ground, due to
Hezbollah's far superior hybrid
warfare tactics.
The warnings against flying into Lebanon ------ did not deter
Iranian officials. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was the
first to visit Lebanon, carrying humanitarian aid with him,
on October 4th. He landed in Beirut hours before the
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed
Ali Khamenei led historic Friday prayers and
sermons in Tehran.
Ayatollah Khamenei defended Operation True Promise II that
dealt a heavy blow to the Zionist entity - and warned the
Tel Aviv regime, against repeating the foolhardy military
adventure. In Beirut Araghchi met with senior Lebanese
officials and reaffirmed Iran's unwavering support to the
government, people and resistance of the Arab country.
The top Iranian diplomat ---- dashed off to Damascus from
Beirut, defying Israeli threats. To the dismay of Zionists,
his visit was just a precursor of what was to come.
On Saturday, October the 12th, Iranian Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also flew into Beirut, piloting his
own aircraft, which touched down in the Lebanese capital
amid plumes of smoke caused by Israeli bombings.
Unfazed by threats against Iranian planes, Qalibaf literally
took matters into his own hands, donned the pilot's attire
and arrived in Lebanon as a powerful act of solidarity
with the Lebanese people.
Qalibaf is far from an ordinary politician. He served as a
commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Air
Force from 1997 to 2000. He is also a veteran of the
Iran-Iraq war, known as the Holy Defense, where
he started his military career in the early 1980s,
quickly rising through the ranks as a skilled
tactician and strategist.
“We wanted to emphasize that we follow our dear Leader's
[Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] example, who led Friday prayers
despite enemy threats, with a strong presence from our
proud people who are always on the front lines,” the
speaker said in Beirut on being asked about him
piloting the plane.
By exposing the Zionist entity.... as merely a "paper tiger,"
Qalibaf and other Iranian officials who engaged in active
diplomacy amid threats and sabre-rattling ..aimed to
galvanize more support for the Palestinian and
Lebanese cause across the region.
Certain Arab states continue to engage with the Zionist
regime or refuse to support resistance forces and
Palestinians, largely due to fears of Zionist
retaliation. They also don't want to
antagonize Americans.
Iran, on the other hand, is demonstrating that these threats
are empty, so long as there is unity around the Palestinian
cause, as Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized in his historic
Friday sermon recently.
Qalibaf’s visit to Lebanon, where he visited suburbs bombed
by Israeli warplanes in recent weeks, also underscored
Iran’s growing soft power in the region, as it stands
by its allies, particularly in times of need.
Qalibaf toured areas in central and southern Beirut
subjected to Israeli aggression, a gesture that
even some pro-Western Lebanese politicians
have not made.
Despite the threat of bombings and the Zionist regime’s
usual modus operandi of assassinations, Iran is
sending a clear message that its solidarity
with the oppressed and occupied
knows no limits.
Iran wants the region to understand that they do not have
to submit to the Zionist regime and that regional peace
is possible ------ through the rejection of Western-
backed aggression.
"We do not fear the enemy, and we carried out this mission
in full accordance with international law. We have no fear
of coming here," Qalibaf told reporters during his visit,
exuding remarkable confidence.
As Israel continues its carpet bombing of Gaza and Lebanon,
it has also threatened Iran with military aggression ------ after
being rattled by Iranian ballistic missile strikes that came in
response to a series of assassinations of senior resistance
leaders, including Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Ismail
Haniyeh and Abbas Nilforushan.
In response, Qalibaf challenged the Tel Aviv regime: “We will
respond with strength and noticeably --- and appropriately.
This has been demonstrated before, and I hope it
serves as a lesson to our enemies.”
The IRGC warned Israel ---- that if it retaliates after the
conclusion of the "True Promise II" missile operation,
it would face even harsher strikes, with sensitive
military and energy sites being targeted -
if necessary.
Qalibaf’s visit—piloting his own plane and landing in Beirut to
declare full support for Lebanon and the resistance—raises
the stakes in the confrontation with the Zionist regime.
Israeli attacks around Beirut airport have intensified, leading
to the cancellation of hundreds of flights as the Zionist
regime closely monitors all air traffic in and out of the
airport. Yet Iran remains steadfast in its commitment
to the resistance, particularly during critical times.
Where some nations have capitulated to the Zionist regime,
Iran has only increased its support for resistance forces
and has thrown its weight behind those in the
Zionists' crosshairs.
During his meetings with reporters and local residents in the
damaged areas.... Qalibaf assured the Lebanese people that
they would not only receive immediate aid from Iran but also
long-term support in rebuilding the infrastructure destroyed
by Zionist aggression.
“It is natural for us to contribute to rebuilding the damaged
infrastructure. We will offer support, and Islamic countries
will also play a role,” he asserted.
Iran’s leadership role in the region continues to grow despite
violent threats and attacks from both the United States and
Israel. As Iran offers an alternative to Zionist capitulation, it
is also demonstrating that concrete steps must be taken to
support the resistance and the people of Lebanon.
Iran remains a steadfast partner to the Lebanese people
------ perhaps even more committed than some Lebanese
officials themselves. We are witnessing the emergence
of a new era in West Asian regional policy -- where
solidarity and unity are not just political slogans
--- but concrete actions.
Musa Iqbal is a Boston-based researcher and writer
with a focus on US domestic and foreign policy.
(The views expressed in this article do not
necessarily reflect those of Press TV.)
Well, they do mine. The whole loving world owes Iran ------- a huge ''Mamnoon'' !!! What do you think?
______________________________________
Modern-day reign of terror,
US-Israeli style
October 12th, 8:21am
(PressTV)
In the midst of the reign of terror during the late 18th
century, a term was forged in the fiery tumult of the
French Revolution; terrorism. This term, born from
the shadows of la guillotine, would traverse the
rivers of time, its echo resonating into the
modern era.
Originally shaped by the blade's swift justice around the
1790s, this legacy of fear has moved across centuries
into a narrative starkly different, from the cobblestone
streets of Paris in the late 18th century, we leap
forward in time.
In the volatile atmosphere of 1960 South Africa, the
oppressive apartheid regime enforced stringent
pass laws, which required black South Africans
to carry 'dompas' passbooks, controlling their
movements and freedoms.
The enforcement of these laws was harsh and
abusive, leading to widespread resentment.
In Sharpeville, a township simmering under these conditions,
the residents, supported by the Pan Africanist Congress,
PAC, organized a peaceful protest by gathering at the
local police station without their passbooks, aiming
to challenge and overwhelm the apartheid system.
The situation escalated dramatically when police opened fire
on the unarmed crowd, resulting in the tragic death of 69
people and over 180 injuries.
This brutal event --- intensified the resistance against the apartheid.
Nelson Mandela, a key figure in the African National
Congress, ANC, responded by advocating a shift
towards armed struggle.
By 1961 Mandela helped found uMkhonto weSizwe,
Spear of the Nation, marking a significant change
in tactics.
However, this move led to the US designating the ANC
as a terrorist organization during the Cold War era.
Mandela was included on the US terror watch list, a
designation that lasted until 2008, long after his
presidency, when a US bill finally removed
ANC members from the list.
This action underscored the complex global response
to Mandela's fight against apartheid and his eventual
recognition as a global symbol of peace
and reconciliation.
The Reign of Terror
Since Operation al-Aqsa Flood, the biggest military action
against the longest occupation in history --- the Israeli
regime has been embroiled in a genocidal campaign
in Gaza, committing all crimes imaginable against
innocent civilians.
As the sands of time shift to 2021, we find ourselves
in Palestine, where the populace contends with a
distinct form of apartheid.
Tensions in Palestine mirrored struggles from other regions,
while manifesting unique and profound local challenges.
In the neighbourhood of Sheik Jarrah, East al-Quds, the
issuance of eviction notices to Palestinians, under a
While only two Zionist officials are being sought for
arrest, the ICC has put three Palestinians on the
list, ironically with the death toll in Gaza
climbing to nearly 40,000 and
an invasion of Rafah
looking imminent.
By issuing arrest warrants for the heroic Al Aqsa Storm
Operation on October 7, 2023, the ICC prosecutors are
spitting in the face of the right to resist criminal
occupation and aggression.
Any follower of the Palestinian cause knows that relying
on international organizations is a path to nowhere - as long as US hegemony exists. But that hegemony is
declining. And it shows --- take note of the US
political reaction to the arrest warrants
against Netanyahu and Gallant.
Last month, US Congresspeople drafted a letter
promising sanctions and other punitive actions
if the ICC issues arrest warrants against
Israeli regime officials.
Non-governmental organizations that tow the Washington
political line also lashed out at the ICC, in order to
discredit and delegitimize it. Again, a bulk of
these organizations praised the ICC
...whenever the target of arrests
was a Washington-designated
target. There is no dearth of
hypocrisy in Washington.
In a statement, US President Joe Biden declared:
“Let me be clear, we reject the ICC’s application
for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders…
There is no equivalence between Israel
and Hamas.”
Ironically, he is right - just for the wrong reasons.
Occupation, ethnic cleansing, and genocide are not
permitted within international standards and the
so-called rule of law. However, resistance to
occupation is a human right ------ that is
mentioned by name under Protocol I
of the Geneva Convention.
Indeed - there is no equivalence between the Israeli
occupation and the Gaza-based resistance
movement Hamas, or for that matter any
other Palestinian resistance faction.
The ICC’s “both sides are wrong” defense --- is
commonly resorted to by Western neoliberals.
Seeking to absolve themselves of blame, the defense
here chalks the blame up to Zionist leadership, while
condemning the whole of Palestinian resistance.
Many analysts agree that Washington’s exit strategy
from the Gaza genocide - the Biden administration
cannot afford to continue with it in an election
year - will be throwing Netanyahu under the
bus, and chalking up the genocide to
“bad leadership.”
The shamefulness of this defense goes to show that the
institutions that were engineered by the West can only
bend so much. The genocide in Gaza, which many
have labeled the “live-streamed genocide,” has
proved that if an international institution fails
to acknowledge Israeli crimes, it will have
no legitimacy at all in the eyes of the
international public.
However, the imperialist architects of these institutions
still wield influence - and they are exercising this
influence in order to ensure that they still have
the final say - no matter how messy it gets.
Be that as it may, even imperialist influence cannot stop
the global tide that is seemingly drowning the Israeli
regime. Though Israel is no longer a signatory to
the Rome Statute (which it left almost right after
it initially signed it, disagreeing with population
transfer as a war crime) - arrest warrants for its
two top war criminals, if approved by ICC
judges, further solidifies its growing
isolation globally.
Although international agencies cannot enter the Israeli
occupation and arrest Netanyahu and Gallant, countries
that are signatories to the Rome Statute are obliged to
bring in criminals with arrest warrants - facing harsh
consequences if they fail to do so.
Netanyahu and Gallant would be outcasts globally while
simultaneously facing the wrath of Zionist settlers who
are protesting weekly due to their failure to destroy
Hamas and free Israeli captives.
Despite being the darlings of the West, some countries
have expressed readiness to arrest the two Zionist
regime officials if the arrest application is
approved - including Norway - angering
pro-Zionist cheerleaders and lobby
groups across the West.
Meanwhile, resistance leaders Sinwar and Deif are
in Gaza, fighting alongside the resistance in
commanding positions - and Haniyeh is in
Qatar, a country that is not a signatory
to the Rome Statute.
All three of these esteemed men are not runaway
criminals with no home - they are Palestinian,
and they only wish to be in Palestine. An
arrest warrant, though insulting, is the
least of their concerns.
Victory for Palestine will not be won with a pen
and a legal document ------ but with resistance.
We see the Palestinian resistance factions are still
strong in the face of a genocidal onslaught while
the very fabric of the settler-colonial Zionist
society is torn apart.
Arrest warrants won’t change much. The reality on
the battlefield alone will eventually determine the
fate of Palestine and Gaza, and resistance has
already prevailed there.
Musa Iqbal is a Boston-based researcher and writer
focused on US domestic and foreign policy.
(The views expressed in this article don't
necessarily.... reflect those of Press TV.)
______________________________________
200 days of genocide: Palestinian
resistance --- prevails over
Israeli occupation
By Iqbal Jassat
April 24th, 11:59am
Gaza’s killing fields, courtesy of the genocidal settler
colonial regime in Tel Aviv, have now entered the 7th
month, without any reprieve for the besieged
territory of millions of people.
According to reports, 3,025 massacres have been
perpetrated by the murderous regime between
October 7, 2023, and April 23, 2024, with at
least 42,510 innocent civilians mercilessly
butchered, including 15,780 children,
which includes those presumed
dead under the rubble.
On average, 212 people have been killed per day, incl. 79
children and 50 women, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor
reported on Tuesday, marking 200 days of the no-holds-
barred onslaught on Gaza.
Gaza government office also released a statement on
Tuesday, sharing grim statistics of the 200 days of
war. An estimated 7,000 are missing under the
rubble and more than 76,000 are injured.
Most of the public infrastructure has been destroyed in
the besieged strip, including 70 percent of residential
properties, all universities, and 33 out of 36 hospitals.
In the occupied West Bank the Israeli army and
settlers have killed 486 Palestinians and
injured more than 4700 in the past
200 days.
In addition, Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu's evil
famine strategy has formed part of his war cabinet's
tactic to starve to death millions of Palestinians.
To compound the apartheid regime's criminal conduct,
the corruption-laden Netanyahu falsely implicated
the UN agency for Palestinian refugees as aiding
and abetting "terrorists", resulting in the
suspension of funding and a halt
of its humanitarian aid to
Palestinian refugees.
Sadly, baseless allegations against UNRWA saw a
shameful rush by Western governments to cut
$450m funding at a time when "people were
dying in droves", as described by
news media.
Months later, however, the world is now told..
that Israeli allegations have not been proven.
An inquiry – a rigorous one - led by former French foreign
minister Catherine Colonna, supported by three well-
respected research institutes, concluded that there
was no evidence for the claim that significant
numbers of UNRWA employees have Hamas
or Islamic Jihad ties.
That this decisive conclusion by the Colonna inquiry
refutes Israel's false claims, it is left to be seen
whether Western governments will revert to
funding UNRWA, thus striking a blow to
Netanyahu’s malicious war aims. Or
will they continue to drag their feet,
as is the case now?
Israeli genocidal war on Gaza launched on Oct. 7 last year
completed 200 days on Tuesday, leaving behind a trail of
death, destruction, displacement and starvation.
If they fail to recommence funding, Palestinians may not
be faulted for believing that the West remains hostage
to the Netanyahu regime's lies and vengeful genocide.
Concurrently another significant report has been issued
castigating Israel’s bloody assault on Gaza’s medical
institutions and the denial of healthcare. The author
is a South African doctor, Tlaleng Mofokeng, the
UN's Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health.
In her scathing report, Mofokeng emphasized her difficulty
in gathering data on the number of people needing
medical evacuation due to the destruction of
civilian infrastructure.
But she has been absolutely clear that the world
is witnessing “genocide” in Gaza.
"Not only is Israel causing irreparable harm against
Palestinian civilians with its bombardments, but it
and their allies are also knowingly & intentionally
imposing famine, prolonged malnutrition, and
dehydration,” she was quoted as saying.
At a press conference in Geneva, Mofokeng did not mince
her words when she said that as a practicing medical
doctor, she bears witness, that the very practice of
medicine is under attack.
"This has been a war on the right to health and underlying
determinants of health. The healthcare infrastructure in
Gaza has been completely obliterated and the right to
health has been decimated at every level,” she said.
"Not only is Israel killing and causing irreparable harm
against Palestinian civilians with its bombardments,
it and their allies are also ...knowingly and
intentionally, imposing famine, prolonged
malnutrition, and dehydration."
Interestingly, students at many US universities, including
the prestigious Columbia University, have emerged as a
potent force demanding an end to complicity in Israel's
war on Gaza.
They have been protesting for days on their campuses
despite the heavy-handedness of US police.
Professor Sami Al-Arian's observation about these raging
protests on university campuses across the country
sums it up perfectly:
“What's happening across US university campuses is
unprecedented. I lived four decades in the US --- 28
years of which were in academic settings. During
my time, it was a very challenging struggle to
present an anti-Zionist narrative,” he wrote
in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“But the passion, courage, humanity, creativity, and
determination displayed these days by students
across US campuses make me proud. The
Zionist grip on US society is weakening
and waning.”
By all accounts, it is abundantly clear that despite various
attempts by the apartheid regime to garner and maintain
global support for its terrorism in Gaza, it has turned
out to be a dismal failure.
Indeed, enormous resources allocated by Israel to
overwhelm news coverage of the horrendous
genocide from the false perspective of
"Israel's ''right'' - to defend itself from
terrorism", has been a fundamental
pillar of Netanyahu’s goal to
remain in power.
As author Ralph Nader points out, throughout history,
military empires have reduced their victims, their
subjugated, and their abducted to a state of
“The Others.” The political & mass media
institutions usually follow suit
by supporting their empire’s
predatory policies with
slanted coverage.
Remarkable therefore that alongside the armed resistance
by Palestinian freedom fighters to withstand 200 days of
relentless bombings, the images of Gaza’s devastation
and eyewitness accounts by medics, journalists and
displaced families, have not allowed the Zionist
regime to escape global outrage.
Iqbal Jassat is an executive member of Media
Review Network, Johannesburg, South Africa.
(The views expressed in this article ---- do
not necessarily reflect those of Press TV)
Glory to those who pray work and struggle
for real peace --- peace with justice for all.
What do you think?
_______________________________________
Indonesia won't normalize with Israel
because Indonesians won’t allow it
April 13th, 1:54pm
by Dina Y. Sulaeman
In the last few days, Israeli media has been reporting
about Indonesia mulling a normalization of relations
with the Tel Aviv regime to fulfill the requirements
for accession to The Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD), a
neoliberal market-based alliance
of countries.
The news - circulated at a dizzying pace on social media
platforms and triggered a wide array of reactions from
netizens worldwide, including in Indonesia. It wasn’t
something they were expecting.
Indonesia's foreign ministry was quick to deny the reports
in a midnight statement, saying that no such plan is in
the offing.
"I affirm that, as of now, there are no plans to establish
diplomatic relations with Israel, particularly given
Israel's actions in Gaza,” the ministry spokes-
person, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, said.
Most people in Indonesia, I can vouch for, reject and
condemn any plan that leads to the normalization
of ties between the two sides or Jakarta’s
recognition of the apartheid
colonial entity.
Several notes can be taken from this frenzy. First, the
behaviour of the Israeli media, citing anonymous
sources, to report on Indonesia's plans to
normalize relations with Israel. It has
happened several times in the last
few years.
Indonesia's foreign ministry has always denied such
reports. It again denied it and then it was as if
there was nothing more. There was no
apology from the Israeli media, nor
was there any criticism of the
Israeli media from the
Indonesian side.
This time, the news about Indonesia’s so-called
normalization coincided with simmering
regional tensions in the wake of Iran's
vow to retaliate against the Israeli
bombing of its consulate
in Damascus.
Bombing a country's diplomatic mission is a fatal
violation of international law and can be equated
with bombing the country's territory. From this
perspective, Iran has every right to retaliate.
So, the situation turned extremely difficult for Israel.
Many countries issued travel advisories for the
occupied territories while Israeli regime
officials frantically tried to get Iran to
"not escalate."
The unspecified timing of Iran's retaliation.... has caused
psychological torture for the Israeli regime and settlers.
In conditions like these, rumours regarding Indonesia-
Israel normalization appear to have been deliberately
circulated by the Zionist media to reduce tensions
----- and divert world public opinion.
The second point is that Indonesia's support for Palestine
is deep-rooted. This support predates Indonesia's
independence, so it cannot be shaken so
easily by the Zionist propagandists.
In 1934, when the Palestinians fought against the British
(at that time, Indonesia was still colonized by the Dutch),
the clergy in Indonesia collected donations from the
people to help Palestine.
It is also recorded in history that a rich Palestinian
businessman, Muhammad Ali Taher, in 1944
donated a large amount of money to the
struggle for Indonesian independence.
In history lessons at schools, our teachers often
repeated the phrase: "Palestine was the first
to recognize Indonesia's independence."
What it actually meant is that after the proclamation of
Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945, the
Indonesian diplomat, M. Zein Hassan, came
to Egypt to promote recognition of
that independence.
In order to support Hassan's efforts ----- a number of
resistance figures in the Arab world based in Cairo
founded Lajnatud Difa'i 'an Indonesia on October
16, 1945, including General Saleh Harb Pasha,
Secretary General of the Arab League and
Abdul Rahman Azzam Pasha, Chairman
of the Palestine Committee.
The recommendation from the Lajnah was a resolution to
support the Republic of Indonesia and an appeal to all
countries, especially Arab and Islamic countries, to
recognize the new republic.
After that, almost all the Arab countries recognized
the Republic of Indonesia ----- one by one.
Apart from that, Indonesia initiated and hosted the Asia-
Africa Conference from 18 to April 24, 1955, the first
conference of formerly colonized countries in the
world whose main spirit was to liberate all the
colonized people on earth.
Support for Palestinian independence was one of the
dominant issues at this conference. Indonesia has a
historical burden to maintain that spirit and fulfill its promise of independence for Palestine.
The third point is, it needs to be acknowledged that
there are indeed parties in Indonesia, both
politicians and prominent figures, who
are secretly establishing personal
relations with Israel.
Indonesia's decision to submit a membership application
to the OECD, an organization controlled by Western
capitalist countries, instead of joining a new
economic power that is far more promising
for shared prosperity, namely BRICS,
shows the dominance of the West
in Indonesia's economic posture.
Membership in the OECD requires the consent of all
members, including Israel. It is very possible that
there are figures behind the scenes who are
trying to normalize Indonesia-Israel for
their interests ----- especially
business interests.
However, they never expressed their intentions openly
because it would be tantamount to political suicide.
No politician in Indonesia would dare to commit
suicide at this time when public sentiment is
very strong in supporting Palestine and
against Israel's genocidal crimes
in Gaza.
Thus, it can be concluded that the rumours of
normalization were Israeli propaganda that
took advantage of the tendencies of a few
parties behind the scenes -- but which
immediately hit a wall of failure.
The Indonesian people will not allow that normalization
to happen as Indonesia's first president, Sukarno,
stated: "As long as the independence of the
Palestinian people has not been handed
over to the Palestinian people, the
Indonesian people will always
stand up ------ to challenge
Israeli colonialism."
Dina Y. Sulaeman, is an assistant professor at the International Relations Department, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia.
(The views expressed in this article..... do
not necessarily reflect those of Press TV.)
Indonesia has filed a lawsuit against Israel at the ICJ
over the regime’s violations of international law in
the occupied Palestinian territories.
I remember when a CIA coup in Indonesia resulted in every commited patriotic communist and socialist... being taken to a police station --- and then slaughtered.
I bet the Indonesians remember that too.
What do you think?
_______________________________________________
Zionist regime will drown in the bloodof Haniyeh’s children and other Palestinians
by Wesam Bahrani
April 11th, 10:47am
The cowardly killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s
three sons and four grandchildren in Gaza only
exemplifies the fact that the murderous
occupying entity is on a deathbed.
The latest diabolic crime committed by the apartheid
regime first and foremost shows its desperation and
hopelessness and its inability to achieve any of the
stated military goals it quite ambitiously outlined
before embarking on the latest
genocidal campaign.
The regime was under the illusion that by assassinating
the resistance leader’s family members, the Zionist
entity might get some form of leverage at the
negotiating table.
If anything, Benjamin Netanyahu has made
it harder for himself and his US masters.
The leaders of many resistance groups in Palestine, have
offered their sons and family members, as martyrs to the
cause of liberating their land from the Israeli occupation.
After receiving the news about the killing of his children
and grandchildren on Wednesday night, Haniyeh
appeared calm and composed, thanking God
for the “honour” of bestowing martyrdom
on his close family members. That’s
the trait of great leaders.
He said almost every family in Gaza has paid a heavy price
with the blood of their children in the past six months and
before that, and he is only one of them.
Importantly, leaders of the Axis of Resistance in other
parts of the region have also offered exemplary
sacrifices for the greater cause, the bigger
cause, against the aggressors.
This shared legacy of sacrifice and martyrdom has only
strengthened the steadfastness of the Axis of
Resistance and its leaders, from Palestine,
to Lebanon, to Iraq, to Yemen.
Among the most notable examples, is the son
of Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement
Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
18-year-old Hadi Nasrallah ---- was martyred by
the Israeli forces in 1997 in southern Lebanon.
The important aspect here is the reaction and position
of these resistance leaders when their sons or family
members are killed by the Israeli occupation.
Do they regret and repent? Do they grieve and complain?
Does it become personal, and does that personal
aspect make them succumb to pressure or
give up on the cause?
Unfortunately, for the apartheid Israeli regime and its
delusional despots in Tel Aviv and Washington, the
blood of all the resistance factions, their leaders
and their sons and family members is the driving
force that will eventually end the illegal and
brutal occupation.
One day, after the martyrdom of Hadi Nasrallah,
Hezbollah’s Secretary-General delivered a
thumping speech in which he explained
how painful it was for him before, to
visit the parents of the Lebanese
resistance movement’s martyrs
and look them in the eye.
Hadi Nasrallah wasn’t the only one martyred by
the Israeli occupation forces. Many more
offered exemplary sacrifices. Hadi’s
body, like those of others, was
held by the Zionist entity.
“I tell the families of the martyrs whose bodies
remain captive --- that we also share this
common feature now,” the Hezbollah
chief said in September 1997.
At the funeral service the same month, he added, “The
martyrdom of Hadi is a message that the leadership of
Hezbollah doesn’t leave aside its sons to enjoy the
(post-occupation) future. When our sons head to
the frontline, that is our pride, and when they
are martyred, this allows us to hold our
heads up high”.
Over the next three years, Hezbollah inflicted heavy
battlefield casualties on the Israeli occupation,
forcing it to withdraw from the Lebanese
territory in 2000.... in humiliation.
The Arab country regained its sovereignty, independence,
security, and honour as a result of all the blood given by
resistance fighters, founders, leaders, and their
family members.
History is repeating itself. Now the resistance has grown
in faith, determination as well as in military terms
while the Israeli regime is reaching
its dead-end.
There is nothing the rogue, child-murdering Netanyahu
regime can boast of after half a year of US-backed
genocide in Gaza. The resistance has prevailed
and the occupation has lost.
The video that went viral showed the moment Haniyah
(visiting wounded Palestinians at a hospital in Qatar)
was informed, via a crying voice message on the
'phone from Gaza--- about the killing of his three
sons, three granddaughters and one grandson,
without a scintilla of pain visible on the
Hamas leader’s face --- is because this
resistance, unlike the US and its
proxy, has a clear vision for
Gaza and Palestine.
“God will rest their souls.” He nods his head.
“Shall we end the visit?” an aide asks.
“No, let’s continue” he responds.
The strategy of the resistance is inked in the blood
of its martyrs, which sends a clear message to the
United States that it prefers martyrdom and
dignity ----- over a life of humiliation.
“The enemy believes that targeting the families of the
leaders will push them to give up the demands of our
people,” Haniyeh said, putting up a tough front.
“Anyone who believes that targeting my sons will push
Hamas to change its position is delusional,” the
Hamas leader hastened to add.
This has been the position of all resistance groups and
their leaders in West Asia for more than four decades
now. The principles of the cause overshadow
personal considerations.
The people of Gaza are indeed the most
oppressed people on the planet
right now.
Yet the disinformation campaign by mainstream Western
and some regional media that the Hamas leadership is
enjoying a life of luxury in exile, is aimed at
discrediting the resistance.
Has the same media forgotten, so quickly, that Haniyah
is among the millions of Palestinians who have been
arrested and served time in Israeli jails, tortured
and abused?
Was he not on the ground in Gaza when it was blown to
pieces many times before and the founders of Hamas,
along with many of its senior leaders, were
assassinated by the murderous
Zionist regime?
Was it, not Haniyah who emerged from a building in Gaza
that had been razed to the ground by an Apache
helicopter missile 20 years ago, holding the
lifeless body of a toddler and carrying it
in his arms to an ambulance?
Haven’t his three sons and four grandchildren
in addition to some 70 other close relatives
been killed in Gaza since October 7?
Many Western leaders know the answers to these
questions. But exposing them would expose the
US-backed Zionist war crimes in the territory.
Hamas leaders now living in exile spent the majority
of their life on the ground in Gaza and witnessed
firsthand the movement’s spiritual leader
Sheikh Ahmed Yassin’s assassination
in 2004 and that of the group’s
co-founder ------ Abdel Aziz
al-Rantisi, after Yassin.
Many want the world to believe -- that the genocidal war
on Gaza and the wider ethnic cleansing of Palestinians
started when the clocks of Western mainstream
media and their military-industrial complex-
affiliated analysts decided to start it
on October 7.
All the leaders of Palestinian resistance movements have
sacrificed their family members over the past decades to
free their country from its Nazi-like colonial rulers.
In the case of Hamas, which is leading the negotiations on
behalf of all the Palestinian resistance factions and
people in Gaza, the group hasn’t been deterred by
US-made bombs to relinquish its demands for a
permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of all
occupation forces from the entire strip
and a return of all the displaced
Palestinians to their homes.
All the signs indicate that no level of ignorance on behalf
of the US and its illegitimate proxy regime in West Asia
will make the group climb down from its
negotiating position.
The prayer of the dead has been read over the bodies of
Haniyah’s sons in Gaza, just like they were read for
more than 33,300 others... in harsh conditions.
The path to liberating occupied al-Quds and al-Aqsa
Mosque is a marathon, not a sprint. But the finish
line is within reach and will be crossed by the
resistance, their leaders, and their
family members.
Wesam Bahrani - is an Iraqi
journalist and commentator.
(The views expressed in this article..... do
not necessarily reflect those of Press TV.)
I believe this moment shows
who loves --- and who is a
liar, thief and murderer.
Which... are you?
_______________________________________
Wounds Left-- by NATO Attack on
YugoslaviaPersist After 25 Years
March 26th, 2:22pm
(teleSUR)
On March 24, 1999, North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) started an aerial bombing campaign against
Yugoslavia without the authorization of the United
Nations Security Council (UNSC).
During the 78-day bombings, Serbia lost thousands
of policemen, soldiers, and civilians, and suffered
immense damage to its transport and
energy infrastructure.
Among NATO's targets were houses and apartment
buildings, schools, hospitals, even kindergartens,
while the weapons deployed included missiles
containing depleted uranium & cluster bombs.
Three Chinese reporters, including one from
Xinhua, were killed - during bombardments
against the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.
Serbian people mark March 24 as Remembrance Day for
the Victims of NATO Aggression by laying wreaths or
framed photos of their loved ones whose lives have
been taken either directly by NATO's projectiles or
indirectly by chaos and ethnic conflict, largely
instigated by NATO.
This year, the ceremony of the remembrance day was held
at the main square of Prokuplje, a city some 250 km south
of Belgrade, in the presence of President Aleksandar
Vucic, government officials, policemen, soldiers,
and thousands of civilians.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
Verica Tomanovic, president of the Association of Families
of Kidnapped & Missing Persons in Kosovo and Metohija - recalled the arduous journey of hundreds of families.
Representing 570 families -- who are still pining for their
loved ones, her life journey over the past 25 years has
been an unrelenting quest for truth and justice.
"Every passing day becomes heavier," said Tomanovic. In
a poignant retelling of her personal tragedy, she shared
the story of her husband Andrija, a dedicated doctor,
and head of the surgical department in Pristina,
whose life was abruptly halted by abduction.
"The assurances of NATO officials... about safety and
security crumbled as violence engulfed the region.
People were targeted and killed on the streets
based on ethnic affiliation," recalled
Tomanovic, her voice filled
with sorrow.
Despite promises of protection, her husband became
a victim of the conflict, abducted in broad daylight
while bystanders, including NATO soldiers,
looked on.
"He was a man of deep empathy," she said, explaining how
her husband stayed at his post, out of dedication to his
profession. The abduction of her husband, amidst the
chaos following the NATO intervention, remains an
open wound. With each passing year, the
pain deepens.
Verica Tomanovic's relentless quest for truth --- has led her
to the doors of international institutions, seeking answers
that seem perpetually elusive. "We demand that the truth
be uncovered," she said, clutching letters addressed to
world leaders.
She mourns the absence of humanitarian rights, in Kosovo
and Metohija, where, despite tireless appeals to domestic
and international bodies, answers remain beyond reach,
"without exhumations, without identification,
without accountability."
Standing amidst walls - adorned with the faces of hundreds
of kidnapped or missing individuals, including her husband
Andrija, her determination remains unwavering after a
quarter of a century. "We have the right to know
the truth," she said.
TOXIC LEGACY
With similar unwavering determination, Srdjan Aleksic, a
lawyer from Nis, leads the charge in seeking redress for
the victims of depleted uranium contamination, a
legacy of warfare ---- that has left a trail of
devastation in its wake.
Born in Bustranje, a village nestled within the Presevo
municipality, Aleksic's personal connection to the
plight of his community runs deep. His mother,
relatives, and neighbours succumbed to the
ravages of cancer ------ a consequence of
depleted uranium exposure during the
78 days of relentless bombardments.
For Aleksic, the pursuit of justice transcends legal
advocacy; it is a deeply personal crusade. With
over 4,000 individuals seeking solace and
restitution --- through his legal counsel,
Aleksic stands as a beacon of hope
for those afflicted by the
silent killer.
There were two analyses conducted in Turin, Italy, which
confirmed that Colonel Dragan Stojcic of the Serbian
Army and Ksenija Tadic --- have 500 times more
depleted uranium in their bodies than in
any other person, Aleksic said.
Colonel Dragan Stojcic, a respected member of the
Serbian Army, tragically died from three types of
cancer, underscoring the dire consequences
of the toxic legacy.
Collaborating with legal counterparts in Italy, where
landmark judgments have been handed down over
the illness of Italian peacekeepers, who spent
time in Kosovo, Aleksic aims to replicate
their success --- in Serbia.
"If we have in Italy --------- 400 cases with final, confirmed
judgments, where they managed to prove the causality,
and this was confirmed by the Supreme Court of Italy -
why wouldn't we do the same in Serbia?" said Aleksic.
The use of depleted uranium is a war crime against
civilians, said Aleksic. With its enduring half-life of
4.5 billion years, the toxic legacy of depleted
uranium continues to cast a shadow over
future generations.
CRIPPLED INTERNATIONAL LAW
"It's evident that on that fateful day ------ justice was
undermined, and fairness was compromised," said
Milos Vucevic, Serbian deputy prime minister and
minister of defense, during the international
conference "From Aggression to New Just
Order" held in Belgrade, on the occasion
of the 25th anniversary of the bombing.
"From the onset of terrorist attacks and NATO aggression
to the present day ------ we've witnessed numerous
humanitarian catastrophes - stemming from
the pursuit of power and the delusion of
one's supremacy, a delusion that
disregards eternal truths ---
namely, that justice will
inevitably prevail,"
he said.
Speaking at the conference, Nikola Selakovic..... minister in
charge of veteran affairs condemned NATO intervention as
"a crime against the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia."
"The balance sheet of this entire period --- is marked by
hundreds of killed, missing, hundreds of thousands of
exiles and displaced persons, dozens of destroyed
and burned churches and monasteries, crimes
without punishment," said Selakovic.
Everything raises the question of whether the aggression
that began on March 24, 1999, really ended on June 10
of that year .....or is still ongoing, he added.
Col. Douglas McGregor - who often pontificates
on Youtube - used depleted uranium shells
in Iraq - and swears that the evidence is
''unconvincing'' that depleted uranium
causes any harm...
I can forgive him... but what do you think?
_________________________________________
Gabbard: the truth about biolabs in
Ukraine --- is equated to treason
in the US
March 26th, 2024
(source -- Tucker Carlson
Network retold by InoTV)
TULSI GABBARD, former U.S. Congressman: Over the past
five years, it has become increasingly clear to me that
many people, especially in the Democrat Party,
particularly in Washington, do not value
the constitution at all.
You know, I think that the last five years have played a key
role. After all, if you look, for example, at what happened
during COVID, as a starting point… At the federal and
state and county levels, in many places, these
people, having gained a little power, took
advantage of the situation --- and they
continued to abuse their powers,
so it was absurd.
It's absurd when they say: "For the sake of public safety,
everyone should stay at home, you can't go to church,
you can't even hold services in the open air, for
example, in Hawaii on the beach. But if you're
hosting a * it's above and beyond the public
health and safety concerns we've
discussed. So that's fine."
The politically motivated decisions that were made in the
midst of "the greatest epidemic of our time," as it was
called, in my opinion, opened many people's eyes to
the fact that all this was just for the sake of power,
and how little importance these people attached
to such things as freedom, civil rights, and our
ability to make our own choices.
Yes.
TULSI GABBARD: And ----- under the Biden and Harris
administrations, the situation has only gotten worse.
I'm talking about how they undermined the rule of
law — and continue to undermine it to this day.
About how readily they directly or indirectly
censored, blacklisted --- and denigrated ---
ordinary Americans across the country. If
it so happens that you object to them —
aboutCOVID or about other things…
In my opinion, the reason Mitt Romney called me a
"lying traitor" was my words that there are biolabs
in Ukraine funded by the United States, the US
Department of Defense, and we need to take
care of their security, because there are
military operations. And what neither
we nor the world really needs is a
leak from these biolabs -- which
could pose a threat to people.
It was perceived...
I should note that these were not your guesses…
TULSI GABBARD: No.
In any case, this was confirmed publicly: Deputy Secretary
of State Victoria Nuland voluntarily spoke about it in the
Senate, in front of the cameras, answering a question
from Florida Senator Marco Rubio, the current
Republican senator.
TULSI GABBARD: Yes. And this was written on the website
of the Ministry of Defense. It spoke about the long history
of funding these laboratories, not only in Ukraine, but
also in many other countries around the world.
Of course! Because US laws don't apply there! So they
can… And this is clearly research in the field of
biological weapons. But I don't think you said
anything about that. You basically just
repeated what the Undersecretary
of State said in the Senate!
TULSI GABBARD: Yes.
And then a creature like Mitt Romney denounced
you as a traitor to the motherland.
TULSI GABBARD: Yes.
What do you think of him? What's going on, why is he
so committed to lying that he's willing to destroy
your reputation?
TULSI GABBARD: He is part of the neoconservative and
neoliberal establishment in Washington, which poses
an immediate threat to our republic, our democracy,
and our freedom, and because of which I decided
to leave the Democrat Party. Seeing these people
… And yes, I understand that he is a Republican,
but he took the same position as Hillary Clinton
and many other Democrats ----- who don't care
about our country.
That'sit all comes down to. They don't care about our
country. I have asked Mitt Romney to respond, and I
have sent him a legal letter demanding an answer
regarding his allegations — for the very reason
we discussed. After all, I am a serving officer
in the US Army, and what he, as a US
senator, accuses me of is a crime
that is punishable by death. And
if you make such accusations,
as he made --- in the social
network, which was then
called Twitter, you better
back them up with
something!
In general, if you look at it from the outside, it is obvious
that Mitt Romney is emotionally a child. He wasn't
exactly a genius... In general, he is not a genius,
let's just say. And at the same time, within the
framework of our economy, he earned
hundreds of millions of dollars. So
what does this ---- actually tell us
about --- our economy? How can
such a person get so incredibly
rich here? It turns out, that
something is wrong at the
system level, isn't it?
TULSI GABBARD: Yes. Yes. I think there's a whole, huge
one here... This will probably be the subject of my next
book. We are talking about a military industrial
complex, but there is also a corporate
industrial complex.
Definitely.
TULSI GABBARD: I am, of course, for capitalism,
but when you see these monopolies...
Yes, this is not capitalism.
This is not capitalism at all. When you see how many
small businesses are suffering because of excessive
government regulation... And they (TULSI GABBARD:
corporate industrial complex — InoTV) can afford to
allocate millions, tens of millions of dollars to
lobbyists, to provide services to politicians,
so that they, in turn, create loopholes that
would contribute to the prosperity of
their business, while making a large
part of small businesses in our
country a bargaining chip...
Exactly...
TULSI GABBARD: ... and by destroying competition — the
real competition on which capitalism is based, in fact,
real competition in our country. And that's why
people like Mitt Romney have made so much
money here. This is the reason.
He's behaving so shamefully... It's hard to believe that
there really is such a person... but it is there. So how
did he end up reacting to your words?
TULSI GABBARD: He didn't react at all.
His silence was...
He didn't react at all?
TULSI GABBARD:at all — not in terms of responding to
my lawyer, not in terms of responding on Twitter, or
in any other way... Which didn't really surprise me.
How dishonest is this behaviour.
TULSI GABBARD: Yeah, that's right. This is true. This is true... I am so grateful — and I really consider it a
privilege — for the opportunity to serve our
country in uniform. April will be my 21st
year of service. I am grateful for the
opportunity to serve now, as a
company commander - which
allows me to work with the
wonderful representatives
of the American people...
from all over our country
who love it to the core.
The sacrifice is not small — and for those who are on
active duty, and for those who are in reserve. And
we are going to do this for a certain reason...
And it stems from our strong love for our country. And when
such a person makes such accusations... this, of course,
touches a nerve. And it's not just about me... The real
reason I challenged him here is this... When people
like Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton make such
accusations, they call me a "traitor" or a
"Russian agent"or a" Putin puppet."..
this isn't really about me... The
point is in their message to all
military personnel in our
country ------- and to all
Americans in general:
"If you dare to criticize us,
we will deal with you..."
and they do it by destroying
your reputation, so people
will shun you.
Good for Tucker allowing
her a platform... but will
it really help her?
What do you think?
_________________________________
Russian lawmakers call on UN: to hold NATO responsible for
the bombing of Yugoslavia
March 20th, 1:24pm (TASS)
The Russian Federation Council (the upper chamber of the
parliament) adopted the address of the Russian Federal
Assembly (parliament) to the UN, parliaments of the
world, and inter-parliamentary organizations in
regards to the 25th anniversary of the NATO
aggression against Yugoslavia, calling it to
condemn this illegal military operation -
and bring the perpetrators to justice.
"The Chambers of the Federal Assembly of the Russian
Federation call on the United Nations, international
parliamentary organizations and parliaments of
foreign states to condemn the NATO military
operation against Yugoslavia -- to counter
the attempts to distort the historic truth
about the tragic events of 1999 in the
interest of the collective West ------ to
take measures to bring the NATO
member states to international
legal responsibility for its
aggression against the
Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia," the
address says.
The lawmakers note --- ''that it is necessary to call things as
they are, in this case - ''a blatant violation of international
law," which led to the destabilization of the Organization
for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) --- and
negatively affected relations between European
countries."
The Federation Council and the State Duma, expressed
their deep concerns, over the continued attempts ----- to present the act of aggression against Yugoslavia
as a peacekeeping operation to the international
community ---- to forget the victims of NATO
bombings, and to shift the responsibility
for initiating the wars in the Balkans,
on to the Serbs.
"Between March and June of 1999, NATO member states’
barbaric missile and bomb strikes ------ against civilian
infrastructure - including transportation and energy -
as well as industrial enterprises --- killed over 2,000
Yugoslavian civilians, including dozens of children.
About 2,300 cruise missiles and 14,000 bombs
were dropped on a small sovereign state - in
the middle of Europe," Russian lawmakers
noted.
They also noted that NATO troops used depleted uranium
munitions en masse, which caused irreparable damage
to the environment and caused a rise in cancer cases
in the region. Furthermore, it is still impossible to fully assess the scale of the ecological catastrophe, the document says.
The lawmakers believe that the impunity of NATO strikes
at Yugoslavia created conditions for new force actions
around the world under the guise of fighting "for the
values of ...freedom and democracy."
"The collective West’s conviction of its own impunity - and its
right to decide the fates of other peoples and states - has
led to the nurturing of the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine,
which, after the 2014 coup d’etat, embarked on a
genocidal policy course --- against the Russian
population - and towards imitating an armed
conflict in this country," the document says.
Yes, Clinton was not just a sleazy criminal
at home, but an unrepentent war criminal
abroad ----- what do you think, should be
his fate?
_________________________________________
Ahead of Japan -- how Russia can become -- one of the four largest economiesin the world by 2030
by Vladimir Tsegoev &
Ksenia Chemodanova
March 14th, 6:38pm
(RT.ru)
In January 2024 --- the Russian economy grew by 4.6% at
once, and weekly inflation has gone to zero since March,
President Vladimir Putin said. According to him -- the
observed trends create the basis for fulfilling the
strategic tasks set for the authorities.
Earlier, the head of state announced the launch of five new
national projects: "Family", "Long and active life", "Youth
of Russia", "Personnel" and "Data Economy".
The implementation of these initiatives is expected to help
improve the demographic situation and strengthen the
country's technological sovereignty. In addition,
Vladimir Putin stated the need to bring Russia
from the 5th to the 4th place in the ranking
of the world's largest economies ---
by 2030. Experts also consider
this goal achievable.
Since the beginning of 2024, Russia's economic growth has
accelerated compared to 2023, while the rise in prices of
goods and services in the country, on the contrary, has
slowed down. This was announced on Thursday,
March 14, by President Vladimir Putin at a
meeting with the government.
"Inflation is stabilizing — in February it was 0.7%, in the
first couple of weeks of this month, inflation went to
zero. It is clear that in weekly terms, this is all very
approximate, everything is volatile, but never-
theless it is as it is. The economy grew by
4.6% in January. GDP growth last year
was 3.6%. In general --- it is very
satisfactory, a good indicator,"
Putin said.
According to the Ministry of Economic Development, strong
growth is observed in most industries. For example,
construction work in January increased by 3.9%
in annual terms, the volume of paid services to
the population - by 6.2%, the manufacturing
industry - by 7.5%, and wholesale and
retail trade - by 9.1%. At the same
time, the unemployment rate
fell from 3% to 2.9%.
The observed dynamics give reason to believe that all the
previously announced strategic plans of Russia for the
coming years are feasible, Vladimir Putin believes.
For this purpose, according to the Russian
leader, the country has created a
"fairly stable base".
"Specific goals are set in the field of demography,
healthcare, education, upbringing of children
and youth, and personnel training. Specific
tasks are outlined -- to strengthen the
country's technological sovereignty
and create new digital platforms,
improve the cities, and rural
settlements --- and develop
transport, and other infra-
structure..... We need to
start this immediately"
the Head of state
stressed.
Recall that on February 29, as part of his address to the
Federal Assembly, the president announced the launch
of five new national projects: "Family", "Long and
active life", "Youth of Russia", "Personnel" and
"Data Economy".
These initiatives, are aimed at raising the birth rate and increasing the average life span of Russians,
supporting the younger generation, as well
as combating labour shortages, and
creating digital platforms ------ in key sectors of the economy.
These new national projects have a pronounced social
character - and are mostly designed to help Russia
overcome the demographic crisis. This point of
view was expressed in an interview with RT
by Georgy Ostapkovich, director of the
Centre for Market Research at the
HSE Institute for Statistical
Research and Knowledge
Economics.
"Our population decreases by 500-600 thousand people
every year. Therefore, the main funding in social
programs is directed to demography, fertility,
education.. and healthcare. Human capital
is the foundation --- of economic growth.
A highly competent & healthy person,
of course -- will create innovations,
apply new management schemes,
which will have a positive impact
on the economy," the specialist
explained.
At the same time, along with investments in human capital,
the country's authorities plan to pay special attention to
the development of artificial intelligence in the coming
years. Head of the Ministry of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, said yesterday, today... Russia is already among the top 10 leading countries in terms of computing power ----- and the overall level of AI
implementation in priority areas of the economy --- exceeds 31%.
The technology itself, according to the Minister, makes it
possible to increase labour productivity - by optimizing
processes, reducing costs -- and improving product
quality. This --- in turn --- also helps to solve the
problem of personnel shortages,
Reshetnikov is sure.
"The main thing now ---- is to maintain the trend towards
the introduction( of AI. - RT), to ensure mass use and
replication of the technology in industries. Due to
its scale, this is the government's task," the
head of the Ministry of Energy added.
"Moving forward is inevitable"
In addition to the implementation of five new national
projects - Vladimir Putin previously outlined to the
authorities, another strategic goal for Russia —
to be one of the four largest economies in the
world -- in terms of purchasing power parity
(PPP) - in six years. The government also
considers achieving this goal feasible -
as First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey
Belousov said, at a meeting with
the president.
"The Russian economy ------ ranks fifth in terms of gross
domestic product.. in terms of PPP. Our calculations
show, that Russia can become the 4th economy in
the world, ahead of Japan, provided that growth
remains stable... at least 2% per year, with a
gradual acceleration to 3%, by the end of
the period. In total for the period up to
2030, the country's GDP should be
increased by about 20%,"
Belousov said.
According to him, it is possible to achieve the intended
result ------- at the expense of five mechanisms. These
include... increasing labour productivity, increasing
investment, increasing non-primary exports in the
markets of friendly countries, supporting small
and medium-sized businesses ----- and
developing import substitution.
Let's explain: GDP at purchasing power parity is the total
value of all goods and services produced, calculated by
taking into account differences in the level of prices
and exchange rates in different countries. It is
believed that this indicator better reflects
the real situation in the economy.
"Simply put, the indicator shows how many units of the
same product can be bought in each country for the
same amount, for example, for a dollar. This is a
relative indicator that reflects the availability
of goods and services to the population --
based on their income. Leading world
economists use it to assess the real
picture of the quality of life of the
population" ------ Andrey Loboda,
economist, & communications
director at BitRiver, explained
to RT.
According to the World Bank, from 2016 to 2020, China, the
US, India, Japan and Germany, continuously remained the
5 largest economies in the world in terms of PPP, while
Russia occupied only the sixth line. However, in 2021,
the Russian Federation was able to bypass Germany
and has recently been closing the gap with Japan.
"Today, Russia is the fifth largest country in the world, and
further progress is inevitable. We can indeed become the
4th, but this will depend not only on the growth of our
economy, but also.... on the situation in Japan. If, in
addition to the objectively slowing growth of the
economy in Japan... interest rates also start to
rise, then next year the country can definitely
expect at best stagnation, and at worst — a
recession. Russia needs to take advantage
of this," Loboda said.
If I was a relatively young man,
I would join the increasing
numbers of Westerners
moving to Russia.
What do you think?
_______________________________
Fearful Electioneering ------- Turbo
ChargesWestern Warmongering
March 8th, 2024
(strategic-culture.suEditorial)
Western political leaders, are digging a
deeper hole for their eventual collapse.
Join us on Telegram, Twitter , and VK.
Contact us: info@strategic-culture.su
Western states are facing an acute political crisis,
whereby their established governing parties and
leaders are fighting for survival amid a grave
loss in legitimacy in the eyes of
their electorates.
In the United States, incumbent President Joe Biden
is vying for reelection in November with historically
the lowest poll numbers ever, for an occupant of
the White House.
Meanwhile, across the EU, governing parties and
leaders are braced for a drubbing from the
parliamentary elections in June.
The roots of this unprecedented loss of legitimacy among
Western political establishments are manifold. But surely
one cause is the rank hypocrisy of Western leaders that
has now been laid bare. How can political figures
expect to have any moral authority when they
are seen to be inveterate liars and
shamelessly corrupt?
Western governments and their servile media lecture about
“democracy”, “human rights” --- and upholding “law and
order”. They claim to be motivated by such principles
in their support of Ukraine against alleged Russian
aggression. Yet these same governments - are
complicit in the genocide of Palestinians in
Gaza - through their unwavering support
for the Israeli regime.
Western leaders have been fatally exposed and
compromised by the conflict in Ukraine and
Gaza. The contradiction - is terminal.
That’s not just because of the blatant double standards
& duplicity. Western voters are increasingly disgusted
by the relentless financial and military support
funneled into Ukraine to prop up a scamming
regime comprised of NeoNazi ideologues.
Under Joe Biden - and the incumbent European politicians,
the West has flooded Ukraine with weapons and hundreds
of billions of dollars in what is the biggest war racket ever.
This is while Western populations, workers, farmers, and
businesses are hard-pressed with numerous social and
economic burdens.
Western governing parties are rightly seen as elitist and
serving powerful minority oligarchic interests such as
the military-industrial-corporate-financial nexus.
Their declared vows about democracy are a
contemptible joke.
The war in Ukraine is increasingly understood by voters to
be a disastrous proxy war of choice - that was pushed by
U.S. and Western imperial objectives to confront Russia.
Despite the squandering of public money to propagate the
war, the U.S.-led NATO axis has lost its “great game”. The
proxy war has devastated Ukraine, causing up to 500,000
military deaths in two years, as well as destabilizing the
rest of Europe from increased migration, fiscal impact,
deindustrialization, and the shattering of
agricultural industries.
Western populations are furious with their political leaders
for having inflicted such chaos and waste of resources –
as well as wantonly provoking tensions in international
relations with Russia. Western politicians have pushed
the world to the brink of an all-out war between
nuclear powers. All this crazed folly, is based
on utter lies and deception ---- as the horror
of Gaza and Western complicity illustrates.
In this cauldron of electoral revolt, Western political
leaders are only digging a deeper hole for their
eventual collapse.
US President Joe Biden in his State of the Union address
this week -------- made a disingenuous pitch to voters. He portrayed the world as facing an existential crisis from
Russian “tyranny” and simultaneously claimed the
fate of US democracy was under threat from his
election rival Donald Trump.
In a dangerous, and desperate move, Biden is conflating
Trump with alleged Russian aggression. The Democrat
president is fighting for his political survival against
Republican presumptive nominee Trump primarily
because Biden is so deeply unpopular among
US citizens. To boost his election prospects,
Biden is making out that the country is
facing an “inflection point” - that
requires a rejection of Trump
because he is “bowing
down” to Russia.
Trump and many within the Republican Party
are opposed to continuing the proxy war in
Ukraine, recognizing that it is futile.
Biden and the Democrats, who are more aligned with the
U.S. foreign policy establishment, are therefore trying to
make the election about an existential “defense of
world democracy and peace”.
Biden claimed in his State of the Union address - that if the
U.S. does not supply Ukraine with another $60 billion more
in military aid then Russia will overrun the rest of Europe.
Biden even invoked the memory of Roosevelt
supposedly facing down Nazi Germany
in 1941.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the same warmongering high-stakes
ruse --- is being pushed by French President Emmanuel
Macron. Macron, is calling for the deployment of NATO
ground troops in Ukraine to prevent a Russian victory
and an alleged threat to the rest of Europe.
The French head of state has become almost hysterical in
recent weeks with war talk. He told other French political
leaders this week that there would be “no limits” to
France’s support for Ukraine against Russia.
What’s lying behind Macron’s belligerent rhetoric are his
fears of political defeat --- from opposition parties in the
forthcoming EU parliamentary elections. It is not just
Macron who is anxious. All incumbent European
leaders are dreading an expected widespread
revolt by the electorate.
That is why the French president and his ruling-class ilk
like European Commission President Ursula von der
Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are
seeking to dominate the public narrative
with war talk and the alleged danger
of Russian expansionism.
The irony is that the more the Western establishments
pursue militarism and war in Ukraine, the worse their
states become from economic mismanagement, and
the more their legitimacy sinks into the gutter. They
are seen more and more as a warmongering clique
that has not a shred of ethical concern because
of their reckless warmongering in Ukraine and
their despicable complicity in the genocide
in Gaza.
Elections in Western states are over-rated. As the saying
goes, if voting changed anything ------ it would have been
banned -- years ago. The array of current opposition
figures and parties facing incumbents is not going
to deliver any solutions to the endemic problems
of Western systemic failure. Nevertheless, the
forthcoming U.S. presidential election and the
European parliamentary ballots are shaping
up to deliver grievous blows of repudiation
to the political establishments.
To offset the political doomsday, charlatan Western leaders
like Biden, Macron, Scholz, and Von der Leyen are doing
their last-ditch best to talk up war with Russia and the
“threat to democracy” -- as a way to burnish their
electioneering efforts. But such cynicism is not
turbocharging their prospects. It will backfire.
The U.S.-led NATO proxy war in Ukraine is facing an
historic debacle.. from defeat. But that makes the
desperate reaction by Western incumbents
scurrying for political survival, a
dangerous time --- in the next
few months.
Break out the popcorn!
Exciting times, I think..
How about you?
___________________________
3 scenarios - for the
future of Ukrainians
March 6th, 6am
(Vesti.ru)
Viktor Medvedchuk, Chairman of the Council of the
Other Ukraine movement, discusses possible
future scenarios for Ukraine, in his column
for the We Are Watching media platform.
"Today, the forecast of the future of Ukrainians is
connected not only with Ukraine, but also with
the future configuration of the entire political
architecture in Europe, the global security
system, and therefore it is extremely
important to make it.''
''At the same time, there is no need to guess on coffee
grounds, because there are economic, military and
social processes that - if properly analyzed - will
give us the most likely result, especially since
there are only three possible scenarios, in
our opinion.''
Ukraine – a military battering ram for Russia
''The scenario when Ukraine becomes for Russia about
the same as Israel for the Arab world, has long been
implemented. Israel maintains a military presence
of the collective West in the Middle East, for
which it receives... generous funding. It is
according to this scheme, that Zelensky
is building the future of Ukraine.''
''The scheme of interaction is quite simple – the West
provides weapons and funding, Ukraine - soldiers
and bridgeheads -- for the offensive. As in the
case of Israel, a complete military takeover
of its neighbours, is not expected. They
just need to create problems, weaken
them and force them to be compliant
with the envoys of the West ---- who
play the role of "good policemen".''
''It is this role that Biden is now hypocritically playing
when he tries to "reason" with the "intractable"
Netanyahu. All this - is nothing more than
a cheap concert - for the public.''
''Zelensky's criminal regime has accepted this scenario, as
the only one and a working one, but the problem is, that it
has confused Ukraine with Israel. The provocateur state
should be much smaller than modern Ukraine, much
smaller, even with the loss of territories today. It's
all about the economy: a huge Ukraine cannot
always be kept on the balance sheet of the
West, it will be rational to have only a few
regions. In this case, Western assistance
will be sufficient -- to fulfill the tasks of
destabilizing the region.''
''Therefore, the loss of territories in this scenario is a natural
process. Zelenskiy needs more soldiers, weapons, and
finances to hold onto vast swathes of Ukraine. In Kiev,
they really believe that the resources of the US and
NATO are unlimited, and they do not understand
why they are given so little. And, in the West,
sober heads understand that the politicians
have miscalculated ---- and that the funds
invested in Zelensky will never pay off.''
''Zelensky acts like a typical post-Soviet rogue manager –
he defended the project, received funding, and doesn't
understand..... why any result is required of him.
Zelensky's task is not to win on the battlefield,
especially not to defend his country, but to
raise money around the world and get
hysterical if they don't give, or don't
give enough.''
''This whole scenario ----- is untenable either economically,
militarily, or politically. Economically, it implies eternal
endless financing by the collective West of Ukraine -
which is simply impossible due to the fact that the
war undermines the economy. In the US, they
realized this ----- and are trying to push the
burden of financing the war onto the EU:
ideally, to incite Germany or France to
attack Russia.''
''But if financing Ukraine, is a heavy burden for the US, then
the EU will not be able to fund it, even if Washington orders
it. The lion's share of the EU's economic growth has been
built on economic cooperation with Russia. Now none of
this is happening, Europe is weakening.... losing its
competitiveness and markets.''
''The situation is even worse militarily. Israel confronts
countries --- that do not have a developed military-
industrial complex, especially nuclear weapons.
And Russia --- has both an advanced military-
industrial complex --- and a modern army.''
"If we are strong with weapons, we will not lose this war.
We will win," Zelensky said, "Because all Putin's steps back, daily steps back, will definitely have a big impact on his society. And then he will think about internal security."
''Such rhetoric has a lot of flaws. First, Zelensky himself, is
taking steps back, since the counteroffensive has turned
into a retreat. Secondly, Russia has its own weapons,
but Ukraine does not, so it is necessary to beg for
them somewhere and have an eternal shortage
of them. And, third, it's time for Zelenskiy to
think about internal security himself --- as
the scandal with his presidential powers
is brewing, mass discontent of the
military and civilians, and his
rating -- is rapidly falling.''
''Politically, Zelenskiy has nothing to offer - but war. Neither
the EU, nor NATO, nor our own people. The 2019 elections
showed that the Ukrainian people do not need a war
president. But Zelensky, did not have the will,
intelligence, or professionalism to become
a president of the world. He understands
---- that any peace will ruin his political
career. And any war - ends in peace.''
Ukraine – part of Russia
''This scenario is also already being implemented - and
successfully. A fifth of Ukrainian lands went under the control of the Russian Federation. In 2021 I wrote about this --- warning Zelensky, who did not heed the advice:
"The very policy of a mono-national state implies the
surrender of citizens and territories. The policy of
a mono-national state, cannot achieve the main
goal, both at the current stage of the country's
development and at future stages, namely, to
"stitch" the country around a common idea,
to return regions.. that were not controlled
by official Kiev -------- to convince (Russian
speaking) residents that Ukraine is their
home and they are welcome here. And
in no way - is the construction of a
mono-national state with militant
Ukrainization, capable of
returning Donbass to
Ukraine, or Ukraine
to Donbass."
''Even then, it was clear that Zelensky would not return any
territories, and he would still lose a lot of territories. But
the loss of territories is an optimistic scenario for him,
and a more realistic one --- is the complete and
irrevocable loss of statehood.''
"As for the behaviour of this Kiev clique," Dmitry Medvedev
said recently, "at least, this is short-sighted, because they
simply alienate some people, even those who were loyal
to their government until recently. This looks monstrous
--- because we are talking about countering the entire
Russian culture --- and our common path. They are
demolishing monuments, and we did not even
think of such a thing! Ukrainians -- with the
exception of outright Nazis and Bandera
members -- have always been treated
with respect, in our country. I'm not
even talking about the classics:
Shevchenko, Lesya Ukrainka,
or Gogol, who is one of the
outstanding Russian &
Ukrainian writers."
''And no matter what Western propaganda claims, the
Ukrainians in the new territories made their choice
in favour of Russia. The West accuses Russia
of aggression, but it is in Russia that most
Ukrainian citizens seek salvation.''
''They are driven to Russia by the insane and criminal
policies of the Zelensky regime, but once they
become Russian citizens, they may well
return home, because then they will
not be threatened by this regime.''
''Therefore, if Ukraine ceases to exist on the map, it will
be primarily the merit of Zelensky and his pack, who
surrendered the interests of their country long
before the fighting --- and continue to move
unrestrainedly, in this direction.''
Last chance for Ukraine
''Russia constantly gives Ukraine a chance to survive as a
state. So, the Permanent Representative of the Russian
Federation, Vasily Nebenzia, at a meeting of the UN
Security Council said: "I want to emphasize that
it is still possible to preserve Ukraine in some
form, but -- it should be a peaceful, neutral
Ukraine, where there is no discrimination
and Russophobia, where Nazi criminals
are not glorified and from which there
is no threat to Russia. It is precisely
to achieve these goals - that our
SVO is directed."
"It is precisely to achieve these goals, that the goals of our special military operation are aimed," the diplomat continued.
''Therefore, the choice is up to the collective West ---- whether we will need to fight to the end, or common sense will prevail in Washington, London and Brussels and at least they will try to save something from Ukraine.''
''Any conflict ends --- sooner or later. The same thing, we
are sure, awaits the conflict in Ukraine. Of course, the
longer it drags on, because of Kiev's Western policy,
the more unfavorable the peace conditions will be - for Ukraine."
''Before that, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an
interview with Tucker Carlson, said that Zelensky
may well talk about peace with him. And what
about Zelensky? He said it was impossible.
He foolishly failed to realize that he was
crossing out the possibility --- not of
negotiating with Russia --- but
Ukrainian statehood itself.''
''Russia will not tolerate a Nazi state on its borders.
And Zelensky's ethnicity will not cover up the
Nazi nature of his regime.''
''Ukraine - still has a chance to preserve its statehood, but
then it should stop clinging to Nazism, Russophobia, and
military hysteria and focus on improving the well-being
of its citizens. Ukrainian statehood, the rule of law,
the social sphere, and governance will have to be
built again, but the current Ukrainian elite is not
capable of this. These traitors to their people,
corrupt officials, self-appointed Fuhrers and
politicians --- have no place in the future.
They have only one way --- a suitcase,
a train station, the West --- out of
the country they have betrayed."
Chairman of the Council of the
Other Ukraine Movement,
Viktor Medvedchuk.
This is a discussion for the Ukrainians.
________________________
Tyranny !
by Bouthaina Shaaban
February 28th, 2:01pm
Source: Al Mayadeen English
What has brought the world today to an unprecedented
level of tyranny - is the support provided by Western
countries to terrorist killers ---- engaged in daily
genocide against innocent civilians in Gaza.
The major mistake humanity committed in the modern era,
is its failure to dedicate the necessary time and effort - to
uncover the injustices committed by the white man in the
West against indigenous peoples. It failed to chronicle a
true and precise history of the genocide, torture, siege,
plunder of wealth, and development of weapons of
mass destruction, and genocide ----- perpetrated
against the peoples in colonies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
It also failed to document the destruction of peoples'
cultures and the employment of media to distort
realities --- brainwash minds --- and undermine
human values ---- especially through burying
indigenous languages, and replacing them
with a colonial language that still stands
as the ''official language'' ------- of the
inhabitants of former colonies.
Some inhabitants of these colonies now even glorify the
West, praising the civilization built upon the skulls of
their own children and the museums enriched with
looted artifacts from these colonies, not to
mention the stolen wealth used to
construct the colonizers' home-
lands, while keeping the
plundered peoples in
abject poverty.....
for centuries.
These crimes have been a source of controversy and
debate.. among the inhabitants of the colonies for
centuries: some ----- have become mentally and
morally subservient to the colonizer, initially
out of fear --- and later, out of habit.
Some people from former colonies defend the colonizers
and think they are vital to their very existence - while
others rebel against the entire colonial legacy but
often without a substantial or valuable action
against this legacy, thus failing to form
a national and - consequently -
an international stance
to be reckoned with.
These could be some of the reasons... why the true
significance of countries - has not been decisively
settled on the historical, human and ethical map.
Fear, silence --- and the fluctuating poverty of
oppressed peoples under Western tyranny
--- could be some of the reasons, for the
failure to reach a definitive resolution
on this matter.
What has brought the world today - to an unprecedented
level of tyranny ------ is the support provided by Western
countries to terrorist killers engaged in daily genocide
for the past five months against innocent civilians in
Gaza and Palestine in general. All is happening
before the eyes of a world.. claiming to be
civilized. Yet ---- we have not witnessed
a revolution in public opinion ---- or
a sincere and resolute action ----
against these horrifying crimes.
We do not even witness a statement befitting the horror of
what is happening, except for Yemen, which we all take
pride in, as the origin of Arab identity, proving with
merit --- that it deserves to be the origin, root,
and stronghold, of the Arabs.
After five months of the West waging a genocidal war
against the innocent people of the besieged Strip,
after the martyrdom of around 30,000 people ---
mostly women and children - the displacement
of over a million people - and the perpetration
of heinous massacres -- against doctors and
journalists, & after all the inhuman actions
of trees uprooting, animals shooting, food
targeting - and attacks on organizations,
once called humanitarian - to make the
population die of hunger, the genocide
continues falling... on the deaf ears
of the entire world ---- completely
disregarding what is happening
to its fellow human beings.
The United States and its Western allies, persist in sending
billions of various lethal weapons to empower their Zionist
tools, to continue perpetrating this gruesome genocide ---
unparalleled in history, at least in the past four centuries.
Others in the East, South, West, and everywhere ---- believe
they are safe and secure from what is happening, unaware
that this disregard for humanity, applies to all of them,
albeit at different times and moments.
The people of Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq - are not
only defending Palestine and the safety of Palestinians, but
are also defending a world they envision free from Western
colonial oppression. They stand against Western tyranny
that has wreaked havoc on all our colonized nations,
adjusting its tools without changing its objectives,
targeting us, belittling us, and collectively killing
us ----- whenever its interests demand this.
Residents of the colonies expressing admiration for
what the West has accomplished for its people
should remember that this achievement was
built on the skulls of their own children and
the plundering of their own resources.
The West treats its people in a completely different way,
and others will never be treated in the same way. The
most significant evidence of this, is the immigrants
from the Arab Maghreb in France --- who are now
the second and third generations; nevertheless,
they still remain second or third-class citizens
and have not been and will not be granted
the status of the white European.
However, the aggression on Gaza - reveals something even
more perilous to humanity: the United States - holds the international arena in its grip ------- punishing whom it chooses ----- compelling other nations to mete out punishments ------- severing ties with those it disapproves of and trying to force others -- -to adhere to its categorization of
good, evil, terrorism, and more.
If anyone attempts to issue any resolution in the Security
Council to restore justice - a US veto is used to stop that. The most alarming revelation of this aggression, is that
the US, along with Britain, France, and Germany have seized the international will, subjugated it, and
turned all nations into slaves - following the
dictates of the US administration - which
openly declares its active participation
in a war of extermination while hiding
behind their dual fear: fear of taking
action ...and fear of inaction.
However, this silence and clinical death of any international
movement against unprecedented tyranny, in our modern
era, turn everyone into powerless slaves, incapable of
doing anything. All they do... is bow their heads to
avert the impending disaster that might befall
them... in the next round.
In this context and analysis, the only true free individuals
today are those resisting Western tyranny. They protest
against it in the West, raising their voices against
Western broadcasters, telling them, "Shame
on you!, stop the war of extermination!,
free Palestine!."
Even though the police silence them, and force them out
of the room handcuffed, allowing the host to resume the
dialogue with himself, there is no doubt that all viewers
know this is the truth;- their consciences are stirred,
and they cannot remain passive, when they realize
that the killing of every innocent Palestinian child
and woman is a violation of their human dignity,
warning them - that they might face the same
fate - if they dare to express their opinions.
Therefore, their complete silence tightens the grip
of tyranny around their necks, rendering them
powerless and helpless slaves.... in any
matter they are about to undertake.
From this perspective, supporting Palestine today is the
essential first step toward confronting the political
tyrannical system --- enabled by the prevalent
influence of Western intelligence agencies
in the West --- which currently control the
media, political parties, parliaments,
and politicians in the West.
Challenging - the slavery imposed by
this oppressive Western system on
humanity as a whole - represents
the most significant liberation
battle humanity faces, in
the 21st century.
People must either choose freedom and be prepared to bear
its costs or remain under the yoke of Western tyrants like
Netanyahu and Biden, subject to any blow the tyrants
decide to direct to them. Undoubtedly, the outcome
of this battle will be significant for all. Will the
major world powers continue to keep silent
toward Western tyranny and tremble in
fear, or will they hasten to stand on
the right side of history as some
leaders who have learned the
lesson -- like the Colombian,
Bolivian, Venezuelan, and
Brazilian presidents?
It is not only their responsibility toward themselves,
or even just toward their countries but their crucial
and definite responsibility toward the future of
humanity and the future of this universe that
God entrusted us with as His stewards on
earth. Will we prove ourselves worthy
of this responsibility?
The opinions mentioned in this article
do not necessarily reflect the opinion
of Al mayadeen, but, rather, express
the opinion of its writer exclusively.
But they do reflect my opinion -
and I hope, pray ------ and have
Faith, that countless millions
will be moved to act...
don't you think?
________________________________
Proletären: Sweden was dragged into NATO
to force it -to serve Washington's interests
February 28th, 2024
(source - Proletären
retelling by InoTV)
After Sweden's accession to NATO, the more than two-
hundred-year-old principle of Swedish non-alignment
with military blocs will be buried. Not once since
the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and
three years later, King Charles XIV Johan,
declared his intention to prevent Sweden
from participating in the war --- has the
Northern European country officially
entered into military pacts.
Back in March 2022, the then Prime Minister. Magdalena
Andersson, was convinced that Sweden's long-standing
policy of non-alignment had served Sweden well for
two centuries. However, just over 2 months later,
she and the Social Democrats ' party council
changed their minds and applied for the
kingdom's membership -- in the North
Atlantic Alliance, Proletären recalls.
"It should be borne in mind that NATO is a nuclear-armed
alliance," Magdalena Andersson said, in an interview in
March 2022. Since then, people have been talking
about it... more quietly.
At the behest of Commander-in-Chief Mikael Bueden, the
current Swedish government, even began to oppose the
possible deployment of nuclear weapons... on Swedish
soil. At the same time as NATO members, neighboring Norway and Denmark, have reservations against the
deployment of nuclear weapons on their territory in
peacetime. Membership in NATO also precludes
the possibility of being an international voice
for nuclear disarmament, as Sweden has
not ratified the UN resolution banning
nuclear weapons -------- under
US pressure.
In the Swedish media NATO is called a "defensive alliance",
although the organization itself does not declare this. The
NATO bloc's website describes it as a " political and
military alliance."
This military alliance, among other things, bombed Libya and Afghanistan - two countries that did not attack any
NATO countries, and in the destruction of which -----
Sweden participated.
It was NATO - that turned Libya into one big mess - and a
mecca for slave traders and smugglers. As a member of
NATO, Sweden will be forced to participate in US wars
..which will not necessarily take place in the Baltic
Sea, the author of the article notes.
China, not Russia, is the US's main rival. As a member
of NATO, Sweden will be forced -- to send its soldiers
around the world to fight for US economic interests.
NATO is essentially the US's military tool to maintain its
position at the top of the global capitalist system. The
enemies of NATO are the enemies of the US that do
not want to submit to Washington, such as Iran
and North Korea. Resource-rich China and
Russia will not be left alone even when
these powers try to cooperate with
the United States.
The United States and NATO - spare no effort to impose
their will and consider themselves above international
law. The only people in Sweden.. who benefit from
NATO membership are US-oriented capitalists,
and above all, arms manufacturers led by
SAAB ------- under the leadership of the
Wallenberg family. SAAB shares rose
significantly on the stock market,
after the so-called debate on
Sweden's accession to
NATO began.
However, there was no real debate. Last but not least,
the state-run Swedish TV and radio broadcaster....
bears a huge responsibility for the poor-quality
and one-sided journalism that has flooded
the public's minds since the Nordic
country joined NATO.
Only now, in the run-up to Sweden's final membership
in NATO, articles began to appear warning about the
consequences of such a decision, but in just over a
year --- the propaganda storm was so strong that, to the delight of the Swedish military-industrial
complex --- no counterarguments were heard
in the leading Swedish media. As a result,
all Swedes who want to live in peace -
and not send the younger generation
to fight for the United States - are
at a loss, Proletären concludes.
Sweden's convenient ''neutrality''
..disguised their vital role in
supplying high-end optics
and other material - for
Hitler's nazi regime.
Better that the Swedes now show
and know their true position - as
armaments manufacturers for
hatred, pain and conquest.
What do you think?
_________________________________
Amid chaos of war, Israeli soldiers
steal everything - from jewelry
to rugs -in Gaza
by Maryam Qarehgozlou
February 27th, 12:52pm
(PressTV)
People frantically search through the rubble, their faces
streaked with tears and dust, each of them driven by
desperation and hope, calling out the names of
their loved ones amid the chaos of death
and destruction left behind by the
Israeli genocidal campaign.
With every piece of debris lifted - there is a mix of fear
and anticipation, praying for a sign of life beneath the
devastation. It’s a race against time, fueled by love
and anguish, as grief-stricken families cling to the
possibility of finding their missing relatives alive.
On Thursday night, the Yaghi family was having their last
cup of tea when the Israeli forces razed down their
house and four other buildings with two airstrikes
in Deir Al Balah in central Gaza, reports said.
Nearly 40 people were sheltering in the house before the
bombs rained down and 15 were believed to have been
trapped under the rubble. The other members of the
family kept searching through the rubble of where
their house once stood... but to no avail.
“We were all fasting. I stepped into that room, the house
was full and there was no space, I sat by the wall and
placed my three-year-old nephew on my lap, a
second later I heard a loud explosion, and we
were all flown up in the air, then the roof
collapsed and all went black,” Shaza
Yaghi was quoted as saying by Al
Jazeera, as she recounted her
heart-wrenching ordeal.
“While searching, I came across a child’s severed body
part, his leg, which seemed to be my nephew’s, then
I found parts of his brain all blown out… that white
bag over there is full of the body parts and body
organs we found after the explosion.”
Images coming out of the bruised and bleeding territory
each day show children and adults alike combing
through the ruins of their houses, looking for
their belongings and missing loved ones.
The situation in Gaza is “shocking and desperate”
according to the UN, with nearly 30,000
Palestinians killed and almost the
entire population of 2.3 million
people displaced and
starving.
On the other hand, the Israeli soldiers shamelessly
flaunt their diabolic crimes and share them on
social media platforms. This genocide in
Gaza is quite literally unfolding -
in real-time.
Vandalizing and looting
Videos from Israeli soldiers’ social media accounts show
them blowing up and demolishing buildings, vandalizing
and looting homes, and raising Israeli regime flags over those ruins.
Looting and vandalizing houses, whose occupants have
been forced to abandon all their belongings, has
become a common practice since October 7.
It happened in previous Israeli wars on
Gaza as well --- but this time --- the
looters have been publicizing
it themselves.
In November, Palestinian singer, Hamada Nasrallah,
shared a photo of an Israeli regime soldier playing
the guitar he said his late father bought for him
15 years ago.
“I was shocked today when I saw this TikTok video of
a [Israeli] soldier playing guitar in the midst of the
rubble in Gaza. I know this guitar very well
because there are not many guitars like
this in Gaza. My dad --- gifted me this
guitar 15 years ago,” he remarked.
“Isn’t it enough that they take away our loved ones,
our homes, our families, and even our music and
memories? Where does the injustice stop?”
Earlier this month, Sultan Abu Tair, a renowned
Palestinian journalist and humanitarian - also
shared a video of an Israeli soldier bragging
about looting Palestinian homes and
stealing expensive watches --- in
Rimal neighbourhood, west
of Gaza City.
Another post on social media showed an Israeli
soldier taking out someone’s collection of
soccer shirts from a bag.
There are many other videos posted on social
media in recent months that show Israeli
soldiers ransacking homes and stealing
everything from clothes, cosmetics,
rugs, groceries, and jewelry.
Israeli forces systematically steal,
loot Palestinians' belongings in
Gaza: Rights group
A rights group says Israeli forces are
conducting a systematic looting
of Palestinians.
Erasure and extermination
There are also videos of Israeli soldiers singing
genocidal songs, planting flags in Gaza,
smashing up toy shops, looting
houses - and having dance
parties atop the rubble.
“The masses can see it is about erasure and
extermination, not safety and security,”
Palestinian-US poet, Remi Kanazi ,
wrote --- in a post on X,
formerly Twitter.
The Israeli media has also been normalizing these
acts and uncritically reporting about the looting
and stealing of Palestinian homes, by
Israeli soldiers.
Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, recently featured
soldiers who presented reporter Uri Levy with a
mirror they had brought back from Gaza.
“It has a name: it’s called looting, and it’s also prohibited
according to [military] law. This is what a morally
bankrupt country looks like. Here.... it’s just a
mirror, here, it’s just evidence of execution and just evidence of abuse......... in The Hague just waiting,” said Mistaclim,
an Israeli rights group.
While the Israeli military has said in a statement that
looting Palestinian property by soldiers is unlawful,
there is a special unit in the military itself
dedicated to seizing money and other
property found on the battlefield.
In late December, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor
reported several cases - in which Israeli troops took
part in or witnessed the deliberate theft of assets
and money from Palestinian civilians, including
items like computers, jewelry, and large
amounts of cash.
The rights group estimated that the Israeli military
may have stolen valuables worth tens of millions
of dollars since the events of October 7.
“Many residents reported that Israeli soldiers took their
belongings, others saw their belongings with Israeli
soldiers on TikTok,” Maha Hussaini.... director of
strategies at Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor
and a Palestinian journalist based in Gaza,
was quoted as saying by media.
In addition to looting Palestinians’ belongings, footage
circulating on social media - also shows Israeli
soldiers using Gaza’s abandoned homes to
cook and eat the food they find there.
“In every house, you’ll find a lot of ras el hanout style
mixes. There are also plenty of lentils, so at first,
we made a lot of stews …. Every house we
stayed in had olives that [Palestinians]
make, which we tasted…” one Israeli
soldier cited in an article published
by Haaretz on February 13.
“Olive oil is also present in every home, in gallons, and it
helps a lot to upgrade any food. They also have a great
spicy sauce.”
In a letter published by the military rabbinate last month,
soldiers were instructed on how to keep kosher when
using food and utensils found in homes in Gaza. The
letter, signed by Rabbi Avishai Peretz ended with
the biblical directive: “And you shall eat the
riches of all the nations.”
Famine and siege
However, after four and a half months of Israeli siege,
famine is taking a heavy toll on everyone in Gaza.
Gaza’s ability to produce its food has been decimated by
Israeli bombs, agriculture is in ruins, fertile lands are
neglected, poultry and livestock... have been
destroyed, and the limited international
aid.. can barely meet the needs of a
hungry population, or prevent the
situation... from deteriorating
further.
According to the figures from the UN Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), at
least half a million people are facing famine
while nearly the entire population of Gaza
is experiencing an acute food shortage.
In a statement last week, the world body warned of
an “explosion” in child deaths due to a lack of food
and water in the besieged territory.
Some pro-Palestine activists say that Israeli soldiers’
videos on social media can’t be distinguished from
dehumanizing comments made by Israeli regime
politicians during the war.
Since October 7th, Israeli officials have, repeatedly,
made dehumanizing statements about Palestinians.
Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli military,
said early on that the Air Force will emphasize
“maximum damage, not accuracy.”
Israel’s minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant said
that Israel --- will treat Palestinians as “animals,”
and the president of the regime Isaac Herzog
denied the existence of any innocent
Palestinian civilians.
“The rhetoric from the top, which explicitly aims to
legitimize civilian death in Gaza, spurs such
violent actions on the ground,” Mina
Zahed, a lawyer and social media
activist, told Press TV Website.
“When Israeli officials refer to all Gazans as
“human animals,” it is no wonder that the
soldiers in the field see all Palestinians
as targets.”
What - in your heart -
do YOU feel?
Want to know more, before you do
anything - like protest to your
Western Zionist legislator?
___________________________________
Czech farmers accused
of being 'pro-Russian'
Tuesday, February 20th, 2024
(Source: InfoBrics)
The anti-Russian sentiments of European leaders ----- are
preventing them from acting rationally in the face of the
current wave... of protests across the continent. In a
recent statement -- the Czech Prime Minister, Peter
Fiala accused the protesters of being "supporters
of Moscow", discrediting the farmers' claims by
associating them with an "enemy" of the EU.
Fiala made his statement --- when the demonstrations reached
their peak - in the Czech Republic. On February 19th, hundreds
of tractors blocked the main streets of Prague, interrupting
traffic in the areas around the Ministry of Agriculture. The
protests come amid a "peasant uprising" in Europe, with
rural workers demanding an end to the import of
Ukrainian grains and a review of the EU's
"green policies".
Reacting to pressure from the peasants, Fiala made a publication on his account on X (formerly Twitter)
stating that the protesters do not really aim to
protect the interests of farmers. According to him the protesters are mere "Kremlin
supporters" --- and aim to destabilize
Europe to favour Russian interests,
with agriculture being a mere
excuse ---- to call for
demonstrations.
According to the Czech leader -- the local government is
already in dialogue with the farmers to try to meet their
interests. He however, denies that the protesters have
links with labour organizations and rural unions, thus
delegitimizing the protests. Fiala claims that Prague
constantly seeks to protect the "real" interests of
farmers, but claims that the protesters have
nothing to do with such interests, being
just pro-Russian rioters.. who
"complicate" the lives of
other Czech citizens.
"Today's demonstration - has little to do with the fight for
better conditions for farmers. The demonstration ------ is
organized by people who for example, do not hide their
support for the Kremlin, & pursue goals other than the
interests of farmers. The government is continuously
talking to everyone who is interested in dialogue.
That is why we are able to find good solutions.
We have done this many times, over the past
two years. Unfortunately.... the organizers of
today's demonstrations are not among those
who care about improving the quality of life
in our country --- and its prosperity. It also,
shows their progress, which complicates
the lives of the citizens of the capital -
and will not bring any solutions to
the real problems of Czech
farmers," he said.
One of Fiala's main arguments against the legitimacy of the
demonstrations is the lack of participation of the country's
main farmers' organizations, such as the Agrarian
Chamber, the Agricultural Union, and the
Association of Private Agriculture.
However, Fiala ignored the fact - that these same groups,
although absent in the protests on the 19th, announced
that they will launch their own demonstration against
the EU's green policies, scheduled for the 22nd.
Therefore, Fiala's argument seems invalid,
since official rural organizations share
the same interests --- as the
autonomous protesters.
In fact - dissatisfaction with the direction of European
agriculture, is a widespread phenomenon. There are
protests across the entire continent, from the most
western countries, such as France and Spain, to
the most eastern ones, such as Poland and the
Baltics. European rural workers are some of
the most affected by the EU's irresponsible
policies in support of Ukraine.
As well known, European states have maintained since
2022 a policy of systematic import of Ukrainian grains.
With the aim of supporting Kiev economically, these
countries began to massively buy cheap Ukrainian
agricultural products and thus stopped promoting
their own domestic agribusinesses, culminating
in a major social crisis.
With Ukraine being one of the most fertile and productive
countries in the world, Western European nations are
unable to compete in the agricultural market with
Kiev, which is why European rural workers are
going bankrupt. In this sense, the demand
for an end to the import of Ukrainian
products - is a basic need for
European peasants.
In the same sense, the end of green policies is vital for
European agricultural production to be viable. Facing
several economic problems and low productivity,
European farmers depend on government aid to
pay for the production and transportation of
grains. However, the EU imposes a radical
environmentalist ideological agenda and
makes its rural producers "pay the bill"
for global warming ----- making
agribusiness unworkable.
Therefore, workers' demands seem fair and natural.
Farmers are fighting for their rights and for better
living and working conditions. There is no
evidence that such workers are truly
"pro-Russian".
If there are feelings of sympathy for Russia among them,
these naturally follow from their rejection of the EU's
anti-Russian ideology, which is directly responsible
for the losses suffered by them.
As long as European leaders are more concerned with
accusing protesters than solving their problems,
the crisis will continue to worsen.
By Lucas Leiroz - journalist, researcher
at the Centre for Geostrategic Studies,
and geopolitical consultant.
You can follow Lucas
on X and Telegram.
Can't wait until the Czechs throw out their miserable creepy, warmongering sneaky government.
Sweden's membership in NATO, does not mean that the
Swedish people.. will be protected by the forces of the
so-called defensive alliance in the event of an attack
on the kingdom's territory, but that Sweden is
expected to actively participate.. in US
military expansions around the world
- and this is now clearer than ever
before, according to Proletären.
The Swedish government recently said it wants to accept
the US request that Sweden become part of the so-called
Operation Guardian of Prosperity.
The so-called Guardians of Prosperity is a coalition of
US allies formed after Yemeni Houthi rebels launched
attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea to stop
Israel's genocide in the Gaza Strip, the
author explains.
In an interview with Aftonbladet, a former fighter pilot and
lieutenant colonel in the Swedish Armed Forces, Robert
Carmel - makes it clear exactly what NATO membership
really means. Merkel is convinced that despite the very
high risks of a military operation in the Red Sea from a
purely military point of view, Sweden no longer has
a choice - when they are called to help the US.
"Previously, we were able to adapt our military efforts
according to our capabilities and the risk that we
were willing to take. It's a completely different
game now. It will be a rude awakening. There
are expectations that something should be
done, even if you are not able to do it or
you don't want to do it," said Robert
Karyel, who cited the example of
Poland and the Baltic states ---
when they first became new
members of NATO.
According to him, the new US allies in the bloc had to send
their troops to Iraq and Afghanistan in order to show their
"reliability". However, these wars were not at the top of
their agenda or did not seem to be something urgent.
In addition, Polish and Baltic military personnel
were sent to the worst provinces, and they
suffered losses - exceeding the US ones.
Nevertheless ---- the Swedish media remained completely
silent -- about the consequences of Sweden's accession
to the alliance. In a government propaganda broadcast,
Swedish Radio columnist, Mats Eriksson, says he
takes Foreign Minister, Tobias Bilstrom, at his
word --- as to why the government wants to
involve Sweden in the Red Sea operation.
The Swedish Foreign Minister said that the main task of
the military operation is to protect civilian shipping
from Houthi attacks, "which threaten to disrupt
vital parts of supply chains --- and vital
components of world trade."
And this is also true on an even more fundamental level,
Proletären notes. The US military operation is aimed at
protecting trade profits in the US-dominated world
order, to which Sweden has finally tied itself by
joining NATO. In fact, that is why NATO exists
at all -- to protect the special position of the
US in world capitalism - by military means.
We share a common responsibility with our partner
countries, says the minister, while Mats Eriksson
speaks of the government's desire to show
"solidarity" with our neighboring countries
and with the United States.
According to the author of the article, such words only
desecrate the beautiful word "solidarity", and it is the
Houthis who actually show solidarity with the
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip when they put
pressure on imperialist countries by
attacking Israeli ships and landing
on them in the Red Sea.
This is the exact opposite of why Sweden wants to send
its military to the area to protect threatened ships.
It turns out that Sweden shows "solidarity" with US imperialism and, consequently, also with the
genocide of the Palestinians by Israel ---
which acts as a watchdog of Western
imperialism.... in a region that the
Western powers do not trust.
This was the original plan on the part of the British
imperialists when they withdrew from Palestine,
and so it is with Britain's successors as the
world's largest and most bloodthirsty
empire, the US. The stated
"solidarity" is actually a
rallying cry for white
supremacy and the
right of the fittest.
Military operations like "Guardian of Prosperity"
are mainly aimed at maintaining the dying
unipolar world order, which most of
the world, the Global South,
no longer supports.
In this situation, Sweden is betting on a side that is
clearly in decline, with a public debt of $34 trillion,
led by an increasingly deranged president, who
confused Mitterrand with Macron last week -
and forgot which country is located on the
Red Sea, Mexico ------- or Egypt, sums
up Proletären.
Come on. dear Swedish people - the world begs you to turn back to the good, again.
Your leaders are either fools or corrupt knaves who would not let you vote on this and bet --- on your acquiescence.
What do you think?
Come on ----- Show us all!
_____________________________________
"McGregor - to the Pentagon":
Trump is already assembling
a team of proven people
February 14th, 2024
(source: The Washington Post
retold by InoTV)
Donald Trump and his advisers spoke with former
Congressman Tulsi Gabbard, an outspoken critic
of U.S. aid to Ukraine and military interventions
around the world. The topic of the talks was
American foreign policy.... and plans for
changes in ''the management'' of the
US Department of Defense, during
Trump's second presidential term
- The Washington Post reports,
citing sources.
Gabbard has been criticized by former Democratic Party
members and some Republicans for her isolationist
views, but, in recent years, she has become
something of a favorite among far-
right Republicans.
This time around, Trump is determined to recruit
employees ------- who share his views, 100%.
In recent months, Trump has repeatedly said that one of
his biggest blunders during his first presidential term
was recruiting staff at the Pentagon --- because of
officials whose opinions often "baffled him."
During his presidency, Trump replaced several defense
ministers and national security advisers, and these
resignations were accompanied by high-profile
scandals. Trump has drawn lessons from the
past and is determined... to increase the
number of his people in the Pentagon.
Among former US presidential administration officials, the
biggest concern is that Trump will try to appoint Douglas McGregor as the top Pentagon official. In addition, long -time Trump adviser, David Urban said, that ------- in the second term of his patron in the presidential
chair, "there will be a reduction in America's
foreign obligations" to NATO. According to
the official, when Trump was in power, he "constantly" raised the issue of
withdrawing American troops...
from Germany, South Korea,
Africa and closing all the
country's embassies
there -- writes The
Washington Post.
What do you think? Dangerous egoist
--- or the US and its people's saviour?
______________________________________
Medvedev predicts Apocalypse
in event of Russia-NATOwar
February 7th, 8:35am (TASS)
In the event of a war with NATO, Russia would have
to "respond asymmetrically" and use missiles
"with special warheads," Russian Security
Council Deputy Chairman, Dmitry
Medvedev, said, on his
Telegram channel.
He noted that, "if, God forbid, such a war happens, it will not
follow the scenario of the special military operation" and
it "won’t be waged in trenches with the use of artillery,
armour, drones and means of radio-electronic warfare."
"NATO is a huge military bloc --- the population of the
countries of the alliance is almost one billion people
and their joint military budget may reach one and
a half trillion dollars," Medvedev explained.
"Therefore, due to the incommensurability of our
[respective] military potential, we simply won’t
have a choice. The response ------ will be
asymmetrical. In order to protect the
territorial integrity of our country,
ballistic and cruise missiles with
special warheads (nuclear arms
- TASS). will be used.''
''This is based on our military doctrine documents and is well-known to everyone. And this is
precisely the proverbial Apocalypse. The end ---- of everything,"
Medvedev stressed.
So far, according to him, "all the big European bosses
are cynically lying to their citizens" by reiterating the
necessity to be ready "for a war with Russia."
"And while Russia has, repeatedly, spoken about the
absence of any plans for a conflict with NATO and
the EU countries, highly dangerous chatter on
the subject continues," Medvedev stated.
He asserted that its causes are obvious. "It is necessary to
distract voters, in order to justify multi-billion spending on
Banderovite ‘Ukraine’ that everyone has gotten sick of.
Since gigantic sums of money are being spent, not on
resolving social issues in these countries, but on a
war in a dying country which is alien to taxpayers
...with its population scattered all over Europe
terrorizing local residents.''
''This is why, every day the leaders of these countries are sermonizing, that it is necessary to get ready for a war
with Russia & continue to help Ukraine, which means
producing more tanks, shells, drones and other
weapons," the deputy chairman of the
Russian Security Council said.
He concluded that European leaders "should tell the bitter
truth to their voters instead of treating them as brainless
idiots. They should explain to them --- what will really
happen, instead of repeating the deceitful mantra
about readiness for a war with Russia,"
Medvedev concluded.
Paralised with fear? You should be!
Don't you think?
__________________________________________
Global Times: people are told
that NATO is a shield,but
it is, in fact,a sword
February 2nd, 2024
(source: Global Times
retold by InoTV)
The current NATO exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 is far
from harmless --- and cannot be called just a game, the
Global Times is sure. It would be more accurate to
call them a rehearsal and even, to a certain
extent, a provocation, given the ongoing
Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
The publication warns that, for Moscow, these largest
exercises of the bloc since the end of the Cold War
may look as if NATO is deliberately teasing the
Russian bear. The exercise, which will last
until May 31, involves 31 armies of the
bloc's member countries --- plus
90 thousand Swedish troops.
Meanwhile, they are facing a very real and extremely
dangerous armed conflict between the forces of
Russia and Ukraine.
That is why the NATO leadership must take into account
the risks of possible escalation in order to make sure
that their imaginary exercises will not lead to real
clashes, GT emphasizes. After all, the alliance is
already indirectly involved in this conflict ----
through its support for Ukraine.
Moreover, the statements of representatives of the bloc
openly state --- that the purpose of the exercises is to
test the ability to --- "quickly deploy forces from North
America & other parts of the alliance to strengthen
the defense of Europe." In other words, this is nothing more than preparation for a potential open war with Russia -- the publication is sure.
It seems that Western politicians and military leaders are
increasingly thinking about this and do not hesitate to
openly talk about such topics. The British Defense
Secretary, Grant Shapps, made a dire prediction
- that his country could go to war with Russia,
China, North Korea & Iran within five years.
German Defense Minister Pistorius gave a term of five to eight years.
Estonian Prime Minister, Kaya Kallas, also said that Europe
should prepare for any threat from Russia and it has about
five years to do so. And the British General Sir Patrick
Sanders last year ---- called on British troops to prepare to defeat Russia "in battle".
Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, who heads the NATO military
committee, acknowledged that a conflict with Russia
would require the mobilization of a large number of
civilians. And the commander-in-Chief of the
Swedish Armed Forces, Mikael Biden,
directly advised the Swedes to
mentally prepare for war.
The head of the Norwegian armed forces warned: "The
people of Norway - must think about their readiness.
We recommend that you be able to cope without
assistance within three days."
According to GT, the civilian population is increasingly
being prepared for a war in which they will not only
take a direct part - but also play a central role.
Unfortunately.... people are being told that
NATO is a shield, and it is increasingly
like a raised sword.
Moreover, similar figures, from three to five years, in the
statements of Western politicians and military leaders
are not accidental. This - is exactly how long it will
take the alliance's member countries to restore
their weapons stocks, after everything went
to Ukraine.
NATO countries are becoming increasingly involved
in the fighting in Ukraine. They practically became
quartermasters of Kiev, writes GT. At the same
time, their enthusiasm for participating in the
conflict... is growing day by day. Until two
years ago, everything was limited to
diplomatic protests.
The then Minister of the Armed Forces of Great Britain
solemnly declared in the House of Commons... that
neither British troops nor NATO troops should, in
any case, play an active role in Ukraine.
But two years later, NATO generals and European politicians
are already openly talking about war with Russia and
calling on their populations to prepare for the worst.
During this time, the type of assistance to Kiev, has also
changed dramatically. If earlier British military support
was quite symbolic, now --- no one is confused by the
provision of long-range missiles.
This was followed by attack and naval UAVs, cruise
missiles, helicopters, tanks - and even ships. And the Netherlands and Denmark, with the blessing of Washington, delivered F-16 fighters to the
Armed Forces of Ukraine.
At the same time, the military goals of the West have
also changed. If the Tallinn agreement referred to
the protection of Ukraine and the withdrawal of
Russians from the disputed territories, then
what can we expect next? After all, since
then, NATO has expanded further
(Finland ..and almost Sweden),
and -- if we take into account
the obligations under Article
5 of the alliance - does this
not mean..... releasing the
dogs of war into the wild?
Officials began to talk almost casually about the
possibility of a third World war. Therefore --- the
ongoing NATO exercises look like preparations
for it and, even worse, as a provocation of
this war.
These exercises, according to GT, marked the transition
of NATO, from pretending that they represent defense
--- to an open belligerent attitude.
Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to ask whether
we have passed the point of no return. In this sense,
you can only use the word "when", and not "if".
Well - there you are. You either mobilise
to stop this - or resign the human race
to a disgusting suicide.
And your choice is?
__________________________________
Lenin's work "Better less, yes better" ---- is more relevant than ever
Press Service of the Central Committee of the
Communist Party of the Russian Federation
January 23rd, 3pm
First Deputy Chairman of the Central Committee of
the Communist Party of the Russian Federation
Yu. V. Afonin took part in the program
"60 Minutes" on the TV channel
"Russia-1".
On the air, a statement was made by the chairman of the
NATO military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, about the
likelihood of an all-out war with Russia over the next 20
years. He called on the members of the North Atlantic
Alliance --- to prepare for a military conflict with our
country. German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius,
doesn't rule out the possibility of war with Russia.
As Yuri Afonin noted, through such statements,
functionaries of NATO countries are trying to
convey several meanings. First, they are
trying to rally Western society in the
face of an imaginary "Russian
threat": Zelensky will lose,
and you will be the next
victim of Moscow.
But it is quite obvious that in 3-5 years, and even more so
10 years, it will certainly not be these gentlemen who
will decide the fate of the world. Realizing this, they
allow themselves to make such irresponsible
statements.
But the facts show, that it is precisely against the
background of anti-Russian hysteria that NATO
is increasing its activity near our borders,
conducting exercises in the Baltic Sea,
and increasing its contingent in the
Baltic States (again under the
pretext of the threat of an
invasion from Russia).
Although it is clear to everyone --- that our country is not
interested in a war on two fronts, especially with such a
serious opponent as the North Atlantic Bloc, and such a
conflict - would endanger the existence of all humanity.
At the same time, the West understands the inevitability of
the military defeat of Zelensky and his gang. They are
also aware of it in Kiev. Ukrainian Foreign Minister
Kuleba has called on Western hosts to abandon
the "don't escalate" principle. According to
him, "because of this --- many
opportunities were missed."
The First Deputy Chairman of the Central Committee of the
Communist Party of the Russian Federation regarded this
statement - as provocative and extremely disturbing. It is worth paying special attention to it and giving an
appropriate assessment. The Kiev regime, is on
the verge of military collapse and is aware of
the hopelessness of its situation. And it
seems, that Zelensky sees the only
way to survive - is in staging such
large-scale bloody provocations
that will bring the conflict to
a new level and, perhaps
---- force the West to
intervene directly.
There is no need to talk about Kiev's success on the
battlefield after the failure of the summer counter-
offensive, which was only hoped for. So what can
they do? What kind of escalation are we talking
about? Only about new terrorist attacks on the
civilian population ---- such as the shelling of
Belgorod on December 30th --- and like the
monstrous shelling of Donetsk on Sunday.
This is the escalation that the Ukronazis
are really capable of. In fact, Kuleba
declares their right to conduct a
large-scale terrorist war
against civilians.
The idea of this monstrous adventure is simple: to launch a
series of terrorist attacks, provoke Russia to an extremely
tough response, and hope that the West will definitely not
stand aside and somehow intervene ---- or at least not
reduce the scale of military assistance.
The fact that the Kiev rulers will finally acquire the image of
cannibals and inveterate war criminals, in Kiev... it seems
..no one thinks of this anymore. It doesn't seem important anymore, just to be saved and let hundreds and hundreds
of innocent civilians be killed, including women, children,
and the elderly.
Yuri Afonin called for a clear explanation to the world - of
what exactly the escalation that Kuleba is broadcasting
may be. And another Ukrainian minister, Umerov, who
heads the military department, spoke via video link
at the opening of the conference on the creation
of the so-called "artillery coalition" ....under the
leadership of France & the US, & complained
about the "shell hunger" that the Armed
Forces of Ukraine suffer from.
That, in fact, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine recognizes
that Russia, now, has a great advantage in artillery. And
this is a very important factor, which in the XX century
was crucial for the outcome of battles and battles. As
the first deputy chairman of the Central Committee of
the Communist Party recalled, during the First World
War, "shell famine" turned out to be one of the main
reasons for the so-called "great retreat" of the
Russian army, in 1915.
But, during the Great Patriotic War, the USSR surpassed Germany in the production of guns, mortars and shells at a time when the industry of all continental Europe worked at this. And the superiority of the Red Army in firepower then, became an important factor in the Victory.
In the current military operations, the role of artillery is simply enormous. About 80-90% of combat losses are associated with its use. Therefore --- the advantage in this area --- which is provided by the work of our military-industrial complex, paves the way for the Russian Army to win, Yuri Vyacheslavovich stressed.
He recalled the figures released at the December meeting of the Board of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. So since February 2022, the production of tanks in Russia, has increased by 5.6 times, of IFVs - by 3.6 times, armoured personnel carriers - by 3.5 times, unmanned aerial vehicles - by 16.8 times, and artillery shells – by 17.5 times.
This is a huge breakthrough, and the potential for increasing the production of military equipment & ammunition by the Russian military-industrial complex ----- is far from exhausted.
In the West, they see that they are seriously lagging behind us in this area, and they are trying to increase their own production of weapons. True, the bulk of investment, including through the money allocated to Kiev, goes to the American military-industrial complex ------ to the detriment of the European economy.
As the first deputy chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation emphasized --- turbulence is growing all over the world -- processes are getting out of control of the US and its satellites -- and the contours of multipolarity are becoming more pronounced in different parts of the world.
The old platforms for discussing problems and developing solutions are losing their significance and are unable to respond to the existing challenges - which are becoming more and more numerous.
An example of this is the World Economic Forum, which was held last week. For many years, we have been told that this event in Davos, Switzerland, is shaping the way forward for the world. The Russian delegation always went there. It was based, as a rule, on the most high-status Russian liberals - and Westerners.
This year, there was no Russian delegation at the Davos Forum. And the main conclusion that can be drawn from its results: the fate of the world is not decided there.
We have stopped going to Davos, but we are successfully strengthening our position in the international arena. China, India - and a number of other countries - are becoming our most important strategic partners.
And in the near future, the BRICS summits will attract much more attention from the world media than the Davos forums, Yuri Afonin expressed confidence.
And - in the absence of any meaningful agenda - they
discussed a certain mythical 'disease X' with a much
higher mortality rate than from covid - which can be
caused by a virus that is not yet known to science.
All this looks like a declaration of the masters of the
Western world to continue "training" humanity with
the help of epidemics. The coronavirus pandemic,
has already caused drastic restrictions on rights
and freedoms, including in those countries that
boasted of them. The new epidemic will allow
them to continue this process. And it seems
that the masters of the Western world are
just waiting for it.
At the end of his speech... the First Deputy Chairman of the
Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian
Federation, recalled that January 21 marked the 100th
anniversary of the death of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.
The Communist Party holds events throughout
the country dedicated to the memory of the
founder of the Soviet state.
In one of his last works, Better Less, Yes Better, Lenin
predicted that victory over imperialism would be
determined by the efforts of Russia, China,
India, and other countries that were
then.... in colonial or semi-
colonial dependence.
"I believe in this Leninist prophecy ---- and the events
taking place in the world today -- inspire confidence
that in alliance with the states of the global South,
we will defeat Western imperialism," Yuri Afonin
concluded.
What do you think?
Do you want the Western ''elites'' to win - and continue culling humans like cattle?
Or would you like to see an end to the Western elites' power .....and a world without war finally able to build prosperity?
________________________________________________
Haifa missile strike by Iraqi resistance
--- shows how fragile Israeli regime is
by Wesam Bahrani
January 8th, 2pm
(source: PressTV)
In yet another significant act of solidarity with the people of
Gaza, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq on Sunday struck "a
vital target in occupied Haifa" - with an advanced long-
range cruise missile, grabbing headlines, and taking
the embattled regime in Tel Aviv by another surprise.
In a statement, the Iraqi resistance emphasized that the
operation was carried out --- because of “our ongoing
support for people in Gaza" - who have been reeling
under the Israeli aggression since Oct. 7.
The statement added that the operation was "in response
to the massacres committed by the usurping entity
against Palestinian civilians, including children,
women, and the elderly."
The Iraqi resistance, which has in recent months launched
a string of attacks on US military bases in Iraq and Syria,
said it will continue to hit enemy strongholds, warning
that "more is yet to come".
The concluding part of the statement
was the most attention-grabbing.
Such is the stringent Israeli media censorship of the
occupying regime's war on the besieged Gaza Strip;
it is difficult to speculate what vital infrastructure
has been hit.
The Iraqi resistance struck Haifa with a long-range cruise
missile named al-Arqab from Iraqi territory. The distance
from Baghdad to Haifa ------ is almost 1,000 kilometres.
According to sources, the launch of the missile took place
closer to the Western Iraqi deserts. That is still roughly
600 kilometres away, or perhaps more, depending on
the launch site.
It essentially means that Haifa, which is located in the
northern part of the occupied territories, can expect
attacks again from the Iraqi soil..... the timing of which will be decided by the resistance.
More importantly, the long-range cruise missile traveled
the same distance that can put Tel Aviv and all other
Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories within the
range of Iraqi fire.
On Monday, Iraq's Harakat al-Nujaba resistance movement
claimed responsibility for the strike, warning that Israel
should await more crippling attacks in retaliation
for its bloody war on Gaza.
“The Axis of Resistance is determined to disrupt US
scenarios in the region and thwart the occupying
Israeli regime’s schemes in Gaza,” Hussein
al-Moussawi, spokesman for the
group, said.
The Iraqi Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba resistance
movement - claims responsibility for the missile
strike against Haifa in the occupied territories.
Should we be surprised that the Popular Mobilization Units
(PMU), under which the Islamic Resistance in Iraq
operates, possesses such world-class
military technology?
The short answer is no.
The Iraqi government itself armed the PMU with the most
capable military equipment from Baghdad's weapons
depots because it plays the most fundamental
role of all the Iraqi armed forces.
The attack on Haifa points to the start of a new chapter
by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, in what is expected
to be an even stronger show of support --- for the
Palestinian resistance in Gaza and its people.
In this latest phase, we must expect an escalation in
attacks on crucial Israeli infrastructure inside the
occupied Palestinian territories, facilitated by
the utilization of sophisticated long-range
cruise missiles.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has made no secret
of its iron-clad support and solidarity with the
oppressed people of Gaza amid the Israeli
regime's indiscriminate bombings and
inhumane siege.
It had also made no secret of its military operations
against the Zionist regime and its Western backers,
which has been completely evident in the past
few weeks.
Shortly after the Israeli regime launched its war on Gaza
on October 7, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq carried out
a number of operations - against Israeli interests and its main backer, the United States.
In late December, the Iraqi Resistance struck a vital target
in the Eli-ad settlement, in the southern Israeli-occupied
Syrian Golan Heights - with drones.
Before targeting Eli-ad, the resistance also pounded the
regime's main offshore (occupied) Karish gas field in
the eastern Mediterranean Sea with a direct hit,
inflicting heavy damage.
That came after the Iraqi resistance struck a target in
occupied Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat) with appropriate
weapons and released images of the operation
for the public.
The regime evacuated the settlers of Eilat, transforming
the area into a military garrison. It made the site an
ideal target for Iraq as well as Yemen, another
Arab country ------ that has upped the
ante recently.
Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance movement
have carried out a series of operations against Israeli
interests with a barrage of long-range drones
and missiles.
At times, the goal has simply been to fire a barrage of
missiles and drones to preoccupy the Israeli Iron
Dome and Patriot Missiles. These calculated
efforts have proven successful.
They effectively ease the pressure on the Palestinian
resistance while at the same time drain out Israeli
military resources, which have in recent months
become extremely depleted.
The regime has killed more than 22,000 Palestinians
since Oct. 7, the majority of whom have been
women and children. Thousands more are
missing, presumably dead under
the rubble.
Among the countries and movements taking the lead in
militarily pressuring the U.S. and its apartheid regime
to end its inhumane attacks on Gaza, Iraqis have
played a courageous role.
In Iraq, the resistance has targeted illegal US military
bases on its territory as well as in Syria more than
110 times since the Israeli war against Gaza
began three months ago.
Rockets, mortar shells, drones, and short and long-range
ballistic missiles have all been used in these operations,
leading to scores of casualties among US troops and
collateral damage.
Now, the question that everyone is asking is: Why
has the Iraqi resistance opened a new chapter?
Lately, the illegal US military occupation on Iraqi soil made
a costly mistake by attacking sites belonging to the PMU,
which means Washington and Tel Aviv have to pay
the price.
Recent US attacks against affiliates of the PMU, including
Kataib Hezbollah, and the recent deadly strike on the
headquarters of Harakat al-Nujaba, which led to the
assassination of one of its leaders in Baghdad,
Haj Mishtaq, means the time is ripe for the
resistance to expand its operations.
For context: In the eyes of the Iraqi resistance, there is no
difference between the US military occupation of Iraqi
soil and the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The
liberation of the Palestinian territories begins
with the expulsion of US troops from Iraq
and the rest of the region.
While the Israeli regime commits horrendous crimes
against humanity in Gaza, the UDS is shielding,
arming, funding and facilitating this madness
of death and destruction campaign in
the coastal strip.
Taking a closer look at the events unfolding
in Gaza, it is, in essence, a US war on Gaza.
This direct complicity means that Washington has to pay
the same price as the Israeli regime is paying, for its
massacres of civilians in Gaza. They are two
sides of the same coin.
Whilst illegal US bases in Iraq and Syria are closer to the
line of fire for the resistance, the indiscriminate Israeli
attacks against women and children in Gaza have
seen the PMU increasingly target the Israeli
regime, the latest being Haifa.
What the Al-Aqsa Storm (or Al-Aqsa Flood) operation
provided was an opportunity for the Iraqi resistance
to strike at Israeli interests ------ for the first time
in history.
As pressure grows on the Iraqi government of Prime
Minister Mohammad Shia' al-Sudani, to expel the
illegal US forces, It has also opened a new
window ---------- for the PMU to end the US
occupation and avenge Washington's
assassination of its deputy leader,
Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis.
For the moment, the main goal of the resistance is
to expand its scope of attacks against the Israeli
regime in order to mount pressure on the
apartheid occupation ------ as well as
the US.
And, as the Iraqi resistance warned after
the Haifa attack, "more is yet to come".
Wesam Bahrani --- is an Iraqi
journalist and commentator.
(The views expressed in this article do
not necessarily reflect those of
Press TV.)
Looks like the current racist apartheid
hate-filled regime is either going to be
overthrown and replaced --- or wiped
from the map of the Holy land.
What do you think?
_____________________________________
Cultural cleansing: Israeli bombings
destroy Gaza’s famed cultural
heritage sites
by Humaira Ahad
January 8th, 12:16pm
(PressTV)
“Home (origin), more than anywhere else,” Tim Creswell, a noted British human geographer and poet once said, “is seen as a centre of meaning and a field of care.”
A homeland, is a place where humans feel a strong sense of
attachment and entitlement. It carries centuries of history
that shape our identity. Our belongingness to a place
(home) is hugely determined by the landmarks
present there, and the physical entities we see, since childhood.
Many of us must have referred to a particular street, shop,
shrine, museum, library, mosque, church, or school while
talking about an incident or reminiscing about
something in the past.
These landmarks act as mileposts and memories get
weaved around them. But what if these physical
markers that people associate with, are
wiped out?
In Gaza, the pain and suffering go beyond the loss of human
lives. The settler-colonial Zionist entity, in order to colonize
Palestinians and change the demographic identity of the
place, has been destroying important landmarks,
including centuries-old heritage sites in
the territory.
The roads lined with bougainvillea, the markets bustling
with people, the mosques reverberating with calls to
prayer, the Sunday mass..... at one of the oldest
churches in the world, the beach that would
be a picnic spot for families, the
cemeteries – everything has
come under attack.
Palestine has been ruled by various kingdoms throughout
history – the Philistine (12th century BC), Egyptians
(early 15th century BC), Babylonian (601BC), and
the Greeks (332BC).
The country became an important centre of learning under
Alexander the Great. The Romans also ruled there,
followed by the Byzantines before it came
under the Islamic dynasties.
After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the British
occupied Palestine during World War I.
With a wide galaxy of dynasties ruling the place,
Palestine...... became the seedbed of varied
cultures. As per archaeologists, it has
links with a number of ancient
civilizations.
In recent decades, after the illegitimate entity came into
existence in Tel Aviv, it has been targeting the glorious
Palestinian heritage to serve its sinister settler-
colonial agenda.
The regime has, in effect, weaponized archaeology and
tried to create a biased narrative in order to justify its
occupation of the Palestinian lands and its
oppression against the Palestinians.
Since October 7, when the Israeli regime launched its fresh
aggression on Gaza, a small territory with 2.3 million
population, the attacks to eradicate the
archaeological sites ----- have
dramatically surged.
Experts say this is being done to erase the memory
and the connection of the people to their land.
As per a recent report by the Gaza media office, around 200
monuments belonging to Christian and Islamic history and
architecture in the besieged strip have been either
completely or partially destroyed as a result of
indiscriminate Israeli strikes.
Israeli troops have "either destroyed or damaged more
than 200 out of 325 cultural and historical heritage
sites in the Gaza Strip," the report said.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and
Antiquities, the exact data about archaeological
sites destroyed in Gaza is still unavailable amid
difficulties in conducting surveys... and
assessing destruction on the ground.
The unrelenting Israeli aggression
has made their job tedious.
A report released on November 7 by Spain-based NGO
“Heritage for Peace” said at least 104 archaeological
sites have been impacted by the latest Israeli war on
Gaza, of which --- 4 have been completely destroyed.
That number has more than doubled
...since the report was released.
“The ancient and archaeological sites destroyed by the
(Israeli) army date back to the Phoenician and Roman
ages, others date back between 800 BC and 1,400,
while others were built 400 years ago” --- the
Palestinian authorities said in a statement.
On December 8, the Great Omari mosque, the oldest and
largest mosque in Gaza, was completely destroyed in
an Israeli airstrike. Located in the centre of the old
Gaza City, it was famous as the first mosque in
the Gaza Strip.
“Heritage for Peace” reported damage to Ibn Uthman
Mosque, dating back to the 15th century, and Sayed
Hashem Mosque, where Prophet Muhammad’s
(peace be upon him) great-grandfather
Hashim Bin Abd Manaf is believed
to be buried.
Othman Bin Qashqai Mosque, in the Al Zaytoun
neighbourhood of east Gaza was also bombed
by the regime forces, killing a number of
Palestinians who had sought refuge in
the mosque.
The mosque was among one of
the oldest in the coastal strip.
As per official figures, at least 104 mosques have been
reduced to rubble since the start of the Israeli
genocidal assault on Gaza on October 7,
which followed an unprecedented
operation by the Hamas-led
resistance movement
against the Israeli
occupation.
St Porphyrius church, dating back to the 5th century,
was regarded as one of the oldest in the world. The
church was hit by an Israeli airstrike, destroying
the building and killing a number of people who
had sought protection there, deeming it a
safe place.
Among those who died in the church included members
of Gaza’s Christian community who are increasingly
staring at extinction as the regime continues its
brutal bombardment campaign.
A Roman cemetery in northern Gaza, which is claimed
to be 2,000 years old with dozens of ancient graves
and two rare sarcophagi made of lead, was also
completely destroyed in the bombing.
‘In God’s care now’
Some of Gaza’s museums.. have suffered complete
destruction while many others have been partially
damaged. Rafah Museum, in southern Gaza,
shared two videos on its Facebook page,
showing the building of the museum
partially collapsed... due to
Israeli airstrikes.
“There were priceless items from coins, precious stones,
copper plates, clothes…. The Museum of Rafah is in
God's care now,” said the director of Rafah
Museum, Suhaila Shaheen, in a video
posted on the museum's
Facebook page.
In the video, Shaheen could be seen in the middle
of the rubble of the destroyed museum.
Al Qarara Cultural Museum near Khan Younis and
Deir Al Balah Museum in central Gaza have also
suffered damage in the regime’s airstrikes.
The collection at Al Qarara Museum reportedly
included antiquities from the Byzantine period.
Mohammad Abulehia, the custodian at Al Qarara Museum,
who also helped in its establishment in 2016, confirmed
that the building of the museum along with the
artifacts suffered significant damage when
a missile hit the neighbourhood.
Anthedon Harbour, Gaza’s first known seaport and one
of the Gazan sites on UNESCO’s world heritage
tentative list has also been badly damaged
in the regime's bombings.
The Rashad al-Shawwa Historical Cultural Centre,
a cultural hub that hosts a theatre and a library
with around 20,000 books, was targeted by
the regime’s airstrike.
Since October 7, the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of
Culture has also recorded nine publishing houses and
libraries hit by bombs with 21 other cultural centres
partially or completely damaged.
The Israeli strikes have destroyed most parts of the old
city of Gaza, which was home to houses that dated
back at least 150 years.
As per the International Council on Monuments and Sites
(ICOMOS) report, the Central Archives of Gaza City have
been completely destroyed with thousands of historic
documents lost forever.
ICOMOS has also reported damage to El Saqqa House, an
important cultural centre of the Islamic Mamluk period,
constructed in 1661.
Al Ahli Baptist Hospital, founded in 1882 and believed to
be Gaza’s oldest hospital, was also targeted and
partially destroyed by the regime in October,
killing over 470 people present there.
Cultural cleansing campaign
Continuing its cultural cleansing campaign, Israel has also
destroyed the Souq Al Zawiya, one of Gaza City’s oldest
and most important markets. It was located close to
the Great Omari Mosque.
Pasha’s Palace Museum, a 13th-century fortress, that
was a powerful witness and narrator of the story of
civilizations, was reduced to ruins by the
Israeli forces.
Built during the mid-13th century, the iconic palace was
Napoleon’s choice of accommodation during his stay
in the city in 1799, according to historians.
“We are very sad we lost the al Pasha Palace. Hit by an
airstrike, the Israeli vehicles and bulldozers ran over
even the rubble. This palace was treated as a
museum, and had pieces (tracing) back to
the Canaanite, Roman and Greek eras,”
said Bisan Owda, a Gaza-based
social media influencer.
Israel ironically is a signatory to the 1954 Hague
Convention --- for the Protection of Cultural
Property in the event of armed conflict.
The document states that the signatories shall respect
cultural property in their own territories and the
territories of the other parties by refraining
from “any act of hostility” against such
property, or from any actions that
“expose it to destruction or
damage in the event of
armed conflict.”
“Heritage for Peace” has described Israel’s actions as a
“blatant violation of international humanitarian law”.
The NGO also called on the world community “to
urgently interfere, stop such crimes & elaborate
a common strategy for the rehabilitation and
restoration of destroyed and damaged
cultural heritage sites in Gaza.”
Palestine’s Ministry of Culture has also appealed
to the international community to protect the
vulnerable historical buildings in Gaza ------
amid the regime’s unchecked aggression.
“The crime of targeting and destroying archaeological
sites should spur the world and UNESCO into action
to preserve this great civilizational and cultural
heritage,” the Palestinian Ministry said in a
statement recently.
The Geneva-based human rights group, Euro-Med Monitor,
said Israel is “intentionally destroying” archaeological
and historical monuments in Gaza, and “explicitly
targeting Palestinian cultural heritage.”
“Destroying and targeting historical and archaeological
sites may amount to a war crime under the Rome
Statute establishing the International Criminal
Court, and is a clear violation of The Hague
Convention relating to the protection of
cultural heritage during armed
conflicts,” it noted.
The current population of Israel,
is 80% in favour of the complete
annihilation of the Palestinians.
I pray for the sake of your soul,
that you do not agree with this.
Thinkers Forum:
How YOU are encouraged to be NASTY
******************
Yemeni blockade ofIsrael
exposes Arab regimes,
rattles Western
imperialists
December 19th, 2:33pm
by Shabbir Rizvi
Perhaps the best pages of history are the pages where
the oppressed are victorious against the oppressor,
and able to turn the tide of power with
poetic justice.
Within these pages, true colours are always revealed, and
the resolve of each player is truly put to the test. And if
history is truly written by the victor, then this chapter
owes some pages to be authored by the incredibly
brave people and resistance of Yemen.
In the wake of the Hamas-led resistance operation Al-Aqsa
Storm (also known as Al-Aqsa Flood), Yemen has dared to
go where no other Arab countries have (outside of the
Islamic resistance in Lebanon and Iraq) - not only
directly confronting the Zionist entity, but
enacting a crushingly successful
blockade in the strategic zone
of the Red Sea.
Any ship willing to conduct business with the Israeli regime
in Yemen’s territorial waters has two options - turn around,
or risk your ship being destroyed or taken by the Yemeni
military (Ansarallah).
One has to admire this act of poetic justice. Yemen, the
country subjected to nearly a decade of US-Saudi
blockade, enabled by Western states, which
spawned the world’s worst humanitarian
crisis in the Arab country - has now
enacted a blockade of its own -
squeezing the already
depleting Zionist
economy.
Anyone familiar with the societal structure of the Zionist
occupation can tell you that its economy is extremely
vulnerable to external shocks. This.. is a regime that
has only lasted as long as it has due to the political
and economic support of the US capitalist class.
Billions of US taxpayer money is spent annually to keep the
illegitimate entity afloat. Meaning the Zionist occupation
has to ensure it is justifying this staggering investment.
For the US ruling class, Israel acts not only as a colonial
military outpost but as a corridor into Asia. They need
Zionist cooperation to facilitate the trade of goods
coming in and out of the region, facilitating
billions of dollars of goods annually.
Yemen has decided that it will not tolerate Israeli
trade --- while Gazan children and women are
being mercilessly slaughtered every day.
Starting in November, the Yemeni military began to seize
Israeli-connected ships - starting with the seizure of the
“Galaxy Leader.” Outside of ship seizures, other ships
were subject to drone, rocket, and gunboat attacks -
including the US Navy destroyer USS Carney.
Israeli-occupied port of Eilat - its third biggest - has
effectively been shut down amid Yemeni rockets
and drones, and its blockade in the Red Sea.
Traffic at the port is reportedly down
by 85%.
This is no small blockade. Global shipping companies are
thinking twice about dealing with the regime. Hong Kong
shipping company OOCL has halted all trade with the
Israeli regime. Maersk... one of the biggest global
shipping companies, has also decided to pause
operations, joining a few other companies.
Other shipping companies have also
followed suit.
Initial projections estimate billions of dollars of trade has
been impacted. Yemen’s blockade is driving the cost of
goods up and increasing the amount of transport time.
Some Israeli-linked ships have even decided to go around
Africa into Asia, adding anywhere from two to three
extra weeks of shipping time.
And most importantly, the economic impact caused by the
crippling blockade is creating serious political pressure.
British Petroleum on Monday announced it would stop
operations using the Suez Canal, due to the
Yemeni threat.
Mere hours after this announcement, UK Labour Party
leader Keir Starmer joined UK Prime Minister Rishi
Sunak in calling for a “sustainable ceasefire” in
Gaza, effectively breaking from the US line.
Yemen is forcing the world to divest from the regime
in Tel Aviv or suffer major economic consequences.
And it's working.
Now, Zionists and its US backers are tapping into their
regional partners. The very countries that sought to
break Yemen - the UAE and Saudi Arabia - are now
creating a “land bridge” trade route with the
Zionist entity, as per reports.
Though this is more costly and slower, the same
resources are now passing from the UAE into
Saudi Arabia and Jordan in order to reach
the occupied territories.
The 2000-kilometre path is already being put to the test,
with a reported 10 trucks already taking the path from
Dubai to the border of Israeli-occupied territories.
This is a clear attempt to circumvent the Yemeni blockade.
The Jordanian leadership quickly moved ------ to deny the
existence of such a “land bridge” ----- as it is a shameful
accusation - however, it is indeed a willing participant
in the trade of goods with the apartheid regime.
The treachery of these Arab regimes is another betrayal of
the Palestinian people. These same countries waged war
on Yemen’s independence movement, and now they are
participating in the war against Palestinians by aiding
the Zionist enemy.
Yemen has forced these regimes
--- to show their true orientation.
Even more tellingly, the Saudi regime has assisted the US
and Israeli regime in blocking Yemeni missiles and
drones, with its air defense systems. Rockets
meant for the port of Eilat were reportedly
shot down by Saudi missiles, protecting
not only Israeli goods..... but also
US warships.
The Gulf monarchies insist that they demand “regional
stability” ---- while allowing the Zionist regime to
conduct open genocide in front of the world.
However, the US is not satisfied with a land bridge. Some
goods cannot be transported through the land bridge,
and it is pricier to switch between sea, land, then
back to sea when transporting goods from the
US to Asia, for example.
On Monday, December 18, US Defense Secretary Lloyd
Austin announced “Operation Prosperity Guardian” -
a ten-country coalition that would fend off the
“Yemeni threat” in the Red Sea.
It’s clear that the blockade is putting economic pressure
on the US - the operation’s name says it all. But can the
coalition, which includes Bahrain (adding another
country to the list of Arab nations stabbing
Palestine in the back), actually stop the
Yemen-created blockade?
Not without risking a full-scale regional war.
First, Yemen is more than capable of
defending itself. It fended off a
Saudi-led coalition for ten
years, which used US
weaponry and
logistics.
It can certainly -- defend its own territorial
waters and skies against invading forces.
Second, the coalition threat is a serious step up the
escalation ladder --- one that would have serious
consequences for US forces and allies that
are unwelcome in the region.
Last week, Iran’s Defense Minister Mohammad Reza
Ashtiani, issued a statementL: declaring that any
attempt by the US to form a coalition that
disrupts peace in the region -- “will be
faced with tremendous problems."
"Nobody can make a move in a region where
we have predominance,” he asserted.
In recent months, Iran has had several encounters
with US naval boats that attempted to encroach
its territorial waters. This comes as a result of
US military ships posing a threat to Iranian oil
tankers and other ships - resulting in Iran
tightening security within its
territorial waters.
Hypocritically, the same country that decries
Yemen’s blockade, also openly participates
in the piracy of Iranian oil!
The US-led coalition is foolishly risking a regional war.
Ultimately, this would not be in the US key interests -
and the popularity of Biden's administration would
sink even more ------ even with it being at an
all-time low.
The threat of the coalition as of now
is just policy on paper.... but if
materialized --- could yield
catastrophic results.
The United States is already the main protagonist in the
Gaza genocide. By supplying bombs that drop on Gaza
every day as well as political backing, it cannot wash
its blood-stained hands.
But if it insists on going the extra mile and pulling itself
into a regional war over a trade route, then all bets
on peace --- are off.
The attacks on US military bases would escalate. US ships
would be targeted. US citizens and ambassadors would
have to be evacuated. And trade that has already
come to a screeching halt would be prolonged
further. All on the eve of an election year.
The reality is that Yemen has the imperialist West right
where it wants it. Either end the barbaric aggression
on Palestinians in Gaza.... or face economic and
political ruin.
It is very rare in times like this that peace sells - but is the US buying? Time will tell.
Shabbir Rizvi is a Chicago-based political analyst
with a focus on US internal security and
foreign policy.
(Original source --- PressTV --- which does
not necessarily concur with the opinions
expressed in this article.)
You have to admit - don't you? - that this makes extremely interesting reading!
__________________________________________
‘If Christ were born today ---- he would
be born under rubble, Israeli bombing’
Published On December 7th, 2023
(al Jazeera)
All the Palestinian churches have cancelled Christmas
festivities this year, and one church in Bethlehem
shares its pain.... through iconography.
Bethlehem's Lutheran Church decided its Christmas
nativity scene would reflect the reality of children
living and being born in Palestine today.
Bethlehem, the occupied West Bank. The churches of
Palestine: have announced the cancellation of all
festive Christmas celebrations, in an expression
of unity with Gaza and rejection of the ongoing
aggression against Palestinians, limiting them to masses and prayers.
In Bethlehem, the Lutheran Church decided that its
Christmas nativity scene would reflect the reality
of children living and being born in Palestine
today, placing the symbolic Baby Jesus in
a manger of rubble and destruction.
It is a poignant representation of the suffering of Gaza’s
children who find themselves buried under what is left
of their own homes, victims of the relentless Israeli
bombardment.
“If Christ were to be born today,” Reverend Munther
Isaac said, “he would be born under the rubble
and Israeli shelling. This is a powerful
message we send ---- to the world
celebrating the holidays.”
The true meaning of Christmas
For Isaac and other church leaders, this was a way
to convey a message reflecting the birth of Christ,
the messenger of justice, peace and dignity
for humanity.
Christ was not born among the conquerors or those
with military power, he said, but in an occupied
country, which is what Palestine was 2,000
years ago.
“Bethlehem is sad and broken. We are all in pain about
what is happening in Gaza, feeling helpless and
overwhelmed by our inability to offer
anything,” he said.
Um Bishara, a mother of four, told Al Jazeera she was
surprised to see the nativity scene with Baby Jesus
in the rubble on Sunday.
Weeping, she had to sit down as the significance of the
display hit her and dedicated her fervent prayers to
the children of Gaza, praying that they find
peace and safety.
A devout woman, Um Bishara hopes the prayers of the
Holy Land’s faithful at Christmas --- can stop the pain
and killing, replacing them with hope and peace.
Forgetting the Palestinian Christians
Two weeks ago, Isaac delivered a letter from the churches
of Bethlehem, a city of significant religious importance,
to the US administration in Washington, DC.
The letter urged US President Biden, the US Congress and
heads of US churches to apply Christ’s message rejecting
injustice and called for an end to the genocidal war
in Gaza.
“Some people in the West...... forget the existence of
Palestinian Christians. This war affects everything
Palestinian, whether Muslim or Christian. It is our
responsibility now ------- to raise our voices as a
nation ------ to stop this war,” Isaac said.
Continuing, he explained how saddened he was by several
conversations he had in the US... where he was told that
Israel’s assault on Gaza was justified as self-defence.
However, he added, the thousands of children and
innocents killed daily, and the churches and
hospitals being bombed ---- do not figure in
their calculus.
He knows the struggle to bring about change will be long
because the Palestinian struggle is not only this war
but a deeper struggle to affirm the legitimacy of
Palestinian existence.
Anton Nassar, principal of the Dar Al-Kalima Lutheran
School, said Bethlehem is sad and in pain this year
....but it has not lost hope.
He explained that while the nativity scene represents
the reality of Palestinian lives, it also reflects hope
as the infant Jesus is born in the rubble, a new
light amidst pain.
He said, “We believe in the existence of hope
and the hope of the birth of Jesus in the
city of peace, the holy city.”
“This is what is reflected in this painting ---- placed in the
church -- where we pray for a just peace in our country.
We pray for an immediate cessation of the genocidal
war on Gaza - and for the people of Gaza to enjoy a
peace built on justice.”
“Christmas is in the heart,” Nassar said. “We pray
and invoke Jesus to be born again in our lives,
our country, our churches, and our schools,
so that we can live in peace and stability
and achieve our independent state
with its capital, Jerusalem.”
No-one who calls themselves Christian would
stop struggling and caring for the people in
Palestine --- and would attempt to stop it.
Ask yourself - if you have even attended one
demonstration - or sent even one email,
tweet or text to your local councillor
or MP --- (even if he is... a willing
''Friend of Israel'' - and a Tory
in a red jacket).
Because if you haven't ------ you are
NOT a Christian --- but a hypocrite
who is literally taking the Lord's
name in vain.
Exodus 20:7 “You shall not take the name of
the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD
will not hold guiltless anyone who
takes his name in vain.”
What do you think?
Too vain to reply?
___________________________________
FACTBOX: Patrushev... discusses
national unity and long-standing
conflict ------with the West
November 4th, 1:27pm (TASS)
On National Unity Day, Russian Secretary of the Security
Council, Nikolay Patrushev, spoke on the historical
significance of protecting Russia’s sovereignty
in the long-running conflict with the West.
National Unity Day
- National Unity Day represents the Russian people's
triumph over internal and external challenges
through unity and coherence.
- During the Time of Troubles, Russia was on the verge of
losing its sovereignty, but its people "united, defended
their own country and state," drove out invaders and
traitors, reestablished authority, and embarked on
a path of independent development.
- This was made possible by the tremendous spiritual
uplift of the country's multinational people, "whose
statehood has always been based on three pillars
- unity, faith, and a strong, vertical power."
Age-old conflict
- Europe has long wanted to destroy the Russian state,
which has manifested itself in attempts at "political
intrigue, economic enslavement, and
direct aggression.
- Almost all of Europe has participated in aggression
against Russia, from the German Knights to the
Nazis in the twentieth century.
- Russia has always been a "bone in the West's throat,"
obstructing its hegemonic goals while representing
a powerful civilizational alternative.
- Western Russophobic ideologues devised schemes to
bring Russia to its knees, which served as the basis
for the Western conspiracy to destroy the country.
The new Time of Troubles in the 1990s
- The eventful 1990s became the "new Time of Troubles,"
when the existence of the Russian state was once
again threatened.
- The collapse of the USSR emboldened the authorities
of the United States and other Western leaders, who
believed that they could destroy Russia ---- by
dividing it.
- In the 1990s, Western advisers flocked to Russia,
attempting to create turmoil by "encouraging
separatism, imposing debt bonds and
onerous international obligations.
The West was counting on
creating turmoil ---- and
establishing external
control over Russia.
- The West also used additional levers of pressure,
such as NATO's aggressive push to the East,
support for extremism and extreme
religious groups, and "a wave of
defamation of the Russian
Orthodox Church and
traditional Islam.
- As a result of the ''radical'' reforms imposed by the West, the country's standard of living declined, unemployment increased, industry, agriculture, transportation, and the financial system --- were destroyed, and the military- industrial complex effectively ceased to fulfill
its primary function of providing advanced
weaponry to the armed forces.
- In the 1990s, international terrorism -- posed a significant
threat to Russian sovereignty, while Western governments
hypocritically called the terrorists "fighters for freedom
and democracy.''
Challenging the West
- After becoming president in 2000, Vladimir Putin focused
his efforts on stabilizing the country's internal life and
restoring constitutional order.
- As a result of the president's policies, strong systemic
anti-crime measures have been implemented, and the
number of criminal acts has decreased by more
than a third, since 2000.
- In the early 2000s, Putin saw a multipolar world order as
the solution to many international problems. His famous
Munich speech was devoted to the idea that a unipolar
model was not only unacceptable, but generally unattainable in today's world.
- In August 2008, the West tested Russia's strength by
igniting the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict. As a
result, the country reformed its army ---- and
introduced new types of weapons.
- However, the West did not relent - as a result of the
Washington-engineered coup in Ukraine in 2014,
supporters of neo-Nazi ideologies came to
power in Kiev, from where they promptly
launched a genocide against
the Russian people.
Fighting neo-Nazism in Ukraine
- Despite Western sanctions and pressure, Russia could
not tolerate the atrocities committed by Ukrainian neo-
Nazis and supported the demand for the reunification
of the millions of inhabitants of the original
Russian territories.
- Ukrainian officials and their Western backers are
increasingly resorting to blatant terrorist tactics
to terrorize the population and damage Russia.
- Ultimately, Kiev officials will have to answer for attempts
to annihilate the Russian people in Donbass, as well as
for the deaths of Ukrainians in a fratricidal war.
- Ukrainian neo-Nazis will be tried in an international
court for attempting a provocation by detonating
a "dirty bomb".
- There are reasonable forces in Ukraine. They
are suppressed, but they are ready to fight
the neo-Nazi regime.
Sanctions war
- The West launched an unprecedented economic
war against Russia, but its blitzkrieg failed.
- Western censorship is working hard to eliminate stories
about Russia's good development trends. "The Anglo-
Saxon media deliberately ignore the obvious fact
that Russia has been able to ensure its military,
economic and food security.
- A large number of unjust sanctions have been imposed
on Russia, but the country is dealing with them. The
economy has recovered and has already
exceeded the level of 2021.
- The Russian economy has demonstrated its stability and its ability to develop gradually in the face of global economic uncertainty --- and the imposition of restrictive economic measures.
Multipolar world against the "new order"
- The West intends to create more hotspots near Russia, similar to Ukraine, but Moscow will not be deterred.
- Washington, along with Russia, China and India, will
become just one of several poles in the new
multipolar world order, but Europe is
unlikely to be able to claim....
even that.
- Russia, under Putin, has offered a civilizational
alternative to the West that is gaining traction.
At least 25 countries have expressed a desire
to join or cooperate with BRICS.
-- Russia prioritizes the development of relations
with its nearest neighbours, especially Belarus,
through the Union State.
- Moscow is in contact with Baku and Yerevan
to normalize relations, and a peace treaty is
being drafted.
- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared
that Nagorno-Karabakh is Azerbaijani territory....
under the influence of the West.
Remembering history
- While the West tries to rewrite history, Russia treats
it with care and..... does not allow it to be lost.
- Future generations must know the truth and remember
that it was Russia that overcame fascism at the cost
of nearly 30 million deaths of its people.
- Amendments to the Constitution in 2020 restored the
supremacy of national law and established laws on
the security of the country's borders and territories.
- The support of the majority of the population for the
President's plans in the 2020 referendum, created
the basis - for Russia's future prosperity, stability,
security and good living conditions for its people.
Well done, Russia - your country is now
respected again by 80% of the world
and also by millions in the so-called
''democracies'' of the West.
When and if you start calling
each other Comrade, again,
you will have returned on
your path, perfectly!
I always wanted the merging
of genuine Christianity with
communism, and believe in
your ability to achieve that.
May all our readers work
and pray to achieve this.
What do you think?
__________________________
US not merely complicitbut
architect and mastermind
of Israel’s Gaza genocide
by Mohammad Hashim
October 31st, 1:35pm
(PressTV)
As the chorus for an end to the Israeli regime’s genocidal
campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip grows louder, it is
becoming increasingly clear who the real protagonist
and mastermind is.
While the overwhelming majority of countries voted in
favour of the humanitarian truce in Gaza during the
UN General Assembly session last week, the US
and some of its vassal states, opposed
the resolution.
The vote laid bare which side Americans and their allies
were on – the side of occupation and apartheid.
It came days after US President Joe Biden dashed off to
Tel Aviv in a show of support for the Israeli regime even
as Israeli warplanes continued to pummel densely-
populated civilian areas in Gaza.
On the eve of Biden’s visit, an Israeli warplane targeted a
hospital in northern Gaza, killing more than 700 people,
including patients and those who had taken refuge
at the hospital, after being displaced.
Biden refused to condemn the Israeli regime, rather
blamed the “other side” for the bombing, parroting
the Israeli narrative. He had previously also
peddled the Zionist lie about children
being beheaded.
During the whirlwind trip, he even described himself as
a “Zionist” and repeated a line he infamously said as a
senator in 1986: “If there were not an Israel, we’d
have to invent one.”
Biden, however, isn’t the only American batting for the
occupying regime and preventing efforts aimed at de-
escalation. Many current and former US officials
have come out openly in support of the regime.
Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State who was one of
the first foreign officials to land in Tel Aviv following
the events of October 7, has made a series of
not-so-diplomatic statements in recent days.
In an interview with NBC last week, the top US diplomat
said that Israel should “already be devising a strategy”
of who rules the besieged Gaza Strip after Hamas is
removed from the scene.
He was only echoing what Israeli Premier Benjamin
Netanyahu said earlier about the “elimination of
Hamas” being the defined goal for the regime
in its latest genocidal campaign in the
barricaded territory.
A former US military official, Ret. Gen. Barry McCaffrey,
speaking on MSNBC on Sunday, said the US is likely to
“directly intervene with air and naval strikes” --- if the
regime’s existence is threatened.
"I would suggest to you our support of Israel will be
absolute, and if we see Syrian military intervention,
active Iranian military intervention, we'll go to war,"
McCaffrey said on the show.
The unconditional and uncritical support for the Israeli
regime from the top-tier US past and present
leadership has prompted many pundits to
suggest that Washington -- is the key
player in this war.
It’s not merely complicit in what’s unfolding in the
besieged Gaza Strip, but it is the engineer, the
architect and the main mastermind of this
genocidal campaign against the people
of Palestine.
As Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed
Ali Khamenei said in a speech last week, the US is a
“definite accomplice” of the Zionist regime and its
hands are drenched in the blood of the oppressed.
“Actually, it is the US that is somehow managing the
crime that is being committed in Gaza. The US ---
is the one that is managing things,” Ayatollah
Khamenei remarked.
These words carry tremendous weight and establish the
fact that the regime in Tel Aviv is remotely controlled
by Washington as both need each other to carry
out destabilizing activities in the region.
It’s a well-established fact that the Zionist killing
machine is funded by Washington -- including
over $3.8 billion annual military assistance
the US provides annually to the regime to
purchase weaponry.
In recent weeks, there have also been reports
about two US aircraft carriers being
dispatched to the region, a move
basically meant to provide
military cover to the
vulnerable entity
in Tel Aviv.
All these developments suggest beyond doubt that
the United States basically owns this war that is
increasingly looking unwinnable for the
‘weaker than spider web’
Israeli regime.
Even though Biden’s deputy Kamala Harris insists that
Washington has “no intention” to deploy combat
troops to the occupied territories, reports
suggest US boots are already on the
ground there.
There have also been reports about the US secretly
expanding its military base on the occupied land
near Gaza, which again points to US complicity
and a key role --- in what’s unfolding in Gaza.
Intercept reported this week that the Pentagon awarded a
multimillion-dollar contract to build its secret base deep
inside the occupied territories, just 20 miles from Gaza,
code-named ‘Site 512.’
The classified base will include what the report called
a “life support facility” for the dying regime.
“Though President Joe Biden and the White House insist
that there are no plans to send U.S. troops to Israel
amid its war on Hamas, a secret U.S. military
presence in Israel already exists,” the
report stated.
As Ali Akbar Velayati, the Iranian Leader’s senior advisor,
stated on Monday, the Israeli regime will not even last
one day without the support of the United States and
European countries.
So it becomes clear that the occupying regime cannot
go ahead or sustain any military aggression without
Washington’s green light as well as political and
military patronage.
In the case of the ongoing bombing campaign in the
Gaza Strip, which will eventually lead to the demise
of the illegitimate regime. the United States is not
only complicit, but the mastermind.
Mohammad Hashim is a political and
media analyst focused on West Asia
(The views expressed in this article ---- do
not necessarily reflect those of Press TV.)
Israel is often described as the US'
''attack dog'' in the Middle East.
If you had a distant relative who sent a
dog to where you live --- that beseiged
you --- and periodically killed your
children - what would YOU do?
____________________________________
The catastrophe in Gaza Ceasefire Now!
by Tatiana Belova
October 21st, 10:24am
(Vesti.ru)
Rescuers of the Russian Emergencies Ministry delivered 27
tons of humanitarian aid to the population of the Gaza Strip.
These are, first of all, extremely necessary food and
medicines. Russian humanitarian aid was handed
over to representatives of the Egyptian Red
Crescent Society to be sent to the
Palestinian enclave.
The situation of Gazans is catastrophic. This
is especially true ---- for access to water.
The Palestinian civilians found themselves in unbearable
conditions. According to the latest UN report, Gazans
now have access to at best 3 litres of water a day
instead of the minimum 50 litres.
The Gaza Strip is practically cut off from the rest of the
world. Water and food are sorely lacking. For bread –
stampede and queues. A video of Palestinian
children searching for food, in the rubble of their homes, has spread across
social networks.
Power was cut off in Gaza for nine consecutive days.
Hospitals are on the verge of collapse. Due to the
lack of light, surgeons are forced to suspend
operations. Some people... have to work in
the dark. 59 medical institutions were hit,
26 were seriously damaged. At least 16 health workers were killed and over 20 were injured.
The situation with the water supply, is particularly
deplorable. The water crisis has been developing
in Gaza for decades. The reason for this is the
depletion of the underground aquifer and the
regular blockades that Israel arranges for
the region.
Residents of the enclave are forced to drill and dig wells
to get access to water. According to the Palestinian
Water Authority, there are 10,000 wells in Gaza,
2,700 wells for the agricultural sector and
7,000 private wells drilled by residents
without a license.
"The whole problem -- is that there are extremely specific
soils. And these soils are seriously saline. Accordingly,
if the well is legal ------ it is still being cleaned and
desalinated. And if the wells are illegal, let's
just say... that the water from them is desalinated exclusively by
artisanal means," explains
Sergey Demidenko, Dean
of the School of Political
Studies at the RANEPA
Institute of National
Economy and Public
Administration.
Many desalination plants were destroyed after Israeli
strikes. As a result --- Gazans are forced to drink
brackish water. It has exceeded the indicators
of sodium, chlorine, and nitrates. Such water ---- is dangerous for health, especially
for children.
And it is also teeming with various infections. The region
has experienced regular outbreaks of cholera and
typhoid fever before. Now, amid the destruction
of critical infrastructure --- doctors expect a
surge in cases in the Palestinian enclave.
"There are a lot of biological threats. The list --- is huge. The
most banal intestinal infections-shigellosis, salmonellosis,
E. coli. In fact they are banal only at first glance because
in the absence of control, or effective treatment, they provide a high mortality rate, especially in children.
Cholera --- in principle, there were outbreaks. This
is what everyone expects with the current state.
It is not a fact that it will necessarily happen,
but the risks ------ are very high" --- warns
Nikolai Kryuchkov, an immunologist.
To prevent a catastrophe, Russia proposed a humanitarian
resolution on Gaza and Israel at the UN Security Council
earlier this week. However, it was rejected. The US, UK, France, and Japan --- voted against it.
"Humanitarian access must be granted immediately. We call
for an early ceasefire and the opening of corridors for the
delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to the affected areas
of the enclave and an exit of civilians, for an immediate
end to violence against civilians, regardless of their
place of residence," stressed Vasily Nebenzya,
Permanent Representative of the Russian
Federation to the UN.
However, the other day things got off the ground a little.
Egypt, has agreed to open the Rafah crossing to send
humanitarian aid to residents of the Gaza Strip.
On Friday, about 200 trucks piled up near the checkpoint.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres even arrived in
Rafah to track the delivery of the first humanitarian
supplies to the Palestinian enclave, on the spot.
However, it is obvious that the humanitarian catastrophe
in Gaza can be stopped - only after a ceasefire.
This, is what Russia is calling for.
Don't look away ! Write, march, fiight, pray...
Just don't do what the Pharisee did --- as Jesus taught us all --- in the parable of the good neighbour.
Don't ''cross over to the other side of the road.''
What do you think?
___________________________________
RS: The US would do better to enlist
the support of Russia and China
to resolve the conflict in
the Middle East
October 20th, 2023
(source: Responsible Statecraft
retold by InoTV)
With their authority and influence in the Middle East,
Russia and China could help the US achieve a
settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict
--- and prevent its spread throughout the
region, writes Responsible Statecraft.
If the situation escalates further, there is a danger that the
ongoing armed confrontation will draw Washington and
Moscow into fighting on opposite sides, and China
will provide assistance to Russia.
The conflict in the Middle East - poses two serious threats to
the United States. First, it is a deadly threat to Israel, which
may arise as a result of a joint attack on it by Hamas,
Hezbollah and Iran (especially if Russia helps it), and
the resumption of the intifada.
Secondly, there is a danger that such a regional conflict will
draw the United States and Russia into fighting on opposite
sides, and China will provide assistance to Russia,
writes Responsible Statecraft.
Preventing both situations is crucial for both the US's own
security and Israel's, which largely depends on China and
Russia helping to contain their partners in the region in
exchange for Israel's restraint in the Gaza Strip.
The most likely route to this double jeopardy --- would be to
launch a full-scale Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip,
for which Hamas is almost certainly prepared and which it
may well have originally intended to provoke. The invasion
--- will inevitably involve prolonged urban fighting and
massive civilian casualties, leading to widespread
outrage in the region.
This may trigger a military response from Hezbollah, which
in turn will put massive pressure on Iran to force Tehran
to support its Lebanese partner.
The northern front between Israel & Iran-backed Hezbollah
could also well extend into Syria, drawing Russia or even
Turkey directly into the fighting. Neither side is looking
for a direct clash with Israel --- because the Hamas
attack, has already caught Iran off guard, Russia
is completely engrossed in the Ukraine conflict,
and Turkey will lose the leverage it uses to
maneuver between the US, EU, Russia,
and regional players ---- south of its
borders. However, circumstances
may force these States to make
choices... that they would prefer to avoid.
Choosing between China and Russia will make it easier for
the United States to enlist Beijing's help. China has the
most to lose from an expanded regional conflict that
could threaten access to its oil reserves, drive up
energy prices.. and disrupt international trade, on which the country's economy depends.
In addition, China could also benefit from working with the
United States to contain the crisis and stabilize the region,
bolstering its prestige on the world stage and reassuring
the US, which fears that Beijing intends to "destabilize"
the international "order."
Washington will not want to give the leading role in the
region to China - even though China is already playing
such a role regardless of the US desire, as evidenced
by its support for Saudi-Iranian rapprochement.
Successful cooperation with China in the Middle East would
mark a return to previous US statements that Washington
hopes Beijing will become a "responsible stakeholder"
on the world stage, rather than an enemy.
The situation is more complicated with Russia, as it has
good relations with both Israel and Iran, and has fought
alongside Hezbollah in Syria. In addition, the level of
hostility and distrust.... that grew long before the
Ukrainian conflict between the USt and Russia
is off the scale. It is obvious that Russia is
strongly tempted to create problems for
the US ---- and take advantage of the
situation --- to strengthen its ties
with Iran, the Arab world, and
countries of the Global South
--- at the expense of the US.
Fortunately for the United States, Moscow also has reason
to worry about the deepening conflict in the Middle East.
First of all, Russia has long been concerned about the issue
of Islamic terrorism. After the events of September 11, a
strong sense of unity of interests with the US in the
fight against terrorism emerged in Moscow. As a
result of this perception of a common threat, the
West's policy in Libya and Syria was met in
Russia not only with rage, but also with
bewilderment. Faced with the obvious
danger of Islamist extremism and the
terrible example of the war in Iraq,
Russian analysts could not under-
stand.. how the West could have
followed a course ------- aimed at
destroying the Libyan & Syrian
states -------and expanding
opportunities for the
spread of religious
terrorism.
The resumption of at least limited cooperation with Russia,
in the fight against terrorism --- is both one of the ways to a
possible broader settlement and is extremely necessary in
itself, because the current conflict, is sure to increase the
terrorist threat to the West. Terrorist attacks have already
begun in Europe. The United States also needs to resume
negotiations with Russia on the future of Syria, as the US
strategy to overthrow the political regime has long failed.
Neither Russia nor China has sufficient leverage to prevent
Hezbollah from opening a northern front with Israel - if the
Israeli military launches a full invasion of the Gaza Strip.
However ------- Beijing and Moscow probably have enough
influence to guarantee Tel Aviv that Hamas supporters
will not take part in the clashes in exchange for some
measure of restraint on the part of the Israelis.
The United States should enlist the support of Russia and
China, and then it will be easier to resolve the conflict in
the Middle East, Responsible Statecraft concludes.
Some chance? No chance!
What do you think?
___________________________________________
How Palestinian resistance
gained upper hand with its
strategic military operation
October 17th, 1:39pm
by Julia Kassem
The Israeli regime’s humiliating withdrawal from Gaza
in 2005, placed the coastal strip at the centre of the
illegitimate entity’s wrath as Gazans rejected the
comprador authority that ruled the West Bank,
marking a reversal and upheaval of the plan of Zionists.
After that, Gaza was subjected to a brutal blockade,
depriving it of clean water, strictly limiting its food,
and every once in a while shelling the world’s
largest open-air prison.
Before the Tel Aviv regime launched its genocidal aerial
bombardment campaign, it was caught by complete
surprise on the morning of October 7, 2023, when
the Gaza-based Hamas resistance movement
launched the ‘Al-Aqsa Storm’ operation.
Following the barrage of rockets that pounded the occupied
broke through the regime’s highly-fortified fence and
ambushed bases in Israeli-occupied Beit Hanoon
(called Erez by the occupation) border crossing,
the Zikim base, and the Gaza division
headquarters at Reim.
Within a few hours, the Palestinian resistance fighters had
already captured 35 Israeli military personnel, killed
dozens, and captured vast swathes of occupied
towns. They dragged out senior Israeli regime
commander Nimrod Aloni --- responsible for
planning operations against resistance
groups - in his undergarments.
Almost immediately, the resistance eliminated the entire
Israeli battalion responsible for overseeing, monitoring
and surveillance of the besieged Gaza Strip.
This knocked out the occupation’s intelligence capabilities
to the extent that PM Benjamin Netanyahu himself had no
clue about it even hours after the operation, and Israeli
units failed to respond - let alone inform the public - for at least 6 hours.
The information then revealed --- that one of the bases
ambushed by the resistance was a publicly unknown
one - and not only did the Palestinian fighters know
where the base was, but were able to specifically
target and destroy the communications
infrastructure there.
It was entirely the work of Palestinian resistance - despite
a Wall Street Journal article claiming the operation was
carried out with the help of Iran - an erroneous lie,
especially the reference to “Hezbollah
security sources”.
Iran’s United Nations office dismissed the claim, while
reaffirming the Islamic Republic's unflinching support
for the Palestinian resistance --- and the
surprise operation.
The lie was later retracted by the Pentagon, issuing
a statement that there was no evidence of Iran’s
involvement, but already, it was clear that Iran
was also a target --- likely at the request of a
desperate regime in Tel Aviv, who realized
that its security, like its impenetrable
wall, was completely broken.
The Palestinian resistance was victorious not because
of any co-incidence or luck --- but because of its
strategic vision and military prowess, which
is lacking on the other side.
The Palestinian resistance’s operation, which came in
response to daily atrocities against Palestinians - as
well as the repeated desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque
by regime forces and settlers -- exposed not only
chinks in the regime’s military apparatus -- but
also the complete absence of strategy in the
Zionist entity ------ so it had to resort to
propaganda and false narratives.
As the threat of a ground invasion becomes more
pronounced, the Zionist entity finds itself at a
crossroads: either to back down and accept
defeat ----- or move ahead with a ground
invasion ----- and face the wrath of
all fronts of the resistance axis.
The latter scenario almost ensures the Zionist entity’s
crushing defeat - both in terms of being pulled across
two fronts as well as facing Lebanon’s Hezbollah
resistance movement, which has grown
considerably stronger... since its
thumping victory over Israel
in 2006.
The prospects of an Israeli defeat are particularly high -- as
the events that unfolded on October 7 reveal. The regime’s
lack of strategy pushes it into the fold of ideology and
cruel, sadistic idealism, producing its “tactics” (if you
can call them that) of shock-and-awe terror and
intimidation, of mass genocide of Gazans, to
produce civilian intimidation - devastation
- where military victories cannot be
matched up.
Despite the Palestinian resistance’s superior intelligence
capabilities and strong command of strategy, the Zionist
entity could drum up nothing more intelligent than a
propaganda campaign - equating the Palestinian
resistance, particularly Hamas - to the Daesh
terrorist group --- alongside other orientalist
tropes aimed at dehumanizing Palestinians
--- to justify horrific war crimes and mass
murder, carried out in the absence of
a strategy.
The Palestinians -- were projected as bloodthirsty savage
men with appetites for rape and murder who had nothing
better to do than to target scantily-clad white settler
women and murder children.
These tropes, present in different forms during the Al-Aqsa
Storm operation (also known as the Al-Aqsa Flood), were
quickly debunked.
The most notorious of these Zionist lies was that 40 babies
were beheaded by Hamas in the kibbutz of Kfar Aza on
October 10. The lies were debunked over and over
again, (with the Zionist entity adding insult to
injury in tweeting an AI-generated image of
a burned “baby”) but the damage --- in
invoking a sensationalist reaction
to orientalist tropes --- stuck.
Israel used it not just to justify its aerial bombardment of
civilians in Gaza, but also -- to manufacture consent for
such a campaign amongst Americans, whose support
is so critical for Tel Aviv to even consider launching
its ground offensive, and whose public has grown
more hesitant to pour more money for wars
abroad - especially post-Ukraine.
On October 13, the Israeli regime demanded North Gaza’s
nearly 1 million inhabitants evacuate to the south of the
territory, warning them of an incoming, unforgiving
aerial bombardment campaign. The order even
applied to hospitals that were teeming with
critical patients.
Gazan authorities immediately slammed the warnings as
psychological warfare, with Hamas leadership urging
citizens not to fall into Zionist schemes
“to create another Nakba.”
Hamas pointed out in an English-language telegram
statement that targeting hospitals was a violation
of international law. Yet Israel pressed harder in
forcing a mass evacuation - or at least making
it look like they had warned Palestinians
before their brutal annihilation.
When terrified Palestinians heeded the threatening orders
and traveled south - the humanitarian corridor became a
target for the regime, which rained bombs on numerous
convoys, massacring and injuring over 200 civilians,
mostly women and children.
In the short term, the regime has sought to wipe out Gaza
of not its resistance, but of its inhabitants, first by aiming
to establish a security belt from the North of Gaza before
moving in to wipe out Gaza of its entire population, tear
through underground tunnels, and washing away its
crimes by reinstating the illegal occupying
settlements (“Gush Katif”) removed as
part of the occupying entity’s
withdrawal in 2005.
These campaigns of terror and mass murder serve a
nefarious displacement project - one that would see
Gaza’s two million inhabitants dead - or, in the long
term, pushed, permanently displaced, into Egypt’s
Sinai to live in tents (and forever panhandle from
the liberal wing of Global Zionism as begging
recipients of paltry “aid”), as recurrent
Israeli proposals have indicated.
Just as Daesh’s forced displacement of Syrians and Iraqis
from the region’s oil-rich north enabled trillions in US oil
extortion to take place, the forced exodus of
Palestinians, squashes out any hope for
Palestinian sovereignty over land and
resources - including an estimated
$15 billion in offshore oil wealth
in the occupied Palestinian
maritime boundary.
Like Daesh, the Zionist entity functions outside of any
legal or humanitarian standards or laws, be it
religious or liberal-secular.
Like Daesh, the Zionist entity invokes indiscriminate
campaigns of mass murder and violence, to
cleanse the population and uphold an
ever-expanding ethno-state.
Like Daesh, the Zionist entity upholds its reign of terror
through supremacists, a twisted ideology that
disregards vision for nihilistic dogma.
And like Daesh, the Zionist entity carries out its genocidal
campaigns essentially to the benefit of the West, with
whom it finds itself in collusion with chaos-inducing
means to plunge Palestine and the Arab world into
a reactionary, servile end.
Yet like Daesh, the illegitimate regime’s genocidal goals
executed with a lack of a constructive vision and
harnessed by death and destruction - come amid
a waning US hegemony ----- that Israel is
completely dependent upon. So the
future looks particularly bleak for the regime.
On the other hand, the resistance axis, following the latest
developments, clearly holds the upper hand in this battle
– a battle that will end in the annihilation of the
apartheid regime.
Julia Kassem is a freelance writer, having contributed
to Detroit's own Riverwise, Against the Current,
and nationally syndicated outlets such as
Counterpunch, Mintpressnews,
and TruthOut.
Truly, some amazing insights.
I don't think the Palestinians
are going to lose - and tens
of thousands of Israelis
now leaving Israel ---
seem to agree.
What do you think?
_____________________________________
What the Communists are fighting for A decent youth policy
October 14th, 2:56pm
(Press service of Stalingrad
Regional Committee of the
Communist Party of the
Russian Federation)
Meeting of Komsomol activists of the
Southern Federal District opened
in Volgograd.
On October 13, a gathering of Komsomol activists from the
Southern Federal District, started in Volgograd. Opening
the forum, Tamara Golovacheva, First Secretary of the
Stalingrad Regional Committee of the Communist
Party of the Russian Federation... addressed
young delegates, from the Astrakhan and
Rostov regions, the Republic of Crimea,
the city of Sevastopol, the Krasnodar
Territory, Adygea, and the Donetsk
and Luhansk People's Republics:
"On behalf of....... the regional Committee of the Communist
Party of the Russian Federation, I would like to welcome
you to the heroic - and unruly - Stalingrad land. Your
Komsomol rally -- is held in the year of the 80th
anniversary of the Victory at Stalingrad, and
October is crowned by another date - the
105th anniversary of the only political
and mass organization in the world,
the All-Union Leninist Communist
Youth Union.''
''In a difficult time for our country, during the years of the Civil
War and foreign military intervention, no one then realized
what lies ahead for young people.. what they have to do,
what the main task is to fulfill. This task was voiced at
the third congress of the Komsomol in October 1920,
where Vladimir Ilyich Lenin told young people that
they need to learn ----- that you can become a
communist only if you enrich your memory
with knowledge of all the riches that
humanity has developed. Learn
and work. Build new cities,
railways, and factories.''
''During the years of the struggle against the Nazi invaders,
ten million Komsomol members ------ went to the front. 3.5 thousand of them received the title Hero of the
Soviet Union. Among them, were our Stalingrad
heroes: Nikolai Serdyukov, Mikhail Panikakha,
Sasha Filippov, Yakov Pavlov... and
many others.''
''The legendary Komsomol tribe is alive today, it continues to
work and grows stronger - together with the history of the
country under the leadership of the Communist Party.''
''I wish you fruitful work at the Meeting, and with your
Komsomol enthusiasm and energy, always keep up
with the party, fight and win."
During the Gathering of Komsomol activists, participants will
listen to lectures on the history of the Communist Party and
the Komsomol, take part in a seminar on journalism, learn
how to conduct propaganda work, and discuss the
prospects for the development of the LKSM
and the country as a whole.
''Knowledge of all the riches that
humanity has developed.'' Wow!
Have you taken a look -- at the
mass media and social media
in your country, today?
What did you learn?
________________________________
Bloomberg: Russia and China will
benefit from the war in Gaza, and
the West will have to answer for
"double standards"
(source: Bloomberg
retold by InoTV)
October 13th, 2023
A war in the Middle East can cause serious damage
to the power and authority of the West, and the
only winners in the war in Gaza may be
Russia and China, according
to Bloomberg.
The two countries' positions on the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict, differ, creating an even greater rift in the
current world situation. Too many countries
around the world accuse Israel of illegally
occupying Palestinian land - continuing
settlement expansion, and oppressing
the Palestinian people.
The moral necessity of the creation of Israel after World War
II was not recognized even by the remote countries of Asia
and Africa, let alone the Middle East: most of them still do
not agree that the Palestinians were deprived of property
and punished for the crimes of European countries.
But - as Bloomberg notes - it is not just Israel's attempts to
normalize relations with its Arab neighbours that are now
under threat. A prolonged and widespread conflict in the
Middle East "will drain the West's resources in relation
to Ukraine," which "were already scarce and subject
to domestic political opposition in the US and other
countries." Moreover, little will remain of the Biden
administration's ambitious efforts to counter
China's growing influence in the Middle
East, whether it's a peace deal
between Saudi Arabia and
Israel, or a proposed
economic corridor
linking India....
to Europe.
According to the US newspaper, the war in the
Middle East has already undermined all the
efforts made by the West.
Moreover, even if the struggle is confined to the Gaza Strip,
it will subject to more international scrutiny... what the
human rights organization, Amnesty International, in
its report calls the "double standards of the West"
--- in the field of human rights in the world.
The US authorities did not answer the question put to them
by the Palestinian activist Mustafa Barghouti: "Why does
the United States support Ukraine in the fight against
the so-called occupation, while in the Middle East
they support the invader who still continues to
occupy us?"
As Bloomberg notes, it is precisely the rash actions of the
West and its ambivalent policy towards other countries
that play into the hands of Russia and China.
According to the publication ---- "China and Russia will only
benefit from the pictures of death and destruction in Gaza,
caused, among other things, by US-made bombs."
Some good points there.
Meanwhile, children die.
Sick of it... aren't you?
__________________________
British commandos train Ukrainian
saboteurs to undermine Russian
nuke plants — FSB
October 11th, 9:31am (TASS)
The British special operations personnel, trained Ukrainian
military intelligence groups for subversive acts at Russian
nuclear power plants, Russia’s Federal Security Service
(FSB) Director, Alexander Bortnikov, said at a meeting
of the Council of CIS Security Agencies and Special Services Chiefs, that opened under his chairmanship, on Wednesday.
"In August this year --- the Federal Security Service
apprehended members of a Ukrainian subversive
and reconnaissance group. Operational and
investigative measures - have established
that the personnel of the British special
operations forces ------ trained the saboteurs and planned their operations.''
''The group was tasked with carrying out subversive acts
against military facilities, oil, transport and critical
infrastructure -- and also against nuclear power
sites, in particular, the Smolensk and Kursk
nuclear power stations," the FSB chief said.
Earlier, similar subversive acts were attempted against the Leningrad and Kalinin nuclear power plants, Bortnikov said.
"In all, over 20 explosives planted at electric power
transmission lines of nuclear power plants - were
neutralized as a result of counter-saboteur work.
Their detonation pursued the goal of disrupting
the technological process of the operation of
nuclear power plants," the FSB chief said.
As a result of the saboteurs’ subversive acts, the operation
of the 2nd power unit of the Kursk nuclear power plant
was halted ------ in an emergency shutdown,
Bortnikov said.
"These acts by the Ukrainian military intelligence and its
British instructors, should be qualified as nothing else
but nuclear terrorism," the FSB chief stressed.
"A question arises: is London aware of the reckless nature
of actions by its special services? What do these insane
persons ultimately count on? The point is that by their
actions they raise the terror threat to a higher level,"
Bortnikov said.
As the FSB chief pointed out, "this requires measures from
the international community - to work out fundamentally
new approaches --- in the fight against terrorism,its ideological inspirers, sponsors, and perpetrators," the FSB chief said.
I'm talking to the UK special services now. Have you realistically looked at yourself and seen yourself --- as a terrorist?
If you have - how does it make you feel?
___________________________________
Gitmo detainees continue to be
tortured by CIA ----- physically,
and mentally: Attorney
by Syed Zafar Mehdi
October 4th, 11:18am
(PressTV)
Torture has always existed at Guantanamo Bay in different
forms --- and the inmates there continue to be tortured
physically and psychologically, says a US-based
human rights attorney.
In an interview with the Press TV website, Alka Pradhan,
who has represented Guantanamo Bay detainees as
well as victims of US drone strikes, described
various forms of torture prevalent at the
notorious US detention facility --- also
known as Gitmo, in southeast Cuba.
“In the early days, it took the form of beatings and forced
nudity, starvation and force-feedings, and other terrible
techniques,” said Pradhan, referring to the
institutionalizing of torture at Gitmo.
“Now, decades of arbitrary detention, and lack of family
visits and medical care ------ including botched or
substandard procedures ------ carried out by
poorly qualified staff ----- continue to
torture these men psychologically
and physically.”
Pradhan, one of the leading human rights lawyers in the US,
is currently Human Rights Counsel at the Guantanamo Bay
Military Commissions. She was previously Counter-
Terrorism Counsel at Reprieve US, where she
represented several Guantanamo
Bay detainees.
She also conducted advocacy and litigation on behalf of
civilian victims of US drone strikes in Yemen and
Pakistan and has advised the US government
on compliance with international
legal obligations.
Last week, Pradhan was invited to the European Parliament
to speak on Gitmo human rights abuses amid growing calls
from human rights advocates to shut down the notorious
US detention centre.
She is an attorney representing Ammar al-Baluchi, an Iranian
citizen, who has suffered high-degree torture at the hands
of the CIA and even denied medical care by the
White House.
“Ammar, an Iranian citizen, was brutally tortured for 3.5 years
at the “black sites” - the CIA’s secret prisons all over the
world - before he was rendered to Guantanamo Bay, in
September 2006,” Pradhan told the Press TV website.
“According to CIA records, CIA personnel used him as a
human experiment, bashing his head against a wall
over and over again for hours ----- to obtain their
interrogator certifications. They also tortured
him using water, shackling his wrists over his
head, beatings, forced nudity, and forced
starvation. For most of his time at the
black sites, he was sleep-deprived,
first with ear-splitting music, and
then with 24/7 fluorescent
lights,” she hastened
to add.
Ammar, the US human rights attorney said ----- is 46 years old
today and suffers from multiple brain injuries because of CIA
torture as well as severe post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), the inability to sleep normally and cognitive
decline, denied proper medical care by the
US government.
“They will not allow medical histories to be taken that discuss
the causes of his ailments (torture), the DoD (US Department
of Defense) will not allow independent doctors to treat him,
and according to the Chief Medical Officer, they do not
have the ability to provide complex medical care or
do proper surgeries here,” she said.”
“Despite entreaties, the White House and DoD have absolutely
refused to either implement a proper medical and torture
rehabilitation program here or conduct humanitarian
transfers of the remaining men to places where
they can receive the care they need.”
Pradhan also spoke about the Guantanamo military
commissions set up by the US government that
have only exacerbated the miserable
conditions of Gitmo inmates.
These military commissions, she said --- in a conversation
with the Press TV website, were built --- to “benefit from
CIA torture, while hiding as many details of the torture
program as possible.”
“The US government made a conscious decision after 9/11
to torture men abroad instead of bringing them to court
for prosecution. Once they could no longer hide them
in secret prisons, it was too late to prosecute them
in real US courts because of that torture,”
Pradhan said.
“The Military Commissions Act - was written to allow the
government to use torture-acquired evidence (the bulk
of their evidence against these men), but also to
prevent them ----- from giving the defense the
information we require about exculpatory
or mitigating factors, like the men’s
torture in CIA black sites,”
she added.
The US-based attorney said the US government has “continuously invaded attorney-client
privilege --- with listening devices in our
meeting rooms and the FBI attempting
to place an informant on one defense
team”, noting that the corruption in
the military commissions ---
“precludes any justice.”
On why the US government chose a detention facility
in Cuba, away from the mainland, to detain people
after the 9/11 attacks, Pradhan said the decision
was taken, so that the US “exercises complete
control” and international and domestic laws
do not apply.
“To this day, the US refuses to apply the Constitution
in the military commissions, or the full provisions of
Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions to
the remaining detainees. And the detainees
themselves, have no real legal remedies -
they are not allowed to file lawsuits, in
the United States, and no country will
sanction the US -------- for its illegal
treatment of these men,”
she stated.
The international calls for the closure of the notorious
detention facility have grown louder, but the Joe Biden administration, like previous
administrations..... has adopted
the policy of dilly-dallying.
Pradhan said the strength of the US propaganda campaign
around Guantanamo at the beginning, “labeling all of the
men here the “worst of the worst” and categorizing
them all as some sort of combatant against the
United States, has proven impossible
to reverse.”
“Despite the fact that no one should ever have been held at
Guantanamo, that most were sold to the US for bounty
payments, and that only a handful have ever been
charged, most Americans still believe that the
Guantanamo detainees, are all terrorists,”
she told the Press TV website.
“President Obama --- had the ability to tell the truth about
the men at Guantanamo, even when Congress stopped
him from closing the facility --- but he did not. The
enduring misinformation about the detainees,
means that many countries do not want to
accept them --- and that Congress has
banned any transfers of the men
to US territory.”
and US citizens wonder why their country ------ is hated!
What - do you feel about ''Gitmo'' ?
______________________________________
Zionists’ Hatred on the Rise:
Jews... Spit at Christian
Worshipers inAl-Quds
October 4th, 1:05pm
(al Manar)
Orthodox Jews spat at Christian worshippers in the Old City
of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) anew on Wednesday, amid a rise in
incidents targeting priests and pilgrims in the holy city.
Israeli media reported that occupation police arrested
five Jews “on suspicion” of spitting at Christians, in
an attempt to show, that the Israeli government
exerts efforts to confront such provocations.
Video shared on social media showed a group
of Orthodox Jews spitting as they were
walking through the Old City.
The Jerusalem Post cited N12 as saying that the brother
of MK Simcha Rothman, Rabbi Natan Rothman, led the procession this morning, during which, the provocation took place.
It added that the rabbi “did not commit the act
himself, but rather, his students who were
with him.”
Wednesday’s provocation, followed a spitting incident
during the so-called Sukkot holiday celebrations on
Tuesday, as well as another, on Monday.
Spitting at Christians“Ancient Jewish Custom”
At the same time, the so-called Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, said in an interview: “I still think spitting at Christians, is not a criminal case. I think we need to act on it through instruction and education. Not everything justifies an arrest.”
Speaking to Army Radio, the minister in charge of police
added: “It is deserving --- of every condemnation.
It should be stopped. I asked Rabbi Dov Lior,
he said it was immoral and wrong. We’re
against it. But let’s stop slandering
Israel. We’re all brothers, we’re
all of the same people.”
Before entering politics, Ben Gvir in the past
justified spitting toward Christians, as
“an ancient Jewish custom.”
Source: Israeli media
Not everyone wearing a smile is friendly... we are all too human... too frail.
But should this news article have even been printed?
al Manar, in my opinion, has gone too far here.
What do you think?
__________________________
A bill for two:why Europe is being
urged - to seek a solution to the
crisis in Ukraine amid declining
support from the United States
October 3rd, 10:16pm
by Alexander Karpov,
& Elizaveta Komarova
(RT.ru)
The EU should start working as soon as possible to establish
a cease-fire and truce in Ukraine against the background
of declining support for Kiev from Washington. This was
stated by Bundestag deputy, Sarah Wagenknecht.
"Instead of approving billions for military supplies and
now bearing the costs of this 'proxy war' for the US -
the EU should have finally thought about the needs
of its citizens ------- and called for an immediate
suspension of hostilities!" the politician said.
She stressed that Brussels is making dubious conclusions
against the background of the recent adoption of the
budget in the US, from which financial assistance
for Kiev was excluded.
According to Wagenknecht, in this context, the promises
of the head of EU diplomacy... about long-term support
for Ukraine "for €5 billion annually" are "impossible".
Wagenknecht recalled that the EU, unlike the US, allocates
huge funds for the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees,
and it is necessary to invest money, not in weapons, but
in the restoration of Ukraine.
Recall that the EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrel, made a
proposal in August - to create a military assistance fund
for Ukraine for 2024-2027, from which, up to €5 billion
will be allocated to Kiev, annually.
After the meeting of the foreign Ministers of the EU countries,
which took place on October 2 in Kiev, Borrel said that the
allocation of €5 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2024,
has not yet been agreed, but Brussels hopes to reach
a consensus, before the end of the year.
Waning support
At the same time, Western media reported a weakening of
Western support for Kiev. In particular, this was reported
by the newspaper Politico, which refers to diplomatic
sources in the EU.
The message that the US and Europe will support Kiev
"no matter what," is beginning to sound emasculated.
The newspaper notes, that Kiev depends on Western
assistance not only in the military sphere, but also
in terms of financing the authorities. According to
the budget forecast for 2024, Kiev expects to
receive about $42.8 billion from its foreign
partners, while a significant part of these
funds should come from the US,
writes Politico.
In June, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, said
in an interview with Politico, that the US should "step in"
and provide Kiev with assistance ---"at least for the
medium term." However.... when asked whether
the decision of the US Congress to exclude
aid to Ukraine from the budget will affect
this, Marchenko's representative
declined to comment, the
newspaper reports.
Recall that Republicans in the US House of Representatives
managed to achieve the exclusion from the draft budget
of the item on the allocation of aid to Kiev.
US President Joe Biden approved this budget on October 1,
but then said: "Under no circumstances can we allow US
support for Ukraine to be interrupted."
In addition to financial support, the West's ability to support Kiev militarily, is also weakening. Thus, Politico cites the words of European officials: that EU countries can no longer supply Kiev with weapons from their own reserves, without threatening the security of
the community.
"We cannot continue to supply (weapons. - RT) from our
own stocks… We have already given everything that
was possible without threatening our own security,"
the newspaper quotes the source as saying.
Also, Politico quotes the words of General Stephane Millet, chief of staff of the French Aerospace Forces, who said
that in Europe they cannot "constantly give and
observe how the number of systems is
reduced, in favour of Ukraine."
A similar situation is observed in the US. So, the AP
news agency published a letter from the Pentagon
to Congress --- which states that the US defense
department is running out of funds to replace
weapons sent to Ukraine, which led to a
forced slowdown in the supply of
some units.
In addition, the Pentagon's financial controller, Michael McCord, told leaders of the House of Representatives
and the Senate that only $1.6 billion remained of the
$25.9 billion allocated by Congress, for the
replenishment of weapons stocks
...that went to Ukraine.
Political setting
Sarah Wagenknecht's statement reflects a fairly broad
position that is widespread in Germany and other EU
countries, political analyst Ivan Konovalov noted
in a conversation with RT.
"This is a fairly common position for German politicians.
In fact, in Germany, with the exception of a number of
representatives of the ruling coalition - there are not
so many supporters of continuing the conflict. Most
people understand that the situation is objectively
negative --- and the German economy is facing
some very difficult days. There is only one
way to solve this problem: to stop
Germany's participation in this
adventure on the territory of
Ukraine. And, to do this the
EU should start working
to establish a truce
in Ukraine" ---- the
expert explained.
At the same time, the West will not abandon its plans
to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, using the
Ukrainian conflict for this purpose, Ivan
Konovalov added.
"For the US, this is a serious political attitude that they
imposed on a significant part of Europe. But it is
impossible to do this, they are beginning to
realize it, so now Western politicians are
driven by a banal desire to save money.
The US, has destroyed the European
economy and gained control over it
and achieved economic benefits --
through a scheme using Ukraine.
Europe is in a serious crisis, it's
obvious, so we see similar
statements from various
politicians" --- the
expert said.
However, the support of Kiev will not
be stopped in one day, Ivan
Konovalov stressed.
"The US foreign policy is very sluggish, they will
continue to move along the already laid anti-
Russian track. But gradually they will have
to do it. When they really start to abandon
the toxic Ukrainian project, when this is
expressed in real political decisions,
then everything will end --- for the
Kiev regime. But so far, the US
continues to move by inertia,
although there are already
problems.... with military
assistance for Ukraine,
now it will only be for
an emergency. This
--- is the first call,"
the expert said.
In Europe, they understand that the Zelensky administration
exists solely at the expense of material and political
support from the US, said Alexander Mikhailov,
head of the Bureau of Military-Political
Analysis, in a conversation with RT.
"If you remove the support of Washington, there will
benothing left of Zelensky and this whole company,
without Western weapons and money ---- they will
not last even a few weeks. The most far-sighted
politicians in the West, are beginning to adjust
their positions in advance and change course
against the background of the results of the
Ukrainian counteroffensive. Everything that
Kiev promised did not materialize, and the
flow of supplied weapons decreased. In
addition, Ukrainian ultra-nationalism is
very inconvenient for the West, which
was clearly demonstrated by the
''incident'' ...in the Canadian
Parliament," the source
stressed.
Western countries have already invested a lot of money
in Kiev, but now the desire to maintain such a level of
spending is clearly declining, Alexander
Mikhailov stressed.
"All this was very pathetic in the first months of last year,
when everyone was running around with staged
provocations, shaking different photos and
calling on everyone to collectively give
the last shirt to Ukraine. But now, all
this.... has already been resolved
---- since the Western audience
very easily changes its idol,"
the expert explained.
Zelensky continues to ask Western countries for billions
in funding, to give Kiev the last tanks and planes, the
political scientist added.
"Once given, the second time too, but these requests
continue and at the same time are accompanied by
derogatory comments - what Zelensky's entourage
is famous for. Here, any normal head of state and
politician will think about how promising such a
partnership is. Zelensky still has a "roof" in
Washington, but this is also, not forever,"
said Alexander Mikhailov.
The US obviously wants to remove Ukraine from its
balance sheet and shift further responsibility for
the fate of Kiev, to the EU, the expert believes.
"Washington will narrow military aid to Ukraine, transfer
it to the maintenance of the EU and will force Kiev to
create a new negotiating group --- closer to the US
presidential election in 2024.''
''With the counteroffensive, everything is already clear:
armaments are running out, and the West, in its own
interests, wants to freeze this story as soon as
possible," the source concluded.
So, if the plan was, to attack Russia
and after achieving that, to attack
China, what happens now?
What do you think?
_________________________________________
L'actualité: the US media are silent about Nazism in Ukraine....
to please the authorities
October 3rd, 2023
(source: L'actualité
retold by InoTV)
The scandal with the Ukrainian Nazi that broke out in Canada
has made many people think about extremely unpleasant
a researcher at the University of Quebec in Montreal
in the field of strategy and diplomacy.
The main question is whether the accusations of Vladimir
Putin, who at the very beginning of the SVO pointed out
Nazism flourishing in the ranks of the Ukrainian army,
turned out to be true. However, not only the answer,
but the very need to raise this question, requires
Western media... to add more nuances to their
texts, while they are determined to present
the conflict in Ukraine as a struggle of
the bad against the good.
With few exceptions, this approach has completely
subordinated the public space of the main donor
of the Kiev regime - the United States. In the US
culture, information has become a commercial
product & local media have long appreciated
the financial benefits --- of simplifying
complex situations.
Reducing multidimensional stories to ones that are easier
to digest... is considered a smart approach by media conglomerates to "sell" their tastes to a wider
audience. This is especially true, when the
nuances can raise ambiguous questions
about nationalism.
As Raphael Jacob reminds us ---- the biggest triumphs of the
United States and reasons for national pride are the victory
over Nazi Germany in World War II and the victory over the
Soviet Union in the Cold War. In both cases, Americans
can claim that they were, as the saying goes, "on the
right side of history." But what will become of this
hitherto unshakeable conviction - if we open their
eyes to the fact that in order to defeat the former,
the United States collaborated with the latter,
and then defended the former, in the fight
against the latter?
US films and TV shows show the bravery and sacrifice of US
soldiers in the fight against the Third Reich, but almost do
not pay attention to their largest ally in the fight against
Hitler — the Soviet Union. At the same time, the USSR
lost 100 times more citizens than the United States,
and it was Soviet soldiers who liberated Auschwitz
in 1945.
At the same time, very few Americans know ---- that after World
War II, their government deliberately granted asylum to some
of the perpetrators of the Holocaust, after the whole world
learned about the concentration camps at the Nuremberg
trials. The reason for this decision is that many of those
granted asylum, including in Ukraine, promised to
weaken the new enemy - the Soviet Union.
Modern Ukrainian nationalism has its roots in Nazism and
neo-Nazism. Caught between the two warring countries,
some Ukrainians, who wanted to get rid of Stalin,
supported Hitler.
The US government ----- considering Russia a threat that is more
difficult to contain, decided to cooperate directly or indirectly
with Nazi groups. In the 1940s and 1950s, this meant
providing support and protection to leaders of
ultra-right Ukrainian movements, such as
Stepan Bandera ------ who massacred
hundreds of thousands of Jews
during the Holocaust.
In the last decade, cooperation with Ukraine has meant the
creation of hundreds of nationalist groups that are now
fighting at the front in uniforms with swastikas and
other Nazi symbols. As the author of the article
notes... the US government does not want to
support such groups, but at the same time
it is aware of what its money is being
spent on.
In one of the rare articles published in June... The New
York Times openly admitted that the situation created
considerable discomfort among the major US media.
Most decided to completely ignore the problem and not print
photos of Ukrainians with Nazi symbols. The demonstration
of such "gray areas" requires relying on the ability of
readers to think, but at the same time sets up high-
ranking representatives of the US Department of
Defense against these publications.
Nevertheless, media groups... would only benefit from a
comprehensive presentation of various political crises,
including the Ukrainian one, with special attention
to nuances. This would put an end - to the toxic
accusations ---- of a loss of trust between the
country's population and the largest media
holdings, L'actualité columnist Raphael
Jacob concludes.
Put an end to the billions spent on brainwashing?
It'll take more than a nuance, and, in the case of
Canada and those countries like the US and UK,
whose people still live in cartoon world, it'll
take handing over thousands of nazis.....
to finally face justice.
Another thing, let's explode the myth that a ''researcher'' at a College in Canada is so privileged as to be in a free, knowledge based environment, when he or she will cross red lines of officially tolerated dissent ------ at their peril, in actuality!
What do you think?
___________________________________________
CBC News: How did the Ukrainian Nazis
settle in Canada? ------ after a scandal
in Parliament.. Ottawa is called on to disclose military documents
September 27th, 2023
(source: CBC
retold by InoTV)
After the scandal with the appearance in the Canadian
Parliament of a member of the SS division "Galicia"
Jaroslaw Gunka - Ottawa is required to disclose
wartime documents in order to establish how
many of those who joined the Nazis....
eventually settled in the country,
reports CBC News.
According to the channel, Canada allowed dozens of
soldiers of the division, including Gunka, to settle in
a country where they were not charged with
war crimes.
For Yaroslav Gunka, this moment of applause
was the reason for reckoning with history.
WITOLD DZIELSKI, Polish Ambassador to Ottawa:
This person should not be in the public eye,
should not be in the Canadian Parliament.
Poland has said it is taking steps to extradite Gunka, 98,
because he served in a Nazi unit during World War II.
WITOLD DZIELSKY: He needs to be brought tojustice.
The SS Galicia Division consisted of Ukrainian volunteers
who had decided to join Hitler's forces to fight Soviet
Russia. Gunka himself, studied in Munich.
DOMINIQUE AREL, Head of the Department of Ukrainian
Studies at the University of Ottawa: You can only
imagine .....what a political indoctrination it is
when you are trained in a Nazi environment.
That is, they were exposed to unfiltered
Nazi ideology.
After World War II, dozens of soldiers of the Galicia Division
were allowed to settle in Canada. The country's decision
has been criticized - for decades. In 1986, the federal
commission found that -- "mere membership in the
Galicia Division is not sufficient for prosecution",
and "charges of war crimes have never been
supported by evidence". Earlier, Gunka
spoke out in defense of his military
past calling it a struggle.. for the
independence of Ukraine.
EFRAIM ZUROFF, Israeli historian: They can't come and say,
"We are heroes, we fought for freedom." This is complete
nonsense. Members of the Galicia Division fought for
the victory of the Third Reich. And the Third Reich
was the most genocidal regime in the history
of mankind.
Efraim Zuroff claims that Canada was too
weak... by letting in too many SS soldiers.
EFRAIM ZUROFF: Why should they have
the right to move freely --- to a great
democratic country like Canada?
This is just one of the questions that many Jews are
currently puzzling over. Some Jewish groups - are
calling on Ottawa to reveal wartime documents
to find out how many of those who fought for
the Nazis ended up settling in Canada.
Ellen Mauro, CBC News, Toronto.
Air date: September 27, 2023.
Britain also took in thousands
of nazis --- after World War 2.
Doesn't it make you feel
ashamed, to know YOU
live in a land where justice --- is just a game?
(apologies to Robert
Zimmerman..... for
using his words!)
____________________________________
"Salaries of over 4.5 million people
will grow":Russian government
approves increase in minimum
wage ------ by 18.5% in 2024
by Vladimir Tsegoev &
Ksenia Chemodanova
September 22nd, 6:57pm
(RT.ru)
Starting from January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Russia
will increase by 18.5% and exceed 19.2 thousand rubles.
This decision -- was made by the Government on behalf
of President Vladimir Putin. In addition, the Cabinet of
Ministers approved the draft federal budget for 2024-
2026. It is assumed that over the next three years,
the state treasury's expenditures will exceed the
amount of revenues, & this difference is to be
covered by borrowing. According to the
government ----- when forming the
document, the main priority was
to fulfill the social obligations
to citizens & the instruction
of the head of state.
Let's explain that the minimum wage sets the minimum salary
level that a full-time employee can receive. In addition, this
parameter is used to calculate temporary disability
benefits, as well as maternity benefits.
In accordance with the Constitution of Russia, the minimum
wage cannot be less than the subsistence minimum (PM) of
the working-age population. Now this amount is on average
15,669 rubles in the country. Authorities use it to assess
the needs of citizens when providing various state
support measures, such as monthly payments to
low-income families with children.
Now the minimum wage exceeds the amount of PM by only
4%. However, in 2024 the difference will have to increase
to 17%, and in the future the authorities plan to raise this
bar above 30%, as previously stated by the head of the
Ministry of Labour, Anton Kotyakov.
''Just three or four years ago, we lived in conditions where the
minimum wage was lower than the subsistence level. The
first criterion that the government's actions were focused
on was bringing the minimum wage to the level of the
minimum wage of the working-age population. To
date, this bar has been passed, we do not stop at
it, we are moving further," the minister noted.
Svetlana Bessarab, a member of the State Duma
Committee on Labour, Social Policy and
Veterans' Affairs:
"The minimum wage, is a standard that all employers must
meet. In practice, the salary of any full-time employee in
the country cannot be lower than this mark. Tariff grids
in the real sector of the economy are expected to be
revised. At the same time, unemployment and
maternity benefits will increase. In general,
the measure should lead to an increase in
consumer activity --- which will have a
positive impact on the development
of the economy and GDP growth
rates," she stressed.
After the meeting, the government approved the draft federal
budget for the next three years. As Mikhail Mishustin noted,
when forming the document, the authorities proceeded
from the need to fully fulfill all obligations to the
Russians and the six priority tasks set by
the president.
"This means --- expanding foreign economic cooperation with
our promising partners from friendly countries, and improving
the necessary mechanisms for this, including transport and
payment components. Plus --- strengthening technological
and financial sovereignty, advancing the construction of
transport, municipal and social infrastructure --- as well
as improving the welfare of citizens, ensuring national
savings, protecting motherhood and childhood, and
supporting families with children," he explained.
According to Mikhail Mishustin, the authorities tried to
minimize the difference between revenues and
expenditures of the treasury, as much as
possible, and plan to cover it mainly
through borrowing.
However, the current size of the deficit is not critical for the
economy, says Alexander Abramov, Head of the Laboratory
for Analysis of Institutions and Financial Markets at the
RANEPA Institute for Applied Economic Research.
"Usually, the deficit is financed by issuing government bonds.
Such a measure does not lead to serious consequences for
financial stability, if there are no significant fluctuations in
interest rates. Moreover, even the current situation, when
the Central Bank tightens monetary policy, is also not
critical. In addition, the government traditionally lays
down a conservative budget ----- with low oil prices.
This is done, so that there is a reserve, and space for maneuver," Abramov explained.
It should be noted that in the three-year budget, the
authorities.. include the cost of oil in the amount of
$60 per barrel. At the same time - according to the
forecast of the Ministry of Economic Development,
in 2024-2026, quotes will be around the $70 mark.
As part of the implementation of social obligations to citizens,
the government is going to increase funding for medical care
in the regions by 13.5% in 2024. As Mikhail Mishustin noted,
this is necessary - to expand the availability of treatment for
citizens -- to ensure the salaries of doctors & other medical personnel at a level not lower than that established by the
presidential decree. Separate resources are provided,
for medical rehabilitation..... including for Russians who have been ill with coronavirus.
"Next year, we will allocate over 130 billion rubles to provide high-tech assistance not included in the basic compulsory
health insurance program. Also, residents of each of the
Russian regions will continue to have the opportunity
to receive it free of charge --- in federal medical
institutions. This will cost about 214 billion
rubles," Mishustin added.
In addition, within the approved budget, the authorities
are going to allocate more than 1 trillion rubles for the
provision of medicines for certain categories of
citizens. Another 430 billion rubles will be
spent on providing medical care to
people suffering from cancer.
At the same time, payments of a single allowance to pregnant women in need and parents with children
under 17 -- will continue. In the next three years, it
is planned to allocate 4.4 trillion rubles for these
purposes --- which will allow supporting over
10 million families, every month.
In turn, the budget will allocate about 1.6 trillion rubles for
the provision of maternity capital. It is expected that over
4 million families will use these funds in three years. In
addition, 482 billion rubles are provided for improving
the housing conditions of Russians with children,
and over 100 billion rubles are provided for
supporting low income citizens under
the social contract program.
Significant funds will also be allocated for the construction
and repair of schools, road maintenance, upgrading the
infrastructure of land-based electric transport and
the development of regional airports. Also,
industry will receive additional funding.
"An important priority of the government's work - is creating
modern industry. The bill provides for over 2.7 trillion rubles
to support civil industry. This will support such industries
as the automotive industry," Finance Minister Anton
Siluanov said, during the meeting.
The government is also going to allocate --- a grant of over 5 billion rubles to the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation. This, as Mishustin noted, will provide support to veterans of the SVO and their relatives, - including assistance in
medical rehabilitation, employment, training, plus
providing the necessary legal assistance.
Head of the Ministry of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov says, after a decline of 2.1% in 2022, the
volume of Russian GDP will increase immediately --
by 2.8% in 2023, and in 2024 it will add 2.3%.
"The main thing we see is that the economic growth trend will
continue in 2024, 2025, and 2026... Over the entire medium
term, the growth rate will be above 2%, which is generally
normal in the face of a significant shortage in the labour
market and all the restrictions in logistics, technology
and other areas. Although, of course, we need to
work on increasing the pace, " the head of the
Ministry of Economic Development noted.
According to the agency's assessment, the dollar exchange
rate will fall to 94 rubles by the end of 2023, and over the
next three years it will be in the range of 90-92 rubles.
At the same time, inflation may slow down to 4.5% in
2024, and after that it should return to the target
level of 4%.
"The presented forecast allows us to form a realistic budget
for the next three years. This forecast takes into account
the current dynamics of the economy, the economic
policy measures being implemented, primarily in
the development of the six priorities outlined
by the president," Reshetnikov stressed.
I'd move to Russia, if I wasn't an old twat ------- what about you?
__________________________________________
The rise of major labour unions in US --
shines a lighton grim financial reality
by Shabbir Rizvi
September 18th, 1:28pm
(PressTV)
Americans are well aware of the value of the dollar, at least
when it comes to their own purchasing power at home.
If they didn’t know before, then they certainly
learned this year.
The year 2023 has so far marked rising costs of living
for everyday items amidst a backdrop of massive
government spending on the usual - war,
policing, corporate bailouts
and subsidization.
However, if you were to ask President Joe Biden about the
financial state of the everyday American, he would say
“Bidennomics is working” --- (although he may stare
blankly at you and try to find a teleprompter first).
“Bidenomics” is Washington’s marketing term for the Biden
administration’s business-as-usual plan ---- to convince
Americans that the federal government is taking steps
to ensure their financial situation will improve --- aka
they are not doing anything new or substantial to
address any crisis.
The plan vows - to “grow the economy from the middle out
and the bottom up.” Again, this is nothing for a corporate-
friendly policy that prioritizes the profits of the elite.
Biden administration officials routinely champion the
“success” of this strategy via social media and
through administration-friendly journalists
(corporate stenographers), but taking a
closer look at these claims and figures
reveals a more honest assessment of
the financial status of everyday
Americans.
The reality is that rising costs of living are contributing
directly to the record-breaking $1 trillion in credit card
debt Americans have accumulated. American workers
often have no choice but to resort to credit card use
for necessities, due to higher prices for groceries,
gas, rent and mortgage.
Another 40 million-plus Americans are set to resume student
loan repayments in October after a nearly four-year pause,
which will without a doubt exacerbate the country’s
debt crisis.
Biden administration officials claim their initiatives are adding
more jobs to the economy. These are often vague numbers
that are based on speculation.... rather than
concrete evidence.
Furthermore, jobs are always being created - however, many
Americans are working multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
The quality of the jobs being created isn’t specified and with
the implementation of automation, many of these jobs... will
be rendered obsolete.
Many Americans naturally will not accept these conditions.
In fact, this year has seen some of the most striking (no
pun intended) acts of laboUr resistance in recent
American history.
Industries of different sizes and varieties have taken concrete
steps to challenge these conditions, which are created
primarily by American capitalist greed at the helm,
leaving scraps for the majority of workers.
It is now without question that grim financial conditions have
led to a new-found popularity of unionization efforts, and the
unionization efforts themselves --- have led to massive wins
for American workers.
For example, the Teamsters Union, one of the largest unions in
the world, threatened to go on strike over the summer due to
declining conditions in the workplace.... as well as
stagnant pay.
The Teamsters, which represent UPS workers, could have
shaken the US economy had the strike happened - as
UPS serves hundreds of thousands to millions of
customers and businesses, daily.
The demands ranged from hiring more workers (full and part-
time), increased wages, and even air conditioning in UPS
trucks (which UPS initially refused to provide, despite
the multiple record-breaking days of heat this year
alone - a testament to unhinged capitalist greed).
Eventually, a favorable agreement was met - over 85%
of Teamsters signed, ratifying a 5-year deal.
In post-pandemic America, many workers have begun to
realize their own self-interests can only be achieved by
workplace organization, not relying on this-or-that
politician to bring any substantial change.
Many unions - from the Teamsters to Alphabet workers to
teachers unions such as the Chicago Teachers Union -
held firm on their demands throughout the COVID-19
pandemic and achieved favorable results.
Now, their success is inspiring waves of different
unionization efforts ------ across the country.
Perhaps the most popular recent example of this is
the Starbucks workers union. Starbucks is owned
by billionaire Howard Schultz but his employees
often work in degrading conditions.
Working for minimum wage or sometimes less and relying
on customer tips to get by, many Starbucks employees
(or “Partners”) have now moved to unionize their local
stores demanding fair pay and benefits.
What was seen as a nearly impossible battle to win at the
start of the first Starbucks unionization effort is now
seen as fairly common - over 300 Starbucks stores
are now unionized, and counting.
This has not come easy. Union-busting activities are fairly
common, and the National LaboUr Relations Board has
reported hundreds of union-busting activities, and
often cannot do anything to act against the mega-
corporations seeking to stifle employees asking
for basic wages and protections.
Adding to this is the fact that Joe Biden and his administration
- on paper - claim they support workers’ unions and their right
to organize, however, in practice ------ that is not happening.
Take for example a statement where Joe Biden hopes the
United Auto Workers union can reach a favorable
negotiation with the “Big Three” automakers in
he United States. It implies that the Biden
administration... is hopeful for favorable
negotiations between the two parties
and that they can resolve the issue
without federal intervention.
However, the Biden administration is no stranger to crushing
strikes - as one can recall when Biden signed a bill to put an
end to the railroad strike.
Striking railroad workers had reasonable demands - the ability
to take sick days and schedules that would permit them to
spend time with their families, without fear of owner
retaliation or punishment.
The railroad companies refused to budge, and as the holidays
neared and the threat of mega-corporations being unable to
turn over a profit began to materialize, the Biden
administration swooped in and blocked the
strike, without substantially addressing
the oppressive attendance policy.
Interestingly, this desperate move from the Biden
administration was also an admission of the
immense power unions hold. Had the strike
materialized, the entire economy could
have been halted - right before a
major holiday season.
Now, with the United Auto Worker strike, unions are directly
addressing the Biden administration’s hand ----- in policies
that are impacting their work.
Refusing to endorse Biden for president right before a heated
election season, the UAW president is challenging the Biden
administration to “earn the Union’s support,” while
simultaneously demanding that the workers not
be left behind in the administration’s plans
for a major shift to electric vehicles.
As one can see, the paper policy and the practiced policy
are two different things within the reality of the American
political system - especially when it comes to the
question of organized laboUr.
On paper, every politician - from Democrat to Republican --
wants the union endorsement. However, when substantial
(and just) demands are made --- that contradict the
demands of corporate donors, the politicians
have a major tendency to back the
corporate multi-millionaire to
multi-billionaire demands.
Regardless, unions are making a huge comeback in the United
States - and the renewed laboUr struggle is very much tied to
the declining financial health of the everyday American and
the public realization of just how far American capitalist
greed can go. 2021 saw ---- just below 120 confirmed
laboUr strikes.
As of September 2023, there are close to 250 strikes ----
composed of over 600,000 workers across various
industries and specialties. The growing trend
suggests that the laboUr struggle is just
getting started.
As economic realities remain uncertain and Americans
are forced to choose between which corporate
representatives will lead the nation next year
- one thing they can always count on is that
there is strength --- and power --- in
unified numbers.
Shabbir Rizvi is a Chicago-based political analyst
with a focus on US internal security and
foreign policy.
(The views expressed in this article ---- do
not necessarily reflect those of Press TV)
Good to see US workers uniting
to win. What do you think?
__________________________________________
SwebbTV --- Russia will defeat the
West in the proxy war in Ukraine,
and in open confrontation
September 11th, 2023
(source: SwebbTV
retold by InoTV)
The collapse of the Ukrainian army is only a matter of time,
but the US --- will never allow its formal defeat. For this
reason, the Ukrainian conflict will escalate into an
open war between the US and Russia, but the
West will lose in it, analyst Lars Bern said
in an interview with SwebbTV.
According to analyst Lars Bern, the Western powers "have no
chance" - partly because Russia has much greater industrial
potential. The West cannot defeat Russia with conventional
weapons, so the conflict will turn into a nuclear phase.
In this case... Moscow will use its 100-ton intercontinental
missiles with nuclear weapons, each of which is capable
of destroying entire countries. "The Russians --- have
absolutely grotesque weapons, that they can use
against the West," the expert explained.
Bern claims that the US prestige is at stake in the events
in Ukraine, so they will never recognize the victory of
the Russians, over Kiev. However, the Ukrainian
Armed Forces will have to surrender, as their
"highly hyped in the media" offensive, with
the use of Western weapons "completely
failed", and the Ukrainians "achieved
nothing" on the battlefield, writes
SwebbTV.
As soon as the Western media think that they see even the
slightest success on the part of Ukraine -- they hype it as
a big success, although it may not be at all. This is done purposefully to ensure that the supply of weapons and
the armed conflict continue. Ukraine succeeds only
in the propaganda war in the West, because Kiev
has already lost on the battlefield,
SwebbTV notes.
It has already reached the point that Ukraine is running out
of men, and now women have to enlist in the ranks of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine. Nevertheless, Bern believes
that, in addition to Ukraine, the Russian Armed
Forces are "on the verge of disarming the
entire NATO," which could lead to an
open war between the US/NATO
and Russia.
According to the analyst, "the proxy war between
Russia and NATO --- is already underway" and
hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian lives
were sacrificed during it.
Nevertheless, even in an open war between the West and
Russia, the Russians will win. According to Lars Bern,
the Western powers --- will be the first to resort to
nuclear weapons, since this is the only way to
try to "save face".
In addition, Russia has hundreds of tons of intercontinental
ballistic missiles capable of carrying up to 15 nuclear
warheads. "A single charge of Sarmat can wipe out
the whole of Great Britain or France," Byrne
warned in an interview with SwebbTV.
A possible nuclear conflict will be existential for Russia,
and Russia will respond ------ with these weapons.
Recently, the former Prime Minister of Sweden, and now
the leader of the opposition Social Democrats party,
Magdalena Andersson, said:: "We can't let Russia
win this war." Bern sharply criticized the
politician's words -- emphasizing that
Andersson's words, automatically
lead to an all-out nuclear war ----
which she does not understand
and which scares the expert,
since "such people"
rule Sweden.
The analyst believes that Swedish politicians are so
blinded by their hatred of Russia, that they do not
notice the Nazi Kiev regime --- and carry out its
mass support, SwebbTV summarizes.
Great article - if you live in the West
and don't mind being irradiated..... like your food is ------- courtesy of
just one of Margaret Thatcher's
criminal decisions.
What do you think?
______________________________________
"Engaged in mass and methodical
extermination":FSB documents
show Nazi crimes in Donbass
by Svyatoslav Knyazev,
& Elizaveta Komarova
September 7th, 12:15am
(RT.ru)
On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Donetsk
from the Nazis ----- the Russian FSB released declassified
documents of the Soviet state security agencies, about
the crimes of the Nazi occupiers in the Donbass during
the Great Patriotic War.
The agency's website has published interrogation protocols
of Nazi criminals, involved in the mass murder of civilians in
Donbass. They contain evidence: that the extermination of
the inhabitants of the USSR by the Nazis was planned and
methodical. Moreover, these crimes were committed not
only by militants of special SS units, but also by
Wehrmacht soldiers.
From the published protocols of interrogations of German
officers, it follows that the destruction of the inhabitants
of the USSR was deliberately planned and based on the
dogmas of Nazi ideology.
"Mobilize the attention of all operational personnel"
On September 8, 1943, the city of Stalino (modern Donetsk)
was liberated from the Nazis. Donbass --- was under Nazi
occupation for almost two years. According to the FSB
of Russia, during this time --- the Nazis and their
accomplices destroyed at least 174 thousand
Soviet civilians and 149 thousand prisoners
of war, in the Stalino region.
One of the places of mass murder -- was
the 4-4 bis mine in the suburb of Stalino.
The leadership of the Soviet special services set their
employees the task, of investigating the crimes that
the Nazis committed in the occupied territories, as
well as identifying and bringing to justice specific
participants in these atrocities.
On January 24, 1944.... the directive of the Directorate for Prisoners of War and Internees (UPVI) -- of the NKVD of the USSR: "On identifying participants in committing
atrocities among prisoners of war" --- was issued,
which ordered: "to mobilize the attention of the
entire operational staff of camps" to identify
the participants in committing atrocities, by operational and investigative means,
and document their criminal activities.
The Soviet secret services carefully checked prisoners of war
who had previously served in the SD, SS, special security and
punitive detachments, police, secret field gendarmerie, Gestapo and concentration camps. As a result of this
work --- evidence was obtained of atrocities
committed against the civilian population
not only by special SS punitive units,
but also by Wehrmacht soldiers.
"No laws or regulations"
In January 1944, Soviet security forces, detained the Nazi
collaborator Yuri Shcherbakov. He admitted that in 1941
he evaded conscription into the Red Army... stayed in
Stalino, and then joined the Nazis -- first as a police
officer and then as an investigator of the auxiliary
service of the SD --- which killed thousands of
Soviet citizens. Materials of Shcherbakov's
interrogation are published by the FSB.
Stalin's SD team and its auxiliary service, officially called the
"Security and SD Service" for the general district of Stalino,
which had its branches in all major industrial centres of
the Donbass, were engaged in the mass and methodical extermination of Soviet people --- acting on the orders
of the Hitlerite government... There were no laws, or
regulations in the SD.. Soviet prisoners were loaded
into special trucks and taken to the mine 4-4 bis
"Kalinovka", on the outskirts of Stalino city,
where they were shot, and the corpses
were dumped into the shaft... Many
thousands of Soviet citizens were
thrown into mine 4-4 bis, shot,
tortured, in interrogations, or
killed in the "death chamber"
-- Shcherbakov said, during
the interrogation.
He also named some of the organizers of the mass murder of
Soviet citizens. Among them were the head of the Security
Service and SD for the general district of Stalino —
Obersturmbannfuhrer Kurting, as well as his
deputies Hauptsturmfuhrer Gertig and
Obersturmfuhrer Graf, and the chief
inspector of the SD team ---
Sturmfuhrer Siebert.
According to Shcherbakov, the SD officers, destroyed both
Soviet patriots --- underground fighters and partisans, and
ordinary civilians who had nothing to do with the fighting
at all - from teenagers to the very old. The "investigation"
of their cases, was limited to torture and tortures. Thus,
innocent people, were forced to confess to fictitious
"crimes". The prisoners were beaten with fists,
whips, chair legs, and trampled on them.
Many could not stand the torture and
died during the "interrogations".
Even those who survived the
torture, were unable to
move on their own.
During an interrogation on October 7, 1947, former Wehrmacht
lieutenant, Wolfgang Paul Lesner, stated that, as a member of
the Hitler Youth, he was brought up in a spirit of hatred for
the Slavic peoples: "Even at that time, it was preached
among young people that Germany should become a
"Great Germany", its borders in the east, should be
in the Caucasus, that the Aryan race ---- must be
dominant throughout the world... the Hitlerite
government ------ intensively prepared the
population - and especially the youth -
for a war of conquest, in the spirit of
loyalty to the Fuhrer and hatred of
the Slavic peoples, which was a
confirmation of the mass
destruction of the
Slavic people."
Lesner also said that the German military, according to the
orders of their command, had to show maximum cruelty
towards the civilian population --- to kill, or deprive
them of shelter.
He himself admitted that he took part in these crimes.
In particular --- Lesner gave specific testimony
regarding the mass murder of Soviet citizens in occupied Stalino.
"On October 13, 1942, at approximately 12 o'clock in the
afternoon, I was given the command by the company
commander --- to leave with three trucks for the
Oberfeldkommendatura of the mountains.''
''Upon arrival at the commandant's office, the cars entered the
courtyard, where people were already under guard, subject to
execution, as I later learned, there were 120 of them. We put
the first batch to the wall of the mine yard, after which I went
up to the machine-gun crew and, at the command of Captain
Waer, I gave the order to the crew to open fire and shot the
crowd of innocent citizens standing at the wall of the mine
yard in long bursts, there was crying, some shouting, but
the roar of the machine gun drowned it all. There were
corpses and blood of people who were shot. Thus a
machine-gun crew, under my command, shot 40
people, whose corpses were thrown into the
shaft of mine 4 bis by a special team led
by Lieutenant Kind," the former Nazi
officer said.
As Dmitry Surzhik, a senior researcher at the Institute of
Internal Affairs of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
told RT, in a comment, that the actions of German
punitive bodies and troops in the Donbass,
can be regarded as a manifestation
of genocide.
"Representatives of all nationalities living in the Soviet
Union, were subjected to total extermination in the
Donbas," the expert noted.
According to him, the publication of declassified
documents about Nazi atrocities in the Donbas,
is extremely relevant today.
"The memory of the residents of Donbass ---- about the Nazi
occupation is closely intertwined with the criminal actions
that those who raised the ideology of Bandera and other
Hitler's minions are doing on these lands, today. Today,
Russian investigative agencies, like Smersh 80 years
ago ----- face large-scale war crimes committed by
Ukrainian security services..... in the Donbas. In
addition, the release of declassified documents
is doubly important for us to realize: what a
tough and bloody enemy, our ancestors
defeated, giving us the opportunity
to live," Surzhik summed up.
Please.. defeat these fascists - only this time - defeat their backers - these ''elites'' behind the curtain.
_______________________________
Often symbolically: in Germany,
they are persecuted for
supporting the SVO
September 6th, 10:01pm
by Semyon Boikov
(Izvestia.ru)
Public displays of solidarity with Russia — in the form of
statements or wearing certain symbols ----- in Germany
can lead to harassment by law enforcement agencies,
Michael Adam, a lawyer for the human rights
organization VADAR, told Izvestia.
A similar problem was also discussed at the Russian
Embassy in Germany. In addition... the diplomatic
mission noted that attempts to put pressure on
Russian journalists and domestic media
working in Germany... continue.
A similar situation exists in other EU countries, including
the Baltic Republics and the Czech Republic. Local
human rights activists report that public support
for the SVO is fraught with fines --- or even
expulsions from the country.
With German precision
Russian diplomats recorded the largest number of complaints
from Russian-speaking citizens living in Germany about
discrimination on national and linguistic grounds in the
first months after the start of the SVO in Ukraine.
It was mainly about threats, insults, mobbing in educational
institutions, dismissals, property damage, freezing or
closing bank accounts, refusal to provide services,
including medical ones, the Russian Embassy in
Germany told Izvestia.
''The issue... is not completely closed. Public displays of
solidarity with Russia's policies, whether in the form
of statements or demonstrations - car rallies -
sometimes provoke an intolerant reaction
from local authorities --- including law
enforcement agencies. We continue
to record attempts to put pressure
on Russian journalists & domestic
media working in Germany," the
press service of the diplomatic
mission added.
Residents of the Federal Republic of Germany who publicly
express support for the SVO, as a rule --- fall under the
violation of Article 140, of the Criminal Code of the
Federal Republic of Germany (Approval of crimes)
which provides for a fine or imprisonment for up
to three years, a board member of the
Association for the Prevention of
Discrimination and Isolation of
Russian Germans and Russian
-Speaking Fellow Citizens in
Germany (VADAR), lawyer
Michael Adam.
''In my cases, fines were imposed, and I objected to this. The
demonstration of the Z symbol on Facebook (owned by the
Meta company, which is recognized as extremist and
banned in the Russian Federation) or a positive
statement about the beginning of the SVO in
Ukraine... the authorities used as a reason to impose a fine. They regarded this as
"approval of aggression contrary
to international law," the
lawyer said.
According to Adam, he was able to challenge the court's
decisions. In his argument, the lawyer referred to
international law. He stressed - that only the UN
Security Council can define the armed conflict
in Ukraine as "Russian aggression". However,
no such decision was made at the Security
Council level. However, in some cases it
was not possible to win the case...
because the court brought new
charges ---- under other
criminal articles.
"For example --- people were charged under article 86
of the Criminal Code, which prohibits the distribution
of Nazi symbols in public places," he explained.
More than 140 cases were initiated in Germany on the fact of
supporting the SVO. In most cases, people were persecuted
just for using the letter Z. One of the most high-profile
incidents was the case of a citizen of Ukraine, an
activist of the Russian-speaking community,
Elena Kolbasnikova.
She was charged under Article 140 of the German Criminal
Code and fined €900. A woman was convicted for publicly
speaking out in support of Russia in 2022.
However, different regions of Germany have their own laws
regarding Russian symbols. So... in Cologne and Frankfurt
am Main on May 9, not only the symbols of the USSR, but
also Russian flags --- were allowed. And in the German
capital, the supreme administrative court canceled
the permission to demonstrate the flags of the
Russian Federation on Victory Day. However,
Berlin residents ignored this ban... at their
own peril and risk.
''Despite the ban, both the Soviet banner and Russian flags
were raised, by native Germans and compatriots. And we
were able to create a live St. George's ribbon in Treptow
Park on May 9. But this is now considered a civil feat.
Because domestic intimidation, turns into outright
harassment on the Internet," Vladimir Sergienko,
a local human rights activist and president of
the Russian PEN Centre, told Izvestia.
"I don't see any negative trends in relation to Russian artists"
Singer Dmitry Ulyanov - about the situation in Western theatres, shouting at si Bekar and Shalyapin's
Russianness. At the same time, German
lawmakers continue to tighten the
Criminal Code.
Last year, lawmakers amended the Criminal Code to impose a
three-year prison sentence for publicly "approving, denying,
or grossly downplaying" genocide, crimes against
humanity, or war crimes.
Izvestia sent a request to the German Interior Ministry
with a request to comment on cases of harassment
for approving the SVO.
Harassment in other EU countries
However, Germany is far from the only country that is being
persecuted for supporting Russia. The gaps are mainly
faced by residents of Eastern European countries.
The Baltic republics have very strict legislation.
Thus, the Lithuanian parliament last year equated support
for Russian actions in Ukraine - with "public approval of
international crimes." Previously --- article 170 of the
Lithuanian Criminal Code applied only to "approving,
denying or belittling crimes committed by the USSR
or Nazi Germany against the Republic of Lithuania
or its inhabitants." Its violation provides for
imprisonment.... for up to two years.
A similar situation has developed in neighboring Latvia. Last
year, the Sejm approved fines for public display of the letters
Z and V. An individual will have to pay up to €350, a legal
entity-up to €2.9 thousand. In addition, the country has
a criminal article... "on the public justification and
glorification of war crimes and crimes against
peace", which is equated with the SVO.
Latvian human rights activist Janis Kuzins told Izvestia
- that many Russian compatriots are being persecuted.
''They just want to expel Russian citizens — there are many
of them in Latvia. They make it so that they can't pass the
state language exam," Kuzins said. ''I myself paid a fine of
€2 thousand for saying something "wrong" to the Russian
media. I had to negotiate with the prosecutor's office.
They said it was either jail or a fine. I decided to find
the money. Plus... I'm on probation for a year.''
"Today in Latvia we have to fight for the right to be
Russian" Russian Ambassador to Riga Mikhail
Vanin - on visa restrictions, the fight against
the Russian language and the demolition
of Soviet monuments.
The situation in Estonia is no less difficult. In this country, too,
in 2022, a law was passed banning symbols associated with
the SVO. For its violation, the fine for individuals is €1,200 or
they will be arrested, and for legal entities-a fine of up to
€32 thousand. A local human rights activist, speaking on
condition of anonymity, told Izvestia that public support
for Russia or its own actions is criminally punishable
in Estonia.
''Even thoughts are punishable, not to mention statements,
publications, or events. The authorities believe that it is
necessary to respond harshly to any activity that splits
the cohesion of society ---- around the adopted anti-
Russian sanctions. The atmosphere of fear and
silence does not contribute to the growth of
legal protection of people who have a
different, but not negative opinion
about Russia," he said.
Speeches in favour of Russia in the Czech Republic are also
criminalized. For this -- you can face a prison term of up to
three years. Support for Russian actions in Ukraine in the
Czech Republic falls under "approval of a criminal
offense committed" and "denial, approval,
justification of genocide."
There is a well-known case of a Czech citizen Jakub Jaszek.
In the spring of this year, he took part in a rally, in clothes
with the image of the letter Z and the emblem of the PMC
"Wagner". Yashek was given a six-month suspended
sentence with a two-year probation period -- for
"denying, approving or justifying genocide".
In addition, he was ordered to pay a fine of 12 thousand
kronor — about $570. The sentence also provides
for a ban on his stay in Prague --- for a year.
Sorry - no discussion on this -
you sickening criminal !
______________________________
GT:Vietnam war veteran tries to stop
the US from repeating the nightmare
with cluster munitions in Ukraine
September 1st, 2023
(source Global Times
retold by InoTV)
US veteran Mike Burton, who himself participated in
bombing -- and witnessed the tragic consequences
of the mass use of cluster munitions, by US forces
during the Vietnam War --- now seeks to prevent a
repeat of this nightmarish experience in Ukraine.
As a retired US Air Force officer told the Global Times,
his participation in the massive bombing of Laos half
a century ago is still a source of the most painful
memories and a reason for regret.
During the Vietnam War, the United States actively used
cluster bombs to launch airstrikes on various targets
in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. During the period
from 1964 to 1973, the United States dropped
millions of tons of shells and bombs on
these countries, of which about 80
million tons did not explode.
Laos has suffered the most from this, which can be called
the country that has suffered the most bombardment per
capita in history, the article says.
Now many fear that Ukraine, which has already received
many cluster munitions from the United States, may
become a new victim, sharing the tragic fate of
Laos, writes Global Times. Burton also shares
these concerns and tries to take measures
to prevent such a development.
Now he heads the organization Legacies of War ("Legacy
of War"), which intends to conduct a campaign in the
United States next year to ban landmines and
cluster munitions.
The mission of this organization is to raise awareness
about the history of bombing during the Vietnam War
and the damage it caused. In a recent interview
with the Global Times, Burton stressed that he
regrets the use of cluster bombs in Laos, and
stressed that Ukraine should not want to
experience such a nightmare as well,
since the consequences will be
disastrous for both the people
of Ukraine and the people of
the United States...... for
decades to come.
The retired US Air Force officer ---- also called on the US
government to show more discretion and responsibility
when deciding how to allocate the $800 million aid
allocated to Ukraine. The White House's
previously announced decision to
include military aid and supplies
of cluster munitions to Ukraine
in this package caused public
condemnation, the Global
Times notes.
Each cluster munition... can contain hundreds of smaller
munitions, which, when launched by aircraft, rockets or
cannons, are dispersed in the air, causing damage and
causing a large number of casualties over a wider
area, the article explains. However, they do not
have a guidance mechanism.
Even more worrying is the fact that if these bombs fall on
wet and soft ground and do not detonate on impact,
a significant portion of them may turn into
unexploded ordnance.
Such projectiles are capable of exploding later at any time
if they are exposed to any external force or changes in
the environment. And this can happen... even several
decades later, if they are not all found & neutralized.
During the massive US bombing of Laos, many villages and
even entire valleys were destroyed, and countless civilians
were killed, Burton recalled, in an interview with the
Global Times.
According to him --- he joined the US Air Force in 1962
and was assigned to the 56th Air Commando Wing in
1966. The main task of this unit then was to stop
the influx of people and supplies coming from
the northern part of Vietnam to the south
through the "Ho Chi Minh Trail", which
almost completely passed through
Laos, Burton explained.
"As I recall, Laos was generally bombed, every 8 minutes, for
24 hours a day, for nine years," said the retired US Air Force
officer. In addition to the aerial bombardment, after
intense battles, a large number of unexploded
shells... also remained in the ground. The
surface of the earth was simply littered
with countless bombs, of all types,
from cluster and artillery shells
to hand grenades,
Burton noted.
According to his estimates, 30% to 40% of cluster munitions
did not explode during their fall. And he was very nervous
himself, because he realized that the bombs dropped by
the pilots indiscriminately fell on rice fields and other
places where people might be.
"We estimate, that there may be up to 80 million individual
projectiles scattered all over the land, and some of them
will never be eliminated," Burton warned.
According to available data, cluster munitions have a higher
destructive power than conventional ones, and since the
Second World War - they have already caused the death
of from 56.5 thousand to 86.5 thousand civilians. The
US military actively used cluster munitions during the wars in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo,
Afghanistan and Iraq.
This resulted --- in significant damage to infrastructure in
these countries, as well as numerous civilian casualties
and injuries, the Global Times reminds.
The bombing during the Vietnam War.... became widely known
only through congressional hearings in 1971 and subsequent
media reports. However, the true extent of the destruction
and disasters caused to the people of Laos by this
"secret war" is still largely unknown to the US
public, the article says.
According to Burton, he witnessed tragic incidents both on
the ground and in the air, and returned from the war "with
very bad feelings about what we had done --- and what
happened there." Often, small unexploded ordnance
was accidentally picked up by children who lost
their arms, legs, eyesight, or even their lives,
as a result.
"I saw this destruction with my own eyes from the air and on
the ground. I have seen Lao children and adults with their
limbs torn off, no eyes, and their faces disfigured by the
explosion of untimely detonated ammunition. Our
decision to drop cluster bombs on Laos also
caused a flood of refugees fleeing death
to head to the United States," Burton
told the Global Times.
This year marks 50 years since the last US bombs were
dropped during the Vietnam War. However, this period
is still a source of the most difficult memories for
Burton. The US veteran told reporters how he
suffered both mentally and psychologically,
trying to cope with the burden of his guilt
after returning from the war.
For 14 months, he underwent a special therapy course
organized with the assistance of the US Department
of Veterans Affairs. "Many of the young people who
returned were later addicted to alcohol and drugs,
and suffered from fits of anger. Statistics on
Vietnam veterans are pretty poor --- from
suicides, to broken marriages, broken
families, and the like, " Burton said.
"I am very sorry about the time I spent in the war; I try not
to think about many things," the veteran also admitted in
an interview with Global Times. According to him, he
seeks to make amends by all means and actively
advocates for preventing the recurrence of
such tragedies in the future.
In 2022, Burton returned to Laos and felt a deep sense of
sadness as he looked out of the plane at this land pitted
with many giant craters. "The wounded earth is a
reminder of America's deadly mistake, a
reminder of the lives we have taken
and the ancient landmarks we
have wiped off the face of
the earth," he said.. in an
interview with reporters.
According to the Lao Government, less than 10% of the
country's unexploded ordnance has been found and
neutralized so far. This is a very tedious, time-
consuming and dangerous job, said Burton,
who was also personally involved in it
in 2022.
In addition, he founded the Committee for Immigrants and
Refugees, which provides assistance and support to
various groups of migrants and refugees from all
over the world.
In general, about four dozen human rights organizations
have publicly opposed the supply of US cluster
munitions to Ukraine. They warn ------ that
numerous unexploded cluster munitions,
even many years after the end of the
conflict, will pose a significant
threat to the population and
cause huge harm to many
civilians, the article says.
In early July of this year, the Ukrainian authorities assured
Washington, that they would not use cluster munitions in
populated areas. However, once these bombs are used,
no one will be able to give a clear answer about
whether such a promise was strictly fulfilled,
experts emphasize.
"Probably, weapons manufacturers are already standing at the
door of the Pentagon and saying: hey, we are here with a new
contract that you need to sign, just sell all our supplies to
Ukraine. But I want to stop them from doing that,"
Burton explained.
In his opinion, if the US authorities still continue to supply
Kiev with cluster munitions, then they should sign a
public document stating -- that they undertake to
compensate for the consequences, after the
end of the conflict -- and will take lifelong
care of all adults and children who will
become disabled, due to the use of
such weapons.
"And I want us to take responsibility for this,"
the veteran concluded, in an interview with
Global Times.
Aahh.... repentance. Good.
But better to stop doing it.
_______________________________
"Victory is Russia's
return to its roots" by Ksenia Krikheli
August 20th, 10:01pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Philosopher Alexander Dugin - about the most important clash
with the West in history, the terrorist nature of Kiev and the
real murderers of his daughter.
The real customers of the murder of Daria Dugina, who died
during the terrorist attack on August 20 last year, should be
sought in the leadership of Western special services, says
philosopher Alexander Dugin. After the victory of Russia,
there will also be organizers of other terrorist attacks
committed by Kiev, he is convinced.
The true victory for our country will be the process
of returning Russia and the Russian people to
themselves and their roots, Dugin said, in an interview with Izvestia.
During the conversation, the political scientist assessed
the scale of the civilizational conflict with the West,
gave an explanation of the actions of Ukrainians
in Europe and named the conditions for
completing the SVO.
"For me, the nightmare keeps repeating itself"
A year has passed since the tragedy. Dasha is not forgotten,
streets are named after her, and a university named after
her has appeared. How did you live this year? What has
it changed for you? How have you changed?
''It is very difficult for me to talk about this topic. I've
never been in such a state in my life as this year.
This is no longer called life, and nothing can
replace Dasha either as a daughter, or as
a person. For me -- the nightmare that
happened a year ago, on August 20,
at the festival "Tradition", repeats
and repeats. The people who
wanted to hurt me... got
their way.''
''I'd rather be killed a billion times over. I'd give anything to get
in that car myself. It doesn't go away, and it probably won't.
Nothing and no circumstances will ever be able to
compensate for this loss, will not help to come
to terms with it.''
''I remember this female killer... who came up to me a few minutes before the murder with her daughter. She took
a picture of us and said that she had come from
another city to listen to my lecture. This
cynicism, this endless cruelty of the
enemy. I honestly didn't expect it to be like this.''
''I was ready to die -- and I am still ready to die -- for a just cause. I believe that soldiers who fight for their country, for their faith, for their country, for their people, they should be ready to die. Yes, their death is always a tragedy.''
''But such a cynical murder of a daughter in front
of her father, the murder of a girl who did not
take part in any military operations -- never
called for reprisals, against those who are
our civilizational enemies.... called in her
interviews and speeches to understand
the enemy, to understand women from
that side... There is something
satanic in this.''
''I was giving a lecture on the devil in history at the festival. Just imagine, the devil sat and listened to my lecture and
then he killed my daughter. I do not know — you can
probably die and experience terrible suffering
without ever approaching this nightmare,
which I would not wish on anyone.
I said how I felt. I can't say any
routine phrases about Dasha
being a great person.''
''People put up monuments to her, paint pictures, compose
poems, compose music, listen to it. We.. have published
her diary, and the book "Eschatological Optimism" will
be published soon — this was Dasha's main idea. We
are preparing the third book... from her articles and
speeches, decoding her lectures. It will be called
"The Russian Frontier" - practically her will,
although, of course, she was going to live
for a long time and stood at the origins
of her existence. I am very grateful to
the people who do not forget Dasha,
who pray for her, remember her,
study her ----- discover her for
themselves. But, it is a drop
in the ocean of what it was
....and what it should
have become.''
"The Ukrainian idea itself is pure terrorism"
In the realities of 2023, statements are already being made
at all levels, that Ukraine is a terrorist state. I remember
Mikhalkov's film "Sunstroke", where his hero says:
"How did it happen and when did it happen?"
''The Ukrainian idea itself - that is, Ukraine as an idea of a
separate, independent state is a terrorist idea. This was
not a good Ukrainian state ---- and then it turned into a
terrorist one. The Ukrainian idea, has a property only
in hatred for Russians, for Great Russians. In Poland,
for example, hostility to us has historical roots once
the Poles were an independent state --- sometimes
even more successful - in the Kremlin during the
Time of Troubles, as we know, there was a
Polish garrison.
But we have no such history of relations with the Ukrainians.
Simply because Ukrainians are a part of us. And now the
idea of terrorism, has emerged in some of our people.
Although we are brothers --- and we live in the same
state, we actually won these lands from the same
Poles, Austrians, and Turks. And this nation is a
brotherly one - we liberated it. He lived in the
same place where he had lived, only freely,
without masters ------ because a brother
cannot buy his brother out of slavery.''
''Ukraine became a terrorist state even before its appearance.
The Ukrainian idea itself, is pure terrorism, the embodiment
of hatred, racism, unfounded hostility to one's brothers, the
revision of all historical episodes, the creation of an
''The emergence of the Ukrainian state, meant the beginning of terror - and it was inevitable. Sooner or later, the Kiev regime would have turned into the terrorist entity that it is now. In 1991, we created this terrorist enclave with our own hands.''
''The time has come, and this contagion of terrorism has
spread from Western Ukraine to Central Ukraine, then
partly to Eastern Ukraine. The fact that we have not
countered this for 30 years, in fact, puts this blame
on us too. You can't say: "Here they are — bad".
''From the very beginning, when they started talking about
"independent Ukraine" — everything, at that moment it
was necessary to send troops, because then what we
see now will happen. There will be atrocities, terror,
violence, genocide ---- of those they consider
their enemies.''
''Ukrainian statehood must cease to exist. It cannot be
anything other than a terrorist one. And if we set our
selves the task of denazification & demilitarization,
then we can only achieve this by establishing full
control over this land. Above our land, where
Ukrainians have always lived freely. And
this is their soil, this is their homeland.
We are not encroaching on this home
land. We are attacking the terrorist
ideology that prevails there.''
"We are a different civilization"
You have repeatedly said that the SVO is one of the largest
attacks on the collective West in the history of Russia.
Have we made any progress in this offensive? And
how far do we want to go... and can we go?
''We really entered into a conflict - a civilizational conflict with
the West. It is no coincidence ---- that our president said that
we are opposed to Satanic civilization. The modern West is a civilization of Satan. Never before, has Western
civilization attacked us --- so directly. The French
were abandoned.. but then the British were not
on Napoleon's side. Hitler was abandoned, but
America and Britain were not on his side. That
is, the West attacked us in parts, and now it
is attacking us globally and frontally. And
that is what makes this conflict perhaps
the most important in history. Because
this is a clash with the Western entity,
which today is really becoming open,
totalitarian, Satanic. Anti-human —
in the full sense of the word.''
''As for how far we can go... Despite the fact that we oppose
the West, we do not directly threaten them. And the borders
of the Lviv region and Galicia will stop us, we will not go
further. They will stop it if it is not already a full-fledged
pan-European conflict with us, if NATO troops are not
sent there. But we can and must, reach the western
border of Ukraine. This is our trait. If we don't reach
that border, we will die. We cannot stop somewhere
in the middle, somewhere in the territories that we
have liberated. Or somewhere near them. Half
measures won't work anymore. In 2014, we
decided on half measures — and here's
what we got.''
''Any truce concluded before the complete liberation of Ukraine is a catastrophe, irreversible and final. And
the victory in Ukraine is a fundamental opportunity
for us to be a civilization ---- historically, a Russian
Eurasian civilization. If we hesitate - it will be the
end of us. The odds in this case are not equal.
We have everything at stake. For the West,
this is a struggle under the slogan "to
have or not to have." And for us —
"to be or not to be."
''And after that, the West will not go anywhere -- because
Ukraine is a bargaining chip for it. He'll lose a pittance.
We risk losing everything, in this confrontation. In this
respect, I think this is just the beginning. Our victory
in Ukraine will be the beginning of a different
relationship with the West.''
Is this what you call a clash of civilizations?
''Yes, this is a real clash of civilizations. The world was
already heading for this clash, but it could have been
gradual if there were rational pragmatists like Trump
instead of extremist forces like Biden and globalists
in the West. I think we could have come to a clash
of civilizations in a much milder way. We could find
some kind of modus vivendi. [way of life, living]''
''At the same time, we still do not recognize Western values,
and no matter how universal, unique, and exemplary they
may be, we reject this. We have different values, we are
a different civilization.''
"Victory cannot be the result of a reaction"
You have a theory of the victory party that will help Russia
win. In your opinion, what should be done to achieve this?
''It seems to me that now to win -- you need a strategic
authorities, the military - are always responding,
constantly catching up with the processes that
someone else is starting. That is, we are
reacting -- our policy is reactive. If we
had not been provoked by NATO and
the Ukrainians to this conflict, we
would not have started it of our
own free will.''
''This means that we only intuitively approach the
fact that we are an independent civilization, that
we actually considered ourselves part of the
Western world --- until recently.''
''It was just that some aspects of it were unacceptable
to us, some conditions we rejected, but, in general,
we considered ourselves... a Western civilization.
Our elite, at least. The people don't. And not the
patriots, not the victory party. But the elite - no,
no, and again, in their minds, in their ideas,
goes over to the side of the West.''
''And so, we don't have the strategic depth of planning. We
are responding. We are attacked — we fight back, we are
insulted — we get into a conflict, we are insulted — we
respond. When the conflict has already begun — and
not before it - we begin to carry out measures to
mobilize society, to raise patriotic awareness.
Its been going on for a year and a half, and
we are still afraid to let it enter the
consciousness of our society,
pretending that nothing
is happening.''
And yet, what is strategic depth?
''This is when we go to our goal, not paying attention to what
is imposed on us, having our own internal civilizational
agenda. When it doesn't matter whether we agree with
the West now --- or not. We will go towards this goal in
any case, we must have strategic plans in the work
of the government, in building the army, in the
economy, education, upbringing, culture, and
art. That is what victory depends on, right
now. It cannot be achieved...... by purely
technical means. Victory ---- in the
situation we are already in --- can
never be the result of a reaction.
Even the most effective one.
This is the concept
I propose — the
victory party.''
''Victory is an internal concept. Victory is the return of Russia, the Russian people, the Russian state, and
Russian culture to themselves, to their roots. Of
course, it will be achieved and achieved on the
fronts at any cost. I have quoted many times
a wonderful Serbian poet who said: "I give
my life for you, my Fatherland. I know
what I give and what I give for." So
we need to know what people are
fighting for now.''
''And in no way should our people, returning from the front
as invalids, feel alien & incomprehensible in a peaceful
collective. We have a front & a rear. And nothing else
...no peaceful life. It seems to me, that the idea of
preserving normality is a false goal. We — our
hearts - need to be rebuilt in a new way.''
"Both of them believe that Russia is weak"
You read the news and get the feeling that Kiev's terrorist
actions are beginning to irritate the West — Zelensky is
increasingly being "exposed" for his methods. Do you
think this is really true, or is it all part of the
same game?
''I am convinced that Ukraine does not have any special
methods, they operate under the direct supervision of
Western special services. They don't do anything
without consulting the decision-making centres
in the Anglo-Saxon world. But there is more
than one centre.''
''In the West itself ---- there is, for example, a more moderate
faction that believes that Russia is already in fact defeated and it is not necessary to anger it, provoke strikes and any other harsh actions on our part. They believe, that these
kind of audacious terrorist antics do nothing to achieve
long-term goals. They believe that, by giving us such
irritating terrorist jabs --- Ukraine will not achieve
results, that is, it will not be able to destroy us.''
''And there are those in the West who believe that we have not
just lost, but collapsed altogether & demonstrated weakness.
The withdrawal from Kherson, grain deals; all this is seen by
the radical wing of the West as our complete defeat. And so
they are pushing the Ukrainian terrorist regime... to launch
more and more strikes - believing that we will not respond
in any way, that we are ready for a truce.''
''That is, there are two "parties" there: one radical --- which
pushes Ukrainians to terrorist actions, and the other more
moderate, which scolds them for the sake of appearance.
This is a pure performance. And.. the Ukrainians are only
an instrument of this globalist war. Kiev in this story, as
an independent subject, simply does not exist. There
are two decision-making centres outside of Kiev.''
Are we talking about those "geopolitical chess games" that
you have repeatedly mentioned before? Is there a division
in them into black and white? Conditionally to those who
believe that Russia is weak, and to those who believe
that Russia can respond?
''Both of them believe that Russia is weak. Only some believe
that Russia is very weak and therefore it can be finished off,
while others believe that it is weak, but - in agony - it can
suddenly use some resources, means - nuclear weapons
and so on. That is, some are more radical, others are
less radical. But everyone --- is against us.''
''There is, of course, a third pole, but it is not the centre of decision-making in the West. For example, people like
Trump who don't care about Russia. They are not for
Russia, they don't like us either, but they believe
that there are other problems... besides us.
Therefore it is irrational to set themselves
the task of destroying Russia - at any
cost, and it does not correspond to
the interests of the global West. In
their opinion - this can be done,
but absolutely not in this way,
not now and not --- in the
first place.''
What is the significance of this third pole?
''You can't underestimate it. Just now... it is under attack in
the States themselves. These are traditional Republicans,
these are the so-called paleoconservatives, that is... old
conservatives who believe that Russia is not in charge.''
''There are neoconservatives - these are former Trotskyists
who became supporters of hyperliberalism.... because of
Trotsky's hatred of Stalin, Trotskyists for Stalinism, and
the Soviet period. They have shifted their beliefs --- to
the new geopolitical environment --- and are the core
of our most radical opponents.''
''And the paleoconservatives.. take the position that it's not
about Russia - at all. There are many other problems that
the West must deal with. These... are the three decision
-making centres. Now, of course, our radical opponents
and moderates set the tone, but such indifferent ones
--- they, practically, do not exist in the West.''
The "fifth Column - is a piece on the chessboard
that the West is moving against us" Do we have
such centres?
''There are also three centres on our side of the chessboard.
One centre is the traitors who, together with our radical
opponents, dream of Russia's immediate defeat. As a
matter of fact, this is a "fifth column" that has long
escaped and simply works for the Kiev terrorist
regime, for the Western special services. But
until recently, they were part of our political,
cultural, and intellectual elite. These were
respected people who appeared on all
channels, were experts, published
their books and set the tone. We
can not say... that these are
some kind of marginals.''
''They are simply part of our establishment, but only now
have these people revealed themselves - as radical
opponents of Russia, our people, and everything
related to our culture, civilization, and values.''
''They didn't become like this after the beginning of the SVO
------ they always were. We have many athletes, politicians,
cultural figures, and oligarchs just like that. Someone has
already made this Nazi pro-Ukrainian coming-out, that is,
said that he spat on Russia. The "fifth column" is one of
the pieces on the chessboard, that the West is moving
against us. This is an opportunity to influence our
chess --- from the inside out.''
''There is a second force — those who consider Russia part
of the Western world would like to conclude an immediate
truce with the West on any terms, but are loyal to Putin.
Such people understand that this is impossible. They
represent "sleepers". This is part of the elite, which
does not directly rebel against the government, but
is ready to do so at any time, if there is at least
some chance.''
Is the second power less dangerous?"
''It's a very dangerous current. Yes, these people are not open
enemies. Yes, they are now saying that they are for the SVO,
for Russia, but they are doing everything to prevent us from
concentrating all the necessary resources - to mobilize
society, to win. They are, in fact, a kind of centre of
sabotage - invisible, indirect. They say: "Yes,
Vladimir Vladimirovich! Give us this
assignment, and we will be the
first to execute it. Just don't
give it to this one.. because
it's not the same. Just give
it to me and I'll do it!"
''And then begins the coordination of the task with the
interests of the West --- their own personal interests.
Sometimes they overlap, and the mobilization of
our society is sabotaged.''
''But there is a third figure. This is the victory Party, this is the
people, this is the president, these are patriots. I liked how
someone wrote in one Telegram channel: Narod-front.
That is, the people and the front are now one. This is
us. We are both the people and our Russian warrior.
That's one thing now. This victory party is certainly
led by the President and his truly civilizationally
loyal associates. Not all of our elite is rotten,
there are absolutely convinced carriers of
the Russian spirit.''
''The most important thing is that he stands on this side of the
victory party, but historically he has got such an elite, and he
is trying to manipulate it somehow. He himself said that a
different elite is needed — from the people who are at the
front, from the front that is among the people. That is,
from the mobilized. Putin said bluntly: people will
come with their own freedom, and they should
be the ruling elite -- and not those who found
themselves in it, during the most decadent,
treacherous periods of our recent history.''
"The fool was admitted to the society of gentlemen"
''Russophobia has become one of the signs of modern history.
Recently in Kiev, for example, they decided to ban the font
"Izhitsa", because it is of Russian origin.''
''Russophobia in Kiev has already crossed all borders. I don't think even just watching the pigs go berserk, is worth it. Imagine: a person is in a psychiatric clinic, he is a maniac, he has a seizure. Are we going to watch him gnaw on the battery - with his teeth, scratch his face, yell something unintelligible?
There is something pathological about
watching this scene.''
''Unfortunately, we can't introduce a cure and stop the
black postmodern spectacle that represents the
shameful, shameless rage of this Nazi regime.
But it's also unhealthy, to explore its details.
Let's just win in the end and be done with it.
Let's forget it like a bad dream and not think
about these perversions anymore. We'll just
start building a healthy, normal society, in a healthy direction.''
What is the real purpose of Ukraine in this conflict?
''I think that we are deeply mistaken when we believe
that Ukraine sets itself the goal of restoring its
territories, sovereignty or strengthening
its statehood.''
''It had all this - before the conflict began. There was full
control over the territories. There was a national state.
Russia did not attempt to kill it. And suddenly at some
point, Ukraine — at least this part of the obsessive
Ukrainian Nazis — begins to do everything to stop
being so. So that Crimea secedes, so that the
Donbass rises up, so that we send in troops
and liberate two more regions that voted
with pleasure to become part of the
Russian Federation.''
''There is some logical discrepancy here. If we are dealing
with nationalists who want a strong national state, they
should have gone towards this goal. But here it's the
other way around. They had a national state with
Crimea, Donbass, Kherson and Zaporizhia. And
the actions of the nationalists, which were
supposed to strengthen the government,
led to the fact that these territories do
not exist. There are no other peoples.
The industry is destroyed. The
question arises: do we
understand correctly,
what Ukraine wants?''
''Does Freud have a phrase Was will das Weib? — What does
a woman want?" And all of Freudianism is built on trying to
answer this very complex, fundamental question. What
does Kiev want? This is definitely not a national state,
because it is its policy that has led to destruction,
destruction, undermining, dismemberment.
And will lead to its end.''
Then what do they want in Kiev?
''The answer occurred to me ---- that they had fallen into the
pursuit of success, a nation of clowns, a nation of buffoons who only needed attention. They need to be talked about, shown and invited to - high-level meetings. And for this
fame and popularity, they are ready to give their state,
their people ------ their society. That is, it is a kind of
hypertrophied desire for success. And everything
falls into place. Why - do people choose a clown?
Because only clown people can choose a clown.''
''How does Ukraine behave? She goes to great lengths to
court the applause of either side. That is --- it suits any
antics, any performances, any actions. And there is no
real, far-reaching goal — state building, the return of
Crimea, the establishment of Kiev's power over the
eastern territories - already our lands - and even
more so, an attack on Russia, this goal is not
worth it!''
''Ukrainians just want to call attention to themselves, and
I must say that they are getting their way. It is only
necessary to change this goal-setting, and the
logic of the behaviour of the Kiev regime
becomes completely clear.''
''We are dealing with such crazy actors who are ready to do
anything just to be applauded and helped, just to be loved.
And when someone gets bored with them, they come up
with new tricks and do it quite inventively. If this trick is
war, they go to war, to murder, to torture. That is, it is
a bloody circus.''
''That is why they are now throwing a huge amount, of what
they are already beginning to say is meat into the counter-
offensive. Why do they process Ukrainians? Because it
draws attention to this bloody fog. If you look at how
the president of this country, even when he was a
fairly harmless ordinary comedian, starred in a
video, participating in a homosexual dance on
stilettos in leather underwear, it becomes
clear: he can change into anyone, can
play any role.''
''But that's what other Ukrainians do, too. When they come to
a Western country, they organize a performance. For what?
Just to get some attention. Thus, we are dealing with a
crazy clown. With the people who became the people
of crazy clowns.''
Here you can recall, not Mikhalkov, but, for example, "Joker".
''I think that the authors of "Joker", who made this film, just
decided to project this figure on the whole country. In order
to humiliate them, and through them to humiliate us, to kill
us, to engage in this monstrous dialogue with this
absolutely crazy society, which is ready to
sacrifice everything for a photo, for
applause, for likes, for attention,
including its own country.''
''No one has ever heard of any Ukraine before. Only, perhaps,
some ethnographers knew. And so, the Ukrainians decided
to make themselves felt. Yes they have attracted attention. And they are very happy --- when their president travels
around the world, sits, hugs with the leaders of the
Western world. In fact, this is a terrible thing —
the fool was allowed into the society
of gentlemen.''
''There is such a cruel Anglo-Saxon entertainment ---- dinner
with an idiot. When a group of people, of more or less the
same social level, invites someone deliberately stupid, to
dinner and they all sit there, pretending to have ordinary
conversations. But one of them is a complete idiot. And
he doesn't know... he's an idiot. This gives others a
special perverse, anti-humanistic pleasure. They
systematically abuse a person. Cold, consistent
--- not spontaneous. They are preparing this
humiliation, making it out. As well as what Ukraine is involved in.''
''The idiot was invited to the higher realms to behave as he
behaves. And everyone likes it. But when the idiot leaves
-- people exchange impressions about his intellectual
qualities --- and then pay tribute to him, behind his
back. A cynical practice, in my opinion. But the
Ukrainians want it: well, well, let the idiots, if
only we were invited to this dinner.''
Why, in your opinion?
''It's not about money, you know. There are different ways to
make money: you can kill Russians, you can kill yourself,
you can sell organs, you can set up some businesses,
you can build something. As a result, you can steal
something. In other words, money can appear in
different ways.''
''We should not reduce the explanation of the behaviour of
Ukrainians to the desire for money. They want attention.
They want applause and glory. The idea of profiting
from war, from the suffering of others, and from
your own, is probably present in this, but... it is
not the dominant one. This is very important
--- otherwise, we will not understand them.''
''By the way, here's the mistake. We thought, that their fate
was corruption. And their fate is clowning. Bloody. This is
really a society that has really gone mad. Here, we say it
as a metaphor. But they don't really fool around. They're
sick. And the way they fight, is a real obsession. We're
dealing with obsessive clowns.''
"To find the real killers, even taking Kiev is not enough"
Concluding the conversation, I would like to return to the
topic, with which, we started. Has there been any
progress in the investigation of the terrorist
attack against Dasha over the past year?
''The investigation... is underway, but the case was solved
almost from the very beginning. A Ukrainian terrorist on
the assignment of Budanov (head of Main Intelligence
Directorate of Ukraine) carried out a terrorist attack
then disappeared - her accomplices helped her.
Small performers, partially found, there are
courts. The case continues. Another
question is that the success in its
completion will be the capture of
Kiev, for example. Then we can
really talk about the triumph
of justice.''
''And indeed, it will be really possible to raise the question:
who and from whom specifically in the West received
carte blanche for this, which of the special services
helped? The question is not about the performer.''
''If you make fake license plates and passports - while being a
police officer, if you transfer information about the movement
of my car - or Dasha's car - to Ukrainian terrorists ---- at their request - for money, then you are participating in a terrorist attack. But this is a completely different responsibility. We need to get to our customers.''
So far, we can see a chain of performers, but they are still only switchmen. Even Budanov, is a switchman, because it is not in his competence - to make such radical decisions. This is a much higher level of responsibility. Therefore --- the New York Times, almost immediately --- hastened to disown it: they say the Ukrainians did everything themselves.''
''They also tried to disown the explosion of the gas pipeline,
the attacks on the Crimean Bridge. But it is quite obvious:
to find the real culprits, the real killers, even taking Kiev - is not enough.''
''Many people write to me: "It's a pity that we didn't avenge
Dasha!" But you see, even if the performer is found, tried
and executed, there will still be no justice. First of all,
Dasha is priceless. There is no price that can be paid
for this horror to be balanced --- in any way. But
secondly, there are people who know: they
were the ones who sacrificed her, they
gave the order. And we'll find them
sooner or later.''
''Specific customers and real killers, of course, are
located outside the territory of Ukraine, in the
leadership of Western special services,
Western political instances. We will
find them. In the meantime, the
preparatory stage.''
The West has manufactured this rope
and as its neck feels the noose
tighten... some will feel pity.
What we could do, is repent.
______________________________
While Ukrainians --- die on the frontlines,
Zelensky is lobbying US financial firms
August 20th, 11:59am
by Shabbir Rizvi
(source: PressTV)
As the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russia dwindles
to a screeching halt, failing to achieve its objectives,
many questions are being raised about the former
Soviet republic’s future.
Will the Kiev regime concede defeat? Will Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky fight Russians.. until the last Ukrainian?
How much of Ukrainian land will actually remain Ukraine's?
The question of disputed territory is a sensitive topic. NATO
military alliance officials are even floating the idea of giving
up significant Ukrainian territory to end the war and usher
in peace, an idea that may have been unimaginable prior
to the Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Although one can speculate back and forth about what land
will become Russian and what land will stay Ukrainian,
something far more sinister is happening beyond the
public eye of what will happen to the territory that
remains Ukraine.
While media pundits are busy tracking the territorial losses
and gains Ukraine is making, the Kiev regime is meeting
with American financial firms to sell off Ukrainian land
and infrastructure.
Even before Russia’s “military operation” completed its first
year, Zelensky had been meeting with various American
investment firms in order to “rebuild Ukraine.”
To the uninitiated, “rebuild Ukraine” sounds like a completely
logical and legitimate initiative in the wake of a devastating
war. However, Zelensky hasn’t been meeting with any
average firm.
He has been actively preparing the ground... for New York-
based investment firm BlackRock to take over significant
swaths of Ukrainian finances, primarily playing a leading
role in advising Kiev on how to handle its post-war
investments and funding.
BlackRock is a notorious “investment management” firm
that has worked closely with the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to hyper-privatize public
assets, land, and infrastructure.
The world’s largest “asset manager”, it manages trillions
of dollars in assets across the West and even acts as an
advisor to European banks. Naturally, it is also involved
in lobbying Western officials, essentially dictating and
creating policy for its own benefit.
However, with NATO encroaching east, it is expected that
countries would surrender their public institutions even
further to Western capitalists as they embrace
neoliberal policies.
It is in recorded history ---- that, during Ukraine’s 2014
Maiden Coup, the United States was closely involved.
The then US Assistant Secretary of State Victory Neuland
was directly on the ground supporting the fascist
overthrow of the neutral Ukraine government
for a pro-Western one.
Later, a leaked phone call revealed that Neuland was
picking and choosing which Ukrainian officials were
best to enter the new coup-installed regime.
It’s no surprise that Ukraine was headed towards a long road
of privatization - supporters of the new regime even burned
down a trade union building --- with people inside.
To this day, the victims have not seen
justice - as the perpetrators are free.
Now, under the guise of war, the Kiev regime has taken
significant steps to further bear the rotten fruits of the
Maiden Coup. Zelensky’s wartime powers have
allowed him to ban all opposition parties.
In August of 2022, Kiev ratified “Law 5371,” which strips
all labour protections – impacting around 70 percent of
Ukraine’s workforce.
Many neoliberals would argue that it is necessary to maintain
control of Ukraine’s exports during the war, but the law was
first introduced in 2021 and could not be passed then
due to trade union opposition.
Adding to it is the fact that Zelensky and his inner circle
were notorious for their corrupt financial affairs.
Prior to the war, it was revealed by the Pandora Papers that
Zelensky and his allies had swaths of money ....hidden in
offshore bank accounts. This money could not be traced
to them, and ignoring the fact that Zelensky’s allies
were involved, local institutions would find it
difficult to trace how they obtained it.
With trade union power dissolved and opposition parties
out of the way, the Kiev regime moved to auction off
their state enterprises.
It is important to note that there were multiple attempts
to auction off some of the same assets, prior to the
2022 military operation, to no avail.
The investment wasn’t as attractive to American capitalists
because there were still many hurdles - primarily legal - that
would make Ukrainian state assets an attractive investment.
With labour unions and political opposition away, foreign
penetration will now ...not only become easy, but even
competitive, and therefore profitable - not only for the
American capitalists but for those who would
eventually benefit from lobbying for money -
Zelensky and Co.
The foreign aid given to Kiev to fend off Russians also does
not come without a price. While the US sees fighting
Russians as money well spent, Washington still
expects an extra return on investment.
Highlighted in the National Recovery Plan are various figures
that address auctioning off state investments, paying back
IMF loans, and opening the country to foreign penetration.
Firms like BlackRock will play a key role in ensuring
every last available asset is sold and privatized.
Zelensky has taken Ukraine to the natural conclusion of
the US-backed Maiden Coup. A once neutral country
now turned into a vassal state of the US, Kiev has
not only sacrificed thousands of Ukrainian men
on the altar of US imperialism, it has --- quite
literally --- sold the entire country to
US capitalists.
With multiple meetings between BlackRock, JP Morgan, and
other investment firms to “rebuild Ukraine,” the fate of the
country - no matter what it looks like after peace is
reached - will be up to the ruling class of the
United States.
Zelensky, instead of searching for peace, is actively acting
as a salesman while thousands of his countrymen are
being slaughtered on the frontlines.
He was even quoted as saying that this situation is “the
greatest opportunity in Europe since World War Two,”
in reference to the incoming post-war investment.
Very little stands in the way for Western capitalists to swoop
in -- and hyper-privatize what is left of Ukraine post-invasion
- with BlackRock at the forefront, advising Ukraine’s foreign
investments and labour opposition completely eviscerated.
Clearly, this was the pathway for Ukraine when the 2014
coup regime announced its various intentions to fight
off the labour movement.
For the corrupt lot in Ukraine and the financial ruling class
in the US, the Russian military operation provided a
unique opportunity to become richer and filthier.
All it cost was the mere price of hundreds of thousands
of lives lost and a country that was once sovereign to
become a playground for the US financial class.
As peace brokers devise a plan on what the new borders of
Ukraine will likely look like, one thing is for certain - the
new face of Ukraine within its borders... will be
completely made by and for Western elites.
Shabbir Rizvi is a Chicago-based political analyst with
a focus on US internal security and foreign policy.
(The views expressed in this article do not
--- necessarily --- reflect those of Press TV.)
These views do reflect a growing
number of people's though.
What --- do you think?
________________________________________
Russia's Central Bank controls
the situation with the ruble,
madness is observed
only in the West
August 16th , 2023
(Source - Redacted
InoTV translation)
The dollar is up 60 percent against the Russian ruble, which
has been gaining strength -- since the start of the conflict in
Ukraine. So what's going on? We were told that everything
is fine with the ruble, but now it seems that this may not
be entirely true. Therefore, we would like to get an
expert opinion on this issue.
If you keep an eye on these things, usually a dollar has cost
about 80 rubles in recent months. And this week it jumped
over the mark of 100 rubles, and then fell just below
a hundred. The Russian Central Bank held an
emergency meeting this week and raised
the interest rate from 8.5 percent
to 12 percent.
Redacted correspondent Mike Jones lives in Russia,
follows East-West relations and will tell us more
about this issue. Thank you so much for
joining us.
MIKE JONES, Redacted correspondent:
''Always a pleasure.''
So, what is it? A complete economic
collapse, or can you give us
some context?
MIKE JONES: ''No, not in Russia. This is very closely
monitored by the Russian Central Bank. Madness is
observed in the West. Both Politico & economists,
who, apparently, do not understand the Russian
economy at all. The Russian Central Bank has
decided to raise this interest rate. And it is
worth remembering that they have not
changed rates since September last
year, from the level of 8.5.
''I will just quote the Central Bank's statement, they are very
straightforward about some of the factors that influenced
their decisions. For example, ''...when oil prices rise, the
ruble strengthens, which reduces the risk of over
heating of the economy. And when oil prices fall,
the ruble weakens, which plays into the hands
of domestic producers, by increasing exports
and stimulating import substitution.''
''Only this quote -- gives a good idea of the past year in Russia and why the ruble was allowed to reach such a level. But when it got to a hundred --- that's what seems to have triggered the so-called emergency meeting at the Central Bank. The West took it as a panic, they are sure that the ruble is falling rapidly.
''And this is not the case. Even if you go to the sitexe.comand
if you follow the ruble, you will see that the decline is gradual
and steady. The drop happened in March 2022, and there was
an obvious drop. As we know, oil prices have played a major
role. All these Western articles somehow do not mention
the restriction of oil prices.
''We heard about it, and then it, somehow, disappeared from
the news. Why? I suspect that around mid-July, Russian oil, or more precisely Urals crude, was trading above the agreed price limit of $ 60.''
Limiting the price of the oil --- you mentioned. This is meant
when the European Union decided: "Yes -- we will continue
to buy Russian oil, but we will introduce price restrictions."
And Russia said, " Well, it doesn't really work that way."
Is that what you're talking about?
MIKE JONES: ''Let's look at India. The Financial institute of
Kiev is now accusing them of inflating the cost of supplies
in order to circumvent these measures. I would not want to
pay too much attention to oil, because of course, Russia is
already called a gas station masquerading as an economy.
''One of the big changes, and I've already discussed it with
Clayton, was the grain deal. Since 2014 and the first
wave of sanctions, which were a good lesson for
Russia, it has withstood. Until 2014, Russia was
an importer of food products. Fast forward to
today, Russia is already an exporter of food.
''It exports, of course, grain and animal feed to Africa, and
Egypt is one of the major buyers. Of course, this affects
the price of agricultural feed, which increases this
influence in Western economies ....and in the
reaction of the West.
''The point is, that a weakened ruble means that Russia
receives more rubles from exports. It's the same with
food and oil. This was in the interests of Russia, but
now, as the Central Bank admitted, it has reached
the point where the domestic industry can no
longer expand --- to meet the requirements
of consumers.
''As a result, imports are already growing, which,
they admit, has driven up inflation. Hence the
measure --- that should handle this through
the interest rate.''
That's reassuring... what do you think?
___________________________________________
You can not pardon:the US
Ambassador to Australia
allowed the transfer of
Julian Assange to his
homeland ----------- if
he admits his guilt
by Alexander Karpov
August 14th, 10:01pm
(RT.ru)
The US' Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, has
suggested that a potential plea deal could allow
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to return
to his homeland.
Kennedy added that the conclusion of such an agreement
ultimately depends not on diplomats, but on the position
of the US Department of Justice, but a solution is
"absolutely possible."
Earlier, the head of the US State Department, Anthony
Blinken, said that the question of Assange's future, is
very sensitive for Washington. Political analysts note
that the talk about the likely extradition of Assange
occurs ------ against the backdrop of the political
rapprochement between the US and Australia...
but the WikiLeaks founder is unlikely to return
to his homeland as he caused too serious a
damage to the reputation and national
security of the US.
"In fact, this is not a diplomatic issue, but I think it is
absolutely possible to find a solution," Kennedy
said, in an interview with Australian media.
Endless Trial
Earlier, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, while on
a visit to Canberra, said that the question of the future
fate of the WikiLeaks founder --- is very sensitive
for Washington.
"Mr. Assange has been charged with very serious criminal
acts in the United States in connection with his alleged
role in one of the largest breaches of classified
information in the history of our country,"
Blinken said, after talks with the
Australian leadership.
In turn, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said
that his government will continue to seek the release
of the WikiLeaks founder.
"We remain very firm in our opinion and consistent in our
statements to the US government, we will continue to
seek his release," TASS quoted the head of the
Australian cabinet as saying.
The statement of the US ambassador about the possibility
of extradition of Assange to his homeland --- caused some
optimism among supporters of the WikiLeaks founder ---
and a number of Australian politicians.
So, Assange's brother, film producer Gabriel Shipton, believes
that --- in this way --- Washington is looking for a way out of a
situation, in which all the facts of corruption and crimes of
the US authorities will again be announced in the court to
which Assange will be tried, upon extradition to the US.
"This suggests that they do not want this story to develop
in American courts, especially during the electoral cycle.
Therefore ---- the US leadership is actually looking for an
opportunity to distance itself from what is an extremely,
extremely controversial prosecution that violates
media freedom," Shipton said, in a conversation
with Sky News Australia.
According to him, if Assange is indeed extradited to Canberra,
he should be released immediately, as he has already spent
enough time in prison.
And Australia's Shadow Immigration Minister, Dan Tehan,
said Canberra would welcome an end to the prosecution
of Assange, but the final decision on this issue, remains
with the US Department of Justice.
"The most important thing, I think, is that we should take into
account.. their justice system and processes. But, at the
same time, if it was possible to achieve the completion
of this incredibly long case, then we would all be
only for it," the politician said.
Recall - that Washington began the prosecution of Assange
in 2010, when hundreds of thousands of documents were
published on the WikiLeaks portal, including those
related to the actions of the US army in the Middle
East and other controversial steps of Washington,
which were hidden from the public, under the
pretext of protecting national security.
In 2012, the journalist lived in the UK. Fearing extradition to
the US, Assange took refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy, in
London, where he applied for political asylum. In 2019, the
then President of Ecuador, Lenin Moreno, announced that
he was denying the journalist political asylum and
depriving him of his Ecuadorian citizenship.
After seven years of isolation in the diplomatic mission,
the WikiLeaks founder was arrested and imprisoned
in London's Belmarsh prison.
Washington has been seeking Assange's extradition to
the US for more than four years, where he faces a
prison sentence of up to 175 years on
18 charges against him.
In turn, Assange's defense team is trying to prevent his extradition to the US authorities. In 2022, a UK court
blocked the extradition of Assange --- granting the
appeal of his lawyers. However, this decision
was later reversed, and the British Interior
Minister, Priti Patel, approved the
extradition of the WikiLeaks
founder to the US.
In June of this year, the wife of Julian Assange announced
that her husband would use the last opportunity to block
his extradition to the US, through a UK court.
"A blow to reputation"
The statement of a US diplomat about a possible
deal, indicates that the US has begun to realize
the reputational harm from the prosecution of
Assange, political analyst Malek Dudakov
noted, in a conversation with RT.
"The Americans are quite aggressively trying to get Assange
extradited to their justice system. However, the talk about a
deal with justice shows that the United States is aware of
the reputational losses caused by attempts to send to life
imprisonment a person who is obviously persecuted for
political reasons and suffered for disclosing the facts
of war crimes," the expert explained.
However, the option of a deal in which Assange will be
returned to his homeland and then be released,
does not seem realistic today, Dudakov added.
"The ideal scenario would be Assange's admission of guilt
and return to Australia, maybe under house arrest or
restriction of freedom, but I'm not sure that this
is realistic," the source said.
The main problem with implementing such a scenario is the
fact that Canberra is not an equal partner of Washington
and has no leverage on it, but can only ask the United
States to meet it halfway, the political scientist said.
"There is a certain rapprochement between them,
but Australia is not a player of such a level, that
itcan bargain with the Americans in something.
Canberra can voice its wishes, but in the end,
Washington will do as it sees fit, given that
now Australia is largely dependent on the
United States in the military sphere,"
Malek Dudakov commented.
In turn, Vladimir Bruter, an expert at the International Institute
for Humanitarian and Political Studies, believes that the
WikiLeaks founder will sooner or later be extradited
to the US and spend the rest of his life in prison.
"Assange will never be returned to Australia. After some
time, he will be extradited to the United States. This will
not happen immediately --- another appeal will be
considered, and during this time he will remain
in a UK prison," the expert stressed, in an
interview with RT.
The US wants to punish Assange significantly, as he
caused damage to their reputation and the national
security system, Bruter explained.
"Assange cannot be released, his actions are categorically
unacceptable ------ from the point of view of the US political
establishment, and he must be demonstratively punished.
If he is released and speaks freely with the media and in
public, it will be a blow to Washington's reputation as a
global hegemon. It turns out that a certain private
person can tear off the covers from the secret
affairs of Washington and he will not get
anything for it. It is very important for
the US, that all such individuals are
punished in the most severe way.
The situation was similar... with
Snowden, only he disappeared
beyond the reach of American
extraterritorial justice," the
political scientist noted.
No charges have been brought against Assange in
Australia, and no court cases have been opened,
so his transfer to Canberra would effectively
mean his release, Bruter said.
"For the United States, this will be a significant political
defeat. While he is in a British prison, this is not such a
crucial moment for Washington — they know that the
British authorities will not release him. In addition,
London gives the whole process legitimacy,
pretending that there is some kind of
objective judicial procedure, with
appeals and their consideration.
But they won't let him go to
Australia ---- even though
Washington & Canberra
have recently become
.....very close," the
expert concluded.
Everyone playing games.
The US ---- according to
world polls, is already
the most hated state
in the world. If.. they
continue destroying
this journalist they
will just be hated
a little bit more.
Let us keep sending pleas through
our representatives - and pray for
a miracle... or can YOU think of
a solution?
____________________________
IMF varnishes the
“Kosovo picture”
August 11th, 10:52am
https://en.news-front.info/
The servants of the New World Order have long been trying to
lure mankind into their fictional reality. For this purpose, they
use the media & international organisations -- through which
they spread total lies (mixed with a drop of truth, of course).
Serbian Kosovo is a perfect example of the lies of the
globalists. The creation of a 'state' in the place of a
region almost taken away from the Serbs is a poor
solution. That is why behind the political decision
the economic card is played -- a way to convince
the whole world of the stability & attractiveness
of the region. However the political verbiage or
simply --- lies uttered by the globalists, should
be studied, not even by masters of linguistic
juggling, but by psychiatrists.
Gabriel Di Bella --- a representative of the International
Monetary Fund team, believes that the EU’s restrictive
measures against Kosovo may become an obstacle
for foreign investments (!) in the region. Di Bella (a
truly telling surname for Russian ears) said that
“recent events in four northern municipalities
..have led to limited economic and financial
co-operation with the unrecognised state”.
So, your eyesight has not failed you. Di Bella is talking about
some kind of investment in a failed state called Kosovo. In
the very “Kosovo”, which for the last decades was built on
the blood and suffering of Serbs, against all principles of
international law. The very same “Kosovo” that is run by
terrorists and bandits who have made their fortunes by
seizing Serbian property, trafficking in drugs, human
beings.. and human organs. The very “Kosovo” from
which Albanians themselves are fleeing en masse
because economic life in the region is simply
unbearable --- precisely, in the Serbian
municipalities … Obviously, Di Bella
is fulfilling the task of varnishing
the “Kosovo picture”, perhaps
not least, in order to use the
money of the same IMF.
The report of the working group presented by Di Bella
states that “macroeconomic conditions in Kosovo
remain favourable” and adds that “inflation
continues to fall and budget revenues
are rising”.
We can state that the IMF official was writing a fairy tale for
his superiors, and the beautifully drawn report pursued
goals in a different, fictional, globalist reality.
Meanwhile, Pristina itself is not lagging behind the “sanctions
players” and prohibits the entry of lorries with Serbian goods
into its territory, creating a real humanitarian disaster in the
north of the region (not only in the north). And, naturally,
an economic catastrophe. But Di Bella prefers to paint
a different picture to his addressees (the leadership
--- or ordinary citizens of Western countries?):
“In a challenging global environment, macroeconomic
conditions in Kosovo have remained favourable so
far in 2023. Growth remains robust, inflation
continues to fall, and the current account
deficit has started to narrow,” he says
in no uncertain terms. No comment.
Di Bella is brazenly lying about any personal income growing
at a “healthy rate.” Rather, the population’s incomes are
falling at an unhealthy rate, causing the same population
to flee from the region to Europe, where they can at
least find work. But the “cherry on the cake” is the
IMF official’s conclusion that there are still minor
problems in unrecognised and almost perfect,
economically attractive Kosovo:
“But instability and rising global tensions in northern Kosovo
remain risks to the outlook that, if they materialise, could
contribute to political problems,” Di Bella concludes.
After this phrase you can call a psychiatrist, because it is
obvious, because the “risks of tension” in the north of
Kosovo have long since materialised and do not seem
to be planning to subside. Political problems, in which
the USA and EU are actively involved, happened long
ago and their existence is acknowledged every day
by the specified centres of globalists, thinking what
to do with it all.
What Mr Di Bella’s statements mean is not clear to the end.
For whom he drew his report – also remains a mystery.
Apparently, the habit of living a lie, convincing themselves
and their environment, of its reality, trying to fish in
troubled waters, through its projection, is a
habitual state of the IMF staff. It will be
possible to utilise the funds and
get a promotion.
Vladimir Basenkov, Southern News Service
Can't wait for BRICS, etc, to replace
the IMF and all the other US driven
dens of filth and corruption!
Do you think?
__________________________________
United States of Africa Forming
to Lead World Against U.S.
and Allied Empire
by Eric Zuesse
August 10th
(SouthFront)
A potential United States of Africa is now in the early stages
of formation, after a mutiny by Niger’s Presidential Guards
immediately expanded into a coup by Niger’s Army --- on
July 26th and overthrew the country’s ‘democratically’
elected U.S.-and-French stooge - and very corrupt -
President, Mohamed Bazoum.
The Nigeran public immediately responded to this coup with
massive cheering demonstrations throughout the country,
supporting as their liberators, the team that was freeing
their land from the exploitative grip of the imperialists:
France, backed by America.
Niger, like the other African countries that use the French
franc as their currency, has been funding France’s
Government and Niger’s own aristocracy, by
means of a complex mechanism called
“the CFA franc” which the CNN U.S.
propaganda network, buried in
one of their news reports.
Françafrique has often been criticized for perpetuating neo-
colonial practices. For example, few things have sparked
more controversy than the Central African franc or CFA,
a currency which is used by 14 nations in West and
Central Africa --- including Niger.
Countries using CFA francs are required to store 50% of their
currency reserves with the Banque de France, and the
currency is pegged to the euro. While Paris asserts
that the system promotes economic stability,
others say, it allows France to exert control
over the economy of the countries using it.
So, basically, whatever is shipped abroad by any of those
countries, the proceeds, in effect, go 50% to France,
and only the other 50% goes to Niger or the other
source-country.
As the U.S. regime’s own Brookings
Institution, earlier, obliquely put it:
''Some African economists consider the broader dependency
on European monetary policies as a restriction to growth
due to a hyper-fixation on inflation. However, African
elites and wealthy individuals, the primary
beneficiaries of the CFA franc zone
configuration, support its
continuation.''
The only beneficiaries are the individuals who control the
international corporations — especially the ones that are
headquartered in France and in America, and that have
subsidiaries in the given African colony. As a scholar
at the British aristocracy’s London School of
Economics surprisingly admitted:
''The CFA franc also encourages massive capital outflows.
In brief, membership of the franc zone is synonymous with
poverty and under-employment, as evidenced by the fact
that 11 of its 15 adherents are classed as Least
Developed Countries (LDCs) -- while the
remainder -- (Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon,
Congo, Gabon) have all experienced
real-term economic decline.''
Finally, they maintain that membership of the franc zone is
inimical.. to the advance of democracy. To uphold the CFA
franc, it is argued, France has never hesitated to jettison
heads of state tempted to withdraw from the system.
Most were removed from office or killed in favour of
more compliant leaders who cling to power come
hell or high water, as shown by the CAEMC
nations and Togo.
Economic development is impossible in such
circumstances, as is the creation of any
political system ---- that meets the
preoccupations of the majority
of citizens.
In the subsequent days, after the coup, Niger entered into
discussions with Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, which
already previously had coups for freedom from their
imperialist masters that the U.S. Government leads.
Meanwhile, the U.S. regime’s efforts — which are being led
by Victoria Nuland, who masterminded the U.S. regime’s
successful coup, that... in February 2014, grabbed and
absorbed Ukraine into the U.S. empire, so to get it into
NATO as the nearest bordering country from which to
attack The Kremlin and decapitate Russia - only 317
miles away from Ukraine ------ appear, thus far, to be
running into an unwillingness of the Governments
near Niger to shed their peoples’ blood to invade
Niger, whose public are determined to achieve
freedom from their foreign exploiters, and will
not give up short of a very bloody war which
would embarrass the US & its ‘democracies’
and so strip away -- that ‘democratic’ mask
the U.S. regime uses -- in order to fool
publics everywhere.
On August 3rd, CNN headlined “Africa’s latest coup is a
headache for the West and an opportunity for Russia”,
and pretended that the aggression here - and the
opposition to democracy - came from Russia
against the United States, instead of from
the United States against Russia.
I have previously explained these events in my 6 March
2023 “The Transformative Present Moment in History”.
Whatever the outcome will be from the current events in
Niger, it will be a part of that story, and maybe a very
important part of it. However, the time is too early
to predict what that outcome will turn out to be.
In any case, that story began in 1945, when the anti-
imperialist U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
became replaced by the pro-imperialist President
Harry Truman, who shaped the post-WW-II
international order, which has lasted till
now, and which appears to be soon
reaching its climax.
If Victoria Nuland will not be able to turn the screws against
Niger’s new leaders in the way that her bosses, Antony
Blinken, and, above him, Joe Biden, are hoping — nor
to get ‘the free world’ to invade and conquer Niger as
they hope — then a successful model will have
become established which might be copied by
other slave-nations, by means of which they,
too, might likewise break away, and free
themselves, from their imperial masters,
the U.S.-and-‘allied’ (vassal-nation)
empire: the U.S. aristocracy, and
its foreign dependency ones.
If so, it would terminate the hegemon’s hegemony. It would
end the Truman-initiated global system (which aspires to
conquer — absorb into its imperial web — all nations,
and especially Russia and China). So: the stakes
are huge in Niger now.
Investigative historian Eric Zuesse’s new book, AMERICA’S
EMPIRE OF EVIL: Hitler’s Posthumous Victory, and Why the
Social Sciences Need to Change, is about how America
took over the world after World War II in order to
enslave it to U.S.-and-allied billionaires.
Their cartels extract the world’s wealth, by control of
not only their ‘news’ media but the social ‘sciences’
— duping the public.
Ah, we hope and pray for Africa's courage and self- belief to win.
What do you hope and pray for?
_____________________________________
Loyal: Germany invested millions
in Niger— and Russia will get
all the benefits
August 9th, 2023
(Original source: Loyal
--- translated by InoTV)
The Association of German Reservists in the pages of
its magazine Loyal accuses the German government
of having actually "overslept" the coup in Niger. As
a result, millions of dollars of Berlin's investment
in equipping and training the country's military
police forces has disappeared, and Russia will
now benefit from the fruits of German efforts.
In addition, Berlin can not evacuate about a
hundred of its military personnel from Niger.
It remains to be seen.. whether the Economic Community of
West African States will be able to implement its threat and
organize a military intervention to restore ousted President
Bazum to power. Loyal magazine, however, notes that
neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, also ruled by the
rebel military, "will regard the attack on Niger as an
attack on their own countries" and promise to
come to the aid of the new government of
Niger. Algeria, which is influential in the
region, called on the parties to refrain
from military conflict, as "if it comes
to this, it will mean a big war, and
this ------ is the last thing that the
poorest region of Africa needs."
Bundeswehr troops are stationed at the airport of the capital
of Niger, which is a key base for supplying and withdrawing
German troops from neighboring Mali. Almost a thousand
German soldiers participated in the UN mission in Mali,
but the new government in Bamako requires them to
leave the country before the end of the year, which
already meant a rush, and after the suspension of
the base in Niger became even more difficult.
Even if the airport in the capital of Niger
manages to find an alternative, there
is still the question of almost 100
soldiers in Niamey itself.
"If ECOWAS decides to implement its ultimatum and start
fighting, then Niamey airport will be the first target for
intervention troops, and the German camp is located
right on the runway, next to the camp of our
European partners," Loyal magazine
reminds the German government.
According to the data available to the magazine, German
soldiers have not yet received threats against them —
unlike the French, but they are "still trapped", and
"the situation remains unpredictable".
For the author of the article, the main culprit of this situation
is obvious: the German federal government, which did not
organize the withdrawal of troops in time. The German
Federal Intelligence Service also did not foresee what
happened — "another not very nice page for German
foreign intelligence," the magazine states.
But an even greater responsibility lies with the German
Foreign Ministry. "The Ministry of Defense wanted a
speedy withdrawal (of troops from the region. — Ino
TV), but the Foreign Ministry feared that Germany's
reputation as a reliable UN member in the world
could be undermined." Now we can sum up this
policy: "Those who wait too long are punished
by the putschists."
Loyal also notes the mistakes of the German government in
financial assistance to Niger, which focused on training the
military and police. In Niger, Germany participated in the
creation of a security force that can now be commanded
by an illegal coup squad. With the help of the Germans,
a military school was built in the country, a hospital
for soldiers, German soldiers trained the special
forces of Niger, which was fully " equipped with
protective equipment, all-terrain vehicles, radio
and night vision devices supplied from Germany."
Millions of dollars of financial injections into
military structures continued... until the
beginning of the year.
"Russia will now fully benefit from the efforts made by
Germany and the West to invest in Niger's security
architecture," Loyal concludes. "The putschists
led by General Tiani are openly pro-Russian, and
Russian flags --- are flying all over the country,
"which should" cause delight in the Kremlin,
" which has consolidated its influence "in a
very important region."
In the case of Niger, it is "not only about access to minerals,
especially uranium", but also about controlling "the most
important route of refugees from Africa to Europe",
which is "a means of exerting pressure on the
West, the importance of which cannot be
overemphasized". The author of the
article is sure that Russia uses it
as a lever of pressure in the
conflict in Ukraine.
The Discussio Page is probably the
best place for this article - tucked
away and thus less likely to do
harm. What do you think?
______________________________
If you want.. an enervatingly
optimistic, in depth, article:
https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/
sitrep-8123-the-hegemon-begins-to
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
How Orthodox Christianity is being destroyed in Ukraine
August 4th, 9:33am
(RT.ru)
Zelenskyy’s godless regime wants to use the Feast
of the Baptism of Russia --- to “unbaptise” it by
destroying Orthodoxy, finally plunging the
UOC into schism.
The facts of who and how is pushing the UOC to the terrible sin of schism, which, in the words of St Cyprian of Carthage
''is not washed away even with martyr’s blood”, we try to consistently set out. They are, as follows.
1. “Metropolitan” of the PCU --- noticed as an lgbt activist
Alexander Drabinko, publicly blackmails the UOC on
behalf of Zelensky – “Theophany” is not enough
for us, either you gather the Council, and self-
proclaim autocephaly, or the UOC will
be banned.
Zelenskyy confirms the seriousness of the blackmail by
making a special address announcing new measures
for “spiritual independence”, i.e. the destruction
of Orthodoxy.
The Verkhovna Rada assures that a law
banning the UOC is passed on 27 July.
2. The UOC is bumped and on the feast of St Anthony
of Kiev-Pechersk, when the episcopate of the UOC
gathered in Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, there is no self-
proclamation of autocephaly.
3. Then the Ukroreich deliberately launches a missile at
the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour built
by Metropolitan Agafangel of Odessa. Local Orthodox
Christians claim that the missile hit the Cathedral
--- two hours before the Russian missile attack.
Another proof of this version is the presence
of the Ukroreich’s motive... to use the
cathedral explosion, as a pretext to
completely put the UOC in schism.
The bombing of the cathedral is a provocation by Zelenskyy,
whose goal is to finally break exactly the opponent of
autocephaly, Metropolitan Agafangel of Odessa,
which, if successful, will greatly accelerate
the process.
But he balks and instead of himself puts up the vicar
Archbishop Victor (Bykov), who makes a false and
impudent statement against Patriarch Kirill. This
vicar, is seen by the SBU, as a successor to
Metropolitan Agafangel... in case he
continues to stall.
Zelenskyy’s office responds to Metropolitan Agafangel by
blackmailing him with the sins of his youth: “Grandpa,
you can’t fool us, you can’t get away with the
vicarage, speak for yourself”, which
Metropolitan Agafangel did, calling
black, white ------ slandering the
SSU and Russia, but did not
personally touch Patriarch
Kirill and did not demand
the self-proclamation
of autocephaly.
In response, Zelenskyy’s Office used a former disciple of
Metropolitan Agafangel of Sumy, Metropolitan Yevlogy
(Gutchenko), who made his ecclesiastical career with
the help of the aforementioned Drabinko, betraying
Metropolitan Agafangel. Yevlogy appealed to
Metropolitan Onufry, with an appeal to spit
on the ecclesiastical interdictions of the
Moscow Patriarchate... which will
inevitably follow.... in the case of
a 'self-proclaimed' autocephaly
of the UOC. Thus Metropolitan
Yevlogy calls on the UOC to
break with Orthodoxy.
The position of the Ukroreich is clear: “You will not get away
with words against Russia and special operations, proclaim
autocephaly on 28 July, otherwise the UOC will be banned”.
Even if Metropolitans Onuphrius and Agafangel go for it, the
meeting of UOC bishops on 28 July will not be able to make
such a decision, as 3 Metropolitans Theodosius, Pavel and
Jonathan are under arrest, with Metropolitan Pavel in a
pre-trial detention centre.
Metropolitan Longin of Banchensk lies with a stroke,
driven to it by the repressions of the Ukroreich.
Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkassy will
probably oppose this decision, as will
other arrested metropolitans.
Those who vote in favour of self-proclaimed autocephaly,
will finally, according to all canons, become schismatics
and become worthy of anathema, like Filaret Denysenko.
One vote against the same Metropolitan Theodosius is
enough to nullify the forthcoming self-proclamation of
autocephaly of the UOC, just as one vote of Abbot
Mark of Ephesus was enough to foil the Union of
Ferrara-Florence.
But still I appeal to the episcopate of the UOC with a
request -- to make a confessional decision, if only
because this confession will not last long --- the
Russian Army will take Odessa, Kiev and other
Russian cities, no matter how much the US
agents of influence in Moscow try to stop
the special operation.
At the same time, as reported by the faithful Orthodox
of Malorossia, the insane heresiarch, Barthrolomey,
under the leadership of the Uniate and at the same
time, the archimandrite of the Russian Orthodox
Church Kirill (Govorun), has come up with a new
plan for the final destruction of Orthodoxy in
Malorossia, a kind of “plan B”.
The Phanar.. gives the PCU the status of Patriarchate
with preservation of dependence on the Patriarchate
of Constantinople, before that the UOC and the PCU
unite, Metropolitan Onufry leaves, Sergiy Dumenko
leaves, and the Canadian Metropolitan of the UOC
of Constantinople Patriarchate in the US ------
Hilarion (Rudnik) becomes the “Patriarch”
of the united structure.
The fact that he has a canonical chiarotony does not change
the essence of the matter because: 1. almost all “hierarchs”
of the PCU do not have it; 2. “the authority of the Patriarch
of Constantinople ends outside his diocese” (Metropolitan
Anthony (Khrapovitsky).
Hilarion (Rudnik) is a fairy figure. A thuggish Nazi who
worked closely with Dudayev, Basayev, Maskhadov
and other terrorists and oes not conceal his goal
of unification.
Dumenko, however, does not want to leave.
But his masters from the United States
will not ask him.
The only person and thing that can stop this new union
is the Russian Army --- and carrying out the special
operations in full.
Kirill Frolov, Russian People’s Line
In a nutshell - until the Zelensky regime is crushed - the US will use him to break Russia's Spiritual power.
A truly diabolical plan.
What do you think?
__________________________________
Zakharova discussed----- the
policy of the colonial powers
August 4th, 12:03am
(Lenta.ru)
The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry,
Maria Zakharova ----- speculated about the policy of the
colonial powers, in a column for Izvestia newspaper.
In particular, Zakharova drew attention to the term "Non-
Self-Governing Territories" -- used in the UN Charter.
According to her, in fact, we are talking about
- colonies. "Colonial Powers cannot endlessly
suppress the independence and sovereignty
of peoples. Although their desire to acquire
new colonies is quite logical," she said.
The representative of the Foreign Ministry expressed
confidence that "the free world will definitely win",
and the process of decolonization "will not be
completed ------ until the last of the Non-Self-
Governing Territories gains independence".
In July, Maria Zakharova said that the West
treats Ukraine as a colony, commenting on
plans.... to export relics from the Kiev
Pechersk Lavra.
Since my country, Wales (Cymru), is a ''non-governing
territory'' (- apologies to our Senedd members! -) and
England's first colony (apologies to Ireland's superb
historians!) my heart resonates with Ms Zakharova.
I think I'm in love with her. What... do you think?
_______________________________________
Seoulraises stakes
in confrontation
with Moscow
August 2nd, 12:43pm
https://en.news-front.info/
South Korea... is being drawn into the collective West’s
confrontation with Russia. Seoul is supplying 155mm
howitzer shells to the Kiev regime, via the US.
Japan’s participation in the deal... is
being prepared.
Seoul and Tokyo have formed a pair here for a reason.
From the perspective of Japanese geopolitics, the
Korean Peninsula is “a knife pointed at Japan’s
chest.” Japan feels threatened if it does not
control Korea. Since the Korean War of
1950-1953, two Koreas have emerged
– the pro-US South Korea... and the
pro-Soviet, and now pro-Russian,
North Korea.
Japan sees South Korea and US military bases as a buffer
separating North Korea from Japan and the zone of
Japanese influence. The Tokyo-Seoul-Washington
geopolitical axis allows the U.S. and Japan
toexert militaristic pressure on Russia’s
eastern frontiers, and South Korea to
press North Korea geographically
against Russia’s borders.
This is not the best scenario for Seoul, as the
common border between North Korea and
Russia means unproblematic logistical
communication between the two
countries in case of war. But
South Korea, has no
other choice.
South Korean strategists are playing the long game and have
a hand in containing Russia in Ukraine and NATO’s eastern
flank. In addition to supplying the AFU with shells and
military ammunition, Seoul is supplying K2 tanks and
K9 howitzers to Poland and Romania to replace the
Polish and Romanian heavy equipment supplied to
Zelensky. Soviet and obsolete NATO models in
Polish and Romanian warehouses... are being
replaced with modern South Korean models.
Warsaw and Bucharest intend to dramatically increase the
number of such vehicles in the armed forces and act as
security guarantors for Zelensky. Seoul supports
such plans.
For South Korea, Russia’s involvement in conflicts in the west
is beneficial, as it distracts Moscow from the eastern vector.
However, the visit of the Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, to
North Korea showed that Moscow has enough attention for
everyone. After all, the eagle on the Russian coat of arms
looks both west and east at the same time.
Russia may lack the resources to provide equal security in
both directions, but that is why the Kremlin is developing
partnerships with its eastern allies, including Pyongyang.
Experts say that the potential for cooperation between
Russia and the DPRK in the military and intelligence
spheres may be quite high.
In 2023, Seoul plans... to deliver $150 million worth of
humanitarian aid to Kiev. In 2022, the amount of aid
was $100 million. Humanitarian aid is a stretch.
For example, Russian soldiers have found
South Korean medicines and other items
used by servicemen in everyday life at
Ukrainian positions. Officially, such aid
from Seoul is not considered military,
but - in fact - it is channelled to the
needs of the Ukrainian punishers.
Now Russian units in the SMO zone will be bombarded with
South Korean shells. Seoul is clearly raising the stakes,
which cannot but affect relations with Moscow and
automatically with Beijing. China does not
welcome South Korea’s rapprochement
with the US and Japan.
Seoul’s arming of Zelensky’s army is not capable of turning
the tide of the conflict. South Korea’s military capabilities
relative to its overall capabilities and geographic size are
high, but not massive. South Korea is not a military
superpower. It is unlikely that the South Korean
military-industrial complex, will be able to
stamp the required number of shells for
Zelensky at a rapid pace and for a
long time.
In the meantime... everyone suffers
--- except those at the top of this
mountain of pain. How they
smile, now... in our faces!
Will this end? We say Yes!
What do you think?
__________________________________
Europe and “good”
neo-Nazism
August 1st, 9:27am
https://en.news-front.info/
The information agenda, which can neither
be obscured nor deceived, combined
two events...
The first, a tragic, heart-wrenching one, when nine years ago
four children were killed by shelling in the Donbass town of
Horlivka. The youngest of them, a girl named Kira, was ten
months old. Christina, Kira’s mum, tried to cover the baby
with her body, but Ukrainian shrapnel pierced them both.
The scary photos of the “Donbass Madonna” -- did not
make the front pages of European newspapers: the
end of July - for EU residents - is always holidays and entertainment. What do they, then tanned,
fashionable, wearing silk and linen --- care
about some Russian murdered children?
A trifle, not worthy of attention.
Yes, and then, of course, at the time when Donbass began to
oppose aggression on the part of Kyiv, if the Western press
ever mentioned the shelling of peaceful towns, it was
always by some kind of “armed formations”. It was
not customary to specify who they consisted of,
who supplied them with weapons and who
taught them to shoot at civilians. The
weapons fired themselves, and
people died from something.
Either they, shot at them ---
or they shot at themselves.
Nine years later, the influential Le Figaro, which represents
the conservative spectrum of French politics, published a
gigantic, many thousands of characters correspondence
that deals with these very armed formations and the
history of the emergence of the storm troopers, as
well as what they do today.
Reading the material is categorically unspiritual and chills
the blood of anyone who is aware of not so long ago
European history. The point is that the article
explains in black and white why Ukrainian
nationalism is useful, why it is good, and
why those who served in “Azov”*, who
organised and joined “Right Sector”*
are actually good (even very
good) people.
It turns out that hatred of Russia is an extremely useful factor
that helps to shape a nation. It turns out that this hatred has
been carefully cultivated for many decades, just as the
activities of Ukrainian Insurgent Army* were glorified.
In general - according to the conclusions - the Ukrainian Insurgent Army* fighters were not bandits & murderers
who slaughtered whole villages --- of those who had
“the wrong blood with the wrong red blood cells”,
not punishers, to whom Hitlerites assigned the
dirtiest work --- but guys who fought against
“cruel Soviet power, Gulag, PCIA and CSS”.
And even Bandera, as it appears, was “a complex historical
figure who managed to shape and formulate the essence
and principles of Ukrainian national identity”.
The principles are simple, if not in the paradigm of the
European media – to kill as many Poles, Russians and
Jews, as possible. Hatred, fomented long and hard
(not only for the last nine years), could not but
lead to the deaths of children. One of those
whose words are quoted in the material
- absolutely openly says - that he has
been preparing for war with Russia
(i.e. for the murder of Russians)
since 1991.
Yes, and there were armed storm troopers on the Maidan
(ready to shoot, of course, and shooting at those who
opposed them) – this phrase is not quoted, so let’s
consider that the first nail has been driven into
the coffin of the myth of “unarmed youth and
peaceful protests”. Nowadays the European
media, are not shy about such details.
Although when Russia was talking
about exactly the same thing ---
nine years ago, it was labelled
“Kremlin propaganda”.
Today, Europeans refuse to see swastikas, emblems of Nazi
runes, as well as the standards of Hitler’s divisions, in the
tattoos of the Pravseki and Azov. Today... the European
media are actively promoting the thesis that Ukrainian
“nationalism” has nothing to do with Nazism.
However, in the country where Le Figaro is published, and
throughout the EU, nationalism is stigmatised on all
corners, and those who dare to speak out in public
about the primacy of the national idea can be
taken to court. For inciting discord, for
agitating for “the return of the dark
pages of the continent’s history”.
That is, French/Spanish/Italian/Dutch and other EU
nationalism is monstrous, reactionary, and can
lead to civil war -- while Ukrainian nationalism
is good and right. While Corsican nationalists
are being smacked down to prison terms,
Ukrainian nationalists -- are being sung
about. They do it in the same media.
Europeans are not idiots and understand what games
of “pure blood” and counting its red blood cells, can
lead to. But in the war with Russia, in which Ukraine
acts as a damper to destroy us on the one hand and
to protect the lives of the “golden half-billion” on
the other, all means are good.
And so Nazism becomes nationalism, and the latter
becomes patriotism. Europe turns a blind eye to
the fact that all this, is mixed up with hatred
towards us.
It is clear why there will be more and more publications
of this kind: it is necessary to support spending on the
military-industrial complex and to teach Europeans
that guns are more important for Kiev -- than oil in
their fridge.
It is also clear that ten years will pass and Europeans
will realise that they, among others, helped to
cultivate hatred towards Russians.
One thing is unclear: why the terrible and bloody lesson
of Nazism was not learnt by them to the end. Maybe
because the deaths of Russian children did not
and still do not matter to them. For them we
are a population, not a nation.
Source: Elena Karaeva, RIA Novosti
* --- An organisation banned on the
territory of the Russian Federation
A little old lady in a supermarket
in Wales, will say, ''I'd like to
shoot Putin'' and then look
astonished, as I reply:
''I think he's good.''
When ''our masters'', drive
us to madness and hatred
as they do through media
owned by them for that
purpose... what do you
think - is the solution?
____________________________
The Westis turning Ukraineinto
a perpetual toolto fight Russia
July 31st, 9:29am
https://en.news-front.info/
Of course, if I were former U.S. Army intelligence officer Scott
Ritter, who in his article for Consortium News characterised
the current situation of the AFU and the entire neo-Nazi
regime of Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy,
after the counter-offensive, I would choose a more
accurate synonym for the words “shitting
themselves”.
It seems to me that after almost two months of counter-
attack – since 4 June this year – we should already
draw conclusions: it did not work then, and it is
not working now.
Moreover, the Russian missile strike (many say it was
Iskander) on the SBU building in Dnipro (once
Dnipropetrovsk, and soon everything will be
back to normal again) showed what will
happen to the top neo-Nazis and their
rookeries - when Russia’s Special
Military Operation (SMO) forces
finally dare to launch serious
strikes on --- as they say ---
decision-making centres.
In Kiev -- and elsewhere.
And, of course, the city
is pathetic. But not the
neo-Nazis, after all…?
However, let’s return to Scott Ritter, who frankly predicted to
Zelenskyy’s regime, a terrible, but very accurate: “Ukraine
is now left to choose the poison of its choice – to agree to
special operation. And it is different, for example,
a significant part of oil exports passes through
the Black Sea.
But the main threat to Ukraine is that for Russia, providing
constant radar surveillance - all the way from Turkey to
Russian ports - and organising a system of convoys to
escort cargo is a task that requires the involvement
of dozens of ships and aircraft, and... it is a very
large expense. This is damage more weighty
than any terrorist attacks by Kiev.
But destroying Ukraine’s port infrastructure on the Black Sea,
cutting it off for good from the Black Sea and the Danube
delta with missile and bomb strikes would cost much
less. And it turns out that by attacking Russian
ships, Ukraine will provoke Russia to destroy
Ukraine as a maritime power. As they say,
here we go…
Another failure of Zelenskyy’s regime is very characteristic,
who ordered the replacement of the USSR emblem with
the Ukrainian trident on the shield of the monument to
the Motherland over the Dnieper in Kiev. The Nazis
ordered it, oligarch Rinat Akhmetov caved in and,
wanting to show off, at his own expense, i.e. for
free for the state budget, made such a trident
worth 20 million hryvnias and measuring 7.5
metres by 4.5 metres from his own metal.
That is, from steel produced at
Zaporizhstal - which is part of
Akhmetov’s Metinvest empire.
Akhmetov’s supporters shrieked --- habitually pushing for
Ukro-patriotism: “We believe that such majestic symbols
should use steel produced at Ukrainian mills... as a
symbol of resistance to “aggression”. As It is
Ukrainian steel that's in the NSC Olimpiyskiy,
the new sarcophagus of the Chernobyl
nuclear power plant, the Darnitsky
Bridge --- the largest flagpole of
Ukraine & the bridge in Genoa,
the London skyscraper Shard
& hundreds of other famous
buildings and symbols”.
But they were sent with the conclusions of “correct”
expertise in their hands: they said, that everything
should be European, we are going to Europe. And
there they have euros in offshore banks for their
pockets, their khatynki are stashed away, they
have guarantees that they can stay at home
after the failure, and so on and so forth –
what is Ukrainian patriotism when it
leaks and many people already
have, as they say, glass
on glass…?
The failure of post-turnover Ukraine in general, and within
the framework of the special operation is of course, the
failure of the entire West, its approach to the world
order, based on Western dominance.... and on US
hegemony. Here is how -- for example -- the same
Scott Ritter characterised the failure of Ukraine
in the capital of Lithuania: “The Vilnius summit
of 11-12 July... was -- in many ways -- the
culmination of the old European order.
The summit was.... a requiem for the
nightmare created by Europe itself”.
And that’s the plain truth, folks. But it, by no means,
means that the West will abandon Ukraine and
return it to Russian influence, or at least stop
at its former non-aligned and neutral status.
No, no, --- and no again. The West is on a course to exploit
Ukraine - to the end. To use it to harm Russia, as much as
possible. Therefore, Ukraine will be supported politically
economically, diplomatically, militarily and technically,
as long as it is able, if not to inflict a strategic defeat
on Russia, then at least to continue the war and
weaken and exhaust its neighbour.
For the West, the strategy and tactics in Ukraine boil down
to the long-known “a piece of wool from a lousy sheep”.
That is why the NATO summit in Vilnius is adopting a
programme of military assistance to Ukraine, and
the countries of the Alliance - led by the US - are
already giving and promising to continue giving,
money, weapons and equipment. Only the USA
alone – 400 million dollars, and in the future –
more than 1 billion dollars. And... only in
recent weeks and recently, the EU has
allocated 1.5 billion euros to support
the financial trousers.
The same amount has been given, under guarantees,
from Japan. And it depends on the agreed desire of
all interested parties, who will decide with Ukraine
whether to be a long-lasting “tin can” for slaughter
in the future or to burn to the ground in the SWO
and then try to start life with a clean slate.
In other words, as long as it is needed, Ukraine is being
turned into a long-life reusable tool that can either be
mothballed until better times and then activated as
needed, or used to the end and discarded for lack
of use. Everything will depend on the outcome
of the special operation.
And it looks very much like that nobody is going to ask
Ukraine and its ruling regime anything about the fate
of the country. And its fate is unenviable. Like the
trident... on the shield of the Motherland. At
“Zaporizhstal” they warned that they will
defend the honour of the Ukrainian
manufacturer and Ukrainian steel.
But the trident itself, has already
been put on sale. And the author
of an ad' circulating on the
Internet writes --- that the
trident, has already been
sawn into 100 pieces, in
honour of the “Heavenly
Hundred” - valuing each
piece at 10,000 hryvnias.
That’s the truth of the matter –
a dictator gets a woollen hat…
Vladimir Skachko, Ukraine.ru
Vlad impales the MSM's fake
narrative here - doesn't he?
Does he? What do you think?
_______________________________
Gennady Zyuganov:Russia
has unique capital in Africa
July 30th, 6:47pm
(Based on materials of Radio
Komsomolskaya Pravda)
The leader of the Communist Party of the Russian
Federation - on Radio "Komsomolskaya Pravda"
- with a political commentator of the KP.ru,
by Alexander Gamov
''Well, first of all..... I would like to congratulate everyone
on the Day of the Navy'' --- said Gennady Andreevich ---
''our country was & remains a Great maritime power.''
''A magnificent parade was held
in the city, on the Neva River.''
''In my opinion, at a time when we are conducting a
special military operation, this is very important.''
''So, this demonstration of our fleet
is of fundamental importance.''
''The leaders of African countries who participated in the
Russia-Africa summit, were also there. I think it is also
useful for them... to look at the power of the Russian
fleet, to learn more about the victorious history of
our state - both the USSR and Russia.''
- Gennady Andreevich, but you
were in Africa, weren't you?
''As for Africa, I've been there more than once.
I am probably the only Russian politician who
has met with Nelson Mandela. I had a long
and persistent conversation with him.''
''He told us who would succeed him, and advised us
which African leaders we should be friends with,
so that we and Africa would be on the rise.''
''I think the summit in St. Petersburg
confirmed that we are on the
right track.''
''The Communist Party of the Russian Federation still
maintains close contact.. with the National African
Congress, with the leaders of a number of African
countries and organizations.''
"And the reason?"
"We must strengthen these ties.
Moreover, the BRICS summit will be held soon.'' (from 22 to 24 August. - AG)
''So, these days in St. Petersburg, in my opinion,
there was a good preparation for this forum.''
''President Vladimir Putin met with all the leaders of
the countries participating in our forum and held
successful negotiations''
- What other African leaders have you met with
over the decades of your political activity?
''First of all, Sasha, in Nigeria I helped build a large
enterprise - today it is one of the most
economically developed countries
in Africa.''
''So, together with our party, we have made a contribution to strengthening ties with African countries, in this regard.''
''And, in general, I met with the President of Egypt, Hosni
Mubarak, and I visited Libya, and I held talks with the
leader of the state, Muammar Gaddafi, in the desert,
in his tent.''
''I think Africa has great prospects: one and
a half billion people already live there.''
''This is a dynamically developing
continent with huge resources.''
''And we - Russia - have our own
unique capital in this region.''
"Really?" What do you mean?
''The Soviet Union and, of course, Russia, have
trained senior personnel and high-level
specialists for African states.''
''Go to almost any ministry in any country and you
will definitely meet people who have studied at
our universities.''
''This special potential promises us great prospects
in all areas: economic, scientific and technical,
including military and political.''
''And it should also be noted - no matter how the
Americans and Europeans bent the countries
of Africa... (And, in fact, they were all in
colonial dependence not so long ago,
only Liberia stood apart there - but
the Americans created that, as
a model.)''
''So, it was the Soviet country that helped them get out of
their colonial dependence, get rid of the rapists who
came back with weapons, and then helped them
train cadres.''
''And, judging by the decisions that were taken at
the summit at the initiative of Vladimir Putin,
and the leaders and representatives of African states, a balanced, smart policy.... will continue to be implemented.''
''In this regard, we have very good prospects there.''
- Thank you very much, Comrade General Secretary!
- and Diolch yn fawr from Rhondda Records, Wales!
___________________________
Finding an extreme ---- in
Ukraine’s military failure
becomes inevitable
July 26th, 12:21pm
https://en.news-front.info/
The Bundeswehr has found someone responsible for the lack
of successes of the Ukrainian armed forces, during the
counter-offensive. The Bild newspaper reported that
in the bowels of the German armed forces a report
has been prepared - criticising the actions of the
Ukrainian army, and analysing the reasons why
NATO’s brilliant military developments and the
West’s colossal investments in Kiev, do not
provide equally outstanding results on
the battlefield
The Ukrainian military – but not all of it, but the command
staff ---- is the shooter. The logic of the authors of the
report is witty in its own way. Ukrainian officers are
to blame for everything... and the more stars they
have on their epaulettes ----- and the longer they
have served in the AFU, the worse.... according
to the authors of the document, they perceive
and assimilate the latest achievements of
Western military science, which they try
to put into their heads... during training
courses. As a result, the rank and file,
young Ukrainians, are successfully
trained in training camps to fight
according to NATO standards --
but when they get to the front,
they find themselves -- under
the command of officers......
who “undo their successes”.
No doubt, military experts will have something to say about
the substance of the claims made: about NATO standards,
which were created for a completely different scale and
format of conflicts, about the training methods used by
the alliance, and about the banal language barrier.
For non-specialists, a recent video has become a meme, in
which Ukrainian military personnel complained about their
German teachers --- who suggested bypassing minefields
as a solution to the problem of minefields. Since in the
Western military’s view, minefields occupy 100-200
metres, but the reality --- that they extend for
hectares....... is not in their heads.
However, behind all the jokes lies a serious
and complex problem, which is becoming
increasingly acute in the Western world.
Initially, the idea of a proxy war against Russia by the hands
of Ukrainians looked brilliant – for many reasons, but also
because it allowed the whole world to paint a picture of
“Moscow – that authoritarian colossus on clay feet –
being defeated by democratic Ukraine, which has
chosen the path of freedom and integration
into Europe”.
But events turned so that the West... .which had reserved for
itself the role of puppeteer... was forced to gradually emerge
from behind the scenes. The reality was exposed: the AFU’s
weapons are from NATO, communications and intelligence,
are from NATO, command and military specialists are from
NATO and personnel training is from NATO. Plus the most
frenzied sanctions regime against Moscow - in history.
Only proxy cannon fodder from Ukraine. As a result,
the picture for the world looks like “the collective
West is pressurising Russia by all means (except
direct military confrontation) – and can do
nothing about it”.
This is bad for the States and Europe ------ on all sides.
And because it inspires other countries to assert
their sovereignty more vigorously, snapping at
a weakening hegemon ---- and the system
eventually crumbles, faster and faster.
And because it complicates their internal situation,
increasing public dissatisfaction with their policies
against the backdrop of growing problems in the
economy and social sphere. And.. because
business suffers:-. it clamps arms, for the
sake of profits and new contracts ---- but
Western tanks are burning from Russian
weapons in Ukrainian fields, so... the
number of those willing to buy them
is noticeably decreasing.
In general, the search for an extreme in such a situation
becomes quite inevitable. By the way, the Bundeswehr,
having transferred arrows to the Ukrainian armed
forces, has thus -- dealt a preemptive blow. The
fact is that the United States will undoubtedly
blame Europe for the failure, which, allegedly
helps Ukraine little and poorly. And then the
Europeans are ready to reply that they have
nothing to do with it, and the Ukrainians
themselves are to blame.
There is only one problem: all these media and official games
successfully worked in a unipolar world, where globalised
media, an all-powerful bureaucracy and transnational
business ruled, where no mistakes, miscalculations,
and failures had fatal consequences for the system
and responsibility for their authors. That world no
longer exists. Right now --- we are witnessing
its agony.
But judging by the Bundeswehr report, many people in Berlin,
Washington, Brussels and the rest of the Western capitals
still do not realise this. That provides additional
opportunities and chances ...for the rest of
the planet.
What a wonderful article --- it hits the
Western ''elites'' --- right in their orbs.
Or do you have a different perspective?
_________________________________________
US addiction to sanctionswill
prove to spell its downfall:
Report
July 25th 12:10pm
(PressTV)
Washington’s widespread use of illegal sanctions
as a political tool to punish independent and rival
governments as well as politicians and traders
- have prompted a broad coalition of nations
across the globe, to “rewrite” the rules of
the international financial system aimed
at ending the US-dominated order ---- a
major Washington-based journal says.
“In the past two decades -- sanctions have become the
go-to foreign-policy tool of Western governments led
by the United States,” Foreign Policy magazine
writes in an article published on Monday on
its online edition.
“A growing club of US-designated bad boys” led by Russia,
China, Iran, Cuba, Syria, Venezuela and North Korea –
which have been the top targets of “punitive” US-led
sanctions -- have joined together to wage a major
scheme: to replace their reliance on the dollar
and the Western financial system,” the
article emphasizes.
It further cited a US Treasury Department’s report to note
that by 2021, “the United States had sanctions on more
than 9,000 individuals, companies, and sectors of the
targeted countries economies.”
According to the report, “In 2021, US President Joe Biden’s
first year in office, his administration added 765 new
sanctions designations globally, including 173
related to human rights.”
The article further cites Columbia University, to point out
that --- “a total of six countries - Cuba, Iran, North Korea,
Russia, Syria, and Venezuela - are under comprehensive
US sanctions, meaning that most commercial and
financial transactions with entities and
individuals in those countries, are
''prohibited'' under US law.”
It also cites 17 other countries—including Afghanistan,
Belarus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia,
Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Nicaragua, Sudan, and
Yemen—that have been subject to targeted
sanctions imposed by Washington, “which
indicates that financial and commercial
relations - with specific companies,
individuals, and ------- often, the
government, are ''forbidden''
under US law.”
The article further cites a Princeton University database
to point out that seven more countries, including China,
Eritrea, Haiti, and Sri Lanka ------ are under specific
export controls.
“This already lengthy list,” it adds ------ “does not even include
the targeted sanctions placed on individuals and businesses
in countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, or Paraguay, or
sanctions placed on territories such as Hong Kong, the Balkans, or Ukraine’s Crimea, Donetsk, or
Luhansk regions.”
All told, the report emphasizes --- “The countries subjected
to some form of US sanctions collectively account for a
little more than one-fifth of the global GDP,” with China
representing nearly 80 percent of the group.
It further observes that “unlike many among these
sanctioned nations -- China has the economic
weight, growing diplomatic clout, currency
stability, and liquidity… to push for the
increasing international adoption of
the renminbi, and Chinese financial
instruments ------- such as its Cross-
Border Interbank Payment System.”
If the US understands that its illegal
and ever-increasing sanctions are
provoking a backlash -- that will
doom them to fail - at best...
why don't they stop?
What do you think?
____________________________________
Russian senator blames Ukraine, West,for journalist Zhuravlev’s death in Zaporozhye Region
July 22nd, 4:07pm (TASS)
The wounds of the journalists and the death of RIA Novosti
correspondent Rostislav Zhuravlev in a Ukrainian cluster munitions strike prove that the assurances of the Americans and Ukrainians, about the non-use of these weapons against civilians are lies - and
therefore both Kiev and Washington equally share responsibility for this crime,
the Russian Federation Council
Deputy Speaker... Konstantin
Kosachev said on Saturday.
"The use of cluster munitions is inhumane and must be excluded from combat practices. And all the
assurances of the Americans and Ukrainians
that they are not planning to use these
weapons against non-combatants ---
turned out to be --- blatant lies. The
responsibility for this crime -- falls
equally on Ukraine and the US,"
the senator wrote on his
Telegram channel.
Kosachev said --- that the reports about the
death of a journalist was "horrifying news."
"We mourn alongside the family, the friends
and colleagues, of Rostislav Zhuravlev. It
is extremely tragic, but simultaneously
exhausting evidence --- that the
Ukrainian military clique and
their patrons, do not have
any moral constraints,"
the deputy speaker of
the upper house of
parliament, said.
Amen. Lost for words.
______________________
Report: West Not Prepared
for a Conflictwith China
July 20th, 4:17pm (FNA)
Ammunition shortages laid bare by the Ukraine conflict have
prompted some US think-tanks to check on stockpiles in
the West and find them wanting, The Financial Times
reported, adding that the military industry of NATO
allies is not able to help, either.
A Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
wargame of a conflict with China over Taiwan showed
that the US had only about 450 long-range anti-ship
missiles, enough for about a week.
Another think tank, the Centre for New American Security
(CNAS), said the existing missile inventory is “too small
to blunt an initial invasion, let alone prevail in a
protracted conflict against China”.
To deter and defeat Beijing, the Pentagon “needs large stockpiles of stand-off missiles, maritime strike
weapons, and layered air and missile
defenses”, CNAS concluded.
According to The FT, the US Department of Defense has
asked for $1.1 billion in the 2024 fiscal year to buy 118
long-range anti-ship missiles (LRASM), compared to
half that amount for 83 missiles the year before.
The Pentagon also wants $30 billion for
ammunition, a 23% increase over
2023 levels, and $315 billion
for new weapons.
CNAS has noted that the Pentagon tends to prioritize big-
ticket items such as ships, planes and tanks, “leaving
missiles and munitions with inadequate funding".
The FT revealed that Western powers have spent a
combined $170 billion on military and financial aid
to Ukraine --- since February 2022. Kiev is still
complaining about ammunition
shortages, however.
The US military-industrial complex has spent decades
prioritizing efficiency and adopting the just-in-time
supply chain used by other industries, according
to The FT ----- leaving it unable to scale up
production in wartime. Parts -- and
labour shortages, are currently
a problem, as well.
“The defense industry is so consolidated that it can’t very
quickly expand to support a greater demand,” Stacie
Pettyjohn of CNAS said, adding, “So... we’re slow
and behind and don’t have enough of anything.”
Only five companies are responsible for major Pentagon
contracts, and some parts are made by only one or two suppliers, with no way to make up the
shortage elsewhere.
NATO allies are unable to step in and pick up the slack,
because the US push to promote US-made weapons
has left the European defense industry stunted
and fractured, multiple think-tank experts
told The FT.
Good. What do you think?
___________________________
A New Path to Economic Power
Is Imminent --- Through BRICS
by Sibongile Vilakazi
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
(BRICS Information Portal)
“Okungapheli kuyahlola”, is what we say, to
emphasise that nothing is permanent in life.
Observing the buzz around the BRICS currency lately amid
the 15th annual summit, which is scheduled for the 22nd
to the 24th of August, brings this phrase home. South
Africa will be chairing the BRICS group of countries
under the theme, ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership
for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable
Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism’.
A theme that could not have come at a better time, especially
after the war between Russia and Ukraine has put pressure
on prices of goods and energy and changing the status
quo in global trade dynamics.
The buzz also comes.. after some advice to developing
countries to promote and use their national currency
when trading, investing and other transactions. A
way in which.. a single BRICS currency can be
created. China.. is already making use of the
timeline by trading using the Chinese yuan.
The Chinese yuan is reported to be the most traded
currency in Russia, overtaking the US dollar in quarter one, 2023.
Additionally, France settled an LNG gas trade with China
by paying in the Chinese yuan, ending the reliance on
the dollar. Furthermore, India - has also asked
developing countries to settle trade in the
rupee instead of the dollar - and has
allowed 18 countries to pay with
the rupee instead of the dollar.
These moves are not only game-changers but an indication
that nations want to move away from the dollar and end
American financial supremacy.
The launching of the BRICS currency has seen a total of
19 countries currently interested in accepting and
trading with BRICS currency.
Amongst the countries expressing interest are Arab countries
that are rich in oil and gold reserves, making the alliance of
nations stronger, posing a threat to the G7 global order,
and therefore challenging the G7 countries.
Saudi Arabia, as the world’s largest oil exporter, could force
Europe to trade in the BRICS currency as they depend on
their oil exports, another step of the dollar losing its
strength. It should be noted that the G7 countries
comprise of advanced economies such as the
US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
and the UK. BRICS on the other hand is an
acronym denoting emerging economies -
Brazil, Russia, India, China and S. Africa.
Originally coined in 2001, as BRIC, by the Goldman Sachs
economist, Jim O’Neill, who claimed that the global
economy... will be dominated by the four BRIC
economies by 2050. South Africa was then
added in 2010 and it became BRICS.
Jim O’Neill was not too far off with his claims as recent
reports suggest that BRICS has surpassed the G7 by
contributing the world’s largest gross domestic
product of 31.5% while the G7 bloc
contributed 30.7%.
BRICS is a home to 41% of the world's population
accounting to 16% of global trade. Meaning that
the launching of the New Development Bank
and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement
by BRICS was a strategic step towards
greater integration and a practical
step towards challenging the
dominance of the West.
Both the NDB and CRA are contributing substantially
to the process of accelerating economic growth
--- resulting in the socio-economic progress
in the member countries.
We have all come to know how the invasion of Russia in
Ukraine affected the food and energy markets. This
was a global economic meltdown, post Covid-19
pandemic, hurting growth and raising prices.
Sanctions were put on Russia to weaken its ability to
finance the war and to target the political, military,
and economic elite responsible for the invasion.
These restrictive measures have since shrunk Russia’s
trade in goods and services significantly, putting
pressure on oil, natural gas, and wheat,
as their major export commodities.
As such, according to Naledi Pandor, Minister of
International Relations, BRICS --- is looking to
“ensure - that we do not become victims to
sanctions that have secondary effects on
countries that have no involvement in the issues that have led to those
unilateral sanctions”.
Additionally, BRICS wants to expand its membership
base while maintaining its current growth, as well
as helping new members maintain economic
and political independence.
As BRICS strengthens --- it will have the potential to help
poorer countries emerge without pushing a self-serving
political agenda and controlling local economies.
Essentially, this suggests -- that a new path to global
economic power is being created, giving inspiration
to the transformation agenda, desperately needed
in South Africa to create a new path to economic
emancipation for the majority. .
The South African economy must fundamentally change
to accommodate the majority and the BRICS currency
conversations and moves, are the clearest evidence
that power does shift eventually, and when the time
for the shift has come, nothing will stop the wave.
Dr Sibongile Vilakazi is president
of the Black Management Forum.
Source: www.iol.co.za
Seems that more and more people... are
pinning their hopes... on BRICS beating
the US dollar. Will the upcoming event
in S.Africa, come up to expectations?
What do you think?
_________________________
Biden administration
obstructing 'Ukraine
aid' audits
by Drago Bosnic
Monday, July 17, 2023
(InfoBrics)
In late November 2022, Washington DC admitted that it was
unable to account for approximately $20 billion in weapons
sent to the Kiev regime. At the time, the newly elected
Republican-dominated Congress vowed to conduct
"impending audits" as soon as they took over
in January.
Officially, the GOP wanted audits, to determine and then release information on the massive weapons
shipments from the United States to the Kiev
regime --- and how much of that "aid" was
ending up "where it's supposed to be".
Republicans promised to "hold the government accountable"
for spending US taxpayers' dollars for the sake of the
deeply corrupt Kiev regime.
At the time, major news media, such as Fox News, claimed
that the Biden administration -- inspected only 10% of the
