Politically Engaged,
Alex Krainer, explains a fundamental fact that is little acknowledged: The fate of Russian frozen assets
I suspect that one of the outcomes of Russia-US cooperation, as we’ll find out in due course, will resolve the fate of the Russian frozen assets held by Western countries. The amount in question is estimated at $300 to $335 billion. Most of these assets by far are held in Europe: the largest portion is managed by Belgium-based Euroclear central securities depository, which holds between $190 to $208 billion. France held up to $71 billion in Russian Central Bank assets, but there’s suspicion that the Macron government already helped themselves to much of that money. According to the more recent figures, only about $26 billion of the Russian money remains in French custody, while the UK holds about $37 billion. At the same time, the US portion is estimated at only $5 billion to $8 billion, primarily in debt securities and cash.
Most likely, Donald Trump will be keenly interested to have Russia invest that money in the US. For their part, the Russians have every reason in the world to accommodate Trump and such an investment deal would certainly go a long way to advancing the two powers’ cooperation. In February I wrote in this report about Europe’s prospect of losing access to Russian assets as follows:
“For the collateral starved British financial system, this could prove catastrophic. The same is true for Europe: Emmanuel Macron's dream of using $260 billion in frozen Russian assets as collateral for reconstruction investments was also meant to underpin a large-scale credit impulse in Europe. The reconstruction [of Ukraine] was meant to be financed by European banks and the contracts awarded to European corporations. Unfortunately, none of that will be possible without strong backing by the United States.”
If anything about Donald Trump is predictable, it is that he’ll want those assets in the US in order to rearm, reindustrialize and Make America Great Again. For the same low price he’ll get to deliver another humiliating kick to the duplicitous, warmongering Europeans. I simply don’t see him resisting that temptation and one day soon, the news will report that with Trump’s backing, the Russians ordered their assets held in Europe to be transferred to US custody. The Eurotards will have no recourse but to comply. https://alexkrainer.substack.com/p/alaska-and-the-fate-of-russian-frozen
Trump Says Putin, Zelensky To Soon Meet, 'Everyone Very Happy' About Chances For Peace https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/zelensky-europe-join-trump-oval-each-sides-red-lines-and-possible-outcomes
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a Tuesday afternoon press briefing confirmed that the US has ruled out sending American troops to uphold a future potential peace deal to end the Ukraine war based on 'security guarantees'. However other military options haven't been ruled out. For example, she told reporters that US air support in Ukraine could be part of security assurances amid peace talks with Russia. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/coalition-willing-failed-outplay-trump-russias-medvedev-says
Europe To Spend $100BN It Doesn't Have, To Buy Weapons America Doesn't Have, To Arm Soldiers Ukraine Now Lacks https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/europe-spend-100bn-it-doesnt-have-buy-weapons-america-it-doesnt-have-arm-soldiers
'Coalition Of The Willing' Failed To Outplay Trump, Russia's Medvedev Says
The new outpost was set up near the Shakara Bedouin community east of Duma town, south of Nablus city, Al-Baydar Organization for the Defense of Bedouin Rights said in a statement.
The group noted that bulldozing work took place Saturday evening at the new outpost, which was established Friday only 400 meters from the Shakara Bedouin community, Anadolu reports.
Meanwhile, illegal settlers pelted Palestinian vehicles with stones near the settlement of Shavei Shomron on the road linking Jenin and Nablus. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250817-illegal-israeli-settlers-establish-new-settlement-outpost-in-occupied-west-bank/
Hundreds of thousands of protesters gather in Tel Aviv to demand end to Gaza war
One of largest rallies in Israel since start of conflict follows general strike to press government to stop military action https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/17/tens-of-thousands-of-protesters-gather-in-tel-aviv-to-demand-end-to-gaza-war
Israeli police use water cannons, arrest dozens as protesters demand hostage deal https://www.arabnews.com/node/2612077/middle-east
Six former Israeli hostages and the widow of a slain hostage have released a video pleading with President Trump in English to support a comprehensive deal to make peace in Gaza so that the remaining hostages can be freed.
“You have the power to make history, to be the president of peace, the one who ended the war, ended the suffering, and brought every hostage home, including my little brother,” implores one of the hostages.
“President Trump, please act now before it’s too late for them, too,” pleads the widow. https://www.caitlinjohnst.one/p/israelis-understand-that-trump-can
Hamas source says group agrees to latest Gaza ceasefire proposal
Jordan opens field hospital in Gaza https://www.arabnews.com/node/2612148/middle-east
US President Trump posted that he had a very good meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and European leaders, which ended in a further meeting in the Oval Office and during the meeting, they discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which would be provided by the various European countries with coordination with the US. Trump added everyone is very happy about the possibility of peace for Russia and Ukraine, and at the conclusion of the meetings, he called Russian President Putin and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky. Furthermore, Trump said after that meeting takes place, they will have a trilateral between Trump, Putin and Zelensky, as well as noted that this was a very good, early step for a war that has been going on for almost four years and that VP Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, and Special Envoy Witkoff are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine.
Russia's Kremlin said US President Trump and Russian President Putin held a phone call which lasted 40 minutes and they discussed the idea of exploring the possibility of raising the level of Russian and Ukrainian representatives in the negotiations, while Putin warmly thanked Trump for the hospitality and well-organized meeting in Alaska, as well as for progress achieved at the summit. Furthermore, Putin and Trump spoke in favour of the continuation of direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, while they agreed to continue close contact with each other on the Ukrainian crisis and other issues.
Ukrainian President Zelensky said we need not a pause in the war, but real peace and territorial issues will be decided between Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky said he discussed security guarantees with Trump and European leaders, and received an important signal from the US on being part of security guarantees and help in coordinating it. Furthermore, he said the US offers to have a trilateral meeting as soon as possible and that Ukraine is ready for any format to meet with Putin. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/coalition-willing-failed-outplay-trump-russias-medvedev-says
Russia's Kremlin said US President Trump and Russian President Putin held a phone call which lasted 40 minutes and they discussed the idea of exploring the possibility of raising the level of Russian and Ukrainian representatives in the negotiations, while Putin warmly thanked Trump for the hospitality and well-organized meeting in Alaska, as well as for progress achieved at the summit. Furthermore, Putin and Trump spoke in favour of the continuation of direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, while they agreed to continue close contact with each other on the Ukrainian crisis and other issues.
Ukrainian President Zelensky said we need not a pause in the war, but real peace and territorial issues will be decided between Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky said he discussed security guarantees with Trump and European leaders, and received an important signal from the US on being part of security guarantees and help in coordinating it. Furthermore, he said the US offers to have a trilateral meeting as soon as possible and that Ukraine is ready for any format to meet with Putin. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/coalition-willing-failed-outplay-trump-russias-medvedev-says
US President Donald Trump has received a formal invitation to visit Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has confirmed. During last week’s summit in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended the invitation to Trump in person. https://www.rt.com/news/623277-lavrov-trump-russia-invited/
Trump Hopes for Soon Release of 1,300 Prisoners in Belarus
FSB: Ukrainian Armed Forces Tried to Attack Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant with Spis Attack Drone
The Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to attack the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant using the Spis strike unmanned aerial vehicle, according to a report from the FSB Public Relations Center, cited by Interfax.
"Spis" is an aircraft-type drone. The special service presented photographs of the suppressed drone. They show a piston engine and some other parts of the UAV. https://www-kommersant-ru.translate.goog/doc/7972563?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp
FSB Prevented Terrorist Act against Crimean Bridge.
Hungary Expresses Outrage After Ukraine Strikes Key Oil Pipeline To EU, Forcing Halt
Thomas Kolbe, Europe's New War Economy: From Green Collapse To Military Keynesianism
Netanyahu Government Cybersecurity Director Arrested In US For Child Sex Crimes Flees To Israel https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2025-08-17/netanyahu-government-cybersecurity-director-arrested-us-child-sex-crimes-flees
Heart Transplants & Organ Trafficking: Israel’s Hidden Scandal
Trump Issues Clearest Greenlight For Netanyahu's Offensive To 'Confront & Destroy' Hamas To Date
Israeli Attacks Kill Dozens Across Gaza as IDF Prepares To Forcibly Displace Palestinians from Gaza City
At least 57 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Sunday https://news.antiwar.com/2025/08/17/israeli-attacks-kill-dozens-across-gaza-as-idf-prepares-to-forcibly-displace-palestinians-from-gaza-city/
Israel prepares forced transfer of civilians in Gaza City amid reoccupation push https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250817-israel-prepares-forced-transfer-of-civilians-in-gaza-city-amid-reoccupation-push/
Israel Plans to Move Hundreds of Thousands of Palestinians from Gaza: Report
Israel's Channel 12 broadcasts leaked recordings of Maj. Gen. (retired) Aharon Haliva saying, 'They need a Nakba every now and then to feel the price,' referring to 1948 mass displacement of Palestinians
Israel’s Channel 12 aired leaked recordings of former military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. (retired) Aharon Haliva, in which he openly justified large-scale Palestinian deaths in Gaza as a deliberate policy message.
"For every person killed on Oct. 7, 50 Palestinians must die," Haliva said. https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/50-palestinians-must-die-for-every-israeli-killed-says-ex-israeli-intelligence-chief-on-leaked-tape-3706526
UNRWA warns of ‘manmade famine’ in Gaza, urges return to UN-led aid system
Israeli-American system brings ‘dehumanization, chaos, and death,’ says UN agency for Palestinian refugees https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/unrwa-warns-of-manmade-famine-in-gaza-urges-return-to-un-led-aid-system/3661660
Nineteen Palestinians Starve to Death in Gaza Over Three Days Due to Israeli Blockade
Amid the starvation deaths, Israel is planning a major military escalation https://news.antiwar.com/2025/08/17/nineteen-palestinians-starve-to-death-in-gaza-over-three-days-due-to-israeli-blockade/
Thousands rally in Europe in support of Gaza
The doctors, nurses and allied health care workers marched from the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) on Stephen’s Green on a loop which included Grafton Street and Drury Street, Irish broadcaster RTE reported.
Waving Palestinian flags, they also carried signs showing photos of health care workers killed in Gaza as they walked silently to a single drumbeat...
Photos showed protesters holding signs saying “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
Last Saturday, more than 500 people were detained in London, with the vast majority accused of carrying placards or signs allegedly supporting the group.
Another protest took place in Buckinghamshire, England, where thousands of people surrounded the Royal Air Force (RAF) High Wycombe base, demanding that the UK end its “military collaboration with Israel’s genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza.
“Shame on the British government for allowing these flights to continue! Stop arming Israel now,” the Palestine Solidarity Campaign wrote on the US social media company X’s platform... https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250817-thousands-rally-in-europe-in-support-of-gaza/
In Visit to Illegal West Bank Settlement, Netanyahu Says He Kept 25-Year-Old Promise To Thwart a Palestinian State https://news.antiwar.com/2025/08/17/in-visit-to-illegal-west-bank-settlement-netanyahu-says-he-kept-25-year-old-promise-to-thwart-a-palestinian-state/
France ‘strongly condemns’ Israel’s controversial E1 settlement plan in occupied West Bank https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250817-france-strongly-condemns-israels-controversial-e1-settlement-plan-in-occupied-west-bank/
Illegal Israeli settlers establish new settlement outpost in occupied West Bank
Illegal Israeli settlers established a new settlement outpost in the northern West Bank amid attacks on Palestinians in the occupied territory, local sources said on Saturday.I can't confirm this report: Alexander Lukashenko:If Zelenskyy does not accept the offer from Russia and the US, Belarus will intervene militarily in Ukraine https://x.com/aleksbrz11/status/1957372847862825217
Friday, Trump said that he had held a telephone conversation with Lukashenko and discussed the release of 1,300 more prisoners. "THANK YOU TO BELARUS AND ITS POWERFUL LEADER. I HOPE THE 1300 WILL SOON BE RELEASED, ALSO!" https://www.nampa.org/text/22712084
The Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to attack the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant using the Spis strike unmanned aerial vehicle, according to a report from the FSB Public Relations Center, cited by Interfax.
"Spis" is an aircraft-type drone. The special service presented photographs of the suppressed drone. They show a piston engine and some other parts of the UAV. https://www-kommersant-ru.translate.goog/doc/7972563?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp
The driver was unaware of the "content" of his truck, hence relatively mild apprehension by FSB. In fact, they saved his life--he will be very grateful after the explanation of what 404 terrorists put into his truck. 130 kilograms of high explosives. https://smoothiex12.blogspot.com/2025/08/fsb-prevented.html
Crude oil flows from Russia to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline suffered a forced halt on Monday, officials from both countries confirmed, after a Ukrainian drone strike crippled a vital transformer station.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated Monday "this latest strike against our energy security is outrageous and unacceptable". https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/hungary-expresses-outrage-after-ukraine-strikes-key-oil-pipeline-eu-forcing-halt
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated Monday "this latest strike against our energy security is outrageous and unacceptable". https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/hungary-expresses-outrage-after-ukraine-strikes-key-oil-pipeline-eu-forcing-halt
Thomas Kolbe, Europe's New War Economy: From Green Collapse To Military Keynesianism
The only way out for Europe is to accept a painful transformation phase, shrink the state, and abandon its eco-fantasies. Rational energy policy means nuclear power and reintegrating Russian energy supplies...
..But Europe shows no signs of changing course. The bureaucracy has grown too large to dismantle itself...
..Having failed with the Green Deal, Europe’s politicians are now trying a new pseudo-economy: a debt-fueled military-industrial complex. According to a study by Ernst & Young, Germany’s DAX companies cut 30,000 jobs in the first half of 2025—except for defense contractors Rheinmetall and MTU Aero Engines...
..Brussels plans to mobilize an additional €800 billion in defense spending by 2030. Yet no sector produces further from real consumer demand than the arms industry. This is Keynesian pseudo-economics in its most extreme form—buying time with debt while starving private capital markets.
The rise of the defense lobby as Brussels’ new darling will turbocharge corruption, deepen the divide between parasitic EU structures and shrinking productive forces, and cement corporatist cronyism as the EU’s operating system. Von der Leyen’s Pfizer text-message scandal remains the most fitting symbol of this clandestine Brussels machine.
In the end, Europe’s war economy has neither the resources nor the technology to deliver on the dream of a militarized EU. It is a tragic rerun of the Green Deal—propaganda-driven, debt-fueled, and doomed to collapse. https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/europes-new-war-economy-green-collapse-military-keynesianism
The rise of the defense lobby as Brussels’ new darling will turbocharge corruption, deepen the divide between parasitic EU structures and shrinking productive forces, and cement corporatist cronyism as the EU’s operating system. Von der Leyen’s Pfizer text-message scandal remains the most fitting symbol of this clandestine Brussels machine.
In the end, Europe’s war economy has neither the resources nor the technology to deliver on the dream of a militarized EU. It is a tragic rerun of the Green Deal—propaganda-driven, debt-fueled, and doomed to collapse. https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/europes-new-war-economy-green-collapse-military-keynesianism
Well, it's a steady job... ‘Legitimization Cell’: Israeli unit tasked with linking Gaza journalists to Hamas
Treating the media as a battlefield, a secretive army intelligence squad scoured Gaza for material to bolster Israeli hasbara — including questionable claims that would justify the killing of Palestinian reporters. https://www.972mag.com/israel-gaza-journalists-hamas-hasbara/ When people hear about medical firsts—like Israel’s first heart transplant—the story is usually told as a tale of progress and scientific achievement. But like so many events tied to power structures, there’s a darker side that rarely gets told. And in this case, that side involves serious ethical violations, allegations of stolen organs, and later, criminal cases involving rabbis and organ trafficking networks. https://israelinewslive.org/heart-transplants-organ-trafficking-israels-hidden-scandal/
President Trump on Monday issued a scorching message aimed at Hamas as well as the growing internationall and domestic critics of America's Israel policy. He called for the total destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages, in that order. "The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be," he wrote on Truth Social. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/trump-issues-clearest-greenlight-netanyahus-offensive-confront-destroy-hamas-date
At least 57 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Sunday https://news.antiwar.com/2025/08/17/israeli-attacks-kill-dozens-across-gaza-as-idf-prepares-to-forcibly-displace-palestinians-from-gaza-city/
Israel is considering a plan that would relocate Gaza residents to South Sudan, according to a new report.
The report from the Associated Press, which is based on unnamed sources, indicates that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is eager to build upon a concept voiced in February by President Donald Trump to shift much of the Palestinian population of Gaza elsewhere.
The concept of depopulating Gaza has been condemned by Palestinian leaders. https://www.westernjournal.com/israel-plans-move-hundreds-thousands-palestinians-gaza-report/
The report from the Associated Press, which is based on unnamed sources, indicates that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is eager to build upon a concept voiced in February by President Donald Trump to shift much of the Palestinian population of Gaza elsewhere.
The concept of depopulating Gaza has been condemned by Palestinian leaders. https://www.westernjournal.com/israel-plans-move-hundreds-thousands-palestinians-gaza-report/
Israel’s Channel 12 aired leaked recordings of former military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. (retired) Aharon Haliva, in which he openly justified large-scale Palestinian deaths in Gaza as a deliberate policy message.
"For every person killed on Oct. 7, 50 Palestinians must die," Haliva said. https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/50-palestinians-must-die-for-every-israeli-killed-says-ex-israeli-intelligence-chief-on-leaked-tape-3706526
Israeli-American system brings ‘dehumanization, chaos, and death,’ says UN agency for Palestinian refugees https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/unrwa-warns-of-manmade-famine-in-gaza-urges-return-to-un-led-aid-system/3661660
Amid the starvation deaths, Israel is planning a major military escalation https://news.antiwar.com/2025/08/17/nineteen-palestinians-starve-to-death-in-gaza-over-three-days-due-to-israeli-blockade/
Thousands of people in European countries held rallies and marches Saturday in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, demanding an end to Israeli attacks on the enclave, Anadolu reports.
In the Swedish capital Stockholm, demonstrators gathered in Odenplan Square to protest Israel’s onslaught against Gaza and the West Bank and its targeting of journalists.
Carrying Palestinian flags, the crowd also held up photos of Al Jazeera staff killed by Israel in the Gaza Strip...
..In Ireland’s capital, Dublin, thousands of health care workers held a march to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in solidarity with their colleagues in the besieged enclave. In the Swedish capital Stockholm, demonstrators gathered in Odenplan Square to protest Israel’s onslaught against Gaza and the West Bank and its targeting of journalists.
Carrying Palestinian flags, the crowd also held up photos of Al Jazeera staff killed by Israel in the Gaza Strip...
The doctors, nurses and allied health care workers marched from the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) on Stephen’s Green on a loop which included Grafton Street and Drury Street, Irish broadcaster RTE reported.
Waving Palestinian flags, they also carried signs showing photos of health care workers killed in Gaza as they walked silently to a single drumbeat...
..In the Scottish city of Glasgow, people took to the streets from Glasgow Green to the city center in solidarity with the Palestinian people...
..Meanwhile, 13 protesters were arrested by police in Norwich in eastern England during a rally in support of Palestine Action, a banned group.Photos showed protesters holding signs saying “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
Last Saturday, more than 500 people were detained in London, with the vast majority accused of carrying placards or signs allegedly supporting the group.
Another protest took place in Buckinghamshire, England, where thousands of people surrounded the Royal Air Force (RAF) High Wycombe base, demanding that the UK end its “military collaboration with Israel’s genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza.
“Shame on the British government for allowing these flights to continue! Stop arming Israel now,” the Palestine Solidarity Campaign wrote on the US social media company X’s platform... https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250817-thousands-rally-in-europe-in-support-of-gaza/
The new outpost was set up near the Shakara Bedouin community east of Duma town, south of Nablus city, Al-Baydar Organization for the Defense of Bedouin Rights said in a statement.
The group noted that bulldozing work took place Saturday evening at the new outpost, which was established Friday only 400 meters from the Shakara Bedouin community, Anadolu reports.
Meanwhile, illegal settlers pelted Palestinian vehicles with stones near the settlement of Shavei Shomron on the road linking Jenin and Nablus. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250817-illegal-israeli-settlers-establish-new-settlement-outpost-in-occupied-west-bank/
One of largest rallies in Israel since start of conflict follows general strike to press government to stop military action https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/17/tens-of-thousands-of-protesters-gather-in-tel-aviv-to-demand-end-to-gaza-war
Caitlin Johnstone, Israelis Understand That Trump Can End The Nightmare In Gaza. Americans Should Know This Too.
Israelis keep begging Trump to end the killing in Gaza, because they understand that the US president has the power to force Israel to stop. It seems like Israelis understand this far better than Americans do. Six former Israeli hostages and the widow of a slain hostage have released a video pleading with President Trump in English to support a comprehensive deal to make peace in Gaza so that the remaining hostages can be freed.
“You have the power to make history, to be the president of peace, the one who ended the war, ended the suffering, and brought every hostage home, including my little brother,” implores one of the hostages.
“President Trump, please act now before it’s too late for them, too,” pleads the widow. https://www.caitlinjohnst.one/p/israelis-understand-that-trump-can
Hamas has agreed to the latest proposal from regional mediators for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Israel, a source in the Palestinian armed group has told the BBC.
The proposal from Egypt and Qatar is said to be based on a framework put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff in June.
It would see Hamas free around half of the 50 remaining hostages - 20 of whom are believed to be alive - in two batches during an initial 60-day truce. There would also be negotiations on a permanent ceasefire.
It is unclear what Israel's response will be, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said last week that it would only accept a deal if "all the hostages are released in one go". https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgjye15zdlo
Israel Bombs Power Plant Near Yemeni Capital After Houthi Ballistic Missile Launch https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/israel-bombs-power-plant-near-yemeni-capital-after-houthi-ballistic-missile-launch
The proposal from Egypt and Qatar is said to be based on a framework put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff in June.
It would see Hamas free around half of the 50 remaining hostages - 20 of whom are believed to be alive - in two batches during an initial 60-day truce. There would also be negotiations on a permanent ceasefire.
It is unclear what Israel's response will be, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said last week that it would only accept a deal if "all the hostages are released in one go". https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgjye15zdlo
"Just trust Israel"? Hezbollah Chief Warns Lebanon Disarmament Handing Country to Israel, May Mean Civil War
Justice Minister insists Hezbollah would bear full responsibility for clashes. https://news.antiwar.com/2025/08/17/hezbollah-chief-warns-lebanon-disarmament-handing-country-to-israel-may-mean-civil-war/Sources say new offensive likely to begin by October https://news.antiwar.com/2025/08/17/syria-preps-50000-troops-for-a-large-anti-kurd-offensive-in-northeast/
Andrew Korybko observes, US Pressure Might Inadvertently Bring India & China Back Together
No doubt should therefore remain about how hellbent Trump is on derailing India’s rise as a Great Power. The real reason why he doubled tariffs on India wasn’t due to its continued trade with Russia, but to coerce it into opening up its agricultural and dairy markets to American imports. https://korybko.substack.com/p/us-pressure-might-inadvertently-bring
The UK government has agreed to drop its request that Apple provide it with backdoor access to user data, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said on Monday. https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/uk-agrees-drop-demand-apple-create-backdoor-access-gabbard
What I didn’t expect was how perfectly this would confirm everything we’ve been tracking about Trump’s Reset.
Trump didn’t just fill that vacant Fed seat with any dovish voice. He appointed Stephen Miran—the mastermind behind what’s probably the most audacious economic strategy in modern history...
..Stephen Miran is the author of A User’s Guide to Restructuring the Global Trading System—the blueprint for what’s been dubbed the “Mar-a-Lago Accord.” Trump didn’t just fill that vacant Fed seat with any dovish voice. He appointed Stephen Miran—the mastermind behind what’s probably the most audacious economic strategy in modern history...
Published just days after Trump’s victory last November, it outlines a comprehensive plan to flip the U.S. dollar’s reserve status from a burden into a bargaining chip...
..Here’s a quick rundown of his plan:
Accept tariffs without retaliation — Let U.S. tariffs stand, generating revenue for Washington.
Open their markets — End unfair trade practices and buy more American goods.
Increase defense spending — Procure more U.S.-made weapons and equipment.
Build factories in the U.S. — Set up local production and avoid tariffs altogether.
Write checks to the Treasury — Yes, really. Direct financial contributions to help the U.S. fund “global public goods.”
Accept tariffs without retaliation — Let U.S. tariffs stand, generating revenue for Washington.
Open their markets — End unfair trade practices and buy more American goods.
Increase defense spending — Procure more U.S.-made weapons and equipment.
Build factories in the U.S. — Set up local production and avoid tariffs altogether.
Write checks to the Treasury — Yes, really. Direct financial contributions to help the U.S. fund “global public goods.”
Get rid of electronic voting machines, too, please. Trump Vows 'Movement' To Eliminate Mail-In Ballots Before 2026 Midterms https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/trump-vows-movement-eliminate-mail-ballots-2026-midterms
Dr. Mercola, Glyphosate ‘Greatly Increases’ Risk of Liver Damage in Kids and Adults
An analysis of 42 studies published in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology showed that people exposed to glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, showed greater signs of fatty liver disease. Early childhood exposure to the chemical was linked to chronic inflammation and cellular damage throughout the body. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/glyphosate-increases-risk-of-liver-damags-kids-adults-cola/Meryl Nass MD notes that vested interests are left unchallenged: Leaked draft of the MAHA Commission Report Leaves Much to Be Desired/ Farm Action https://merylnass.substack.com/p/leaked-draft-of-the-maha-commission
A Swiss study of more than 1,700 healthcare workers, published Aug. 9 in Communications Medicine, showed that people who received a COVID-19 booster were more likely to contract respiratory illness and miss work than those who didn’t get the shot. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/covid-boosters-linked-flu-like-symptoms-sick-days/
The second big lie was the CV19 vaccines. We were told they were “safe and effective,” and they turned out to be deadly and debilitating bioweapons. Many millions around the world have been killed or disabled by the CV19 vax bioweapon. More than 270 million Americans and more than 5.5 billion people worldwide have gotten the CV19 vax. This bioweapon is powered by many toxic ingredients, including but not limited to mRNA. Now, instead of sounding the alarm on the huge death and disability problem caused by the CV19 vax, there is more coverup and withholding of lifesaving treatment. https://usawatchdog.com/system-failing-cv-19-vax-injured-dr-pierre-kory/
A peer-reviewed research letter by Children’s Health Defense (CHD) scientists reported fundamental flaws in a 2002 NEJM study used by vaccine advocates to back up the claim that the MMR vaccine has no link to autism. The “question of vaccines and autism desperately needs to be put back on the table,” said CHD Chief Scientific Officer Brian Hooker. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/new-peer-reviewed-analysis-casts-doubt-on-2002-study-claiming-no-link-mmr-vaccine-autism/
Peter McCullough MD, Vaccination Coverage and Exemptions among Kindergartners - Report from CDC Indicates Increasing Numbers of Parents Filing Exemptions https://www.thefocalpoints.com/p/vaccination-coverage-and-exemptions
The journal that published a controversial Danish study on aluminum in vaccines announced today it will not retract the study, despite recent calls from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others. The decision was announced alongside comments from the study authors denying that the study shows a link between increased aluminum dosages in vaccines and autism. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/journal-rejects-calls-retract-danish-study-no-link-aluminum-vaccines-autism/
The CDC told state and local health departments that the FDA may end the emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children under age 5, but would fully license the shot for kids age 12 and up, The New York Times and The Guardian reported. An HHS spokesperson declined to confirm the Times and Guardian reports. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/fda-may-end-eua-pfizer-covid-vaccine-infants-children-under-5/
Thanks Josh, Ag Reform Must Put Farmers First, Charles Eisenstein https://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/ag-reform-must-put-farmers-first-5901888
Josh Mitteldorf has good, applicable information: Review of anti-aging supplements https://mitteldorf.substack.com/p/review-of-anti-aging-supplements
Getting Older (with some black eyed peas for New Year's Day)
