A terrific year-end gift to those not afraid to understand the destruction of Ukraine as a reflection of glib but moribund Empire. Nima’s gift: straight-talking economists Richard Wolff and Michael Hudson. WATCH. You owe it to yourselves AND to all friends
Putin’s Hopes for a Post-war Ukraine
Putin’s hopes for a post-war Ukraine seem to be set down in Dmitry Trenin’s concise: What Ukraine Should Look Like After Russia’s victory; The coming post-conflict process will mark the beginning of a stable and secure future for both nations. A MUST READ.
https://profile.ru/abroad/kakoj-dolzhna-stat-ukraina-posle-zaversheniya-rossijskoj-specoperacii-1635806/
Reason for Hope in Ukraine
Tidings of hope at year’s end on Ukraine. Expect smoke & mirrors until Trump’s folks talk to Putin’s. Russia’s terms are tough but negotiable once talks start. Both want a deal. There is room for one, once Trump understands Russia’s actual security needs.
Evidently Putin Has Not “Already Lost the War”
MYSTERY SOLVED! CIA’s Burns 7/1/23: Putin’s war a strategic failure; military weakness laid bare https://cia.gov/static/62739354dfed5cc1942997d3f1899d94/DCIA-Ditchley-Remarks-01-July-2023.pdf
Biden 7/13/23: Putin has already lost the war https://cnn.com/2023/07/13/politics/joe-biden-nordic-summit-helsinki/index.html
Burns just parroted what Zelensky told him in June. Still pals? https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-with-cia-director-in-kyiv/
Why Jake Sullivan is Fidgeting
Putin exudes confidence Russia prevailing in Ukraine. Cites Oreshnik and undeniable progress in Ukraine. Comparisons can be invidious, but Jake Sullivan is shown fidgeting – one big reason Russia on high alert, lest Neocons up the ante within next 30 days
Power Plays and Global Impact
“Connecting the Dots”, with Wilmer Leon and me. Wilmer’s interviews of me go back 20 years. This morning we addressed front-burner issues during a relaxed conversation. See if you agree that Wilmer is quite knowledgeable and ask the right questions.
Leaking War Plans Doesn’t Endanger Lives, It Saves Them
Prosecutor charges CIA’s Asif Rahman with leaking “plans for kinetic action btw two countries” & emphasizes “grave danger to human life” from such a leak. If “kinetic” means war, leaking before Israeli attack on Iran saved lives (at end of talk with Nima).
After Four Obama/Biden Betrayals, Putin Won’t Be Fooled Again
Ukraine: Trump needs to know it will be uphill battle to deal with Putin after FOUR Obama/Biden betrayals (2014 to 2022). See: https://gordonhahn.com/2024/12/10/the-second-great-ukrainian-ruin-revisited/ Especially with battlefield win near, Putin will not be fooled again. Still, there is ample room to deal.
How the “Unprovoked” War Was Provoked
The Four Horsemen of Apocalypse in Ukraine: Betrayals on the Maidan, in Minsk, in Delaware, and in Istanbul, 2014-22. First six paragraphs by historian Gordon Hahn demonstrate not only how that “unprovoked” war was PROVOKED, but also how it can end us all.
The Consequences of Criticizing Israel
More Syrian land taken by Israel, which has “a right to defend itself”. WARNING: Better not criticize such behavior manifesting the “rules-based international order” (as have 160 of 170 votes in UN General Assembly). You will get on Israel’s dance card.