Roger Waters and I in informal end-of-year conversation, and stories, relating to issues of Justice; and whether there is a God, or not; and what are we to think of Jesus of Nazareth. With Randy Credico Live on the Fly. Dec. 30 (cameo by Dmitri Polansky).
Did Russia Down a Ukrainian F-16?
SOMETHING FISHY HERE: Did Russia down a Ukrainian F-16 in Zaporozhe a couple of days ago? TASS says “Yes”; Pentagon: “No Comment”. But hold on: Newsweek has now summoned the courage to ask the Ukrainians. Maybe they know. newsweek.com/ukrainian-f16-
Three Weeks to Start World War Three
Can ‘Collective Biden’ (Blinken & Sullivan) bring us to the brink of war in the next 3 weeks? Putin must assume some surprise is in the works. Trump’s labeling “foolish” missile strikes into Russia shows he cares much less about charges of being pro-Putin.
Remembering What Real Journalism Looked Like
Sy Hersh on Vietnam. Especially for those who do not know much about the Vietnam War and/or for those who have no idea about what courageous, enterprising, just-the-facts investigative reporting (now an endangered species) looks like. READ it: seymourhersh.substack.com/p/the-scene-of
How the Pope Might Respond to Biden
If ‘practicing Catholic’ Joe Biden ‘goes to Confession’ to Pope Francis, he likely to hear: “Sorry, Joe. NO ABSOLUTION. No “Glory Be’s”, no “Hail Mary’s” for penance. First, stop the genocide in Gaza & the West BANK. If you don’t, you can just go to hell.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-meet-pope-francis-final-days-president-white-house-vatican-rcna184950
Straight Talking Economists on Ukraine
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