Lavrov Picked Up The Phone. (The US hasn't gotten the message that talking down to Russia and China is not going to work. Both Russia and China are signaling loud and clear that this game is over.)
Andrei Martyanov, former USSR naval officer and expert on Russian military and naval issues.
http://smoothiex12.blogspot.com/2022/07/lavrov-picked-up-phone.html
Counterpunch
Last Tango in Washington? (Martyanov refers to this in the above.)
Last Tango in Washington? (Martyanov refers to this in the above.)
Michael Brenner | Professor of International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh
https://consortiumnews.com/2022/06/16/last-tango-in-washington/
REGIME INSTABILITY IN KIEV? (hyopthetical but somewhat relevant)
Gordon M. Hahn | Expert Analyst at Corr Analytics, http://www.canalyt.com and a Senior Researcher at the Center for Terrorism and Intelligence Studies (CETIS), Akribis Group
https://gordonhahn.com/2022/07/29/regime-instability-in-kiev/
Ukraine’s Big ‘Million Man’ Offensive Against Russia Seems Like a Mistake (Lt. Col. Davis makes some unrealistic assumptions, accepting flawed Western analysis of Russian capabilities, and even then Ukraine he finds that Ukraine has little chance of succeeding.)
Lt. Col. Daniel L. Davis (USA ret.), Senior Fellow and Military Expert for Defense Priorities
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/07/ukraines-big-million-man-offensive-against-russia-seems-like-a-mistake/
“Ukraine Update: All eyes on Kherson as Ukraine tightens the noose” – TTG (Citing Markos Moulitsas of the Daily Kos (formerly trained in HIMARS) and Ukrainian presidential advisor Aleksey Arestovych, TTG disagrees with Lt. Col. Davis. Do these people understand combined arms warfare?)
https://turcopolier.com/ukraine-update-all-eyes-on-kherson-as-ukraine-tightens-the-noose-ttg/
‘Pyromaniac fireman’ accused of starting string of French wildfires ‘for excitement’ (He belongs at the US State Department. He would fit right in.)
Emily Atkinson
What’s the Big Deal About Pelosi, Or Any Other US Politician, Going to Taiwan? An Explainer
https://sputniknews.com/20220730/whats-the-big-deal-about-pelosi-or-any-other-us-politician-going-to-taiwan-an-explainer-1097947944.html
Will Tweaking the Dragon’s Tail Ignite a Terrible Fire With China?
Larry C. Johnson | CEO and co-founder of BERG Associates, LLC, an international business-consulting firm with expertise combating terrorism and investigating money laundering, formerly Deputy Director in the U.S. State Department’s Office of Counter Terrorism (1989-1993, and CIA operations (1984-1989)
https://sonar21.com/will-tweaking-the-dragons-tail-ignite-a-terrible-fire/
Pelosi visiting Taiwan is no big deal... unless there is a surprise announcement by the Taiwanese government. To date, the status quo remains unchanged.
ReplyDeleteEither China is bluffing, or looking for a false pretext to invade. If it's the latter, Beijing is to be condemned for seeking needless destruction.
China has painted itself into a corner with its belligerence. A bad actor, which Washington certainly is, can use this to provoke a war. The sole obstacle being the integrity of the Taiwanese leadership.
The defacto independence of Taiwan is a reflection of popular opinion on the island. There's no consensus to rejoin China, or to make a formal declaration of independence. The status quo is benefiting all parties. Who would benefit from a war that would destroy Taiwan's economy and kill its people?
Trump commentary:
ReplyDeletehttps://truthsocial.com/users/realDonaldTrump/statuses/108731190332757267
“ Why is Nancy Pelosi getting involved with China and Taiwan other than to make trouble and more money, possibly involving insider trading and information, for her cheatin’ husband? Everything she touches turns to Chaos, Disruption, and “Crap” (her second big Congress “flop” happening now!), and the China mess is the last thing she should be involved in - She will only make it worse. Crazy Nancy just inserts herself and causes great friction and hatred. She is such a mess!!!”