Author Archives: Yves Smith

Links 1/10/2024

Trump’s Arguments for Immunity Not as Hopeless as Some Claim

Even though Trump looks primed to lose his case on immunity from prosecution as president, his arguments aren’t baseless.

Fixing the Panama Canal

The impact of the reduction in Panama Canal capacity illustrates choices we will have to make. Some are more pro-survival than others

Thomas Friedman Is Wrong (Again) on Who Failed Peace in Israel/Palestine

US and Israeli policies sank any hope for a stable Palestinian state by intentionally sabotaging economic progress in the West Bank and Gaza.

Links 1/9/2024

Odds of US Bank Failures Rise with Office Space Loan Losses, Fed Interest Rate Mismanagement

US bank pain: Loans for urban office buildings come a cropper as they were already suffering other interest rate losses.

Monsanto’s ‘Cancer Index’, an Alleged Conspiracy, and New PCB-Related Complaints

Monsanto is targeted for cancer liability via an alleged collusion with GE over indemnification for PCBs, including the use of a cancer index

Older Americans Say They Feel Trapped in Medicare Advantage Plans

More on why you should not get a Medicare Advantage plan if at all possible.

Israel Seen as Even More Likely to Launch War with Lebanon as Fate of ICJ Suit Uncertain Due to China and Russia Doubts

As feared, Israel looks determined to go to war against Lebanon as the vote-count on the ICJ genocide case may favor Israel.

Links 1/6/2024

Unhappy New Year: How Austerity is Making a Comeback in Berlin and Brussels

How EU states are still trapped in their self-devised austerity hairshirt.

Israel Shifts to Targeted Escalation, With Justification for Entry into Lebanon One Likely Aim

Pressure is still growing in and around Israel, with an Israel full bore attack on Lebanon looking all too likely.

Permafrost, Methane and Climate Change

Yet another climate change accelerant not getting remotely the attention warranted: permafrost melt.