Author Archives: Yves Smith

Michael Hudson: American Diplomacy as a Tragic Drama

American policies have become astonishingly obvious about not simply putting the US first, but also exploiting supposed partners to do so.

Xi and Biden Talk Past Each Other in Over 2 Hour Phone Call

The Xi-Biden call confirmed that despite keeping communications lines open, the two superpowers are at an impasse.

The Gang That Can’t Shoot Straight: Western Leaders Bungle Russia Gas Supply, Barmy Oil Price Cap, and Appear Unable Even to Line Up Meetings

The harder you look at Western scheming against Russia (and China) the worse it appears.

Left in the Dark: The Families Struggling to Survive Fuel Poverty

The future many in the UK and Europe will suffer this winter: having to choose between food and fuel.

Biden’s Climate Emergency: Will He Declare It?

Biden has put the idea of using the National Emergency Act to declare a climate emergency in play. What are its odds of happening?

Prices of New Houses Plunge, Sales Crater to Lockdown Level, Inventories Pile Up to Highest Since 2008

There is no “housing shortage,” with over 9 months’ supply of unsold houses, the most since the Housing Bust. But prices are still too high.

One China Eyepoking Too Far: Biden Signals US Not Backing Down on Pelosi Taiwan Visit as China Promises Military Response

Taiwan is becoming yet another case study in advanced imperial decline. Too bad the world is along for the ride.

Sri Lanka’s Arrest of Aeroflot Plane Was the Straw that Broke President Rajapaksa’s Back

How Sri Lanka tried, and may still be trying, to play Moscow off against Washington.

What’s Happening in Myanmar?

An update on Myanmar, including executions by the military.

Common Medications May Increase the Dangers of Heat Waves

Some medications may interfere with sweat production, alter the body’s internal thermostat, or make dehydration more likely.

Links 7/26/2022

The End of Cheap Russian Gas: Turning the Lights Out in Europe

Be careful what you wish for: Europe is seeing the end of its access to cheap Russian gas.

Some Implications of the UN’s Ukraine Grain and Russia Fertilizer/Food Agreements

The press was all over the UN’s Ukraine grain deal, but the UN agreement on Russian fertilizer and food may be more imporant in the long run.