Category Archives: Middle East

Putin’s Misleading Factoids on Russia-Israel Ties

Many, perhaps in part due to Putin-myth-stoking, think more Israelis are close to Russia than is demonstrably the case.

Iran War: Iran’s Response to US Proposal Deemed “Totally Unacceptable,” as Bibi Makes Even More Demands; Xi Summit Confirmed; Crunch in Physical Oil Eases as Traders Back Off

Today’s Iran war news: Trump predictably lashes out as Iran refuses to cede any ground in talks. Xi talks are on, likely a further complication.

Iran War: Momentary Quiet as Iran Withholds Answer on US Proposal; Iran Asserts Control Over Persian Gulf Cables; Debate Over US Destruction of Iran Tankers, Iran Destroyer Attacks

Today’s Iran war update: The US and Iran stare at and skirmish with each other as the economy continues to bleed out .

Iran War: Iran Yet to Answer US Proposal as Recent Exchange of Fire in Gulf Exposes US Weapons Shortages; More on Poor Prospects for Global Economy, Resumption of Old Normal Gulf Traffic Levels

Today’s Iran war news: Iran keeps Trump angrily waiting as recent skirmishes in the Gulf reveal critical US weaknesses.

Iran War: Lull Before Expected Big Strikes or Is Trump Stuck?

Today’s Iran war news: More dithering and skirmishes. The calm before a big storm or a move to an end with a whimper, not a bang?

Who Gives a Hug – China Changes Its Position Towards Iran, US

China has revised its conditions for a Xi-Trump meeting. China will not be seen as backing US escalation v. Iran and requires negotiations.

Iran War: Iran Pushes Back Against Trump “Deal Is Nigh” as More Evidence of US Failure Emerges, Including Gulf State Mini-Revolt, Even More US Base Destruction, Jet Fuel Price Rise Damage, Conservative Opposition to Trump Climbdown

Today’s Iran war news: The US again engages in market-manipulating deal head-fakery as more evidence of its weak position accumulates.

Iran War: Trump “Pauses” Failed Operation Freedom, Rubio Claims End to Epic Fury With Strait of Hormuz Still Blockaded and Alarms About Real World Damage Rising

Today’s Iran war news: Team Trump says it is abandoning Project Freedom and Epic Fury while keeping the damaging blockade and sanctions on.

Iran War: Iran Targets US Warships, US Reports Small Successful Gulf Transit, Iran Hits UAE; Putin Call for Middle East to Be a WMD-Free Zone, Challenging Israel Nuclear Program; US Renewed Strikes Still Look Imminent

Today’s Iran war updates: skirmishes flare as Iran contests Trump’s lame Operation Freedom; a bigger attack seems likely.

Iran War: Peak Chaos as Trump Announces “Humanitarian” Convoy to Enter Strait to Free Trapped Ships, Soon Walked Back by Officialdom; Negotiations Reported as Collapsing as Iran Toughens Position; UAE Enters War

Today’s Iran war news: Trump carries on with his signature chaos-making, but not necessarily to his advantage.

Artificial Stupidity in the Persian Gulf

The planned central hub for American digital—and dollar— supremacy goes up in flames, but Silicon Valley and Washington refuse to learn anything.

What’s in the Price of a Gallon of Gas?

Energy crises are good times for oil refiners—not so much for the rest of us.

Iran War: Trump Whinges About Iran Proposal, China Rejects New US Secondary Sanctions, Ansar Allah Threatens Saudis

Today’s Iran war news: The US and Iran standoff continues, with Trump signaling he still prefers striking to blinking.

Iran War: Trump Leans Towards Another Attack on Iran as More Weapons Arrive; Further Confirmation of US Base Damage in Theater; More on War Cost; El Niño as Famine Multiplier

Today’s Iran war update: Trump still seems primed to attack again in Iran even as costs to the US and Israel mount.