New trends emerging these past seven days . Where is Russia’s national reserve funds, gold reserves, and Hermitage collections? (I will post more on this tomorrow.) Is China joining sanctions against Russia? Russia’s elite circles its wagons around the President. The Russia’s military take political charge. The pro-Western liberal fraction in the government runs the banks. Will RCB be sidelined before doing more damage? The capital flow out of Russia has significantly decreased. Maidan in Armenia? Watch for people in red t-shirts with loudspeakers. People in red on Kiev Maidan, Moscow Bolotnaya square, and Erevan, Armenia. Russia is building new ultra-modern port to bypass the Baltic countries oil and gas terminals. The NATO occupation of Ukraine grows with Canada’s troops.
Do you ever store your files using cloud computing? Now, it’s becoming a subject of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations that bans Russia.
Obama’s Transatlantic Free Trade Area (TAFTA) will de-industrialize Germany and France.
In order to start de-industrialization of Germany and France, the US has to completely cut off the gas and oil supply from Russia. That’s why for the US is not enough to control the governments of the transmitting countries. The US has already controls them. Now, the US wants to take custody ever the Gasprom European assets. That’s why they orchestrated the extra-judicial decision on the frivolous Yukos case.
De-Industrialization of Germany will start in due course and it will be as ferocious as anything the US and the EU are doing to Russia now.
Our concern here is for the well being of Russia.
The Russia’s defense industry remains “the driving force for the development of innovations, including dual-purpose and civilian ones in such branches of the economy as energy, engineering, communications, microelectronics and some other.” Putin’s speech at ceremony opening ARMY-2015 International Military-Technical Forum
As for the lost of the European integration, Yevgeny Satanovsky expressed the prevailing Russian sentiment:
“Thanks to the European consensus our own kind of decision making emerged in this country, under which the ruling elite have rallied quite firmly around the President. No matter if it is good or bad. But if for the sake of our values we will have to sacrifice you with your European values, it will become your problem,” – Satanovsky responded to the representative of the European Union.”
We are still watching as the politicians from Donetsk and Lugansk try to consolidate Ukraine under their authority.
NATO is moving its armies to the Russian front. The West expects that as a result of this war on Russia, Putin’s government will be toppled over by the pro-Western liberal elite. They will break the country apart into multiple small fiefdoms, with Baltic countries, Ukraine, Georgia, Turkey and Poland demanding parts of Russia’s territories, with the issuing wars all over the country, and with NATO coming in and “restoring the order” which will result in the complete extermination of the Russian people.
“But history is about power, and the West is using its power to press Russia hard. But obviously, nothing is more dangerous than wounding a bear. Killing him is better, but killing Russia has not proved easy.” Viewing Russia From the Inside by George Friedman, Stratfor Global Intelligence
This “Kill Russia” scenario has become unlikely since this past Friday July 19, 2015 General Shoigu openly declared Russia’s military as a political and economic power player. The Russia’s military won’t sit on their hands, like they have done through the 90s and 2000s. Today Russia’s military is the biggest investor in Russia’s scientific research, space and communication, industries, agriculture, and higher education. Russia’s military is also the biggest employer in Russia. With 850,000 men and women on active duty and 2 million reservist, with many millions of people in public and private companies and universities working to fulfill military tenders and selling to the military everything from bread and butter, construction material, road maintenance, satellites, to research in science, politics, and medicine. The military of Russia has just casually announced that it is firmly taking a place on Russia’s political stage. [Source] [Source] [Source]
Russia’s military has always been the healthiest part of Russian society. Even in the darkest times of Stalinism Russia’s military officers subscribed to the idea that they served the country and not the government. They stood aside in the 90s. They had never expressed their opinions on the liberal economic reforms and privatization.
During the Washington-backed liberal tyranny of the 90s, Russia’s military officers corpus had become an object of political and economic attacks, and a vicious PR campaign, indented to humiliate, belittle, and vilify. Those attacks, fully consistent with the US government’s interests, pushed Russia’s military officers, retired and on active duty, to consolidate and to create a network of nonprofit patriotic organizations, secret and public.
To see how well these societies are organized and how they function, just look at what has been achieved during this NATO Ukrainian war. Considering that Russia’s government wanted to do nothing or very little, most of what we witness today has been done by volunteers. [Source]
The plundering of the army by the former defense minister, Anatoly Serdyukov, Medvedev’s appointee, put the military on the verge of a revolt. [Source]
The morale of Russia’s military officers corpus has always been based in their core belief that they are on a quest to protect Russia, regardless of who is ruling the country. They like to say that “governments come and go, but Russia remains.” At this point of history, they decided that to serve the country better they have to start participating in its political and economical decision making.
“Some people say that the military should not be involved in political processes, some say the direct opposite. We will order a study on the phenomenon of color revolutions and the military’s role in their prevention,” Shoigu told the participants of the Army-2015 political forum Friday.
“We have no right to allow the repetitions of the collapses of 1991 and 1993,” he said. “How to do it is another story, but it is clear that we must deal with the situation. We must understand how to prevent this and how to teach the younger generation so that it supported the calm and gradual development of our country.”
This is a truly pivotal moment in Russia’s development. It has direct historical ties to the traditional role the military played in the governance, politics, and culture, of the Russian Empire.
Ukraine
1. USDA Ukraine reports for 2014-2015
2. ADM Averts DQ With Waiver After $54M FCPA Fine. A curious case of the Western “justice.“ [Source]
Law360, New York (June 4, 2015, 4:45 PM ET) — The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission granted Archer Daniels Midland Co. a waiver Wednesday from a regulatory disqualification the agricultural giant faced over a $54 million settlement it entered in 2013 to end a U.S. probe of bribes that subsidiaries paid to Ukrainian and other officials.
The order from the commission allows ADM to hold onto its status as a well-known seasoned issuer, enabling it to continue to offer and sell securities under an automatic shelf registration statement. The multinational would have otherwise lost this privilege over the guilty plea one of its subsidiaries entered in December 2013 as part of the joint settlement with the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice, because entry of such judgments automatically strips companies of their WKSI status for three years.
“Such a determination would be a significant detriment to ADM and its stockholders because it would substantially increase the time, labor, and money that ADM would need to spend to gain access to the United States capital markets,” an attorney for ADM wrote in a letter requesting the relief.
Regulatory waivers have been deeply controversial at the SEC, as the commission’s two Democratic members have slammed what they view as a rubber-stamp process that has spared recidivist financial institutions from some of the consequences of their alleged, and at points acknowledged, wrongdoing.
The exact breakdown of the vote on the ADM request could not be determined immediately, although Commissioner Kara Stein, a frequent critic of waivers, voted against it. The time between when the company submitted its request, May 1, and when relief was granted, June 3, also indicates the board likely engaged in some debate over the merits of the claim.
“Based on the facts and representations in the company’s May 1, 2015 request, and assuming [ADM subsidiary Alfred C. Toepfer International Ukraine Ltd.] complies with the terms of the plea agreement, the commission has determined that the company has made a showing of good cause that the company will not be considered an ineligible issuer by reason of the entry of the plea agreement,” the order states.
ADM’s request letter to the SEC sought to satisfy agency requirements laid out in staff guidance issued in April 2014, when the company answered questions about who was responsible for the misconduct, how long it lasted and what remedial steps the company has since taken.
According to its letter, the guilty plea by Toepfer Ukraine “exclusively concerns” a handful of now-former employees of the company and a German affiliate who, between 2002 and 2008, made “improper payments” to intermediaries in a bid to secure value-added tax refunds owed to Toepfer Ukraine. The payments did not relate to ADM’s own regulatory disclosures, nor were there any allegations of fraud in conjunction with the scheme, the letter said.
ADM further stated the misconduct was hidden from the company itself at the time. The company has since strengthened its global anti-corruption compliance controls as part of its remedial efforts, it said.
“We do not believe this misconduct under the [Foreign Corrupt Practices Act] of subsidiaries constitutes the type of ongoing risk to the reliability of disclosures made by ADM under the Securities Act that would warrant denial of this request,” the company said.
ADM said it has used its automatic shelf privileges extensively, having issued $4.45 billion in debt securities and $1.75 billion in equity offerings since September 2006. It also has used its WKSI status to register $1.15 billion in convertible debt securities for resale.
“In light of the foregoing, we believe that disqualification of ADM as an ineligible issuer is not necessary under the circumstances — either in the public interest or for the protection of investors — and that ADM has shown good cause for the requested relief to be granted,” the letter said.
ADM was represented by W. Morgan Burns of Faegre Baker Daniels.
The case is Securities and Exchange Commission v. Archer Daniels Midland Co., case number 2:13-cv-02279, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois.
3. Deployment of Canadian training troops to Ukraine delayed – mission still has to be worked out [Source]
Canadian soldiers will also hit the ground just as the Harper government prepares to do electoral battle on the campaign trail at home in advance of the Oct. 19 vote.
The plan to send 200 troops for nearly two years to help strengthen the Ukrainian Army was announced with much political fanfare in mid-April, yet specifics on how the two-year mission will unfold have yet to be worked out.
4. 1991 – In 5 years, we shall be living as they do in France.
2004 – In 10 years, we shall be living as they do in Poland.
2015 – in 20 years, we shall be living as we did under Yanukovich
5. Ukrainian president Poroshenko rules out federalization [Source]
Donetsk Donbass Novorossia
1. Donetsk Republic will conduct planned evacuation of civilians from the area under Kiev’s militants fire [Source]
2. Valentina Lisitsa (Drone Journalism #12) Донецк – Валентина Лисица – Беспилотник Грэма (#4)
Valentina Lisitsa gives concert to people of Donetsk
At the evening June 22, the world-renowned American pianist of Ukrainian birth and upbringing, Valentina Lisitsa, performed an outdoor concert at Lenin Komsomol Park in the city of Donetsk. The concert was dedicated to the 74th anniversary of the start of the Great Patriotic War.
Lisitsa and the Academic Symphony Orchestra performed Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No. 7. Donetsk is the home city of iconic Russian composer Sergei Prokoviev.
3. Roman Khramenkov is appointed as Acting mayor of Gorlovka
24th of June, 2015. Donetsk People’s Republic, Novorossiya.
Former mayor of Yenakiyevo Roman Khramenkov was appointed Acting mayor of Gorlovka, the head of the DPR Alexander Zakharchenko told journalists yesterday.
“I want to introduce you to a man who was the mayor of Yenakiyevo. From now on, he’ll head Gorlovka. We’re transferring him from one city to another. He earned our trust by his work in Yenakiyevo, where he established policies, so, he’d understand how to work here. I’d ask you to welcome and support him,” – Zakharchenko said.
During the fighting in the Debaltsevo cauldron in February, as mayor in Yenakiyevo, Khramenkov gained notice for his competence in evacuating villages ravaged in the battle. Immediately after the DPR forces liberated Debaltsevo, Khramenkov took on the task of planning repairs in Uglegorsk and built the first new roads under DPR auspices.
“At this stage, we’ll work together with you, and thanks to your support, we’ll restore the good name of Gorlovka, to rebuild its civil society,” – Khramenkov told Zakharchenko.
Roman Khramenkov was born in 1978, having lived in Yenakiyevo since 1998. He completed higher education in medicine and administration (National Academy for Public Administration under the President of Ukraine), and he’s taken some legal studies.
4. Ukrainian forces have violated the ceasefire regime 10 times over the last 24 hours
24th of June, 2015. Donetsk People’s Republic, Novorossiya.
Ukrainian forces have violated the ceasefire regime 10 times over the last 24 hours, the DPR Defense Ministry told the Donetsk News Agency.
“In the course of the past 24 hours, we have recorded 10 instances of shelling on the part of the Ukrainian forces. They fired 54 mortars of 82-mm and 120-mm caliber on the DPR territory. Besides, the enemy used grenade launchers and small arms. Ukrainian army shelled Donetsk (Petrovskiy district, Donetsk airport), Logvinovo, Spartak, Naberezhnoye. The information on the civilian and military casualties is being specified,” – the DPR Defense Ministry said.
5. Fights In Donbass 23.06.2015
6. Russia to send 31st humanitarian aid convoy to Donbas [Source]
Russia
1. Sergey Glasiyev: Russia’s central bank continues attacks on economy [Source]
2. I have a great idea for Russia’s next sanction against the West.
A state law that “vodka” is the national product brand name with Russia as protected designation. It should be only allowed to use for the products made on the territory of Russia.
The precedent with the French cognac is here: “It is clear … that the registration of a mark containing a geographical indication, or the generic term corresponding to that indication and its translation, with respect to spirit drinks which do not meet the specifications [for the name falls under the EU laws on protected designations] and that the competent national authorities must … refuse or invalidate the registration of such a mark,” the court said.
3. The Council of the EU has renewed its economic sanctions against Russia for 6 months, following COREPER’s agreement to do so last week . The source document
COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/971 of 22 June 2015 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2015.157.01.0050.01.ENG
Also: Europe rights body PACE maintains sanctions against Russian delegation
4. Ron Paul Warns Seizure Of Russian Assets Will Hasten Dollar Demise [Source]
After 70-plus years of a depreciating dollar the rest of the world is rebelling against this massive transfer of wealth.
According to the following reader’s comment there is a precedent when the same court’s decision not being enforced. This is something for Russia’s legal team to use.
Readers comment: Paveway IV – “Why is nobody seizing Israeli assets in France or Belgium to satisfy a Swiss ruling for the $1.2 billion in compensation they owe Iran for stealing the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline from them?
Same international court in Switzerland. Same monetary judgment. Israel has refused to pay back a dime. France and Belgium both have plenty of Israeli assets they can seize.
Do international court settlements only count if the U.S. doesn’t like the country? Hell, you know that if the judgment was against Iran we would already be Tomahawking their ass for ‘payment’.
Why is Israel more important to the U.S. than Russia? What dual-citizen Israeli-firster traitor in congress decided THAT on behalf of the entire United States?”
With sanctions against Russia the US started de-industrialization of Germany and France
Russland-Krise kostet Europa bis zu 100 Milliarden Euro
Wladimir Putin hat stets gewarnt, dass die Sanktionen gegen Russland Europa selbst schaden. Die EU bestreitet das. Ökonomen haben jetzt errechnet, wie teuer die Krise wird – vor allem für Deutschland.
Russland-Krise kostet Europa bis zu 100 Milliarden Euro
Wladimir Putin hat stets gewarnt, dass die Sanktionen gegen Russland Europa selbst schaden. Die EU bestreitet das. Ökonomen haben jetzt errechnet, wie teuer die Krise wird – vor allem für Deutschland.
The economic crisis in Russia has far worse consequences for the countries of the European Union (EU) and Switzerland, as previously expected. According to a calculation by the Austrian Institute for economic research (Wifo), are in Europe far more than two million jobs and around 100 billion euros in value in danger.
The scientists in their study, the exclusively for the Alliance of leading European Newspapers (LENA) have created a “Worst-Case” scenario. “The Exportausfälle, we are in the autumn of last year, at worst, had adopted, have become a reality,” says Oliver Fritz, one of three authors of the study. Played sanctions against Russia and the Russian response, a crucial role. “Changed the situation does not, in principle, is expected to be our particularly pessimistic scenario occur.”
“Washington’s gambit in the Spratly’s is an attempt to reverse the tide, derail China’s current trajectory and insert the US as the regional kingpin who writes the rules and picks the winners. As Sec-Def Carter said in an earlier speech at the McCain Institute in Arizona, “There are already more than 525 million middle class consumers in Asia, and there will be 3.2 billion in the region by 2030.” US corporations want the lion’s-share of those customers so they can peddle their widgets, goose their stock prices and pump up their quarterly profits. Carter’s job is to help them achieve that objective.”
As author Bart Gruzalski notes in his excellent article at Counterpunch, “China and Russia are creating alternatives that threaten the dollar’s status as the sole dominant international currency. By instituting trade alternatives to the dollar, they challenge the value of the dollar and so threaten the US economy.” (“An Economic Reason for the US vs. China Conflict”, Bart Gruzalski, CounterPunch)
The US attacked Russia in December 2013;
The US attacked China in June 2015;
The US will attack Germany after Germany signs TAFTA agreement in about December 2016.
Obama’s Transatlantic Free Trade Area (TAFTA) will de-industrialize Germany and France
In order to start de-industrialization of Germany and France, the US has to completely cut off the gas and oil supply from Russia. That’s why for the US is not enough to control the governments of the transmitting countries. The US has already controls them. Now, the US wants to take custody ever the Gasprom European assets. That’s why they orchestrated the extra-judicial decision on the frivolous Yukos case.
De-Industrialization of Germany will start in due course and it will be as ferocious as anything the US and the Eu are doing to Russia now.
Our concern here is for the well being of Russia.
What if Russia catapults the de-industrialization of Germany and France today, not weighting for TAFTA being sign. Russia can do this by simply turning off gas and demanding the immediate removal and the war crime process over Kiev Junta.
Hegemon’s attacks around Russia
1. Attack on the Afghan Parliament
2. Maidan in Armenia. Is Armenia next to go up in flames?
Victoria Nuland visited Armenia
On Twitter, Ukraine Reporter @StateOfUkraine • Anti-govt protest in #Yerevan #Armenia is following the Maidan pattern: govt crackdown on protestors have now fueled an even larger protest.
Olga Klymenko @OlgaK2013 #Nuland’s Lavash:) #ElectricYerevan #ElectricArmenia #Armenia
Rose_Anna @avaruza • Mar 23 U.S. expert: #Washington sent #Nuland to #Armenia to organize coup there – Հորիզոն շաբաթաթերթ – Horizon Weekly
“PanARMENIAN.Net – While Washington works assiduously to undermine the Minsk agreement that German chancellor Merkel and French president Hollande achieved in order to halt the military conflict in Ukraine, Washington has sent Victoria Nuland to Armenia to organize a “color revolution” or coup there, has sent Richard Miles as ambassador to Kyrgyzstan to do the same there, and has sent Pamela Spratlen as ambassador to Uzbekistan to purchase that government’s allegiance away from Russia. The result would be to break up the Collective Security Treaty Organization and present Russia and China with destabilization where they can least afford it, Paul Craig Roberts says in a piece titled “Russia Under Attack” published on his website.”
“On March 18 the Secretary General of NATO denounced the peace settlement between Russia and Georgia that ended Georgia’s military assault on South Ossetia. The NATO Secretary General said that NATO rejects the settlement because it “hampers ongoing efforts by the international community to strengthen security and stability in the region.” Look closely at this statement. It defines the “international community” as Washington’s NATO puppet states, and it defines strengthening security and stability as removing buffers between Russia and Georgia so that Washington can position military bases in Georgia directly on Russia’s border, Roberts says.”
stephan herzog Feb 18 Next #Maidan #Coup #Armenia? #Nuland met Feb18 w/ representative of 3 Armenia #NGO closed meet:
Is Ukraine Coup Rebel Rouser Vicky Nuland at it Again?
Nuland reminds Armenia of humanity in February 2015 and chided Armenia for their inhumanity towards Azerbaijani captives.
Azerbaijan’s media also claim that Armenian government loses last chance
Radio Free Armenia claims that clashes expected of around 40 000 ppl. follow LIVE:
“Called #Armenia about the situation in the republic. Answer: ‘Armen, dear, two days working, no sleep.'”
Армен Гаспарян@A_Gasparyan Связался с Арменией по ситуации в республике. Ответ: “Армен Сумбатович, дорогой, два дня не спим, работаем :))”
Армен Гаспарян@A_Gasparyan Authorities there (in Armenia) is just like here (in Russia) They won’t let the Ukraine variant to take place.
власть там – копия нашей. Никакого украинского варианта не будет
People in red hoodies or t-shirts are specially trained protect organizers. They are present on every anti-government meeting in Ukraine, in Russia, in Armenia. Here some videos and images to prove it.
Maidan – People in red hoodies
Maidan management. How to recognize the organizers
People in red jackets organize Right Sector assault on the Police in Kiev
Люди в красных куртках командуют штурмовиками “Правого сектора”
Technology of “orange revolution” and Maidan in Erevan, Armenia
Notice people in red t-shirts in the crowd.
Maidan in Erevan organizers blame Russia, Putin and his “friends,” for the increase in utility prices. However, it was the Armenian government that sold the country’s biggest power generating station the Vorotan Cascade to the US private equity firm.
Armenia to Sell Largest Power Generating Facility
June 12, 2013 YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—A U.S. energy company announced on Wednesday that it is close to buying three big hydroelectric stations generating a considerable part of Armenia’s electricity.
The funds will be sourced from outside of Armenia using a combination of ContourGlobal’s own resources and those of prestigious international financial institutions,” it said in a statement. They include the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the International Finance Corporation, a World Bank Group division, according to the statement.
ARF Western US Central Committee Chair Comments of Armenia Developments
GLENDALE—The dramatic movement against the raising of electricity rates in Armenia that is engulfing the streets of Yerevan during the past 48 hours has had its reverberations in the Diaspora, especially within the Greater Los Angeles Armenian community.
USAID banned in Russia, but allowed in Armenia watches Armenian energy development
Sale of Vorotan Cascade hydro power plants’ property may drive electricity prices up [Source]
Vazgen Safaryan, chairman of the Union of Domestic Commodity Producers, thinks the sale of the property of the Vorotan Cascade Hydro Power Plants may drive electricity prices up. “I am opposed to any sale – it will be the government’s property, since it is a system generating the cheapest electric power in Armenia,” he said at a news conference on Wednesday…
Ukraine Maidan activists in Erevan
Ukrainian Maidan activist from Odessa Alena Balaba (the one that burnt St George ribbons in the Eternal Flame of the WWII memorial) writes from Yerevan, Armenia.
She claims she and other representatives of “democratic” Ukraine are participating in the anti-governments riots in the capital of Armenia.
Anyone still doubting that the protests in post-Soviet Republics do not only have much in common, but are organized, supported and sponsored by the same forces?
3. Lithuania faces a financial and ecological disaster by chocking on expensive Norwegian gas.
Lithuania lose one’s attraction Norwegian gas
State company Klaipėdos nafta, the operator of the LNG terminal, addressed to the Norwegian company Statoil asking for reducing the amount of purchased gas after realized that the demand is dramatically reduced, complained CEO Mantas Bartushka.
Литва подавилась норвежским газом
This is just after ONE year of being : “independent” from the Russia’s gas.
Remeber?
Statoil to Supply Gas to Lithuania in Five-Year Deal
Deal in 2015 Could End Lithuania Being Wholly Dependent on Russian Gas
4. “Russia, unfortunately, still exists.” Debate on the topic “Serbia and neutrality,” which was several days ago held in Belgrade
representatives of the centre for euro-atlantic studies in Belgrade, Jelena Milic, who is hostile (with obvious hatred) noted that “Russia, unfortunately, still exists.”
Jelena Milic: Russia stifled european integration in Ukraine and the Balkans
4. As I predicted a week ago, the number of lawsuits filed in Europe and the US against Russia are growing.
a. British lawyers are preparing a class action lawsuit to Putin over the downed Boeing
b. Ex Yukos shareholders initiated new lawsuit against Russia’s taxpayers, this time in London [Source]
Just a reminder that the bankruptcy of Yukos was initiated by the foreign banks, not the Russia’s government. Russia’s government paid to the foreign bank $500 million to settle the company’s debt.
c. June 22, 2015 – WTO Appoints Panelists To Weigh EU-Russia Import Dispute [Source]
Russia has become a member of WTO with the lobbying of Arkady Dvorkovich
New York (June 22, 2015, 2:08 PM ET) — The World Trade Organization on Friday composed a three-member dispute settlement panel that will adjudicate the European Union’s case against Russian tariffs that have allegedly hampered more than $670 million worth of paper, refrigerator and palm oil exports from the 28-nation bloc.
d. June 19, 2015 – WTO Dispute Roundup: EU Stalls Gas, Poultry Disputes
At Friday’s monthly DSB session in Geneva, the EU spurned Russia’s first attempt to form a dispute settlement panel that would weigh the legality of rules governing the transmission, distribution, supply and storage of natural gas.
e. A Look At The New Export Control Rules For Cloud Computing
New York (June 18, 2015, 5:31 PM ET) — On June 3, 2015, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security and the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls published proposed rules revising key definitions in the Export Administration Regulations and International Traffic in Arms Regulations to harmonize the two export control regimes.
Export of Encrypted Data
The main substantive aspect of the proposed rules is to decontrol the transfer and storage of technology and software encrypted according to certain requirements. This change reflects recent developments in the way data is shared and stored (e.g., cloud computing) and responds to suggestions that industry has made for years. It is the first recognition by BIS and the DDTC that properly encrypted information does not pose a national security risk because it cannot be accessed. In particular, the rules would state that the terms export, reexport, release, retransfer and transfer would exclude sending, taking or storing technology/technical data or software that are:
(1) unclassified;
(2) secured using end-to-end encryption;
(3) secured using cryptographic modules compliant with FIPS 140-2, supplemented by software implementation, key management and other procedures and controls in accordance with NIST publications and guidance. Note that BIS would also allow “similarly effective cryptographic means,” while the DDTC would strictly require FIPS 140-2-compliant cryptography; and
(4) not be stored in a country subject to a U.S. arms embargo (i.e., EAR Country Group D:5 or ITAR Section 126.1) or Russia.
Cloud service providers may also have to refine their offerings to ensure that data is not decrypted at any time (even if only momentarily) and that no servers are located in restricted countries.
5. Germany’s von der Leyen urges more ‘steadfastness’ towards Greece and Russia [Source]
The same classy lady with a missing tooth – Germany’s military minister von der Leyen calls for the German revanchism aftermath of the WWII in her interview to the tabloid Bilt. On June 22 – the anniversary of the day fascist Germany attack on the Soviet Union in 1941.
Германия заговорила о России тоном реванша за проигранную войну [Source]
Hopefully, it wasn’t Carter who knocked her tooth out.
Carter Praises Germany’s Security Role, NATO Unity. WASHINGTON, June 23, 2015 – Defense Secretary Ash Carter discussed what he called the bright future of U.S.-German partnership and the importance of NATO unity to the European security environment during remarks at the Allianz Forum in Berlin yesterday.
2. U.S. to pre-position tanks, artillery in Baltics, eastern Europe
Пентагон заявил о переброске американских танков к границам России
US to “pre-position” heavy military equipment in seven NATO countries
Last, But Not Least…
Keep on holding on…
Things that make you go mmm
Valerie Jarrett’s TERRIFYING FBI File Released… She’s In The White House?! http://madworldnews.com/valerie-jarretts-fbi-file/
“Jarrett’s father-in-law, Vernon Jarrett, was also another big-time Chicago Communist, according to separate FBI files obtained by JW as part of a probe into the Jarrett family’s Communist ties. For a period of time Vernon Jarrett appeared on the FBI’s Security Index and was considered a potential Communist saboteur who was to be arrested in the event of a conflict with theUnion of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). His FBI file reveals that he was assigned to write propaganda for a Communist Party front group in Chicago that would “disseminate the Communist Party line among…the middle class.”
It’s been well documented that Valerie Jarrett, a Chicago lawyer and longtime Obama confidant, is a liberal extremist who wields tremendous power in the White House. Faithful to her roots, she still has connections to many Communist and extremist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood. Jarrett and her family also had strong ties to Frank Marshal Davis, a big Obama mentor and Communist Party member with an extensive FBI file.”
“We have a hardcore Communist pulling the strings of the most powerful position in the world, which is absolutely terrifying. If any of us had such a file, we would never be given clearance into the White House. Not only was she given clearance, but she’s been given access to the seat of the president, which should send chills down the spine of any freedom-loving American.” and I would add to the rest of the world as well . I have posted this before reading this thread so my apologies if it was brought up here ….peace
I’m not afraid of communists — maybe even I am one. There may be a problem with what passed as communism in the USSR, however. Even so, no worse then the US and FBI which were and are at least equally totalitarian.
Doubt it. Where does this blogger get it from about who has an FBI file containing what?
Oh from Judicial Watch which claims to have obtained something under Freedom of Information but doesn’t bother showing a single item. It is a neo-liberal “think tank” with huge funding from Republican sources, that mostly gets information by suing people (including several US ex-presidents).
If this woman’s father really was a Communist, it is surprising Joe McCarthy didn’t get rid of him. Even if he was, that doesn’t mean his adult daughter is.
And what is wrong with being Communist? The article tries to make out it would be a horrible disaster for America because they are influencing Obama… well I’ve not seen any signs of such influence on his policies.
I have no beef with communism per/say . I think it’s used a a big bad boogie man word in this piece ,probably for effects but it give a bit of past family roots and connections that raised my eye brow .ie. the Chicago connection’s and the corruption mafia with the roots there .Obama is controlled and the people around him are also controlled to control him . Call it the deep state but someone is calling the shots and has a plan .imo
Hey Terry, “The Inconvenient Indian” book arrived at my mailbox today….!! I ordered it a while ago after that great comment when you made your appearance here !
Judicial Watch is the only organization in America worthwhile.
It is not neo-liberal. (I don’t know where you got that.) It is not Republican.
It is digging out of the tyrannical government the truth that exposes the Establishment for the crimes it has committed and are committing.
FOIA are serious tools to uncover the secrets.
Judicial Watch has a great record.
I support it because it uses the remnants of the Constitution to fight the Tyranny.
You might not like it uncovering something, but I applaud and send my donations to JW based on their successes.
Fast and Furious guns to the cartel, Benghazi, Hillary’s emails, IRS emails, over and over JW has produced.
They are more effective than House committees.
Don’t throw mud on what you don’t understand. And it is clear you don’t understand JW.
http://www.judicialwatch.org
They are not associated with any Republican or the Party.
They are what a long, long time ago was the ACLU–a team of lawyers who fought the government excesses.
Because they are attacking the Obama government they appear “Right Wing”.
To me, they are very centrist. They go after the Tyrant–GOVERNMENT.
Take a slow walk among the facts.
JW tends to be conservative, but the real thing — not the pseudo-conservative neocons — who believe in things like truth, honesty, and traditional values (maybe like Pat Buchanan or Ron Paul?). .
Interesting that they are funded almost entirely by the Scaife foundations.
Wherever JW might appear to be on the political spectrum, Richard Mellon Scaife was an ultra-extreme, right-wing nut who inherited a ton of money. Those foundations aren’t going to be ladling out cash to anyone but ultra-right-wingers.
Well, do you think left wing, liberal freaks would care about Rule of Law and the Constitution?
http://www.judicialwatch.org/about/
Read down and tell me that this is extreme, nutcase organization.
You have been programmed for knee-jerk response.
Nearly all the list of Scaife funded organizations are legal foundations pursuing protection from the government that has turned totally Elite and Tyrannical.
Its about protecting Liberty from the the opposite of Freedom—Fascism. Just because it wears a nice name, Liberalism, does not mean it stands for Liberty. It stands for the Cult of Elites using the power of Government to crush Freedom.
I could not have said it better :) +1
JW keeps doing truth and honesty service.
Convergence theory back in the 60s I think said that the US will become more socialist (read: totalitarian, the USSA if you like), and the USSR more capitalist. Well, we are seeing the aftermath of this spectrum pivot/shift.
“This is a truly pivotal moment in Russia’s development. It has direct historical ties to the traditional role the military played in the governance, politics, and culture, of the Russian Empire.”
Alexander III: “Russia’s only allies are her army and navy”
If Russians understand nothing else.That they should understand.Her whole history shows the truism of those words.
Does anyone have a good insight into what is going on with Alexi Kudrin’s call for early presidential elections, elections that he sees as forcing Putin to either step down or serve as a Yeltsin-like puppet while “future Prime Minister” Kudrin repeats the “liberal reforms” of the 1990s? According to one normally perceptive analyst, Kudrin is finished; according to another, Putin is using Kudrin to negotiate Russia’s geopolitical and economic surrender; and according to a third, Kudrin’s proposal originated with Dmitry Medvedev and his buddy, Yeltsin-era “reformer” Evgeny Gontmakher.
Thank you Scott.
The cat on the plane was funny – the pilot’s face when he realised there was a cat :)
Maybe the protesters in Armenia should be informed the US bought the electric power and hiked the prices! not the Russians. Those Ukrainian protesters should be arrested or detained……It seems to me there is another angle here too – control of Armenian energy and water too.
The desperate law suits and WTO – well Russia has just extended sanctions for another year.
How can UK lawyers bring a class action for MH17 – 1. It happened in Ukraine 2. Where is the proof when we haven’t even had the report and now the Dutch want a tribunal backed by the UN 3. The UK was supposed to do black box – never heard a word 4. Where is the ATC tower records etc. Is this a joke? and how can Yukos have a case in the UK – what jurisdiction right does it have?
Anyway, the Russians have all of this in hand.
Rgds,
Veritas
I have a great idea for Russia’s next sanction against the West.
It is a great Idea.
so Jo6pac…what’s your idea ?
Sorry I should have put “” around it and it was Scott that had the great idea up above;)
Another fantastic and completely depressing report. “Nuland visited Armenia”. There’s really nothing more that needs to be said is there? It obvious to anyone who reads independent media online that these protesters are America’s stooges. How many know it?
This is a very good piece at ICH and puts it in a way most people paying attention can see . “The West’s Moral Panic Behind The Threat Of Radical Islam By Scott Burchill http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article42228.htm
It basically boils down to you can be what every you want to be as a group or nation but you have to answer to the US ….
Scott, Thanks for all the material to work through.
I note you say, “What if Russia catapults the de-industrialization of Germany and France today, not waiting for TAFTA to be signed. Russia can do this by simply turning off gas and demanding the immediate removal of the war crime process over Kiev Junta.”
But Russia would never break a contract. Even if she did, the loss of 30% of its gas would hurt the EU, but it is only the US that can remove the “war crime process” from Ukraine. In fact, if the US wishes to de-industrialize Germany they would welcome turning off EU’s gas.
Penelope,
I think Scott is basically saying Russia could precipitate ‘regime change’ in Germany with a simple flick of the spigot..
What with Carter announcing increased NATO presence on German soil, including possible nuclear missiles, a serious threat of Gazprom withdrawal would spell the end for Murky.
So Russia would ‘never break a contract’? Under normal trade conditions, true.
But present trade conditions are anything but.
One of the DUMA Communist deputies argued about a month ago that countries which applied sanctions to Russia should have their Russian assets frozen. Presumably the suggestion didn’t fly for reasons of retaliation.
Now look what the Belgians, French and now the British (via the absurd class-action suit on MH-17) are up to – financial attrition that just about stops short of sovereign assets seizure.
Yes, the Belgians have backed off. Yes, the French pulled the same stunt to try and get off the Mistral compensation hook. Yes, the British are not directly seizing anything – though not because they don’t want to.
Maybe the deputy has a point?
Gazprom could be used instead of his suggested assets freeze.
McCain recently claimed the US could supply much of Europe’s energy needs in two years.
Why wait until then?
The instability in the transit countries is increasing: time to call Germany’s bluff.
A Russia-friendly German gov, allied with China and ‘forgiving’ of Greek debt (i.e. one which isn’t controlled by the ECB on behalf of the Fed) would be a real game-changer.
eimar, thanks for the answer, but I see nothing in Russia’s past behavior to presage any part of the dramatic actions you suggest.
Regards
Actually, I’m slowly coming to view Russian pedanticism as counter-productive. Academic legal arguments about Crimea, or Russian participation in the NAF had their day before the gloves came off and are now a source of derision. Legal or illegal is no longer the question. The laws of power are now the only ones in force. They are what will underpin the calculus that determines what happens over the next decade.
Everyone seems to know this but the Kremlin, and this makes it look out of touch at best, or disingenuous at worst. When Merkel said Putin was “out of touch with reality”, perhaps that’s what she meant.
If Russia wants to be heard, especially in Europe, a bit of Khrushchev-ian shoe banging is in order. Instead of the same speech being made about “evidence”, “self-determination”, & “international law” over and over, Russia should tell Europe: “Understand please, you will not get the Ukraine, much less Crimea without a land war. Now, let’s talk about Russia and Europe after Ukraine”. If the response is not positive, they might add “Very well, all gas contracts are hereby null & void. Do you wish to discuss the new ones?”.
Sometimes a 2×4 across the head can knock sense into people, especially smug bureaucrats and arrogant lecturers, and allow real progress to be made. The time for that is coming soon.
Erebus, I sympathize w what you’re saying, but it seems to me that what Russia needs is MONEY– for further military and for development.
Her supply of money is limited and mismanaged by the fact that she belongs to the IMF/Fed system. She allows her central bank to continue under outside control, and so will continue to be vulnerable to financial attack, retarded in her development, and aiding the very financial system which targets her existence.
Until she’s master of her own currency/credit creation she’s simply not competent to take on enemies. One longs for justice, but it can’t be had out of weakness.
Penelope,
To be sure, all countries need to get themselves free of the Empire’s financial / monetary system. No argument there. The new system is under construction, but that still has a long way to go and much can be done within the existing system.
My point was that the world, and specifically Europe, is no longer listening to the Kremlin’s message. A year ago, that message was perhaps appropriate, today it is ignored or worse. The Kremlin keeps saying it wants dialogue, but when one reads about various forums where policy makers, academics, politicians, etc meet, make speeches and panels discuss things, the official Russian statements are always the same – legalistic, pedantic, and long winded arguments about Russian innocence and how they’ve acted correctly. Naturally, the discussion stops because the world has moved on from that.
Whatever the legalisms, the reality is that Russia has put a big rock in the middle of what was a relatively smoothly flowing river of Western power. The river is tumbling now, and Russia’s message is failing to convince their European “partners” that [a] the rock is permanent, and [b] that they have to deal with a new reality. One gets the impression that perhaps the Kremlin itself doesn’t grasp the extent to which their stand in Ukraine changes the world’s power calculus, and (especially) Europe’s role in it. Russia has placed Europe at a decision point, but its message has stranded it there.
The result is that the RU – EU dialogue dies, allowing NATO to fill the open chasm with the USA’s agenda. What’s worse, Russia’s Eurasian partners are left wondering what’s going on, and so become more vulnerable to Western influence.
The trouble with being slow to mount is that you are then forced to ride fast.
Erebus, good analogy, great explanation. I get your point, but I see only two main alternatives to the course that Russia is following:
1. Military action.
or
2. Action to become financially independent and therefore much stronger, even militarily.
The only other action which she might take is less primary, I think: Name the heinous part the US is now playing all over the world. This wd awaken many more members of the public, and it might deprive some countries (maybe even the EU) of the ability to convincingly pretend that US actions are laudable.
Many on “our side” think Russia is winning; I’m not so sure. Like you, I think further action is needed to give credibility to the vision which she has so well presented.
Russia seems to interpret passivity as patience. The US can then slowly bleed her, always staying just below the threshhold of triggering military response– or which directs it against mere proxies.
@ Scott,
Another long list of depressing facts, but yeah, the truth can be as bitter as healthy food.
Thanks, my man.
putin was waiting for result of any extension of sanctions against Russia.he was not disappointed. now putinwill wait for SCo and BRICs meeting but may be one of the participants Armenia may not attend if the maidan under progress in yeveran has her way. so much for putin a long time thinker and strategist. he has messed up thing so bad that only major war against anglos can correct it now.
anonym
To the extent that anyone has messed up things, the aggressor did it– not Russia.
And don’t count your broken eggs while they’re still whole.
Pepe Escobar
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article42234.htm
The Pentagon Goes Nuclear on Russia
Very depressing sitrep…I hope you’re wrong on these horrible deductions Scott. Its a very good sitrep but depressing.
Quote:
Erebus on June 25, 2015 · at 11:44 am UTC
Actually, I’m slowly coming to view Russian pedanticism as counter-productive. Academic legal arguments about Crimea, or Russian participation in the NAF had their day before the gloves came off and are now a source of derision. Legal or illegal is no longer the question. The laws of power are now the only ones in force. They are what will underpin the calculus that determines what happens over the next decade.
Everyone seems to know this but the Kremlin, and this makes it look out of touch at best, or disingenuous at worst.
———————–
Much worse than that. The constant language of appeasement toward “our partners” in the face of such insulting behaviour makes it look totally pathetic. One wonders if they have a sense of pride.
I have not keep up much with Russian news recently, However, I feel the language of “our partners” is OK. Nothing get down with disrespectful language, why lower oneself.
Anonymous, it’s not the “our partners” that we are objecting to, but the failure to name the US as architect of the many destabilizations, and as the creator and supplier of ISIS, al qaeda, etc.
The idea that US is “our partner” in fighting terrorism is nauseating disinfo.
@Penelope & Erebus
All three of us – and many more! are clearly tired of this endless attrition and pretence.
But we’re whistling in the dark: we don’t know what moves are afoot to break the hegemon of US control. Or even if there is a just alternative within the current global system of transnational operations.
So I believe a combination of decisive threat (from a precise locus of advantage with real prospect of implementation – that is essential) and a real alternative to the global Ponzi scheme operated via treacherous, self-enriching placemen within economic blocs (the EU commission is stuffed with them) is the answer. All sovereign states have the same disease – even Russia.
I believe Russia and China are manoeuvreing the second with real prospect of success: the increased belligerence of Washington is one indicator.
Another is the shamelessly political ‘assessments’ from so-called ‘objective’ ratings agencies. This latest from S&P:
http://kazworld.info/?p=41890
The EDB is clearly a viable entity if they are going to the trouble of slagging it off .
But I agree with Erebus: the first element needs a little more ‘oomph’ or media ‘noise’. And it needs to be real.
The Kremlin has a perception problem with it’s emphasis on legality . It would be better emphasizing justice – and responsibility.
RT did an excellent expose of colour revolution methods using the current Armenian case as illustration. More exposure of systemic undermining of sovereign decision-making is needed.
Eimar, You’re certainly right that we don’t know what moves are afoot. Take a look at this on the pipeline & see if YOU can figure it out; I can’t.
Pipelines: Let me get this straight: Russia has no firm contracts, but has a MOU (memorandum of understanding) w Turkey and another w Greece. However, Greece has just been told by EU that it’s against EU rules for Greece to have the pipeline: It is against the rules for Greece to have the full capacity of the pipeline during its transit across Greece!
http://www.sott.net/article/298223-How-will-Greece-unpivot-from-Russia-after-capitulating-to-the-Troika
It is conjectured that the newest obstacle is because EU anticipates the defeat of Syria so that it would then get its gas from Qatar, etc, via Syria.
Russia has just begun to lay the pipe for Turkstream; however the first of the four parallel pipes could be used by Turkey alone.
Meanwhile, Russia has signed a MOU with Germany and pipeline investors for Nordstream II, which is for the same amount of gas as Turkstream. Hmmm
Eimar, As to the “real alternative to the global ponzi scheme”: Almost all nations are tied into the IMF/Fed/Washington Consensus.
Well, those that are progressing are at least free of the Washington Consensus part– China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, maybe India (& of course the EU & US).
But its the IMF/Fed connection that prevents govts from managing their own money & credit supply. Cut the master leash that ties them to that & you have instant economic multi-polarity– just like before WWII. And the international banking cabal is out in the cold, just like that!
US aggressiveness relies upon debt peonage, and upon the dollar being the reserve currency. Both would end.
Hmm… perhaps my counter response to you above (June 25, 2015@ 5:44 pm) should have been placed here.
Be that as it may, everyone knows the current financial system that grips their economic freedom is breaking, and likewise everyone is trying to position themselves for it’s replacement. The big stumbling block is that we need a new financial system that allows cross-border trade to continue to flourish. IOW, when this one finally collapses, the challenge is to keep “instant economic multi-polarity” from taking us back to 3000 yrs ago, never mind “just like before WWII.”
The problem is that the Kremlin’s message isn’t giving appropriate guidance regarding Russia’s vision of the future geo-political security or financial structures, or its role in them. Everyone knows Russia is a major power, but it isn’t making its stand explicit and compelling enough for its counterparts to engage with it. That leaves everyone guessing (not just us), and opens the door to others to place their vision in the gap.
What I find really weird, is that China seems out ahead of the Kremlin on this. Yeah, I think they made some blunders in the SCS, but they’re telling the USA quite clearly that “war is inevitable” if it gets more provocative there.
Erebus, Ah, just found this here, after answering your other post below.
Yes I agree that China can be refreshingly frank. However the “War is inevitable” line is NOT what they said. I saw an article that quoted them exactly then showed the transformation of the message thru several subsequent Western media, who are being obviously prompted to ramp up the tension.
Yes, point taken, that Russia is not depicting an alternative geopolitical or financial structure. Geopolitically they’ve only said peace & rule of law; enhanced trade and infrastructure. Russia joining NATO just seems nutty to me.
Financial structure: Russia mentions economic integration a lot. But we are trying to ESCAPE the NWO, not create it under a different label. China wants multipolarity in the hands that rule the IMF. I want the masterleash that ties countries to the IMF cut, so that economic sovereignty allows nation-states to fulfill their responsibilities towards their citizens. We have seen here in the US that highly centralized democracy is an oxymoron.
I’ve only seen incomplete accounts of it, but I believe that the Russian govt has twice tried to nationalize the central bank or ruble. Don’t know why it failed; maybe 5th column, maybe ignorance. Haven’t heard of any efforts by Putin to accomplish this, but every economist we’ve heard from on this site has decried lack of control over central bank.
IMF is not a facilitator of trade, so getting rid of it wouldn’t set trade back. Nothing prevents trade agreements if there is no IMF. Countries wd probably choose to trade in a few large currencies for the most part. Main difference is that they are not dependent upon trade dollars to expand their currencies/credit instruments. They are disinclined to inflate their currencies above the level of increaed goods & services, but if they do it will be reflected in the intermittent squaring of accounts by shifting gold– just as now.
One of the great evils now is that in order to get cash (even their own currency) countries must either sell exports or attract dollar/euro investment. The effect of this is that many countries greatly reduce producing necessities, especially food, for the home market, since they need to produce export ag products & other things– always concentrating on the export mkt. Very great distortion!
“They are disinclined to inflate their currencies above the level of increaed goods & services, but if they do it will be reflected in the intermittent squaring of accounts by shifting gold– just as now.”
You just answered the question I asked of you in another thread.
The idea that gold is “shifting” to square accounts is a (tentative) conclusion I’ve also come to, but only via a convoluted thought process. That is, one doesn’t see Central Bank to Central Bank squaring of accounts in the gold holdings line of their balance sheets. EG: Greece still has the same amount of Gold it’s had for years. Rather, I think the “shifting” is disguised as the artificially low prices of the paper gold markets. I’ve come to think that these wildly diluted markets were invented not to “make the dollar look good”, but to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. The paper markets inflate apparent available supply by (reportedly) 100x, which serves to dramatically reduce price by artificially multiplying supply. The more subtle effect is to make physical gold available to the surplus nations at prices that make their dollar holdings appear valuable. Russia, China, and others take advantage of this by buying with both hands. The goldbugs cry “Manipulation!!”, and they’re right, but the whole house would have come crashing down without it long ago. It’s clever, simultaneously supporting the dollar system while making the gold flow to the countries that are in surplus.
I found the news that China instituted a Gold Fund to invest in Gold Mining and Trading across Eurasia thought provoking. 60+ Central Banks have apparently signed up (though I haven’t found them listed anywhere).
– My 1st thought was “trade settlement” as goods were generated and moved along the New Silk Road.
– My 2nd thought was that gold provided “insurance” against mismanagement of the Silk Road’s many small local currencies. This is very important to the smooth flow of goods.
– My 3rd thought is that would serve to “equalize” gold holdings across the member banks. Members would be able to draw gold when needed, and be bound to replace it when the trade flows went their way. Also very important to the smooth flow of goods.
– My 4th thought was that the Funds members are taking over the whole Gold complex. The Fund will invest in the whole chain, from exploration to mining, refining and retailing of bullion. Taken to its logical end, this is nothing less than the overthrow of the current (private) gold complex of artificially diluted supply and price. The Fund’s members will control not only the issuance of their own currencies, but the production & value of the commodity that settles their trade and insures against default while allowing for temporary dislocations. IMHO, this is a strong indicator of what the future monetary structure may look like.
Erebus, I guess you know that currently balance of trade imbalances are squared by shifting physical gold balances within Fed vault. However, so many countries are storing excess gold w the Fed and want it back; I guess they gave it up to safekeeping since WWII?
Yeah, you’re right: The idea that the gold price is kept low to deceive people about the objective value of the dollar isn’t exactly credible, is it?
Russia mines it– 2d largest unmined reserves. By law mines must sell to Central Bank. Then govt buys some & some is sold to other countries, etc. Two thousand tons disappeared during Yeltsen years & Russia’s still not replenished full amount.
The foreign currency reserves held by central bank do NOT belong to govt, so I’ve always wondered about the gold. (That is, by constitution, right of use & disposal of foreign currency belongs to central bank, which is run by IMF.) However just last week Nabuillina responded to a question about whereabouts of Rus gold & she said most was “in Moscow” & part was in St Petersberg.
Insofar as you describe the role of gold in a new system it appears to be same as in old system, except probably less controlled price.
Re: your belief Greece has same amt of gold as ever, so there’s no squaring of trade deficit re gold: I would imagine there is add’l pool of gold at the Fed for this purpose, as used to be the case for all countries.
Appears EU does some sort of add’l squaring internally. That is, the euro is not truly a single currency, apparently. Came across this, still haven’t made sense of it:
6/25/15 http://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2015/06/25/three-victories-of-the-greek-government.html The euro is presented as a ‘single currency’ for the countries that use it. That is reflected in the technical structure of the euro. The existence of the Target2 settlement system and the clearing between the euro ‘German’, ‘French’, ‘Italian’ or ‘Greek’ shows that we are not in the presence of a real single currency but rather of a system establishing an iron rule for the relative parities of the [different] currencies.(3) In reality, the euro is a regime of fixed exchange rates (as was the case under the Gold Standard) disguised as a single currency, given that there is no federalism – budgetary, fiscal or social. The construction of this economic federalism is a necessary condition for a single currency to function on a grouping of heterogeneous territories.
So much to learn. Regards.
I have thinking among this line since last summer, however, after I get off Russian news, and reading more into SCS and S. Asian, I gain a different perspective.
I think Putin knows Russia’s limit right now. He do not have money and resource to do what we want him to do. Think this way, we all know Russian economy is not in top shape, and huge land mass to protect, not enough people to do the job protecting, if Russian troop is engaged in Novorussia, and the west unleash some terrorists in Central Asia of RF, Russia is bound for very big trouble.
It is best for RF right now is not to get into any conflict. If it does, then it will be very likely fighting many fronts. and very likely lose.
Ok, I know you will count how many wars Russia has win, however, Russia may win the war again, but losing everything in the after mass.
Anonymous, Yes, I know what you mean. When two fight, third one win.
In the spirit of that doughty feline, some good, positive stuff from a respected realist you might have missed:
http://m.journal-neo.org/2015/06/25/sanctions-and-the-birth-of-the-new-russia/
*Ps As k cat-lover (and animals in general) that vid totally freaked me. Heart in mouth stuff ..
Warning next time please!
Eimar, thanks for the link to Wm Engdahl’s latest. But don’t you see how it highlights how much damage is being done Russia by her central bank?
1. Russia can do only a small fraction towards boosting her ag production– due to high interest rates/monetary scarcity. So the increase in production generally comes with a price increase. As a consequence Russia cannot impose the planned counter-sanctions on EU retailers operating in Russia, because food costs w/b too high. So the domestic food can’t compete. http://johnhelmer.net/?p=13402
2. Russia is forced to barter away shares in the natural resources (gas, etc) that belong to the Russian people– for worthless paper dollars. All because she cannot genearte her own long-term credit instruments. (IMF/Fed requirements)
Neither the central bank, its foreign reserves, nor the ability to print currency, nor any monetary policy is controlled by the Russian govt. In fact, instructions to the Russian Central Bank for how to handle the attack upon her currency in November were given by the IMF in a 5-page memorandum.
Putin put a good, calming face on it, but Glazyev & Starikov have spoken out about it. It’s like Putin calling the US “our partners”. He says he has “full confidence” in the central bank. What the bank did & continues to do is catastrophic to Russia’s rate of progress, and he knows it.
Thank you, guys, for your thoughts and ideas.
Just published in English,
Caucasus Without Russia: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
By Rostislav Ishchenko
http://fortruss.blogspot.com/2015/06/caucasus-without-russia-yesterday-today.html
“There are daily provocations along the line of contact. Both sides are blaming each other, but the Russian military presence prevents the sporadic shoot-outs from escalating into a big war. But a potential coup in Yerevan would fundamentally change the situation. Russia today not only maintains good relations with both parties to the Karabakh conflict–the cooperation with Azerbaijan is rapidly expanding, Armenia has long been Russia’s military ally. A coup under pro-European and anti-Russian slogans would dramatically change the military and political balance. Radical forces in Azerbaijan which have long demanded Baku restore its sovereignty over the country’s whole territory will get a new argument. They will demand that Russia come to their aid in the event of a military confrontation. Radical Armenian forces will demand the support of the “civilized world” which will be due to them after having made the “European choice”, in order to consolidate captured territories. And they will have another argument in their benefit. Armenia already has enough, but Azerbaijan has to attack. Therefore it will be easy to accuse it of aggression and breaking the ceasefire.
Naturally, neither the US nor the EU will help anyone if the Caucasus conflict once again flares up. Two Moscow-friendly governments become destabilized. If two such countries start a war, Moscow will have to make a choice in favor of one or another, or to acknowledge its inability to pursue an active foreign policy on the Caucasus. But no matter what choice they make, it will require additional Russian resources. Considering that Ukraine’s situation is far from resolved, and ISIS is expanding its influence only 500km from Azeri borders, the situation could instantly transform into a chaotic militarized crisis.
Therefore if Russia is pushed out of the Caucasus and loses its ability to support a compromise peace in the region, the entire area between the borders of Turkey, Iran, and Russia can become one huge pyre. Which would be bad for Russia, Turkey, and Iran.”