Peace or Piece of PR?

If there was a real desire for peace in Ukraine or Palestine it could have happened months ago. Instead we get a kabuki theater of distraction and distortion. In fact, the US is now in a tariff/sanction war with most of the world. I don't think that is going to serve us well as we move forward. I agree with Pepe. What we are seeing is a war on the BRICS+ alliance using tariffs, subterfuge, and coups. Note the so called peace deal with Azerbaijan and Armenia brokered this week creates a US controlled corridor on Iran's border. All that and more below the fold...

Pepe Escobar : Is the US Morally Qualified to Lead?

(25 min)

BRICS united as NEOCONS take over US foreign policy

(25 min)
0:00 - Discussion on Whitkov's trip to Russia and Trump's statements
1:04 - Analysis of Trump's indecisiveness and the implications for U.S.-Russia relations
3:40 - Senate's financial aid package for Ukraine and its impact on Trump's control
5:21 - Trump's struggle to justify military aid to Ukraine to his supporters
7:11 - Comparison of Trump's position on Ukraine to Biden's
9:30 - Trump's acknowledgment of the ineffectiveness of sanctions against Russia
12:05 - Discussion on the geopolitical implications of BRICS countries
17:05 - Uncertainty about Senate's understanding of the Ukraine situation
20:39 - Neocon priorities and potential consequences of Ukraine's collapse
23:20 - Trump's contradictory stance on sanctions and military aid
25:30 - Speculation on Russia's potential refusal for Whitkov's visit

There's been plenty of hype about the Trump - Putin Summit...
“The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska,” Trump announced on Truth Social on Friday.
According to the Kremlin, the upcoming meeting will revolve around reaching a longstanding peace in the Ukraine conflict.
...According to the Kremlin, Moscow had received an “acceptable” offer from the US during Witkoff’s visit...Russia insists that a sustainable peace deal must include Ukraine’s commitment to stay out of NATO, demilitarization, and the recognition of the new territorial reality on the ground. Kiev has rejected these terms.

I don't anticipate a solution to the proxy war, but I hope I'm wrong.

Alaska 'Perfect Stage' for Historic Russia-US Summit, Putin's Envoy Dmitriev Says
"Historic [Russia-US] summit in Alaska on August 15. Perfect stage: the U.S. and Russia are just 2.4 miles apart between the Diomedes islands, divided by the International Date Line (one is “Yesterday,” the other “Tomorrow”). Let us go from yesterday to tomorrow in peace," Dmitriev wrote on X.

Putin-Trump summit sabotage risk is real – senior Russian negotiator
“Titanic” provocation and disinformation efforts are incoming, Kirill Dmitriev has warned
Countries with a vested interest in prolonging the Ukraine conflict will likely go to great lengths to derail the planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart Donald Trump, Moscow’s senior negotiator Kirill Dmitriev warned on Saturday.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is once again rejecting any consideration for President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss terms for a ceasefire without his involvement. On a Twitter storm Saturday, Zelenskyy rejected the thought of giving any Ukranian territory to Russia in exchange for peace.

“The answer to the Ukrainian territorial question already is in the Constitution of Ukraine. No one will deviate from this—and no one will be able to. Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier,” Zelenskyy said. President Trump announced that he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15, in Alaska. Zelenskyy reacted, carrying the message from the global intelligence community who support the ongoing conflict, and does not like the idea of the USA and Russia determining the outcome for Ukraine.

What to Expect from Putin-Trump Summit on Ukraine?

(20 min) In this episode of Counter Currents, we dive deep into the upcoming talks between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, set to take place next week.
Trump may see it as a chance to secure a “win,” but for Putin, it’s about avoiding nuclear conflict and ensuring Russia’s security interests are respected.

Interesting hypothesis from a comment in AE
Oil price drops…buy the dip! Then when the talks fail(or Trump does something ridiculous prior to them) the price goes back up and all Trump’s associates make more money.
21st century western economics: short term profit taking. Nothing else matters.

Good background to help the unaware...
Mearsheimer offers a sobering critique of U.S. and NATO policy toward Russia, asserting that the West bears significant responsibility for the war in Ukraine. Calling the conflict a “preventable tragedy,” Mearsheimer explains how Washington’s push to expand NATO eastward and bring Ukraine into its orbit left Russia with what he describes as “no choice but to react.” “This is not about Putin being irrational,” he argues. “It’s about the West ignoring repeated warnings from Moscow for over a decade.”

(10 min)

The Tariff War...

India, China, and Brazil aren't having US bullying. Using tariffs to blow up BRICS+ has backfired.

Lula and Modi push back against US tariffs
Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of “defending multilateralism and the need to confront current global challenges,” while exploring deeper integration between the two nations, the statement said.
The talks came after US President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods on July 30, citing the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing trial for allegedly plotting a coup following his 2022 election defeat. Trump accused Brasilia of political persecution and called the BRICS nation a threat to US national security. Brazil condemned the move as an illegal attempt to interfere in its internal affairs. China backed Brazil, denouncing what it called “bullying” by the US.
On Wednesday, Trump announced a 50% tariff on Indian imports effective late August, citing the country’s oil trade with Russia. New Delhi slammed the move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” and vowed to defend its national interests.
Trump has repeatedly accused BRICS members of trying to undermine the US dollar and has threatened additional 10% tariffs. The economic group has rejected the claim and argued that Washington’s own foreign policy undermines the greenback.

Beijing brushes off Trump’s tariff threat
“It is legitimate and lawful for China to engage in economic, trade and energy cooperation with other countries, including Russia,” Guo told reporters at a regular briefing. “We will continue to take energy supply measures that are right for China based on our national interests.”

Today, we’re diving into one of the most significant—and misunderstood—geopolitical shifts in Asia: India’s pragmatic pivot toward China. With the return of President Trump and rising U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, New Delhi is now rethinking its long-standing strategic partnership with Washington. This isn't a story of surrender—it's a story of survival and strategic recalibration in a rapidly changing world.
In this video (8 min), we break down why India, once a balancing force between the U.S. and China, is now quietly warming relations with Beijing. From Trump’s 25% tariffs on Indian exports to Washington’s growing ties with Pakistan, Indian leaders are recalibrating their strategy.
India's foreign policy is entering a new phase—less about choosing sides, and more about preserving national interest, growing its economy, and ensuring technological and supply chain security in an increasingly hostile geopolitical landscape.
We’ll explore:
Why India is softening its stance on China despite the 2020 Galwan clashes
How Trump’s “America First” policies are weakening U.S.-India relations
India’s deeper economic motives: trade, manufacturing, and electronics supply chains
The growing fear that Washington is no longer a reliable partner
Why India sees predictability and stability in its ties with China
As the global balance of power shifts, India’s choices today could define the next decade of Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

US Economy and the Future of America First w/ Robert Barnes

0:00 - Introduction and discussion about following Robert Barnes' work
1:08 - Overview of the significance of the US economy
3:48 - Robert Barnes' assessment of the US economy and Las Vegas
8:05 - Discussion on long-term and short-term economic challenges under the Trump administration
12:29 - Analysis of the impact of Biden's government spending on the economy
15:40 - Effects of immigration trends on the US economy
20:03 - Discussion on energy costs and their implications for the economy
26:58 - Exploration of the political motivations behind current economic policies
35:07 - The impact of interest rates on the housing market and overall economy
41:17 - Legal aspects of tariffs and the President's authority
53:47 - Conclusion and where to follow Robert Barnes' predictions and analysis

The hype is that the tariffs will bring production back to the US? What do you think?

I'm unsure, but doubtful the tariffs will benefit us.

Rickards thinks they're a good thing...

(23 min)

Jim Rogers doesn't see the tariffs as a positive...

(15 min) “Look out the window. The debts are the highest in the history of the world… and it gets worse every day,” warns legendary investor Jim Rogers in this explosive sit-down with Daniela Cambone. “Yes, we need [detox]. But when the pain starts, people say, ‘Wait a minute. I didn’t know it was going to be this much pain. I want the easy way.’”
00:00 – Scott Bessent is Jim’s intern
02:11 – Is the gold standard returning?
04:00 – U.S. debt is soaring
06:43 – The future of the Federal Reserve Chair
08:10 – How to prepare for what’s ahead
09:46 – Currency debasement explained
11:00 – Are tariffs actually beneficial?
12:59 – Where is gold headed next?

Trump Tariffs Wipe Out $12 Billion From Global Carmakers – WSJ

Fourteen global automakers have suffered nearly $12 billion in losses since the roll-out of US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, and are expected to lose significantly more by the end of the year, the Wall Street Journal reports. Trump announced the new tariffs in April, targeting 185 countries and territories. A universal 10% tariff on all imported vehicles and parts took effect on April 5, followed by country-specific rates on April 9. According to the WSJ’s analysis published on Thursday, Toyota has sustained the largest loss – around $3 billion in the second quarter alone – and expects a total tariff impact of $9.5 billion by the end of the fiscal year ending March 2026. Volkswagen has reportedly lost $1.5 billion, while Ford and General Motors have each reported losses of over $1 billion in Q2.
Tesla has been the least affected among major automakers, with an estimated $300 million loss. The WSJ also says the ten largest global automakers, excluding Chinese manufacturers, could see net profits fall by 25% by the end of the year. The EU and Japan have been negotiating tariff reductions with Washington. According to reports, the US currently imposes 27.5% on EU-made vehicles, and Brussels is pushing to lower it to 15% in exchange for cutting its own 10% tariff on American cars. Japan reached a similar deal in July, reducing US tariffs on its vehicles to 15% as part of a broader bilateral agreement.
The reported losses come amid declining sales of Western automakers in both Europe and China, under pressure from fast-growing Chinese electric vehicle brands. In the first half of 2025, Chinese manufacturers doubled their share of the European market to 5.1%. At the same time in China, Porsche’s sales fell 28%, prompting dealership closures. GM and others have also reported losses due to shrinking demand. On Thursday, the Trump administration expanded the tariff regime further, imposing new and additional tariffs on nearly 70 more countries, including the UK, Switzerland, Brazil, India, and Taiwan.

One thing is for sure, the US tariffs are causing some sort of shift in the global economy. We'll have to wait and see how it all plays out. I'm betting the US won't fare well in the long run.

US Dollar DEVALUATION: Brace Yourself - A Global Currency Collapse Is Coming (8.5 min)
We're standing at the edge of an unprecedented global financial crisis—a currency collapse that could shake the world’s most powerful economies. The G7 nations—Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK, and the US—are now drowning in sovereign debt, with interest rates at multi-decade highs. This isn’t just a debt crisis—it’s a currency crisis in the making.
In this video, we break down how massive borrowing during the 2008 crash and COVID-19 pandemic, combined with today’s rising interest rates, has created a debt time bomb. We’ll explore the concept of the “D-7” and how devaluation could be used as a desperate measure to manage this growing financial pressure.
Will countries inflate their way out? Could a falling US dollar trigger a domino effect across global markets? What does this mean for everyday people—rising costs, collapsing currencies, and shrinking savings?
We explain:
Why G7 debt is spiraling out of control
How high interest rates are fueling the crisis
The danger of coordinated devaluation
Lessons from past currency collapses (Asia 1997, Europe 1967, etc.)
What this means for YOU—mortgages, retirement, and cost of living

I think TPTB will use the currency collapse to usher in CBDC.

Israel/Palestine

How about some excellent background from Mearsheimer

Prof. John Mearsheimer : A Brief History of Israel (30 min)

Max Blumenthal : Is Netanyahu Desperate?

(20 min)

Aaron Maté : Netanyahu and His Prosecutors (24 min)

COL. Lawrence Wilkerson : US Troops In Gaza?

(21 min)

The Pieces of the Geopolitical Game...

In recent days, there has been an intensification of rhetoric from several NATO member countries, which have made new accusations against the Russian Federation, claiming that Moscow is planning a military attack against Europe, scheduled, according to these statements, for 2027. These statements, which appear surprisingly coordinated, seem to reflect more a Western communication strategy than a real alarm about imminent threats from Russia.
...
The Russian region of Kaliningrad, which has recently been the subject of increasing attention and hostile rhetoric from Atlantic Alliance officials, is of particular strategic importance. General Christopher Donahue, commander of the U.S. Army for Europe and Africa, has publicly stated that NATO would develop a detailed plan for the conquest of Kaliningrad “in unprecedented times” in the event of a large-scale conflict with Russia.

Overview of the Armenia-Azerbaijan deal and its implications for U.S. influence

(~ 8 min)

Some general discussion of the weeks news...
I enjoy these Larry squared discussions. I hope you will too...

(89 min) Larry C. Johnson & Col. Larry Wilkerson: Hezbollah REJECTS – Iran and Russia Push Back
Neither has much faith in a positive outcome with the Trump/Putin Summit

These 3 'Self-Inflicted Disasters' Sinking EU Into OBLIVION: Alex Krainer

Alex Krainer doesn't believe the EU's march into economic and cultural destruction is a controlled demolition or part of some grand plan to control the population, he thinks the leadership in Europe is just incompetent beyond measure and their ignorance and arrogance will completely destroy the bloc as its citizens are sacrificed on the altar of vanity. Alex also dives into the draconian internet laws passed by the UK and Australia, the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, and much more.
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Digital Prison Closing In
11:24 EU Sinking Like the Titanic
23:22 Israel-Palestine Conflict
46:05 How Will Russia-Ukraine Resolve?

One more for the road...
Who are We to Tell India or China Where to Buy Oil? – Celente Blasts U.S. Arrogance

(41 min)

Gerald's organization Occupy Peace is hosting a rally...

I think the event is free.

There is also another upcoming rally in the NE...

JIMMY DORE
MAX BLUMENTHAL
AARON MATÉ
JUDGE Napolitano
KaTIE HALPER
ANYA PARAMPIL
SABBY SABS
WYATT REED
JEREMY LOFFREDO
KIT KLARENBERG
CHRISTIAN PARENTI
THADDEUS RUSSELL

So lots of moving pieces. It should be an interesting week as they unfold. I hope you'll add any stories you found of interest this week, or anything else that is on your mind. Have a great Sunday!