Posted on 01/01/2024 5:05:22 AM PST by Godzilla
More coffee... more more ...
Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024
The big WHO meeting is still on tap and observers are continuing to monitor to see if the agreement’s final form gets watered down and to what extent.
Economy-
Following its joint statement with Russia about moving away from a reliance on Western countries, the Chinese government announced it sold at least $53.3 billion worth of U.S bonds.
Chinese has been increasing its offloading US Treasuries, handing them off to yield sensitive investors while recycling the money into gold.
Essentially, China has been funding the US deficit and the continued and seemingly accelerating sell off is going to hurt us in a bad way.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group left Yokosuka, Japan, on Thursday to carry out its last Indo-Pacific patrol as the Forward Deployed Naval Force–Japan (FDNF-J) aircraft carrier before returning to the United States later this year. Meanwhile, the Theodore Roosevelt CSG arrived in Singapore for a port visit, and a number of nonregional navies are also deployed in South East Asia on engagement and exercises.
Ronald Reagan is scheduled to turn over with USS George Washington (CVN-73) and then transit to Bremerton, Washington, later this year. USNI News previously reported that Reagan will conduct an overhaul in Washington state before its permanent homeport assignment. Washington is currently operating around South America, conducting a U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2024 deployment.
POLITICAL FRONT –
July 15 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI
August 19 DNC convention in Chicago, IL
***
Trump NY trial on the path to a swift conclusion. How political will the jury be in its decision vs the evidence.
Smith’s classified document trial continues to come unglued as the judge spanked him again in a weekend ruling.
Biden / Harris Watch –
At the Morehouse college commencement over the weekend, biden spoke about defying the USSC’s rulings against tuition loan forgiveness -
“So I just did it anyway because rule of law is irrelevant”
he further called black graduates victims and claimed America hates them.
China –
Taiwan’s newly inaugurated president William Lai has called on China to stop threatening the island and accept the existence of its democracy.
He urged Beijing to replace confrontation with dialogue, shortly after being sworn in on Monday.
He also said Taiwan would never back down in the face of intimidation from China, which has long claimed the island as its own.
China responded by saying, “Taiwan independence is a dead end”.
“Regardless of the pretext or the banner under which it is pursued, the push for Taiwan independence is destined to fail,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at the daily press briefing on Monday afternoon.
Beijing dislikes Mr Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which they see as pro-independence. And it has ramped up military incursions around Taiwan’s waters and airspace since his election win in January.
Such military incursions by China have become a routine affair in the past few years, triggering fears of conflict. In his speech, Mr Lai called this the “greatest strategic challenge to global peace and stability”.
But the 64-year-old also stuck closely to the formula used by his predecessor president Tsai Ing-wen, whose legacy will be defined by her cautious but steady handling of Beijing.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-69036373
OBSERVATION - Because of biden and what appears to be his imploding administration when it comes to foreign policy and the Nov elections, China will be further moved to be more aggressive in the western Pacific region as well as Taiwan.
Russia -
Russia rushed support to Iran to search for the crashed helicopter.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures highs continue in the 70’s and fair.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Ukrainian air defense shot down all 29 Shahed drones overnight
Heavy action on the ground overnight and during the weekend.
Ukrainian military control over half of Vovchansk, heavy clashes ongoing - regional administration. One of the hottest areas of the Kharkiv front.
At Siversk axis Ukrainian military had combat engagements with Russian troops at Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Rozdolivka and Ivano-Daryivka, - General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine reports
Russian Ministry of Defense claims control over Bilohorivka village of Luhansk region, part of an effort to drive toward Siversk.
Russian army conducted missile strike with Iskander missile at Izyum. Ukraine answered back with a missile strike reported in Luhansk.
Outlook —
The fight for Vovchansk on the Kharkiv front is the key battle for the sector. It is were Ukraine defenses initially stiffened. However, for Russia Vovchansk is just the first of a string of town/villages alone the projected axis of advance that will only serve to make any continued push turn into a meat grinder. Moscow reportedly has placed the capture of the town on its priority list for some reason.
Overall, Russia will continue to press its attacks in an effort to maintain the initiative on its fronts and to gain as much possible terrine before the resupplied Ukraine can stop and even take back some of the territory gained.
Ukraine’s deep war game currently appears to have enough of an asymmetrical aspect to it that Russia is unable to anticipate who’s getting hit next. Crimea is getting particularly hit hard, forcing Russia to pull some of its strategic forces, such as the Black Sea Fleet out, but is forced to keep some high level commands and air bases in place necessary to support the war efforts. The fact that Russia seemed incapable of even stopping simple drones over the past week bodes ill for air defenses in the peninsula.
ISRAEL –
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Lest we forget - there are still hostages being held in Gaza.
***
Israel’s Gallant tells U.S. adviser Sullivan: “We are committed to broadening Rafah ground operation” - @Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has banned Israel’s intelligence and security chiefs from meeting with U.S. officials and lawmakers who’ve multiple times since the war in Gaza began
***
Halil Al-Hiya, a senior Hxmas figure and a close associate of Hxmas leader Yahya Sinwar, has claimed that 70% of the hostages are now deceased. The claim has not been formally validated to the public.
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Intense fighting continues in and around the Jabalia camp in N Gaza
Heavy airstrikes and ground action continue in Rafah.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
A drone heading toward Israel from Lebanon was shot down by fighter jets overnight according to the IAF.
.
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
One person was killed and five others were injured in the Israeli attack that targeted two sites south of Homs, according to Syrian reports Israeli strike reported in Syria’s Homs province
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
The International Criminal Court requests the issuance of an arrest warrant for three Hamas leaders, including Sinwar
he International Criminal Court requests an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for alleged war crimes
The International Criminal Court requests an arrest warrant for Israeli Defense Minister Galant for alleged war crimes
——— FORECAST ————————-
Pretty much the same as in previous reports. IDF will continue to lure Hamas into pockets and then smash them with raids and intense air strikes - a tactic that has worked quite well for them. Operations in Rafah continue to expand, thought there is a higher degree of OPSEC due to a lot of the operations focusing on locating the few remaining live hostages (if any) as well as Sinwar.
Hezbollah, “Islamic Resistance” and Iran are all mostly sideline sitters, though they keep poking the bear.
See Iran below on possibility that it may accuse Israel of the helicopter crash.
Iran –
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash in the country’s northwest on Sunday, Iranian state media agencies and government officials reported on Monday morning.
Raisi’s death was reported along with the deaths of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, among others. According to Mehr, all passengers on board were killed.
The other officials who were killed include Seyyed Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the Islamic Republic’s representative to the East Azerbaijan province, and Malek Rahmati, the province’s governor. The aircraft’s pilot and co-pilot were also killed.
The VFR only helicopter flew into dense fog/clouds and straight into a steep hillside.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-801726
Raisi, often referred to as the ‘Butcher of Iran,’ for his role in executing more than 5,000 prisoners in the late 80’s
Celebratory fireworks seen in Iran after Raisi’s death. Iranians are overjoyed at the death of the Butcher of Tehran.
***
First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber would step into Ebrahim Raisi’s role as president if Raisi died, which the Islamic Republic confirmed on Monday morning.
Next, Mokhber, 69, would work with a special select staff and election authorities to hold new elections within 50 days.
It is far from clear that Mokhbar, as close as he is to Khamenei, will have Raisi’s standing. This could leave the question of Khamenei’s successor much more widely open than before, even as Raisi himself did not have a lock on the job.
One debate among analysts is whether another cleric like Khamenei will be the next supreme leader of the Islamic Republic or whether a senior official of the IRGC will try to form a new coalition of power brokers to take greater control from the cleric class.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-801828#google_vignette
OBSERVATION - Iran is in a state of confusion this morning. Regime facing change of leadership and the potential increase in anti-goat rebellion due to the death of Raisi.
There were very early statements that Israel/Mossad was behind the crash. I don’t consider it likely given the pea soup fog the helicopter flew into yesterday. What generated much of the speculation was the early reporting coming out of Israel of his death - way before Iran made any statement. If Mossad was involved, it was an incredible coincidence that they timed such an action with the near zero visibility conditions. So far, nothing from the Iranian govt charging Israel with the crash.
Iran will be internally fixated on power change, and less likely for the next month of so to really engage in international skulduggery.
Nothing really jumping out overnight. Kind of a scary quiet.
Terrorism - Heightened THREAT as of May 6, 2024
See “Illegal Immigration” below on the increasing threat from the large increase in illegals from China.
Economy-
Gold and silver prices keep pressing towards new highs.
POLITICAL FRONT –
July 15 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI
August 19 DNC convention in Chicago, IL
***
Judge Merchan totally lost all composure at yesterday’s trial with defense witness Costello: shouting “GET OUT OF THE COURTROOM, NOW! “
There should be a mistrial declared - but that would show unfavorably on the judge who is clearly partisan.
Illegal Immigration –
According to a The New York Post report, migrants are rushing to cross border now in case Biden loses in November: ‘We don’t want Trump’
***
(FO) During a House Homeland Security Oversight Subcommittee hearing, Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC) said there was a 1,100% increase in Chinese nationals crossing the Southern border from 2022 to 2023. In the last seven months Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) reported 27,496 encounters with Chinese nationals at the border.
OBSERVATION- This is very concerning. China has infiltrated spies and potential terrorists into the country for year - many being sent as ‘students’ in our colleges and universities. It is common knowledge that corporate spying and technology thieft was the biggie at the time. Now times have changed and China senses weakness in the US combined with a far more aggressive posture, the likelihood of terrori and sabotage in increasing.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures highs continue in the 70’s and fair.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Ukrainian air defense shot down 28 of 29 Shahed drones overnight, mostly targeting Kharkiv and Odesa.
Russian army launched S300 missiles at Vovchansk
Ukraine hit a petroleum facility in Voznesenovka village of Belgorod region with a drone strike
Combat on the ground continues to be intense in the Kharkiv, Ocheretyne and Chaziv Yar regions, with Russia only seeing slight ground gains at the high cost of men and equipment. The diversion of S300 missile attacks to Vovchansk indicates that Russia is having difficulty pushing the Kharkiv thrust any further. Rumors continue that Russia is putting more troops opposite of Sumy. This action drains forces available to reinforce the existing fight.
It still appears that the Russian Spring offensive is reaching its high water mark, though it may be several more weeks before Russia reverts to a defensive operation to retain territory gained.
By all reports, Russia has more troops in theater than when the war began. This places Ukraine at a population disadvantage which may also be the case for Russian successes this spring.
Outlook —
Combat will continue to grind at the major fronts. Unless something very dramatic happens, there is no threat of a major breakthrough by Russian forces. This threat is decreasing as they are increasingly moving their reserve forces into the current battle.
The only wild cards I see is in the realm of the ‘deep battle’ of drones and missiles.
Europe / NATO General –
The EU is planning to start formal accession talks for Moldova and Ukraine on June 25th.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gantz and Sinwar.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Lest we forget - there are still hostages being held in Gaza.
***
Israel PM Netanyahu says ICC arrest warrant request is “outrageous”, says it will not “stop us” in the fight against Hamas
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Israeli forces besiege Al Awda Hospital in Jabalia Camp for the third day in a row, where Hamas forces are utilizing the facility for military purposes.
The Israeli military estimates that some 950,000 Palestinians have evacuated the Rafah area in the southern Gaza Strip, as troops operate in the eastern part of the city.
IDF continues to clear out Rafah and is supported by numerous air strikes.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
The Israeli army announced the liquidation of a Hezbollah field commander in southern Lebanon.
——— FORECAST ————————-
Combat in Gaza to continue at a methodological pace. Rafah’s main efforts are expected to continue for another 4 - 6 weeks. Operations in the rest of Gaza to ebb and flow as IDF allows Hamas fighters to regroup in what they think are ‘safe’ area, only to hit them hard.
The biggest question is when IDF will find more hostages and Hamas leadership in Rafah. If they have escaped via tunnels into Egypt, things may get dicy.
Key note on the ICC warrants. It refers to the TERRITORY of Israel and the country of Palestine.
Iran –
Nation in a 5 day period of morning over the death of Raisi. Tens (hundreds) of thousands have turned out for the processional of his remains in Iran.
Thanks Godzilla.
This is insane...
Biden administration authorized lethal force against a former president.
Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024
***
Schwab announced his intentions to step down as executive chairman in an email to staff on Tuesday that was shared with Semafor by a person connected to the organization.
The change in his role is pending approval by the Swiss government but should be finalized ahead of the WEF’s annual meeting in 2025.
Schwab, now 86, will be transitioning to a role as non-executive chairman.
OBSERVATION - There is no clue as to who will be replacing him, however, his family holds multiple high level positions in the WEF, ensuring that his legacy will remain intact and the guiding force for the globalist cause.
That he is stepping down at such a pivotal moment of the WEFs efforts at world control is interesting to ponder, as he is the face of WEF.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
Judge Aileen Cannon on Tuesday unsealed numerous motions related to Jack Smith’s classified documents case against Trump.
One filing revealed Biden’s FBI authorized the use of deadly force during their raid on Mar-a-Lago in August 2022.
“Should FPOTUS [Trump] arrive at MAL [Mar-a-Lago], FBI MM EM and OSCs will be prepared to engage with FPOTUS and USSS Security Team.”
“Should USSS provide resistance or interfere with FBI timeline or accesses, FBI MM EM will engage with [redacted] and [redacted] will engage with USSS POC’s per existing liaison relationships.” (they had an onsite medical team available in case it got deadly!!!!)
Merrick Garland PERSONALLY APPROVED the raid on Mar-A-Lago
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/05/breaking-newly-unsealed-doc-reveals-biden-fbi-authorized/
The FBI on Tuesday evening issued a rare statement after court documents revealed the Bureau was authorized to use deadly force when it raided Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in August 2022. In the statement the FBI claimed the authorization of deadly force on former President Trump is just “standard protocol.”
OBSERVATION - This shows just how dangerous the regime has become - willing to have govt agents shoot to kill a former president. Many who know better is saying that this so called “standard protocol” is nothing more than a steaming pile of bovine excrament. Heavy handed FBI/DoJ tactics on other deemed hostile to the regime makes it clear that these agencies have fallen into the dark side. Nothing would start a hot CW2 quicker than FBI shooting Trump.
The fact that they had on site medical teams anticipating shooting is further damning.
It is apparent that the DoJ/Biden regime was actually HOPING that something would happen.
One of my greatest concerns in the months leading up to the Nov elections is an attempt on the life of Trump. Never would have i considered the govt itself seeking a situation where FBI was empowered to kill Trump. That river is behind us now and it is apparent now more than ever that the regime will stoop to what ever acts necessary to retain power and prevent the re-election of Trump. Along these lines I see three disturbing potentials -
1 One of the kangaroo courts ruling against trump and attempting to have him jailed with no bail on appeals. Then bad things can happen in the prision/jail.
2 Assignation attempt(s) prior to the election and potential extra-legal actions by the now rogue and treasonous DoJ and its FBI brownshirts against Trump going beyond the current law fare.
3 Post election period where biden, with his last remaining months in office, ignites some sort of national crisis in order to declare martial law and prevent Trump from taking office in January 2026.
Each one could trigger a hot CW2 scenario.
Never in my life did I ever think I’ve have to be looking at these possibilities.
Economy-
The median US home sale price hits a new record high of $433,558 in April 2024.
The median sale price increased 6.2% year-over-year due to a lack of new listings, according to Redfin.
On the other hand, the total number of houses available for sale sits at a 4-year high but largely due to many homes being overpriced.
Meanwhile, the median household income in the US was $75,000 in 2023.
OBSERVATION - Housing market continues to be sick and an impediment to any economic recovery.
POLITICAL FRONT –
July 15 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI
August 19 DNC convention in Chicago, IL
***
Trump’s NYC trial is going to the jury.
Smith’s days in the classified document trial may be numbered as released court documents paint an increasing picture of gross corruption and incompetence by Smith.
Biden / Harris Watch –
AP reports that Biden is releasing 1 million barrels of gasoline from a Northeast reserve in a bid to lower prices at the pump.
Using our national security measures to buy votes.
Illegal Immigration –
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he will bring the Senate Border Act back to the Senate floor on Thursday after it stalled in the House earlier this year.
OBSERVATION - Basically, this bill ‘permits’ over 1 million illegals to enter the county every year, spends billions in freebies to these illegals and promises to ‘close’ the border - with no means to do so - if crossings exceed 4000/day.
It is election political pandering to try to flip the current view of the American people that the democrats are the cause of the current illegal crisis.
***
(FO) According to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Drug Threat Assessment 2024, the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) have a presence in all fifty U.S. states and have “effectively eliminated” any competition in the United States.
The report said the Sinaloa Cartel primarily purchases fentanyl and methamphetamine precursor chemicals from China through a variety of methods, but India is emerging as a major source country for chemical precursors.
OBSERVATION - The natural result of no effective border control. We already knew a lot of this from recent reports of heavy cartel presence on Indian Reservations.
Russia -
*****
Russian authorities have made a unilateral decision to change the sea borders of Russia with Lithuania and Finland in the Baltic Sea. This follows from the draft government resolution published on the portal of legal acts of the Russian Federation.
According to the document drafted by the Russian defense ministry, Russia intends to declare part of the water area in the east of the Gulf of Finland, as well as near the cities of Baltiysk and Zelenogradsk in the Kaliningrad region as its internal sea waters.
OBSERVATION - Some are noting that Russia did something similar in regards to Ukraine and the Black Sea just prior to the invasion. The rubber will hit the road is Russia attempts to enforce these declarations.
***
Russia last week launched a satellite that U.S. intelligence officials believe to be a weapon capable of inspecting and attacking other satellites, the U.S. Space Command said on Tuesday as the Russian spacecraft trails a U.S. spy satellite in orbit.
Russia’s Soyuz rocket blasted off from its Plesetsk launch site some 500 miles (800 km) north of Moscow on May 16, deploying in low-Earth orbit at least nine satellites including COSMOS 2576, a type of Russian military “inspector” spacecraft U.S. officials have long condemned as exhibiting reckless space behavior.
“We have observed nominal activity and assess it is likely a counterspace weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit,” a USSPACECOM spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/space-russia/2024/05/21/id/1165657/
OBSERVATION - Space is becoming more and more militarized. Those who laughed at Trump’s creation of a Space Command are now silenced to the fact that he recognized the growing threat and the need for a unified command to address it. The fact that democrats under biden have created a cluster of the operation proves it further.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures highs continue in the 70’s and fair.
RUMINT –
NATO reportedly ruminating about sending troops into Ukraine to train Ukrainian forces.
Further rumors that Ukraine is about ready to launch a counter attack into the Russia advances north of Kharkiv.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Another day of fierce fighting along the eastern front. Russian Ministry of Defense claims Klischiivka, located south of Chaziv Yar, as being captured by Russian troops. Russian missiles also apparently have hit Dinpro, Kharkiv and Sumy.
Outlook —
Another day of hard fighting on the fronts. Russian successes in their spring offensive are slowing very quickly and perhaps Ukraine now has the capability to launch some limited counter attacks in the Kharkiv region. As noted in previous posts, Russia is approaching its high water make on the current offensive.
Both countries are probably calculating their next round of deep attacks, so the results of those attacks will have to be seen after they occur. For Russia, the clock is running out as resupply of ADA systems and munitions are being rushed into country.
The final big question mark is when US will give approval for Ukraine to use systems like ATACAMS to strike Russian territory proper. That could be a major game changer, forcing Russia to widely restructure its logistics, command and troop locations, and distributions.
Europe / NATO General –
Some European nations recognizing a palestinian “state”.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Norway, Ireland and Spain announced recognition of a palestinian ‘state’.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Lest we forget - there are still hostages being held in Gaza.
***
Norway, Ireland and Spain have announced that they will recognize the presence of a Palestinian ‘state’. Governments of Slovenia, Belgium, Norway and Malta are expected to follow throughout the week.
Israel recalls its ambassadors from European countries that recognize a Palestinian state, freezing money transfer to the Palestinian Authority
***
The AP said Israeli authorities had shut down its live camera feed showing Gaza and seized its equipment in what it decried as an “abusive use by the Israeli government of the country’s new foreign broadcasters law.” The equipment was later returned.
***
None of the aid that President Joe Biden has sent to Gaza via a floating pier that the U.S. Military constructed has reached the Palestinian people, a U.S. official said this week.
Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said on Tuesday that none of the 569 tons of aid transported to Gaza since last week has reached the Palestinian people.
Other reports state in general that Hamas has succeeded in stealing as much as 70% of the aid that has come into Gaza since the war began.
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Intense fighting reported in the center of Rafah as the IDF expands operations there.
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Jordanian Foreign Minister: We appreciate the decision of European countries to recognize the Palestinian state
The Secretary-General of the Arab League calls on countries that do not recognize Palestine to follow the example of Norway, Ireland and Spain
——— FORECAST ————————-
Operations throughout Gaza and in particular Rafah continue.
The recognitions of a palestinian ‘state’ by some European countries will be drawing lines in the sand as such recognition carries little in the way oction. Norway, Ireland and Spain are all currently anti-Israeli to begin with. I’ve not seen just what territory this so called ‘state’ entails, but it likely uses the radical pre-1967 borders as a starting point. Pro-hamas elements in the UN may eventually be able to leverage these declarations for leverage in the Security Council.
Iran –
No internal Iranian talk about any Israeli involvement in the helicopter crash over the weekend.
It's breathtaking to see how quickly we devolved to a despotic banana republic. Reminds me of the old saw:
"How did you go bankrupt?"
"Gradually, then suddenly."
Look at those possibilities and even expand your mind to encompass worse ones.
Things like: Grid down for years. 97% fatal Covid. Global famine. AI Superintelligence deciding all humans are a threat.
If you're like most of us YOU never thought you would see this in the United States of American. And if that thug Biden or one of the other thugs and goons of the Democrat party wins - this will be only the beginning of the horrors, show trials, and degradation of our legal system and of all we've held dear about our country.
This will be my last post until Monday of next week. Will be on the road for Memorial Day.
Meanwhile, after posting this I’ll be pullout out my snow shovel to deal with the joys of spring time here in the Redoubt and shovel my sidewalk from the latest snowstorm :)
Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024
***
JPMorgan Chase is planning to rollout a biometric payment system and make it available to all U.S. retailers by early next year. This will enable shoppers to make purchases without pulling physical paper (fiat currency) or plastic (credit/debit cards) out of their wallets. All they will need to do is submit to having their palms or faces scanned upon entry into a retail store.
OBSERVATION - Biometrics as a means to secure the digital ID and credit system trudges on under the push by WEF/globalist affiliated mega corporations like JPMorgan. They will push this forward, incrementally, until the full policy is in effect with no other options. And by doing so, bypass reluctant governmental institutions.
***
House republicans are demanding details concerning the impending WHO pandemic ‘treaty’. I don’t expect any response from the WH any time this decade on that request.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
Some unidentified, unnamed ‘source’ in the FBI claims that lethal measures order was also given when biden’s homes were searched. The level of skepticism broke the meter.
***
13 countries in Oregon have now voted to join Idaho, consisting of about 2/3 of the area of the state. This action joins similar movements in Washington State (Liberty State) and Kalifornia. Any real split is years down the road and will be fought legislatively and legally tooth and nail by the leftists in the uber-blue urban concentrations along the coast.
Personally, I’d like to see a completely separate state be formed. There would be some shifting in the House, but the big one would likely be the solidification of additionally conservative republicans in the Senate - potentially shifting the power away from the democrats for a generation.
Economy-
Federal Reserve officials said earlier this month that they are prepared to raise interest rates again if inflation doesn’t show further signs of cooling, according to minutes from the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting released on Wednesday.
“Various participants mentioned a willingness to tighten policy further should risks to inflation materialize in a way that such an action became appropriate,” the minutes said.
The minutes also highlighted that several participants believe household and business spending may need to decline for inflation to sustainably reach the Fed’s two percent goal.
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2024/05/22/fed-minutes-may/
OBSERVATION - If household and business spending decline more - we will definite collapse into a hard recession. There are so many sectors of the economy that were damaged from the plandemic and follow-on policies of the Fed and the regime that it will take years to untangle. The high fed rates alone are bleeding the economy hard and fast already.
Further note - IF the fed continues to freeze the rate or even raise it to deal with the rising inflation rate - you can bet your retirement fund that Wall Street will freakout and take a plunge, as many WS speculators are counting on rate decreases in the near future - keeping the market high.
POLITICAL FRONT –
July 15 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI
August 19 DNC convention in Chicago, IL
***
My bad, yesterday I said the Trump hush money trial was going to the jury. Actually, closing arguments are set for next week before that happens.
***
As it stands right now, biden will not appear on Ohio’s November presidential ballot without major intervention by the DNC and potential court challenges. Will Ohio’s republicans show backbone or collapse? The republican controlled Ohio legislature current is unwilling to make a change in the law to accommodate the DNCs much later than usual national convention.
Biden / Harris Watch –
biden announced that he is canceling $7.7 billion in student debt for 160,000 borrowers. This in a gross violation of the USSC judgement against the practice. Nothing will happen- as the US under the leftists are slipping into a new - lawlessness realm.. Or rather, a “new” law realm.
Illegal Immigration –
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday said it is not Joe Biden’s job to secure the US border amid an invasion of millions of military-age men from the most dangerous parts of the world.
“Why should he have to do it unilaterally?” Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Jacqui Heinrich replied, “He took unilateral action before to undo [President Trump’s border security]!”
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/05/why-should-he-have-do-it-wow-white/
***
Reports that Kalifornia is becoming the hot spot for illegal penetrations. What is also being reported around the inter webs is that the predominant illegal demographic entering are from middle eastern and asia (china) and fewer latin american illegals.
China –
China launched exercise Joint Sword 2024A, surrounding Taiwan from all directions. Chinese media reports the exercise will be held from 23-24 May & focuses on “joint sea-air combat-readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive battlefield control, & joint precision strikes on key targets.”
China has reportedly begun live fire drills surrounding Taiwan, including its outlying islands such as Kinmen. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command stated that the drills are “a strong punishment for the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces and a stern warning against the interference and provocation by external forces”.
Taiwan’s military is responding to Chinese exercises by deploying supersonic Hsiung Feng III (HF-3) anti-ship missile batteries & air defense systems around Taiwan.
45 PLA aircraft were detected around the island—26 crossed the ADIZ & came as close as 41 nautical miles. Largest incursion of the year. 15 Navy ship, 16 Coast Guard ships are also in the region.
The Taiwanese Coast Guard and Chinese navy are currently having a standoffs in the Taiwan Strait
OBSERVATION -
This is a significant exercise by itself. The deployment of Chinese forces clearly shows the concept towards a blockade of the Island versus a direct, amphibious assault. The last exercise of this size was the one after pelosi visited the island.
I’ve noted the goals and intent of theses Chinese exercises for a while now, but in summary they ‘
1. Normalize large-scale activity around Taiwan, to deceive about future intentions.
2. Bullies and seeks to coerce the democratic government of Taiwan.
3. Projects an air of “inevitability” to the region/world about its eventual takeover of Taiwan.
One aggressive action that may soon happen is the seizure of the Taiwan administered island of Kinmen, located very close to the mainland. That seizure would be another tool to place pressure on Taiwan to acquiesce or surrender to Chinese terms.
A potential flash point in this exercise is the maneuvering of Chinese naval / coast guard assets into Taiwanese controlled regions. As noted above, Chinese vessels have been warned to stay back. Water cannons won’t be used, but real cannons could.
China has the capability to mount a significant blockade of Taiwan right now as well as seize Kinmen Island. I’m on the lookout to see what the Chinese Naval order of battle for this exercise is and in particular the deployment of any of the aircraft carriers.
Russia -
NUCLEAR THREATS –
Russia is conducting a tactical nuclear drill near Ukraine, an exercise announced about two weeks ago. An example of putin’s “escalate to de-escalate’ policy is designed to be a warning against growing NATO involvement in the Ukraine war and potential use of weapon systems in direct attacks on Russian territory.
***
Russia’s top arms control diplomat Wednesday dismissed as fake news an assertion by the United States that Russia had launched a weapon into low-Earth orbit that was capable of inspecting and attacking other satellites.
The Kremlin has flatly denied assertions by U.S. officials that Moscow is developing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. But on Tuesday, U.S. Space Command said Russia had launched an anti-satellite weapon.
Russia’s actions in space conformed to international law, the Kremlin said Wednesday.
https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/space-nuclear-weapon/2024/05/22/id/1165685/
***
Russian Military Trains have recently been spotted near the City of Yefremov in the Tula Region heading Southeast towards the Border with the Sumy Region of Northeastern Ukraine. The equipment all have the new tactical marking seen recently during Russian Offensive operations in the Kharkiv Region suggesting that there may be a similar operation into the Sumy Region.
Some OSINT observers are noting a similarity to the build-up prior to the start of the war.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures highs continue in the 70’s and fair.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Russian Ministry of Defense claims control over Andriyivka village of Donetsk region, southeast of Chasiv Yar.
“Generic” missile strikes in Dnipro and Kharkiv.
Fighting continues to be fierce in the Ocheretyne and Chasiv Yar regions.
Outlook —
From current reports, it seems that Russian action are shifting somewhat in the Chasiv Yar region to the south, concentrating on a potential attempt to by pass to a degree Ukraine defenses and further stretch Ukraine forces. Two towns in that area have fallen to Russian forces in the last few days supporting that observation.
Potential Russian push into and towards Sumy may be building up. If it is in the cards, such an action may be weeks away though I don’t currently have good numbers on the present force buildup - possibly again in the neighborhood of 40,000. The big question is did the bureaucrats pocket the money that was supposed to be put into building defensive barriers like what appears to have happened in Kharkiv, or have they properly constructed barriers and defensive positions?
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Operations continue to expand in Rafah.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Lest we forget - there are still hostages being held in Gaza.
***
The International Court of Justice will issue its decision tomorrow, Friday, regarding the request for a ceasefire in Gaza
***
Videos have been released showing Hamas capturing and abusing female Israeli soldiers.
***
The U.S. has established an air defense system at the Gaza pier. Pictures posted by multiple sources online show what appears to be a C-RAM system being present at the pier.
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
The Israeli army is expanding its operations in Rafah to new areas and approaches the city center. Israeli troops advanced into Rafah’s Brazil and Shaboura neighborhoods, following “information on terror targets in the area,” the military says. The Israeli army says the operation in Rafah is being carried out in an “accurate manner while preventing harm to the civilian population as much as possible, after the civilians have evacuated the area
Renewed violent clashes between Hamas fighters and Israeli forces inside Jenin camp in N Gaza.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
About 30 missiles were launched from southern Lebanon towards Israeli positions in the Upper Galilee
Israel army says it has killed a senior Hezbollah official who was in charge of developing strategic weapons in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle near the town of Kafr Dajjal, just south of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah confirms the killing of one of its members in an Israeli raid on Nabatieh.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
The Commander of the Revolutionary Guard reportedly met with representatives of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, and Hezbollah.
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Germany said Wednesday it will abide by an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and detain Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he step foot on German soil.
——— FORECAST ————————-
Operations throughout Gaza and in particular Rafah continue at a high tempo and will continue to do so for the immediate future. Not noted in many of my posts but present in UN et al complaints are Israeli attacks on hospitals. Like demonstrated before, Hamas likely has occupied the hospitals for military bases, removing protections.
IRGC meeting up with the various “Islamic Resistance” factions is likely two fold. One is to re-establish command relations that have been degraded by Israeli attacks (IRGC and Hezbollah in particular) as well as to try to stimulate more actions by the ‘resistance’, or at least look at other avenues of attack.
Central / South America General-
Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa declared a new state of emergency in seven provinces on Wednesday.
A rising number of violent deaths and crimes was cited as the reason for the measure in Guayas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Manabi, Sucumbios, Orellana and Los Rios provinces, and one area of the Azuay province.
The measure will be in effect for 60 days according to a decree signed by the Noboa.
A state of emergency was declared in January after Jose Adolfo Macias, a dangerous drug boss, escaped from maximum security detention.
The president said the country was in a an, “internal armed conflict” and ordered the army to “neutralize” 22 criminal groups.
However, the Constitutional Court ruled the previous emergency declaration in five provinces was not sufficiently justified.
OBSERVATION - January, Ecuador was almost borderline civil war. The escape of Macias sparked significant fighting between a relatively unified (under Macias) gang army and govt forces. After a couple weeks of fighting the gangs were partially defeated. Now having regrouped, gangs have been pressing for control again. Ecuador is also attempting to duplicate the successful anti-gang program of El Salvador, which has made that country one of the safest in the region.
Reality for the US is that the narco-terrorist element has been growing almost exponentially in the US due to the open border policy of biden, and similar conflicts here in the US may soon be on the way.
Godzilla wrote:
“
...
“
All they will need to do is submit to having their palms or faces scanned upon entry into a retail store.
“
Where have we read that before, about no buying or selling without a mark on the hand or face/head?
On this Memorial Day, let us pray their sacrifice was not worthless and that new patriots will arise to defend the Republic from the assaults of enemies now domestic as well as foreign.
Globalism / Great Reset –
Upcoming meetings of importance
- WHO pandemic ‘treaty’ May 2024
The WHO concluded talks on Friday after weeks of closed-door talks in Geneva, Switzerland.
The hard stop of next week’s annual gathering of the U.N. subsidiary’s 194 member states is drawing closer which is why a deal is wanted sooner rather than later by organizers.
Giving the talks very little chance of successfully concluding on time, he said he thought countries would likely press for discussions to continue and hold talks about more talks further down the line.
The rolling draft agreement is not being made public, but a version as it stood on Thursday, seen by AFP, showed large sections have been approved. The outlet further noted:
The main disputes revolve around issues of access and equity: access to pathogens detected within countries, and access to pandemic-fighting products such as vaccines derived from that knowledge.
Other tricky topics are sustainable financing, pathogen surveillance, supply chains, and the equitable distribution of not only tests, treatments and jabs, but also the means to produce them.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has already dampened hopes of a deal, saying a conclusion this week seemed “very unlikely,” as Breitbart News reported.
OBSERVATION - Various countries and organizations appear to have finally taken a closer look at the sweeping powers and authority that would be granted to the WHO and decided to take a step back from the table. As I said in a recent post here, it does seem that some of the changes/amendments that have gained displeasure have been watered down and could easily be amended later back to their original form. Part of this too is the global pushback from the wuhan virus plandemic actions reaching the various govts as well. Many see the WHO original plan was to build upon those restrictions and losses of freedom with a much more totalitarian response action to not only another ‘epidemic’ , but expanding it to other “health crises” such as global warming and gun violence.
Nope, we are not out of the woods on this one yet.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
biden has made three very concerning statements over the past few days that are directly applicable to the CW2 realm.
First - celebrating the 4th anniversary of Floyd’s death he posted on “X’
“George Floyd should be alive. He deserved so much more.Today, I join all those who loved him and all those touched by the civil rights movement he inspired in remembering the tragedy and injustice of his death.
He changed the world.
Now, let’s act in his memory.”
Question arises - what actions is he calling for? Since Floyd didn’t inspire new health care, or peace and tranquillity - the only other option is renewed violence in our cities.
Second came at his address at the West Point graduation ceremony. In it he suggested the United States military must be prepared to intervene in domestic political affairs against President Trump.
Is biden planning on instituting Martial Law and Invoke the Insurrection Act during the 2024 election? A massive constitutional crisis on top of another likely constitutional crisis.
Finally, Biden is reportedly planning on giving a public address after the jury reaches a verdict, POLITICO reported. Sources are indicating that he will likely address the hush-money verdict from the White House, not at a campaign event, to avoid the appearance of Biden making a political statement on the trial’s outcome.
Does biden have insider information on the out come of this trial even before it goes to jury deliberation? Judge Merchan has been doing everything possible to guide the jury to a guilty verdict - even ripping apart the law requiring jurors to unanimously agree on a predicate crime in order to fund President Trump guilty of trying to hide one. Essentially, the jurors do not need to believe a crime was committed in order to convict Trump of unlawfully hiding a crime he never committed.
MY OBSERVATION ON THESE THREE ITEMS - These actions and plans are the most aggressive posture and stated goals that biden et al regime has made to date and have pushed the potential for a hot CW closed to the red zone. Calling for civil unrest/riots, setting out a warning order that the military may become involved in the election process and jumping ahead to the verdict address all point to that. Is strongly suggests to me that the regime is losing confidence in winning the election the ‘normal’ way and are positioning themselves to apply a greater effort and use of govt power to shut trump down. One cannot ignore that we are approaching the most dangerous period in our Republic’s history and that the period between the party conventions and inauguration day in Jan 2025 will be the most dangerous of all.
***
IN RELATED -
Over 70 organizations have joined a coalition called “March on the DNC” and plan to protest President Joe Biden for being “complicit in the genocide” of Palestinians, a spokesperson for the group told Time Magazine. Despite the federal government granting $75 million to the city for security measures, Democratic Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez told the Daily Caller that the incoming gatherings are “raising some serious concerns.”
The 1968 DNC in Chicago saw tens of thousands of demonstrators sweep the city’s streets to protest the Vietnam War. This year there is a confluence of rekindled Floyd style riots combined with anti-Israeli and anti-illegal immigrants that may form a perfect storm
Anyone following the news can well see that local violence is happening on smaller scales almost daily. Provide the ability to hide in a crowd and do worse is very tempting of today’s younger generation - and accelerated by older generation urging.
POLITICAL FRONT –
July 15 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI
August 19 DNC convention in Chicago, IL
***
Trump hush money trial anticipated to go to jury this week
Illegal Immigration –
Schumer called for amnesty for all “11 million” illegal immigrants yesterday. Is biden willing to try to issue an EO declaring that amnesty before the elections? Growing public opinion is very strong against that potential, even tot the point of supporting mass deportations. Any amnesty will become a potential breaking point in a potential CW2 scenario as well.
China –
China exercise Joint Sword 2024A,, a military exercises encircling Taiwan was significant
- Largest fleet of PLA Navy & Coast Guard integrate & practice a blockade
- Further normalization & targeted pressure on frontline islands
There has been no sign of any Chinese heavy vessels such as amphibious assault ships or aircraft carriers taking part. The speed at which a blockade could be initially set up was impressive. When reinforced by its aircraft carriers and other capitol ships, it would make life very difficult for Taiwan.
Chinese calculations would have to factor the willingness of western allies forcing the blockade and potential expansion of conflict into a potential world war.
A blockade is the lead option for China. A full on invasion is currently the least expected in that it would have to be a massive operation that would be relatively easily detected and require a massive number of ships to assault and supply the operation. To say it would be a target rich environment is and understatement and China has never launched an effort of this size.
Considerable concern for a full-on blockade grows as it is likely that the US may become chaotic and unable to aggressively respond in the the face of Ukraine support and upcoming elections. China may see this as its window of opportunity, especially as it sees the likelihood of Trump returning to the WH grows.
I recommend the link to a thoughtful article on just how much of an opportunity China may be seeing
https://mrctv.org/blog/charles-kohlhaas/memorial-day-message-china
North/South Korea –
RUMINT and other associated scuttlebutt that Russia and NK may conspire to create some sort of “October Surprise”
Japan –
The Japan Self-Defense Forces will participate for the first time in the U.S. military’s Valiant Shield exercise, with part of the exercise taking place in Japan, said Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara on Friday.
OBSERVATION - Participation seen as a response to increasing Chinese aggression in the region.
Russia -
Over the weekend, Russian border guards remove markers from Estonian waters in Narva River
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said at the government’s weekly press conference on Thursday that this is a border incident and the exact circumstances are being clarified.
OBSERVATION - Estonia has been very vocal in supporting Ukraine and speaking out against growing Russian expansionism. Under some instances, removal of national boundary markers could be considered an act of war.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures highs in the 80’s and fair.
24 HOUR ROUND UP – Well, slightly more than 24 hours for today’s post
Russian Ministry of Defense claims full occupation of Ivanivka village of Kharkiv region of Ukraine
Russian Ministry of defense claims full occupation of Netailove village, west to Donetsk
Ukraine drone attacks reported in Oryol, Krasnodar, Belgorod and Bryansk region overnight. 1 firefighter killed in Oryol region
Outlook —
A lot of mixed signals on the ground action in Ukraine over the weekend. Ukrainian Armed forces reportedly have halted Russian offensive at Kharkiv axis and conducted counter-offensive actions, - General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine reports
After the initially rapid advance by Russian forces north of Kharkiv, progress in this area has slowed significantly. Russia has continued to make progress inside Vovchansk on the north bank of the river.
As noted above, Russia has claimed capture of two small villages.
Bottom line is fog of war. The Kharkiv push appears to be reaching its end. Russian assaults further south continue to press hard against Ukraine defenses.
A serious setback is being noted is the due to the intensity of Russian GPS jamming on US munitions.
Russia’s jamming of the guidance systems of modern Western weapons, including Excalibur GPS-guided artillery shells and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, which can fire some U.S.-made rockets with a range of up to 50 miles, has eroded Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory and has left officials in Kyiv urgently seeking help from the Pentagon to obtain upgrades from arms manufacturers.
The success rate for the U.S.-designed Excalibur shells, for example, fell sharply over a period of months — to less than 10 percent hitting their targets — before Ukraine’s military abandoned them last year, according to the confidential Ukrainian assessments.
Six months ago, after Ukrainians reported the problem, Washington simply stopped providing Excalibur shells because of the high failure rate, the Ukrainian officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive security matter. In other cases, such as aircraft-dropped bombs called JDAMs, the manufacturer provided a patch and Ukraine continues to use them.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/24/russia-jamming-us-weapons-ukraine/
Europe / NATO General –
Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda won re-election by a landslide in a vote marked by defence concerns over neighbouring Russia, official results showed.
The count published by the electoral commission on Sunday showed that Nauseda won 74.6 per cent of votes with 90 per cent of ballots counted after polls closed in the second-round vote.
Voters “have handed me a great mandate of trust and I am well aware that I will have to cherish this,” Nauseda, 60, told journalists in Vilnius.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Israel ignores ICJ order and continues Rafah operations.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Lest we forget - there are still hostages being held in Gaza.
***
The floating pier to deliver aid to Gaza at a cost of $300 million is turning into a fiasco. First, stormy weather has damaged the pier, breaking off segments and grounding them. Secondly, virtually all the aid that has been unloaded has been stolen by Hamas and other armed elements and not reached UN supervised distribution sites.
***
The IDF released videos and images showing the entrance to a Hxmas tunnel system where the bodies of four hostages—Ron Benjamin, Amit Buskila, Itzhak Gelerenter, and Shani Louk—were found last Friday.
Israeli officials reported that the tunnel entrance was inside a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) building.
***
The Knesset is set to hold a preliminary vote designating the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization, by which it will then sever all ties with the body that is the main relief service provider for 5.9 Palestinian refugees in the Middle East.
“The purpose of this bill is to declare UNRWA as a terrorist organization for all intents and purposes as well as order the termination of the relations [and the cooperation] of the State of Israel with the agency, either directly or indirectly,” Israel Beytenu MK Yulia Malinovksy wrote in the introduction to the bill, which she authored. Jpost
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Intense fighting and IAF airstrikes throughout all of Gaza overnight.
IDF claimed it struck a Hamas compound, killing two senior officials from the militant group. Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and parts of central Israel on Sunday after rockets were fired at the city for the first time in months, according to the Israeli military. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.
35 people were killed in that Israeli strike in Rafah on Sunday, the Hamas affiliated Gaza health ministry said. The strike hit a camp for displaced people, according to Gaza authorities.
The strike has created an international outcry, even though it has been demonstrated that Hamas hides in these refugee camps and fires at Israel and Israeli forces from them.
IDF strike eliminated Khaled Nagar and Yassin Rabia, senior officials in Hamas’ West Bank command responsible for murder of Israelis between 2001 and 2003, including late husband of MK Limor Son Har-Melech; both freed in 2011 Shalit deal
***
IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari on Sunday night spoke to the media about the continued fighting in Gaza, and the rocket fire on central Israel.
A total of eight rockets were fired in the barrage, some of which were intercepted. One person was injured while running for shelter, and a home was hit by shrapnel.
“As IDF forces near the site, Hamas empties its rockets,” he explained. “They launched the rockets from between a mosque and a school.”
Hagari noted that the launch was carried out just 800 meters from the IDF forces stationed nearby.
“We see this pattern of action in many places where we operate. The launch was carried out from between a mosque and a school; we attacked and destroyed the launcher a short time after the launch - and our forces continue operating in the area.”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/390582
This was the first such attack in 4 months. The volley aimed at central Israel was launched from Rafah.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
More than 60 missiles were launched from southern Lebanon towards Israeli positions in the Galilee finger
Another Hezbollah rockets barrage on northern Israeli. Hezbollah claims 12 attacks on Israeli forces and towns since the morning
.
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Spanish Foreign Minister: The decisions of the International Court of Justice are binding and must be implemented
——— FORECAST ————————-
Global hit pieces amplifying over the weekend, as Israel publishes videos of captured Hamas terrorists describing the horrors of torturing Israelis on Oct 7, along with the evidence that UNRWA was complacent in the holding of Israeli hostages.
Israel continues to methodically work thru Rafah to eliminate increasingly desperate Hamas forces. Action in central and N Gaza on regrouped hamas and related to continue as well.
The weekend also saw an increase in Hezbollah rocket attacks, more likely related to retaliatory strikes in response to recent Israeli hit on its leadership. I don’t see evidence that they are in support of Hamas.
Well-stated, Godzilla. Thanks.
After show trials, lies, cheating - what do dems have left that's worse? Yep, you've outlined their next steps...
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
Poster “redactor’ on “X” posted this observation -
“Impending conflict in the U.S. looms, warns @JJCarrell14 , a 24-year Customs and Border Protection veteran. He reveals a dire scenario stemming from #Biden’s “border invasion,” hitting Black communities hardest, starting in #Chicago.”
OBSERVATION - I’ve been posting of the increasing friction between the black community - particularly in Chicago, but other major cities as well - and illegals. This friction is largely over the benefits the illegals are receiving as well as the priority they are receiving over the local blacks. Black civil rights leaders don’t like losing the clout as illegals and their benefactors cut into their piece of the action. Black officials are on record planning protests/riots at the DNC convention later this August in Chicago.
***
The left regaled in rising George Floyd to deity last week as part of the 4th year anniversary of his death. Literally calling him a second Jesus Christ. It has been reported that a relatively famous painting of him on a business wall has been hit by lighting - destroying the work. Coincidence?
***
There are some indicators that organizers of the campus take overs may be looking to move them onto high visibility public property may be in the offing. College/university campuses have lost some viability due to summer recess and in some cases harsh pushback by administration.
***
Many Memorial Day events were disrupted and in some cases cancelled due to pro-hamas protests and threats of protest. From the reports I’ve seen, violence was mild. I would expect similar to occur around the 4th of July. Stay tuned to local news.
Terrorism - Heightened THREAT as of May 6, 2024
National security is being jeopardized by a wave of Chinese and Russian nationals sneaking onto US military bases, a top Navy admiral has warned.
US Fleet Forces Commander Daryl Caudle said that attempted infiltrations are happening ‘two or three times a week’ at Navy bases alone.
More than 100 attempts were made by Chinese nationals alone last year, with the perpetrators often claiming to be innocent tourists when caught.
‘This is something we see probably two or three times a week, where we’re stopping these folks at the gate, and this is just the Navy alone,’ Caudle said
‘And usually, the cover story is I’m a student, I’m an enthusiast I want to see the ships that type of thing. ‘We have to turn them around and typically we will get the NCIS involved we will get biometrics of possible.’
Concern about Beijing’s intentions has ballooned in response to an 8,000 percent increase in Chinese nationals known to have crossed the southern border in the last three years.
OBSERVATION - Probing attacks, particularly by Chinese, are very concerning. This given the fact that it is being reported now that since Oct 2023 some 30,000 Chinese have illegally entered the country.
***
More details on this story -
On May 3, 2024, two illegal Chechen immigrants were caught on the rural property of a Special Ops colonel near Fort Liberty (Bragg). One of them, Daraev, was allegedly photographing the colonel’s kids and became “aggressive” when approached. The colonel shot and killed him. The other was detained, questioned, and released.
The two Chechens are allegedly utility workers but neither had tools, uniforms, or identification related to the company they supposedly work for, Utilities One.
Now apparently, the colonel who shot the Chechen had set up his own cameras and had seen the men on his property several times before.
The CEO of Utilities One, Serghei Busmachiu, is from Moldova. Other officials from the company appear to be Eastern European.
Busmachiu moved to the U.S. in 2013 and worked as a busboy and spent time selling ice in Alaska. How does a busboy/ice salesman save enough money to open a utility company in just three years?
Utilities One released a statement morning the ‘loss’ of Daraev.
OBSERVATION - This obviously stinks to high heaven. Utilities One operating as a cover for probable terrorist cells. This level of action against a senior special operations officer is serious stuff - indicating that there is intelligence collection on their family members for what i believe would be potential kidnapping and other terror to sideline special ops from responding to a national emergency.
Between the Russian (Chechen), Chinese and Iranian / radical moslems that have entered the country in great numbers illegally during the past 4 year, there are red flags all over. Meanwhile FBI is going after peaceful protestors instead of these real threats.
Economy-
Growing talk that the Fed will maintain its current interest rates thru the summer season. Wall Street had been hoping for some level of decrease during the period.
Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics –
The United States and Europe are taking steps to acquire or manufacture H5N1 bird flu vaccines that could be used to protect at-risk poultry and dairy workers, veterinarians and lab technicians, government officials said, moves influenza experts say could curb the threat of a pandemic.
U.S officials last week said they were moving bulk vaccine from CSL Seqirus that closely matches the current virus into finished shots that could provide 4.8 million doses of vaccine. European health officials told Reuters they were in talks to acquire CSL’s prepandemic vaccine.
Dr. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan, said she has been in discussions with U.S. and Canadian officials about using vaccines to protect workers following the virus’ spread into new mammal species.
OBSERVATION - All too convenient timing. A new presidential election cycle and the WHO encountering turbulence in getting their desired pandemic ‘treaty’ passed. Expect more fear mongering.
POLITICAL FRONT –
July 15 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI
August 19 DNC convention in Chicago, IL
***
The conditions being set for the jury in the Trump conspiracy trial are making it very easy to obtain a guilty verdict, almost demanding it. The big question is will a juror(s) stand up for what’s right and put the breaks on. The visuals of Trump being ordered to jail have massive potential for blow back against the left as well as move more conservative towards more aggressive posture and preparedness.
Biden / Harris Watch –
At Memorial Day events biden displayed even more physical weakness and mental disorientation. Once again compared Beau’s death to cancer as equal the loss of loved ones from combat.
Illegal Immigration –
Media noting that the number of illegals crossing the border significantly dropped last month. Waiting to see better numbers to confirm.
North/South Korea –
Japan issued an alert telling its residents to take cover after North Korea launched a rocket allegedly carrying its second military spy satellite on Monday night.
The rocket launch came just hours after the country’s announcement of a plan to put a satellite into orbit drew strong rebukes from its neighbors.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected a launch trajectory believed to be a spy satellite fired from the North’s main space center at 10:44pm on Monday.
The launch failed when an upper stage blew up.
Japan –
See North/South Korea above.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures highs in the 80’s and fair.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Relatively slow night with Ukrainian air defense shooting down 3 Shahed drones overnight. Meanwhile, Ukrainian missiles / drones of some sort made a major impact on Luhansk
Ocheretyne -
Intensity of fighting along this salient has increased in recent days.
Bakhmut / Chasiv Yar -
Russian gains have stopped for over a week in this front, only minor attacks of late.
Kupyansk axis -
Action along this front has matured over the past month, with attacks across a broad front which is centered east of Svatov.
Kharkiv Front -
Fighting continues to focus on Vovchansk, which Russian now appear to have control of most of the city.
Outlook —
Russia continues the push in Eastern Ukraine, but progress is significantly slowing. In part due to the substantial losses suffered by Russia, in part to Ukraine reinforcements and critical ammo resupply. With ammo, Ukraine can once again do what it has done best - interdicting Russian forces and their logistics before those forces reach the Ukraine lines. And when they do, decimating them with accurate fire.
The change in Russian tactics plays this out to some degree with some Russian assault elements attempting to rush to the Ukraine position via motorcycles and ATVs - moving faster than artillery can adjust - dismounting and digging in - with now significant armor/tank support. An interesting modification to the ‘meat attack’ that have been a major tactic to far.
I foresee no real breakouts in the near term as Russian has been losing the initiative for the past couple weeks now and has committed much of its reserve forces to sustain the success they have gained.
Europe / NATO General –
Six members of NATO reportedly are planning to construct a “drone wall” to prevent provocation and smuggling by Russia, the Financial Times reported.
Ministers from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Poland joined over the weekend for talks about a joint operation to block Russian aggression and smuggling efforts. The Times noted that each of the countries has faced “hybrid attacks” by Russia, such as the alleged smuggling of war criminals and soldiers across the border into Finland and other European countries.
“This is a completely new thing — a drone wall stretching from Norway to Poland, and the goal is to use drones and other technologies to protect our borders,” Lithuania’s interior minister Agnė Bilotaitė told Baltic News Service.
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/nato-drones-russia/2024/05/27/id/1166342/
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting later on Tuesday to discuss Sunday’s strike.
- Growing operations into the center of Rafah.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Lest we forget - there are still hostages being held in Gaza.
***
Considerable blowout from the Rafah strike that ended up spreading to a tent ‘refugee’ area. Contrary to the popular anti-Israeli spin, video of the strike clearly show that there were very large secondary explosions that spread into the tent area. Audible fear from the background voices of rockets igniting and firing. All indicate that the strike also set off munitions storage of some sort. Storing munitions in a ‘civilian’ area by Hamas is a war crime.
***
The Biden administration told Israel to take every precaution to protect civilians after a military strike in Rafah killed dozens of Palestinians, as it faced calls from some fellow Democrats to halt military shipments to Israel.
“Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians,” a National Security Council spokesperson said. “But as we’ve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.
https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/strike-rafah/2024/05/27/id/1166356/
***
The pier the US constructed in N Gaza continues to have serious problems and is partially braking apart under current conditions. Damage appears to be sufficient enough to shut down resupply operations. Claims that it is ‘sinking” are over stated.
Not the that relief supplies are doing any good and Hamas confiscates them almost immediately with none reaching UN distribution points.
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Israeli tanks were reported operating in central Rafah overnight.
Continued hammering of Hamas clusters in central and N Gaza.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
A barrage of some 35 rockets was launched from Lebanon at the Mount Meron area in northern Israel yesterday, the military says. The Israeli army says the rockets struck open areas, and there are no reports of injuries.
———WEST BANK——————————-
Israeli security forces engaged in over a dozen actions throughout the West Bank region.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
US Central Command: We destroyed a drone launched by the Houthis over the Red Sea.
Earlier, the Houthis said on Monday they launched attacks on three ships in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, and two US destroyers in the Red Sea.
The threat of attacks have forced shippers to re-route cargo to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa.
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin is quoted as saying that he and his EU counterparts had a “significant” discussion about the possibility of levying sanctions on Israel if it fails to comply with “international humanitarian law.”
“For the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, I’ve seen significant discussion on sanctions and ‘what if,’” Martin is quoted as saying by Politico.
He qualifies that there is “some distance between people articulating the need for a sanctions-based approach if Israel does not comply with the ICJ’s ruling … to agreement in the Council meeting, given all of the different perspectives there.”
https://harbingersdaily.com/israel-at-war-week-32/
——— FORECAST ————————-
Israel will continue to be hammered on the PR front for actions in Gaza. Basically, the anti-Israel globalist view is that the terrorists can hide out in the middle of “non-combatants” and fire on Israelis and Israel cannot do anything in return.
Add to this that recent recovered remains of Israeli hostages have been found in UN facilities just shows the gross bias and hypocrisy of the globalists who are in no way neutral in this fight.
So far Israel is not having anything of this and is pressing on with taking the fight to the terrorists where ever they find them.
Hezbollah has stepped up some rocket attacks of late, but the scale suggests that they are more retaliatory for Israeli strikes taking out senior leadership and not so much to divert Israeli efforts in Gaza.
The Houthi continue to project enough of a threat in the Red Sea that commercial shipping is continuing to divert around Africa, raising prices for goods globally.
I expect continued global anti-Israeli rhetoric and even sanction efforts towards Israel. Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel has counted the cost and is going forward with its operations anyway.
Iran –
Reports are coming out that Iran has increased its inventory of 60% purified Uranium. Scientists/experts note that making the final jump to weapons grade 90% purity is well within Iran’s capability. Whether or not Iran takes that next step is not in question - only the timing.
Saudi Arabia –
The Biden administration is expected to end a ban on the sale of offensive weapons to a country that the president once described as a “pariah,” according to Financial Times.
The U.S. has indicated to Saudi Arabian officials that it is willing and able to lift the moratorium, according to Financial Times. President Joe Biden imposed the ban on sales to Saudi Arabia shortly after taking office in 2021 due to the country’s excesses in its nine year-old war against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen
As a candidate for president on the campaign trail, Biden called Saudi Arabia a “pariah” state and asserted that they are “murdering children” in Yemen, according to Financial Times. Saudi Arabia is typically among the world’s leading purchasers of U.S. weaponry and defense equipment.
https://dailycaller.com/2024/05/27/biden-saudi-arabia-weapons-ban-lift-pariah/
OBSERVATION - This appears to be an attempt to paper over the damage the regime caused to US - Saudi relations early in the term. With Iran an ever greater threat, SA is more willing to cut some slack over US statements
Black Swans -
And he’s back . . . . .
Sunspot AR3664, which caused the historic May 10th superstorm, is returning following a two-week trip around the farside of the sun. It announced itself today with an X2.8-class solar flare. In the next few days it will be in position for earth - directed flare activity.
Thank You for gathering and posting all the information. Your efforts are to be commended ……
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
Rumblings from the far right on responses to any attempt to jail Trump on the banana republic hush money trial. Definite threat of conflict if the left tries to do a victory dance of sorts.
Trumps SS elements have made some primarily discussions with NY jail authorities. I don’t see this a capitulation but due diligence to keep the former president safe if this was to occur.
Economy-
More analysis showing that housing prices continue to climb to record levels.
POLITICAL FRONT –
July 15 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI
August 19 DNC convention in Chicago, IL
***
The Mechan circus continues. Justice Merchan is required Trump defense to present his closing argument before he hears the prosecution’s claims against him. Many legal observers - including many on the left are still not sure what they’re claiming Trump did. He held court through 8 PM last night and it should go to the jury today.
***
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has announced that it will nominate incumbent President Joe Biden over a virtual call in order to get him on the ballot in Ohio. The move comes after Biden was facing the possibility of not being on the ballot in the rust belt state for the 2024 election.
OBSERVATION - Another reason for this nomination process is reportedly to avoid some sort of a floor fight at the convention.
Illegal Immigration –
The Supreme Court ruled today that Texas SB-4 law is constitutional which grants Txs the right to detain, arrest, and expel anyone crossing the Texas border illegally
OBSERVATION - This is big news for Texas and a growing number of other states that are looking at implicating or have implemented similar laws.
China –
With China’s latest exercise in blockading Taiwan winding down, analysts see more of the same exercises in the future. More disturbing is the appearance that China may well be accelerating its plans against Taiwan given the foreign and military policy chaos of the biden regime. An overt action may well cause Washington to seize up under too many global crises, giving China a window to establish the blockade and bolster it against threats to break it.
Russia -
*****
Putin threatens NATO countries representatives “not to play with statements on strikes on territory of Russia” He further warned that if Ukraine uses long-range weapons inside Russia, Russia will have to decide on extension of buffer zone.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures highs in the 80’s and fair.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Ukrainian air defense shot down 13 of 14 Shahed drones. Multiple Shahed drones were noted over Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. Ukrainian drone attack was reported in Armavir, Russia.
Russian attacks notably picked up along the Kreminna -Savtov front and Ocheretyne.
Russian efforts on the Kharkiv axis are showing evidence of stalling out. Same for the Chaziv Yar axis.
There was a great deal of consternation yesterday at the revelation that Patriot units targeted and hit Russian aircraft over Russian territory earlier this year. The upset was that they didn’t keep their targeting strictly within the boundaries of Ukraine and disputed territory.
Outlook —
The Russian offensive continues to show signs that it is reaching its high water mark. Part of this also concerns rumors that Russia may view cease fire / peace talks that include retaining territory captured since 2022. So far there is no evidence of Ukrainian plans for a summer offensive like last year. Low stockpiles of munitions and difficulty in procuring manpower are likely key items.
With NATO elements encouraging Ukrainian strikes on Russia territory using western long range munitions growing, we could see Ukraine doing so in the next few weeks. So far Ukraine has fought the deep war with its smaller drones and limited missiles. Russia has benefitted by being able to lazily grouping its forces on the Russian border, immune from the potential devastation of a ATACMS or other strike. Should Ukraine be set free to target these areas, life for Russian forces would get very complicated fast.
Europe / NATO General –
Western countries should let Ukraine strike military bases inside Russia with the sophisticated long-range weapons they are providing to Kyiv, French President Emmanuel Macron said, pressuring his allies in the most recent sign of a potentially significant policy shift that could help change the complexion of the war.
The question of whether to allow Ukraine to hit targets on Russian soil with Western-supplied weaponry has been a delicate issue since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022.
Western leaders have mostly shrunk from taking the step because it runs the risk of provoking Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has repeatedly warned that the West’s direct involvement could put the world on a path to nuclear conflict.
His remarks came a day after NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged the alliance’s members to lift some of the restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Fierce fighting reports in central Rafah
- Global outrage against Israel continues
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Lest we forget - there are still hostages being held in Gaza.
***
U.S. Defense Officials revealed today that after a severe storm this weekend off the coast of the Gaza Strip; a large section of the U.S. Army’s temporary-floating pier has “broken away” and drifted down the coast, with other sections of the pier having partially sunk in shallow waters. The pier, which was estimated to cost over $320 Million, is now inoperable with all further humanitarian aid shipments being halted. Portions of the pier are being moved to the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, where U.S. Central Command will repair it, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters.
***
Biden regime just announced that the US may end its support of Israel as IDF ground operations reach central Rafah.
***
The US does not believe Israel’s actions in Rafah amount to a “major ground operation” that could cross a red line for President Joe Biden and trigger a possible change in US policy, the White House has said.
Spokesman John Kirby addressed reporters hours after Israeli forces reached the centre of the city in southern Gaza, and reportedly seized a strategically important hill.
Mr Biden recently said he would limit weapons supplies to Israel if it entered Rafah’s “population centres”, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are still believed to be sheltering.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv22pl9p212o
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Fighting throughout Gaza, with reported fierce battles taking place in central Rafah.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Israeli Channel 12 reports that several missiles launched from southern Lebanon landed in open areas near Shtoula in the western sector of the border.
———WEST BANK——————————-
Numerous Israeli security police raids throughout the west bank region and dozens of arrests of terror suspects.
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Jordanian Foreign Minister: Spain’s recognition of the Palestinian state is evidence of its desire for stability in the region
Jordanian Foreign Minister: The future of the region must not remain in the hands of an extremist Israeli government
——— FORECAST ————————-
Israel is facing fighting on two fronts. One is in Gaza proper. The second is with anti-Israeli govts around the world that are using the loss of life in Rafah as a weapon to wield against it. We have more details of this reportedly genocidal disaster - judge for yourself.
It is apparent Israel hit a vehicle carrying high ranking Hamas leaders with a small missile launched from a drone - not the 2000 lb behemoth pro-hamas elements claim. Same munitions used for other pinpoint strikes.
That strike apparently set off munitions - probably some rockets - that created secondary exploding. Fragments of those secondaries shot some 100-200 meters, striking a fuel storage area near tented areas outside the protected zone. This tertiary explosion is what spread to the tents, killing dozens.
Not that all this matter at this in this media frenzy driven attack. War is hell and in some manner, the gazans brought much of this on themselves and continue to by allowing Hamas et al to set up operations in these safe havens (in addition to Hamas continuing to use hospitals and mosques for military purposes). I don’t see Israel capitulating to the global pressure any time soon. They are committed to the operation to eliminate Hamas and to bow to the misguided and flat our false accusations of the anti-israeli community would be a defacto win for Hamas.
biden regime has laid out new guide rails for its red line in Rafah. Israels current operations are well within those lines. So I expect continued operations throughout Gaza, and especially Rafah for the near future.
Long term implications are potential loss of support that will be critical when Israel turns north to deal with the threat posed by Hezbollah.
Iran –
Biden administration is pressing European allies to abstain from a censure vote against Iran at a June meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency. British and French officials told the Biden administration they would move forward with the censure vote and that it was time to draw a line.
OBSERVATION - 0bama and his underling biden have bent over backwards for Iran and its efforts to develop the bomb. Much of Europe is within range of Iranian missiles, so that a terror strike by Iran with a nuke is much more dangerous to them than the US.
This further exposes the deep planted pro-Iranian / radial islamic elements in the US govt who are pushing the policy.
Syria -
Not to forget, the Syrian civil war continues with Assad and affiliated forces continuing to indiscriminately bomb civilians in the Aleppo and Idlib regions.
Misc of Note –
Massive thunderstorms with tornadoes and large hail have caused extensive power blackouts throughout the lower mid-west and Texas region. All should take note of this and make appropriate preparations for alternative lighting and cooking methods should a natural disaster hit you.
Looks like it's going to be a rough hurricane season too..
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
The regime surveillance state has been shown acting against citizens again. dailywire and America1stLegal sued DOJ for violating FOIA and uncovered secret records showing DOJ was tracking Moms for Liberty alongside the KKK, the Oath Keepers, and terms like swastika, hate crime, bullying, white supremacy, and confederate.
***
The ultimate goal of the democrat regime is to get a conviction of Trump by any means possible, thereby branding him a felon and a threat to democracy.
The democrats will have his name stricken from ballots; some jurisdictions may simply disqualify and refuse to count ballots cast for Trump. The internet dons may make his name and candidacy disappear tomorrow. The identical strategy works if there is a “miscarriage of justice” and Mr. Trump not convicted.
If Trump still wins in November, the Democrats will only have one path forward. They will seek to overturn the vote of the people. The irony of that choice, the rejection of a duly elected president of the United States by the party that lost the election, may just launch America into its second civil war.
https://www.wnd.com/2024/05/public-lynching-trump-coming-civil-war/
OBSERVATION - The growing crisis potential surrounding the November election has reached staggering levels. As I noted in previous post, biden has even threatened to use the military to stop a Trump presidency and the violence wings of the left are ready to break forth in greater violence than seen in the Floyd riots of 2020. There are so many potential triggers to a hot CW2 scenario that they are hard to count. Add to it the secondary and tertiary affects on the US economy and foreign situations that can spin out of control yielding everything from a global depression to a world war - the potential consequences are sobering, and being ignored by many.
IMHO opinion and planning, the worst case scenario is one where Trump beats this rap and the left ramps up violent protests in response. These protests will receive stout push back and combined with some well placed false flag events justify martial law - to stop the elections and to arrest those on the conservative right, which in turn will create chaos in the military ranks and in the public.
A conviction of Trump (which by everyone with an IQ greater than a rock can see) will be overturned, but not before the left labeling of “felon” reaches a crescendo. Yes, I think Trump will actually gain support as such a left campaign is an attempt to rally those who have gone sour on biden and his economic mess, among other policies, for voter turnout.
Calmer heads could prevail, but they are fewer and farther between. It is almost an inescapable conclusion that there will be serious violence as election day approaches and it may well continue for months afterwards.
I wish I could conclusively state that “X” is going to happen, but at this stage it would be impossible to do given the number of variables. So plan for the worst and hope for the best.
***
Evidence of the growing support for govt violence against political opponents - about nine in ten likely voters who “strongly approve” of Joe Biden’s job performance as president say they also approve of FBI agents having been authorized to use “deadly force” in the 2022 raid of former President Donald Trump’s home in Mar-a-Lago to obtain documents.
Fully 86% of voters who strongly approve of Biden also approve of the Justice Department’s authorization of “the use of deadly force” in the documents search – including 71% who “strongly approve” of deadly force – a new national Rasmussen survey finds.
Two-thirds (66%) of Democrat voters approve of the license to use deadly force during the raid of Trump’s home, including about half (47%) who strongly support the authorization.
In a separate question, voters were asked if they agree that there is a group of high-level “politicized thugs” who are using the FBI “as Joe Biden’s personal Gestapo.” Here, 48% agree the FBI is Biden’s personal Gestapo, while 43% disagree.
OBSERVATION - The perception of a growing Stasi or Gestapo aspect in the govt is demonstrating a growing fracture between the left and the right, creating a situation where either side can justify actions against the other in an enlarging arena of grievances.
Economy-
One of the top mortgage lenders in the United States is offering a new program that allows home buyers to put zero percent down on their mortgages.
United Whole Sale Mortgage is offering a new program that will allow first-time home buyers and people earning below or at 80% of an area’s average income to put zero down on their mortgages.
In a statement to Market Watch, chief operating officer of UWM, Melinda Wilner shared, “Homeownership is something we’re very passionate about.”
Previously, UWM offered buyers a rate of as little as 1% down.
Bank of America has also been offering zero-down mortgages for black and Hispanic Borrowers
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/05/housing-collapse-brewing-top-u-s-mortgage-lender/
OBSERVATION - This is dangerous territory in that it may cause many to buy more home than they can really afford. With the zero down, I would expect a higher interest rate - expressed over a larger balance. The combinations would result in the potential for many mortgages going into foreclosure, smacking the banks hard.
POLITICAL FRONT –
July 15 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI
August 19 DNC convention in Chicago, IL
***
Court observers indicate that Judge Merchan was visibly agitated after a second note came out of the jury asking for the written instructions - all 55 pages worth. Apparently the judge didn’t allow for those instructions to follow the jury into the deliberation room.
As noted yesterday, Merchan’s jury instructions have turned the law on its head. The jury still has to unanimously convict Trump, but do not have to be unanimous on which crime Trump allegedly covered up with false ledger entries. As long as jurors are convinced he tried to cover up one or more of the crimes, they don’t have to be unanimous on which one it was.
The request for hard copy jury instructions, in addition to the other requests have given watchers the inference that there are some significant disagreements between jurors - potentially leading to a hung jury and a mistrial.
China –
After 166 days circling Earth, China’s secret spaceplane has ejected an unknown object into orbit, according to reports.
Little is known about the experimental spacecraft, other than the fact it is reusable. Even less is known about the technology that’s just been thrown into Earth’s rotation.
OBSERVATION - The Chinese space plane is viewed as a clone to the US’ space plane. Both systems are likely linked to anti- satellite and reconnaissance operations.
North/South Korea –
North Korea fired at least 10 apparent short-range ballistic missiles toward the waters off its eastern coast on Thursday, Seoul said, days after its attempt to put another spy satellite launch into orbit ended in a ball of fire.
South Korean officials said the short-range weapons had been fired from the Sunan area of Pyongyang, traveling around 350 kilometers (215 miles) before splashing down into the Sea of Japan.
In a statement, the military condemned the launches — which put the South Korean capital and a number of important military bases within range — and vowed to “respond overwhelmingly to any provocation.”
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/05/30/asia-pacific/north-korea-10-missiles-may-30/
OBSERVATION - Continued provocation by NK. One particular parallel may be linked to the reported number of failed Iranian missile launches against Israel a couple of months ago.
Some speculation that I concur with is that some believe that NK provided those missiles to Iran and poor construction / QAQC by NK was to blame. The missile launched by NK yesterday are of the same category as those Iranian missiles, so mass tests like this could be the result of NK working to increase the reliability of their missiles in order to avoid mass failures as Iran experienced.
Russia -
Putin threatens NATO countries representatives “not to play with statements on strikes on territory of Russia” He further warned that if Ukraine uses long-range weapons inside Russia, Russia will have to decide on extension of buffer zone.
NUCLEAR THREATS –
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday issued one of his more dire warnings yet, putting Europe on notice by commenting on their possessing small land areas and dense populations. The veiled threat is very ominous especially in light of the fact that Russia just wrapped up tactical nuclear drills near Ukraine…
“More threats from Putin just now amid recent calls by European politicians to allow Kyiv to use Western weaponry to strike targets inside Russia
He says they should “remember that, as a rule, they are states with a small territory but dense population” “
Putin told reporters gathered in Tashkent during an official visit to the central Asian country of Uzbekistan, which is a former Soviet Republic, “Constant escalation can lead to serious consequences.”
He also hinted at the prospect of nuclear war in posing: “If these serious consequences occur in Europe, how will the United States behave, bearing in mind our parity in the field of strategic weapons?”
“It’s hard to say – do they want a global conflict?” Putin questioned, warning that Ukraine hitting Russian territory with externally supplied long-range weapons would make the West directly involved in the conflict.
OBSERVATION - Putin continues with his escalation to deescalate tactic. In this instance is the growing support of western Europe to allow Ukraine to utilize the weapons they have provided to directly strike Russian territory. This opens up a wide number of strategic targets Ukraine can hit that potentially will have big payoffs.
Russia has been threatening this “red line” since the beginning of the war and Ukraine has crossed it time and again with its own weapons - with no Russian nuclear response as threatened. With rising anti-Russian sentiment in the west posing counter nuclear strikes will Russia follow up with its threats or look aside once again.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures highs in the 80’s and fair.
RUMINT –
Russian Troops Set to Expand by 200-300 Thousand, Says Ukrainian Defense Minister
The minister added that the current number of Russian forces stationed in Ukraine and along its borders stands at 500 thousand troops.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Overnight Ukrainian air defense shot down 7 of 11 Kh-101 cruise missiles and 32 Shahed drones. The Russian missile attacks overnight have apparently focused on Starokostiantyniv Air Base in western Ukraine. Reportedly the trajectory of the missiles and drones bypassed Kyiv region, suggesting that ADA assets have gotten back to strength in that region.
Ukraine launched an overnight missile attack in Kerch, Crimea that damaged or destroyed four boats, two ferries, and a pilot boat, injuring five people, according to Russian channel ASTRA. The pilot boat ‘Mechta’ sank, while the ferries ‘Conroe Trader’ and ‘Vanguard’ were damaged, with the latter running aground. One crew member on ‘Conroe Trader’ is undergoing surgery, and four people on ‘Vanguard,’ including two 19-year-old trainees, were injured.
Additionally, off the west coast of Crimea, four KC 701 transport and landing boats were damaged, with two confirmed destroyed by Magra VS Naval drones.
Russian forces continued to press Chasiv Yar with no success.
Other analysts are noting that the situation at the front in the north of the Kharkov region has stabilized. Russian troops cannot advance further than Vovchansk, despite all attempts and huge losses.
They report that the Russian tactics have not changed significantly. Destroy the city to the ground with bombs and artillery, and then bring in infantry using mass meat assault tactics. The main change is that the Russians are using much less equipment than before, which may indicate a real shortage of armored vehicles. Motorcycle attacks have become a feature of the recent weeks of the war. However, their main strength, aviation, continues to operate actively
Poland announces it has given Ukraine permission to use all Polish-donated weapons to strike targets on Russian territory.
Poland has donated a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets, 335 Main Battle Tanks and more than 100 IFVs, howitzers and air defense systems.
Outlook —
Russia targeting Starokostiantyniv Air Base in western Ukraine may have a lot to do with the impending arrival of F-16 fighter/bombers to Ukraine. The base is currently home to the 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade “Petro Franko” flying Sukhoi Su-24M, Sukhoi Su-24MR, and Aero L-39C Albatros aircraft.
Growing evidence that the Russian offensive is running out of legs as areas where there have been breakouts are now pretty much halted. With it, the tactic of supporting maneuvers that assisted Russia’s initial breakouts. Now it seems each is fighting again on its on and the Ukranian meat grinder is taking hold.
It is still questionable as to how much of an Ukrainian counter offensive can be mustered. Ukraine took heavy losses in this defense. There are potential areas where counter attacks could be successful in nipping many of the Russian salients off. However i don’t hold much for Ukraine regaining much of the lost territory.
Growing support for western systems to be used against Russian territory continues to be a topic of potential war changing proportions in the short term. As with all war, the ebb and flow are dynamic. But the ability to strike key assembly, logistical and command targets in Russia proper has the potential to set Russian plans on their heels for a substantial period as they struggle to disperse and change operations in the face of the new Ukrainian threat.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- IDF seizes control of the whole Philadelphia corridor, discovering over a dozen new tunnels into Egypt.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Lest we forget - there are still hostages being held in Gaza.
***
Israel’s national security adviser and top Netanyahu aide Tzachi Hanegbi stated Wednesday: “We are now in the fifth month of 2024, which means we expect another seven months of fighting to deepen our achievements and achieve our goal of destroying the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad.”
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Continuous Israeli bombing reported on various areas in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip
The Israeli Army announced it has taken full control of the Philadelphia corridor, which is the narrow strip of land along the border between Gaza and Egypt. In the course of the action, additional tunnels from Gaza into Egypt were discovered.
Israel rotating forces in/out of Gaza. Givati Mechanized Brigade (84) re-entered the Gaza Strip after 3 days of rest. They operate in Rafah under the 162nd Division.There are now 8 IDF brigades operating throughout Gaza, 6 in Rafah with 2 more are expected to join Rafah soon. All in all roughly the equivalent of 2 Divisions.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
More of the same as overnight ATGMs and mortar shells were launched from Lebanon towards Israel
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
3 Hezbollah leaders were killed in an Israeli raid in Homs
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
Another American MQ-9 Reaper UAV was lost in Yemen’s Marib.
This would be the sixth one shot down by the Houthis if confirmed.
——— FORECAST ————————-
Rajah operations are likely to accelerate in the face of global opposition. The best intel still shows that town as likely being where the remaining hostages are being held. The control of the Philadelphia corridor is critical as it shuts down weapons smuggling to hamas, forcing them to draw upon every dwindling supplies. There are still tens of miles of tunnels beneath Gaza where elements of Hamas are hiding, seeking to ride out the attack and pop up to strike IDF unexpectedly . With all the food Hamas has stolen from the humanitarian shipments, they have plenty to eat anyway.
The fact that Hamas has used the tunnels to reach into Egypt, under their “noses” is going to come around and bite them eventually. Especially if they have been used to ferry hostages out of Gaza and into locations in Egypt or elsewhere.
The remarks that Israel is anticipating the Gaza fight to last to the end of the year reflects the need to keep locating and hitting all these tunnels to finish Hamas. This also provides a glimpse at when a potential window to move against Hezbollah may occur. Israel will need to drawdown operations in Gaza before taking the big step against Hezbollah. However, Israel has been very successful in taking big bites around the edges - particularly in the targeting of Hezbollah and IRGC leadership, throwing big monkey wrenches in their plans to counter an Israeli attack as well as throwing doubts over its ability to launch a spoiling attack under disrupted chains of command.
The so called Rafah ‘massacre’ details are getting out and sources other than israel are beginning to concur that it wasn’t a direct strike on the 12 tents, but that Hamas munitions set off as secondary explosions did the damage. Won’t stop the anti-israeli press and govts though.
Misc of Note –
As GOPJ reminded me yesterday, the La Nina and high Gulf water temperatures are creating forecasts for a very big hurricane season. Double reason to get ready now, ahead of the crowd.
That's a bad idea on several levels.
It's bad for the lender since the homebuyer isn't invested in the purchase. Walk-away becomes much easier.
It's bad for the homebuyer because much more needs to be financed.
I plan to have 25-50% down when I make my move.
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