Once again, sanity is ripped away by Daylight Savings Time. When will those wonks in congress get a clue and end it?
OBSERVATION – WEF sociopath Belgium using the same game plan Canada did to shut down its trucker protests. People say the WEF has no means of forcing the world to do its bidding – yet here again a willing country/govt is doing the WEFs bidding in its war on food production and the foolishness of global warming.
**
A new, radical climate amendment that will be voted on by Berliners on March 26th in a referendum that could change Berlin’s climate targets to enforceable obligations, thus clearing the way for radical CO2 reduction measures by an unelected council.
Draft amendment: carbon neutrality by 2030 instead of 2045!
The amendment would be so radical that even Berlin SPD socialists consider it dangerous and speak of an “empowerment paragraph” in the law that would transfer immense power to a small group of unelected people, namely a Climate Protection Council appointed by the Berlin Senate.
Concerning paragraph 6 of the new amendment, “Immediate program in the event of non-fulfillment of obligations”, the SPD explicitly warns that climate targets have been changed to “obligations”, which would mean the Berlin Senate probably would have to implement immediate radical measures to achieve the obligations, even by court order.
OBSERVATION - Commentators note that among the requirements this may generate may extend to the elimination of cars, reduction in air traffic at the airport, property owners forced to make major renovations for energy conservation,
Wuhan virus –
Today we remember the great toilet paper run from three years ago
**
Congress passed and sent to biden’s desk the COVID-19 Origin Act, which would require the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to declassify all information held by U.S. agencies related to potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is uncertain if biden will sign or veto the measure.
**
The Pentagon said in a recent letter to lawmakers that it could kick out as many as 16,000 unvaccinated troops, despite its coronavirus vaccine mandate no longer being in effect.
The letter, from the Under Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Gilbert Cisneros, said that despite the mandate no longer being in effect, military officials “continue to review cases on an individual basis to determine appropriate action” for troops who did not get vaccinated and did not request an exemption.
That would apply to approximately 16,000 unvaccinated troops, according to the letter, which revealed that approximately 69,000 troops remained unvaccinated, but 53,000 requested some kind of exemption, either religious, medical, or administrative.
The remaining 16,000 could still be subject to separation, according to the Pentagon — despite Republicans forcing the administration to rescind the mandate late last year via the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
OBSERVATION – The message is that the leadership does not have the back of our military. Everything continues to scream that this is a deliberate action by the wokists to harm and demoralize our military.
Economy –
NOTE – Things are happening fast this morning so this section may be missing some of the latest.
Aftershocks continued to reverberate over the weekend as the powers that be scrambled to prevent a catastrophic series of bank runs and failures. For starters U.S. Yellen ruled out a bailout of Silicon Valley Bank, we’ll see how that plays out below.
The fallout from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) is beginning to spread around the world, with Friday’s dramatic failure of the US parent bank, which focuses on tech start-ups, the biggest since the 2008 financial crisis.
On Saturday, the leaders of more than 250 tech companies sent a letter calling on UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to intervene. “The loss of deposits has the potential to cripple the sector and set the ecosystem back 20 years,” they said in the letter. “Many businesses will be sent into involuntary liquidation overnight.”
SVB had branches in China, Denmark, Germany, India, Israel and Sweden, too. Founders are warning that the bank’s failure could wipe out start-ups around the world without government intervention.
Bank #2 went down as the Treasury announced that New York State regulators are shuttering Signature Bank - a major New York bank - adding that all depositors both at Signature Bank, and also the now insolvent Silicon Valley Bank, will have access to their money on Monday.
The Fed announced yesterday that –
“To support American businesses and households, the Federal Reserve Board on Sunday announced it will make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors.
The boards of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Reserve, in consultation with President Joe Biden, approved the FDIC’s resolution of SVB, according to a joint statement from U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Fed Chair Jerome Powell and FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg on Sunday evening.
The move will not lead to losses by American taxpayers and all depositors will be made whole, the statement said.
“Today we are taking decisive actions to protect the U.S. economy by strengthening public confidence in our banking system,” the statement said. “This step will ensure that the U.S. banking system continues to perform its vital roles of protecting deposits and providing access to credit to households and businesses in a manner that promotes strong and sustainable economic growth.”
The Federal Reserve is prepared to address any liquidity pressures that may arise.
The additional funding will be made available through the creation of a new Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP), offering loans of up to one year in length to banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other eligible depository institutions pledging U.S. Treasuries, agency debt and mortgage-backed securities, and other qualifying assets as collateral. These assets will be valued at par. The BTFP will be an additional source of liquidity against high-quality securities, eliminating an institution’s need to quickly sell those securities in times of stress.
With approval of the Treasury Secretary, the Department of the Treasury will make available up to $25 billion from the Exchange Stabilization Fund as a backstop for the BTF.”
Contagion is spreading and the Fed/FDIC quick fix may not be enough. First Republic Bank shares are trading down 60% in the pre-open as regional banks come under suspicion of liquidity and solvency problems. First Republic Bank is the 14th largest bank in the United States, while SVB and Signature were the 16th and 29th largest, respectively.
OBSERVATION – From what I’ve been able to figure out from all this high faloouting financial papering over of this crisis is that essentially FDIC now has no caps on insuring deposits – thus covering the billions that were in limbo, as well as working to extablish a Fed backed expanded insurance plan. This is a bail out – no doubt- but one that bypasses the congress for now.
Another component is that banks that bought low interest rate long term bond can sell them and get current rate prices – IF I’ve read the material correctly.
Many I’ve read have wonders if it is sufficient to stop the further crumbling of dozens of banks nation wide and the shut down of thousands of businesses globally that had their money in one bank. Many think this won’t be enough as the fear has hit the market and people will be scrambling to get their money out of questionably secured banks into more protected vehicles.
BTW – apparently the individual in charge of “Risk Assessment” – who was suppose to look out after the bank and avoid messes like this – devoted her time to WOKE causes.
**
February’s Consumer Price Index reading is out tomorrow morning. Another month-over-month increase may put pressure on the Fed to forge ahead with another rate increase. This will add fuel to the ongoing banking fire. If the Fed pauses rate increases, some fear this will re-ignite inflation.
**
Bank Watch - Bank shares plummeted up to 74 percent in pre-market this morning despite Biden’s efforts to calm investors after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.
First Republic Bank, whose clientele include Mark Zuckerberg, saw its shares drop as low as $21.50 from a high of $81.76 amid fears of a banking rout when Wall Street opens trading at 9.30am.
Biden is due to speak at 8am in an attempt to shore up trust in the sector after the White House yesterday guaranteed it would make SVB customers ‘whole’ and that ‘no losses will be borne by the taxpayer.’
In premarket moves, PacWest Bancorp’s stock tumbled 41 percent, Western Alliance Bancorp’s shares slid 33 percent and Bank of America’s stock fell 4 percent.
Banks across America are sitting on $620 billion of ‘unrealized losses’ - assets which have decreased in value but have not yet been sold - - the head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation warned.
**
The Department of Interior (DOI) initiated a rulemaking process to “establish maximum protection” for 13 million acres of land across the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. It was set aside by. Congress for resource development.
Biden added another 2.8 million acres withdrawn from oil and gas leasing in the Arctic Ocean off the northern coast of Alaska.
The DOI boasted in a statement about delivering “on the most aggressive climate agenda in American history.” They added gleefully that Biden “secured record investments in climate resilience and environmental justice.”
OBSERVATION – On going effort by the regime to harm our economy by making petroleum products more and more expensive. Remember, this doesn’t only affect gasoline - but a wide range of petroleum based products.
Invasion of Illegals –
A massive group of about 1,000 migrants have rushed a port of entry in El Paso trying to enter the U.S. Quick reaction by US border officials blocked the entry and prevented the group of largely military aged men to penetrate into the country.
OBSERVATION - Gates and riot control equipped border guards stopped it this time. Next time the illegals may well be better prepared to lethally force the gates.
**
The Daily Caller News Foundation has obtained maps and other information guides produced by the American Red Cross. They direct illegal immigrants on how to escape detection, survive the desert, obtain contraceptives, and even jump on trains safely. The Red Cross maps direct illegal aliens on how to cross into the United States safely and without getting caught.
OBSERVATION - Red Cross crossed the line back on 9/11 when they skimmed multiple millions of dollars donated to help NYC to buy office equipment (and other non-related stuff) instead. They should be charged with aiding and abetting human trafficking.
Biden / Harris watch –
Biden to talk on bank crisis soon.
Domestic / International Terror (modified)-
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging individuals to avoid traveling to Mexico after three Texans went missing in Mexico.
“We have a duty to inform the public about safety, travel risks, and threats. Based on the volatile nature of cartel activity and the violence we are seeing there; we are urging individuals to avoid travel to Mexico at this time,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said.
Lt. Chris Olivarez from DPS especially warned Spring breakers to avoid Mexico.
“It is too dangerous with the increase in violence and kidnappings that are taking place in Mexico. So very important and I can’t stress enough to those who are thinking about traveling to Mexico, especially for Spring breakers,” Olivarez told the Fox News Network.
OBSERVATION – Drug cartels are running rampant and even the popular destinations thought to be ‘safe’ are no longer so. Add a bunch of drunk highschool/college students will FAFO in a deadly manner.
Strategic Activity / Deployments –
Big 11 day exercise with S Korea listed below.
Cyber Warfare –
Using the current banking crisis as an excuse - DHS efforts are already underway to add censorship of “financial misinformation” to CISA’s portfolio of “critical infrastructure” domains it can classify tweets as a cyber attack on, & thus censor.
China –
See Xi contacting Russia and Ukraine (see both sections below) with the goal of setting up a ceasefire of some kind.
North/South Korea –
South Korea and the United States have started the joint exercise dubbed “Freedom Shield.” The exercise will last 11 days with no breaks and will feature full-scale field exercises. The Nimitz CSG and submarines are expected to be dispatched to the Korean peninsula to partake in exercises.
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry says that the “heinous hostile acts of the US against the DPRK have reached such a grave level that we cannot stand idly by”. North Korea fired two cruise missiles from a submarine off the coastal city of Sinpo on Sunday morning, likely as a response to the planned exercise.
OBSERVATION – Expect all sorts of NK rhetoric and more missile launches over the next two weeks.
Japan –
The Japanese government is poised to set up about 130 ammunition storage facilities across the country in the next ten years, gearing toward boosting constant fighting capability to tackle the Taiwan Strait crisis.
The first four ammunition depots are expected to be constructed in 2023 in Aomori and Oita, two prefectures in the Self-Defense Force facilities, then in other areas by 2027, totaling about 70, and by 2033 build another 60, said Japanese Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu in the Upper House budget committee on March 2.
OBSERVATION – Japan can read the tea leaves and is readying for eventual war.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
CURRENT ASSESSMENT
Russian forces have initiated an offensive who’s declared goals are to reach and secure the Luhansk and Donetsk oblast borders — an objective that Russian Chief of General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov had also outlined on December 22, 2022. Troop and equipment build up is being noted
This offensive action is focused on several fronts –
1) the Svatove-Kreminna front,
2) Bahkmut region,
3) Donetsk region and
4) Zaporizhizhia Oblast around the town of Vuhledar.
Russia is rapidly losing its capability to sustain offensive operations in these fronts due to the huge resource drain Bahkmut has created. Some offensive operation will continue to be attempted, however, a lot of assessment indicates they’ve lost the capability to sustain a credible offensive to try to capture the Donbas region having frittered away resources against Bahkmut.
Russia is also capable of launching more cruise/ballistic missile attacks directed against Ukrainian infrastructure -primarily its power grid, but massively reduced inventories of such missiles means these barrages will be further apart.
While Russia has nuclear capability, the probability is low that any will be used in the near future.
********
Putin met with Kadyrov in Kremlin, and he still was pictured firmly grasping the table in front of him – renewing health rumors.
RUMINT-
A meeting between China’s President Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin may happen as early as next week. China’s foreign ministry and Russian officials refused to comment on the potential summit, but a Reuters source says the meeting will happen in Moscow.
**
Ukraine -
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures rising to the mid 30’s – lower 40s with rain/snow over most of the forecast period
RUMINT –
Chinese President Xi Jinping will reportedly meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the week following Xi’s trip to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speculation that Xi is trying to broker some kind of ceasefire
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
While fighting continues to be fierce there has been almost no Russian progress in Bakhmut in the last few days.
Fighting has picked up around Avdiyivka, north of Donetsk as it appears Russian forces are attempting to bypass that town in a similar fashion as Bahkmut.
OUTLOOK –
Focus of Russian efforts will continue to be Bahkmut, but some believe their efforts have essentially stalled out and absent a significant increase in men and other resources it will go not much further. The Bahkmut pocket is protected on the north and west by rivers/wetlands and the south Ukraine is conducting counter attacks.
Ukraine is admitting their losses have increased as the Russians worked their efforts to encircle the city, but the fact that they have tied down a substantial number of better quality Russian forces – and are bleeding them heavily – has effectively removed them from defending against the Ukrainian offensive.
Speaking of the Ukrainian offensive, training of Ukraine forces on new, western equipment is nearing completion, with M2 and Panther trained forces nearing graduation. Instructors indicate Ukrainian forces are quick learners. Still looking at a couple months for soil conditions to dry out – meaning more training and integration – before the optimal window for an offensive operation can open.
Moldova/Transnistria -
Situation still tense as rhetoric continues to fly between the two elements.
Israel –
The new Iran/Saudi Arabia accord is being viewed as a strategic loss for Israel.
Iran –
IRNA, is reporting that Iran has arrested more than 100 people in connection to the serial poisoning of schoolgirls in that country. Iran’s Interior Ministry released a statement that the people connected to the poisonings had been “identified, arrested, and investigated” in several cities, including the capital Tehran.
OBSERVATION – IRNA is the propaganda arm of the regime, so this report should be considered questionable
Central / South America General-
The Colombian government and the leftist guerrilla group, National Liberation Army (ELN), have closed their second cycle of peace talks in Mexico City. (FO)
OBSERVATION – They have been fighting for about 60 years now.
Armenia/Azerbaijan –
Armenian news site Lurer reports that Azerbaijan has accumulated a large number of troops and military equipment on the Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh border with Azerbaijan. Bayraktar drones have reportedly also been brought near the border.
OBSERVATION – With spring comes war and it appears that Azerbaijan is looking to take advantage of Russia’s pre-occupation with Ukraine to expand its fight with Armenia to regain control of more of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh border zone.
Misc of Note –
Rain in low elevations and foothills, and snow at high elevations, from northern to central California, as well as northwest Nevada, and Oregon is expected into Monday at a slightly lower intensity.
Rain and snow will intensify late Monday into Wednesday, with considerable flooding impacts below 1.5 km (5 000 feet) elevation across much of the California coast and Central Valley, and over the southern Sierra Nevada foothills into midweek.
Heavier rain, snow, and snowmelt are likely midweek, resulting in more widespread flooding from Tuesday into Wednesday, particularly in low elevations and areas with shallow and warming snowpack. Creeks and streams will continue to be vulnerable to flooding from additional rain and snowmelt.
OBSERVATION – More hazardous conditions in Kalifornia.
I don't like this one, but I kinda get it. It's not about Covid, it's about obeying orders. Troops either had to take the shot or apply for an exemption. Doing neither, is throwing your middle finger at your commanders.
Happy Pie day . . .
Economy –
The banking world continues to feel aftershock from Monday’s mad scramble to stem a broader collapse of banks. Bank stocks and indices in Asia, Australia, and Europe fell amid news of Silicon Valley Bank, and Signature Bank collapses in the United States. Germany’s Commerzbank fell 12.7%, Credit Suisse dropped 9.6% to a record low, and Japan’s banking subindex fell 6.7% to its lowest since December 2022. U.S. banks lost more than $90 billion in stock value Monday, with regional banks hit the hardest. First Republic Bank, Western Alliance Bancorp, and PacWest Bancorp lost over 60%.
Observers are noting that the “not a bailout” bailout using the FDIC will be forcing participating banking entities to up their contribution to the fund now that there are no limits to deposit insurance – those increased fees will be passed along to customers via fees and other charges.
**
The banking turmoil has caused eyes to focus more on Credit Suisse who some think could be the next big bank failure. It has been in a shakey position ever since posting an $8 billion loss for 2022.
**
Investors swarmed into U.S government bonds Monday after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and subsequent government backstop of the banking system. The rush sent Treasury yields tumbling.
The yield on the 2-year Treasury was last trading at 4.005%, down nearly 59 basis points. (1 basis point equals 0.01%. Prices move inversely to yields.)
**
Markets still expect the Fed to keep up its inflation-fighting efforts, despite high-profile bank failures that have rattled the financial system. Traders on Monday assigned an 85% probability of a 0.25 percentage point interest rate increase when the Federal Open Market Committee meets March 21-22.
**
Being underreported in the face of the banking crisis and inflationary battle is that in 2023 the Fed will post its first annual operating loss of $80 billion since 1915. It will have a negative capital of $38B. This loss does not count the $1.3 trillion unrealized loss on its portfolio.
Biden / Harris watch –
President Biden said due to quick actions taken by his administration over the weekend, Americans could have confidence that the U.S. banking system is safe. He then shuffled off the platform without answering any questions.
CW2/Domestic violence –
Biden is set to issue an executive order that aims to increase the number of background checks conducted before firearm sales.
It aims to move the US “as close to universal background checks as possible without additional legislation”.
Biden will direct the US attorney general to clarify the statutory definition of who is “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms, to devise a plan that prevents firearms dealers whose licenses were revoked from continuing to sell, and to name and shame firearms dealers who are breaking the law.
Separately, the measure asks the Federal Trade Commission to issue a report on how gun manufacturers target civilians, especially minors.
The order includes a call for raising public awareness over “red flag” laws, also known as extreme risk protection orders. Signed in 19 states and the District of Columbia, these laws allow individuals to petition a court to temporarily confiscate guns from people with potentially violent or harmful behavior.
OBSERVATION – A key component, one that ATF has been focusing on is removal of FFLs from businesses for the very minor most infractions. This EO additionally zeros in on occasional sellers. Looks like more burocrap regulations to make sales more difficult and bogus studied on how gun manufacturers ‘target’ minors. When was the last time you saw a gun ad on TV eh?
Related - U.S. Gun Sales Pass One Million Mark for 43rd Month in a Row in February – Though sales are down from their record highs of 2020 and 2021, guns are still in hot demand based on the latest retail data and FBI background checks. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the firearm industry trade association, sales of firearms surpassed 1.3 million units in February – even with fewer days on the calendar.
OBSERVATION - The regime needs a disarmed America to cement its agenda as it tries to align itself with the directives of the WEF.
North/South Korea –
NK fired another short range missile into the Sea of Japan, most likely in protest of the US/SK training exercise.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
CURRENT ASSESSMENT
Russian forces have initiated an offensive who’s declared goals are to reach and secure the Luhansk and Donetsk oblast borders — an objective that Russian Chief of General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov had also outlined on December 22, 2022. Troop and equipment build up is being noted
This offensive action is focused on several fronts –
1) the Svatove-Kreminna front,
2) Bahkmut region,
3) Donetsk region and
4) Zaporizhizhia Oblast around the town of Vuhledar.
Russia is rapidly losing its capability to sustain offensive operations in these fronts due to the huge resource drain Bahkmut has created. Some offensive operation will continue to be attempted, however, a lot of assessment indicates they’ve lost the capability to sustain a credible offensive to try to capture the Donbas region having frittered away resources against Bahkmut.
Russia is also capable of launching more cruise/ballistic missile attacks directed against Ukrainian infrastructure -primarily its power grid, but massively reduced inventories of such missiles means these barrages will be further apart.
While Russia has nuclear capability, the probability is low that any will be used in the near future.
********
Yesterday, Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov continued his efforts to maintain Chechnya’s relevance in the Russian political and military sphere in his meeting with putin. I forgot to note that his shaky hands and actions caused many to observe that he wasn’t well either.
RUMINT-
Shoigu & Gerasimov are taking their long-awaited revenge on Prigozhin against the backdrop of the Battle of Bakhmut. The Russian MoD – specifically Shoigu and Gerasimov - is likely seizing the opportunity to deliberately expend both elite and convict Wagner forces in Bakhmut in an effort to weaken Prigozhin and derail his ambitions for greater influence in the Kremlin. The Russian MoD had been increasingly restricting Prigozhin’s ability to recruit convicts and secure ammunition, forcing Prigozhin to publicly recognize his dependency on the Russian MoD
Prigozhin likely convinced Putin that he would be able to seize Bakhmut if given access to the Russian MoD’s ammunition stocks and allowed to expand his existing ultranationalist recruitment campaigns to include regular Russians and prisoners. Putin’s decision to side with Prigozhin likely angered Shoigu and Gerasimov, who were then tasked with sharing limited equipment and ammunition with Wagner mercenaries.
Kremlin officials also confirmed that Putin has been increasingly preferring loyalty over competence within his inner circle, and Putin may have perceived Prigozhin’s critiques a form of disloyalty. Prigozhin likely did not intend to challenge Putin directly, but Putin likely saw Prigozhin’s aggressive self-promotion at the expense of others who had Putin’s trust as a threat. Shoigu & Gerasimov, on the other hand, have been loyal to Putin and his regime structure for years.
OBSERVATION – RUMINT, - quite the soap opera but highly likely based on the public statements and known animosity between the parties. The MoD is willing to lose battles and combat power in revenge against a political enemy.
Economic Impact –
Kazakhstan seized the property of Roscosmos of Russia. The Kazakh authorities seized the property of the main operator of Russian spaceports - the Center for the Operation of Ground-Based Space Infrastructure (TsENKI). A formal reason is a debt of 2 billion rubles.
Ukraine -
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures rising to the mid 30’s – lower 40s with rain/snow over most of the forecast period
RUMINT –
RUMINT. Russian sources, including those close to Wagner, report that the armed forces of Ukraine have a large strike group made up of up to 10 brigades currently in Chasiv Yar, preparing to conduct a wide counterattack in the Bakhmut direction. They claim that Ukraine will probably be using new Leopard tanks and strike drones during this attack.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Fighting picked up overnight around Kreminna, Bahkmut and Donetsk. Russia reportedly made little to no gains.
OUTLOOK –
Contrary to the massive RUMINT from Russian milbloggers of a massive Ukranian counter offensive, I think it is too early for this. However, I think the milblogger fears are well justified in that Russia’s offensive is bogging down in the mud and Urkraine’s meat grinder defense is making conditions favorable for their eventual offensive. Now is an unlikely time because the mud will severely limit off road maneuver by armor. When things dry out later will be optimal.
Continued Bahkmut focus by Russia with increasing localized counterattacks by Ukraine. Seems Russia trying to turn up the heat in Kreminna and Donetsk, but having little success. Not expecting any major breakthrough/outs in the near term.
Moldova/Transnistria -
Situation still tense as rhetoric continues to fly between the two elements.
The Parliament of Lithuania classifies the Russian Wagner forces as a terrorist group
SERBIA / KOSOVO -
The Minister of Economy of Serbia spoke out in favor of sanctions against Russia.
“Serbia is already paying a heavy price for refusing to impose sanctions against Russia. I support the introduction of sanctions”, Rade Bashta.
OBSERVATION – this is quite the turn for Serbia, to go from attempting to create a conflict with Kosovo to divert NATO attention from Ukraine – doing Russia’s bidding – to openly against Russia. Apparently Russia isn’t coughing up the rubles and EU membership looks to be a better, more profitable goal than close friendship to Russia.
Iran –
Iran is working to establish a radar network in Syria to get early warning of Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, defense officials.
**
Anti-regime protests are reported in several parts of Tehran, capital city of Iran tonight. Iran is looking to redeploy security forces as it anticipates that protests/riots will continue and increase this week.
Saudi Arabia –
Saudi Arabia will watch Iran’s behavior during the two-month window agreed upon to restore diplomatic ties, Saudi columnists said Sunday, reflecting wariness of the rapprochement between the region’s Sunni Muslim and Shiite rival powers.
“The two-month period… is the first test of Iran’s credibility and proof of good intentions as we must see the start of real change in the regional landscape and a real correction in its dealings with the Kingdom,” Saudi columnist Hamoud Abu Taleb wrote in the Okaz daily.
OBSERVATION – Said the scorpion to the frog – you always knew I was a scorpion and will sting you – as they sank to their death in the river.
Black Swans
Yesterday was the anniversary of The Great Quebec Blackout. On March 13, 1989, the Hydro-Québec power grid failed after a solar storm, as a coronal mass ejection (CME) struck the Earth’s magnetosphere. The blackout lasted nine hours.
Dr. David Boteler, head of the Space Weather Group at Natural Resources Canada described the event: “It was the biggest geomagnetic storm of the Space Age. March 1989 has become the archetypal disturbance for understanding how solar activity can cause blackouts.”
IIRC - that was the result of a X15 rated solar flare.