Globalism / Great Reset –
Chaos has broken out at the COP28 as any solid agreement on reducing / eliminating use of fossil fuels has fallen on hard time. One source of the consternation is that of the oracle - nefarious algore who posted on X the following -
“COP28 is now on the verge of complete failure. The world desperately needs to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible, but this obsequious draft reads as if OPEC dictated it word for word. It is even worse than many had feared. It is “Of the Petrostates, By the Petrostates and For the Petrostates.” It is deeply offensive to all who have taken this process seriously. There are 24 hours left to show whose side the world is on: the side that wants to protect humanity’s future by kickstarting the orderly phase out of fossil fuels or the side of the petrostates and the leaders of the oil and gas companies that are fueling the historic climate catastrophe. In order to prevent COP28 from being the most embarrassing and dismal failure in 28 years of international climate negotiations, the final text must include clear language on phasing out fossil fuels. Anything else is a massive step backwards from where the world needs to be to truly address the climate crisis and make sure the 1.5°C goal doesn’t die in Dubai.”
What has algore, so tweaked? After two weeks of tepid negotiations at COP28, the publication of a draft agreement today lit a fire of fury under this conference.
Gone were the expected words about the “phase out” of fossil fuels, and in their place a menu of options that countries “could” choose from – no shall, should or will – with no obligation on anyone to phase out or even phase down coal, oil or gas.
To say it didn’t land well with a large number of delegates is probably the understatement of the COP so far.
OBSERVATION - Realities have hit many countries. OPEC for a BIG example would totally wither with the complete phase out of fossil fuels. These countries have established their countries on the wealth that oil has provided to them. Imagine the chaos in Saudi Arabia should any petro money end? No more fancy cars, no more power for AC units to keep the buildings and homes cool, etc. The society would face a total breakdown. Just like when countries jumped off the Paris accords for their own interests, there isn’t currently enough consolidation of power at the globalist level to force compliance among all elements. Hence the need for a “global emergency” of some sort to force the issue.
***
Call it what you want, Deep State, powers that be, globalists etc, the war against free speech has been stepped up recently. Ranging from prison for a meme, to Ireland’s draconian anti-speech laws, Britain’s protection of hamas/anti-israeli speech as the expense of British patriotism, to New Zealand’s crackdown on any speech that contradicts the ‘narrative’. And here in the US, the growing revelations of multiple branches of the govt deeply embedded into social media to silence opposition. The development of a ‘1984’ style thought machine tyranny is picking up speed as the globalist entities realize that they must silence opposition as quickly as possible so the sheeple don’t get ideas.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
The growing religious gap’s widening has significantly increased in recent days. Seen very evidently in the democrat infighting between pro and anti Israel, it is not being contained to just democrats any more. James Carville said on CNN that Christians like Johnson are a “fundamental threat to the United States,” and added: “Mike Johnson and what he believes is one of the greatest threats we have today to the United States…”This is a bigger threat than al-Qaeda to this country.”
Johnson responded to Carville’s attack, saying, “It’s twisted and shameful that a leading Democrat strategist says millions of Christians in America are a greater threat than foreign terrorists who murdered more than 3,000 Americans, …The Democratic Party should condemn this. But they won’t.”
The militant left - Antifa, Transtifa and pro-islam factions are jumping into the fray to widen the gap as doing so, the perceive, helps further their cause. Judeo-Christian conservatism is the enemy. As mouth pieces like Carville spew their venom, the foundation for dehumanizing the right is added to - a foundation that has already given some the ‘moral’ authority to physically attack those on the right and in a growing fashion build towards a far more violent and lethal movement. Will American culture be sufficient to hold this back? History and current global events suggest that the answer is no. With the 2024 elections looming, the fear on the left of a Trump victory has already stimulated increased called for assassination, an act that would shatter the election process and likely trigger the greater, kinetic war.
***
There are two bills to modify the FISA702 reauthorization in the House. (1) HR 6611 from the House Intel Committee and (2) HR 6570 from the House Judiciary Committee. The intel committee bill expands domestic surveillance authority under the modifications; the judiciary committee bill requires the DOJ to get a search warrant before they can look at the incidental collection of American citizens.
The House Intel Committee bill organized by Chairman Mike Turner is absolutely horrible. It expands FISA702 surveillance and makes things much worse. The House Judiciary Bill organized by Chairman Jim Jordan is not structurally that much better, but it does put strong curtailments on the 702 surveillance authority by forcing the DOJ to get actual court approved search warrants on American citizens.
OBSERVATION - FISA needs strong restrictions but the current bills just paper over much of the abuse the DoJ/FBI have used to justify domestic surveillance of US Citizens (and a US president). Documented as going as far as LYING without consequence to the FISA judges that were suppose to be a safeguard against abuse of the system. Once again, the deep state is registering its desire to wage war against US citizens in the arena of surveillance, against the 4th Amendment protections.
***
The Soros backed U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR) took credit for the illegal protest flooded the lobby of a Senate office building, boasting in a Monday morning social media post that “100+” of its activists “have TAKEN OVER the Senate atrium for Palestine, singing ‘Ceasefire Now” and ‘Stop Weapons Now.’” Protesters spilled red-stained money—which they said symbolized U.S. aid to Israel—on the floors of the Hart Senate Office Building and unveiled banners that said “’Aid’ to Israel = bombing Palestinians.” Capitol Police arrested more than 40 protesters, two of whom were charged with resisting arrest.
Additional pro-Hamas protests continue to be scheduled across the nation - in large part targeting Christmas related shopping and events.
Economy-
WSJ analysis of the housing market:
Average monthly new home payment
when Biden took office: $1,787
Average monthly new home payment
today: $3,322
***
The latest GDP figures show that the eurozone contracted in the third quarter and looks like it will do the same in the last three months of the year falling into a continent-wide recession, Oxford Economics said in a note on December 8.
“Final figures confirmed eurozone GDP contracted 0.1% in the third quarter. What’s more, the detailed breakdown showed the European economy has no engines of growth at the moment. Although private consumption posted a small gain over the previous quarter, the near-term outlook still looks dire, and with both investment and exports unlikely to provide much momentum, the economy looks set to slide into recession in the fourth quarter,” Oxford Economics said.
OBSERVATION - Our economies are interlinked and what happens in the EU reflects what is in progress here. The US is not isolated from economic shocks in other places.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
An Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, developed by Raytheon, successfully destroyed an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile during a recent test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense System. The test was conducted today in the Pacific region by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Northern Command.
This was the 13th intercept for the program, which protects the U.S. by destroying incoming ballistic missiles while they are outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
“This test demonstrates that the U.S. ballistic missile defense system is operational, reliable and ready to protect the country,” said Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon. “Raytheon kill vehicles have now successfully completed nearly 50 space intercepts, which underscores our expertise and ability to design and develop these systems to defeat the evolving threat.”
OBSERVATION - This should be perceived as an anti-hypervelocity warhead interceptor. Being designed to intercept in space, it negates the concept of a maneuverable warhead that is the big sale item against an atmospheric intercept.
People that scoffed at Reagans Star Wars defense ideas should feel pretty dumb at how anti-missile defenses have grown.
Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics – HEIGHTENED ALERT STATUS
December 11, 2023: Today is the 3-year anniversary of the FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) of Pfizer’s COVID-19 mRNA injections. On this day three years ago, Pfizer issued a press statement:
“We (Pfizer & BioNTech) believe that today’s Emergency Use Authorization, and the subsequent distribution of our vaccine that has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 95% and a favorable safety profile, will help to save lives across the United States and could accelerate a return to normality.” - December 11, 2020, Pfizer Press Release
OBSERVATION - Now three years later we know that the statement was a flat out lie supported by Fauci and the CDC elites and global powers that be. Increasing evidence that the jab was deliberately developed to cause harmful aftereffects are becoming more exposed every day and millions of deaths are now being linked to it.
***
A study conducted by top scientists at the world-renowned Cambridge University in England has concluded that 25 percent of all people vaccinated with Covid mRNA shots now have Vaccine-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (VAIDS).
According to the study, one in four people who received a Covid mRNA injection suffered an “unintended immune response.”
However, the scientists note in their paper that the “unintended immune response” was “created by a glitch.”
https://archive.is/9OWsy#selection-2367.0-2367.163
POLITICAL FRONT –
Special counsel Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to say if President Trump can be prosecuted for “crimes committed while in office”
OBSERVATION - Note - not “alleged” crimes but a declaration that Trump is already guilty of crimes. I’m not sure how the USSC will take that accusation. The reason Smith is making such a gamble is clearly political - he wants Trump found guilty and not have the decision held up by appeals which would likely over turn any lower court decision. The USSC has initially said they wanted a reply by Trump’s attorneys. This could blow up in Smith’s face big time.
***
On Monday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey informed the left-wing watchdog organization Media Matters for America that his office has opened an investigation into the group over alleged violations of the state’s consumer protection laws.
“As you are no doubt aware, a federal lawsuit has been filed against Media Matters, raising serious allegations that your firm falsely and deceptively manipulated the algorithm on X (formerly known as Twitter) through coordinated, inauthentic behavior and that you did so in an attempt to defame the organization and cause advertisers to pull their support from the platform, thus harming free speech,” the letter began.
“The lawsuit alleges that you lied to the public, falsely suggested that fringe, extremist content regularly appears next to content from corporate advertisers when in fact the opposite is true,” Bailey added. “At the same time, you appear to have used this coordinated, inauthentic activity to solicit charitable donations from consumers across the country.”
Bailey wrote that he has reason to believe Media Matters’ alleged actions have violated Missouri consumer protection laws, “including laws that prohibit nonprofit entities from soliciting funds under false pretenses.”
RELATED - News publishers have been demonetized and shadow-banned for reporting dissenting views and the bureaucratic means for enforcing this form of control are under increasing scrutiny. NewsGuard, a for-profit company that scores news websites on trust and works closely with government agencies and major corporate advertisers, exemplifies the problem. Editors who have engaged with NewsGuard have found that the company has made bizarre demands that unfairly tarnish an entire site as untrustworthy for straying from the official narrative.
https://nypost.com/2023/12/10/opinion/newsguard-extorts-sites-to-follow-the-government-narrative/
MORE RELATED - In its obsession to smear Justice Clarence Thomas, the left-wing billionaire-funded website ProPublica is expected to publish another dishonest hit piece to justify its previous dishonest hit pieces on Justice Thomas’ vacations with his friends. But this new hit job does nothing to change the fact that Thomas acted consistent with the law and the governing legal body’s 2012 ruling that Thomas acted properly.
OBSERVATION - This can be cross referenced to CW2. These three organizations - MediaMatters, NewsGuard and ProPublica - are the elements stepping up in the current vacuum of the fed govt being forced out of censoring and controlling social media. MediaMatters is facing big guns not only by state AG’s but Musk himself. NewsGuard is coming under similar scrutiny for its dealings. One can expect similar of ProPublica. Theirs is an all out attack via demonstrably false claims against the right and are placing stress on businesses and media outlets should they cross the line and allow anything counter to the narrative. They are preparing the information ‘battlefield’ for the coming election and in part helping to establish the ‘legitimacy’ of physical action against the right.
Cyber attacks/warfare – HEIGHTENED ALERT
Chinese-affiliated hacking groups infiltrated critical American infrastructure, including Hawaii water utility and at least one oil and gas pipeline, US officials say
More than two dozen high-value targets have been attacked in the last year alone as China seeks to inflict ‘societal chaos’ in the event of war
Beijing is by-passing hi-tech firewalls by targeting ordinary employees
Related
Rumble and their supporting project, Locals, that have been targeted. China is currently being blamed for the attack by some, but there are those who believe it is an attack by other elements who want free speech quashed.
Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski states -
“I can confirm that this attack has been unprecedented and has been happening since this weekend.
I also suspect it is political, coming from activists and/or organizations who want to censor our creators, and related to J6 videos being posted on Rumble.”
China –
The Taiwan general election is scheduled for 13 January 2024. China placing more pressure against the pro-independence party which currently is in the lead.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Nov 12, 2023
Russia is struggling to gain the initiative on several fronts in easter Ukraine. Attacks to take Adviivka, located near occupied Donetsk has been their priority as well as further north. However, it is on a defensive footing across most of Ukraine.
The Russian army has lost a considerable amount of armor/tanks and personnel in the fight to take Adviivka, causing that offensive to stall considerably and resort to “meat” attacks.
With the arrival of the muddy season, significant offensive actions by Russia are unlikely.
Ukrainian action has forced Russia to move forces laterally to meet the Ukraine advance - thinning critical portions of the line and making them vulnerable to assault.
Russia’s strategic ballistic and cruise missiles continue to show evidence of massively reduced inventories. With the onset of winter, it is believed that Russian is shepherding its stockpile of missiles/drones for an effort to take down the Ukraine power grid as it did last year. This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage.
The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. Ukraine’s recent attacks on ships in Crimean harbors has forced the majority of the fleet to redeploying out of Crimea and to Russian bases, about 600 Km further away from the front lines.
Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temps in the 20-30 degree range with on again, off again rain and snow.
RUMINT – Talks increasing to pressure Ukraine to settle for a cease fire which allows Russia to claim more territory than they have currently captured.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Weather continues to dominate action.
Another busy night with Ukrainian air defense shooting down 9 of 15 Shahed drones and 2 Kh-59 missiles that targeted sites all over the country.
Russia increasingly relying on Storm troopers made up of prisoners to force their way into Ukraine defenses. These units still take horrific losses but have taken over for Wagner in that they have developed a better control and tactics lacking in regular Russian units.
Outlook —-
Weather and mud conditions are dictating operations. Limited operations across most fronts.
Poland –
New leftist govt taking over scheduled to overturn the nationalist stance against the flood of predominantly islamic migrants entering the country.
OTOH, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk is taking a stronger stance against Russia and calling for a larger European mobilization in support of Ukraine.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Continued operations in N and S Gaza closing in on more Hamas and affiliated strongholds.
- More mass surrenders being reported.
- Houthi attacked another cargo ship in the Red Sea.
- Israel making more demands on Lebanon to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Continual reports of Hamas et al hijacking trucks containing relief supplies designated for civilians.
While the Hamas leaders remain hidden in tunnels, above-ground residents face significant destruction and a lack of basic necessities, including food and water. These supplies are stored in UNRWA warehouses but fail to reach the people. Photos circulating show enraged residents looting one of the warehouses in Khan Yunis. One resident wrote in a local Telegram group, “What corruption! We are a family of four with refugees among us, struggling to find or buy food.
“A UNRWA representative denied us aid. The police informed the representative that distributing aid was prohibited.” Another resident expressed, “UNRWA is ruining our lives just like the Jews.”
https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gaza-news/article-777031
***
(NOTE - there is a degree of propaganda and PSYOPS in this statement, but it is based on a core of established evidenced) Israel is encircling Hamas’s last two strongholds in Sajaiyya and Jabalia in northern Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Monday.
Hamas considered these areas to be held by “unwinnable battalions,” stated Gallant, adding, “and I’m telling you, they are on the verge of being dismantled. The number of those surrendering in these areas teach us what is happening.”
“Those surrendering and leaving their bunkers and tunnels have been telling the Israel Defense Forces that they lack ammunition and food, and feel abandoned by the Hamas leadership, with Gallant reporting that “the leadership is deep underground, and we were sent to die.”
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Pockets of fierce fighting continue in the Gaza city and Khan Younis. IDF air and artillery strikes cover all Gaza.
The IDF pincer surrounding Khan Younis has reportedly been closed.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Reports of multiple ATGM/mortar shell launches towards Mount Dov area, which contains a key strategic Israeli missile alert radar system.
Israeli media, citing military sources: intercepted missiles launched from Lebanon towards the Hula Plain in the Upper Galilee.
Israeli counter strike operations are expanding the number of Hezbollah targets being hit beyond those that are immediately threatening Israeli forces.
***
“48-Hour Ultimatum” related rhetoric - Israeli government spokesman warns that Beirut will face the same fate as Gaza if Hezbollah decides to wage war against us.
Israel is requiring the deployment of the Lebanese army on the border with French forces (UN).
Citing as evidence supporting Israeli demands that U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 be enforced, Hezbollah fired a rocket just 20 meters from a United Nations compound in Southern Lebanon on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Sunday. In doing so, Hezbollah endangered the lives of UNIFIL soldiers and continues to systematically violate U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which bans Hezbollah from operating in Southern Lebanon.
War cabinet minister Benny Gantz told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday that the uptick in attacks by Hezbollah will require a firm Israeli response, as rocket fire by the Lebanese terror group continued to target towns on Israel’s northern border.
“Gantz stated that heightened aggression and increased attacks by Iranian-backed Hezbollah demand of Israel to remove such a threat to the civilian population of northern Israel,” according to an Israeli readout.
Gantz added that “the international community currently has an important role to play, and it must act to ensure that the state of Lebanon stops such aggression along its border,” the statement said.
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
The continuation of the Gaza war will lead to a regional explosion, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told the Doha Forum on Monday, as he explained that the scope of the conflict had already expanded to include Lebanon and Yemen.
“At any moment there is a possibility of a big explosion in the region, one not controllable by any party,” he said as he spoke through an English language translator in a virtual interview conducted by CNN’s Becky Anderson.
“At least every week, we receive a message from the US telling us that US bases in Syria and Iraq are targeted by some groups,” Amirabdollahian said. These groups are “defending the Arab and Muslim people of Gaza; that is why they are targeting US bases in Syria and Iraq.”
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-777613
———WEST BANK——————————-
Israeli security forces stormed the town of Ni’lin, west of Ramallah. Israeli security forces are engaged throughout much of the West Bank.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq published a communique claiming responsibility for attacking an American position in al-Shaddadi, south of the Syrian city of al-Hassakah
***
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces - A French frigate intercepted and destroyed a drone targeting the Norwegian tanker Strinda in the Red Sea.
Earlier, the Strinda was hit by a Houthi anti-ship missile. USS Mason is also responding to its distress call. The M/V Strinda was struck near the Mandeb Strait.
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
After consultations with Palestinian Authority leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Russia is called on the Hamas terrorist organization to release hostages taken from Israel on October 7th.
According to Russia’s state-owned TASS news agency, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met on Monday with representatives of Hamas and other Palestinian groups and reportedly discussed freeing hostages.
After speaking with Deputy Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau Moussa Abu Marzouk, Secretary General of the Palestinian Democratic Union Saleh Rafat, and senior Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine official Maher Taher, Mikhail Bogdanov released a statement about the meeting.
“During the conversations, a set of issues related to the sharp escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict was discussed, with an emphasis on the emerging military and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.”
He continued, “At the same time, the Russian side confirmed the principled position on the need for a cessation of hostilities and an immediate solution to all emerging humanitarian problems, including the release of hostages.”
https://worldisraelnews.com/russia-tells-hamas-to-release-hostages/
——— FORECAST ————————-
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) - Israel continues the methodical elimination of Hamas forces throughout Gaza. Hezbollah continues harassing attacks in the north but is facing increasing push by Israel to have U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 enforced by Lebanon and UN in order to prevent Israel forces from executing its rights to drive Hezbollah out under same agreement.
There is still a lot of calls for a unilateral ceasefire, calls complaining of the civilian hardship of the Gazans, but absolutely no calls for Hamas to release the remaining hostages or surrender due to the criminal attacks of Oct 7th. Many of these calls, as I’ve commented a lot on, are lacking traction due to revelations from the war - of Hamas use of Hospitals and other civilian facilities in their fight and the horrific treatment of those hostages that have been released - to include the participation of UN employed persons and hospitals in the holding of prisoners.
Lead up to a potential invasion of Lebanon to remove Hezbollah from the border and demilitarize southern Lebanon continues as the informational battle continues. So far, I’ve not seen much response to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 from Hezbollah or Lebanese sources- perhaps they are hoping that the threat will blow over and Israel will back down from its threats. Right now things are in Israel’s favor and they are determined to remove the Hezbollah threat. Repeatedly from the Israeli govt is the theme that Israel is fighting for its life - and the elimination of Hamas and demilitarization of Gaza just the first step. This theme still has strong resonance in Israel - even among Israeli arabs who have not been immune from Hamas/Hezbollah attacks.
US/ALLIED forces need to figure out how to bloody the Houthi’s nose an get them to backdown from their assault on Red Sea shipping. Lack of US response may lull Houthi leadership into a sense of false security and allow them to make mistakes - targetable mistakes on a large scale. Saudi Arabia in their fight with the Houthi could only manage limited strikes. The US could send a bomber force covered by the air assets in the region and inflict a much larger strike. Piddly little counter strikes will not do it.
Venezuela - Increasing potential for war
Guyana and Venezuela agreed to hold bilateral talks over the disputed Essequibo region of Guyana on Thursday.
OPEC could really throw a monkey wrench into the WEF machinery.
Globalism / Great Reset –
A new deal has been agreed at the UN climate summit in Dubai after days of negotiations. For the first time, the deal calls on all countries to move away from using fossil fuels - but not to phase them out, something many governments wanted. The text recognizes the need for deep, rapid and sustained reductions if humanity is to limit temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
Island nations hard-hit by climate change are critical - representative Samoa says they were “not in the room” when the deal was approved.
Campaign groups also say the agreement doesn’t go far enough; Greenpeace says it won’t be possible to achieve the transition in a “fair and fast manner”
Running to more than 20 pages and nearly 200 clauses, it includes:
It calls on countries to contribute to transition away from fossil fuels. This is the first time we have had an explicit mention of reducing our use of fossil fuels - the main driver of climate change
There is a recognition that emissions will peak in the future but said that the date of this will be different depending if you are a developed or developing country
The text also recognized that the current levels of finance given by richer countries to help their poorer counterparts cope with climate change and move to renewables has been lacking. But it doesn’t go beyond that to require that richer nations do more to address this
There is no reference to reduce methane emissions which has been in earlier texts. This is one of the most potent greenhouse gas emissions
OBSERVATION - A lot of verbiage, but in general it comes out as a big nothing burger. It gives the big oil producing countries cover, it allows big consumers of fossil fuels like China to expand use and it gives justification for totalitarian - oriented climate change crusading nations like the US the fuel to double and triple down on killing coal/gas/oil.
NOTE - According to the globalists, the world is 1.1C warmer than it was at the end of the 1800s. That is over the period of a little over 100 years - a mere flea speck in the total existence of the earth which has seen far greater temperature swings over those years. And guess what - life is still here.
BTW - these island ‘nations’ only see this as a big global money handout. Ocean levels have not gone up the way they claim.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Heightened THREAT
Pro-hamas protests continue to disrupt Christmas related activities. In most instances they are mostly at a nuisance level.
Economy-
Jobs openings plunged by 800,000 on the month. Many view this as a precursor to recession.
***
In November, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.1 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.3 percent in November (SA); up 4.0 percent over the year (NSA).
Core inflation (CPI less food and energy commodities) is up 0.3% in November MoM and up 4% YoY. Shelter is up 0.4% MoM an up 6.5% YoY.
OBSERVATION - Part of the govt plan is to so contort how price indexes and inflation are ‘calculated ‘ to confuse the average citizen and allow the spinmeisters their way with the data. Bottom line is the prices for stuff I buy continue to rise and being a retiree on a fixed income, at a rate exceeding adjustments.
***
Goldman Sachs has joined the growing list of market participants that see the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates sooner than initially forecast.
The firm’s economics team led by Jan Hatzius wrote in a note on Sunday they expect the Fed to begin cutting interest rates in the third quarter of 2024; the firm had previously expected cuts to begin in the fourth quarter.
OBSERVATION - The damage caused to the economy by the Fed has almost mandated some kind of cut to the rates. Tea leave reading of future Fed decisions see both some more increases before reductions. Inflation is still significantly above their ‘target’ rate. The date of July is significant as a reduction could provide the economy with some juice to perform well enough to get the consumers to forget about inflation right at this key juncture of the 2024 presidential campaign.
POLITICAL FRONT –
House GOP leadership pulls both FISA bills following backlash.
OBSERVATION - I am dumbfounded that the House republicans even attempted to move this bill forward in the first place. Just last week FBI’s Wray admitted that the FBI broke the rules governing FISA requests under 702 and has not punished any for those violations nothing that they have put new ‘internal principles’ into effect to prevent further abuses. Hogwash!!
Now the idiotic republicans put a bill forward that makes it even EASIER for the FBI to violate our 4th amendment rights.
Biden / Harris Watch –
Biden tells the press to “hush up,” announces he “just signed another $200 million drawdown from the Department of Defense for Ukraine,” then sits and stares as his handlers remove the press from the room
***
Biden is in “deep, deep trouble” in his bid to win re-election. Just how much trouble? Reports are that his campaign has called in the services of hillary. This is overlaid by the resurgence of 0bama into the political spotlight as well.
Illegal Immigration –
In the Chicago suburbs of Cicero and Rosemont, authorities have taken measures against buses transporting illegal migrants from El Paso, Texas, the Washington Examiner reported Tuesday.
Rosemont police only allowed migrants to leave the bus if they had someone there to pick them up, according to Mayor Brad Stephens, who added officers threatened to impound the bus and arrest the driver for endangering the passengers if he let them out. The Rosemont Village Board is considering an ordinance to support the officers.
OBSERVATION - Sanctuary city comes home to roost. Reality is they are only seeing a fraction of the numbers border cities are facing on a daily basis.
What is even more apparent is the rise of the conflict between protected classes. The predominantly black entitlement class is having the rug pulled out from under it by these new illegals sucking up all the resources they are used to getting. As I’ve noted before - this could lead to violence as turf wars develop.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the second year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
CURRENT ASSESSMENT - Updated Nov 12, 2023
Russia is struggling to gain the initiative on several fronts in easter Ukraine. Attacks to take Adviivka, located near occupied Donetsk has been their priority as well as further north. However, it is on a defensive footing across most of Ukraine.
The Russian army has lost a considerable amount of armor/tanks and personnel in the fight to take Adviivka, causing that offensive to stall considerably and resort to “meat” attacks.
With the arrival of the muddy season, significant offensive actions by Russia are unlikely.
Ukrainian action has forced Russia to move forces laterally to meet the Ukraine advance - thinning critical portions of the line and making them vulnerable to assault.
Russia’s strategic ballistic and cruise missiles continue to show evidence of massively reduced inventories. With the onset of winter, it is believed that Russian is shepherding its stockpile of missiles/drones for an effort to take down the Ukraine power grid as it did last year. This task has become increasingly difficult as Ukraine adds air defense systems and gets better coverage.
The Russian Black Sea fleet is is essentially impotent and hesitant to deploy into now contested waters. Ukraine’s recent attacks on ships in Crimean harbors has forced the majority of the fleet to redeploying out of Crimea and to Russian bases, about 600 Km further away from the front lines.
Russian leadership reportedly planning for a long duration conflict, hoping to wear the Ukraine army down and cause European allies to tire of their support - forcing some sort of cease fire and negotiated peace.
Logistics –
The war in Ukraine required more artillery munitions than either side was able to meet. The Russians had few additional sources and one of them was North Korea, which supplied about a million 152mm artillery shells to the Russians. These shipments included smaller numbers of 125mm shells for tank guns. There were rumors that many of the North Korean shells were elderly and, according to South Korean intelligence, often unreliable as well. All this information was available to the Russians who either ignored it or were desperate to get the 152mm artillery and 115mm tank gun ammunition. Russia is also using elderly T-62 tanks and their 115mm guns to provide artillery support for Russian infantry.
When the North Korean munitions arrived in Ukraine and Russian troops began using the shells, they noted two things. First, that North Korean ammunition is unreliable and lacking accuracy. After some time, it was discovered that the North Korean shells could also be dangerous to use. Some of them detonated after leaving the gun barrel and eventually some detonated while inside the barrel. At this point the Russians had to stop using the North Korean shells, which had become more dangerous for the Russians users than the Ukrainians. Meanwhile, the North Korean munitions factories were working overtime to produce new shells to replace the older ones sold to the Russians. This was a good deal for North Korea because they unloaded their older artillery munitions and were not replacing it with newly manufactured shells.
https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/articles/20231213.aspx
Russian Personnel Issues –-
Russia has reportedly lost a staggering 87 percent of the total number of active-duty ground troops it had prior to launching its invasion of Ukraine and two-thirds of its pre-invasion tanks, a source familiar with a declassified US intelligence assessment provided to Congress told CNN. Of the 360,000 troops that entered Ukraine, including contract and conscript personnel, Russia has lost 315,000 on the battlefield, according to the assessment. 2,200 of 3,500 tanks have been lost, according to the assessment. 4,400 of 13,600 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers have also been destroyed, a 32 percent loss rate.
NOTE - these numbers are pretty close to the numbers from Ukrainian sources. For the last few months, Russian has been losing between 800-1000 soldiers per day along with dozens of tanks and APCs.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temps in the 20-30 degree range with on again, off again rain and snow.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Weather continues to dominate action.
Ukrainian air defense shot dow 10 Shahed drones and 10 Iskander-M missiles overnight.
Zelensky came to DC to meet with Congressional leaders and biden to solicit more funds, munitions and equipment for the war.
Avdiivka -
Ukrainian Armed Forces have destroyed 13 tanks and 12 other armoured vehicles in clashes near Avdiyivka and Maryinka on 12th December.
Outlook —-
Weather and mud conditions are dictating operations. Limited operations across most fronts.
Russia is much larger than Ukraine and can weather the incredible casualties better as well has having a large junk pile of old tanks and APCs to draw on, but still the losses are staggering. Putin has repeatedly stated that he will outlast Ukraine who is smaller with fewer internal resources. Ukraine is reportedly having to raise the age of induction to 40 as it is running out of younger fighters.
The US and NATO are increasingly reluctant to supply Ukraine in a timely manner, weapon systems and munitions that could have enabled them to be more successful on the battlefield. Any further lack of resolve may eventually force Ukraine to the peace table at a disadvantage.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- UN General Assembly votes to demand an immediate ‘humanitarian” ceasefire
- More dead hostages found in Gazan tunnels.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Israeli officials - 135 detainees held by Hamas are still in the Gaza Strip, of whom 19 people have died.
Bodies of 2 kidnapped Israelis recovered in Gaza tonight. Eden Zechariah, 28 and Ziv Dado, 36 were executed by Hamas after being kidnapped on Oct 7th and brought to Gaza. Their bodies were found hidden in Hamas tunnels and were recovered by IDF forces.
***
The UN General Assembly on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
153 countries voted in favor of the motion and 10 countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against. 23 countries abstained. Czechia and Austria are the only two European countries that voted against it.
The resolution does not mention that the hostages are being held by Hamas and does not condemn the massacre carried out by the organization’s terrorists against Israel.
***
biden said Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must “change” as dissent around the world continues to grow in response to Israel’s actions following the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas.
Biden, speaking to Democratic donors at a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., said the United States would continue to provide Israel support in its efforts to root out Hamas from Gaza but that he warned Netanyahu about waning public support for Israel’s bombing campaigns among voters.
Biden also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to change his hardline government.
OBSERVATION - Even in the midst of a fight for survival, the marxist/progressive element in biden’s dark heart can only focus on regime change in Israel.
——— GAZA FRONT ———————————-
Fierce fighting reported as the IDF assails major Hamas strongholds in N and S Gaza. Yesterday, 10 IDF soldiers were killed - the largest daily loss since ground operations began.
Israel now operating fully the plan to flood Hamas tunnels to flush out terrorists as well as destroy them.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Hezbollah and Israel continues their tit for tat exchanges along the border.
Israel continues to pressure Lebanon to enforce the demilitarization of S Lebanon.
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
Katyusha rockets were launched from the Quneitra countryside towards the Golan region, and Israeli artillery responded by bombing the source of the rocket launch
———WEST BANK——————————-
Fights all across the West Bank region as Israeli security forces move into islamic conclaves to arrest terror suspects.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claims responsibility for today’s rocket attack on Al-Omar Field, eastern Syria.
British Maritime Trade Authority - Reports of a new incident in the vicinity of Bab al-Mandab. Marshall islands-flagged chemical tanker reported an “exchange of fire” with a speedboat 55 nautical miles (around 102 kilometres) off Hodeidah.
Two missiles were fired from territory held by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, missing a commercial tanker near the key Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, a U.S. official said
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
RUMINT. Qatar has reportedly directed three senior Qhamas officials to leave its territory due to concerns about their safety from potential Israeli actions as the authorities can no longer guarantee their safety.
Joint Statement: The Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand support international efforts towards a permanent ceasefire in Gaza
Saudi Foreign Minister: We support the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
——— FORECAST ————————-
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) - Israel continues the methodical elimination of Hamas forces throughout Gaza. Overnight UN vote for immediate ceasefire is falling on deaf ears as it is unenforceable and Israel has pretty much set its face to the destruction of Hamas and if hamas supporting civilians don’t heed the warnings to get out of the range fan, then they are going to get hurt.
Hezbollah continues harassing attacks in the north but is facing increasing push by Israel to have U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 enforced by Lebanon and UN in order to prevent Israel forces from executing its rights to drive Hezbollah out under same agreement.
Houthi’s continue to ramp up their attacks on shipping through the Red Sea. Their tactics range from low tech speedboats carrying armed squads to firing anti-ship cruise missiles. Their attacks have increased and will continue until the US and coalition forces bloody their noses - only a non “proportional” strike will work.
Reportedly, the pentagon is wanting to do just that to the Houthi’s as well as Iranian backed militias executing hit and run attacks on US bases/forces in eastern Syria/western Iraq. The regime has so far said no to those oplans.
Misc of Note –
Could place under CW2 as well
0bama and mike produced a movie on netflix depicting a cyber attack that shuts down the grid and the collapse of society. One key point raised is that blacks should not trust whites - setting the stage for a racial war. There are other disturbing plot lines which when added up makes one ask “Why did 0bama produce this at this time?” The globalist left has been fear mongering about a massive cyber attack for a while, as a follow-on to the wuhan plandemic, and as a mechanism to trigger the ‘great reset’. Is this predictive programming?
Makes me go hmmmmm