Unfortunately, things haven’t remained calm while I was on good drugs following my root canal (I really am a wuss when it comes to dental work). But the procedure went quite well.
Now to try to gather the important stuff from the last 48 hours.
Globalism / Great Reset –
USAID give $68+ million to the World Economic Forum
***
US President Donald Trump is set to issue an executive order Thursday for sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), Reuters reported.
The sanctions will target individuals who assist in investigations against citizens of the US or its allies, as well as their family members.
The International Criminal Court says Trump’s executive order seeks to harm its “impartial judicial work”.
OBSERVATION - Rogue court who’s sole purpose is to advance the globalist cause.
***
In another blow to the Globalists, yesterday, Manuel Adorni, the spokesperson for the Presidency of Argentina, held a press conference where he announced that Argentina would withdraw from the World Health Organization (“WHO”). “Argentines won’t allow for an international organization to intervene in our sovereignty, much less in our health,”
CW2 / Domestic violence - Moderate THREAT - up dated Jan 19, 2025
NOTE - This weekend there is a plethora of announced protests in cities across the nation. The seem to be split between pro-Hamas and anti-deportation themes with some anti-DOGE/Trump thrown in for good measure. One can expect varying degrees of disruption - highway blockage, some violence and vandalism. Between the two, the anti-deportation protests have the highest potential for growing violent. As always, be situationally aware and avoid areas of protests.
***
Congressional leaders continue to incite violence -
Senator Ed Markey called for ‘millions of people’ to come to DC and ‘fight’.
***
Now, they are putting the flags away as the movement takes its next natural step. The Washington Free Beacon reports that a left-wing militant group, Unión del Barrio (UdB), has been offering what it calls “self-defense” training to help illegals respond to ICE raids. Using the Black Panthers as a model, UdB is trying to recruit patrols to identify ICE vehicles and personnel and drive the agents out of Latino neighborhoods.
The Free Beacon had a quote from the group’s website (which incidentally featured a photo of Cuban soldiers armed with AK-47s):
The Community Patrols are a means of building community-based power that will challenge police and migra (sic) attacks. These agencies are trained to profile, harass, detain, arrest, and brutalize our people. We are determined to build … barrio [neighborhood]-centered self-defense and prevent the detention and family separation that has taken place over the last several decades.
The objective is to organize our people in every barrio, block by block, to defend our communities from colonial violence and threats to our human and democratic rights. We intend to expose the anti-Raza [race] nature of the colonizer state that has now openly declared itself a tool to terrorize, repress, and exploit the lives and labor power of the Mexicano-Raza working class.
OBSERVATION - This is the next step up the escalation curve in the current growing war against illegal immigration. You can bet your bottom dollar marxists are working this to the max as a means to destabilize the country. The
‘self defense’ can easily be scaled up to actively attacking ICE and Fed Govt agents - even military. Also allows the mexican cartels to squeeze in because they have such a financial stake in human trafficking and drugs - these illegals and their sympathizers form their base here in the US.
RELATED -
Forward Observer reports - A self-proclaimed member of Brown Berets, a Latino immigrants rights militant and activist organization, was recently quoted in Dallas, Texas news while at an anti-ICE protest. The activist was wearing a red handkerchief covering her face, according to a news report.
- Why It Matters: The Brown Berets were initially a Latino paramilitary group established in the late 1960s during the Chicano Movement, and engaged in political activism with a notable focus on “self-defense forces” and “housing protection.” The original organization was disbanded in the 1970s, but several Brown Beret groups reemerged during 2017-2020 unrest. - Forward Observer.
***
Reddit continues to be monitored -
In the past several weeks following the Republicans’ election win, social media site Reddit has seen an unprecedented surge in violent political content and rhetoric. While calls for violence and doxxing are not in any way new to Reddit, the scale and intensity of its current discourse marks a troubling escalation, especially regarding political extremism.
Reddit’s political impact should not be underestimated. Last week, a Reddit user was arrested at the Capitol with Molotov cocktails. The user reportedly used the site to cement his plans to attack Trump’s appointees, shifting between Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson before ultimately choosing to target Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
This isn’t the first time this has happened either. Another user, Nicholas Roske, was arrested outside of Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home with a handgun, after using Reddit to plan his attack.
Despite the original intentions of r/50501, the subreddit has become infested with agitators. It’s still unknown if these posts will have any real-world consequences, but it is clear that countless individuals are attempting to fan the flames of revolution by exploiting a series of hastily organized protests.
OBSERVATION - The 50501 (50 States, 50 Capitols, 1 Day) were not significantly overwhelming and in many instances poorly turned out. What is concerning as noted in the article are the growing attempts to exploit these events and try to turn the violence dial higher. The anti-ICE mood of the ‘grassroots’ is still growing and has not hit critical mass yet. But it has to be monitored. Should enough leftists manage to get the fires started, mob rule can quickly take over as these events.
Meanwhile, the rhetoric continues to push towards desiring and planning more violent actions on Redditt.
RELATED TO THE 50501 PROTESTS
Pro-illegal immigration protesters, waving progressive and Mexican flags, blocked traffic while marching through the streets of Denver.
Antifa joined with leftists and liberals in Olympia, Wash. for the Reddit-organized anti-government “50 protests” at capitals across the country. Antifa view this as an opportunity to recruit and agitate for future violence.
https://x.com/mrandyngo/status/1887249982425559374?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
Far-left extremists faced off against law enforcement outside the Georgia state capitol in Atlanta at the anti-government “50 protests” direct action. Leftists, encouraged by Democrats, are trying to show force to intimidate officials
NOTE - Here in the Redoubt state of Montana, only about a dozen or so protestors showed up at the capitol. Video of one of the protestors was so word salad that the local, left leaning local TV station has to put out a big disclaimer fact checking the nut job that was interviewed.
Terrorism - HIGH THREAT as of Jan 24, 2025
EVENT WARNING - Super Bowl Feb 9th
“Do I expect violence to escalate? Absolutely, because the cartels are making record amounts of money,” Border Czar Tom Homan said in an interview last night. Homan further promised that if the cartels harm American servicemen, President Trump would “wipe them off the face of the Earth.”
OBSERVATION - I’m evaluating just how and where to put potential cartel related violence. So far, it would fall into a form of terrorism, but can also feed into CW2 anti-ICE scenario.
POLITICAL FRONT –
DOGE Employees arrived at the FBI headquarters yesterday.
***
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would not undergo a review by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) or the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program until after tax filing season.
***
The American as well as the global political landscape is still rocking from aftershocks from the initial findings of what the USAID spent money on and in many way WHO they spent money on. Now a new major aftershock is hitting - President Trump just signed an executive order requiring an audit of all NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) getting federal funding.
This comes after Biden gave NGOs truckloads of taxpayer money to facilitate illegal immigration into this country. It will now come to an end!
OBSERVATION - These NGOs had absolutely no oversight once they received their ‘grants’ from USAID as well as other US agencies. Those moneys went all over the leftist sphere. This is an expansion of the case where the biden regime / deep state paid others to do their dirty work (ie illegal for the US govt to directly do) for them.
RELATED - Trump Administration plans to cut USAID’s 14,000 global workforce down to just 294 people, according to government officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said USAID will continue to deliver health and humanitarian aid, in spite of cuts, but complained of “rank insubordination” at the agency.
***
In a postscript to the 2024 campaign, failed presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ interview with “60 Minutes,” which aired on Oct. 7, was a disaster replete with word salads.
At the time, keen observers deduced, on the basis of major differences between Harris’ responses shown in a preview of the interview and the one presented in the final, that CBS News had engaged in deceptive edits with the apparent intention of portraying the Democrat as passably coherent ahead of the election, something the network vehemently denied.
The footage reveals that CBS News indeed went to great lengths to make Harris appear intelligible and concise — possibly with the intention of misleading viewers.
TRUMP Watch –
After a couple days, more clarity on Trump’s scheme regarding taking over Gaza and its clear that he is using it as a lever to get the arab nations off their rear ends and more productively engaged.
First, no troops. Trump was clear that once the “fighting was over” - indicating that Israel is likely to resume the fight and likely without being hamstrung by the US.
Second - Threat of US ownership of the projected garden spot on the Med. Yes, before 2005 and the Israeli turn over of the strip to arab control, it was a garden spot, beautiful beaches / hotel, world class hydroponics / greenhouses, etc. Trump would cut arab nations out of any of the deals and profits therein.
Third - He is exposing the hypocrisy of the arab world. They say the Israelis have created a ‘prision’ by forbidding gazan movement. They further refuse to allow any gazans to be deported to their country. Note very carefully Trump is saying ‘voluntary’ displacement of gazans until things can be rebuilt. Puts a completely different spin on stuff.
He is maneuvering the arab world into a different option rather than forcing the gazans to stay an force a second nation solution - one that has failed time and again and that even Hamas et al refuse.
One last point - these arab nations receive a lot of US aid - and with recent events, they could find themselves in serious hurt if they don’t bend on their stances. Kinda a carrot and stick principle by Trump as well.
Illegal Immigration –
Homan reveals he has FOUND OUT how ICE operation in Colorado got leaked, vows to put them in cuffs..
“We’ve already identified how this operation got leaked, I’ll deal with that today!”
OBSERVATION - As Mr T would say “I pity the fool”
Japan –
(FO) Russian Foreign Ministry officials said they see no possibility of peace talks with Japan due to Japan’s “provocative military activities with the United States and other NATO member states near our Far Eastern shores,” and support to Ukraine.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the third year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
*****
Now nearing the end of the third year of war, support among Russians remains high. According to VTsIOM, a Russian Public Opinion Research Center, 67% back the invasion, while 65% see it as successful. Optimism peaked in March 2022 (70%) but declined as the war dragged on.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 20-30 range cooling to the teens later in the week with scattered snow.
RUMINT –
Forbes: Russia may have launched a second Oreshnik ballistic missile at Ukraine today — but this one reportedly exploded over Russia
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Overnight, Russia launched a huge amount of Shahed drones into Ukraine. Out of 112 launched, 81 were shot down and another 31 were suppressed by electronic warfare.
Russian losses per 07/02/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff.
+1340 men
+10 tanks
+18 AFVs
+32 artillery systems
+1 AD systems
+96 service vehicles
Kursk Front -
Ukrainian forces launched a new series of battalion-sized mechanized assaults in Kursk Oblast and advanced up to five kilometers behind Russian lines southeast of Sudzha, Kursk Oblast on February 6.
Geolocated footage published on February 6 indicates that Ukrainian forces recently advanced southeast of Sudzha along the 38K-028 Sudzha-Oboyan highway and seized Kolmakov (north of Cherkasskaya Konopelka) and Fanaseyevka (just southeast of Cherkasskaya Konopelka).
Ukrainian forces launched an attack towards Ulanok and Cherkasskaya Konopelka villages of Kursk region, reportedly penetrating over 5 KM. The attack reportedly took place during poor weather conditions that kept Russian drones grounded. Russian Ministry of Defense claims all Ukrainian attacks at were repelled
***
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised elite Russian VDV and naval infantry formations defending Kursk Oblast on February 5, highlighting the fact that the Ukrainian incursion has pinned about a combined arms army’s worth of Russian troops in Kursk Oblast since August 6, 2024.
ISW recently noted that the Russian military command has gathered around 78,000 troops, including 11,000 North Koreans and elements of most of Russia’s elite VDV and naval infantry formations, to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast.
Summary —
Russia continues to throw a lot of Shahed drones at Ukraine, with very, very few reaching their targets. Russia also throws a few ballistic missiles into the mix, but no where near the pace of earlier last year. Have expected to see more N Korean and Iranian missiles in the mix by this time.
Ukraine is also successfully keeping Russia on their toes in Kursk. The latest throwing Russian forces into confusion quickly. The axis of the attack is very close to the Ukraine border, so it is possible that Ukraine could launch a supporting attack into Russian and secure even more territory.
Much of the Russian action has stagnated along the front. With Ukraine becoming more active in Kursk, support for the main efforts around Pokrovsk could become stretched.
Even with the heavy losses, some are reporting that Russian is some how managing to increase recruitment - mostly from eastern regions of Russia - to maintain the flow of bodies to the front. As the third year of fighting winds up, Russia is approaching 900,000 casualties (dead and severely wounded).
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Region still rumbling after Trump’s declaration that the US will take over Gaza once the fighting has ended.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Israel calling Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, Norway and others: Can you please inform the Israeli foreign ministry in Jerusalem, which day you are sending ships to dock at the Gaza port and bring Gazans, who wish to leave to your respective countries please
***
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on Wednesday that Israel would no longer participate in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) after the US announced it would be leaving the council as well.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
Syrian Military Department targets the positions of the “Hezbollah militia” in the Hermel district in Lebanon. “Military operations” control the hills surrounding the strategic village of Akkoum on the border with Lebanon
The Syrian army has captured 18 members of Hezbollah militias in battles in the border areas due to the movements of drug and arms smugglers affiliated with Hezbollah militias, including members of the Al-Zaiter family.
***
The IAF early Friday morning, with the direction of the Intelligence Directorate, conducted a precise strike in Lebanese territory on two military sites that contained Hezbollah weapons, which were in violation of the ceasefire agreement, said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.
It added, “The IDF continues to operate to remove any threat to the State of Israel and will prevent any attempt by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to rebuild its forces, in accordance with the ceasefire understandings.”
The IDF confirmation followed reports in Lebanese media that the IDF conducted strikes in areas in the south and east of the country, including Baalbek.
An Israeli official confirmed that Israel struck targets deep inside Lebanon in response to attempts to transfer weapons from Syria and to establish new outposts for Hezbollah.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/403546
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
See Syrian attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon above.
——— JUDEA AND SAMARIA——————————-
Intense Israeli security forces actions in the northern areas
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Jordan is prepared to declare war on Israel if Israel attempts to send Palestinians to Jordan, reports Middle East Eye.
Jordan will close its border if Palestinians begin to enter the country, and if Israel tries to reopen it, Jordan will declare war, according to the report.
https://x.com/no_itsmyturn/status/1887188797902803383?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
***
Scholz: Germany strongly opposes deportation of Palestinians from Gaza
US Secretary of State: Gaza is currently ‘uninhabitable’
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Trump’s Gaza proposal has really stirred things up. But it brings to the forefront what to do with these essentially hamas indoctrinated ‘gazans’ and how to effectively clean out any remnants of Hamas influence in Gaza. It really puts the spot light on the arab nations’ staunch opposition to receiving ANY gazans. They continue to try to leverage their presence in Gaza to force a ‘two state’ solution. Trump said that the expiration date for that solution has passed and time to think out of the box.
Trump’s stance has given Israel more leverage in future ceasefire/hostage talks with Gaza. Chances are fair that fighting will resume within the next few weeks absent a substantial capitulation by Hamas.
Lebanon is on hold as well as Israel strikes ceasefire violations by Hezbollah under the noses of the Lebanese army. Keeping their steel sharp. Short a massive turn around in the attitude of the lebanese army towards Hezbollah, Israel continues to get more and more justification to hold their positions. The Lebanese army has been deeply corrupted and infiltrated by Hezbollah, so don’t count on that.
Noting Iran below and the push for nukes. Don’t write it off just because the reports are for years now that they are just weeks away. The whole geopolitical situation has turned them upside down. We are no longer pre-Oct 7.
Iran –
Two conflicting reports on Iran’s nuclear weapons program were disclosed this week. Both reports offer important insight into just how Tehran is speeding up work on nuclear weapons…The US Intelligence briefing says that Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon “faster” although the resulting weapon will be “cruder.” US intelligence attaches a caveat to its new information, declaring that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has not made a decision to develop a nuclear weapon.
Two conflicting reports on Iran’s nuclear weapons program were disclosed this week. Both reports offer important insight into just how Tehran is speeding up work on nuclear weapons.
The first report is from the New York Times which says US Intelligence has new findings on Iran’s weapons program. It goes on to say that the new information was briefed to President Trump’s national security team.
The second report comes from the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). The NCRI is an anti-regime organization that operates inside Iran.
The US Intelligence briefing says that Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon “faster” although the resulting weapon will be “cruder.” US intelligence attaches a caveat to its new information, declaring that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has not made a decision to develop a nuclear weapon.
The New York Times does not explain how Iran could have embarked on a “cruder” weapon even though no decision has been made on going ahead by Iran’s Supreme Leader.
The NCRI paints a different picture. It says that Iran has two important nuclear facilities, one located at Sharad, which doubles as a space launch site, and the other at Semnan, that also has space launch capabilities. Both towns are east of Tehran.
Both US Intelligence and the NCRI reports converge on one important aspect of weapons design and development.
The US Intelligence Report suggests that Iran has not progressed rapidly enough to develop a weapon that can be launched on an intermediate range ballistic missile. Reading between the lines, that means Iran’s effort at miniaturizing a small enough warhead has not yet borne fruit.
A small size nuclear warhead would be fueled by plutonium (which Iranian nuclear reactors can manufacture). Plutonium bombs require a high level of engineering and special electronics to create the implosion around the plutonium core required for a successful bomb.
https://asiatimes.com/2025/02/iran-speeding-up-work-on-its-nukes-two-new-reports-say/
OBSERVATION - Additional good details and observations at link. As I’ve pointed out numerous times it is one thing to get a functional nuclear weapon - “crude” - and would be similar to the Hiroshima bomb - very heavy (9,700 lbs.), questionable reliability and difficult to deliver to a target. (Note — a crude bomb will likely be some what smaller given modern materials) This is where the concerns of a bomb being smuggled in a shipping container (or even a ship) come from for instance. Iran has nothing that can ferry such a payload otherwise.
The higher technological hurdle is to be able to shrink the warhead to a size its current ballistic missiles can carry. This could be accelerated via support being received from Russia, N Korea and even potentially Pakistan.
With Iran sitting wounded by Israel and its losses in Syria, Lebanon and even Gaza is dangerous. Status quo is no more and the only thing holding it back is the mullah’s decree of no nukes. Intelligence is pointing to the efforts of the IRGC to be ready to light the fuse once that fatwah is removed.
***
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Friday that if the United States violated the Islamic Republic’s security, it, in turn, would do the same to the US.
“If they threaten us, we will threaten them. If they actuate that threat, we will actuate ours. If they violate our nation’s security, we will violate their security without a doubt,” Khamenei said.
The Iranian dictator also said that experience has proven that talks with the United States are “not smart, wise or honorable.”
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-841105
OBSERVATION - The Ayatollah is believing his own propaganda.
***
Iran on Thursday unveiled and inaugurated its first ever drone-carrier warship, which features a 180-meter long runway for UAVS, and which is capable of carry several helicopters.
Manned by the elite paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s navy (IRGC), the vessel is dubbed Shahid Bagheri, and is further capable of launching cruise missiles.
Iran’s military and media is touting that the ship is able to travel “independently” across the globe’s oceans for up to one year, and it can go up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports.
The vessel began its life as a commercial ship, and was overhauled and completely re-outfitted for as a drone carrier.
OBSERVATION - Neat little toy, but won’t last long in a real fight. Virtually no on board defense and no ‘carrier escorts’. On the high sea it would suffer even worse - acting ‘independently’ means it would become reef fish habitat very quickly.
>>Far-left extremists faced off against law enforcement outside the Georgia state capitol in Atlanta at the anti-government “50 protests” direct action. Leftists, encouraged by Democrats, are trying to show force to intimidate officials
The report I saw on that, probably from WSB, said around 100. And the vid looked like that. We had that many for roadside Trump rallies in our suburban / exurban county last Fall. If they can only draw 100 in downtown Atlanta, their core base, they have damn near nothing.
Then illegals are presenting such an excellent case of why they need to be deported.
And THEY are the colonializes, not the country they invaded.
As ALL paying attention know: The lamestream media has lied since nearly its inception. The lamestream media has enjoyed becoming wealthy on lies funded by mainly the American Taxpayers and democrat legislation. Thankfully by the grace of God …… the light has been turned on. IS fun watching the cockroaches run to and fro. IS a great time, in history, to be alive!!!
Thank you for your postings, Godzilla.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Moderate THREAT - up dated Jan 19, 2025
Alert again - mostly anti-DOGE, anti-ICE and anti-Israel protests in about 30 cities across the country this weekend. Local conditions likely dictate the extent of violence. Previous protests have caused traffic chaos, and some fighting with police. Leftist agitators seeking an event that they can use to further inflame the passions of the masses.
***
Inflammatory comments and actions by many democrat house and senate members trying to stir up anger in their constituents and promote violence at the level of the Floyd riots. While it does inflame the mind-numbed democrat sheeple, I’m not sure how much traction it is gaining with the rest of the country given the transparency and absolute flood of fraud, waste and abuse already uncovered by DOGE.
***
Muddled meanderings over the past three weeks of trump 47. By all evidence and reactions, I don’t think the left had any clue as to the extent and speed with which Trump has executed his plans to drain the swamp. I suspect many in the swamp anticipated some degree of assault, but figured that they could ride it out and that things would revert to the way they were as 45. Now they see they were very wrong and in open panic mode.
This is evidenced by calls from congressional representatives for open fighting in the streets in some means. Crazy shrieking reps trying to protect their grift and associated political clout.
At this stage, one could even begin to characterize the situation as transitioning from a ‘cold’ to a ‘warm’ CW2 scenario. The stakes are unbelievably high as Trump pushes quickly and effectively to rip the funding from the left and regain control of the Executive Branch. It is absolutely scary to this old goat what may be uncovered in other branches as this purge moves forward.
The left hasn’t popped smoke and run away - yet - nor do I expect them. Too much is at stake for them. The calls for violence and murder of Trump and members of his administration point to a more sinister component. As I noted in a previous post, there are a lot of trigger pullers in the FBI/DoJ and other weaponized agencies that may take up the leftist/marxist call for essentially a coup against Trump. In reality, some of these FBI agents already ousted are threatening ‘resistance’ right now.
Now, many - too many - of these alphabet agencies have really been weaponized. One recent example is the SWAT team like group within the EPA! Post Office, IRS and others as well. Is this a plan B or C in the event the swamp loses control?
Right now, the left is losing control. Their option of a astroturfed Floyd riots is hurt because money is being cut off, so they may have to false flag something. Get the riots going while the hired guns who’ve been fired work behind the scenes for a coup strike.
My God, I hope I’m wrong, but given all that has taken place over the past decade and what has been uncovered by DOGE so far, this scenario is not too far out of reach.
Terrorism - HIGH THREAT as of Jan 24, 2025
EVENT WARNING - Super Bowl Feb 9th
Trump is to attend the Super Bowl in person - expect increased security as well as a potential attempt on his life.
Economy- HIGH Threat - as of Jan 1, 2025
Democrats are threatening to sabotage any and all future funding legislation even if it throws the country into a recession.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
About 500 additional 10th Mountain Division soldiers will be deploying to the U.S. southern border to support a mission to secure the area and “protect the territorial integrity” of the border with Mexico as called for by President Donald J. Trump, the post announced Wednesday.
Wuhan and other “new” Plandemics
Evidence that USAID set up payments and funded gain of function research on Covid in 2014. Remember, Fauci has been put under a blanket pardon for actions 2014 to present. Hmmmm
POLITICAL FRONT –
The CBO just revealed that Congress spent $516 billion in 2024 on programs with expired authorizations, some dating back over 40 years.
Despite rules against funding unauthorized programs, lawmakers ignored them—letting billions flow without updated approvals or oversight.
Even worse, 251 more authorizations are set to expire this year, including $892 billion in defense spending, yet Congress keeps writing blank checks.
OBSERVATION - The Congressional Budget Office is suppose to be the system to prevent this kind of waste - and if it had been doing its job DOGE would not be necessary. Total lack of accountability and control.
***
Congress critters from the left have been going bat-guano crazy over the past few days over the auditing of govt agencies by DOGE. Many of these nut jobs are coming close to incitement of violence which can get them arrested. When in the Capitol, they can make these calls with immunity under the debate clause. However, outside the House and Senate they no longer have that protection.
***
It has been announced that DOGE will be cueing up on there Dept of Defense - an organization that has failed 7 consecutive audits. Lots of $10K toilet seats, etc out there and the waste could be unbelievable.
Contracting will be another biggie. My experience in the military has seen systems going thru the standard procurement system becoming outrageously expensive and delayed. Whereas Special Forces were allowed to by pass the standard procurement system and have similar systems already deployed, doing a better job / capability at a fraction of the price.
****
Several preliminary injunctions against budget freezes and termination of federal employees, but these have yet to be tried in full court.
TRUMP Watch –
Trump has removed the security clearance of biden, referring to both the DoJ investigation of biden’s mishandling of classified documents - being mentally incapable of securing the secrets he would be hearing as well as pay back for pulling trump’s clearance in 2021.
Cyber attacks/warfare – Moderate ALERT as of Dec 18, 2024
Apple has secretly been asked by the UK government to provide a back door to the encrypted information on all iPhones including those belonging to Americans.
Security officials in the United Kingdom have demanded that Apple create a back door allowing them to retrieve all the content any Apple user worldwide has uploaded to the cloud, people familiar with the matter told The Washington Post.
The British government’s undisclosed order, issued last month, requires blanket capability to view fully encrypted material, not merely assistance in cracking a specific account, and has no known precedent in major democracies…
The office of the Home Secretary has served Apple with a document called a technical capability notice, ordering it to provide access under the sweeping U.K. Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, which authorizes law enforcement to compel assistance from companies when needed to collect evidence, the people said.
OBSERVATION - Could also consider this under WEF/Globalism as well. Overreach of govt intrusion - especially over US citizens.
Illegal Immigration –
More high threat illegals are arriving at Gitmo even as facilities are being prepared to handle as many as 30K. In the US, detention facilities are beyond capacity and federal prisons being utilized now for holding facilities.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the third year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
Russian Personnel Issues –-
Roscosmos head Yuri Borisov was reportedly fired by Vladimir Putin because of the failures of the Oreshnik ballistic missile and other space projects. Russia’s space industry is suspected to have been crippled by corruption; Borisov may face charges.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the 20-30 range cooling to the teens later in the week with scattered snow.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Ukraine’s Air Force reports on a Shahed drone attack overnight. Out of 139 launched, 67 were shot down and 71 were suppressed by electronic warfare.
Ukrainian UAVs attacked two oil pumping stations near Chertkovo in the Rostov region, reportedly damaging administrative buildings. Drones also struck an oil refinery in the Volgograd region.
Russian sources claim a total of 36 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight of which 18 in the Rostov region.
Russian losses per 08/02/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff.
+1210 men
+6 tanks
+22 AFVs
+35 artillery systems
+2 MLRS
+95 service vehicles
The HQ of Russia’s 35th Motorized Brigade in Selydove, Donetsk region was hit by Ukrainian forces. Russian sources report the entire command staff was killed.
Kursk Front -
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have launched a new offensive in the Kursk region,- According to the President of Ukraine, Ukrainian troops are having success in the Kursk region and have advanced 2.5 kms
As noted yesterday - some analysts put the penetration in the range of 5 Km.
Pokrovsk axis (Formerly Ocheretyne) -
Unconfirmed reports that the intensity of Russian assaults has dropped significantly, although numerically high. Inference from the sources point to heavy losses and lack of reinforcement.
This may be collaborated by reports over the past few days of Ukraine retaking some town in the area. For example, Ukraine’s 425th Separate Assault Regiment “SKALA” cleared the village of Kotlyne of Russian forces near Pokrovsk yesterday.
Summary —
Noticeable drop in reported Russian casualties for much of the past week suggests that the tempo of Russian attacks is diminishing. The up tempo of Shahed attacks continues to press to new highs. However, Ukraine air defenses have honed themselves pretty sharp against this threat, with only the occasional drone getting past.
Behind the scenes political maneuvering increasing towards some kind of ceasefire agreement. Word of a Trump plan being ‘leaked’ indicating a target date of Easter, but a lot of politics and diplomacy stand between now and then.
Kursk action continues but it looks like Ukraine for the moment has accomplished its immediate goals - hitting Russian forces quickly and pushing to new terrain. Ukraine doesn’t have the forces necessary to fully exploit the breakthroughs, but its main purpose is to drain Russian resources away from the rest of the front - and diminish those resources. So far it has been successful and the fact that it can launch battalion level assaults like this indicates Ukraine forces are still in pretty good shape.
Europe / NATO General –
This morning, the Baltic Nations of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia fully disconnected themselves from the Russian Energy Grid for the first time since the 1940’s, when the countries were still part of the Soviet Union. The three countries stopped purchasing Russian energy in 2022, after the invasion of Ukraine, with this morning’s move being mainly symbolic, as the Baltic Nations have now completely transitioned to the European Union’s Energy Grid.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Hostages Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami were released on Saturday after spending 491 days in captivity.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Released hostages Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami crossed the border into Israeli territory on Saturday and arrived at the initial reception point after they were transferred to Israeli forces by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
An initial medical examination reported to Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sheba Medical Center revealed that the former hostages were in serious condition. They appeared starved and may have lost some 30% of their overall weight.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-841177
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
IDF continues demolition of Hezbollah infrastructure in S Lebanon.
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
Syrian attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon (See Below).
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
Silence from the Houthi’s for quite some time now. IIRC, nothing since Trump took office. . . . .
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Egypt and Jordan now scrambling to address Trump’s plan to take over Gaza and invest in it.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Another hostage / prisoner exchange. Gross evidence of Red Cross impotence is seeing to the well being of these hostages.
As I noted before, these hostage show exchanges provide Israel / Mossad with a plethora of intelligence that when (not if) the current ceasefire breaks down, fire will rain on Hamas in these currently ‘safe’ zones.
Iran –
Growing concern in Iran over Trump’s new sanction plans could cause the already weak economy to collapse altogether.
Lebanon -
Fighting continues between Sunni Islamists from Syria and Shiite Islamists from Hezbollah in Lebanon. The villages on both sides of the border are becoming abandoned.
The Syrians are sending large reinforcements including columns of tanks to secure mountainous area south of Haweek, seized yesterday.
This area included many Hezbollah infrastructure, including the largest known tunnel (length: 3,500 m) dug for this purpose of transporting weapons from Syria to Lebanon. It’s located 3.7 km S. of Haweek. Its entrance was destroyed by Israel during the war.
OBSERVATION - Separating out from under the Israel category - becoming its own beast. A lot of old scores to settle.
Syria -
See Lebanon fighting above
Mexico -
U.S. Air Force RC-135V “Rivet Joint” Signal Intelligence aircraft are doing rounds along the U.S-Mexico Border, between Nee Mexico and Texas. 3 other intelligence platforms are currently patrolling the border, watching the cartels.
OBSERVATION - We will soon see if these cartels can quickly tighten their SIGSEC and COMSEC against these platforms. We will also see if our platforms can quickly alter ops to deal with a low intensity conflict scenario - including the rest of the intel chain.