Iran
SecDef Shanahan stated the US deployment of forces to the Persian gulf has “put on hold the potential for attacks on Americans”. This statement concerns me in that it represents a false sense of security. Iran has not been neutered in the matter, but maintains a potent threat. Much of this threat has been revealed in recent days with the documented deployment of anti-ship and anti-air missiles on Iranian held islands in the gulf. That, combined with their obsession to sink a US carrier could result in an asymmetrical attack. The sinking of the Lincoln would be a huge propaganda win as well as devastating to the US and President Trump. Our naval forces should be even more alert, and not less.
Syria
US is responding to reports that Syria potentially used chemical weapons in violation of cease fire agreements. The US has twice struck facilities related to chlorine production and may do so again if this pans out.
Israel/Gaza
In spite of the ‘cease fire’, Hamas “fire balloon” units plan on a substantial attack in the near term. Israel and the region is currently experiencing an exceptional heat wave and in spite of the wet winter, vegetation is dry.
US
Potential political storm warning. Pelosi meeting with caucus who are demanding immediate impeachment proceedings and then meeting with the POTUS. IF she buckles, the POTUS meeting may result in an ultimatum for the President to resign. This could cause extensive civil unrest - monitoring.
Note Date:
Holder: ‘Mockingbird’ has lessons for terror fight
Associated Press ^ | Sept. 21, 2010 | JAY REEVES
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said Tuesday Harper Lee’s famous novel about racial injustice in the South, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” still holds lessons for authorities who seek to fight terrorism while preserving the rights of innocent Muslims.
Speaking at the University of Alabama for a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Lee’s only published book, Holder described how Lee’s novel illustrates that a system can “grind innocent people into the ground,” something he said was important to remember in dealing with innocent Muslim citizens in the United States.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2594376/posts
Relatively slow week plus lots of travel. Here’s my views on what’s happening
Iran
Apart from Iran beating its chest, not much has occurred. It appears that Bolton for the moment has been reigned in. However, situation still tense.
Israel
Apart from the “normal” strike/counter strikes the biggest is the impending second election. Netanyahu was unable to form a coalition. Watch to see how the surrounding terror groups try to exploit this.
Also, the awaited peace plan is expected out shortly (first part of June). Abbas has already rejected it, so unless other arab states can twist his arm, it is DOA.
Venezuela
With effective political opposition effectively eradicated, the country continues into a tailspin. Inflation reportedly hit 10 MILLION percent. Even criminals are suffering, since no one has any thing left of value. Observers are saying that the conditions are the worst seen in over 50 years (even post WW2). Diseases like malaria are starting to spread across the country as the medical system has imploded due to lack of supplies and poor conditions.
N Korea
After shooting off some short range stuff, Kim has returned to dormancy. Big on his list of problems is the famine that is starting to ravage his country (again). Even military has started raiding the countryside around bases for food. This reportedly has driven farmers farther away from these bases.
US
The Central US is staggering under record flooding, and tornadic activity. This has resulted in substantial losses of livestock, grain harvested stores and has delayed planting. The outlook is for more of the same for the extended forecast period.
Ebola
Still out of control and health care workers being targeted for killing. Vaccine seems to have helped where administered, but terrorist attacks on health care workers have effectively stopped their work.
Financial
Normally I stay out of this except for the interesting post on zerohedge regarding the stock price for Deuteches Bank. This bank is one of those ‘too big to fail’ ones that has great potential TO fail. Commentary is that if the share price reaches $6.40 (American dollars) that the bottom will fall out and since this bank is so overloaded with derivatives and bad loans it could trigger a global crash. Keep monitoring, yesterday finished at $6.92 having fallen from around $13.06 last August 2018.