This article was originally published by Michael Snyder at The End of the American Dream.
It has been a seemingly quiet summer in America so far, but meanwhile, we are witnessing major developments on the other side of the globe that could change everything. We are so close to war, and yet most people have absolutely no idea what is happening. In fact, if you showed most Americans a blank map of the world, they couldn’t even pick out Iran, Hong Kong or North Korea.
There is so much apathy in our society today, and so little knowledge about foreign affairs, and so most people simply do not grasp the importance of the drama that is playing out right in front of our eyes. But if a major war does erupt, none of our lives are ever going to be the same again. So I am going to keep writing about these things because I believe that we have reached an absolutely critical juncture in our history.
Let’s start with a stunning new development in the Middle East.
Even though most Americans do not realize it, Israel and Iran are already shooting at each other. Israel has been striking Iranian military targets inside Syria for months, but now the rules of engagement have apparently changed because in recent days the IDF has started conducting airstrikes against Iranian targets inside Iraq…
In an unprecedented move, Israel has expanded its attacks on Iranian targets, with two bombing strikes on Iran-run bases in Iraq in the space of ten days. The Israeli Air Force carried out the military strikes with F-35 jets, according to Asharq Al-Awsat, an Arabic-language newspaper published in London. News of the attacks comes just a day after the US and Israel tested a missile defence system which used targets “similar to Iranian nuclear missiles”.
The reason this is being called “an unprecedented move” is because this is the very first time since 1981 that we have seen Israeli airstrikes inside Iraq.
Needless to say, these latest airstrikes have absolutely enraged the Iranians. It looks like the Israeli government has determined that any Iranian military targets outside of Iran itself are fair game, and it is probably only a matter of time before Iran strikes back in a major way.
And if Iran ultimately decides that one of the best ways to strike back is to start hitting targets inside of Israel, that could be the spark that sets off a major war in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, it appears that something major is brewing in China.
The political protests that have made global headlines in Hong Kong in recent weeks have greatly angered the Chinese government. They were probably hoping that the protests would quickly subside and soon be forgotten, but that hasn’t happened.
So now China is faced with a decision. If such protests were happening elsewhere in China, they would be brutally crushed, but Hong Kong is a special case.
If the Chinese are too harsh with the protesters in Hong Kong, that could turn world opinion against them, but if they do nothing that could encourage protests to start happening in other areas of the country.
In the end, the Chinese will probably do what they always do, and that means crushing the opposition. And Zero Hedge is reporting that Chinese forces are currently gathering “on Hong Kong’s border”…
Massive anti-Beijing protests which have gripped Hong Kong over the past month, and have become increasingly violent as both an overwhelmed local police force and counter-protesters have hit back with force, are threatening to escalate on a larger geopolitical scale after the White House weighed in this week.
With China fast losing patience, there are new reports of a significant build-up of Chinese security forces on Hong Kong’s border, as Bloomberg reports:
The White House is monitoring what a senior administration official called a congregation of Chinese forces on Hong Kong’s border.
Technically, Hong Kong is considered to be part of China, but it has always been allowed wide latitude to govern itself ever since it was handed over to the Chinese.
But now things could be about to change dramatically, and some are even using the word “invade” to describe what is about to happen. For example, just consider this tweet from Kyle Bass…
If Chinese forces start pouring into Hong Kong, the Trump administration is going to throw a fit. Relations between our two nations are already the worst that they have been since the end of the Korean War, and the situation in Hong Kong could potentially push things over the edge.
In fact, the Chinese have already been placing the blame for the protests in Hong Kong squarely on the U.S. government…
“It’s clear that Mr. Pompeo has put himself in the wrong position and still regards himself as the head of the CIA,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a news briefing. “He might think that violent activities in Hong Kong are reasonable because after all, this is the creation of the U.S.”
China’s position has been to recently declare the protests going “far beyond” what’s legal and “peaceful” amid clashes with police.
We shall see what happens, but this certainly has the potential to push the United States and China much, much closer to conflict.
On top of everything else, North Korea just fired two more missiles into the ocean…
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.
The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea’s east coast, the same area from where last week’s were conducted, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches.
The North Koreans are greatly alarmed by the joint military drills that the U.S. and South Korea will soon be conducting, and whenever they get greatly upset about something they seem to express that displeasure by firing off more missiles.
Yes, President Trump and Kim Jong-Un have been talking, but things remain extremely tense and it wouldn’t take very much at all for a major conflict to erupt on the Korean peninsula.
Without a doubt, we live at a time of “wars and rumors of wars”, and those with discerning eyes can see what is happening.
The chess pieces are slowly being moved into place, and the combatants are almost ready.
Any number of things could ultimately spark World War 3, and once it begins it is going to be nearly impossible to stop.
” In fact, if you showed most Americans a blank map of the world, they couldn’t even pick out Iran, Hong Kong or North Korea.”
I know! They are in Kalifornia! 🙂
Do you know why you can’t get a BJ in Mexico any more?
Because the cooksuckers are all over HERE!
Mr Snyder should research his information a little better. That claim of attacks in Iraq by Israel are false. Just to see what his “sources” were, I clicked through his above link to the UK Express and then clicked on those “sources” to see where they led. HaHaHa…they linked back to the very same article that the links were in..all of them. For the REAL story on these “attacks” go to the Moon of Alabama website. I won’t post a link because the comment goes to moderation for a day or two. But a “journalist” should actually investigate his claims first lest he be accused of spreading fake news like the MSM does. There was no attack by Israeli F-35s on Iranian assets in Iraq.
I found multiple sources. Here’s two.
This at TV7-Israel News:
July 1, 2019
Syrian state media is reporting that Israeli warplanes fired missiles at military positions in Homs and the outskirts of Damascus. According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, both Israeli Air Force jets and naval vessels targeted at least ten Assad regime and Iranian military positions outside of the Syrian capital, including the headquarters of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ 91st Brigade and a military research center. Other struck areas included Hezbollah terror compounds south of Damascus, and ammunition warehouses near Qara, just east of the Lebanese border. According to the Observatory, at least nine soldiers were killed, most of whom were identified as Iranians….
https://www.tv7israelnews.com/idf-allegedly-strikes-iranian-targets-in-syria/
And this one from cufi.org:
(July 1, 2019 / JNS) Israeli warplanes attacked multiple targets in Syria early Monday morning, killing at least nine Syrian and Iranian military personnel and at least six civilians, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Reports indicated tens of wounded.
Israeli jets and naval gunships targeted at least ten sites around Homs and Damascus, as well as the Syrian border with Lebanon, with Syrian air defense forces opening fire on Israeli missiles. Targets included the Jamraya research facility—considered one of the most important research facilities in the country—and Hezbollah and Iranian bases…
https://www.cufi.org/15-killed-in-israeli-strikes-against-iranian-and-hezbollah-targets-in-syria/
Plenty more. But you get the idea.
Ummm…reading comprehension can be your friend. I didn’t say anything about attacks on Syria. I believe those to be true. All I mentioned were the ones on IRAQ. Cheers
Umn, instead of clicking his link, and using a critique of the Brits for bad sourcing to debunk Mr Snyder, do a web search. There’s a LOT of sources covering this news event from all over the world. And while the details (F35 specifically vs “warplane” generally) vary a little, what Mr Snyder put out there appears to be legit.
One development that will most likely raise tensions in the Persian Gulf area is the planned joint naval exercises of Russia and Iran. They will be held in the northern Indian Ocean all the way up to the Gulf of Oman and possibly even through the Straits of Hormuz. That outta get the spit flying from Bolton and Pompeo’s mouths. Expect a tweet storm of threats from the Don should it happen.
I’m kind of a news junkie.
I have read about the things
Snyder writes of.
My conclusions of what I’ve read.
#1 The F35 works pretty good.
They are not saying how well.
#2 The Chinese can stomp Hong Kong into
dust, but it will destroy any goodwill
China has spent so many resources to
earn. So what if they own the Panama
canal? Panama can just take it back.
#3 The NORKs are nut cases.
We may have to write off So. Korea
and let the Japanese do what they do best,
Rape Korean women, and kill Chinese.
The 3 All’s policy.
Future
Let Israel do what it does best.
Hands off on Hong Kong, but
quietly arm Taiwan with Tactical
Nukes.
Secretly arm Japan with
tactical nukes, although
I’m sure they have them already.
Buy what little popcorn America will grow
this year, and some beer.
“The Chinese can stomp Hong Kong into dust, but it will destroy any goodwill China has spent so many resources to
earn.”
Communists, with a huge superiority complex, spent real, literal resources, in order to earn the good will of the wary money interests? This sounds like moving rocks and vegetation into an opportune direction, baiting an animal trap, and lying in wait.
I frequently present to people a bordered but unmarked map of the world and ask them to point out for instance “where is Persia anyway?” The response is nearly universal “who said anything about Persia, Im talking about Iran”. Comical. The bulk of our population today are brain dead and becoming hunchbacks from staring down at, and finger banging their hand pussies all day long.
Even old New York was once New Amsterdam… why’d they change it I cant say, people just liked it better that waaaaaaayyyyy…
Istanbul, not Constantinople….
Now its Istanbul, not Constantinople….
Been a long time gone, Constantinople…
been a turkish delight on a moonlight night!
Build a little birdhouse in your soul……..They Might Be Giants. Boy it’s been years since I’ve heard them. Saw them live once……your use is fitting.
War Pigs
Black Sabbath
Gen’rals gathered in their masses,
Just like witches at black masses
Evil minds that plot destruction,
Sorcerer of death’s construction
In the fields the bodies burning,
As the war machine keeps turning
Death and hatred to mankind,
Poisoning their brainwashed minds
Oh Lord yeah
Politicians hide themselves away
They only started the war
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave that role for the poor, yeah
Time will tell on their power minds,
Making war just for fun
Treating people just like pawns in chess,
Wait ’till their judgement day comes, yeah
Now in darkness world stops turning,
Ashes where the bodies burning
No more War Pigs have the power,
Hand of God has struck the hour
Day of judgement, God is calling
On their knees the war pigs crawling,
Begging mercies for their sins
Satan, laughing, spreads his wings
Oh Lord yeah
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Michael Butler / Ozzy Osbourne / Tony Iommi / William Ward
War Pigs lyrics © T.R.O. Inc
Another song I loved to play on guitar! So true, decades later NOTHING has changed!
Another great song from the future!
Monster
Steppenwolf
Once the religious, the hunted and weary
Chasing the promise of freedom and hope
Came to this country to build a new vision
Far from the reaches of Kingdom and pope
Like good Christians some would burn the witches
Later some got slaves to gather riches
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands, to court the wild
But she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
And once the ties with the crown had been broken
Westward in saddle and wagon it went
And till the railroad linked ocean to ocean
Many the lives which had come to an end
While we bullied, stole and bought a homeland
We began the slaughter of the red man
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
But she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
The Blue and Grey they stomped it
They kicked it just like a dog
And when the war was over
They stuffed it just like a hog
And though the past has its share of injustice
Kind was the spirit in many a way
But its protectors and friends have been sleeping
Now it’s a monster and will not obey
The spirit was freedom and justice
And its keepers seemed generous and kind
Its leaders were supposed to serve the country
But now they won’t pay it no mind
Cause the people grew fat and got lazy
Now their vote is a meaningless joke
They babble about law and order
But it’s all just an echo of what they’ve been told
Yeah, there’s a monster on the loose
It’s got our heads into the noose
And it just sits there watchin’
The cities have turned into jungles
And corruption is stranglin’ the land
The police force is watching the people
And the people just can’t understand
We don’t know how to mind our own business
‘Cause the whole world’s got to be just like us
Now we are fighting a war over there
No matter who’s the winner we can’t pay the cost
‘Cause there’s a monster on the loose
It’s got our heads into the noose
And it just sits there watchin’
America, where are you now
Don’t you care about your sons and daughters
Don’t you know we need you now
We can’t fight alone against the monster
America, where are you now
Don’t you care about your sons and daughters
Don’t you know we need you now
We can’t fight alone against the monster
America…America…America…America…
Source: LyricFind
Monster
Steppenwolf
Once the religious, the hunted and weary
Chasing the promise of freedom and hope
Came to this country to build a new vision
Far from the reaches of Kingdom and pope
Like good Christians some would burn the witches
Later some got slaves to gather riches
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands, to court the wild
But she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
And once the ties with the crown had been broken
Westward in saddle and wagon it went
And till the railroad linked ocean to ocean
Many the lives which had come to an end
While we bullied, stole and bought a homeland
We began the slaughter of the red man
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
But she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
The Blue and Grey they stomped it
They kicked it just like a dog
And when the war was over
They stuffed it just like a hog
And though the past has its share of injustice
Kind was the spirit in many a way
But its protectors and friends have been sleeping
Now it’s a monster and will not obey
The spirit was freedom and justice
And its keepers seemed generous and kind
Its leaders were supposed to serve the country
But now they won’t pay it no mind
Cause the people grew fat and got lazy
Now their vote is a meaningless joke
They babble about law and order
But it’s all just an echo of what they’ve been told
Yeah, there’s a monster on the loose
It’s got our heads into the noose
And it just sits there watchin’
The cities have turned into jungles
And corruption is stranglin’ the land
The police force is watching the people
And the people just can’t understand
We don’t know how to mind our own business
‘Cause the whole world’s got to be just like us
Now we are fighting a war over there
No matter who’s the winner we can’t pay the cost
‘Cause there’s a monster on the loose
It’s got our heads into the noose
And it just sits there watchin’
America, where are you now
Don’t you care about your sons and daughters
Don’t you know we need you now
We can’t fight alone against the monster
America, where are you now
Don’t you care about your sons and daughters
Don’t you know we need you now
We can’t fight alone against the monster
America…America…America…America…
Source: LyricFind
Those that are ready be ready let fools lag behind
Those of you who remember this song and agree are truly friends of mine…
what about those of us who skip over lyrics and cut-n-paste posts?
They can accuse you of being Zionists.
I still have the vinyl album.
He forgot that India and Pakistan are engaged in a hot border conflict that seems to be escalating. Also, Greece and Turkey are squaring off over Cyprus again. Offshore oil and gas seem to be the motivation there.
Attention Sheepleites-
Need good prospects for a central american retirement location that wont get me kidnapped or killed?
GO
NEC, I haven’t been to Central America but from what I’ve heard it MAY be ok in some parts, perhaps Costa Rica, but if you live out in the country there, be prepared to have your house stripped down to the toilets when you leave for a few hours.
Then, once you’re as poor as those around you, you’ll be fine, as you have nothing left to steal.
I and my wife have found a place on the western end of that island in the Caribbean (US) that is beyond bankrupt and went thru a major hurricane in ’17.
Lots of Americans live in this area. But like anywhere, the location is a key factor.
A gated community in Palmas del Mar on the east end is supposed to be very nice but too expensive for us.
Rincon would be a place to look at.
I wish there was more places like you are looking for.
I wanted the far South Pacific but it’s just too remote…Tonga!
Rancho Santa Fe, if I recall, in Nicaragua would be worth a check. It’s a gated community with everything including an airstrip for you to fly in to.
What would the early explorers do about that.
NEC,
My uncle retired to Costa Rica. Lived there over twenty years.
You’ll need to hire locals for security or as Ketchupondemand said you will be striped bare if you leave for an extended period.
He tried to get me to move the Nicaragua and open a video store.
I ended up in Hawaii. If and only if you have cash to buy a home outright, parts of Hawaii are about as third world as you can get, if that is what you are looking for.
But don’t take that as an invitation.
I do think we are heading for World War Three and we are currently in 1938-39 of WWII.
A hot WWWIII has been going on since 2001 but only in a “hipster war” form. Boutique, niche, dainty little cup cakes of war (Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen etc.). Basically this stuff is just target practice: a real-world firing range with some people thrown in because paper targets are so expensive these days ;).
The real fireworks don’t start until October. World War Three needs some serious teams to make it work. China/Russia versus Europe/US. Countries are currently picking their team.
Love your succinct analysis Frank!
And, the Z-word goes into moderation jail…
As an adamant critic of secular, Israeli policies, as well as the rabbis, who contradict eachother, so constantly, there is no functional reason, of which I am aware, for Israel to accept the right to exist, of foreign interests, which do not accept the right of Israel to exist.
I thought Iran’s wind towers were interesting, as a I live in the desert, and their primitive means of refrigeration, and frozen deserts and luxury goods. At least, since the days of Esther, they were a high culture, who could even refine torture to the level of a delicacy, ie. placing the hand on a Damask-embroidered, velvet pillow and playing intricate music while you do it.
M and I both have our druthers, I am sure.
But, I did not use the word, savages.
I’m going off topic but I’ll get a jump on an upcoming thread.
Exclusive: FBI document warns conspiracy theories are a new domestic terrorism threat.
One of the red flags are:
beliefs that, in the words of the FBI document, “attempt to explain events or circumstances as the result of a group of actors working in secret to benefit themselves at the expense of others”
Interestingly US Senator Barry Goldwater said the below about the Trilateral Commission. One would have to assume that such a belief would qualify the Senator, who ran for the Presidency in 1964, for a “look over” for his conspiratorial belief.
“The Trilateralist Commission is international…(and)…is intended to
be the vehicle for multinational consolidation of the commercial and
banking interests by seizing control of the political government of the
United States. The Trilateralist Commission represents a skillful,
coordinated effort to seize control and consolidate the four centers of
power – political, monetary, intellectual, and ecclesiastical.”
Quote by:
Barry Goldwater
(1909-1998) US Senator (R-Arizona)
Source:
in his book “With No Apologies”
thelawdictionary.org/conspiracy/
^^^ I guess it’s ok, when they do it.
“Parallel construction is a law enforcement process of building a parallel—or separate—evidentiary basis for a criminal investigation in order to conceal how an investigation actually began. In the US, a particular form is evidence laundering, where one police officer obtains evidence via means that are in violation of the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and then passes it on to another officer, who builds on it and gets it accepted by the court under the good-faith exception as applied to the second officer. This practice gained support after the Supreme Court’s 2009 Herring v. United States decision.”
If the original premise is proven untrue, we can just call it a parallel construction, until the charges stick.
In reality, I suspect Hong Kong’s protest are nearly identical to Euromaidan. It’s not legit, it’s merely just used to drag the US into a potentially inescapable geopolitical quagmire.
All of the reports of Hong Kong from the MSM, both overseas and in Hong Kong are nonsense and looked almost like Maidan or Anti-Assad coverage, and the only reasonable interpretation is that since Maidan has destroyed Ukraine and made Russia hostile, the Elite are going to invade Hong Kong as well in order to make China hostile as well and effectively provoking the two countries to attack the US and most of the EU. (The UK escapes it for obvious reasons.)
Be noted that both Ukraine and Hong Kong are semi free and are ruled by authorities with known blood on their hands, meaning that they are fodder for these type of color revolution attacks.