Dear gentle readers: Apologies for a somewhat ragged Coffee Break today. Traveling in Scotland and time has been taken up with details (all good) along with a few unexpected disconnects (as in stuff happens). Part the First: Scientists to the Rescue? Economic growth is not the answer to any of our problems in this finite […]
Friday, May 15, 2026
South Korea Will Remain a Key Part of the US’ Chinese Containment Plans
The US hopes South Korea and Japan will join AUKUS+ to advance its China containment schemes.
Washington Is Closer Than Ever to Pulling Off Its 66-Year Dream of Regime Change in Cuba
The fact that the head of the CIA is in Havana meeting with senior government figures suggests that things could be about to move — and possibly break — very quickly.
Iran War: Trump in China, Ship Seized in the Strait, War Powers Vote Comes This Close, Saudis Make Peaceward Moves
Trump was in China, but that didn’t stop Iran from seizing and sinking ships, the Saudis are wheeling and dealing for peace, and a War Powers vote almost passed.
Ready or Not, AI Government is Already Here
AI’s reach in government services is already bigger than most realize and is set to grow considerably.
Spanish Politics Take the International Stage: Pedro Sanchez vs. Isabel Ayuso
Spanish politics enters the global stage in Mexico. A clash of progressives vs. conservatives where many have underestimated Pedro Sanchez
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa: How They Stack Up on Reusing Waste
BRICS members have a lot to teach each other, and the advanced world, about waste reuse.
Iran War: Tanker War Lite as Trump Comes Even More Unglued and Real Economy Damage Becomes More Visible
Today’s Iran war update: The contest over control of the Strait of Hormuz continues as Congresscritters and the press tally war costs.
China’s Real Estate Reckoning: Lessons from Japan’s Lost Decade
China is still suffering a real estate bubble hangover, with a lot of symptoms similar to Japan’s deflation.
‘Hands Off Our Pensions’: Belgian Workers Take to the Streets in General Strike Against Austerity Measures
The latest national strike in a series over a year and a half against policies that a union leader said will heighten inequality and poverty
Coffee Break: Epstein Class All-In on Massie Primary But Do Midterms Matter?
$10 million is being spent in a single primary as Congress abdicates its constitutional role and efforts to manipulate the midterms escalate.
The Russian Triad Is Now on the Same Page Regarding Southern-Emanating Threats from NATO
The most powerful Russian agencies consider how to respond to the risk of a NATO-instigated three-front proxy war.
