Puppet MastersS


Pirates

Ukraine to be first European country to establish diplomatic ties with HTS-led Syria

Tyler Durden
Zero Hedge
Mon, 06 Jan 2025 04:15 UTC
AbuVlod
© zandj/unknownAbu Mohammad al-Jolani • Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukraine is among the first countries in Europe to declare it is working to re-establish diplomatic ties with Damascus and that it will soon recognize post-Assad Syria under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)

President Zelensky in last week's comments made no mention that a US-designated terrorist organization which is an offshoot of al-Qaeda is running things in Damascus, as this is apparently but a minor detail to him. He said:
"We are preparing to renew our diplomatic relations with Syria and our cooperation within international organizations. I want to thank our intelligence for the security framework of these contacts."
The comments followed closely on the heels of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visiting Syria to meet with HTS officials, including the jihadist group's head Abu Mohammad al-Jolani.

The Ukrainian government has long acknowledged that it provided drone and intelligence support for months to the originally Idlib-based HTS.

Comment: Vlod has found his inspiration, aspiration and doppelgänger.

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Stormtrooper

UK Special Forces Whistleblowers: SAS Had 'Golden Pass' To Murder Unarmed Afghans

Tyler Durden
ZeroHedge
Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:32 UTC
british soldiers
© Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via JusticeInfo.netBritish soldiers on a night raid in Helmand Province, Afghanistan
Veterans of British special forces operations in Afghanistan have shared with a public inquiry their concerns that noncombatants -- including juveniles under 16 -- were regularly murdered in raids targeting Taliban fighters. One senior officer said the elite soldiers had a "golden pass allowing them to get away with murder."

Launched by the Ministry of Defence in December 2022, the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan was sparked by a BBC documentary that concluded that members of one elite Special Air Service (SAS) unit killed 54 people under questionable circumstances in just six months, with a great many slain after surrendering to detention.

The soldiers giving testimony to the inquiry did not assert they witnessed murderous killings themselves. However, defense ministry documents show that several special forces officers in 2011 had declared their concerns that the SAS seemed to be routinely executing Afghans, with one writing that the SAS and murder were "regular bedfellows."
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Eye 2

FBI Is Still Hiding Details of Russiagate, Newly Released Document Shows

Aaron Maté
RealClear Wire
Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:21 UTC
trump
© The White House from Washington, DC, Wikimedia Commons
As Donald Trump re-enters the White House on a pledge to end national security state overreach, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is still hiding critical details on the Russia conspiracy investigation that engulfed his first term.

In response to a Freedom of Information request filed by RealClearInvestigations in August 2022, the FBI on Dec. 31, more than two years later, released a heavily redacted copy of the document that opened an explosive and unprecedented counterintelligence probe of the sitting president as an agent of the Russian government.

The Electronic Communication, dated May 16, 2017, claimed to have an "articulable factual basis" to suspect that Trump "wittingly or unwittingly" was illegally acting on behalf of Russia, and accordingly posing "threats to the national security of the United States." The FBI's "goal," it added, was "to determine if President Trump is or was directed by, controlled by, and/or coordinated activities with, the Russian Federation." It additionally sought to uncover whether Trump and unnamed "others" obstructed "any associated FBI investigation" - a reference to Crossfire Hurricane, the initial FBI inquiry into the Trump campaign's suspected cooperation with an alleged Russian interference plot in the 2016 election.
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Snakes in Suits

FBI "afraid" Trump will "re-examine" shady conduct says Victor Davis Hanson


ZeroHedge
Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:00 UTC
victor david hanson fbi pipe bomber jan 6
© DCNF/RumbleVictor David Hanson (L) and a still from security video of the still unidentified Jan 6 pipe bomber
Victor Davis Hanson said on Monday that he thinks the FBI is "afraid" of the incoming Trump administration over the possibility that their shady dealings will be 're-examined.'

Speaking with Fox News on Monday about new evidence released of a suspect in the DC pipe bomb case, the Hoover Institution Senior Fellow told host Laura Ingraham;

"I think they're afraid the narrative changed over the four years, and they were afraid to release any information during the election. Now they feel that there's a new administration and there might be some exposure or culpability. They're afraid that if they were Donald Trump and they had suffered what they did to him, they would be very frightened the way they think," adding "So they think Donald Trump is going to re-examine a lot of this."

Comment: The FBI cover-up investigation of the pipe bomber has been almost farcical.

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Newspaper

Greenland leader calls for independence from Denmark as Trump enters

Ashleigh Fields
The Hill
Fri, 03 Jan 2025 09:06 UTC
Greenland Prime Minister Múte Egede
© naalakkersuisut.glGreenland Prime Minister Múte Egede
Greenland Prime Minister Múte Egede announced a desire to obtain independence from Denmark in the wake of President-elect Trump's comments about buying the island territory.

"The Greenlandic people's opportunity for independence has been adopted through the provisions of the Self-Government Act, thereby creating a legal basis for how independence can be achieved," Egede said in a Wednesday speech in honor of the new year.

"A draft constitution for our country has also been prepared," he said. "Work has already begun with regard to creating the framework for Greenland as an independent state within the possibilities and provisions of the Self-Government Act."

Comment:
A Greenlandic media, Sermitsiaq.ag reported:
Warm but reserved welcome to Trump Jr.
Donald Trump Jr and Jorgen Boassen
© Jensine BerthelsenIt was Jørgen Boassen who invited Donald Trump Jr. welcome when he arrived in Nuuk.
Published Tuesday 07 Jan 2025 16:45
Author Jensine Berthelsen

There were several Greenlandic Trump supporters and other curious citizens at Nuuk's airport to welcome Donald Trump Jr. when he landed in Nuuk on Tuesday. It was the Trump supporter Jørgen Boassen who welcomed him, while the official Greenland was absent.

The Greenlandic and Danish politicians are probably working overtime in relation to the American courtship of Greenland.

If the citizens that Sermitsiaq spoke to at the airport can in any way be representative of how informed Greenlandic society is about what is going on right over their heads, then the Greenlandic population probably does not feel fully prepared to take position on the country's future in relation to what is now, but also in relation to what may happen in the future.

Because even though Donald Trump Jr. plays down his visit to Greenland, there is a very special reason for the visit, namely that his father, the future US president, has decided that the US should own and control Greenland. And just the fact that he sends his son to visit clearly shows how high the matter is on the future president's agenda.

- Denmark has treated us badly
Malo Reimer, who has chosen to wear a MAGA cap on today's occasion, would very much like to know what the purpose of Trump's courtship is.

Although he shows signs through the cap that he is happy for Trump, he is still neither for nor against Trump:

- I find it difficult to assess the matter, so I am neither for nor against Trump, but I am excited about what development we are heading towards, says Malo Reimer.

But if you were given a choice between continuing to belong to Denmark or coming under the United States, which would you choose?

- If we look in the rearview mirror and see how Denmark has treated us, then we have to take a step further, and if the Americans want to cooperate with us in an orderly and equal manner, it may be an option. I say this because evidence is still emerging of how Denmark has treated us, and just by looking at how our Naalakkersuisut are treated by the Danish government, it shows that there is no equality.

Does this mean that you are leaning towards the USA as Greenland's future affiliation?

- I can't answer that, at this time, we also have to be aware of how our cousins ​​in Alaska have been treated, their language and Inuit culture has largely disappeared, so we shouldn't say yes to anything, but if they want to treat us equally, then yes!

- Unbelievable but true!
Inutsiaq Lassen Kramer cannot really relate to the American courtship, as there are no concrete things to relate to at this time:

- It is unbelievable that Donald Trump Jr. now lands here in Greenland, but it is true, and we will probably have to deal with it, now that we have seen with our own eyes that there is actually something to it.

You are young and have your whole life ahead of you, what is your opinion on Greenland's future, should it continue to be with Denmark or should it be with the United States?

- I find it difficult to answer that, but I am more inclined towards continued cooperation with Denmark, answers Inutsiaq Lassen Kramer.

- It's exciting
Inuuteq Aronsen also finds it difficult to relate to what is happening between Greenland, the United States and Denmark at the moment.

But he has gone to the airport to welcome Donald Trump Jr. to Greenland:

- It is exciting to have a visit from America. But I have a hard time relating to it, as I don't really follow what's going on.

But if it were up to you, what should Greenland focus on?

-UNITED STATES!

Does that mean you would like to see our country as part of the United States?

-Yes!

Satisfied with the cooperation with Denmark
Only this morning, Anna Heilmann found out that Donald Trump Jr. was going to land in Nuuk, and she and her colleagues chose to go to the airport to follow the course of the battle.

- It is only this morning that I heard that he was on his way to Greenland, and when my colleagues wanted to go to the airport, I chose to go with him, so I could see Donald Trump Jr. for myself.

What do you think about the USA's rapprochement with Greenland?

- We have previously heard that Trump wanted to buy Greenland, but even though I could be tempted to think it is ok, I do not know under what conditions it would have to happen, so I do not know how to answer the question.

If you had to decide, how would Greenland react to the rapprochements?

- I am satisfied with the cooperation with Denmark, while I find it difficult to imagine how Greenland could come under the United States, so it is too early for me to assess what is best for Greenland.

Greenland's probably biggest Trump fan: - We must learn to understand Trump's signals
Jørgen Boassen is probably Greenland's biggest and most visible Trump fan. He has long since been preoccupied with Trump's inner circle. This can be seen by the fact that it was he who welcomed Donald Trump Jr. to the country in national costume, and by the fact that you can immediately see that there is deep familiarity between Junior and Boassen.

At first glance, one would think that Boassen is in favor of Greenland coming under the United States, but he clearly expresses that his mission is a closer cooperation with the United States and not a relationship of dependence on the world's greatest power:

'The United States will not own Greenland, because we do it ourselves, but they can cooperate with us, and I think it is very important that we pave the way for closer and greater cooperation in the future, because about 75 percent of the country's population is suffering and there is a need for the restoration of our country. It is therefore very important that we constantly develop and maintain cooperative relations, especially with the United States.

But the future president wants to own and control Greenland?

- It is a natural wish from Trump, because Greenland is part of the North American continent, and in this context, Trump wants to keep foreign powers outside Greenland, especially China and Russia, and that is his message. The man has a very sharp brain, and that means that you have to learn to understand his messages.

But what do you think should happen in relation to the USA's rapprochements?

- It is entirely up to the Greenlandic population.

But in relation to your opinion?

- It is necessary that the offer is thoroughly investigated, what opportunities it entails, but what we do know is that we cannot afford to lose such a great opportunity for cooperation and protection of our country. For example, Denmark has cooperated with the United States for more than 75 years, and for many years, Denmark has gone over the head of Greenland to the United States to negotiate about Greenland. Now we are a society that wants to move on, and we are mature enough to make important and decisive decisions ourselves, and we should stand by that by acting.

'Now the United States is addressing Greenland directly and not through Denmark, and that opportunity is too important not to act. We have never had this opportunity before, because the changing presidents of the United States, especially the democratic presidents of the United States, have over the years addressed Denmark and not to us directly, and the Danes have a great tendency to see us as a paralyzed society, which is not true.

Jørgen Boassen concludes with an appeal for the entire Greenlandic society to stand together, even though there may be differences of opinion, he believes that by standing together, Greenland can achieve far greater benefits for the country.

- For example, I am not a Harris fan, but I do not use my energy to disparage those I do not agree with. We in Greenlandic society should learn to lower our guard and think more about the country's well-being. Because again, 75 percent of the population suffers in this country, and we must lift them up so that we can ensure a united and strengthened country for future generations.
See also:

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Magic Wand

Russia, Trump, and the West: Is there a miracle cure for the Ukraine conflict?

Sergey Poletaev
RT
Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:28 UTC
soldier
© Slanislav Krasilnikov/Sputnik/File PhotoEyes on the Horizon
Kiev caught between Western uncertainty and Moscow's resolve...

Hints about peace talks on Ukraine began last summer, and now preparations appear almost official. Many pin their hopes on Donald Trump, but there is little reason to believe the incoming American president can guarantee success.

The proposed sequence — first a ceasefire, then peace talks — echoes countless regional conflicts of the 20th century, where external actors pressured warring parties into ceasefires. These often led to latent, smoldering wars with periodic escalations, occasionally involving peacekeepers.

In Ukraine, this approach would only work if the cost of the conflict to Moscow outweighed the cost of a ceasefire. So far, this is not the case. Negotiations will likely occur against the backdrop of continued or even escalating hostilities.

However, the main problem remains the West's inability to commit. This makes a full-fledged peace treaty between Russia, the US, and Western Europe unlikely in the coming years. Still, a more or less lasting peace in Ukraine is possible — without Western guarantees.

Comment: There are only two official adversaries. US/NATO should collect their broken toys, close their leaky wallets, shut up and stay home.

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Revolver

In the Jan 6 killing of Ashli Babbitt, a double-standard on cop misconduct

Brian McGlinchey
Starkrealities.substack.com
Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00 UTC
Babbitt
© UnknownAshli Babbitt • Jan 6, 2021
Public opinion on wrongful use of deadly force warped by animus against the victim.

Contrary to exaggerated, partisan rhetoric that frames the Jan 6, 2021 Capitol Hill riot as a "deadly insurrection," the truth is that only one homicide occurred that day. The victim, an unarmed Trump supporter, was shot and killed by a police officer with a history of irresponsible handling of firearms, who opted against a nonlethal response to an act of trespassing, and who fired his weapon in the absence of any imminent threat of death or serious injury to himself or others in his vicinity.

US Capitol Police (USCP) Lieutenant Michael Byrd's killing of Ashli Babbitt came just six months after George Floyd's death under the knee of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, an incident that sparked outrage, widespread calls for police reform, and nationwide rioting. In the case of Babbitt's killing, however, the collective reaction from the American left and major media at best amounted to an indifferent shrug. Worse, many reflexively heralded Byrd as a hero and viewed Babbitt as a deserving recipient of the bullet that perforated her trachea and lung.

The contrast illustrates how partisan framing short-circuits people's ability to uniformly and objectively apply principles to the facts before them. Put another way, an intellectually honest person can reject Babbitt's politics, condemn her unlawful conduct on Jan. 6 and rightly conclude that she was the victim of an unjustified police shooting.

Comment: Beyond the tragedy of Ashli Babbitt, it is the blurring of responsibility, unravelling parameters of power, nefarious motives and utter incompetence that determine future protections and regard for the public.

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Brick Wall

Blinken estimates Ukraine's chances of regaining ground


RT
Sun, 05 Jan 2025 00:41 UTC
ZelBlink
© Brandan Smialowski/Pool/APUkraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky • US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Kiev will maintain its claims to lost territory no matter what, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.

Ukraine is unlikely to regain any territory in the foreseeable future, outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has admitted in an interview with the New York Times, published on Saturday.

The statement comes as Russian forces are pushing forward in the Donbass, moving to cut off the key Ukrainian logistical hub of Pokrovsk. Kiev is unlikely to shift the tide of battle and change the situation on the ground soon, Blinken said.
"Where the line is drawn on the map at this point, I don't think is fundamentally going to change very much. Nevertheless, Ukraine's claim to lost territory will always, always be there."
And the question is, will they find ways, with the support of others, to regain territory that's been lost?

An enduring ceasefire would require Ukraine to improve its deterrence, potentially by receiving international security guarantees or by being given "a path to NATO membership," Blinken said.

The US hasn't seen an opportunity to diplomatically engage with Russia "in a way that could end the war on just and durable terms," he claimed.


Comment: That is not for the US to state nor make. It is entirely the responsibility of Ukraine.


Comment: Blinken is stalling. If the US wants war with Russia badly enough, it will give NATO membership to Ukraine. This mess to sort out will be Trump's.

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Whistle

US Steel boss accuses Biden of corruption


RT
Sat, 04 Jan 2025 13:26 UTC
Biden
© Kevin Dietsch/Getty ImagesUS President Joe Biden
The CEO of US Steel Corporation, David Burritt, has accused outgoing US President Joe Biden of undermining the country's economic standing through a "politically corrupt" decision to block the planned acquisition of the steelmaker by Japan's Nippon Steel.

The planned takeover, which was agreed to back in December 2023, would have entailed the Japanese company shelling out around $14.1 billion and assuming around $800 million in debt.

In a statement on Friday, Burritt charged that "President Biden's action today is shameful and corrupt." The US Steel CEO claimed that the White House's spurning of the Japanese company's overtures had insulted a "vital economic and national security ally" and "put American competitiveness at risk."

According to Burritt, the fact that the merger has fallen through plays into the hands of Chinese steel giants.

"Biden did it all while refusing to even meet with us to learn the facts," the US Steel boss fumed, insisting that his company intends to "fight President Biden's political corruption."

Comment: The Biden Family Crime Cartel has long and strong 'businessy' connections to China. Burritt has time on his side to retry. Biden does not.

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Question

2025: A year of uncertainty ahead as the old world order crumbles

Vitaly Ryumshin
RT
Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:52 UTC
Cards2025
© Dasha Zaitseva/Gazeta.RuWhat's in the cards?
The past year has been a "turning point," but the next 12 months will bring even more upheaval.

The year 2024 has ended, marking a watershed moment in global politics. Half the world's population cast their votes over 12 tumultuous months, against a backdrop of unprecedented events in Europe and the Middle East. For better or worse, last year redrew the political map.

The decline of the Western establishment

Elections across the West revealed that the old elites - the architects of the first quarter of the 21st century - are losing their grip. For the first time in decades, they failed to sell an inspiring vision of the future. Faced with the risk of losing power, they compromised their own principles, resorting to undemocratic tactics, such as as censoring media outlets and using legal means to stymie opponents.

In some cases, these efforts resulted in humiliating defeats; in others, they barely clung to power, but at great reputational cost. The liberal democratic model, once cherished by the United States and Western Europe, now stands weakened and questioned.

This reckoning in the West has had ripple effects elsewhere. Post-Soviet countries, long looking to the West for security and direction, are now reevaluating their options. The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated that neither America nor Western Europe will fight for them. For many, the lesson is clear: they must seek alternative guarantees for their safety.

Comment: The global sands are dramatically shifting...but to where?

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