MTQ News

Mikhail Gorbachev, who as the last leader of the Soviet Union waged a losing battle to salvage a crumbling empire but produced extraordinary reforms that led to the end of the Cold War, has died at 91, Russian media reported. https://t.co/iPtm92Nszm — The Associated Press (@AP) August 30, 2022 The Soviet leader who helped end the Cold War Mikhail Gorbachev has died aged 91 https://t.co/uYwN4O0V41 — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) August 30, 2022 Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has called for an end to protests in Baghdad after the capital saw its worst violence in years, resulting in the death of 22 people https://t.co/7qSutz8pIF pic.twitter.com/6BYPOtgXry — Reuters (@Reuters) August 30, 2022 Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard seized and later released an American sea drone Tuesday in the Persian Gulf, officials said. It’s the first time Iran has targeted the 5th Fleet’s new drone task force and comes amid heightened tensions with the U.S. https://t.co/x5Onyaq

OilPrice.com: Iran Is Ready To Release Millions Of Barrels Of Oil Into The Market   Iran has considerable volumes of oil in floating storage that it could quickly release should a deal with the United States be finalized.  In an update earlier this month, OilX claimed that Iran has some 40 million barrels, the bulk of which is probably condensate.  Vortexa estimates Iranian crude in floating storage at 60 to 70 million barrels while Kpler has estimated them at 93 million barrels, Bloomberg reported on Sunday.   Read more ....   Update #1: Iran ready to send 93m barrels of oil into market post sanctions: report -- Tehran Times  Update #2: Iran May Drain Offshore Oil Cache If Nuclear Deal Reached -- Bloomberg   WNU Editor: A massive release of this oil onto world markets will result in a major decrease in oil prices for the short term.  So why the offer now?  I see this as an attempt by Iran to push the Biden administration to agree to Tehran's terms to reach a deal,

  Middle East Eye : Iraq: Sadr followers end protests after cleric calls on them to withdraw   Military ends nationwide curfew after influential cleric entreats supporters to retreat from Baghdad's Green Zone and apologises for violence   Supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr, carrying guns and driving tuk-tuk vehicles, have begun withdrawing from Baghdad's Green Zone after the influential Shia cleric called on Tuesday for them to end their actions.  Following the move, the Iraqi military's Joint Operations Command said it had been decided to lift the nationwide curfew in the capital Baghdad and other provinces, following two days of violence.  During a news conference in Najaf, Sadr ordered his followers to end their protests, sparked by his withdrawal from politics on Monday, and apologised to Iraqis after 28 people were killed in clashes.   Read more ....  Iraqi Cleric Sadr Calls On Followers To End Their Protests And To Withdraw   Iraqis heed cleric’s plea to leave s

  CNBC: Worst is yet to come: Economist Stephen Roach says U.S. needs ‘miracle’ to avoid recession   Negative economic growth in the year’s first half may be a foreshock to a much deeper downturn that could last into 2024.  Stephen Roach, who served as chair of Morgan Stanley Asia, warns the U.S. needs a “miracle” to avoid a recession.  “We’ll definitely have a recession as the lagged impacts of this major monetary tightening start to kick in,” Roach told CNBC’s “Fast Money” on Monday. “They haven’t kicked in at all right now.”   Read more ....   Update: Johns Hopkins economist predicts ‘whopper’ of a recession in 2023 — and points to one key economic reading the Fed is missing (Fortune)   WNU Editor : I have been a follower of John Hopkins economist Steve Hankey for years. I have found his predictions on interest rates to be always correct, and his "Hanke-Cofnas Gold Sentiment Score" is a must go place for those who like gold ( link here ). His twitter account is

World fossil fuel energy consumption per capita, based on data of BP’s 2022 Statistical Review of World Energy.   OilPrice.com: The World’s Energy Problem Is Far Worse Than We’re Being Told   * Citizens around the world can sense that something is very wrong, and it looks like the economy may be headed for a serious recession in the near term.  * The operation of our economy requires energy of the correct type and the right quantity.  * The International Energy Agency and politicians around the world have recommended a transition to the use of renewables to try to prevent climate change for quite a few years.  No politician wants to tell us the real story of fossil fuel depletion. The real story is that we are already running short of oil, coal and natural gas because the direct and indirect costs of extraction are reaching a point where the selling price of food and other basic necessities needs to be unacceptably high to make the overall economic system work. At the same time,

France has warned companies they may have to ration energy this winter. Pictured: A cooling tower is seen at one of France's nuclear power plants. France generates some 70 percent of its electricity from a fleet of 56 nuclear reactors, 32 are currently offline either for routine maintenance or to evaluate corrosion risks  Daily Mail: France warns it may have to RATION energy this winter   * Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne urged French businesses to reduce consumption  * She said the government was already drawing up contingency plans  * One such plan included a 'quota trading system' to allow companies to buy and sell power quotas. Government is also preparing support measures  * Gas prices have surged in Europe as Russia squeezes its supply over Ukraine war  * France is more sheltered, thanks to a fleet of 56 nuclear reactors. 32 are offline  France has warned companies they may have to ration energy this winter as Russia continues to squeeze its supply to Europe,

  Daily Mail: Commander in charge of Afghanistan withdrawal says he warned Biden NOT to take out all troops and keep a small force of 2,500 and blames Joe and Trump for the chaos in Kabul   * Gen. Frank McKenzie has retired since overseeing the Afghanistan withdrawal  * In an interview Sunday to mark the anniversary, he said he advised against exit  * He said the U.S. should have left a small force to prop up Kabul government  * And he said the departure was a rare source of agreement for Biden and Trump  * 'So we had a continuity of objective across two administrations that really allowed the events that occurred to occur in the manner that they did,' he said  Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander who oversaw the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, on Sunday laid the blame for the Taliban takeover with Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden and their mistaken decision to remove all troops from the country. Tuesday marks the first anniversary of the last American so

Ukrainian soldiers fire 2S7 Pion self-propelled guns in Ukraine's Donetsk region on August 26.  RT: Ukraine’s counter-offensive attempt has failed – Russia   Kiev’s troops suffered great losses in a failed attack ordered by president Zelensky towards Kherson, Moscow says   Ukraine’s much-heralded “counter-offensive” in Kherson has “failed miserably,” the Russian Defense Ministry insisted on Monday, listing estimated losses suffered by Kiev during the operation.  Ukrainian forces had attempted to attack in three directions on orders of President Vladimir Zelensky but made no gains, Moscow explained.   Read more ....   Update: Crimea head says statements that Ukrainian forces are on offensive in south are false (TASS)   WNU Editor : The narrative from Kyiv is different .... Ukraine Claims Breakthroughs Made Against Russian Forces In Southern Offensive (RFE). As to what is my take. We will know more in the coming days if this counter-offensive is successful or not. fro

  BBC: Buildings stormed after Moqtada al-Sadr, Iraqi political leader, retires   One of Iraq's most powerful figures, who has been at the centre of a long crisis over forming a government, says he is retiring from political life.  Moqtada al-Sadr, a firebrand Shia cleric with millions of followers, announced his decision on Twitter.  Several people were reported killed in clashes after his supporters stormed the presidential palace.  Hundreds have been camped outside parliament for weeks after previously storming it in protest at the deadlock.  Mr Sadr's announcement comes two days after he called for all parties and figures involved in political life following the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq to quit.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: It looks like a full implosion of the Iraqi government is now underway .... Full Implosion Overnight In 'Green Zone' As Baghdad Threatens To Become Next Kabul (Zero Hedge).  Iraq In Chaos After Political Leader Moqtada al-Sad

Holes in the roof of a building at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on August 29, 2022. Satellite image ©2022 Maxar Technologies.  Insider: Satellite images show holes in the roof of a building at the Ukrainian nuclear power plant Russian troops have been using as a shield   * New satellite images show damage to the roof of a building at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.  * The plant in southern Ukraine, which is Europe's biggest, has been occupied by Russia for months.  * It has also been the site of recent fighting, which has led watchdog agencies to voice concern.  Satellite images published on Monday show local fires and damage to a building at southern Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which occupying Russian troops have been using as a shield.  One image captured by Maxar Technologies and obtained by Insider shows a handful of holes in the roof of a building at the power plant, which has suffered damage from fires and explosions amid on

  BBC: Ukraine war: UN team leaves for Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant   An inspection team from the UN nuclear watchdog is on its way to Ukraine's embattled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the organisation's head said.  Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the team was expected to arrive at the plant later this week.  "We must protect the safety and security of Ukraine's and Europe's biggest nuclear facility," he tweeted.  The nuclear plant has been occupied by invading Russian troops since March. Fighting around the facility in Ukraine's south-east has led to mounting global concern over the safety and security of the site.  Ukraine and Russia have accused one another of shelling the area.  Read more ....   WNU Editor: Satellite images show how close the Ukrainian shelling is to the power plant (see picture below). This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows bush fires outside of

  BBC : Three off-duty Dutch commandos shot outside hotel in Indianapolis   Three Dutch commandos, who were in the US for training, have been shot and wounded outside a hotel in the city of Indianapolis while off duty.  The incident occurred at around 03:30 on Saturday local time in the city's entertainment district.  Indianapolis police say officers found the three men with gunshot wounds and they were taken to nearby hospitals.  The Dutch defence ministry said one of the men was in a critical condition and that the other two were conscious.   Read more ....  Three Off-Duty Dutch Commandos On Urban Conflict Training Wounded In Shooting Outside Hotel  3 Dutch commandos on urban conflict training in Indiana shot and wounded outside Indianapolis hotel -- Business Insider   Dutch commandos wounded in shooting outside Indiana hotel -- Reuters   Three Dutch commandos wounded in shooting outside US hotel -- The Guardian   Three off-duty Dutch commandos shot outside Indian

USS Antietam Wikicommons, US Navy © Wikicommons, US Navy USS Chancellorsville Wikicommons, US navy © Wikicommons, US Navy  Business Insider: US warships sail through the disputed Taiwan Strait for the first time since controversial Pelosi visit   * The US Navy has confirmed two US missile cruisers passed through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday.  * It comes just weeks after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made her controversial visit to Taiwan.  * China said it was monitoring US naval movements and was ready to "thwart any provocation."  Two US warships sailed through the disputed Taiwan Strait on Sunday.  It comes just weeks after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made her controversial visit to Taiwan despite warnings from China, raising tensions between Beijing, the US, and Taiwan. She was the most senior US leader to visit the island in more than 25 years.  Announcing the operation, the US Navy released a statement saying the guided missile cruisers, the USS Antietam and USS Ch

HMS Prince of Wales set sail from Portsmouth on Saturday. Pic: Royal Navy   SKY News : UK's biggest warship, HMS Prince of Wales, breaks down off south coast shortly after setting sail for US   The 65,000-tonne vessel is said to have suffered a "significant technical fault" - with unconfirmed reports about damage to the starboard propeller shaft.   The UK's biggest warship has broken down off the south coast shortly after setting sail on what had been billed as a "landmark mission" to the United States.  HMS Prince of Wales, the second of the Royal Navy's two aircraft carriers, was experiencing an "emerging mechanical issue", a spokesperson said. The problem is being investigated.  The £3bn carrier, which became fully operational only last year, is reportedly anchored south east of the Isle of Wight while the investigation is carried out.   Read more ....  WNU Editor : The HMS Prince of Wales only became fully operational last year. 

  WNU Editor: Another must see report form the Military Summary channel. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/1cBZ7bJ via IFTTT

from War News Updates https://ift.tt/Df7vIyY via IFTTT

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 28 August 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/WfWw8IS4aT 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/Y9UN7RpEbL — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) August 28, 2022 Russia and Ukraine have traded claims of rocket and artillery strikes at or near Europe's largest nuclear power plant, intensifying fears that the fighting could cause a massive radiation leak. https://t.co/KR2MBsy0gz — The Associated Press (@AP) August 28, 2022 International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors are expected to go to the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia power plant “in the next few days.” https://t.co/utTAvkzSeq — CNN International (@cnni) August 28, 2022 Germany's foreign minister has vowed to support Ukraine "financially and militarily" even if the war endures for years. https://t.co/8H2Rhd7Fp1 — DW News (@dwnews) August 28, 2022 EU's Borrell: visa ban for all Russians wo

Floods in Pakistan have affected more than 30 million people. Officials blame the devastation on human-driven climate change, saying the country is unfairly bearing the brunt of irresponsible global environmental practices — others are calling out the government's poor planning. pic.twitter.com/92JKshFUHY — DW News (@dwnews) August 28, 2022 UN calls for Libya ceasefire after deadly clashes https://t.co/y4ODLlgPyS — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) August 28, 2022 Taliban accuses Pakistan of allowing U.S. drones to use its airspace https://t.co/LxbvTfdXwF pic.twitter.com/ABii2gBseL — Reuters (@Reuters) August 28, 2022 Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner: Protesters and police clash near Argentina vice-president's home https://t.co/TnSmtdWTbm — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) August 28, 2022 The U.S. Navy is sailing two warships through the Taiwan Strait in the first such transit publicized since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan earlier in August. https://t.co/uO

According to information released by the United States Department of Defense on August 24, 2022, American Company L3Harris will provide its "Vampire" counter-drone system to the Ukrainian armed forces. Read full Defense News at this link ... L3Harris Vampire counter-drone system can be easily integrated into a light tactical vehicle. (Picture source Twiter account Gregory Knowles) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/o6UMmzN via IFTTT

According to information published by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) on August 24, 2022, American company AM General LLC, South Bend, Indiana, was awarded a $732,741,016 modification contract for the production of High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle Expanded Capacity Vehicle (HMMWV ECV) variants for U.S. army. Read full Defense News at this link ... Air National Guard members from the 219th Security Forces squadron take cover behind High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicles during an exercise at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 10, 2022. (Picture source U.S. DoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/b4ZRhOS via IFTTT

According to information published by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) on August 26, 2022, American company Raytheon Co., Tewksbury, Massachusetts, was awarded a $182,295,333 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) for Ukraine. Read full Defense News at this link ... Launcher unit of the NASAMS air defense missile system. (Picture source Wikimedia) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/fb7uOa8 via IFTTT

According to information on the Twitter account of the Polish Minister of Defense on August 26, 2022, Poland signs contracts with the South Korean defense industry for an amount of US$5.76 billion including the delivery of 180 K2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) with a delivery from 2022 to 2025. Read full Defense News at this link ... Scale model of K2PL main battle tank displayed at MSPO defense exhibition in Poland, September 2021. (Picture source Army Recognition) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/jYB35sq via IFTTT

FOX News: Biden admin creates Arctic region ambassador position to counter climate change, geopolitical threats   The State Department said a 'peaceful' Arctic region is of 'critical strategic importance' to the United States  The Biden administration has announced plans to establish a new ambassador-at-large position to represent the Arctic region amid growing geopolitical tensions with two other large players in the area, China and Russia.  "To further American interests and cooperation with Allies and partners in the Arctic, and after extensive consultations with Members of Congress, local and federal government officials, and external stakeholders, the President plans to elevate the Arctic Coordinator position by appointing an Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate," the State Department wrote in a press release on Friday.   Read more ....   WNU Editor : Russia is spending billions in the Arctic.

  CNN: At least 23 people dead, 140 injured in violent clashes between rival militias in Libyan capital of Tripoli   CNN — At least 23 people have died and 140 been injured in violent clashes between rival Libyan militias across the country’s capital of Tripoli, the Libyan Ministry of Health said Saturday.  Intense fighting erupted in the capital overnight as rival factions exchanged intense gunfire and several loud explosions resounded across the city.  Pictures and videos circulating on social media show the extent of the clashes with dozens of buildings, including residential ones, destroyed and several cars smashed and burned.  Libya has been split between warring factions since 2014, following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising against Moammar Gadhafi.   Read more ....  Deadly Clashes Between Militias Shake Libya's Capital   Deadly battles erupt across Tripoli, raising fears of wider Libya war -- Reuters   Clashes erupt in Libyan capital, amid fears of a return to civ

Responsible Statecraft: Biden to name a US military operation for Ukraine   Amid the news about the admin’s multi-year weapons investment, a general will be appointed for a separate command, too. Two things that point to the notion that Washington is supporting a long war in Ukraine, and truly doesn’t think there will be a diplomatic solution or cessation of violence there anytime soon: one, the $3 billion in recently announced military transfers is a “multi-year military investment” including weapons that won’t be available via defense contractors for at least three years.  Secondly, a little nugget dropped on us Wednesday night: Biden plans on “naming ” the U.S. military assistance mission in Ukraine and making it a separate command with its own general. You know, like Operation Desert Storm, Operation Gothic Serpent, Operation Uphold Democracy, or Operation Unified Protector. We can expect the name, when it comes, will be heavy on the righteous benefactor angle, softer on the sw

  WNU Editor : Russia continues to grind down Ukraine forces in the Donbas. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/5dxiKDu via IFTTT

Defense Minister Benny Gantz meets with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan in Washington DC, August 26, 2022. (Yossi Mai/Defense Ministry)   Times Of Israel: US hints to Gantz it’s preparing military option against Iran, Israeli official says   Senior official says Washington meeting with Jake Sullivan ‘positive’ despite defense minister raising Israeli objections to emerging nuclear deal   Defense Minister Benny Gantz told US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Friday that Israel “needs” the US to have a credible military option against Iran, a senior Israeli official said to reporters Friday, amid reports of an emerging renewed nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and world powers.  According to the defense official, Israel received “good hints” with regard to the US having a working offensive plan against Iran. He did not elaborate, but said it that would potentially ensure Tehran is more flexible during negotiations for the renewed accord. If not, th

  Reuters: Angola's ruling party claims victory, opposition leader rejects results   LUANDA (Reuters) -The party that has ruled Angola continuously for nearly 50 years claimed victory on Friday in this week's election, after the electoral commission put its share of the vote at 51%, but the leader of the main opposition coalition rejected the results.  Fewer than half of Angola's registered voters turned out for Wednesday's election, which now looks certain to give President Joao Lourenco a second five-year term and extend the rule of the MPLA, which has governed the southern African oil producer since independence from Portugal in 1975.   Read more ....  Angola's Ruling Party Claims Victory In Presidential Election   Angola election: Ruling MPLA party looks set to hold off Unita challenge -- BBC   Angola’s incumbent claims election lead amid rising tensions -- The Guardian   Angola's ruling party claims victory after vote commission gives it 51% -

  WNU Editor : Another must watch video from the Military Summary Channel on the Russia - Ukraine war. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/kZrWYRq via IFTTT

  Daily Mail: Trump had 184 classified documents, 67 confidential, and 25 top secret files that could have compromised 'human intelligence' at Mar-a-Lago: Redacted DOJ affidavit says FBI raid was sparked by 'probable cause evidence of obstruction would be found'   * Justice Department on Friday released redacted affidavit from the Mar-a-Lago raid as part of a legal  * It stated 14 out of the 15 boxes retrieved from the Florida home earlier in the year had classified information   * In total, Trump had 184 classified documents, 67 confidential and 25 top secret returned to National Archives  * Document states the FBI had 'probable cause to believe evidence of obstruction would be found'  * In a sign of huge public interest, a Florida judge ordered its release a day earlier  * But he allowed officials to black out sections to protect witnesses and agents  * On Wednesday, President Joe Biden told reporters he was never tipped off about the FBI's raid 

Bulgaria says talks needed to resume Russian gas supplies. Reuters    Insider: Bulgaria's return to Russian gas supply talks is 'inevitable' amid steep shortages, energy chief says   * A return to Russian gas supply talks is "inevitable," Bulgaria's energy chief said on Monday.  * "Given the demands of business and the trade unions, in reality, talks with Gazprom to renew supplies are inevitable," he said.  Bulgaria's energy minister Rossen Hristov said the country would likely go back to talks with Russia on resuming gas deliveries from state-run energy supplier Gazprom.  Gazprom provided 90% of Bulgaria's natural gas until April, when it cut supplies after Bulgaria refused to pay in rubles. "Given the demands of business and the trade unions, in reality, talks with Gazprom to renew supplies are inevitable," Energy Minister Rossen Hristov said at a press event, according to Reuters. Read more ....   WNU Editor : There is

Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostick, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanding general and chief of engineers, enlists future soldiers in a public enlistment ceremony as their families and friends watched as part of the city of Torrance Armed Forces Day celebration. (Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Flickr)   Brad Howard, CNBC: Why the U.S. military faces a growing recruiting crisis   The U.S. military faces a growing recruiting shortfall — one so large that legislators are getting concerned. “The Army has to recognize that there’s been an evolution in that young population,” said U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif, chair of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. “And if you’re going to target that young population for service, you’ve got to make it appealing to them.”  Of all the military branches, the U.S. Army is running into the most difficulty this fiscal year in bringing in recruits. The other services should manage to hit their goals, according to Stars and Stripes, but underlying is

  Daily Mail: Mark Zuckerberg tells Joe Rogan that Facebook used its algorithm to suppress Hunter Biden laptop articles for SEVEN DAYS in 2020 - and that FBI warned his team of an impending 'Russian disinformation' dump before the story broke   * Mark Zuckerberg has admitted Facebook made a mistake when it decided to ban the sharing of The New York Post report on Hunter Biden's laptop  * New broke just ahead of the 2020 election but Facebook made sure the story would appear towards the bottom of people's news feeds for up to a week  * Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast Zuckerberg said he regretted Facebook's response to the story which turned out to be true  * During the interview, Zuckerberg attempted to shift attention by repeating how Twitter's prohibited the sharing of the story about Hunter Biden  Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has revealed how the platform used an algorithm to suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story when it first surfaced in