MTQ News

Reuters : OPEC+ has begun talks on output cut at Oct. 5 meeting - OPEC source   DUBAI, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Leading OPEC+ members have begun discussions about an oil output cut at the group's next meeting on Oct. 5, three sources told Reuters.   One OPEC source told Reuters a cut was "likely", while two other OPEC+ sources said key members had spoken about the topic.  A source familiar with Russian thinking told Reuters earlier this week that Moscow could suggest a cut of up to 1 million barrels per day (bpd). The latest comments suggest that key OPEC members have started communicating over the matter, although the volume of any potential cut is still unclear.  Next week's meeting takes place against a backdrop of falling oil prices from multi-year highs hit in March, and severe market volatility.   Read more ....   WNU Editor : My gut tells me that there will be a push at this OPEC+ meeting to cut production that will deliberately and significantly raise oil a

  WNU Editor : Another must watch analysis on the Russia - Ukraine war. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/J8qLbRT via IFTTT

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Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 29 September 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/qYt3fqzP7y 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/QlXZPwbjbS — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) September 29, 2022 Finland will close its border to Russian tourists from midnight. Entry for family visits, for work and study will still be permitted, the authorities say. More updates: https://t.co/FbnghqLhpN — Alexandra von Nahmen (@AlexandravonNah) September 29, 2022 Putin accuses the West of being ready to provoke 'revolutions' https://t.co/q93VV6QuEA — Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) September 29, 2022 #UPDATE Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the leaks on "international terrorism". He described them as "unprecedented sabotage" in a phone call with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to a Kremlin readout https://t.co/ZoLbKedbkS — AFP News Agency (@AFP) Septe

Emergency crews took to helicopters and boats to rescue residents of Florida's Gulf Coast stranded by floodwaters, downed power lines and piles of debris left behind by Hurricane Ian's destructive march across the state https://t.co/UZnWja8BWg pic.twitter.com/OlEhnrdAgG — Reuters (@Reuters) September 29, 2022 There's new anxiety as Hurricane Ian regains strength and moves beyond Florida. @BillKarins joins @LesterHoltNBC with the latest forecast. Join us now on your local NBC station for our team coverage. pic.twitter.com/YCjOH0WnE6 — NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) September 29, 2022 Hurricane Ian has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but is forecast to return to near-hurricane strength ahead of a second predicted landfall in South Carolina on Friday. @marthakelner is in Florida, assessing the devastation wrought by the storm. https://t.co/ywCmozmdM2 pic.twitter.com/ZkdItBiN2u — Sky News (@SkyNews) September 29, 2022 Stocks fell br

  FOX News: Vice President Kamala Harris commends US alliance with 'Republic of North Korea' in DMZ speech gaffe   VP Harris visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to show America's 'rock-solid commitment' to South Korea's security Vice President Kamala Harris made an unfortunate gaffe during her speech at the Korean Peninsula's Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on Thursday, saying that the U.S. has a "strong alliance" with "the Republic of North Korea."   "It is an alliance that is strong and enduring," she added, intending to refer to the Republic of Korea, which is South Korea's official name.  The vice president then continued her remarks by professing the U.S.' support for South Korea's defense against the increasingly aggressive North Korean government.  Read more ....   WNU Editor : Oopppssss!  In DMZ Speech Gaffe U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris Hails Strong US "Alliance With Republic Of North Korea"

  CNN : Putin to host ceremony annexing occupied Ukrainian territories on Friday, Kremlin says   Russia will on Friday begin formally annexing up to 18% of Ukrainian territory, with President Vladimir Putin expected to host a ceremony in the Kremlin to declare four occupied Ukrainian territories part of Russia.  The ceremony would take place on Friday at 15:00 local time (08:00 ET) in the Kremlin’s St. George’s Hall, Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.  Putin will deliver a speech and meet with Russian-backed leaders of the four occupied regions on the sidelines of the ceremony, he added. Next week, Russia’s two houses of parliament – the State Duma and Federation Council – will consider the annexation.   Read more ....   WNU Editor : Russia’s two houses of parliament, the State Duma and Federation Council, will make this into law next week. After this passage I expect the rules of engagement and deployment of forces to the Ukraine war-zone will be radically changing. For e

Just a heads-up.  Giving a presentation in Toronto tomorrow. It is a rush thing, and I am preparing for it right now. Flying out tonight, and returning Saturday evening.  I gave a presentation last week to a business group on what to expect geopolitically in the spring of 2023 and beyond. Apparently I freaked-out a lot of people who were there on what I see is trending, especially on the war, and after the Nord Stream pipeline attacks this week they now want me to present it to a larger audience tomorrow. Needless to say blogging will be light until then, but I have time posted a number of interesting stories for Friday and Saturday that I know will be of interest to the followers of this blog. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/Zd4K2SM via IFTTT

Embraer delivered the first two SABER M60 2.0 version radars to the Brazilian Army, which will be used in their Anti-Aircraft Artillery Units. In addition to these two radars, Embraer announced a new contract that includes four additional radars of the same model, which was revealed in April this year. Read full news at this link   SABER M60 radar (Picture source: Embraer) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/849YPzX via IFTTT

  Reuters: South Korea Sees Oct.16-Nov.7 Window for N.Korea Nuclear Test   SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea has completed preparations for a nuclear test and a possible window for carrying it out could be between Oct. 16 and Nov. 7, South Korean lawmakers briefed by its spy agency said on Wednesday.  Preparations for a possible nuclear test by North Korea, which would be the first since 2017, had been completed at the Punggye-ri test tunnel, where the reclusive state conducted six underground tests from 2006 onward, two legislators told reporters after a briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).  The timing of the test could be determined by events like the party congress in China, North Korea's main ally, and the midterm elections in the United States, its chief rival, they said.  Also it would depend on whether Pyongyang can bring an outbreak of COVID-19 under control, they said.   Read more .... South Korean Intelligence Says North Korea May Be Weeks Away From

Millions urged to evacuate as Florida braces for Hurricane Ian, the EU believes sabotage caused the leaks on the Nord Stream pipelines, and more. 5⃣ stories you need to know today pic.twitter.com/3t8LGvkRCu — Reuters (@Reuters) September 28, 2022 Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida as one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the U.S., swamping city streets with water and smashing trees along the coast. https://t.co/g8XDD7e2UW — The Associated Press (@AP) September 28, 2022 Over ONE MILLION Floridians are left without power as Hurricane Ian ravages state https://t.co/bmM1yujbA2 — Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) September 28, 2022 #UPDATE US Border Patrol said 23 people were missing after their boat sank off the Florida coast in inclement weather due to Hurricane Ian. Four others on the migrant vessel were able to swim ashore near Key West, Florida. pic.twitter.com/puQUXsOtSF — AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 28, 2022 🇸🇪Swedish authorities have

  BBC: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman named prime minister   Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been appointed prime minister - a post that is traditionally held by the king. The 37-year-old son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, 86, is already seen the de facto ruler of the oil-rich Gulf state. A royal decree announcing his promotion from deputy PM and defence minister cited an exception to the Basic Law. An official told Reuters news agency the move was in line with the king's previous delegation of duties to him.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: Another sign that he is the de facto ruler of the oil-rich Gulf state.  Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Named Saudi Arabia’s New Prime Minister   Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman named prime minister of Saudi Arabia -- CBS  Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared Saudi Arabia Prime Minister as U.S. civil lawsuit looms -- UPI   Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman named PM -- Al

EPA/ANATOLY MALTSEV / EPA / TASS   Moscow Times : All Turkish Banks Halt Russia’s Mir Payment System – Reports   Three Turkish state banks plan to exit Russia’s Mir payments system over U.S. warnings of sanctions, Bloomberg reported Tuesday, citing an unnamed senior Turkish official.  On Wednesday, Turkish broadcaster NTV reported there were no banks left in Turkey that accept Mir, which translates as "World" from Russian. Turkiye Halk Bankası, TC Ziraat Bankası and Turkiye Vakıflar Bankasi, Bloomberg reports, plan to stop processing payments using Mir following similar decisions by two of Turkey’s major private banks last week.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: Turkish banks were given the warning that if they continue to do business with Russia, they would be cut-off from the US financial system.  Bowing To US Pressure, Turkey's Banks Abandon Russia'a MIR Payment System   Turkiye banks abandon Russian MIR payment system, bowing to US pressure -- Middle East

Navy SEAL candidates participate in "surf immersion" during Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Center in Coronado, Calif., on May 4, 2020. MC1 Anthony Walker/US Navy/AP  CNN: Navy proposes stringent blood testing for elite SEALs training program to address drug use   Washington CNN — Senior Navy officials are concerned about the use of performance enhancing drugs by Navy SEAL trainees and have asked the Pentagon to approve blood testing to detect potentially illegal or banned substances used by the elite forces.  The request for more stringent blood testing comes after performance enhancing drug (PED) paraphernalia were found in the car of a SEAL trainee who died hours after completing the infamous “Hell Week” training program in February.  In an interview with CNN, Regina Mullen, the mother of the dead trainee said that according to a toxicology report her son, 24-year-old Seaman Kyle Mullen, did not have PEDs in his s

CNBC: Stock market losses wipe out $9 trillion from Americans’ wealth   * Americans’ holdings of corporate equities and mutual fund shares fell to $33 trillion at the end of the second quarter, down from $42 trillion at the start of the year.  * With major market indexes falling further since July, experts say losses from financial markets could total $9.5 trillion to $10 trillion. * Economists say the drops could add pressure to Americans’ balance sheets and possibly hurting spending.  Falling stock markets have wiped out more than $9 trillion in wealth from U.S. households, putting more pressure on family balance sheets and spending.  Americans’ holdings of corporate equities and mutual fund shares fell to $33 trillion at the end of the second quarter, down from $42 trillion at the start of the year, according to data from the Federal Reserve.  With major market indexes falling even further since early July, and the bond market adding further losses, market experts say the c

  Daily Mail: Did Putin's frogmen blow up Europe's gas supplies? Western leaders blame 'deliberate' sabotage after Nord Stream pipe from Russia ruptured off Sweden causing 3000ft-wide bubbles and sending prices spiking   * Three leaks were reported in Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines near Danish island last night and this morning  * Pipelines are leaking gas into the Baltic Sea, with one area more than 3,000ft wide churning with bubbles  * Danish PM Mette Frederiksen has said her government believes the leaks were caused by 'deliberate actions'  * Ukraine also pointed the finger at Moscow, describing the incident as a 'terrorist attack and act of aggression'  * Latvian Defence Minister has called on Nato and EU's member states to jointly investigate the pipeline blasts  Western leaders have blamed ‘deliberate’ sabotage after the Nordsteam pipe from Russia suffered 'unprecedented' damage off Sweden - causing 3000ft-wide bubbles in the Ba

On 13 September, Ukraine posted images of what appeared to be parts of a destroyed Shahed-136 with "Geran-2" written on the side in Russian (Twitter/Ukrainian Ministry of Defence)   Politico : ‘Huge problem’: Iranian drones pose new threat to Ukraine   Recent attacks are prompting renewed calls for the U.S. to send more advanced weaponry.   It was a little over a week ago that Iranian drones first began appearing in the skies over Ukraine.  Andriana Arekhta, a junior sergeant with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said the drones flew from Crimea to attack her special forces unit fighting near the southern city of Kherson.  The drones evaded the soldiers’ defenses and dropped bombs on their position, destroying two tanks with their crews inside. “It’s very difficult to see these drones on radars,” said Arekhta, who traveled to Washington, D.C., last week as part of a delegation of female Ukrainian soldiers. “It’s a huge problem.”   Read more ....   WNU Editor : U.S. offic

FILE - In this photo taken by an individual not employed by AP and obtained by the AP outside Iran, protesters chant slogans during a protest over the death of a woman who was detained by the morality police, in downtown Tehran, Sept. 21, 2022.   The Guardian: EU and US consider further sanctions on Iran over protest crackdown   Demonstrators call for greater support from west and help communicating with outside world  The EU and the US are considering further sanctions against Iran over the attempt to suppress demonstrations and strikes in universities over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in a police detention centre.  Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, condemned Iran’s disproportionate use of force and said all options would be on the table at the next meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers.  The main options are helping to prevent the internet being shut by Iran, and further economic sanctions.  Demonstrators at the street protests – now in their 10th day – ha

  WNU Editor: A lot of fighting is being reported near Lyman. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/DXus3FM via IFTTT

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Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 27 September 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/xG1CgXqeKM 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/schw2ockbs — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) September 27, 2022 ➡️ Are Russian protests growing? ➡️ Ukraine's rare earth riches ➡️ Returning home from Russian captivity Listen to #Ukrainecast on BBC Sounds https://t.co/KecNVRV1Lp — BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) September 26, 2022 Unexplained leaks in two offshore Russian gas pipelines have prompted allegations of foul play from leaders of European nations https://t.co/F3MafRkodd pic.twitter.com/hW2a1UC1LX — Reuters (@Reuters) September 27, 2022 Denmark's prime minister says it is "hard to imagine" that the leaks detected on Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines were "accidental." pic.twitter.com/HGdCyOE1t3 — DW News (@dwnews) September 27, 2022 MAP BREAK Are you paying attention yet?

From Japan honoring slain former premier Shinzo Abe with a state funeral to Ukraine's presidential advisor saying that Ukrainians involved in Russian-backed referendum will face treason charges. 5⃣ stories you need to know today pic.twitter.com/JuyXOE4kP0 — Reuters (@Reuters) September 27, 2022 "This is not just going to be a coastal event," @DrRickKnabb warns. #Ian is a slow-moving hurricane and will bring widespread dangers like floods, extremely strong winds, and power outages to the region. Don't underestimate it. Stay prepared and informed. pic.twitter.com/nw9gXWW3gw — The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) September 27, 2022 After making landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm, it is now feared it will be upgraded to Category 4 as it intensifies while crossing the Gulf and barrels towards Florida https://t.co/3dlnEpkGRf — Sky News (@SkyNews) September 27, 2022 There are signs that the United Kingdom could be heading into a fall Covid-19 wave, and

  National Review : American Liberals Can’t Help Themselves in Talking about Giorgia Meloni   Newly elected Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni will be the first woman to lead Italy, a fact that is producing far less than the usual “girl power” cheers. That relative quiet is undoubtedly due to the fact that Italy now joins Great Britain (Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May, Liz Truss) and Germany (Angela Merkel) in having chosen female heads of the elected government only from parties of the center-Right or Right. Meloni is undeniably a figure of the social Right.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: Her approach towards an audience reminds me of former President Trump. But she is better. Check out the video below from three years ago. It is no wonder the woke/progressive left despise her, and I am willing to bet that they are going to do everything in their power to derail her and what she believes in.    Western Media And Progressive Leaders Go Crazy Over The Election Of Italian Cons

 The future of advanced fighter pilot training is leaping into the virtual world as Boeing and augmented reality developer Red 6 announced they are collaborating to develop leading edge aerial dogfighting technology and training in advanced tactical aircraft. Boeing is the first company to team with Red 6 on this type of advanced training technology. Read full news at this link   CEO Daniel Robinson donning an ATARS for a test flight  (Picture source: Red 6) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/z8RTgAe via IFTTT

Four F-35A Lightning II aircraft touched down at Royal Australian Air Force Base Williamtown between August 30 and September 2. It brings the total of F-35As based in Australia to 54 of the total planned fleet of 72 aircraft. Read full news at this link It brings the total of F-35As based in Australia to 54 of the total planned fleet of 72 aircraft  (Picture source: RAAF) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/Iv9Pj5w via IFTTT

Bill Gates   Business Insider: Bill Gates says political polarization 'may bring it all to an end' and could even lead to a civil war   * Bill Gates is sounding the alarm on political polarization in the US.  * "Political polarization may bring it all to an end, we're going to have a hung election and a civil war," he told Forbes recently.  * Gates, who has been the target of many conspiracy theories over the years, also pointed out the dangers of misinformation.  Bill Gates usually focuses on issues like poverty and infectious diseases through his charitable foundation, but another problem on his mind is the polarization of US politics. "I admit that political polarization may bring it all to an end, we're going to have a hung election and a civil war," he recently said in the keynote conversation at this year's Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy. "I have no expertise in that. I'm not going to divert my money to that because I wo

  CNBC: Sterling hits record low against the dollar, as Asia-Pacific currencies also weaken   * Sterling’s plunge comes after last week’s announcement by the new U.K. government that it would implement tax cuts and investment incentives to boost growth.  * Critics say those economic measures will disproportionately benefit the wealthy and could see the U.K. take on high levels of debt at a time of rising interest rates.  The British pound plunged to a record low on Monday morning in Asia, following last week’s announcement by the new U.K. government that it would implement tax cuts and investment incentives to boost growth.  Sterling briefly fell 4% to an all-time low of $1.0382 on Monday, continuing its sluggish trade in recent months as the U.S. dollar strengthens. The U.K. currency last traded down about 1.5% $1.069 against the greenback.   Read more ....   WNU Editor : With the exception of the Russian ruble, every currency in the world is now being crushed by the US dol

  WNU Editor : A lot of interesting updates today. from War News Updates https://ift.tt/x7lVUk5 via IFTTT

© Donat Sorokin/TASS   TASS: Referendums in Donbass, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions continue amid shelling   One of the strikes hit a hotel in downtown Kherson, where journalists were staying  MOSCOW, September 26. /TASS/. The third day of voting in referendums on joining Russia is over in the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics (LPR, DPR), as well as in the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.  The referendums have been recognized as valid in the first three regions as voter turnout has passed 50%.  The voting process continues amid shelling attacks by the Ukrainian military. TASS looks at the main developments in Ukraine and around it.   Read more ....   WNU Editor: According to Interfax early today .... The voter turnout in the first three days of voting in the referendum in the DPR exceeded 77%, in the LPR it was over 76%, in the Zaporozhye region - more than 51.6%, in the Kherson region almost 49% of the list of voters.  The referendum will be considered valid if the tur