Your line presumes Biden/Harris have lied this entire time, which I agree with. And yes, your reasoning that the Zionists are a proxy is also correct, although there's no attempt by the Empire to cover its tracks there versus Ukraine--it's the nature and ability of the opponent. Frankly, I don't see how Russia can remain aloof given that its security people will very likely agree with my/Crooke's assessment. I know China doesn't want an escalation but now that's already underway. I don't know if the Chinese view the War Crime that killed Nasrallah as a War Crime against both China and the rest of humanity. IMO, it's doubly clear that Netanyahu is challenging all potential opposing powers to stop him and the Zionist's mad rampage. And behind the rampage lies the Bigger Picture--if Netanyahu isn't stopped, then Leviathan will win.
Another reason for wanting war is to forego the election and name Biden/Harris president forever. They'll do any and everything possible to keep Trump from ever seeing the inside of the oval office again. Disclaimer, I wouldn't vote for Trump unless I was being tortured to do so.
I'm not sure I believe the problems that are occurring in the politcal spectrum in Iran. While stuff is happening I believe that they have somewhat calculated incorrectly (along w/Putin)how psychotic Netanyahu and the Israeli's are. I don't think humanity has ever seen a higher level of arrogance, ever. This bully Israel needs to be put down and be taught how to interact with humanity, if possible.
Recall the false facade projected by Team Biden--Oh we're trying to get a ceasefire--which was meant to show that they were open to talks. But as with everything else coming from Neocons, nothing but lies, and lies, and more lies. Recall Iran's been a target for many decades, while it's very clear Ukraine is a lost cause. Mad people don't play chess; they kick over the table and go after you with the knife they've had hiding the entire time. Netanyahu doesn't give a damn about his relations with Russia or China; he wants to kill all those in the Levant and steal their lands. And decapitating him won't be enough. Recall the Zionists dancing after 911? They were doing the same jig when Nasrallah's elimination was announced. Zionists are the equivalent of Nazis and deserve the same fate.
Being Jewish myself I would suggest that Zionists are way way worse than the Nazi's. Netanyahu hates Palestinians and never forgave them for the killing of his brother, Yonathan
Putin was so right in naming it the empire of lies. I'm not sure that Genocide has any idea what's being said in his name
They know very well that Trump is harmless, folds like a cheap camera, is all talk and no action, that the Pentagon ignored him for 4 yrs., that congress humiliated him by removing all Russia matters from him, and that Jared was de facto president anyway. "Defeat Don at all costs" makes no sense unless it's actually to help Don win by making him into a greater martyr than Jesus Christ Himself, which actually seems to be happening.
David Brooks seems to live in a simple and orderly world and I see no benefit in arguing with him.
There is an underlying current in the US arising from the National Debt. Servicing the interest payment alone is a big deal, likely to debase the currency. High Treasury rates are not affordable which means an increase in the rate of inflation for time to come.
It does not look as if there is anyone in charge nor capable of being, outside Russia and China. We will have to see what evolves. Western MSM applauding the ME war crimes is a bad omen. More chaos.
If you're game, it is best listened to at speed X 1.5
I thanked God it was far better than this article.... although still overwrought and cringeworthy at times. None of it is going to help anyone. It's like trawling thought the entrails of a goat to see the future. It never works. It makes no difference to anything nor to you.
Crooke is not about to tell anyone what is coming let alone why. Give it up and be patient you will know soon enough anyway.
I posted the following on a Vietnamese platform and an abridged version on Larry C. Johnson's blog.
It's not mainly about Israel, but about continuing to provoke Iran on a massive scale, helping to fuel a trans-regional war. Perhaps with a fierce provocation against Russia as an encore. If the whole of West Asia and Africa, from Egypt, Turkey, the Caucasus, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to South and East Asia, become involved in a supra-regional catastrophe, then the BRICS summit will not take place in a few weeks' time.
The madness is not limited to Israel's regime. It is the circles in the USA that are determined to torpedo the BRICS and their projects.
That is where the existential threat to the "dying" hegemon comes from.
And I am sure that the pre-emptive use of nuclear weapons is firmly planned. Or does anyone seriously believe that Putin and his team were drinking coffee and suddenly had the idea: "Oh, let's change the nuclear doctrine and decide on the pre-emptive first use of our nuclear weapons."? With the USA as the target.
Scott Ritter and Ray McGovern are absolutely right that we are on the brink of nuclear war.
And again, for the majority of people, going to the toilet in the morning and the color of their nail polish are more important than the threat of nuclear war.
Well written. These are unprecedented times. We, the citizens, seem completely powerless to reign in the barbaric madness. Thanks for your tireless work.
Where did people gather to socialize prior to social media? Those places need to be repopulated and filled with conversation about what's affecting one and all. That's how solidarity was once gained and people empowered to act as one.
No, don't understand Farsi, but did get confirmation of Crooke's report that Khamenei was attempted to be circumvented by the Reformists having made a backdoor deal with the Empire, which failed because there was never going to be any deal between the Neocons and Iran.
“A whole leadership cadre would be hollowed out – bereft of purpose. The Institutional leadership class as a whole would be weakened.”
The first rule of rule is keep-rule. The oligarchs will not retire, give up their rule. They will just intensify their orthodoxy, make their beliefs more correct and fortify their intentions to act accordingly - more of the same but ‘stronger’. They will cling on to political power until they are forcibly ousted.
When I’m losing a fight, I say “I’ve lost, you’ve won, let’s stop fighting [negotiate a ceasefire, give you what you want]”. So you’re no longer winning, no longer defending yourself, I’m no longer losing. So I attack you again when you’re vulnerable, defenceless. You are ever-gullible to my plausible lies so this tactic can be repeated endlessly.
Employers use it against trade unions - end the strikes; rulers use it against popular revolutionary uprisings - now go home. ‘Ukrainians’ have repeatedly used it against Russia.
[Poor Crooke. He doesn’t know how ignorant and stupid he is. He needs to be schooled by the wise commentators herein.]
Bob did not call you stupid. imo Bob made some excellent points above. And everyone should be entitled to their views and opinions about everything including upon Crooke's views and opinions.
Maybe a short break is for you Karl - you appear to have some sensitivity or boundary issues coping with any alternative comment. Chill out a bit. You seem to be taking these comments way too seriously, and personally. :-(
He truly pushes the boundaries of his style today. The most fitting way to describe Crooke might be as an erudite thinker, albeit one whose approach can come across as pedantic and overly sophisticated. His preference for grandiloquent language, often adorned with obscure vocabulary and literary historical analogies, seems to project an air of intellectual superiority rather than to foster clear communication.
His writing is rich with esoteric references and complex allusions, making it challenging for those without an advanced background in literature or the humanities to fully grasp. While this style might be intended to convey depth, it can inadvertently alienate the average reader, turning what could be straightforward ideas into an exercise in navigating dense and intricate prose.
The effect, if not the intention, often appears more about demonstrating his own erudition rather than genuinely sharing insights. This tendency towards elaborate rhetoric can be off-putting to me, though I recognize that others might find it appealing. Different tastes are a natural part of diverse discourse, and beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder.
I do, however, wonder whether a more accessible style might serve both the author and the audience better—perhaps a bit more self-awareness in crafting the message could help bridge the gap between complexity and clarity.
It helps greatly to know as much of the context to Mr. Crooke as possible. Most of his writings are mirrored at the Gym and then for the previous three years at my VK site, but he's been writing much longer than that. Crooke's one of the few who points to the utter necessity of understanding the deep contextual background of this conflict. Recently an excellent interview that reviewed much of that historical context was published and must be read here, https://newleftreview.org/issues/ii147/articles/the-neck-and-the-sword
Let me have a go at this topic -- I submit an alternative prose:-
Will the U.S. Empire Adapt or Collapse?
As President Biden made his final walk at the UN, he didn't seem like the confident leader of old. Instead of a strong America, he now faces a Middle East in turmoil and a struggling Ukraine. Despite the White House calling for calm, no one seems to be listening.
Biden, nearing the end of his term, may have enjoyed the idea of wielding influence, only to find out the power he once had is gone. Diplomacy has failed, and coercion no longer works.
With wars escalating and Ukraine faltering, what does this mean for the future? Using an analogy to the ancient world, we could say that the "Emperor" has been overthrown. There’s no clear successor; only someone who resembles an "adopted daughter." The power elite (similar to the "Senate" of old) seem content to rule without a new figurehead, preferring to rely on a system of institutions that sustain a kind of permanent rule.
However, even empires need a strong leader to resolve internal conflicts. A shared culture is also important to make decisions that benefit everyone. In Europe’s past, there were unifying forces, like religion and the Enlightenment. But today, those ideas have been replaced by individualism, which undermines shared values.
David Brooks, NYTs pro-GOP columnist, contrasts this with other places where people find meaning in moral communities. In these communities, there is a sense of belonging, defined roles, and permanent values. Fiona Hill, formerly of the U.S. National Security Council, offers a different view: since many global threats are long-term, the U.S. needs structures that are also long-term.
The current elite’s solution to the leadership gap is a centralized authority—“Leviathan.” This Leviathan would concentrate power in one place, eliminating all competing forces. The aim is to ensure policy is consistent and unaffected by elections or changes in leadership, effectively removing the unpredictability of voters. People increasingly feel like they aren’t part of the decision-making process.
In moments like this, a “Big Man” often steps up—someone who speaks to the people who feel disconnected and angry. Donald Trump, in this case, doesn’t have support from the usual elite circles, which raises questions about whether he can be successful.
In the coming months, the U.S. faces multiple challenges, and the empire seems unable to adapt. The political class appears confused, unsure how to deal with a defiant Russia. Decades of dealing with submissive allies haven’t prepared them for the challenge of facing a truly independent nation like Russia.
It’s not just Russia; U.S. allies are also demanding more support, but resources are strained. One ally is seeking military and financial aid but may not receive it, as earlier requests have already led to losses.
A failure in the Middle East could undermine the American leadership connected to that region. If the war fails, a whole leadership class could lose its purpose, leaving the system weakened.
So, what’s the way forward as America’s influence wanes? A recent article advocates for a new global governance model—likely a digital, authoritarian system similar to the ideas discussed at Davos. The aim would be to maintain policy consistency before the emerging Russo-Chinese-Iranian-BRICS alliance takes the lead.
The risk is that if the West doesn’t choose freedom, it may end up with an unstable, highly centralized system—“Leviathan.” This system, as Professor Henri Hude points out, would be unstable and oligarchic. As the West loses control and Asia becomes more diverse, the chances of Leviathan succeeding diminish. The ruling elite hasn’t understood that true power cannot be based only on economics and individual freedom without shared values and constraints.
Response to Karl Sanchez' "The Levant War Will Now Escalate".
"the Outlaw US Empire wants a wider war in the Levant despite its public lies to the contrary. Why? Because it’s losing in Ukraine and Putin’s removal of the “proxy” nature of the conflict puts NATO in the crosshairs, including the US Mainland. "
Actually it's bigger than that. The US goal is to retain its hegemonic status. The only way to do that is remove Russia and China. When you have a goal, you either do what you need to do to achieve it or you abandon it. At the moment the Russia goal is failing and will be abandoned shortly.
To remove China, you have to remove Iran - because Iran will sell oil to China and not to the US if there is a war. Personally I think that's irrelevant, as any war between the US and China will escalate quickly to WWIII and in that scenario no one will care who's shipping oil where. But this is the way "strategists" - at least the morons behind these conflicts - think. So Iran has to go before China can be approached. That is the entire purpose of this conflict from the western oligarch perspective.
So as I said in my four-part series and in my latest article today, the West has no choice. Either abandon hegenomic status or go for broke. Crooke gets that. No one else does.
I'm surprised however that he still says that the Biden administration has been trying to prevent a wider war. Everyone believes that. It's bullshit. It's a cover story, nothing more. It's an attempt to deflect blame for the coming disaster. It's the same thing as Bart Simpson saying, "I didn't do it, you can't prove it!" But even Crooke is so stuck on believing that someone is trying to stop this that he falls for it. Everyone gets emotional over the disaster to come, so they flail around looking for someone to save them.
That applies to you, too, Karl - the war will not be contained to the Levant, as Crooke hints in his discussion of the pressure being put on Iran.
No one is coming to save you. That's your job, folks.
He also babbles about "libertarian" as if he, a British class-conscious citizen, could have any comprehension of what that term means. He's fallen for the notion that a bunch of techno-oligarchs are "libertarians" when nothing could be farther from the truth. In this regard, he's as brainwashed as everyone else.
I got very little of value from this article. His interview with Judge Nap was much more useful. Crooke is "over-thinking it", like Ritter but in a different perspective.
It's really a very simple progression of events being repeated over and over for a very obvious goal:
1) Pick a proxy.
2) Use it to attack and weaken your enemy, causing his downfall.
3) Profit!!!
Rinse and repeat. This shows the limited mentality of the fearful oligarchs who are running the show.
But returning to some late 1800's notion of "moral society" is just a joke. I cover this aspect in my latest:
Quick Off-the-Cuff On Latest From Alastair Crooke
Wherein I point out that this all comes from humanity's primate nature..
"So as I said in my four-part series and in my latest article today, the West has no choice. Either abandon hegenomic status or go for broke. Crooke gets that. No one else does."
I really do not think Crooke gets that at all. The axis of resistance, Iran Russia China et al don't get they need to go for broke as well, to fast raise that 'black flag' asap, to stop playing stupid word games. I see no use for Crooke. He's just tediously slow and extremely https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/pompous
Well, what I said was that Crooke gets that the West and Israel has decided to go for broke. He's also said that the Axis of Resistance is prepared for the upcoming war.
That doesn't mean he gets that the Axis should go for broke from the beginning. I don't think they should, either. Waiting a year has attrited Israel's and the US' weapons stockpiles and worn out the IDF.
I'm saying that waiting any longer now isn't going to help. At the very least, the Axis needs to turn up the heat on the "boil the frog" process. And the assassination of Nasrallah is the perfect time.
Crooke contrasts the old Liberal order with the neoliberal order and it appears to me that he approves of the former with its moral codes and the like versus the neoliberal order of "we do whatever we want and you'll like it." That has zero to do with any historical "libertarian" philosophy. Only someone who has never been involved in study of libertarian philosophy going back to the 19th century would believe that. Only someone who has associated the Republican Party with "libertarianism" would believe that.
Anarchist Bob Black once said, the LIbertarian Party are just Republicans who smoke dope. That is correct. But he was referring to the "Big L Libertarians", not the "small l libertarians."
What a bleak future that we have? People thinks its probably going nuclear now,,, but in reality a different kind of weapon has been released far and wide,,, the covid vaccines which already killed many and will kill many more without able to pinpoint who release it… is it DOD? CIA? Fort Detrick? Moreover another kind of weapon being released: microwave weapon using pin point accuracy using your specific dna as target,,, not only kill but maimed, terorize via voice-to-skull trick,,,
Main target is US and uk/western europe, and its minions (japan, australia, nz, singapore, etc)... target is population reduction (no more middle class/proffessional class, hence only slave class). Of course other country pop also affected if following satan's footstep (forced vaccination, digital ID (dna database),...)
The reason: Nasrallah backed the international Two-State Solution -- what?
So nothing do with a year supporting Hamas and firing rockets and missiles and drones into Israel proper. I really do wonder about people's reasoning and objectivity more and more these days. What Israel did remain a war crime - but to offer up ludicrous irrational false reasons - iow disinformation distortions spin - is not useful and does not help a cause for good. Nor does it honor Nasrallah.
Surely we should be calling it "US PROXY wars in Western Asia (Middle East)" ?
It's US Bomb, US War planes, US missiles, US Intel - so it's U.S War Against Gaza,
U.S War Against Lebanon... They are US PROXY wars being prosecuted by US PROXY,
"Israel", looking after "US Interests"
Your line presumes Biden/Harris have lied this entire time, which I agree with. And yes, your reasoning that the Zionists are a proxy is also correct, although there's no attempt by the Empire to cover its tracks there versus Ukraine--it's the nature and ability of the opponent. Frankly, I don't see how Russia can remain aloof given that its security people will very likely agree with my/Crooke's assessment. I know China doesn't want an escalation but now that's already underway. I don't know if the Chinese view the War Crime that killed Nasrallah as a War Crime against both China and the rest of humanity. IMO, it's doubly clear that Netanyahu is challenging all potential opposing powers to stop him and the Zionist's mad rampage. And behind the rampage lies the Bigger Picture--if Netanyahu isn't stopped, then Leviathan will win.
Another reason for wanting war is to forego the election and name Biden/Harris president forever. They'll do any and everything possible to keep Trump from ever seeing the inside of the oval office again. Disclaimer, I wouldn't vote for Trump unless I was being tortured to do so.
I'm not sure I believe the problems that are occurring in the politcal spectrum in Iran. While stuff is happening I believe that they have somewhat calculated incorrectly (along w/Putin)how psychotic Netanyahu and the Israeli's are. I don't think humanity has ever seen a higher level of arrogance, ever. This bully Israel needs to be put down and be taught how to interact with humanity, if possible.
Recall the false facade projected by Team Biden--Oh we're trying to get a ceasefire--which was meant to show that they were open to talks. But as with everything else coming from Neocons, nothing but lies, and lies, and more lies. Recall Iran's been a target for many decades, while it's very clear Ukraine is a lost cause. Mad people don't play chess; they kick over the table and go after you with the knife they've had hiding the entire time. Netanyahu doesn't give a damn about his relations with Russia or China; he wants to kill all those in the Levant and steal their lands. And decapitating him won't be enough. Recall the Zionists dancing after 911? They were doing the same jig when Nasrallah's elimination was announced. Zionists are the equivalent of Nazis and deserve the same fate.
Being Jewish myself I would suggest that Zionists are way way worse than the Nazi's. Netanyahu hates Palestinians and never forgave them for the killing of his brother, Yonathan
Putin was so right in naming it the empire of lies. I'm not sure that Genocide has any idea what's being said in his name
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yesterday- traitor Joe was asked - <br>Q: Are you going to deploy more troops to the Middle East?<br>A: No<br><br>Today....<br><br>The U.S. is sending an additional “few thousand” troops to the Middle East to bolster security and to be nprepared to defend Israel if necessary.🥴… <a href="https://t.co/n5tn56O8Vz">pic.twitter.com/n5tn56O8Vz</a></p>— OutsideTheMatrix aka QRASH (@PaTrumpGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaTrumpGirl/status/1840791768540893654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As you see, html tags don't work in comments.
Even at my age I can learn something, like duh
Then maybe there's still hope you can learn how to use the Edit Function too? Look for ...
Like doh!
💯
They know very well that Trump is harmless, folds like a cheap camera, is all talk and no action, that the Pentagon ignored him for 4 yrs., that congress humiliated him by removing all Russia matters from him, and that Jared was de facto president anyway. "Defeat Don at all costs" makes no sense unless it's actually to help Don win by making him into a greater martyr than Jesus Christ Himself, which actually seems to be happening.
As Crooke wrote, the card game doesn't work when the Trump card's part of the deck.
David Brooks seems to live in a simple and orderly world and I see no benefit in arguing with him.
There is an underlying current in the US arising from the National Debt. Servicing the interest payment alone is a big deal, likely to debase the currency. High Treasury rates are not affordable which means an increase in the rate of inflation for time to come.
It does not look as if there is anyone in charge nor capable of being, outside Russia and China. We will have to see what evolves. Western MSM applauding the ME war crimes is a bad omen. More chaos.
Looks like October's going to be a long month.
Alastair Crooke also gave a superb 1 hour interview with Larry Johnson on Larry's new YouTube channel. I strongly recommend watching it:
Middle East on Fire: Israel-Hezbollah War Escalates | Alastair Crooke Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3Vrf5c-umY
Thanks for the FYI. It will be watched tomorrow.
If you're game, it is best listened to at speed X 1.5
I thanked God it was far better than this article.... although still overwrought and cringeworthy at times. None of it is going to help anyone. It's like trawling thought the entrails of a goat to see the future. It never works. It makes no difference to anything nor to you.
Crooke is not about to tell anyone what is coming let alone why. Give it up and be patient you will know soon enough anyway.
I posted the following on a Vietnamese platform and an abridged version on Larry C. Johnson's blog.
It's not mainly about Israel, but about continuing to provoke Iran on a massive scale, helping to fuel a trans-regional war. Perhaps with a fierce provocation against Russia as an encore. If the whole of West Asia and Africa, from Egypt, Turkey, the Caucasus, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to South and East Asia, become involved in a supra-regional catastrophe, then the BRICS summit will not take place in a few weeks' time.
The madness is not limited to Israel's regime. It is the circles in the USA that are determined to torpedo the BRICS and their projects.
That is where the existential threat to the "dying" hegemon comes from.
And I am sure that the pre-emptive use of nuclear weapons is firmly planned. Or does anyone seriously believe that Putin and his team were drinking coffee and suddenly had the idea: "Oh, let's change the nuclear doctrine and decide on the pre-emptive first use of our nuclear weapons."? With the USA as the target.
Scott Ritter and Ray McGovern are absolutely right that we are on the brink of nuclear war.
"The Levant War Will Now Escalate"
https://karlof1.substack.com/p/the-levant-war-will-now-escalate
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rCS97AOI2X0
And again, for the majority of people, going to the toilet in the morning and the color of their nail polish are more important than the threat of nuclear war.
Well written. These are unprecedented times. We, the citizens, seem completely powerless to reign in the barbaric madness. Thanks for your tireless work.
Where did people gather to socialize prior to social media? Those places need to be repopulated and filled with conversation about what's affecting one and all. That's how solidarity was once gained and people empowered to act as one.
If you can understand farsi this guy plays a clip of an Iranian talking about irans betrayal to the resistance
https://youtu.be/rCbI5hhMwHQ?si=cUDwLxdk9mnjHmOX
No, don't understand Farsi, but did get confirmation of Crooke's report that Khamenei was attempted to be circumvented by the Reformists having made a backdoor deal with the Empire, which failed because there was never going to be any deal between the Neocons and Iran.
Shadowbanning this episode by screw you tube, I was forced to use your link to get it although it has presented earlier in day before your post
“A whole leadership cadre would be hollowed out – bereft of purpose. The Institutional leadership class as a whole would be weakened.”
The first rule of rule is keep-rule. The oligarchs will not retire, give up their rule. They will just intensify their orthodoxy, make their beliefs more correct and fortify their intentions to act accordingly - more of the same but ‘stronger’. They will cling on to political power until they are forcibly ousted.
When I’m losing a fight, I say “I’ve lost, you’ve won, let’s stop fighting [negotiate a ceasefire, give you what you want]”. So you’re no longer winning, no longer defending yourself, I’m no longer losing. So I attack you again when you’re vulnerable, defenceless. You are ever-gullible to my plausible lies so this tactic can be repeated endlessly.
Employers use it against trade unions - end the strikes; rulers use it against popular revolutionary uprisings - now go home. ‘Ukrainians’ have repeatedly used it against Russia.
[Poor Crooke. He doesn’t know how ignorant and stupid he is. He needs to be schooled by the wise commentators herein.]
Gee, I must be stupid too for mirroring his writings over the last 5 years. Why come and read the substack written by someone as stupid as I?
Irony precedes mental rusting as Karl appreciates.
Bob did not call you stupid. imo Bob made some excellent points above. And everyone should be entitled to their views and opinions about everything including upon Crooke's views and opinions.
Maybe a short break is for you Karl - you appear to have some sensitivity or boundary issues coping with any alternative comment. Chill out a bit. You seem to be taking these comments way too seriously, and personally. :-(
He truly pushes the boundaries of his style today. The most fitting way to describe Crooke might be as an erudite thinker, albeit one whose approach can come across as pedantic and overly sophisticated. His preference for grandiloquent language, often adorned with obscure vocabulary and literary historical analogies, seems to project an air of intellectual superiority rather than to foster clear communication.
His writing is rich with esoteric references and complex allusions, making it challenging for those without an advanced background in literature or the humanities to fully grasp. While this style might be intended to convey depth, it can inadvertently alienate the average reader, turning what could be straightforward ideas into an exercise in navigating dense and intricate prose.
The effect, if not the intention, often appears more about demonstrating his own erudition rather than genuinely sharing insights. This tendency towards elaborate rhetoric can be off-putting to me, though I recognize that others might find it appealing. Different tastes are a natural part of diverse discourse, and beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder.
I do, however, wonder whether a more accessible style might serve both the author and the audience better—perhaps a bit more self-awareness in crafting the message could help bridge the gap between complexity and clarity.
It helps greatly to know as much of the context to Mr. Crooke as possible. Most of his writings are mirrored at the Gym and then for the previous three years at my VK site, but he's been writing much longer than that. Crooke's one of the few who points to the utter necessity of understanding the deep contextual background of this conflict. Recently an excellent interview that reviewed much of that historical context was published and must be read here, https://newleftreview.org/issues/ii147/articles/the-neck-and-the-sword
Let me have a go at this topic -- I submit an alternative prose:-
Will the U.S. Empire Adapt or Collapse?
As President Biden made his final walk at the UN, he didn't seem like the confident leader of old. Instead of a strong America, he now faces a Middle East in turmoil and a struggling Ukraine. Despite the White House calling for calm, no one seems to be listening.
Biden, nearing the end of his term, may have enjoyed the idea of wielding influence, only to find out the power he once had is gone. Diplomacy has failed, and coercion no longer works.
With wars escalating and Ukraine faltering, what does this mean for the future? Using an analogy to the ancient world, we could say that the "Emperor" has been overthrown. There’s no clear successor; only someone who resembles an "adopted daughter." The power elite (similar to the "Senate" of old) seem content to rule without a new figurehead, preferring to rely on a system of institutions that sustain a kind of permanent rule.
However, even empires need a strong leader to resolve internal conflicts. A shared culture is also important to make decisions that benefit everyone. In Europe’s past, there were unifying forces, like religion and the Enlightenment. But today, those ideas have been replaced by individualism, which undermines shared values.
David Brooks, NYTs pro-GOP columnist, contrasts this with other places where people find meaning in moral communities. In these communities, there is a sense of belonging, defined roles, and permanent values. Fiona Hill, formerly of the U.S. National Security Council, offers a different view: since many global threats are long-term, the U.S. needs structures that are also long-term.
The current elite’s solution to the leadership gap is a centralized authority—“Leviathan.” This Leviathan would concentrate power in one place, eliminating all competing forces. The aim is to ensure policy is consistent and unaffected by elections or changes in leadership, effectively removing the unpredictability of voters. People increasingly feel like they aren’t part of the decision-making process.
In moments like this, a “Big Man” often steps up—someone who speaks to the people who feel disconnected and angry. Donald Trump, in this case, doesn’t have support from the usual elite circles, which raises questions about whether he can be successful.
In the coming months, the U.S. faces multiple challenges, and the empire seems unable to adapt. The political class appears confused, unsure how to deal with a defiant Russia. Decades of dealing with submissive allies haven’t prepared them for the challenge of facing a truly independent nation like Russia.
It’s not just Russia; U.S. allies are also demanding more support, but resources are strained. One ally is seeking military and financial aid but may not receive it, as earlier requests have already led to losses.
A failure in the Middle East could undermine the American leadership connected to that region. If the war fails, a whole leadership class could lose its purpose, leaving the system weakened.
So, what’s the way forward as America’s influence wanes? A recent article advocates for a new global governance model—likely a digital, authoritarian system similar to the ideas discussed at Davos. The aim would be to maintain policy consistency before the emerging Russo-Chinese-Iranian-BRICS alliance takes the lead.
The risk is that if the West doesn’t choose freedom, it may end up with an unstable, highly centralized system—“Leviathan.” This system, as Professor Henri Hude points out, would be unstable and oligarchic. As the West loses control and Asia becomes more diverse, the chances of Leviathan succeeding diminish. The ruling elite hasn’t understood that true power cannot be based only on economics and individual freedom without shared values and constraints.
[the end]
Response to Karl Sanchez' "The Levant War Will Now Escalate".
"the Outlaw US Empire wants a wider war in the Levant despite its public lies to the contrary. Why? Because it’s losing in Ukraine and Putin’s removal of the “proxy” nature of the conflict puts NATO in the crosshairs, including the US Mainland. "
Actually it's bigger than that. The US goal is to retain its hegemonic status. The only way to do that is remove Russia and China. When you have a goal, you either do what you need to do to achieve it or you abandon it. At the moment the Russia goal is failing and will be abandoned shortly.
To remove China, you have to remove Iran - because Iran will sell oil to China and not to the US if there is a war. Personally I think that's irrelevant, as any war between the US and China will escalate quickly to WWIII and in that scenario no one will care who's shipping oil where. But this is the way "strategists" - at least the morons behind these conflicts - think. So Iran has to go before China can be approached. That is the entire purpose of this conflict from the western oligarch perspective.
So as I said in my four-part series and in my latest article today, the West has no choice. Either abandon hegenomic status or go for broke. Crooke gets that. No one else does.
I'm surprised however that he still says that the Biden administration has been trying to prevent a wider war. Everyone believes that. It's bullshit. It's a cover story, nothing more. It's an attempt to deflect blame for the coming disaster. It's the same thing as Bart Simpson saying, "I didn't do it, you can't prove it!" But even Crooke is so stuck on believing that someone is trying to stop this that he falls for it. Everyone gets emotional over the disaster to come, so they flail around looking for someone to save them.
That applies to you, too, Karl - the war will not be contained to the Levant, as Crooke hints in his discussion of the pressure being put on Iran.
No one is coming to save you. That's your job, folks.
He also babbles about "libertarian" as if he, a British class-conscious citizen, could have any comprehension of what that term means. He's fallen for the notion that a bunch of techno-oligarchs are "libertarians" when nothing could be farther from the truth. In this regard, he's as brainwashed as everyone else.
I got very little of value from this article. His interview with Judge Nap was much more useful. Crooke is "over-thinking it", like Ritter but in a different perspective.
It's really a very simple progression of events being repeated over and over for a very obvious goal:
1) Pick a proxy.
2) Use it to attack and weaken your enemy, causing his downfall.
3) Profit!!!
Rinse and repeat. This shows the limited mentality of the fearful oligarchs who are running the show.
But returning to some late 1800's notion of "moral society" is just a joke. I cover this aspect in my latest:
Quick Off-the-Cuff On Latest From Alastair Crooke
Wherein I point out that this all comes from humanity's primate nature..
https://substack.com/home/post/p-149626041
Better head to your spot in the corner of Utah then.
Got time. It will likely be months or years before Russia and China get directly involved. Just gotta stay alert.
"So as I said in my four-part series and in my latest article today, the West has no choice. Either abandon hegenomic status or go for broke. Crooke gets that. No one else does."
I really do not think Crooke gets that at all. The axis of resistance, Iran Russia China et al don't get they need to go for broke as well, to fast raise that 'black flag' asap, to stop playing stupid word games. I see no use for Crooke. He's just tediously slow and extremely https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/pompous
Well, what I said was that Crooke gets that the West and Israel has decided to go for broke. He's also said that the Axis of Resistance is prepared for the upcoming war.
That doesn't mean he gets that the Axis should go for broke from the beginning. I don't think they should, either. Waiting a year has attrited Israel's and the US' weapons stockpiles and worn out the IDF.
I'm saying that waiting any longer now isn't going to help. At the very least, the Axis needs to turn up the heat on the "boil the frog" process. And the assassination of Nasrallah is the perfect time.
I hear and understand what you're saying, thx for the reply.
At no point does Crooke advocate a “return to moral society”. He attributes this to the execrable Brooks.
Crooke contrasts the old Liberal order with the neoliberal order and it appears to me that he approves of the former with its moral codes and the like versus the neoliberal order of "we do whatever we want and you'll like it." That has zero to do with any historical "libertarian" philosophy. Only someone who has never been involved in study of libertarian philosophy going back to the 19th century would believe that. Only someone who has associated the Republican Party with "libertarianism" would believe that.
Anarchist Bob Black once said, the LIbertarian Party are just Republicans who smoke dope. That is correct. But he was referring to the "Big L Libertarians", not the "small l libertarians."
The two should not be confused as Crooke does.
An alternative to Crooke's communication style and approach.
America at a Crossroads: Will the U.S. Empire Adapt or Collapse?
The United States is at War with itself and the world
https://substack.com/home/post/p-149663210
What a bleak future that we have? People thinks its probably going nuclear now,,, but in reality a different kind of weapon has been released far and wide,,, the covid vaccines which already killed many and will kill many more without able to pinpoint who release it… is it DOD? CIA? Fort Detrick? Moreover another kind of weapon being released: microwave weapon using pin point accuracy using your specific dna as target,,, not only kill but maimed, terorize via voice-to-skull trick,,,
If the covid "vaccines" do so, the casualties will mostly be in the West where they were applied.
Main target is US and uk/western europe, and its minions (japan, australia, nz, singapore, etc)... target is population reduction (no more middle class/proffessional class, hence only slave class). Of course other country pop also affected if following satan's footstep (forced vaccination, digital ID (dna database),...)
There is NO US EMPIRE. There is only the Roman Empire 2.0.
Why does Rome want the Levant?
https://francesleader.substack.com/p/who-rules-the-world
https://boodicca.substack.com/p/exposing-roman-empire-20
The reason: Nasrallah backed the international Two-State Solution -- what?
So nothing do with a year supporting Hamas and firing rockets and missiles and drones into Israel proper. I really do wonder about people's reasoning and objectivity more and more these days. What Israel did remain a war crime - but to offer up ludicrous irrational false reasons - iow disinformation distortions spin - is not useful and does not help a cause for good. Nor does it honor Nasrallah.