…in wars
Lots of folks figure that, with the kinda weapons and munitions available to states with money, wars would be fought so fast and furious they’d be over within days. Especially when some of the said states have nuclear weapons!! But from what we’ve seen in the European Theatre – that’s the term they use, innit, since war’s a spectacle?? – Russia and Ukraine have been going at it for over a year and a half, with no end in sight!!
Initially, Russia was seen as capable of overrunning its former satellite because of its superior manpower and everything else that war demands. As far as leadership was concerned, you had the macho ex-KGB tough guy Putin versus Ukraine’s ex-comedian President Zelensky. And war’s no joke, we’re told – it’s hell!!
But on the men and materiel shortage, the US and its NATO allies have thrown in billions and billions of dollars’ worth of supplies of every sort!! Drones and missiles have not only depleted their present stocks, but have even stretched the weapons’ makers capacities to the max. Money – which makes the world go round, especially during wartime – is being spent like it’s going outta style, with the West seemingly willing to fight to the last Ukrainian!
And Zelensky’s definitely willing to go along, since it keeps him in the spotlight – as his previous career had never done!!
So, when can we expect that show to wind down – and even have the curtains pulled? Not soon. The Ruskies have discovered ways of circumventing the oil sanctions slapped on by the US and EU that’s actually worked to their advantage, since it has brought two of their critical BRICS partners – China and India – into their orbit!! They’ve also become more self-sufficient in producing goods demanded by their economy – and might even be realizing the autarkic nirvana of all states – to be truly independent!!
So, how about the war in the Mideast?? For decades, the STATE of Israel had figured that the TERRORISTS of Hamas in Gaza were no match for their huge IDF army and reserves – plus their Airforce with its missiles that could obliterate Gaza in a wink. But they never calculated that Hamas were playing the “long game”, and were doing a rope-a-dope a la Muhammed Ali!! When they sprung THAT surprise on Oct 7, they caught the Israelis completely by surprise!!
They’ve won a major psychological battle from which the Israelis can never recover!! Now, with the outpouring of support from across the world, the Israelis can’t very well march into Gaza and slaughter all Palestinians. In the meantime, their economy’s imploding, and can’t last a year and a half like Ukraine!!
It’s gonna be a new David and Goliath story!!
…on Venezuela
Now, lest we become complacent on faraway wars, let’s remember we have the real possibility of Venezuela launching a surprise attack against us – like they did back in 1966 when they seized our half of Ankoko Island. The Venezies have an army of over 100,000 – with a paramilitary that doubles that!! Then their navy’s another 30,000 personnel, including 12,000 Marines and 600 bodies from its Naval Aviation. Then there’s their Airforce, with thirteen Air Groups consisting of squadrons of transport aircraft, helicopters, fighter and attack aircraft, and training aircraft!!
Now, you’d think that with their economy having imploded, their armed forces might be running on bearings – but you’d be wrong!! Those forces are the institutions propping up Mad Maduro, and have been getting first dibs on whatever comes Venezuela’s way. They’re the most jingoistic about their Essequibo claim, and even more than the ordinary citizens, have been indoctrinated to not only believe they wuz robbed, but it’s their DUTY to “recover” our Essequibo!!
Let’s get ready to rumble!!
…of the Opposition
Our Opposition’s in a rebuilding state. It’s like a knife getting a new handle, and then later a new blade: it’s still the SAME knife. Why?? It’s performing the same task. And that’s what the PNC does for its constituency!!
