Diesel Crisis Worsens as Houthis Tighten Grip on al-Mandeb Strait (The Duran)

Diesel and gasoline prices are hitting historic highs as Donald Trump finally admits the United States is at war with Iran, a war he now says will not end until after the midterms. In this episode we break down how a spiraling energy crisis, a resurgent Houthi offensive against Saudi Arabia, and Scott Bessent's plan to use the energy shock against China could collide into a genuine economic storm for the West. Is Washington sleepwalking into a crisis it cannot control?



Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Diesel and gas prices hit historic highs
00:00:31 Trump admits the US is now in a war
00:01:00 Why the entire economy runs on diesel
00:01:59 Rising diesel prices threaten higher inflation and rates
00:03:21 Europe faces dangerously low natural gas reserves
00:05:28 Strait of Hormuz remains closed with no end in sight
00:06:04 Houthis reopen the war with Saudi Arabia
00:07:04 Trump moves the goalposts and offers a 5000 dollar bribe
00:08:48 How Trump squandered a real deal with Iran
00:14:34 Bessent bets on financial engineering to outmaneuver China

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, September 13, 2026.]

Modi, Erdogan and Tokayev Gang Up on Putin (The Duran)

At the SCO summit in Bishkek, Russia faced an unexpected wave of pressure as Modi, Erdogan and Tokayev all pushed Putin toward a ceasefire with Ukraine, while Xi Jinping and China quietly stood firmly behind Moscow. In this episode we break down why this moment exposed real cracks inside BRICS and what it means for Russia, India, Turkey and Kazakhstan as the war in Ukraine heads toward its next phase. Was this a diplomatic win for Putin or a warning sign for Russia's alliances.



Time Stamps:

00:00:00 SCO summit overview, Eurasian leaders pressure Russia
00:01:13 Modi publicly calls on Putin for peace with Ukraine
00:03:23 Xi stays silent as Putin defends Russia at press conference
00:05:35 Is this genuine concern or US pressure on Modi, Tokayev and Lula
00:07:26 BRICS officials fear of American sanctions
00:10:24 China and Russia axis solidifies
00:13:39 Russia's leverage over India and Kazakhstan
00:17:36 Putin's past restraint and Bishkek as a wake up call
00:21:00 Nervousness for Turkey, Kazakhstan and Georgia as Russia grows stronger
00:23:55 India's view on a Russian victory and closing thoughts

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, September 5, 2026.]

Russian Strikes Enrage Zelensky; Russian Airports Threat; Putin No Talks With Terrorists; Orekhov (Alexander Mercouris)

Zelensky is warning foreign airlines that Russian airspace is becoming unsafe, an open threat to attack Moscow and St Petersburg airports that Vladimir Putin has now branded a declaration of state terrorism. Alexander breaks down Putin's Bishkek press conference, from the blunt words we do not negotiate with terrorists to the collapsing Ukrainian front lines at Kharkov, Siversk and the Barvinkove pocket. Is Zelensky's latest threat the spark that finally triggers the retaliation Putin has promised?



Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Intro to today's program
00:00:53 Russian drone and missile strikes pound Kiev and Odessa
00:03:22 Zelensky blames Europe for being on holiday
00:05:38 Zelensky threatens airlines flying to Russian airports
00:07:49 Turkish Airlines reportedly cutting flights to Russia
00:13:56 Putin responds to Zelensky's airport threat
00:16:29 Putin says Russia does not negotiate with terrorists
00:17:15 Ratcliffe's Moscow trip and a proposed Putin Zelensky Trump summit
00:19:53 Why Russia has not targeted Ukraine's leadership
00:22:38 Modi presses Putin for a negotiated peace in Bishkek
00:31:07 Putin details Ukraine's economic and financial collapse
00:39:13 Ukrainian forces encircled in the Barvinkove pocket
00:49:58 Putin rejects returning to the Black Sea grain deal
00:55:09 Putin denies rumors of a new Russian mobilization
00:56:06 Russia moves to protect oil refineries from drone attacks
01:04:27 China's Xi Jinping distances himself from Ukraine diplomacy
01:08:03 Power of Siberia 2 pipeline renamed Power of Baikal
01:10:20 CIA chief Ratcliffe and the state of US Russia relations
01:13:04 Ukraine grows more reckless as the war enters a dangerous phase

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, September 4, 2026.]

Pepe Escobar: Rise of a Post-Western World at the SCO Summit (Glenn Deisen)

Pepe Escobar is a journalist, a political analyst, and author.



There's a huge block of Eurasian countries set to move away from the US and Western finance. Pepe reports that significant economic moves are being ignored.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, September 3, 2026.]

The Dollar Is Losing the World — Jeffrey Sachs (Jimmy Dore)

Jimmy is joined by Jeffrey Sachs who argues that the growing use of U.S. sanctions is encouraging major countries, particularly BRICS nations, to reduce their reliance on the dollar and develop alternative payment systems. Sachs says the traditional petrodollar system is only part of a broader shift away from dollar-based international trade, as countries increasingly consider local currencies and China’s CIPS system for settling transactions.

He argues that weaponizing the dollar by threatening sanctions and asset confiscation is accelerating this transition, potentially reducing foreign demand for U.S. securities and contributing to higher interest rates. The segment concludes with Sachs warning that America’s debt, deficits, military commitments, and expanding sanctions are weakening its economic position, while Jimmy characterizes the trend as “endstage empire” for the United States.



Trump is making enemies of the entire world. Before he allegedly went mad, one of his goals seemed to be the withdrawal of the US from being the world's policeman. Insiders said he derailed a previous plan to attack Iran during his first Administration. So what's happening now, this collapse in support, may be intentional. He knows that overseas war is a bad idea. If the rest of the world, particularly China and Saudi Arabia, reject the US, then the US will be forced to reindustrialise and be energy independent. This is the rocky road to self sufficiency. It's an anti globalist gambit and it's rolling out while he's also serving the interests of the neocons and Deep State - those that tried to have him assassinated. It looks like an intentional clown show.  

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, September 1, 2026.]

The forbidden topic..(Asmongold)

The issue is average IQ and race. It should not be applied to all individuals in a group because a certain percentage of them will be highly intelligent or dim-witted. Factors like poverty, with stunted educational development, and nutrition, plus traditions of cousin marriage factor into it. Asmongold takes a hilarious look into the matter. 

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 30, 2026.]

Turkey Sides With Iran Against the United States (Jimmy Dore)

In this segment Jimmy cites John Mearscheimer pointing out that Turkey, along with China and Russia, has a strong strategic interest in seeing Iran withstand the war because a defeat could leave Turkey as a future target of U.S. and Israeli pressure. Jimmy and guest Jeffrey Sachs highlight the newly announced Mecca joint agreement involving Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia as evidence of a broader realignment in Middle Eastern security away from reliance on the United States.

They contend that countries around the world increasingly view U.S. policy as unpredictable and are reconsidering who they should trade with, invest in, and rely on for security. They portray this as part of a larger shift in global politics that Trump’s policies have accelerated, with countries seeking alternative alliances and partnerships to reduce their dependence on the United States.



Turkey is next.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 29, 2026.]

Operation Economic Outcast, Bessent's Economic War With China (The Duran)

The idea seems to aimed at causing splits in the world. 

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Recap of Bessent's D-Day statement and Operation Economic Outcast
00:00:51 Mercouris explains why this is really targeting China
00:01:17 The history of the US China tariff standoff and rare earths
00:02:21 Legal UN sanctions versus unilateral US sanctions
00:03:24 Why this accelerates the world's move away from the dollar
00:04:51 Bessent effectively becomes the general running the Iran conflict
00:06:59 Bessent's overconfidence and dislike of China
00:09:45 Why the real target is eighty percent about China
00:16:34 China Russia and Iran set to emerge stronger from this
00:17:04 Quick take on the Canada tariff dispute and Mark Carney

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 27, 2026.]

US Taking a Baseball Bat to the World /Lt Col Daniel Davis

Iran is not going to implode when both China and Russia support the country. What will happen with the ongoing blockade is an oil crisis and a world economic calamity. Punishing countries that support Iran will hasten this outcome. It seems like the objective may actually be this global economic disaster. It will happen whether intentionally sought or not. Hopefully the disaster will be used to remove globalist maniacs from power, specifically in the Western world - to reverse mass migration and stop the NET ZERO madness.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 26, 2026.]

Iran WARNS: ‘NOT A SINGLE DROP’ of Oil Will Leave Persian Gulf as Attack Drone Production TRIPLES (Rachel Blevins)

Iran’s new security chief, Mohsen Rezaee is NOT holding back, as he warned in a recent interview that: “if countries surrounding Iran cooperate with the Americans in the ‘economic war,’ we will strike their interests.”

He also vowed that: “not a single drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz, and we will also target other routes used to export oil from the Persian Gulf,” if the region joins U.S. in this expanded war.

This, as Russian President Putin is warning that Kiev has “opened Pandora’s box” with NATO’s long-range strikes on Russian economic infrastructure, and the consequences will be “catastrophic” for Ukraine.



[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 25, 2026.]

Putin Says Kiev Begs Truce; Says NO & Kiev Faces Catastrophe; Russian AF Bombs Odessa; Dobropilia (Alexander Mercouris)

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Intro Sunday August 23 2026 program begins
00:00:47 Putin's interview with Zarubin on the United Russia campaign launch
00:01:38 Putin recalls warning Russia would launch mirror strikes on Ukraine
00:02:57 Russian strikes draining Ukrainian military supplies on the front lines
00:03:35 Putin says Ukraine deep strikes have largely failed
00:05:51 Putin downplays food shortages from the Black Sea port blockade
00:07:47 Putin recalls the 2022 grain deal and Russia's leverage over food exports
00:09:16 Putin says Ukraine opened Pandoras box with its deep strikes
00:10:52 Putin says Ukraine economy is being destroyed by the air war
00:11:41 Ukraine reaching out privately through intermediaries to end the strikes
00:12:18 Putin calls the proposals exotic and unacceptable
00:13:37 Turkey, the Trump administration and Lula of Brazil as the likely intermediaries
00:19:53 Putin insists any deal must reflect the reality on the ground
00:21:30 Reports that Ukraine may seek direct talks with Russia
00:28:16 Medvedev aggressive comments on annexing Ukrainian territory
00:34:54 Bessent economic war on Iran and Chinas refusal to cooperate
00:44:20 India record breaking imports of Russian oil despite sanctions
00:50:29 Satellite images show Dobropillia being smashed by Russian bombing
00:58:49 Macrons coalition of the willing and the missing air defense interceptors

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 25, 2026.]

Japan’s ZOMBIE Economy Is About To Crash! – James Corbett (Jimmy Dore)

Reportage author James Corbett joins Jimmy to note that Japan's economy has been in a "zombie" state since its 1990s asset bubble burst, with prices barely moving for decades until recently, and now faces a falling yen and rising inflation driven in part by the Middle East conflict and import costs. Asked about how Japan handled COVID, he explains that the country was never under a formal lockdown or mask mandate, but widespread social pressure—what he calls "horizontal tyranny"—led most people to comply with measures like masking anyway.

Corbett points out that Japan's population is shrinking, with deaths exceeding births amid a persistent low fertility rate, though he notes he doesn't have the latest data on excess deaths. He traces Japan's stagnation to structural issues, including a fragile banking system and "zombie companies" that survived on ultra-low interest rates, while also suggesting Japan's technological progress stalled relative to China's rise.



[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 25, 2026.]

$40 Trillion Debt: The Mistake Empires Make (The Duran)

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 US debt hits 40 trillion and Bessents stunning admission
00:01:03 Why saying the Treasury Secretary is losing control is risky
00:01:33 Yen intervention fades and the diesel fuel supply crunch
00:02:48 Biden's New Deal style spending fuels inflation not growth
00:03:23 Trump and Bessent inherit and expand the deficit
00:04:42 Bigger defense spending pushes the deficit even higher
00:05:15 China and Japan turn cautious on US treasuries
00:06:26 The AI boom's borrowing spree competes with government debt
00:07:52 Bessent's oil confusion and the option of Iran and Russia sanctions relief
00:09:57 The debt fueled growth illusion and history's warning for empires

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 24, 2026.]

China Says HELL NO to U.S. Economic WAR as Iran Vows DEVASTATING Response (Rachel Blevins)

China was quick to refuse U.S. demands to cut off trade with Tehran, as President Trump is attempting to make “Economic D-Day” happen by going after countries that trade with Iran.

This, as the chief of staff for Iran’s armed forces is warning the U.S. that the Iranian military (which Trump keeps claiming no longer exists) is ready to meet an escalated economic war with “crushing, punishing and devastating responses.”



[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 23, 2026.]

COL. Douglas Macgregor : Is Putin Losing Patience? (Judging Freedom)

The clip opens with Trump's tantrum at South Korea. It's like he's trying to cause a rift with every country on Earth. Is this the plan? 

Meanwhile US debt levels have hit 40 trillion. 

When it comes to Europe, the Russians have realised, after Ukraine struck their infrastructure, that the only way the war will end is via a military victory, which means a Ukrainian surrender.

Negotiations are off the table.

Macgregor thinks the conflict, driven by neocons and corrupt politicians, will end with an economic collapse and political revolution in Europe. He believes that Putin is betting on political changes in Europe to help end the fighting. 

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 22, 2026.]

Trump's Economic Siege on Iran, China and BRICS Stand in the Way (The Duran)

While China might not be happy with the lack of oil coming through the Strait of Hormuz, this crisis has been brought about by the USA that has put Iran in a do or die situation. If the US and Israel agree to the MOU the Strait reopens. If they continue to threaten Iran then Iran has little choice by to defend itself by lashing out at US vassals in the region. It's not Iran that is in a position to back out of this fight, but the US and Israel - because they are the unreasonable parties in this conflict.

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Trump announces economic D Day against Iran
00:00:37 Iran must lean on BRICS Russia and especially China
00:01:28 Can the US crush Irans economy without China
00:02:35 Chinas own interests in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia
00:03:43 China's goodwill toward Iran after the American attack
00:05:54 Iran talks strikes on NATO and the Gulf instead of courting China
00:07:58 Short term pain for the West versus long term risk for Iran
00:09:05 Irans 90 percent inflation and how China could fix it
00:12:41 Should Iran bet its future on a US economic crisis
00:14:32 The deep state versus Trump and whether Europe can hold the line

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 22, 2026.]

Demand Destruction: The Real Energy Crisis Hitting Europe and Japan (The Duran)

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Strait of Hormuz closure and Iran's demands
00:00:54 Global shortages set to hit economies hard
00:01:19 Why Iran will not reopen Hormuz
00:02:32 US oil reserves drop below the safe limit
00:03:23 Europe's gas reserves are critically low
00:04:36 AI data centers fueling US gas demand
00:05:11 Diesel and aviation fuel shortages spread
00:07:15 Cost of living surge coming to Europe and Japan
00:08:15 Deindustrialization accelerates across Europe
00:09:29 Theory the crisis targets BRICS and China
00:12:40 Wealth transfer to the elite explained
00:16:35 Japan's energy dependence and lost opportunity
00:19:19 Putin visits the Kuril Islands
00:23:06 Vassals take the hit first for empire
00:24:58 History behind the Kuril Islands dispute

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 17, 2026.]

Something Is Very Strange About Human Civilization (Michael Button)

For almost 300,000 years, humans built no cities. Then, within a tiny window of our history, civilizations began appearing independently across the world.

Why did humanity wait so long? And why did it suddenly happen in so many different places?

In this video, we explore one of archaeology’s biggest unanswered questions: what actually caused civilization to begin?



Did humans build civilisations during the Ice Age, or earlier, that vanished from the pages of history? While the video asks why farming did not appear before modern times there may have been a different form of food production at work that heavily involved fishing and fruit gathering, or something like that, that allowed human civilisation to flourish. The ending of the Ice Age would wipe out most traces of such societies.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 14, 2026.]

Rare Earths and Drones: China Is Squeezing the West (The Duran)

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Intro: China restricts rare earths and drone parts
00:01:35 China's strict licensing system for rare earth exports
00:02:51 F35 radar problems tied to rare earth shortage
00:03:59 US restricts tungsten exports amid shortage
00:05:20 Sanctions war hits military production
00:05:56 Trump and Xi set to discuss rare earths
00:06:22 China's drone components fueling Ukraine's war
00:07:21 China announces counter sanctions on drone exports
00:09:33 Prediction: Ukraine's drone offensive set to collapse
00:10:50 Europe can't replace cheap Chinese drone parts

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 10, 2026.]

Pepe Escobar: A Secret Diplomatic Deal Taking Shape in Iran (Glenn Diesen)

Pepe Escobar is a journalist, a political analyst, and author.



A lot of countries want an end to the conflict, especially those tied to China's Belt and Road initiative. Pepe says the US is boxed in, such that they must fall in line with the MOU. On the other hand the neocons are likely to restart hostilities in a desperate attempt to have the US engage in a full scale war. The Israelis will gamble that if the region falls apart US forces will be sent to protect their country. The big problem is Iranian ballistic missiles have no problem knocking out Israeli power and water infrastructure. 

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, August 9, 2026.]