Cuba Crisis Deepens (The Duran)

The United States has effectively blockaded Cuba, turned back a Russian oil tanker, and sent CIA director John Radcliffe to Havana with what amounts to a regime change ultimatum, raising the question of whether Cuba is on the verge of becoming the next Venezuela. Alexander Mercouris and Alex Christoforou of The Duran break down why the Cuban leadership may have actually refused Russian oil themselves, what the Americans are really demanding, and whether Trump and Marco Rubio can pull off a swift political takeover of the island without triggering a costly military confrontation. Is Cuba quietly capitulating to American pressure, or is this the opening move in a far more dangerous standoff in America's own backyard?



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

Trump readies Cuba invasion with phony indictment (The Greyzone)

The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal and Aaron Mate discuss the Trump administration's indictment of Raul Castro and explain how it serves as a bogus legal pretext for military invading Cuba and replacing its government.

This is an important clip from The Greyzone. It's highly educational when it comes to the ugly nature of geopolitical reality. The video opens by pointing out that the US continues to work with narco traffickers to overthrow Governments in Central and South America. The key thing to consider is that the world is being shaped by corrupt intelligence agencies linked to organised crime and terrorists.  

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, June 2, 2026.]

Zelensky Leaves Kiev After Russian Strike Warnings; Oreshnik Capabilities; Konstantinovka Collapsing (Alexander Mercouris)

Russian forces are closing in on Konstantinovka as Ukrainian resistance in southern Donbass collapses, while new insider intelligence shared with Alexander Mercouris on The Duran reveals the full Oreshnik missile family including bunker busting variants more capable than any weapon the United States has fielded. As Zelensky slips out of Kiev ahead of a looming Russian strike campaign, Europe's foreign policy establishment led by figures like Kaja Kallas continues to block all negotiation with Moscow, doubling down on military buildups they cannot deliver while the front lines deteriorate by the day. Is Europe sleepwalking toward a direct confrontation with Russia at the very moment Ukraine is running out of time?



Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Introduction and channel reminders
00:00:43 Western embassies remain in Kiev despite Russian warnings
00:01:53 Zelensky leaves Kiev amid strike threat signals
00:02:28 Sweden and Gripen jets for Ukraine
00:05:12 Drone activity and the pace of Russian planning
00:06:35 Insider source on the Oreshnik weapons system
00:08:04 Oreshnik origins: the siege of Azovstal
00:09:26 Oreshnik variants: kinetic, penetrating, thermobaric, nuclear
00:14:25 Development speed and legacy RSD-10 technology
00:16:57 Battle of Konstantinovka: situation overview
00:18:55 Southern Konstantinovka collapses under Russian advance
00:21:28 Ukrainian drone operators withdrawn, final days signal
00:26:16 Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk advances, Orikhiv bombing
00:30:41 Ukrainian drone campaign on the Mariupol to Crimea highway
00:38:02 The collapsing stalemate narrative and western panic ahead
00:39:54 Europe frozen out of Russia negotiations: a timeline
00:46:55 Kallas blocks talks, demands Russian capitulation
00:50:25 Gordon Hahn analysis: Europe's war faction
00:58:11 Romanian drone incident and European escalation rhetoric
01:02:27 Baltic and Scandinavian drone incursions: Finland's Stubb speaks
01:05:53 Explosive devices on Russian tankers and western complicity
01:10:34 UK surveillance aircraft over Black Sea, Britain Poland treaty
01:14:20 What happens when the front collapses: European troop deployments
01:17:29 US Iran nuclear deal deadlocked
01:18:41 Cuba: Russian oil tanker and invasion talk
01:24:25 Veterans Intelligence Professionals warn against Cuba attack
01:25:50 Closing remarks and channel links

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, May 31, 2026.]

Russia Moldova Decree Stuns EU; Assembles Belarus Force; Brushes Off Zelensky Drones; Putin To China (Alexander Mercouris)

Ukraine launched its biggest ever drone strike on Moscow with nearly 600 drones, yet Russia's air defenses brushed off the attack while normal life continued in the city, exposing the growing gap in military effectiveness between the two sides. Alex Christoforou and Alexander Mercouris on The Duran break down what Zelensky's defiant post on X really signals, why Putin's new decree granting Russian passports to citizens of Moldova's Transnistria region is sending shockwaves through the EU, how a massive Russian reserve force of 150,000 troops is assembling near Belarus, and what Putin's upcoming visit to Beijing means for the next phase of the conflict. Is the Ukraine crisis about to expand into a Moldova crisis, and are the Russian reserve armies being held back for a final decisive push?

00:00:00 Introduction and overview of today's program
00:00:35 Ukraine launches massive drone strike on Moscow
00:01:51 Russia's air defenses hold: comparing effectiveness
00:03:41 Moscow mayor confirms damage contained, life continues
00:05:29 Ukraine's drone strategy: a major misallocation of resources
00:10:07 Zelensky's post on X and what it reveals
00:12:54 Russian ambassador Polanski warns Europe: patience wearing thin
00:16:55 Why Zelensky launched the strike he wanted on Victory Day
00:22:53 Barova captured, Leman collapsing: front line update
00:28:34 Putin's Moldova decree stuns EU: passports for Transnistria
00:35:02 Is Moldova next? Russia prepares legal framework for intervention
00:38:07 Putin heads to China: what the Beijing summit means
00:46:22 Belarus buildup: 150,000 Russian reserve troops and what they signal
01:04:48 Russian economy update: inflation under control, growth ahead
01:08:44 Iran nuclear talks collapse and the Strait of Hormuz standoff
01:12:17 Taiwan tensions escalate after Xi warning to Trump
01:15:16 CIA director in Cuba: America's real diplomatic face
01:20:06 Final thoughts and wrap up



[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, May 19, 2026.]

U.S. FAILS TO PRESSURE CHINA ON IRAN + CIA CHIEF MAKES OMINOUS VISIT TO CUBA (Rachel Blevins)

President Trump left Beijing without any souvenirs, without rare earth minerals for the U.S. weapons industry, and without the pressure he desperately wanted China to put on Iran. This, as the Trump Admin is also increasing their pressure on Cuba with CIA Chief John Ratcliffe making a trip to Havana.



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

Col Douglas Macgregor: Iran TOO BIG TO INVADE (Daniel Davis)

Clipped from a longer interview. Iran can suffer for longer than the West, especially with Russian and Chinese aid, and is impossible to invade. Macgregor points out that much of what we are experiencing is due to the neocon plan for a Greater Israel - and the rest of the world can see it. 

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, May 12, 2026.]

Howard Lutnick's Closed-Door Hearing: It's All Disgusting & Demonic! Attorney Viva Frei Interview! (Alex Jones)

"Whether It's Political Pressure Or Him Knowing That He Did Something Wrong- It's All Disgusting & Demonic!" Respected Attorney Viva Frei https://x.com/thevivafrei Responds To Howard Lutnick's Closed-Door Hearing Where He Testified That He Can't Recall Why His Family Lunched On Epstein's Island! Other Topics Discussed:

•Saudi Arabia & Qatar Closing Airspace
•Nick Shirley's [pre conflict?] Trip To Cuba
•WHO's Hantavirus Hysteria
•Pedophilia At Disney
•Hit Piece On Kyle Seraphin
& MUCH MORE!



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

Col Douglas Macgregor: There'll be HELL to PAY for Iran Ceasefire & Blockade (Daniel Davis)

While the US seems to be backing out of the conflict, the door is open for resumed fighting considering Israeli actions in the region (in Lebanon). Whatever happens, economic turmoil is brewing due to the lack of oil and fertilizer coming out of the region. If fighting resumes the economic fallout will be worse. The overall situation is still up in the air.

When it comes to international relations in general, Macgregor points out that the war has turned much of the world against both the US and the Israelis, setting the framework for a decoupling and a shift towards BRICS over the longer term. Israel has really painted itself into a corner regionally with both Turkey and Egypt realising the threat posed by the Greater Israel plans.   

In reaction to so much opposition the end goal might be to escalate the conflict against Iran so that oil and water facilities in the region are destroyed leading to a global economic crisis. In such a situation the stability of countries like Egypt and Turkey, and also China and India, will come into question - allowing the possibility of internal conflict and/or balkanisation. 

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, May 6, 2026.]

Cuba's Big Bet on Russia and Why It Could Spark a 1962-Style Crisis (The Duran)

Sending fuel and medicine to Cuba is not the same as sending nuclear missiles, but given the gangster nature of the US they may react as if this were so.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, April 21, 2026.]

Trump Is Preparing A Cuba Invasion! (Jimmy Dore)

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing possible military operations against Cuba, including plans to kidnap Cuban leaders similar to the operation against Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Jimmy and Americans’ Comedian Kurt Metzger note that Trump has already imposed an economic blockade on Cuba, cutting off energy supplies and collectively punishing the civilian population.

The segment suggests Trump is using Cuba as a distraction after being humiliated in the Strait of Hormuz and forced to beg for a ceasefire in the Iran conflict. It concludes by calling Trump's flip from anti-war candidate to warmonger "the greatest rug pull in history."



Launching a war against Cuba, or Iran for that matter, countries that don't threaten the USA, is a war crime. America First voters did not vote for this !

Both Cuba and Iran could have been moderated with open dialogue, trade, and general good relations. Eventually these countries would have become more democratic as their standards of living increased, combined with increased interactions with the West. 

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, April 18, 2026.]

Russian tankers to Cuba. Is it enough to prevent Cuba takeover? (TheDuran)

The big question is whether the US will stop the tankers from reaching Cuba. Having no energy is going to lead to a humanitarian disaster. Trump can decide to avoid this situation and let the tankers through. Cuba is no threat to the USA.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, March 21, 2026.]

Iran Vows to Bring US & Israel to Their Knees /Patrick Henningsen & Lt Col Daniel Davis

Patrick Henningsen argues that U.S. policy and leadership around the Iran conflict are driven by flawed intelligence, political opportunism, and misunderstanding of Iranian society.

They claim information reaching President Trump is unreliable or manipulated, leading to exaggerated or false narratives that influence decisions. Inside the administration, figures like the vice president are portrayed as prioritizing political survival over principle, avoiding clear positions on the war despite past anti-war rhetoric.

On Iran, the key point is that U.S. and Israeli pressure has backfired: instead of weakening the government, it has unified the Iranian population, increasing support for resistance rather than regime change. Iran’s ability to keep the Strait of Hormuz disrupted is described as giving it strategic leverage.

The speaker also argues that the war benefits certain U.S. economic interests (like oil and industry) more than the general public, and may hurt political support domestically.

Finally, the discussion expands to U.S. policy toward Cuba, criticizing decades of sanctions as ineffective and harmful to civilians. The speaker frames recent rhetoric about “taking” Cuba as dangerous and part of a broader pattern of aggressive, interventionist thinking, warning it could lead to further instability and humanitarian harm.



The clip opens with breaking news of a top US intelligence official quitting in opposition to the war. Good interview with Patrick Henningsen. The point of the clip is that there's going to be NO quick exit here, so now you have to think about what this will do in the longer term, and the fact that people in power will KNOW this already. So the aim will be to wreck the globalised economy as the nations of this region wreck each other. This includes both Iran and Israel, and the rest of Gulf State countries.

The situation is yet to go really off the rails in terms of attacks on oil infrastructure and desalination plants. As things stand there's no simple end, militarily, to what's unfolding. Both sides will be lobbing ordinance at each other, where Iran almost certainly still has hundreds of thousand of unused drones and thousands of ballistic missiles.

Attempts at revolution failed, a ground invasion is off, and if things continue, and get worse, then expect the Israelis to lose all of their oil and water production facilities, and general power production in the country. Same for Iran. Is that what they're willing to do? Perhaps there will be a chemical attack false flag (nerve gas) so that nukes will be used (because a ground invasion will not work), but will that actually be on the table? If not, then conventional smashing by both sides won't result in a clear victory.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, March 18, 2026.]

Trump is manufacturing humanitarian crisis in Cuba (TheGreyzone)

The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal and Aaron Mate on the Trump-Rubio energy blockade on Cuba, and the catastrophic human toll it has already taken.

Is Washington seeking to engineer a famine to achieve regime change?



Cuba is not threat to the USA. The oil embargo is completely unnecessary. 

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

Here’s What TV News Isn’t Telling You About Cuba’s Collapse! (Jimmy Dore)

Despite mainstream media efforts to obscure the issue, worsening blackouts, fuel shortages, and humanitarian conditions in Cuba are the direct result of intensified U.S. sanctions under President Donald Trump, including threats of tariffs on countries that supply oil to the island. Jimmy describes these measures as collective punishment aimed at collapsing Cuba’s government, comparing them to past U.S. actions in Iran and Venezuela and accusing corporate media of omitting the role of the long-standing embargo.

Jimmy draws parallels between U.S. policy toward Cuba and Israel’s siege of Gaza, claiming both represent deliberate economic warfare against civilian populations. The episode concludes by describing a history of CIA propaganda against Cuba, asserting that economic pressure—not internal policy failures—is primarily responsible for the country’s current crisis.



[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, February 16, 2026.]

Russia Breaking Trump’s Cuba Siege By Sending Oil! (Jimmy Dore)

Escalating U.S. sanctions under President Donald Trump have created a severe fuel and humanitarian crisis in Cuba, a policy Jimmy describes as “siege warfare” designed to force regime change by immiserating the populace by denying them food, electricity and healthcare.

Jimmy shares allegations that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is misleading Trump about diplomatic talks with Cuban officials while advancing a hardline strategy to collapse the government.

However, reports have emerged suggesting that Russia plans to send oil shipments to Cuba as humanitarian aid, while China continues expanding solar infrastructure on the island to reduce dependence on imported fuel.

Jimmy frames U.S. actions as economic coercion comparable to blockades in other conflicts, warning that further escalation could heighten geopolitical tensions reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis.



[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, February 16, 2026.]

Trump Now Working On Overthrowing CUBA! (Jimmy Dore)

Why not just leave them alone? If Cuba is so badly run it will collapse on its own.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, February 2, 2026.]

Iran Says Will Close Hormuz Straits As US Prepares Attack; Rubio Admits Russian Demands Unchanged (Alexander Mercouris)

0:00 - Growing indications of imminent US attack on Iran and regional reactions
5:33 - Background on the June 12-day war and expectations of a renewed US strike on Iran
14:24 - Massive US naval buildup near Iran signaling preparation for a strike
20:06 - President Trump's shifting public justification for potential military action on Iran
24:15 - Analysis of Iran's nuclear program and the impact of US withdrawal from JCPOA
29:15 - Recent US demands to Iran in Oman and Iranian rejection likened to a pretext for war
32:49 - Reuters report on US plans to use strikes to inspire regime change in Iran
44:08 - Potential consequences of Iran closing the Straits of Hormuz
52:22 - Brief overview of Cuba’s worsening oil crisis and US pressure on Mexico
59:30 - Upcoming tripartite working group meeting on Ukraine conflict and its limited scope
1:08:46 - US Congressional testimony
1:14:44 - Recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure
1:16:48 - Predictions of major Russian offensives in Donbass
1:20:40 - Current military situation in Ukraine with Russian advances



[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, January 31, 2026.]

Putin New Demand As Kiev Collapses: NATO Expansion Must Be Reversed; EU In Panic; Argues Over Envoy (Alexander Mercouris)

0:00 - Introduction and overview of the program's topics
1:00 - Putin's significant foreign policy speech and its implications
2:30 - Hardening of Russia's position on Ukraine and diplomatic challenges
3:50 - Discussion of Russia's relations with Cuba and red lines set by Putin
4:50 - Summary of Putin's calls with Iranian and Israeli leaders
5:40 - Analysis of Putin's remarks on the Ukraine conflict and NATO
12:30 - Overview of Russia's demands regarding NATO expansion
17:00 - Implications of Putin's statements for US-Russia relations
22:30 - Discussion on the state of the conflict in Ukraine and Russia's military objectives
27:00 - European leaders' changing attitudes towards dialogue with Russia
31:20 - The British government's stance on diplomacy with Russia
39:00 - Putin's comments on US unilateral actions and international law
46:00 - Current humanitarian situation in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict
54:00 - Analysis of Russian military advances and strategic planning
1:13:00 - Overview of Putin's discussions on Cuba and potential support
1:25:00 - Summary of Putin's mediation efforts in the Middle East and relations with Iran and Israel
1:29:30 - Conclusion and reminders for viewers to engage with the content



[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, January 18, 2026.]

What Nobody Told You About The US Attack on Venezuela (History Legends)

Latest news about the US attack on Caracas where Maduro was captured. Was this an inside job?



Elements within the Venezuelan military likely aided the US attack.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, January 11, 2026.]

Marco Rubio CAN’T WAIT To Overthrow Cuba Next! w/ Max Blumenthal (The Jimmy Dore Show)

Senator Marco Rubio is likely the central architect behind current U.S.-backed regime-change efforts in Venezuela and beyond, driven by his long-standing ideological goal of dismantling left-wing governments in Latin America, especially Cuba.

Guest host Russell Dobular and The Grayzone’s Max Blumenthal portray Rubio as leveraging Donald Trump’s presidency to achieve a legacy he cannot secure on his own, and framing Cuba as the ultimate prize with Venezuela as a stepping stone.

The two claim Rubio’s influence is reinforced by powerful financial backers with direct economic interests in Venezuelan assets and a broader network of neoconservative think tanks. Overall, the segment frames U.S. policy toward Latin America as being shaped by a narrow South Florida exile lobby, profit motives, and personal legacy ambitions rather than genuine U.S. national interests.



Neocons behind the scenes again, along with the corporatists.

[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, January 8, 2026.]