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There's no freedom without national sovereignty.
Russia is concerned about opinions voiced in the West that a ceasefire needs to be achieved to give Ukraine a "breathing space"; this is not the path to peace - Lavrov said at a meeting with Peter Szijjarto in Moscow.
@Slavyangrad
Russian Allied Troops Pour Into Syria; Offensive Coming; Moscow: SMO Continues, No Counting on Trump
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Silk Roads at the British Museum - Soft Power in an "Inclusive" World
It is fascinating to see how the west is adapting its concept of soft power. In times past, soft power meant convincing (aka imposing) via culture and economics, whether it be art, or film, or gastronomy, or industrial products or the political system. Even pretty girls - Marilyn Monroe or the Kardashians as weapons of soft power. But whatever the medium, soft power was all about making others recognize the attractiveness (superiority) of the west, so that the object of the soft power aspire to be like the west, and, of course, accept western leadership.
In the last years a new concept of soft power has emerged. Rather than a demonstration of (supposed) superiority, this new soft power is all about inclusivity. "Look how much we appreciate you!." "We love your food/music/art". "You are so important and unique!"
But the goal of this new soft power is not equality, it is assimilation, absorption of the strengths of the others through flattery, while maintaining the centrality and indispensability of those wielding the soft power.
The Silk Roads exhibition currently at the British Museum is a perfect example of this new soft power. Beautiful objects exquisitely displayed and a mesmerizing narrative. But interestingly, if you take a step back, the exhibition is actually mostly about the west. Apparently the Silk Road is as much about Scandinavia and western Europe as about Central Asia or China...
Camel caravans crossing desert dunes, merchants trading silks and spices at bazaars – these are the images that come to mind when we think of the Silk Roads. But the reality goes far beyond this. In fact, so far beyond this that, if we are to judge solely from this exhibition, the Silk Road is not so much a unique series of traders, peoples and cultures, but rather basically a trade route to, for and about Europe.
Thus is the new soft power, "you are so fascinating and exquisite."
("But it is still all about us...") Some Final Thoughts...
What the Silk Roads exhibition ultimately reveals is not the wonder of connection or the mutual exchange of civilizations, but the West’s relentless ability to insert itself into every story. It’s not enough to admire the Silk Roads as they were: a dynamic, multipolar network of cultures spanning Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. No, the narrative must be reframed: the Silk Roads were really about Western civilization all along. How convenient.
This isn’t inclusivity; it’s appropriation with a smile. The objects are exquisite, the narrative mesmerizing, but the subtext is clear: “You are fascinating, but only because we’ve chosen to acknowledge you. And your story only matters because it ties back to us.”
The British Museum doesn’t just display artifacts; it displays the mechanics of modern soft power, flattery as a form of dominance, “appreciation” as a method of absorption. Beneath the surface of the exhibit lies an implicit message: the Silk Roads may have stretched thousands of miles, but all roads lead to London.
So here we are, dazzled by treasures that represent the richness of the Global Majority, only to find they’ve been co-opted into the service of Western centrality. This is the paradox of modern soft power: it promises respect and inclusion, but only as long as the story still revolves around the West.
Perhaps that’s the enduring truth: no matter how fascinating the “other” may be, in this narrative, they’re never the protagonist, just an exquisite supporting character in the same old Western script.
- Gerry Nolan
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🅰️ NEW: Motion of no-confidence filed against French PM Michel Barnier - with a vote expected on Wednesday (CNN)
The French minority coalition govt appears to be on the verge of collapse.
@RiseGS
What will Russia do if Zelensky suddenly declares a unilateral truce?
Let's consider such a hypothetical scenario. It is obvious that Zelensky will not make such a decision himself, but on instructions from Washington. This will be the first step towards freezing the conflict in Ukraine. At the same time, it is very naive to force Russia to abide by such a scenario, it is unacceptable to us under any circumstances.
But regardless I think that the probability and danger of such extravagant steps should not be underestimated. Naturally, Western politicians and the media will paint this step as a good will gesture from Ukraine, seeking to end the war. And Russia's refusal will be presented as aggressive behavior and a desire to continue hostilities.
It is clear that there is no peace here. The West just needs a break for Ukraine to safeguard its shrinking territory every day due to the tactical successes of the Russian Armed Forces. If Russia agrees to this form of scam truce the Kiev regime will be immediately rearmed by NATO for another round of hostilities. And the second round will be even bloodier and will come at the most inconvenient moment for us.
I believe that we should consider a wide variety of enemy behaviors, including the one described above. It would even be nice to publicly talk about our actions if the United States suddenly takes such a step. For example, Russia will publicly declare that in the case of such actions by Zelensky, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will use this as a convenient moment for further offensive and demilitarization of Ukraine, since we do not need a freeze, but a final settlement of the conflict.
The main thing is that in such a situation our system does not end up in a stupor, not understanding how to react.
@barantchik
Terrorists in Syria use US technology, assistance from Ukraine with drones - Source
Members of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terrorist group (formerly known as the Nusra Front) have managed to capture Aleppo thanks to Ukrainian advisers who helped with drones, as well as the use of advanced US technology, including satellite navigation and electronic warfare systems, a source close to the Syrian special services told RIA Novosti.
"The militants of the terrorist group Nusra have no experience in using high technology, and it would not have been possible to master it without advisers from Ukraine, the Islamic Party of Turkestan and Syrian officers (who went over to the terrorists' side)," the source said.
"The assault groups and drones were equipped with encrypted GPS devices and extensive use of artificial intelligence, so that the use and navigation of attack UAVs and kamikaze drones took place from a long distance," the source said.
🇩🇪🇨🇳🇷🇺German Foreign Minister Berbock - in Beijing demanded an end to alliance relations with Russia:
The Russian president is not only destroying our European peace order with his war against Ukraine, but is now also dragging Asia into it through North Korea. So my Chinese counterpart and I have talked intensely about how this is not in China's interest. Today in Beijing, I am advocating for a just peace process precisely because we represent different perspectives and roles. Every permanent member of the UN Security Council has a responsibility for world peace and security. Drones from Chinese factories and North Korean troops attacking peace in the center of Europe violate our European nuclear security interests.
@Slavyangrad
◾️In Poland, from among the Ukrainian soldiers who are brought in for training, 12 desert every month.
The Financial Times reports this, citing sources in the Polish security services.
The publication also cites stories of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers who complain about hazing, lack of rotation — "they are exhausted, frustrated and struggling with mental health issues."
@ukr_leaks_eng
Desperate Escalations in Middle East & Ukraine - Alastair Crooke, Alexander Mercouris & Glenn Diesen
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1600 km2 in Pokrovsk +500km in Kursk since first of September.
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One of those pictures...
Kursk region. The Ukrainian BMP-1, with the landing force destroyed a couple of months ago, still stands as a monument to the feeblemindedness of the Ukrainians who set their sights on Pyaterochka.
@Slavyangrad
Touching photo:
Happy European commissioners today in Kiev cementery.
They don't care about Ukrainians.
@Slavyangad
🇩🇪🇺🇦 Scholz to meet Zelensky to try to find out what the Ukrainian side is ready to do for peace - Bild
- Analysts believe that before the early elections to the Bundestag, the chancellor is eager to show himself as a leader ready to negotiate a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
- This position is an order for him: if US President Donald Trump starts negotiations on ending the war as announced, Scholz intends to defend Ukraine's position, the publication writes.
@Slavyangrad
🇨🇾🇵🇱🇷🇺"On January 17, 1945, the Red Army liberated Warsaw": Poland's Legia have contacted UEFA to complain about the banner Cypriot Omonia put up by the home team's fans before the match.
"On behalf of the club's community and the people who gave their lives fighting for the freedom of Warsaw and Poland, we have contacted UEFA to demand a decisive response," Legia said in a statement.
If you want to offend a Pole, remind him who did something good for him.
@Slavyangrad
❗️Syrian Armed Forces begin counteroffensive against militants in Aleppo and other north-western regions – TASS
#Syria
@MTodayNews
⚡️IDF announces new strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon — CNN
Israeli forces attack, breaking ceasefire deal yet again.
Israel has “Violated Ceasefire About 100 Times”, CNN reported.
#Lebanon #Israel
🇬🇪 Coincidence? Georgia in flames after regime change guru Nuland joins NED
Pro-EU protests are rocking Tbilisi in a strong echo of the 2014 Euromaidan coup in Ukraine.
Victoria Nuland, a US State Department official under the Obama and Biden administrations infamous for her role in the 2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat, re-joined the National Endowment for Democracy's (NED) Board of Directors.
What is the NED?
🔸 The NED is a self-described "non-profit foundation" set up in 1983. It receives annual funding from Congress through the US Department of State and is staffed by former government officials.
🔸 CIA Director William Casey and senior CIA covert operation specialist Walter Raymond are believed to be the masterminds behind the NED's creation in the 1980s
🔸 In 1986, NED founding president Carl Gershman told the New York Times the organization was meant to legitimize the CIA's covert support for pro-US political groups in other countries from the 1950s to the 1970s. ''It would be terrible for democratic groups around the world to be seen as subsidized by the CIA. We saw that in the 60s,'' Gershman said, ''and that's why the endowment was created.''
🔸 Allen Weinstein, another founding member of the NED, told the Washington Post in 1991 that "a lot of what we do today was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA."
🔸 The NED had a hand in the 2000 ‘Velvet Revolution’ in Serbia, the 2003 ‘Rose Revolution’ in Georgia, the 2004 ‘Orange Revolution’ in Ukraine; and the Euromaidan riots of 2014.
🔸 The NED is believed to have enabled the 2011 Arab Spring wave of protests in the Middle East and North Africa, which it called "the most important development for democracy since the fall of Soviet communism."
🔸 Together with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the NED was accused of aiding opposition protests in Venezuela in 2019 and 2024.
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In the video, Olaf Scholz arrived in Kiev today to announce his decision to donate another €650 million worth of weapons to Ukrainians in December at the expense of ordinary German taxpayers.
In the image the upcoming plans of the German largest companies to reduce staff due to economic depression in the country.
Pretty logical when you have no sovereignty...
@eurasianchoice
❗Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, speaking at a press conference, ruled out the possibility of negotiations with the opposition, which has been staging protests in the country's capitals for several days.
"No negotiations," he said.
And that's right! The sad example of Yanukovych should never be followed.
@eurasianchoice
❗Slovak Interior Minister Matusz Shutai-Estok said that actions were recorded indicating possible preparations for a terrorist attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline - Hungarian press
He told about the detention of an organized group, which had several drones found during the search. He admitted that a terrorist attack was being prepared on Druzhba. Among the detainees are citizens of Ukraine. According to Slovak intelligence, the group operated not only in Slovakia, but also in Hungary."
As you know, in recent months, oil supplies through the Druzhba oil pipeline have been in question, since the Ukrainians allegedly wanted to close it, but in September Mol finally reached an agreement, so it will receive ownership of the corresponding volumes of oil from Russia on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border starting from September 9, 2024.
@eurasianchoice
🇪🇺🇺🇸🇷🇺🇨🇳EU diplomacy chief Kallas believes that Russia's influence in the world is growing.
"If America is worried about China, it should be worried about Russia first. We see that Russia, Iran, North Korea and China are working together. And we also see what Putin is doing in other countries, really strengthening his influence," Kallas said in an interview with the Ukrainian publication "Obshchestvennoe".
🇬🇪🇪🇪🇱🇻🇱🇹 Baltic states agree to impose "national sanctions against those who suppress 'legitimate protests' in Georgia" - Estonian Foreign Minister
- "Opponents of democracy and violators of human rights are not welcome in our countries."
- Margus Tskhkna wrote in 𝕏
- He did not specify which sanctions he was referring to and against whom they would be imposed.
@Slavyangrad
⚡️🇷🇺🇺🇦⚡️ Two Majors #Summary for the Morning of 2 December 2024; 06:48 (GMT+3)⚡️
🔹 In #Kursk region, the 'North Troops Grouping' is engaged in fierce fighting near the settlements of #Novoivanovka, #Daryino and #Plekhovo, and there is an advance in the forests near #Martynovka. The enemy is conducting counterattacks with the use of armoured vehicles, including German Leopards, and is losing militants and foreign equipment in the fights. No significant changes to the LoC have been reported yet.
🔹 In #Kharkov direction, yesterday, the RFAF repelled AFU counterattacks in #Volchansk and in the #Liptsy direction.
🔹 In #Kupyansk direction, heavy fighting is reported from the field. There is information about a new forcing of the Oskol River south of #Dvurechnoye. The enemy claims that our troops have taken positions in a forest plantation west of #Masyutovka, but again, frontline soldiers ask not to rush events.
🔹 In #ChasovYar, heavy fighting continues near the Refractory Plant. The RFAF are expanding their zone of control, knocking the AFU out of their positions.
🔹 In #Pokrovsk direction, Russian units have advanced towards #Pushkino, moving in another direction on the #Pokrovsk - #Kurakhovo Motorway. The zone of control on the recently occupied #Petrovka - #Zheltoye section is expanding. Enemy channels are writing about the Russian Army's offensive on a broad front.
🔹 In #Kurakhovo direction, the battles north of the reservoir are already in the area of #StaryeTerny, see 👉 map. The northern bank of the reservoir is almost completely behind our troops. In #Kurakhovo itself, the RFAF are advancing along Soborny and Mira Avenues, have advanced in the private housing sector, and are continuing their assault operations in a block of multi-storey buildings.
🔹 On the #Vremyevka ledge, in the north, our troops 👉 advanced from the liberated #Razdolnoye to the #NovyKomar settlement north of #VelikayaNovosyolka.🗺👆
🔹 On the #Zaporozhye front, the enemy is expecting a large-scale offensive of the RFAF, stating this at a high level and in the Western press. In the meantime, from the field they are writing about positional battles and counterbattery warfare.
🛡 Over the #Bryansk region, at least six enemy aircraft-type UAVs were destroyed at night.
💥 In #Belgorod region, near the village of #Chayki, Belgorod district, an FPV drone attacked a moving passenger car, a taxi driver was wounded. Also under Nazi attack were #Otradnoye, Belgorod district, the villages of #NovayaTavolzhanka, #Gruzskoye and #Beryozovka.
📌 Enemy resources note that in the #VelikayaNovosyolka, #Kurakhovo and #Pokrovsk directions the RFAF have brought in fresh forces and equipment to increase pressure in key areas: #VelikayaNovosyolka, #NovyKomar, #Kurakhovo, #StaryeTerny, #Shevchenko and #Lysovka.
⚡️ Two Majors ⚡️ Boost us ⚡️
📱 Translation by Global Depth
Biden's team wants to have time to transfer as much military aid to Ukraine as possible
The United States plans to provide Kiev with all possible resources to strengthen its positions on the battlefield and in diplomatic negotiations.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said:
"We are going to do everything we can in these 50 days to give Ukraine every tool we can to strengthen its position on the battlefield so that it will be stronger at the negotiating table. And President Biden has tasked me with overseeing the massive shipments of military equipment that we are sending to Ukraine so that we have spent every dollar that Congress has given us by the time President Biden leaves office."
Kurakhovsky direction
Stariy Terny is under our control, the western outskirts of the settlement are being cleared.
@Slavyangrad
Volodymyr Zelensky can only choose the color of the pen with which he will sign the pact of unconditional surrender.- this is how American scientific researcher Mike Adams responded to the statement of the head of the Kiev regime on the social network X.
Georgian Prime Minister says Georgian presidential elections will be held on December 14
For the first time, the head of state will be elected not by the population, but by the Electoral College. The Georgian Dream party has nominated former football player Mikheil Kavelashvili for the post of president.
Kavelashvili will fully restore the dignity temporarily taken away from the Institute of the President
🔶The day the Cold War ended (or so Russia thought)
Thirty-five years ago, on December 2-3, 1989, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and US President George H.W. Bush met aboard the Maxim Gorky cruise ship off Malta to declare an end to the Cold War.
Expectations:
📍Gorbachev told Bush, “Cold War methods and confrontations have suffered defeat…We are at the beginning of a long road to a lasting, peaceful era.” Bush echoed Gorbachev’s optimism.
📍After the Malta meeting, Gorbachev and Yeltsin made significant efforts to build cooperation with the West, agreeing to Germany's reunification (on the assurance NATO wouldn’t expand east).
📍Soviet troops were withdrawn from Eastern Europe, Asia and the Caribbean and the Warsaw Pact was dismantled, the USSR and then Russia embraced a market economy, fostered economic ties with Europe, and even overlooked Western-funded color revolutions near Russia.
Reality:
📍Over time, Russian officials recognized that while the Cold War had ended in name, it continued in the minds of Western politicians.
📍In 2014, amid the Ukrainian crisis triggered by the US-backed coup in Kiev, President Putin reflected: “The Cold War is over, but it did not end with peace…The US is creating a new balance of power that reshapes the world to suit its interests, disregarding international law and existing systems of checks and balances.”
📍A decade on, the Ukrainian crisis has morphed into a full-blown proxy war against Russia, with the West delivering military hardware to Kiev, ramping up NATO drills and deployments along Russia’s borders, and engaging in irresponsible saber-rattling.
📍“We understand that the West is trying to drag us into an arms race,” President Putin said in February. “The so-called West, with its colonial habits and habit of inciting national conflicts, seeks not only to restrain our development. Instead of Russia, they need a dependent, fading, dying space where they can do whatever they want.”
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Reminder that there is still zero (0) indication that any DPRK troops are present in the SMO zone or Kursk oblast, there are no photos or videos or anything else. There is literally no reason to believe that this was ever more than a fabrication, despite enemy agitprop coming up with elaborate narratives about North Koreans fighting, dying, surrendering, staging mutinies, switching sides, becoming addicted to pornography, etc. It's all a creative writing exercise for them.
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