Author Archives: Yves Smith

“Russia Dodged a Bullet by Wisely Choosing Not To Ally With the Now-Defeated Resistance Axis”

Another post-mortem on Syria’s collapse, here on the Russia-Axis of Resistance non-relationship.

Unveiling the Antarctic ‘Plastisphere’, a Unique and Potentially Hazardous New Ecosystem – New Research

On the growth of a plastisphere in the Antarctic.

The Increasing Cost of Buying American

Looking at the costs versus purported benefits of programs that require or encourage Federal agencies to purchase American products.

The Collapse of Syria, BRICS, and Wishful Thinking

How the sudden collapse of the Syrian government exposes fundamental weaknesses in the BRICS initiative.

In the Trump Administration Crosshairs: Cell Phone Radiation

In 2020, RFK Jr.’s nonprofit sued the FCC over 5G cell phone radiation safety. As HHS secretary, he’d have the power to upend the tech.

Should the NYC Council Revisit Airbnb Restrictions? Rival City Hall Rallies Fight it Out.

The fight between AirBnB and tenants in New York City enters a new chapter as the city considers relaxing its short-term rental ban.

“The Next Crash Could Be Much Bigger Than the Last Two”

Rentierism in housing in the UK has reached what looks like nose-bleed, self-correcting, and thus potentially crash-inducing levels.

Links 12/10/2024

Rob Urie: Politics by Other Means, Health Insurance Industry Edition

A look at the context of the government-supported health insurance industry practices that triggered the murder of UnitedHealth CEO Thompson.

Political Turmoil in France Could Worsen Europe’s Energy Problems

How continued political instability in France threatens European energy supplies.

Syrian Refugees: Where and What of Over 11 Million Who Have Fled?

Looking at the large population of Syrian refugees and what that portends.

Can Europe Afford Its Energy Transition?

A not-complete tally cost estimate for Europe’s climate change containment comes in at €1.3 trillion annually to 2030, then >€1.5 trillion through 2050.

Links 12/7/2024

Larry Johnson and Your Humble Blogger Discuss Propaganda, Ukraine, and Other Hot Topics

Larry Johnson was so gracious as to host a freewheeling talk with yours truly. I hope you enjoy it!