Is Ukraine Grasping the Reality? Hezbollah Crushes the IDF if Israel Attacks them| Larry C. Johnson

Summary

The transcript discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape, focusing on Russia’s historical ties to Ukraine, the shifting balance of power in Europe, and tensions in the Middle East. Key themes include the limitations of U.S. military support for Ukraine and Israel, the potential escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and the role of global powers like Russia and China in challenging Western dominance. The speaker also touches on the political dynamics in Bolivia, the growing influence of BRICS countries, and the complexities surrounding defense strategies in conflict zones like Gaza.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. is facing a shortage in producing Patriot missile systems, with only 550 missiles made per year, leading to potential supply issues for Ukraine despite receiving additional launchers.
• 😀 Russia's ability to produce missiles at a high rate poses a significant challenge for Ukraine's defense against Russian attacks, with potential risks of running out of missile stockpiles.
• 😀 There is a growing political divide in Europe, with conservative parties in France, Italy, and Germany showing a more pro-Russian stance, potentially reducing tensions with Russia.
• 😀 The United States' efforts to influence global political dynamics are facing challenges, with limited support from major European powers and growing opposition to U.S. influence in certain regions.
• 😀 Bolivia's political crisis may be linked to U.S. involvement, as Bolivia's vast lithium reserves are vital for electric vehicle production, a resource the U.S. and other global powers are keen on.
• 😀 BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) is expanding its influence globally, with countries like Malaysia expressing interest in joining, despite the West's dismissive attitude towards it.
• 😀 The U.S. dollar's value is declining due to growing national debt, leading to potential shifts in global economic systems away from dollar dominance, with BRICS countries seeking alternatives.
• 😀 The U.S. and Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon are escalating, with Israel poised to take action against Hezbollah, which could lead to significant regional instability.
• 😀 Tactical nuclear weapons in the Middle East, particularly against Hezbollah, could have catastrophic consequences, potentially triggering retaliation from other regional powers like Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan.
• 😀 Israel's strategy against Hezbollah is risky, as the Israeli military faces difficulties defeating Hamas, let alone taking on a better-equipped and more experienced Hezbollah force, likely leading to more intense and bloody conflict.

Q & A

Why does Russia consider Kiev a historically Russian city?

Russia considers Kiev a historically Russian city because it was the center of the Kievan Rus, which is considered a precursor to modern Russia. Despite the formation of Ukraine as an independent state, Russia believes that Kiev has always had deep historical ties to Russia.

What is the issue with the US's supply of Patriot missiles?

The issue with the US's supply of Patriot missiles is that they are only producing 550 missiles per year, which limits Ukraine's defense capacity. Since each Patriot launcher can carry 16 missiles, and with Russia's frequent missile attacks, Ukraine risks exhausting its missile stockpile quickly.

Why does the US send Patriot missile launchers from Israel to Ukraine instead of directly?

The US is sending Patriot missile launchers from Israel to Ukraine as part of a process involving reconditioning or updating the systems. The missile launchers might be outdated, and sending them via Israel might be more efficient or necessary for logistical reasons.

What potential problem arises from the US's missile production capabilities?

The potential problem is that the US can only produce a limited number of missiles (550 per year), which may not be enough to meet the demand. With large numbers of incoming Russian missiles, Ukraine could deplete its missile reserves quickly, leaving them vulnerable.

Why does Russia show more interest in the French election than the US presidential election?

Russia believes that, regardless of whether Trump or Biden wins the US election, there is unlikely to be a major shift in US foreign policy towards Russia. However, Russia sees more potential in influencing the political environment in France, especially with the rise of more conservative parties that might be more open to pro-Russian policies.

How could conservative parties in Germany and France affect Russia's stance?

Conservative parties in Germany and France, such as Le Pen's party in France and similar groups in Germany, have shown a drift towards more pro-Russian attitudes. This shift could create opportunities for Russia to reduce tensions with these countries and potentially strengthen their influence in Europe.

What happened with the coup attempt in Bolivia?

The coup in Bolivia, which lacked popular support, is suspected to have been encouraged or incited by the US, possibly due to Bolivia's significant lithium reserves. However, the coup ultimately failed because it did not have backing from the military or the people, and Bolivia's political leadership remained in power.

Why is Malaysia seeking to join BRICS, and how does this impact Russia?

Malaysia seeks to join BRICS to expand its influence and participate in the shifting global economic structure. As BRICS grows with countries like Vietnam and Malaysia expressing interest, Russia and China are controlling the expansion to ensure that it grows at a manageable pace, which could ultimately challenge the dominance of the US dollar.

What is the significance of the US moving its troops toward Israel and Lebanon?

The US is positioning its troops in Israel and Lebanon in anticipation of potential escalation in the region, particularly with Israel's threats to attack Hezbollah. The presence of US forces is meant to provide support or facilitate evacuations if the situation worsens, as tensions rise between Israel and Hezbollah.

What might the use of tactical nuclear weapons by Israel mean for the region?

If Israel were to use tactical nuclear weapons against Hezbollah, it could escalate the conflict dramatically. It might provoke retaliation from neighboring countries like Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, leading to a broader regional conflict and potentially the use of nuclear weapons, which would be disastrous for Israel.