Zambia in the Crosshairs

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-admin-threatens-withhold-hiv-192256406.html

The US acts as if its AIDS treatment and prevention programmes are rooted in altruism. That's never been the case. These were opportunities for the Empire to exercise soft power, make contacts, lay foundations for future business investment, and establish relationships with political leaders. It's always been about the fact that if the US doesn't do this, then some other powerful nation will.

Epstein and JP Morgan

https://www.democracynow.org/2025/9/9/epstein_book

This segment will prove enlightening for those unfamiliar with certain aspects of Epstein's profile and just how he 'fit in' with the Capitalist ruling class or elite. The notion that Jamie Dimon (CEO of JP Morgan) was unaware of Epstein's relationship to the bank is absurd and obviously he's perjured himself. Why would he do this? Why would he do this with seemingly no fear of being held to account?

The Orlandi Documentary

Emanuela Orlandi disappeared from near the Vatican in 1983 and while the popes and curia wish the story would go away, it lingers on. It is captivating to say the least and every so often it pops up again in the news. Netflix recently released a documentary which more or less summarizes the story to this point and attempts to advance it a step or two. And much to the chagrin of the Vatican, this documentary has effectively put a spotlight on the story and has introduced it (and the scandals connected to it) to a new generation.

The Vatican Bank Scandals: New Developments and Unanswered Questions

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2022/01/court-upholds-ruling-against-two-ex-managers-of-vatican-bank

A Vatican appellate court has upheld the conviction of two clerics in a corruption and money laundering scandal that dates back almost a decade.

Does this represent a slap on the wrist or a sign of real reform in the notoriously corrupt and scandal-ridden institution?

Visa Diplomacy

https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/us-considering-adding-cyprus-romania-bulgaria-to-visa-waiver-programm/

https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-china/news/taiwan-delegation-irks-china-with-eastern-europe-tour/

This is a case of the United States rewarding faithful countries like Romania, which is fully on board with US foreign policy in Eastern Europe. Romania's inner turmoil and problematic bureaucracy have kept Washington somewhat aloof in terms of visas, but apparently they've found a way to make it work and it will open the door for easy Romanian business and travel in the United States. Washington wants to continue building strong ties with the nation that sits in a pivotal spot on the European map.

Iran, the SCO, and China

Due to post-Cold War geopolitics it was natural that Iran would find common cause with Moscow and even (as of the 2010's) Beijing. There's always been a hesitancy though on the part of Beijing to fully embrace Iran as it seemed like a potential conflict loomed with the United States – one Beijing didn't want to get dragged into. There are elements within the American political system that have been pushing for war with Iran since the 1979 revolution, a point Beijing knows all too well.

The Latest Clampdown on the IOR

https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/vatican-convicts-ex-bank-chief-in-property-embezzlement-scam

Stories surrounding investigations and reforms concerning the Vatican Bank or IOR continue to appear in the news. There is an appearance of due diligence as certain corrupt officials are removed but the systemic issues are never tackled.

Glorying in Compromise and Shame: Swiss Evangelicals and the Army

https://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/8953/swiss-free-evangelical-churches-sign-a-partnership-with-the-army-chaplaincy

The Swiss are famous for their neutrality and yet the nation is also unique among its European neighbours in that it is armed to the teeth and virtually every male citizen is required to do military service. The fact that the nation's posture is strictly defensive is a point some would celebrate and even those who in many cases would frown on the idea of conscription, see in the Swiss situation a wholly different creature.

Failing to Discern the Real Nature of the BBC and Mainstream Media in the Anglo-American World

https://www.evangelical-times.org/59589/the-noble-liar-how-and-why-the-bbc-distorts-the-news-to-promote-a-liberal-agenda/

There is a lack of discernment on display in the Sharon James article. She laments the fall of the BBC and the abandonment of its Biblical values missing the fact that when the institution was created in 1927 the British Empire was still in full swing. The idea that something like the BBC –a mouthpiece for the British Establishment would in any way represent Christian values or that the ethics of honesty and objectivity wouldn't come into conflict with the Empire – which like all empires is built on lies was just absurd. It was bound to fail. It was from the beginning a lie and therefore prima facie unbiblical.

Money and the Hong Kong Protests

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Hong-Kong-police-seizes-70-million-dollars-in-donations-for-democratic-movement-48868.html

This is the other side of the story when it comes to the Hong Kong protests. When you realise how much money flows into some of these protest movements one must legitimately question their democratic and 'grass roots' nature.

The Malta Scandal, Energy Deals and Azerbaijan

One aspect to the scandal surrounding the car-bombing death of journalist Daphne Galizia that has not been focused on, at least not so far, is the connection to Azerbaijan and the politics of the Caucasus.

IOR Obstruction

http://www.ansa.it/english/news/2019/10/02/five-vatican-officials-suspended-over-finance-probe_04a93a47-8048-4861-899a-d8636bb79436.html

As mentioned in the January 2019 piece (linked below) there will be continued resistance to reforming the IOR/Vatican Bank.

The question is... just who are these five officials? I'm not referring to their names, rather what faction do they represent? Are these people resisting reform with other connections to the hierarchy? Are these people acting in the interest of outside parties? Are their suspensions a protective measure, a tactical move on the part of one faction or the other?

Rolling Back the Pink Tide: A Scandal in Colombia, the Anti-Venezuela Media Campaign and the IMF Motivated Protests in Ecuador

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/01/colombia-spy-chief-quits-dossier-venezuela-oswaldo-pena

Duque working in concert with American Imperialism and its regime change operation in Venezuela has been called out and exposed. The report appears in The Guardian, a publication largely in alliance with the Atlantic Establishment. And yet when it comes to Latin America their editors are clearly comfortable pursuing stories that American media are less likely to emphasise.

Bolsonaro and the American Evangelicals

https://www.christianpost.com/news/us-evangelical-leaders-met-prayed-with-brazils-conservative-president-bolsonaro.html

It was hardly surprising to read that Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell Jr. were part of this group that acknowledged and paid homage to Bolsonaro during his March visit.

Authoritarianism and Exploitation: News when it comes to China, ignored in the West

https://www.euractiv.com/section/cybersecurity/news/huawei-admit-chinese-law-obliges-companies-to-work-with-government/

The Chinese government and the ruling CCP are deplorable. There's no need to mince words. They are enemies of Christ and Beijing represents a bestial power vying for its place on the world stage.

Orlandi and the Vatican Scandals of the 1970's and 1980's

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/10/vatican-to-investigate-1983-disappearance-of-teenage-girl

http://www.ansa.it/english/news/2019/04/10/vatican-opens-probe-into-emanuela-orlandi_da1a1c1f-4f6d-4838-9672-0ca7d972a2b4.html

I think it unlikely that the true story will ever be told. This notorious case has been overshadowed by one salient fact... the Vatican itself has been the chief force of obstruction to the investigation. These articles contain some valid information but as usual the real meat is found in what is left out.

Accountability at the Vatican Bank

https://apnews.com/b20053842f74405fbe4a79f583c21859

Some will celebrate this news. It's a watershed moment in the history of the IOR (Vatican Bank). Many will herald this conviction as a historical moment in which the Vatican Bank 'turned the page' and left behind its decades long history of corruption.

Kazakhstani Intrigues and a Plot in Italy

http://www.ansa.it/english/news/2018/11/16/cortese-improta-5-others-indicted-for-shalabayeva_d718a8c1-09ea-41be-adb7-d6b7355c206f.html

I won't pretend to understand all the details of this case but it's safe to say there are multiple facets and layers. It's the story of Mukhtar Ablyazov, a corrupt figure from Kazakhstan. It must be remembered that in the 1990's Central Asia and indeed all of the former USSR were to some degree in a state of chaos. It was the age of the oligarchs, big business deals and lots of disappearing money.

Ironies Surrounding Media Coverage of McCain

John McCain has died and has (most likely) gone to hell. But as is so often the case the world doesn't see it that way and they pay tribute to one that served the Beast they all clamour to worship.

Is it not ironic that the so-called 'Liberal' media not only lavishes praise on McCain and calls him a 'war hero' but all seem to forget his record of endless warmongering and militarism? Über-nationalism and militarism are suddenly values of the 'Left'? I guess it could be if you live in the degenerate fantasy world of Dinesh D'Souza but for those who are interested in actual thought, political or otherwise this seems problematic.

Or is it that the American 'Left' doesn't actually disagree with McCain's posturing? The so-called 'Leftist' media has in fact long been a champion of American militarism. On many points it's not 'Left' at all. It is thoroughly Right-wing when it comes to Wall Street and the Pentagon, even while it clamours to support sodomy, feminism and a host of other evils. In so many ways America is an evil empire and in that sense they are right to celebrate the legacy of John McCain.

Livi: A window into the mindset of dissident Roman Catholics

http://www.lastampa.it/2018/07/03/vaticaninsider/livis-anathema-heretics-and-wicked-men-are-in-power-in-the-church-J11Td6t2xLNB9gj2gGwhsK/pagina.html

The linked article by Andrea Tornielli rejects the views of Vatican critic Antonio Livi but nevertheless provides significant insight into both the mindset of dissidents like Livi and how conservatives in the mainstream might criticise thinkers like him. Overall I found it a very informative read.

Growing numbers of conservatives are concerned about Bergoglio-Francis to be sure but the real divide continues to be over the Vatican councils and their legacy.