Lost in Spades

 Pakistan (green) and China (orange) respective location on the globe [Image per User:SSYoung, Wikimedia Commons] During this the first Chinese state visit to Pakistan in nine years,   "the two countries are expected to agree on economic and energy deals worth more than $40 billion." Read it at Voice of America: China Reaches Out to Pakistan With Massive Economic Plan

For America the issues include an overstated and overplayed fracking hand, the strategic energy ellipse in the Heartland, Russia's 20 Trillion ruble Razvitie (Trans-Eurasian Belt) continental land bridge, and China's New Iron Silk Road. Hence the US pivot to Iran. Nothing is certain except the expectation that it will be very interesting from herein. See Iron Silk Road  diagram  One, it's a transit corridor between Europe and eastern Asia, established with all the modern and ‘smart’ functions. Second, it’s the creation and the development of a network of industrial economic corridors within the territory of the Russian Federation. See Europe-Asia link megaproject will reshape world economic map  

AIIB Approves 57 Founding Members The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved 57 countries as founding members after including an extra seven ... Sweden, Israel, South Africa, Azerbaijan, Iceland, Portugal and Poland.  

Stratcom: China Continuing to Weaponize Space with Latest Anti-Satellite Missile Shot

Obama's back down on the Syrian "red line" has weakened him and emboldened not only Assad, but their recently outspoken allies Russia , Iran and China . Add to this the feeble UK - indeed it has been openly ridiculed by the Russians - and we have the appearance at least of an  impotent West . Send in the Clowns: Putin, Iran and the RCC. In the guise of Christianity, now rushing in to also help fill this void left by Obama and the Wets is the historically tyrannical Roman Catholic church. The Pope is the joker in the pack. Watch for him to now go a whoring with the East. This situation has left Israel feeling increasingly vulnerable , without friends. I have been postulating for some time but it is now clear that we have the pre-text for a third World War. When will the circus be in town? Tuesday, 15th April 2014 . The circus is coming to town! It isn't funny.

Asia Times Online :: Papal challenge rocks US's Syria plans The above link is to an article by  Francesco Sisci, a columnist for the Italian daily, in which he outlines the recent remarks by Pope Frances regarding the situation in Syria; and in effect serving as a timely reminder to the superpower USA, and the superpower-to-be China, that not all revolves around the Pacific. Indeed Francesco goes on to argue that "t his could dent the current ability of the US president to be the arbiter of right and wrong in global politics, and it would give the stage to the pope to become a greater center of gravity in international politics, not just in religion." Indeed the article assumes an increasing role, as world inquisitor, by the Hole See. Are we on the threshold of seeing the Pope again begin to wax greatly with regard to geopolitical affairs in a way not seen perhaps since the Middle Ages? Pope Francis ...

This article is a redaction from a number of articles from CNN looking at why Russia, China and Iran are backing Syria - February 5, 2012 RUSSIA Apart from securing its energy contracts, a leased naval facility at the Syrian port of Tartus is Russia's only direct access to the Mediterranean. Russia's key policy goal is blocking American efforts to shape the region - be they revolutions, wars or regime change. It points to the Arab Spring and the US-led war in Iraq as evidence of the regional disruption and repercussions from American influence. Russia doesn't want a repeat of Iraq, and Putin is still upset about NATO's bombing in Libya two years ago that removed Russian ally Moammar Gadhafi from power. Russia also doesn't trust U.S. intentions in the region; believing humanitarian concerns are often used as an excuse for pursuing America's own political and economic interests. The U.S. (Kerry, McCain et al.) is keen to stress that there is no ...