Important Takeaways:
- All of a sudden, everyone is talking about Greenland. Normally, Greenland is a place that is largely ignored by the rest of the world, but apparently Donald Trump is very serious about acquiring it…
- …the truth is that it all comes down to natural resources.
- In particular, Greenland has lots and lots of oil.
- According to Wikipedia, Greenland “has some of the world’s largest remaining oil resources”…
- Some geologists believe Greenland has some of the world’s largest remaining oil resources:[30] in 2001, the U.S. Geological Survey found that the waters off north-eastern Greenland (north and south of the Arctic Circle) could contain up to 110 billion barrels (17×109 m3) of oil,[31] and in 2010 the British petrochemical company Cairns Oil reported “the first firm indications” of commercially viable oil deposits.[3
- The U.S. consumes an average of approximately 20 million barrels of petroleum per day.
- So 110 billion barrels is a serious amount of oil
- In fact, one particular area of Greenland is “home to one of the world’s largest undeveloped deposits of rare-earth elements outside of China”…
- Kvanefjeld is home to one of the world’s largest undeveloped deposits of rare-earth elements outside of China. Seventeen elements, including scandium and yttrium, are buried deep underground there. They are used in everything from cell phones and wind turbines to electric cars. Mining advocates say tapping into them would be a major financial boon for Greenland.
- Greenland Minerals Limited (GML), the Australian company developing the mine, said that the country would receive $240 million (€201 million) in taxes and royalties annually over the mine’s planned 37-year lifespan. GML’s biggest stakeholder is Shenghe Resources Holding, a Chinese rare-earths processing company.
- It has been estimated that there are more than 38 million tons of rare earth deposits in Greenland.
- On top of everything else, an extremely important U.S. military base is already located in Greenland…
- Thule Air Base, already a vital U.S. military installation, provides early warning radar and monitors potential missile threats. Housing approximately 600 personnel, it plays a critical role in the U.S. missile defense network, covering threats across the northern hemisphere. Its strategic location enables unparalleled monitoring capabilities, reinforcing America’s defensive posture in the Arctic. Expanding this presence would fortify America’s Arctic strategy against rivals such as Russia and China, ensuring unparalleled leverage in the rapidly evolving Arctic theater.
- In the end, it will be up to the people of Greenland to decide their future.
- It is a land that has been dominated by Denmark for a very long time, but now it could soon be holding a referendum on independence…
Read the original article by clicking here.
Important Takeaways:
- In a letter addressed to Trump, Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón said, “[J]ust a few days after holding an illegitimate swearing-in ceremony in a desperate attempt to cling to power in Venezuela,” Maduro “publicly proposed an invasion of Puerto Rico.”
- Maduro, who was sworn in for a third six-year presidential term despite international condemnation of his recent reelection as illegitimate, made the threat Saturday at the end of the “International Anti-Fascist Festival” hosted in Caracas. The socialist dictator made an apparent reference to Trump’s remarks eyeing U.S. control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, stating: “Just as the North has an agenda of colonization, we have an agenda of liberation.” Maduro vowed that the “freedom of Puerto Rico is pending, and we will achieve it with Brazilian troops,” according to Latin America Reports.
- “This is an open threat to the United States, our national security, and stability in the region,” González-Colón told Trump. “I trust your incoming administration will swiftly respond and make clear to the Maduro regime that, under your leadership, the United States, will protect American lives and sovereignty and will not bow down to the threats of petty, murderous dictators.”
- González-Colón, who took office just earlier this month, went on to say that Puerto Rico has been an “essential part of the United States” since 1898, and she reiterated how Puerto Ricans were granted American citizenship in 1917 and “have contributed to every aspect of American life, including the hundreds of thousands of service members from the Island who have fought alongside our fellow citizens in every U.S. military conflict since World War I.”
- “Contrary to Maduro’s and other adversaries’ calls for independence, the people of Puerto Rico have repeatedly rejected this option. Instead, we have voted to strengthen our union with the United States through statehood – most recently in the November 5, 2024, plebiscite held alongside our general elections,” González-Colón wrote, referring to the latest nonbinding referendum regarding Puerto Rico’s political status.
- The results showed 56.87% voted in favor of U.S. statehood, while 12.29% opted for “free association with the United States.” Meanwhile, 30.84% voted for independence.
- She noted that the United States shares a maritime boundary with Venezuela in Puerto Rico.
- “Maduro’s calls for an invasion are a clear attempt to get rid of the United States’ presence and grow his influence in the area,” González-Colón wrote, telling Trump that she’s “ready to work with you and your administration to counter this and other threats posed by the illegitimate Maduro dictatorship and support the people of Venezuela in their quest for freedom.”
- “Maduro’s days are numbered,” the congressman added. “If the dictator in Venezuela does not want to end up like other dictators Mussolini and Gaddafi, he should leave Venezuela without delay.”
Read the original article by clicking here.
Important Takeaways:
- South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested at his presidential residence on Wednesday morning local time following an hours-long standoff, images from the scene show.
- It’s the first time an incumbent president has been detained in South Korea and marks the second attempt by anti-corruption investigators to arrest him for questioning related to his brief martial law declaration last month that triggered protests and shocked allies.
- Yoon’s many guards and supporters prevented the last attempt earlier this month.
- South Korean police are investigating Yoon for possible insurrection in connection with his declaration that saw him impeached and suspended from presidential duties.
- He has via lawyers denied the allegations and maintains he took the emergency action to counter “pro-North Korean” elements in the country.
- Yoon could face life in prison or the death penalty if he were charged and convicted of the offenses he’s accused of as presidential immunity doesn’t extend to insurrection or treason in South Korea.
- Go deeper: South Korean president hit with travel ban after martial law mayhem
Read the original article by clicking here.
Important Takeaways:
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held his annual press conference in Moscow, and although he had criticism toward the UDS on a range of subjects, he did bring warm words of praise towards new President Trump.
- He especially commended Trump’s analysis pointing at NATO’s plan to include Ukraine as one of the root causes of the conflict.
- Lavrov reiterated that peace talks have to include ‘broader arrangements for security in Europe’.
- Associated Press reported:
- “Trump said Russia had it ‘written in stone’ that Ukraine’s membership in NATO should never be allowed, but the Biden administration had sought to expand the military alliance to Russia’s doorstep. Trump added that, ‘I could understand their feelings about that’.”
- Trump’s comments lift the seriousness of discussion, moving away from the tired old trope of denouncing Russia’s action as ‘an unprovoked act of aggression’.
- “’NATO did exactly what it had promised not to do, and Trump said that’, Lavrov said. ‘It marked the first such candid acknowledgement not only from a U.S. but any Western leader that NATO had lied when they signed numerous documents. They were used as a cover while NATO has expanded to our borders in violation of the agreements’.”
- “Lavrov also praised comments by Trump’s pick for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, who said Sunday it’s unrealistic to expect that Ukraine could drive Russian forces ‘from every inch of Ukrainian soil’.
- ‘The very fact that people have increasingly started to mention the realities on the ground deserves welcome’, Lavrov said during his annual news conference in Moscow.”
- “’Threats on the western flank, on our western borders, must be eliminated as one of the main reasons (of the conflict)’, he said. ‘They can probably be eliminated only in the context of some broader agreements’.”
Read the original article by clicking here.
Important Takeaways:
- Agreement says 33 hostages are expected to be released over 42 days
- Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire deal that also ensures the release of hostages, Fox News has confirmed.
- “A Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached following the Qatari Prime Minister’s meeting with Hamas negotiators, and separately Israeli negotiators in his office,” a source briefed on the matter told Fox News
- The conflict, which began with Hamas’ brutal attacks on October 7, 2023, has left over 1,200 Israelis dead, more than 250 taken hostage, and thousands of others killed on both sides.
- President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened last week if a deal wasn’t struck before his Inauguration Day that “all hell will break out” in the Middle East, quickly offered his praise.
- The deal, brokered by Qatari negotiators and facilitated by Egyptian intermediaries, also saw significant involvement from the United States. Both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration applied strategic pressure to finalize the agreement, despite concerns about Hamas re-arming and internal tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.
- The agreement calls for the release of three hostages on the first day, followed by weekly batches. Women, children, and men over 50 will be prioritized initially, with younger men in humanitarian cases included later. Updates on hostages’ statuses will alternate between announcements of survivors and confirmation of those who did not survive captivity.
- Approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be freed in exchange, with murder convicts barred from returning to the West Bank. Instead, they will be sent to Gaza, Qatar, or Turkey.
- The cease-fire will also facilitate significant humanitarian aid to Gaza, with up to 600 trucks of supplies entering daily. By the 22nd day, displaced residents will be allowed to return to northern Gaza. Qatari and Egyptian teams will manage vehicle inspections, while pedestrian crossings will not require checks. The IDF will withdraw from the Nitzarim corridor but maintain a limited presence along the Philadelphi Route.
Read the original article by clicking here.
Important Takeaways:
- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has surrendered himself to police forces of unclear jurisdiction and connection with the South Korean Government.
- The legacy, corrupt media is often portraying this as a simple, lawful reaction to the “unlawful” Martial Law President Yoon declared in early December.
- There is a lot more to the story that is being dismissed or not reported.
- A President can declare Martial Law in South Korea under certain conditions. There has been immense, Chinese-funded election malfeasance in South Korea, which has delivered the National Assembly to the Democrat Party.
- President Yoon is in a struggle with the opposition “Democrat Party” of South Korea that is under the control of Chinese Communist sympathizers beginning with their leader Mr. Lee Jae-myung who was convicted of crimes in November, which triggered this string of events because his conviction prevents him from running for the presidency.
- So, the Democrat Party is seizing the Presidency without an Election. The Democrat Party of South Korea is taking a lesson from Jack Smith and waging lawfare against President Yoon and throwing in a coup at the same time. This hard ball play to arrest Yoon may be backfiring – Yoon’s Party poll numbers are now surpassing the Democrat Party.
- President Yoon Suk-yeol released this message on the Unlawful Arrest and Search Warrants shortly before he handed himself over:
- “My Fellow Citizens,
- I hope this message finds you well.
- First, let me express my heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support and encouragement so many of you have shown me. Your belief in our shared principles gives me strength every day.
- But I come to you today with a heavy heart. We are witnessing the collapse of the rule of law in this nation—a nation built on justice and freedom.
- When warrants are issued by agencies that have no legal authority to conduct investigations, and when courts that lack jurisdiction issue warrants for arrests and searches, it is clear that the system is being twisted beyond recognition.
- Even more troubling is the outright deception of the public by those entrusted with power. False documents, unlawful actions, and coercive procedures have no place in a country that values liberty and justice.
- I have made the difficult decision to appear before the Corruption Investigation Office today—not because I accept their illegitimate authority, but because I am committed to preventing unnecessary violence or harm. Let me be clear: my compliance is not an acknowledgment of their actions’ legality.
- As President, I have a solemn duty to uphold our Constitution and the principles that bind us as a people. This step is taken solely to protect lives and ensure peace in this troubling moment.
- I am inspired by the resilience of our youth and the renewed commitment of so many to the ideals of freedom and democracy.
- Though we face dark times, I firmly believe that the future of this nation remains bright, because it rests in the hands of people like you—who understand the value of liberty and are willing to stand for it.
- Take heart, my friends. Our nation has faced adversity before, and we have always emerged stronger.
- With faith, resolve, and unity, we will restore the integrity of our laws and the promise of our democracy.
- God bless you, and God bless our great nation.”
- January 20, 2025 can’t come soon enough for the U.S. or our close allies, South Korea.
Read the original article by clicking here.
Important Takeaways:
- A week after a devastating inferno leveled large swaths of Pacific Palisades and Altadena to ash, Los Angeles County remained under a severe fire threat on Wednesday morning. Residents have been left in a state of shock, expressing frustration over what many see as possible negligence by county and/or state officials to mitigate the spread of the fires. The fires have become the region’s worst fire disaster in history, with new damage and economic loss estimates between $250 billion and $275 billion, according to AccuWeather.
- “These fast-moving, wind-driven infernos have created one of the costliest wildfire disasters in modern U.S. history,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said, adding, “Hurricane-force winds sent flames ripping through neighborhoods filled with multi-million-dollar homes. The devastation left behind is heartbreaking, and the economic toll is staggering.”
- The concentration of wealth in Pacific Palisades is high. According to IRS data analyzed by JPM, the average home in the area is valued at $3.5 million, yet more than half of tax returns report an adjusted gross income under $200,000. In Altadena, where the average home value exceeds $1.2 million, over 80% of tax filings show incomes below $200,000, with more than 60% reporting less than $100,000
- “Construction costs will be lower than home values though: in 2019, Redfin estimated that land value was 60% of the price of a home in Los Angeles, the highest share among any major metro area,” the analysts pointed out.
- Palisades Fire:
- Burned 23,713 acres and numerous homes, businesses and landmarks in Pacific Palisades and westward along Pacific Coast Highway, toward Malibu. As of 7:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, the fire was 17% contained… More than 12,000 structures remain threatened.
- Officials estimate that more than 5,300 structures, including many homes, have been damaged or destroyed.
- Eaton Fire:
- Burned 14,117 acres and many structures in Altadena and Pasadena. As of 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, the fire was 35% contained… Officials say 7,000 structures have been damaged in the fire
- Headlines via L.A. Times (local paper not thrilled with mayor & other city officials who failed the taxpayers):
- L.A. fire officials could have put engines in the Palisades before the fire broke out. They didn’t
- Mayor Karen Bass was at embassy cocktail party in Ghana as Palisades fire exploded
- L.A. City Council seeks transparency on empty reservoir, dry fire hydrants
- A week after the L.A. firestorms began, the threat continues as the unprecedented losses sink in
Read the original article by clicking here.
Important Takeaways:
- NATO scrambled its warplanes early today in response to a fierce Russian bombardment of Ukraine close to its border with Poland.
- The Russian strikes – hitting vital energy facilities in the coldest weeks of winter – were led by Vladimir Putin’s Tu-22 and Tu-95 strategic bombers.
- The onslaught was seen as instant revenge for Tuesday’s Ukrainian aerial strikes on Russia, the heaviest of the almost three-year war.
- In particular, Putin was rattled by Ukraine’s use of British Storm Shadow and American ATACMS missiles which hit key defense facilities including a chemical plant in Bryansk region.
- NATO forces went on full alert in Poland with warplanes scrambled, the country’s operational command headquarters said.
- ‘Duty fighter pairs have been scrambled, and the ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have reached the highest state of readiness,’ said a statement.
- ‘The steps taken are aimed at ensuring security in the areas bordering the threatened areas.’
Read the original article by clicking here.
Important Takeaways:
- No final answer was given from Hamas regarding a hostage deal, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.
- Earlier, the Associated Press reported, citing two officials involved in the negotiations, that Hamas has agreed to the proposed ceasefire deal in Gaza and the release of numerous hostages.
- According to the report, an Israeli official noted that while progress had been made, the final details were still under discussion.
- “We have handed over drafts of the ceasefire agreement to both sides, and talks are now ongoing on the final detail,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Tuesday.
- “We have overcome the major differences. This is the closest point we have been to a deal over the past months,” the statement added.
Read the original article by clicking here.
Important Takeaways:
- Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called for a campaign for the “liberation” of Puerto Rico from the United States.
- The U.S. and other governments recognized Maduro’s opponent Edmundo González as the victor of last July’s election.
- On Friday, the U.S. announced a $25 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction, highlighting a renewed effort to destabilize Maduro’s presidency and bolster the opposition’s bid to restore democracy.
- Maduro invoked Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan solider who liberated much of South America from Spanish rule, as he spoke about Puerto Rico.
- “Just as in the north they have a colonization agenda, we have a liberation agenda,” Maduro said during the closing of the International Anti-Fascist Festival in Caracas on Saturday. “And our agenda was written by Simón Bolívar. The freedom of Puerto Rico is pending, and we will achieve it with Brazilian troops…leading the way.”
- Puerto Rico has been under U.S. control since the 1898 Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917, but they cannot vote in general elections and have no voting representation in Congress because of the island’s political status.
- A majority of voters, 57 percent, opted for Puerto Rico to become a U.S. state in a nonbinding referendum in November, while just 12 percent voted for independence. The vote was the first referendum that did not provide an option for maintaining the island’s current status as a U.S. territory. But Puerto Rico’s status can change only with approval from Congress.
- Maduro began his third term more isolated on the world stage than ever, with the U.S. announcing bounties for him and several high-ranking officials.
- González said he plans to return to Venezuela to take up the mantle of president, although it is not clear if and when he would do so. The Venezuelan government has said González will be arrested if he returns.
- The U.S. and its allies have indicated they are willing to increase sanctions on Venezuela if there is further evidence of repression.
Read the original article by clicking here.
