Your post is excellent as an example for humanity.
We all need dialogue and communication to get to the truth. The mess that has been created by Western MSM is that it is totalitarian.
There is no debate, no questions, no journalism. The masses are told what to believe as they repeat big lie propaganda with fraudulent statistics in every field especially economics.
My latest vision of the current situation White-House Neocons vs Zelensky, ignoring the MSM, is as follows:
The Kiev-Regime's current actions (Kursk & Donbass-front) define Zelensky's VICTORY-PLAN:
in Kursk & Donbass, it gives the US-NATO-Empire the choice: Check !
1 - Don't give green Light for a FULL-WAR with Russia, and accept the TOTAL COLLAPSE of both Fronts BEFORE THE ELECTIONS... (End of Democrats & Neocons in Washington)
OR...
2 - Give the Regime FULL NATO-Empire SUPPORT for an ALL-OUT-WAR with RUSSIA,
INCLUDING NATO-FORCES, RISKING A RUSSIAN NUCLEAR RESPONSE... (shifting the Ukraine-Defeat to past the elections and on Trump being President...
72.5% probability according to Cassandra... ;-)
Sander
PS. Kiev's Top-General Syrsky admits that the Kursk Invasion has FAILED.
No, it's not just you. I followed Helmer for a short time, but saw a lot of bias come through, questioned his sources, questioned why he was even living in Russia & ultimately came to suspect a (not well hidden) agenda. So stopped following.
I read this article yesterday. The gratuitous attacks on Martyanov reek of jealousy &, again, an agenda. All just confirmed my distrust.
A lot of people follow Helmer and cite him, including Larry Johnson and Yves Smith and posters on MoA. I think he has some good information, but you need to parse it carefully. I agree with you about the unworthy attacks onm Martynov.
I consider all "retired" gov agents as working honey pots. As of this morning I've stopped following Larry Johnson. Seems his pal Stephen Bryen committed treason in the 70s. Instead of prosecuted, he was fired & then rehired/promoted & given greater access to top secret info to pass along to his Zionist benefactors.
The subtack writings of a Professor of Strategic Studies irked me the other day, mostly because a propagandist is teaching students. It made neoliberal sense when I saw he also writes for the Atlantic and Kyiv Post, and has a 'second' job for CSIS. The result is that my unprofessional reading of the battlefield is coming true. I want to live in a world where that's the other way around.
G'day Mike, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I have a friend with a Phd a conservative person yes but he is so immersed in western propaganda and sends me academic papers of geopolitical nature and as you say are completely and utterly biased but he refers to them as peer reviewed, with science I fully concur but geopolitics is a pure swamp infested with neocon think tanks like CSIS. I sent him one of your articles and his only comment was about your writing style not your content which saddened me as your writing is highly informative and easy to read in my opinion. Keep up the good work Mike.
Having a PhD and published academic papers doesn't mean anything. I had a Fulbright to Harvard's PhD program, which meant that as long as I paid my money I couldn't fail! I quit. I preferred not to be trivialized to death. As for Mike's writing style -- it is definitely not "academic" --that's one of the things good about it!
Man you nailed it. Ive been reading johns articles for along time and he has an obvious disdain for putin and real strong afficionado for the general staff. Ive noticed this with a lot of the western journalists that report on Russia. They tend to fall on a "side" gs or kermlin. Seems to me their all the same side these days.
I agree with your assessment of helmer’s article. I read it yesterday and was surprised with it.
There are many theories abound about what happened in Kursk. My assessment is they knew something was going to happen but underestimated the level and sophistication of the attack (apparently secret western EW equipment was used). That’s all.
No need to say it was a trap 5D chess or Putin is to blame. Sometimes things are just what they are and here this is the case.
Only two points I somewhat agree with Helmer on.
One, Martyanov does wax on too much on how the west is incompetent and Russians are so much more superior. I think relatively that’s true (especially now after 2.5 years of fighting) but the difference is not as vast and is not static.
Second, I believe some in the GS did want to shoot down some of the surveillance drones and planes providing intelligence. Whether the decision not to was finally decided by them or Putin I don’t know but sometimes I wish they did so instead of fighting with two hands behind their back only one.
All in all though his analysis in this case is incorrect.
Good points. I have written extensively on the drone takedown. Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation out there. a.) the drone was not shot down b.) it was a routine interception -- not ordered by command staff -- all drones are "interrogated" when approach Russian borders as a matter of general policy c.) the footage of the drone's bent propeller was shot in a different location (different drone) d.) the drone operator apparently got panicky and the drone exceeded its limits and literally fell out of the sky. Martynov is hyperbolic in his assessments -- it's just his style. However, he is correct militarily. The US military actually accepts this (if you read military US military literature). They are set to reprise WWII, not fight a 21st Century war.
G'day Loon, the RF policy of doing all to avoid needless civilian casualties is to be admired though is the reticence to not take an initiative in the so called smo to be so admired. The smo from the RFs perspective has been completely reactive in the face of constant increase in threat and terror by the Evil empire yet restraint seems paramount in every case which seems to be placed at Putins feet though one is not quite certain if it is quite warranted. Yes people like John Helmer obviously despise Putin through his years of work in Russia and his opinion of Putin as an Atlantic's and other failings. How leadership works depends on the system the leader is working in but one has to agree Putin seems to have the peoples support through good work and results reflected in the lifestyle benefits of the society he leads. I am sure John Helmer knows of many failings of Putin and would have publish about such things before my time reading his work which for its content matter is par excellence taking into consideration his disdain for Atlantictists and oligarchs and their theft from all of society.
The longer the SMO takes, the better for both Russia and the Ukraine. One look at the impressive performance of the Russian economy tells you it is a winning strategy. One look at NATO economies shows the damage the SMO is wreaking.
Martyanov needs to be considered with a degree of caution. His military experience was as an officer in the Soviet Coast Guard. He did not rise to a senior level position in that service. While he may have a good understanding of naval matters and engineering I would not consider a naval officer to have any special insights into ground war. I've asked him on his site why he isn't currently working for the Russian General Staff as he is such a profound military thinker. Unsurprisingly, he has never explained why he hasn't been called to the Russian colors.
Martyanov also has a prejudice against those who weren't educated as engineers (as he was) especially if they are lawyers or have a background in political science or other "soft" disciplines. When I've pointed out to him that Putin is a trained lawyer and that Lavrov graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (not a STEM degree) I get the usual non-response.
This isn't to say Martyanov doesn't say interesting or worthwhile things, but caution is warranted. He is a man who has an axe to grind.
Good points. Martynov has limited experience militarily. On the other hand, he has studied a lot and has a good technical background. Putin is a lawyer. He is a LOT of things. He is both a polymath and autodidact. Lavrov? His performance speaks for itself. Where you studied is not as important as performance in my view. Martynov I think is intentionally provocative. Good PR. But sometimes undermines credibility.
I realized that I was attacking the MSM a lot, especially the BBC, WaPo, the NYT and I needed to spend more time on the Alt Media especially those sites with zillions of followers.
Your post is excellent as an example for humanity.
We all need dialogue and communication to get to the truth. The mess that has been created by Western MSM is that it is totalitarian.
There is no debate, no questions, no journalism. The masses are told what to believe as they repeat big lie propaganda with fraudulent statistics in every field especially economics.
The MSM does not do journalism IMO- it does PR.
I agree...
My latest vision of the current situation White-House Neocons vs Zelensky, ignoring the MSM, is as follows:
The Kiev-Regime's current actions (Kursk & Donbass-front) define Zelensky's VICTORY-PLAN:
in Kursk & Donbass, it gives the US-NATO-Empire the choice: Check !
1 - Don't give green Light for a FULL-WAR with Russia, and accept the TOTAL COLLAPSE of both Fronts BEFORE THE ELECTIONS... (End of Democrats & Neocons in Washington)
OR...
2 - Give the Regime FULL NATO-Empire SUPPORT for an ALL-OUT-WAR with RUSSIA,
INCLUDING NATO-FORCES, RISKING A RUSSIAN NUCLEAR RESPONSE... (shifting the Ukraine-Defeat to past the elections and on Trump being President...
72.5% probability according to Cassandra... ;-)
Sander
PS. Kiev's Top-General Syrsky admits that the Kursk Invasion has FAILED.
He needs the Cavalry on the rescue...
"Maybe it’s just me being “irascible”."
No, it's not just you. I followed Helmer for a short time, but saw a lot of bias come through, questioned his sources, questioned why he was even living in Russia & ultimately came to suspect a (not well hidden) agenda. So stopped following.
I read this article yesterday. The gratuitous attacks on Martyanov reek of jealousy &, again, an agenda. All just confirmed my distrust.
A lot of people follow Helmer and cite him, including Larry Johnson and Yves Smith and posters on MoA. I think he has some good information, but you need to parse it carefully. I agree with you about the unworthy attacks onm Martynov.
I consider all "retired" gov agents as working honey pots. As of this morning I've stopped following Larry Johnson. Seems his pal Stephen Bryen committed treason in the 70s. Instead of prosecuted, he was fired & then rehired/promoted & given greater access to top secret info to pass along to his Zionist benefactors.
Birds of a feather...
Actually he lives in the states.
Figures....
Interesting. For some reason I thought he lived in Russia!
The subtack writings of a Professor of Strategic Studies irked me the other day, mostly because a propagandist is teaching students. It made neoliberal sense when I saw he also writes for the Atlantic and Kyiv Post, and has a 'second' job for CSIS. The result is that my unprofessional reading of the battlefield is coming true. I want to live in a world where that's the other way around.
Good to hear from you Mike!
There are a lot of these people. They are missionaries looking for converts. Who know nothing of God.
G'day Mike, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I have a friend with a Phd a conservative person yes but he is so immersed in western propaganda and sends me academic papers of geopolitical nature and as you say are completely and utterly biased but he refers to them as peer reviewed, with science I fully concur but geopolitics is a pure swamp infested with neocon think tanks like CSIS. I sent him one of your articles and his only comment was about your writing style not your content which saddened me as your writing is highly informative and easy to read in my opinion. Keep up the good work Mike.
Having a PhD and published academic papers doesn't mean anything. I had a Fulbright to Harvard's PhD program, which meant that as long as I paid my money I couldn't fail! I quit. I preferred not to be trivialized to death. As for Mike's writing style -- it is definitely not "academic" --that's one of the things good about it!
Man you nailed it. Ive been reading johns articles for along time and he has an obvious disdain for putin and real strong afficionado for the general staff. Ive noticed this with a lot of the western journalists that report on Russia. They tend to fall on a "side" gs or kermlin. Seems to me their all the same side these days.
I wish Larry Smith and Yves Smith paid more attention to Helmer's sometimes very obvious bias.
I agree with your assessment of helmer’s article. I read it yesterday and was surprised with it.
There are many theories abound about what happened in Kursk. My assessment is they knew something was going to happen but underestimated the level and sophistication of the attack (apparently secret western EW equipment was used). That’s all.
No need to say it was a trap 5D chess or Putin is to blame. Sometimes things are just what they are and here this is the case.
Only two points I somewhat agree with Helmer on.
One, Martyanov does wax on too much on how the west is incompetent and Russians are so much more superior. I think relatively that’s true (especially now after 2.5 years of fighting) but the difference is not as vast and is not static.
Second, I believe some in the GS did want to shoot down some of the surveillance drones and planes providing intelligence. Whether the decision not to was finally decided by them or Putin I don’t know but sometimes I wish they did so instead of fighting with two hands behind their back only one.
All in all though his analysis in this case is incorrect.
Good points. I have written extensively on the drone takedown. Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation out there. a.) the drone was not shot down b.) it was a routine interception -- not ordered by command staff -- all drones are "interrogated" when approach Russian borders as a matter of general policy c.) the footage of the drone's bent propeller was shot in a different location (different drone) d.) the drone operator apparently got panicky and the drone exceeded its limits and literally fell out of the sky. Martynov is hyperbolic in his assessments -- it's just his style. However, he is correct militarily. The US military actually accepts this (if you read military US military literature). They are set to reprise WWII, not fight a 21st Century war.
Agree with your view on Helmer’s Dances with Bears and Disappointed on his conjectures to reflect upon the truth.
One has to note the policy of not targeting civilians as a Russian Strategy.
People focus solely on Putin as if he was a God which I find to be shortsighted , socially strange to how leadership works.
Putin makes mistakes. He appears to be very aware of this. Hence, his proverbial caution.
G'day Loon, the RF policy of doing all to avoid needless civilian casualties is to be admired though is the reticence to not take an initiative in the so called smo to be so admired. The smo from the RFs perspective has been completely reactive in the face of constant increase in threat and terror by the Evil empire yet restraint seems paramount in every case which seems to be placed at Putins feet though one is not quite certain if it is quite warranted. Yes people like John Helmer obviously despise Putin through his years of work in Russia and his opinion of Putin as an Atlantic's and other failings. How leadership works depends on the system the leader is working in but one has to agree Putin seems to have the peoples support through good work and results reflected in the lifestyle benefits of the society he leads. I am sure John Helmer knows of many failings of Putin and would have publish about such things before my time reading his work which for its content matter is par excellence taking into consideration his disdain for Atlantictists and oligarchs and their theft from all of society.
The longer the SMO takes, the better for both Russia and the Ukraine. One look at the impressive performance of the Russian economy tells you it is a winning strategy. One look at NATO economies shows the damage the SMO is wreaking.
Good article, well balanced
You deserve many, many, many, coffees.
Martyanov needs to be considered with a degree of caution. His military experience was as an officer in the Soviet Coast Guard. He did not rise to a senior level position in that service. While he may have a good understanding of naval matters and engineering I would not consider a naval officer to have any special insights into ground war. I've asked him on his site why he isn't currently working for the Russian General Staff as he is such a profound military thinker. Unsurprisingly, he has never explained why he hasn't been called to the Russian colors.
Martyanov also has a prejudice against those who weren't educated as engineers (as he was) especially if they are lawyers or have a background in political science or other "soft" disciplines. When I've pointed out to him that Putin is a trained lawyer and that Lavrov graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (not a STEM degree) I get the usual non-response.
This isn't to say Martyanov doesn't say interesting or worthwhile things, but caution is warranted. He is a man who has an axe to grind.
Good points. Martynov has limited experience militarily. On the other hand, he has studied a lot and has a good technical background. Putin is a lawyer. He is a LOT of things. He is both a polymath and autodidact. Lavrov? His performance speaks for itself. Where you studied is not as important as performance in my view. Martynov I think is intentionally provocative. Good PR. But sometimes undermines credibility.
Thanks Julian for your post today, a thoughtful piece.
I realized that I was attacking the MSM a lot, especially the BBC, WaPo, the NYT and I needed to spend more time on the Alt Media especially those sites with zillions of followers.