Russia also defended Brazil and took a swipe at the US. A day after Trump announced a 50% surcharge on Brazilian products, Russia's deputy foreign minister, Serguei Riabkov, suggested that the BRICS could expand even further According to Riabkov, partner countries such as Bolivia, Cuba, Malaysia, Vietnam and others can bring “added value” to the bloc and strengthen the multilateral front. The speech was seen as a diplomatic response to US tariffs, which are trying to isolate Brazil and attack the BRICS for geopolitical reasons. With the bloc more united, Brazil gains support against US blackmail.

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Trump to announce "aggressive" Ukraine weapons plan tomorrow - Axios

Key takeaway:

Two sources told Axios they had reason to believe the plan was likely to include long-range missiles that could reach targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow. However, neither was aware of any final decision.

Trump told reporters Sunday evening that the weapons he would send Ukraine through European countries would include "various pieces of very sophisticated military (equipment)... Video here

Missiles with the range to hit Moscow from Ukraine means missiles with more than 500km range. That excludes a lot of weapons if this happens. The four potential missiles in the US arsenal are:

• Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM). Subsonic low altitude surface to surface cruise missile. Range 1300-2500km, depending on variant.
• Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), surface to air and surface to surface supersonic missile. Range of 500km possible in a surface to surface role.
• AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER), Stealthy high altitude air to surface cruise missile. Range of around 1000km.
• Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). Surface to surface ballistic missile. Range of over 500km.

If this goes ahead and if it refers to US made weapons (I have significant doubts), a possibility is Typhon launchers with TLAM and SM-6 missiles, which are set to be deployed to Germany next year. The first TLAMs were used over three decades ago during the Gulf War, not exactly new technology. SM-6 missiles would also give Ukrainian air defence the capability to engage Russian aircraft at much longer ranges then they currently can, (SM-6 max range is 370km in a surface to air role), and an ability to engage time sensitive targets in the ground at long range due to the high speed of the missile (3.5 Mach). The Typhon launcher can launch both of these. TLAMs can also be launched from the "ROGUE-Fires", a 4 wheeled unmanned ground vehicle capable of launching a single TLAM.

If JASSM is included, it would be quite concerning as it's a stealth cruise missile that can fly at high altitude, the only known missile with this capability. (most stealthy cruise missiles use a combination of low altitude and stealth to radar and IR sensors). Russian and Syrian air defences (using Russian equipment) failed to shoot down a single JASSM stealth cruise missile during US attacks on Syria. PrSM could also be concerning given the range and ballistic vector. Again, I have significant doubts, but unlike the SM-6 and TLAM, Ukraine already has the equipment needed to launch these missiles, F-16 fighter aircraft and M142 HIMARS trucks.

More likely I can see other weapons which have already been delivered, like ATACMS ballistic missiles and Storm Shadow subsonic stealth low altitude cruise missiles, being delivered again.

However, no one should be surprised if we see TLAMs and JASSMs flying into Russian military bases in the coming weeks. This is very much a possibility.

US turning shipping containers into missile systems

https://asiatimes.com/2025/07/us-containerized-missiles-steathy-firepower-high-strategic-cost/

Palletized field artillery launchers (PFAL) that can be concealed on trucks, railcars, or ships.

The billboard has been defaced

https://t.me/PalCommie/5431

https://usercontent.one/wp/www.cet.energy/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-03-CET_Summary-of-Chinas-energy-and-power-sector-statistics-in-2024.pdf

weeeee, china energy mix started to visibly shift in 2024 🥳 (although some lib shit about market mechanisms)

(i was reading the https://www.phenomenalworld.org/analysis/brics-in-2025/ as more copeful, so decided to check. i think oil elimination is a viable thingy for them, but like in a decade)

Southeast Asia and the ‘middle democracy’ trap

TLDR: Liberals in Southeast Asia are much more sophisticated in hiding their class affinities than those in the West.

Could we not just start calling every resistance group of every form "Partisans" ?

I support the partisans. Whether that's those in the middle east, those at home taking direct action as groups, antifa or otherwise.

Seems like a pretty useful way to fold all current anti-imperialist activities into one word with a history and an already existing body of extremely popular music that can't be erased. It would cut into the attempts to divide and conquer that we're seeing. It's an inherently internationalist word.

Egypt confirms acquisition of Chinese HQ-9B long-range air defence system Military Africa

Egypt has officially confirmed its deployment of the Chinese HQ-9B long-range air defence system, a move that marks a notable enhancement of its military capabilities and reflects a growing partnership with Beijing. This confirmation came from retired Major General Samir Farag, a former high-ranking official in the Egyptian Armed Forces, during an interview on Sada El-Balad TV. Farag revealed that Egypt’s arsenal includes various modern defence systems, with the HQ-9B—a system comparable to Russia’s S-400—being a key component. This disclosure, reported by Israeli media outlet nziv, reveals Egypt’s strategic shift toward diversifying its arms suppliers and strengthening its air defence network. The HQ-9B’s advanced capabilities, including its ability to engage a wide array of aerial threats, position Egypt to better address regional security challenges while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.

…

Egypt’s decision to acquire the HQ-9B stems from a combination of strategic, economic, and political factors. Frustrated by Western restrictions on arms sales, Cairo has turned to China for advanced systems that come without the political constraints often imposed by the United States and European nations. For instance, Egypt’s F-16 fleet, supplied by the U.S., is equipped with outdated AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, while France has withheld long-range MICA missiles for its Rafale jets. In contrast, China’s export terms are more flexible, offering Egypt access to cutting-edge technology without restrictive end-user agreements. The HQ-9B’s cost-effectiveness also makes it an attractive alternative to pricier Western systems like the U.S.-made Patriot PAC-3, which carries both a higher price tag and political strings. Compared to Russia’s S-400, the HQ-9B provides similar capabilities at a lower cost, though it lacks the same combat-tested pedigree.

The timing of this acquisition is tied to Egypt’s evolving security concerns. Tensions with Israel over its actions in Gaza, along with Turkey’s support for Islamist groups in Syria and Libya, pose direct threats to Cairo’s interests. The Western-backed assault on Libya in 2011, with Turkish involvement, left a lasting impression on Egyptian leadership, reinforcing the need for independent aerial warfare capabilities. Egypt’s air force, while sizable, remains constrained by its reliance on Western suppliers, who have been reluctant to provide the most advanced munitions. The HQ-9B, alongside other Chinese systems like the Wing Loong-1D drones and reported interest in J-31 stealth fighters, signals a deliberate pivot toward Beijing as a defence partner. This shift not only enhances Egypt’s deterrence capabilities but also strengthens its bargaining power with Western allies, who may now feel pressure to loosen restrictions on arms sales.

The HQ-9B’s deployment in Egypt also has broader implications for the Middle East’s balance of power. Israel, which maintains a qualitative military edge in the region, must now account for Egypt’s bolstered air defences. The system’s ability to detect stealth aircraft and intercept precision-guided munitions complicates Israel’s operational planning, particularly in scenarios involving strikes on Egyptian targets. Turkey, another regional rival, could face similar challenges if tensions escalate, as the HQ-9B extends Egypt’s defensive reach. Beyond Egypt, China’s growing role as an arms supplier challenges the dominance of Western and Russian systems in the Middle East. Countries like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan have already acquired the HQ-9B, drawn by its affordability and China’s willingness to transfer technology without political preconditions. Egypt’s procurement could inspire other nations to follow suit, further eroding the West’s influence in the region’s defence markets.

This is the end of Russian military industrial complex. The India-Pakistan conflict truly marked the turn of the tide and the ascendence of Chinese military technology displacing those of Russia’s among Global South countries.

I predict Russia’s economy will continue to worsen as it loses global market in military export, one of the few things Russia is actually good at and a major source of foreign income, and will in turn stifle investments in research and development over the longer term, ultimately leading to the demise of its status as a global leader in military technology.

PS. Europe’s as well, no doubt.

: "Brazil is doing a terrible thing on their treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro. I have watched, as has the World, as they have done nothing but come after him, day after day, night after night, month after month, year after year! He is not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE. I have gotten to know Jair Bolsonaro, and he was a strong Leader, who truly loved his Country — Also, a very tough negotiator on TRADE. His Election was very close and now, he is leading in the Polls. This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent — Something I know much about! It happened to me, times 10, and now our Country is the “HOTTEST” in the World! The Great People of Brazil will not stand for what they are doing to their former President. I’ll be watching the WITCH HUNT of Jair Bolsonaro, his family, and thousands of his supporters, very closely. The only Trial that should be happening is a Trial by the Voters of Brazil — It’s called an Election. LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!"

https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/08/costa-rica-faces-investment-setback-amid-rising-crime-and-infrastructure-failures

Costa Rica is feeling the effects of turning to “Third Way” neoliberalism.

Watching Justin Podur’s sit rep from July 5 with Laith Marouf. Laith is clearly a guy who “knows things” and talks to people on the ground in Lebanon and Syria.

According to Laith, it seems like much of the “quiet” we have seen from Hezbollah in recent months is due to them preparing for an invasion both from Syria and Israel. This would seem to track at least to me in why they didn’t get involved when Iran was attacking Israel. Hezbollah is fundamentally a defensive force, and their primary objective is to keep the Israelis (or others) out of Lebanon. It’s not just their mission, it’s how their capabilities were designed.

For what it’s worth, Laith is also very bullish on how Hezbollah would handle an invasion.

A Russian IL-76 military cargo plane landed in Tehran, unloaded its cargo, and returned to Moscow shortly after

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@MarmiteLover123@hexbear.net do you have any info/theory on this?

The Cradle Telegram -

Iran says IAEA inspectors planted spy chips in their shoes

Iran has accused inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of espionage, saying they planted hidden surveillance chips in their shoes during inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities.

The accusation was made by Mahmoud Nabavian, Deputy Chair of Iran's Parliamentary National Security Committee, who said the discovery of the chips proved the inspectors’ involvement in intelligence activities.

Nabavian also held IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi responsible for leaking confidential Iranian reports to Israel.

In an interview with Fars News Agency, Nabavian asserted that IAEA agents are “undoubtedly spies,” and that confidential documents were leaked to US and Israeli media even before being reviewed within the agency.

He stressed that Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA will remain limited and under the supervision of its Supreme National Security Council

Looks like Trump is trying to fire Jerome Powell

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-government-sues-california-over-egg-prices-2025-07-10/

Balkanization or another chance for Newsom to roll over?

“Guerrilla Work In Its Current Dilemma (1970)

A Marxist text written by Ghassan Kanafani that addresses the various issues surrounding the Palestinian resistance movement and analyzes the material conditions after the Naksa.

نص ماركسي كتبه غسان كنفاني يتناول العمل الفدائي المحيطة بحركةالمقاومة ويحلل الراهنة المادية بعد النكسة.

#literature@PalestineTunes“

https://t.me/PalestineTunes/474

Fortunately and unfortunately still relevant to current genocide

Trump toughens US policy on Cuba and orders restrictions on tourism and financial transactions. A memorandum signed by the US president on the 30th calls for a review of US policy on the island; a US economic embargo in force since 1960 is reinforced.

In the memo, Trump states that the reviews should focus on Cuba's treatment of dissidents, policies targeting dissidents and restricting financial transactions that “disproportionately benefit the Cuban government, military, intelligence, or security agencies at the expense of the Cuban people”. The prohibitions apply to direct or indirect financial transactions with entities controlled by the Cuban Army, such as Gaesa and its subsidiaries. The exception is for transactions that benefit the United States or “support the Cuban people”.

In a possible significant change, the order said the US should look for ways to shut down all tourism on the island and restrict educational tours to groups organized and run by US citizens only. Tourism to Cuba was banned, but was relaxed in some cases during the Biden administration.

The move comes as no surprise, given that Trump had already stated that he plans to revoke sanctions relief and other penalties on Cuba, instituted during the terms of Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. In the days before he left office, Biden had moved to revoke the US designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Trump's memo “supports the economic embargo on Cuba and opposes calls in the United Nations and other international forums for its end,” according to the administration.

The Trump administration also added Cuba to the list of seven countries facing tighter visitor restrictions and revoked temporary legal protections for some 300,000 Cubans that shielded them from deportation. The White House also announced visa restrictions for Cuban and foreign government employees involved in Cuban medical missions, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio called “forced labor.”

In an interview with the Associated Press this month, Cuba's deputy foreign minister, Carlos Fernández de Cossio, accused the United States of trying to discredit the medical missions and criticized the reversal of the policy of welcoming Cubans to the US. Rubio, whose family left Cuba in the 1950s, before the communist revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power, has long been an advocate of sanctions on the communist island.

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Nvidia reaches a 4 trillion valuation: https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/07/ai-mania-pushes-nvidia-to-record-4-trillion-valuation/

A lot of articles have been churning out lately due to the Asean Ministers Meeting and the BRICS summit. Here’s some random ones I picked. I’ve also found another article written by another bourgeois-liberal Western academic that I want to laugh at so expect a post on that within the next few days barring I don’t get too busy.

Vietnam promotes comprehensive approach to human rights in ASEAN

Civilizational dialogue a must in turbulent world

Anwar calls on Europe to treat SE Asia as equals, says region won’t accept old hierarchies

ASEAN-EU partnership must be equal, fair, inclusive: Sugiono

Expecting the EU to not be colonizer-brained is a losing gamble.

Malaysia says China will sign Southeast Asia nuclear weapons free zone treaty when documents are ready

Chinese Foreign Minister slams US tariffs on ASEAN as ‘unilateral bullying,’ vows to uphold multilateral trading system with ASEAN

Vietnam proposes three priorities to strengthen Asean’s centrality

Asean accuses “Israel” of ‘openly committing genocide’, demands end to Gaza war

Indonesia's FM says food security must remain ASEAN Plus Three focus

Don't know if this was posted, but Chinese Defense Ministry said yesterday that the J-10 fighter can be sent to "friendly countries".

https://www.newsweek.com/china-responds-after-reports-iran-seeks-j-10-fighter-jets-2096519

Iran are likely not the only country in talks for these aircraft after their success in India and Pakistan's dispute. So it's still not confirmed that they're letting Iran buy the aircraft.

It should be noted that China has interest in not letting these J-10s get bombed while they are on the ground, and that's just what Israel/US will try to do if they get shipped to Iran. It could be worth a shot to send a few over and see how they fare fighting US aircraft, though.