98 Comments

1. The below was a comment made by Joe Walker in response to a Facebook post by AOC.

   The real reason the US is invading Venezuela goes back to a deal Henry Kissinger made with Saudi Arabia in 1974.
   And I’m going to explain why this is actually about the SURVIVAL of the US dollar itself.
   Not drugs. Not terrorism. Not “democracy.”
   This is about the petrodollar system that has kept America the dominant economic power for 50 years.
   And Venezuela just threatened to end it.
   Here’s what really just happened:
   Venezuela has 303 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The largest on Earth. More than Saudi Arabia. 20% of the entire world’s oil.
   But here’s the part that matters:
   Venezuela was actively selling that oil in Chinese yuan. Not dollars.
   In 2018, Venezuela announced it would “free itself from the dollar.” They started accepting yuan, euros, rubles, anything BUT dollars for oil. They were petitioning to join BRICS. They were building direct payment channels with China that bypass SWIFT entirely.
   And they were sitting on enough oil to fund de-dollarization for decades. Why does this matter? Because the entire American financial system is built on one thing:
   The petrodollar.
   In 1974, Henry Kissinger made a deal with Saudi Arabia: All oil sold globally must be priced in US dollars. In exchange, America provides military protection.
   This single agreement created artificial demand for dollars worldwide.
   Every country on Earth needs dollars to buy oil. This lets America print unlimited money while other countries work for it. It funds the military. The welfare state. The deficit spending. The petrodollar is more important to US hegemony than aircraft carriers.
   And there’s a pattern of what happens to leaders who challenge it:
   2000: Saddam Hussein announces Iraq will sell oil in euros instead of dollars.
   2003: Invaded. Regime change. Iraq’s oil immediately switched back to dollars. Saddam lynched. The WMDs were never found because they never existed.
   2009: Gaddafi proposes a gold-backed African currency called the “gold dinar” for oil trade.
   Hillary Clinton’s own leaked emails confirm this was the PRIMARY reason for intervention. Email quote: “This gold was intended to establish a pan-African currency based on the Libyan golden Dinar.”
   2011: NATO bombs Libya. Gaddafi sodomized and murdered. Libya now has open slave markets. “We came, we saw, he died!” Clinton laughed on camera. The gold dinar died with him.
   And now Maduro.
   With FIVE TIMES more oil than Saddam and Gaddafi combined. Actively selling in yuan.
   Building payment systems outside dollar control. Petitioning to join BRICS.
   Partnered with China, Russia, and Iran.
   The three countries leading global de-dollarization. This isn’t coincidence.
   Challenge the petrodollar. Get regime changed. Every. Single. Time. Stephen Miller (US homeland security advisor) literally said it out loud two weeks ago: “American sweat, ingenuity and toil created the oil industry in Venezuela. Its tyrannical expropriation was the largest recorded theft of American wealth and property.”
   He’s not hiding it. They’re claiming Venezuelan oil BELONGS to America because US companies developed it 100 years ago. By this logic, every nationalized resource in history was “theft.” But here’s the DEEPER problem:
   The petrodollar is already dying. Russia sells oil in rubles and yuan since Ukraine.
   Saudi Arabia is openly discussing yuan settlements. Iran has been trading in non-dollar currencies for years. China built CIPS, their own alternative to SWIFT with 4,800 banks in 185 countries. BRICS is actively building payment systems that bypass the dollar entirely. The mBridge project lets central banks settle trades instantly in local currencies.
   Venezuela joining BRICS with 303 billion barrels of oil would accelerate this exponentially. That’s what this invasion is really about. Not stopping drugs. Venezuela accounts for less than 1% of US cocaine.
   Not terrorism. There’s zero evidence Maduro runs a “terror organization.”
   Not democracy. The US supports Saudi Arabia, which has zero elections. This is about maintaining a 50-year-old agreement that lets America print money while the world works for it.
   And the consequences are terrifying:
   Russia, China, and Iran are already denouncing this as “armed aggression.” China is Venezuela’s biggest oil customer. They’re losing billions. BRICS nations are watching a country get invaded for trading outside the dollar. Every nation considering de-dollarization just got the message:
   Challenge the dollar and we will bomb you.
   But here’s the problem…
   That message might accelerate de-dollarization, not stop it. Because now every country in the Global South knows what happens if you threaten dollar hegemony.
   And they’re realizing the only protection is to move FASTER.
   The timing is insane too:
   January 3rd, 2026. Venezuela invaded. Maduro captured. January 3rd, 1990. Panama invaded. Noriega captured. 36 years apart. Almost to the day. Same playbook. Same “drug trafficking” excuse. Same real reason: control of strategic resources and trade routes.
   History doesn’t repeat. But it rhymes.
   What happens next:
   Trump’s press conference at Mar-a-Lago sets the narrative. US oil companies are already lined up. Politico reported they’ve been approached about “returning to Venezuela.” The opposition will be installed. Oil will flow in dollars again. Venezuela becomes another Iraq. Another Libya.
   But here’s what nobody’s asking: What happens when you can no longer bomb your way to dollar dominance? When China has enough economic leverage to retaliate? When BRICS controls 40% of global GDP and says “no more dollars”?
   When the world realizes the petrodollar is maintained by violence?
   America just showed its hand.
   The question is whether the rest of the world folds or calls the bluff. Because this invasion is an admission that the dollar can no longer compete on its own merits. When you have to bomb countries to keep them using your currency, the currency is already dying.
   Venezuela isn’t the beginning. It’s the desperate end. @Ric_RTP

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   1. I’ll note one specific inaccuracy in the material you posted to open.

      I was the overnight Division staff duty officer at US Army’s 2AD (FWD) in Germany the night that Operation Just Cause kicked off in DECEMBER 1989, believe it was December 20 to be precise. Stayed awake reading accounts about the unfolding situation that were coming across the old school teletype in the HQ and preparing them to brief the staff the
      next morning.

      What else is Joe Walker communicating inaccurately?

      Any such action is not without risks, detractors, and controversy. Oil is certainly in the picture yet suffice it to say, this action in Venezuela (which I predicted more than a year ago on this forum) is more than one dimensional. I made the prediction not from any inside information, but rather under an assumption that the US would definitely move to a more regionally focused security posture. Given this assumption, the highest priority factors most seriously challenging US regional hegemony were concentrated in Venezuela, to an extent that would very likely demand some form of boots on the ground action. Assumptions and analysis proved accurate.

      Now let’s pray the US leadership team handles the situation in a manner that avoids an outcome parallel to Iraq post 2004…

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      1. It’s a nit, but Manuel Noriega was captured on January 3, 1990, the date that Joe Walker mentions, though the date of the actual invasion was earlier.

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         1. The substack article linked by AR above does a much better job of painting the broader picture.

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2. Catherine,

   Very long time subscriber here, and it is the first time I have ever asked a question. I was wondering if you could give your thoughts on this article from Renegade Resources, “The Venezuelan Oil Narative is PURE THEATRE, The Real Reason the Pentagon Approved Venezuela: Critical Minerals and Adversary Expulsion”

   https://open.substack.com/pub/tracyshuchart/p/the-venezuelan-oil-narative-is-pure?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

   Her argument is that the motive is not oil, but actually a critical minerals supply chain vulnerability. Would love to hear your take on this.

   Extremely grateful for your work and this service. It has changed my life in the best way possible. You have always been the most accurate forecaster, and operated with integrity. You introduced us to Rambus, Joseph P. Farrell, and I love how you are bringing in young minds like Mark Goodwin and Whitney Webb. Seeing your interview with Simon Dixon delighted me, I was hoping you two would team up. You and Simon actually crossed paths in the past via the old Keiser Report.

   I even have my QRS machine thanks to you!

   Thank you so much.

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   1. T”he Pentagon approved this operation because Venezuela presented a convergence of strategic threats from all three major US adversaries that exceeded the threshold for military action, with each adversary establishing operational presence that created compounding strategic vulnerabilities.”

      Very good analysis. Thanks for posting – I will post to News, Trends & Stories. Yes, the primary goal is not to get checkmated by your adversaries in your back door – who are getting a commanding access to resources. The oil is important – especially with Singer taking control of Citgo in November. But will take a long time to realize the oil. This is going to be messy to manage – I am focused on to this unfolds in the debt and loan markets. It is remarkable to extent to which the US has thrown away/engineered its position. This represents scrambling. The corruption and grifting at the top of the US has and will exact an enormous price.

      Thank you for your kind words. You are most welcome. This is going to be a year of asymetrical warfare full of wild cards and black swans. Get ready to Rock and Roll.

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      1. On Venezula, why in the world are they proceeding with the drug cover story? Does anyone buy this? But more importantly, it is more interesting to see how this will play out in the courts. If kidnapping a foreign president with your military is not an act of war, then what is? Regardless of whatever drug charges are brought into court, how does committing an act of war without declaring one not completely fall beyond the powers of the presidency?

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         1. I am sure there is a logical reason, but I have not figured it out yet. Seems to me you just drag up all the decades of documents about US government narcotics trafficking. Maybe market research indicates it works as the “Story of I am Good” – so evidence not required.

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            1. I am kind of wondering as well now if it is something that will just fall apart just like so many of this administration’s political indictments. For the US political indictments, it seems they were maybe meant to make a headline and then let the person off. For this, I don’t know. The military operation had to be years in the planning. A seal team will train on mission a couple years before it happens and they have been gunning for Venezuela for decades. But, the court case and cover is just nonsensical.

               I would see it a few ways – 1 is to establish US legal authority beyond its borders (this would also put Guantanamo in question) and some this already goes on with vulture capital. 2 This is somehow a prelude to another phony drug crackdown in the US, some reason to put more military in the streets etc. Or for some an assassination is some step too far, they need to keep him alive or they want to torture the guy. They had photos of him in blinders and soundproof headphones. Sensory deprivation like that is part of a torture regime.

      2. Protecting the oil fields above Guyana is also in the mix.

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         1. IMO it was a matter of time before a boundary conflict between Venezuela and Guyana was going to happen

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            1. I just read an article about Guyana this week. They are the only country in the world that provides all the food it needs. People living there all buy from small, local farmers. Article is attached below. Interesting how conflict is arising. I remember Ukraine being referred to as a bread basket. I wonder if this country is the same.
               https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/only-one-country-produces-food-it-needs-self-sufficient

      3. Venezuela resembles Star Wars Cantina bar scene.

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         1. Hi Catherine,
            Have just seen your post today about what is going on with all the territories, I’m thinking specially on which could the be possible consequences for those of us living in Europe?? Seing Greenland and Iceland are on the menú…any thoughts for what could happen to European countries?? Can’t wait to listen to money and markets this week!!!
            Many thanks!! 😊😊

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            1. As someone residing somewhere in Europe, I am curious too. I believe our overlords want war to genocide as much europeans they can to stay in power. The EU-union is to date made completely toothless and run by power hungry psychopaths. The EU population is being primed to be willing cannon fodder. The question will be how far gone is the population to commit its own suicide? The EU-union seems a litmus test how effective all their borgyfing tech and mind manipulation is and has been! With defeat of the Ukraine around the corner those lovely biolabs have to move to somewhere. The EU-union countries seem perfect with fresh populous to experiment on thru war economies and mandatory drafts.

            2. Given how much old money is in Europe trying to figure how they could safely experiment on Europeans unless they have them gathered into armies or distinct seperate pools (concerts, sporting events?) – will think about this.

3. I wanted to let you know that a podcaster last night was personally attacking Tucker Carlson by saying it appears Tucker is “on drugs, microdosing or doing marijuana.” The podcast is “America’s Untold Stories” with Mark Groubert and his rather silent partner, Eric Hunley, who goes along with what Mark says. A pro Trumper and Zionist, I found it out of character for Mark. I don’t subscribe to their channel. They started the channel 5 years ago branching out of Viva Frei and Robert Barnes. I was interested in their coverage of the FBI putting a Catholic teacher on a 2 year surveillance leash story so began listening. It was too painful to listen to and a waste of my time with the attacks on Tucker. Anyway, it’s Tucker’s business what he does but I believe it’s a vile personal attack due to Tucker speaking out on the Palestinian genocide and other criminal activities. Here is the podcast, it’s too long and terrible. This team should stick to stories about assassinations, celebrities and LA murders.
   https://www.youtube.com/live/0wZ_Az1UnFs?si=9sT2a0Jop0EGDJDH

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   1. Ad hominem attacks are bad, but the European way is far worse. One day you wake up to find out your ousted out of society with no legal recourse beforhand or afterwards. You are literally supossed to die from hunger & thirst & the elements. I thought being ripped to shreds in colloseums was bad, but this?!

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4. Different approach on “maybe” why the invasion of Venezuela occured. Haven’t we seen this before? Irak comes to mind, archeological warfares!
   https://phillippresswood.medium.com/the-gilgamesh-protocol-reading-the-subtext-of-the-venezuela-raid-d740f7ed1e68
   https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/4000-year-old-rock-art-in-venezuela-may-be-from-a-previously-unknown-culture

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5. Important information on AI DATA CENTERS –

   I received an important email from the ASCE ( American Society of Civil Engineers). They linked to this article in Space.com. It is about heat leaking from a large crypto mining data center. The large amount of computers is similar to AI Data Centers and is yet another concern. The satellite image shows the heat leaking from the facility.

   https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/satellites-reveal-heat-leaking-from-largest-us-cryptocurrency-mining-center?utm_medium=email&utm_source=rasa_io&utm_campaign=CESource-20251223-newsletter

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   1. Thank you for posting. I live in that county in Texas
      This is located at the former ALCOA plant site.
      Milam County- Rockdale, Texas

      We were not happy about the several bitcoin mining companies coming in a few years ago. Those companies picked the site because of high power transmission lines. They knew they would be power hogs.

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      1. Pamela, Did you notice any changes there, like trees dying?

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6. Has everyone noticed the “I am a human” box that pops up at certain sites? I am wondering who is the gatekeeper? Are they trying to determine, by a finger print, who is doing the search?

   This morning, I tried to do a search on data centers. I asked two questions on Brave – Are AI data centers related to 15 minutes cities? and What is the purpose of the AI data centers? In both cases, it asked me to verify that I was person. I did not comply, so I could not get search results.

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7. Excellent summary of Venezuela from China perspective

   https://youtu.be/VeLyH8MKozI?si=CwUk3iURQcYNmgnL

   Maduro had a banquet with Chinese delegation three hours before he was taken out.

   Also wonder about the Russian ship seized in North Atlantic.

   ABC news says

   The U.S. Coast Guard had been tracking the Marinera tanker for the last two weeks after attempting to seize it on Dec. 20 when the empty ship was in the Caribbean and apparently headed to Venezuela.

   But I wonder why go to the trouble to seize an empty ship.

   Lot of unanswered questions. Looking forward to M&M.

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   1. Very interesting. Thank you for posting.

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