Ukraine: U.S. blocks the transfer of Polish MIG-29 Jets to defend Ukraine

We are now in contact with the Polish government following the statement issued today. As we have said, the decision about whether to transfer Polish-owned planes to Ukraine is ultimately one for the Polish government. We will continue consulting with our Allies and partners about our ongoing security assistance to Ukraine, because, in fact, Poland’s proposal shows just some of the complexities this issue presents. The prospect of fighter jets “at the disposal of the Government of the United States of America” departing from a U.S./NATO base in Germany to fly into airspace that is contested with Russia over Ukraine raises serious concerns for the entire NATO alliance. It is simply not clear to us that there is a substantive rationale for it. We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland’s proposal is a tenable one” (U.S. Department of Defence – ‘Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby on Security Assistance to Ukraine’ 08.03.2022).

It seems like Warsaw and Washington D.C. isn’t on accord on how to negotiate or transfer the needed fighter jets to boost the Ukrainian self-defence against the Russian invasion. As the Ukrainian government, President and army has asked for a “no-fly-zone” which isn’t happening. Now, within hours and during the same day as the Polish announces the possibility of transferring MIG-29 Jets to Ukraine. Pentagon is calling it “not a tenable one”.

It shows that U.S. isn’t that interested or invested into helping the Ukrainian army. Neither are they are willing to risk anything. It is just a waiting game for the U.S. at this point. They are not that billed up or spending on it. The U.S. is only giving surplus stock and donations to cover up the negligence of it all. While they hope other parties can come to the direct aide of Kyiv.

This is showing that Blinken and Biden isn’t all that serious about it. They can let bygones by bygones. It isn’t hurting Wall Street or an avenue near you. So, why bother risking anything and anybody. While the cities and zones near the invasion forces of Russian-Belorussian forces are bombed, war-torn and destroyed on a daily basis. Who minds the death and destruction from the air, as long as the deaths and destruction is happening thousands of miles away. That’s how this seems.

As the EU Member State and NATO ally, Poland was willing to give up its air-fleet of fighter jets to boost the Ukrainian self-defence. The U.S. and NATO is cowering away. In stead of showing up in the hour of need. As it doesn’t mind or worried about the “no-fly-zone” and can’t even stomach the possibility of flying into and support directly the war.

Instead of the planes, the U.S. offers this:

Pentagon will deploy two Patriot missile defense batteries to Poland, U.S. military says in statement tonight. They include not only the missiles, but powerful radar designed to spot incoming fire. As of Tuesday, Russia has launched 670~ missiles at Ukraine since invading” (Ponder It, 09.03.2022).

So, the ones taking U.S. serious and as a possible ally to Kyiv it is hard to take it serious. Poland was willing to give away all of their current air-force to boost Ukraine. In the middle of a war and give them power in the air. However, Pentagon is blocking that move and it’s really tragic. Instead of serving the needs of the defending nation. It is giving it minor military equipment, which yes will help, but not anywhere near what Poland was willing to do yesterday.

Zelensky and Ukrainian people are allowed to be infuriated at this. As their nation is bombed and the West is clearly not taking that seriously. Peace.

Afghanistan: National Democratic Movement (NDM) – The gathering clouds of a deepening crisis (09.03.2022)

Opinion: The Russian economy is tanking when the pension fund is used to save Russian companies

Putin signed a law allowing the placement of NWF funds in shares of Russian companies and government securities” (RIA Novosti, 09.03.2022).

What is the National Wealth Fund:

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is a part of federal budget assets. NWF is dedicated to support pension system of the Russian Federation to guarantee long-term sound functioning of the system. Fund’s primer assignments are to co-finance voluntary pension savings of Russian citizens and to balance budget of Pension Fund of the Russian Federation” (NWF – About).

Things are not looking good financially in Moscow or in the Russian Federation. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine is costing the Russian a fortune. They are losing contracts, businesses and ability to trade like never before. Foreign companies are stopping to trade or even do business in Russia. Everything from importing vehicles to having a latte at Starbucks. All sort of European and Multi-National Corporations are stopping. They cannot even listen to Spotify anymore. That’s how things have moved.

This is taken to such an extent that the financial inclusion with the rest of the world is gone within 14 days. It took only two weeks from the Western corporation to see the light and bail out. They are ensuring the Russians doesn’t have the liquidity or equity, heck even the ability to transfer funds to cover the basics. The rouble is devalued and the rating of government bonds is also failing.

So, things are grim when the Russian Federation is blocking the ability to take currency across the border. Neither is the SWIFT working in various of banks. The U.S. is planning to stop the imports of oil. While there is still in the works to stop gas from being exported to Europe. If that all succeed the Russian will have less or lack foreign exchange. The dollarization of the economy is just gone. The Petrodollars and whatnot just vanished.

Yes, the Russians are connecting to the MIR System instead of VISA/Mastercard/American Express, but that is only by default and not because the Russians wants to. Yes, the Eurasia enterprise between Russian and China is good for business there. However, it will not be accessible in the West. This will only be with the few partners of Russia, which is a few former USSR republics and China. Not a giant market or a way of patching the obvious hurt.

You know things are bad when the President has to order the spending of the pension funds to salvage the Russian corporations. That shows there is severe problems and crippling financial structure only after a two weeks. This is really costing the companies and the state. As the NWF hav to cover the sudden lack of cash flow and keep things a float.

I am sure not all people will cry over the loss of Coca-Cola or McDonalds. However, it is a sign of the times ahead. The Russian economy isn’t boosted or been prepared for the severity of sanctions this time around. If they were.. the NWF wouldn’t be accessible as a form of covering over the lack of funding and saving companies. It is not done in good will, but of necessity. You don’t spend the collected pensions of your citizens on failing corporations for fun, but because you have too.

This is showing what sort of consequences the war has on the markets. As they are failing and now the state has to bail it out. That is a financial crisis and you have resorted to these means, if you didn’t have too. Peace.

Algeria condemns in strongest terms the terrorist attack on Mali’s army in Mondoro (09.03.2022)

Algeria reiterates its call for an increased mobilization of Africa and the international community as a whole for a prompt and effective collective response.

ALGIERS, Algeria, March 9, 2022 – Algeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the terrorist attack perpetrated on Friday 4 March 2022 in Mali on a camp of the Malian Armed Forces in Mondoro (center), leaving dozens of deaths and injuries among the soldiers.

Algeria extends, in these painful circumstances, its heartfelt condolences to the grief-stricken families and reiterates its full solidarity with the brotherly Malian government and people and its full support in their struggle against terrorism. Algeria is convinced that this neighboring country will be able to face, through the unity of its brave people, the huge challenges of this scourge.

These new bloody attacks and unjustifiable crimes require, once again, from us to combine efforts, at the regional and international levels, to eradicate this scourge which threatens security, stability and development of the countries of the Sahel-Sahara region and the African continent.

Algeria, which bows to the memory of the victims, reiterates its strong determination and unfailing commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and expressions.

 

Algeria reiterates its call for an increased mobilization of Africa and the international community as a whole for a prompt and effective collective response so that the dignity and value of all human beings prevail.

Ukraine: Poland offers all their MIG-29 Jets to Ukraine – answering a call but also opening up another door…

The authorities of the Republic of Poland, after consultations between the President and the Goverment, are ready to deploy – immediately and free of charge – all their MIG-29 jets to the Ramstein Air Base and place them at the disposal of the Government of the United States of America. At the same time, Poland requests the United States to provide us with used aircraft with corresponding operational capabilities. Poland is ready to immediately establish the conditions of purchase of the planes. The Polish Government also requests other NATO Allies – owners of MIG-29 jets – to act in the same vein” (Republic of Poland – ‘Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland in connection with the statement by the US Secretary of State on providing airplanes to Ukraine’ 08.03.2022).

The Polish Government are now offering the MIG-29 Jets of their Republic and Defence. In such a manner and at a rate, which should be at relief and huge help of Kyiv. However, the Polish Government and allies are risking a full out war here. As they might become next target of Russian-Belorussian war in Eastern Europe. Since, this can be seen as a participation in the war. However, then is all sales of military equipment, ammunition and help, which the European Union and NATO states has given already to Ukraine.

What is obvious here is that Warsaw is defying both NATO and EU. Heck, Warsaw is acting in cooperation and direct help of Kyiv without the possible recognition of Brussels. Therefore, the next few hours and day will be interesting.

Yes, Kyiv needs this and has asked for this. The President and his speeches has been directed at either a “no-fly-zone” or getting the jets. Now his offered the jets, but this will create a reaction in Moscow. We don’t know if Putin will act upon this or say this is a final strike. He has already sent a warning over talks of NATO cooperation with Sweden and Finland. While also saying financial sanctions is an act of war. Therefore, sending MIG-29 Jets might be interpreted as a direct participation and becoming an ally of Ukraine. So, for Russia it might turn into a Ukraine-Polish war now. I don’t know… but with such a leader as Putin on the throne. It is hard to know what makes him give way and what makes him furious.

Today is the 13th Day of the Russian-Belorussian Invasion. It is evident that the war isn’t going the way Kremlin or Putin wants. The mighty “Z” isn’t winning or advancing at a rapid pace. Neither is there a will of panic or anarchy, which would have been useful for the invading forces. Instead it has been resistance and a will to fight for own sovereignty. While the Russian forces have struggled with logistics and with the urban warfare of Ukraine. This is all clear, while the Russians instead resorts to brutally bombing, using artillery and sending missiles into crowded areas. That’s what you do… when you cannot win on own morale or own strategic judgments.

The Polish government is doing the right for and supporting Ukraine in the hour of need. We know Kyiv needs this … and they have waited for it. This is delivering what Zelensky wants, but we know Putin is going to react to this. We don’t know what he will or act. That is clear here. This is an escalation and NATO will be worried now. Stoltenberg wouldn’t offer this or make a “No-Fly-Zone” possible.

That this happens today. The 14th Day will open up now barriers … and possible new perspectives, which we didn’t see coming. Now, I am awaiting some sort of ramification and reaction from Moscow. However, we cannot know how that will addressed… until it happens. We know that Kyiv will be happy, but they are getting vital air-support and strengthening their defence. They got all the reasons for getting a bargain in the middle of war. Peace.

Opinion: Mao’s iffy claims is getting him nowhere

Democratic Party president, Norbert Mao, has called the National Unity Platform (NUP) a dubious project which is delaying change. “What I see here is the reason a party that seeks to lead Uganda should not encourage its supporters to use mind-bending substances. I will not be distracted. NUP is a dubious project for delaying change. They malign everyone but in reality they are a creation of the shadow State,” Mao wrote on his Twitter handle” (Carol Kasujja Adii – ‘NUP is a dubious Project – Mao’ 08.03.2022, New Vision).

It is hard to imagine that Norbert Mao has been the Democratic Party President for over a decade at this point. He has run the DP Party since before the ‘Walk to Work’ demonstrations and haven’t succeeded in the 2011, 2016 or in 2021. This is why his on a expedition right now to make himself relevant and sound resounding. However, that is all backfiring.

His instead being loved by the National Resistance Movement Youth League (NRM-YL). The DP President is being supported by Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and being boosted by Andrew Mwenda. It is him who can be claimed to be the “shadow state”. That is only speculating, but he surely does the work of the state and their allies. Ofwono Opondo is soon irrelevant and the GCIC should just hire Mao. He would do the work for them and finally Opondo could lavish on a farm in close association to Kayihura somewhere. That would make sense after all of these years.

Mao is working so hard to maligned Bobi Wine aka Robert Kyagulanyi as a shady actor or political leader. That his forgetting his own mission or supposed work as a Party President. His so obsessed and focused, that he is tweeting more about NUP and Bobi Wine, than certain radio stations are pinning Sheila Gashumba.

He is working on overtime to discredit and say the NUP is the modern version of Kabaka Yekka (KY) party. A Baganda party and not a national one. That is following the rhetoric and message, which resembles the NRM. I would think a man of the opposition like Mao wouldn’t like to sound like NRM. However, he thrives in the space of NRM and speaking their points of view. That’s maybe why he uses the same points, agenda and means as the NRM has done.

Mao has gone after the party, the way it was formed and everything in between. Soon he will post a picture of Bobi Wine smoking weed and dancing with a woman on stage in his early career. Because, that is what you do… when you cannot see someone aspire or create a new avenue for themselves. Nevertheless, Mao is only burning bridges while speaking of dialogue, which is ironic as his supposed to be the wise-man of the political space. Alas, we can say with time that wisdom has clearly withered into the winds of time.

Mao isn’t as bright or the future of leadership. Instead his a washed-up uninspiring and a depressing sort of character. All the promise straight into the storm-drain and all for nothing. He could have done a lot and be remembered for something. Instead, his just one of them suits with no aspirations or prospects to generate hope. No, his a empty suit and enjoy the perks of that office. Peace.

Ukraine: Civilian casualties as of 24.00 – 7 March 2022 (08.03.2022)

Nigeria: People’s Democratic Party – Leadership Crisis: APC is Defunct, Not Eligible to Contest Elections – PDP (08.03.2022)

Opinion: Aye yo! The Movement wasn’t built for the up-coming generations…

If there is a youth (in Uganda) who is not NRM, they must have a problem in their head. Without the NRM, those youths would be what the Banyankore call Kaributi (the late). Many of them would have died in infancy” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (08.03.2022).

On the Woman’s Day of 2022 and in the speech on the National Celebration of the day. President since 1986 had to address everyone else. While also showing his disregard for many citizens in the Republic. Since, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) isn’t as popular as it ones was and certainly the youths aren’t seeing any of the promised progress, which is forever been pledged at any campaign since the 1990s.

The youths of the Republic has every reason to be dissatisfied, disgruntled and disembark from the Movement. A movement that left them behind and haven’t given them any reason to be loyal to the cause. Since, they are not the category or the ones who are eating of the plate. They are neither in the calculations or in the bargain of investments. Their equity and ownership is deluded, devalued and sold easily to third parties. Who can get access and live in comfort, while the average youth cannot come out of poverty, hardships or excel to any sort of place of middle-income life-style. Therefore, there is no reason to trust the Movement or the NRM as a youth.

The Youth are being tricked, sold and taken for granted. Their future is traded, loaned and the youth have to pay with interests. Since, the current state is taken up loans that it cannot cash. There isn’t domestic revenue and neither a promised pay-off, which will cover the spiralling debts. Debts and loans, which the old man and his cronies are eating off from. The debt that the next generation has to pay off and with additional fees as well. Heck, if they don’t, then they will loose collateral or the little leverage they have.

The President haven’t delivered a promising future for the youth. So, why should they stick to his programs and pledges? Why should they belong to a party, which have abandoned them? If it hasn’t left them behind. One of their siblings, relatives or friends has been touched by drones, abducted, kidnapped and charged for their political activism. Why should they sell their soul and their minds to a party that does this to their own?

That’s what the President and his like doesn’t get. It can torture, detain and silence critics, activists and political leaders. However, youth aspires to these people and feeds of their energy. Because, the ideals of these people lives among them. The NRM is living among the elites and the NRA veterans. They are not in the trenches, ghettos or lost suburbs. No, they are only their for a minute during campaigns and giving away T-shirts. Before returning back to a State Lodge. Therefore, the President has little to nothing to offer…

It isn’t the youths problem that the Movement isn’t selling. It is the Movement’s problem that it is viable for the youths. It is the President fault and the correct line, which is entail the suffering and the plights of people, which the party and the government has forgotten. That’s why the youth isn’t aspiring to it or feeling a connection with the Movement. Why should they? What is there to gain? Other than blind loyalty and hopes for a plumb-job in far distant future?

Well… that isn’t much and the sacrifice is so big too. You have to give up your ideals to serve a party and it’s leader. While not subscribing to the honest truths of the organization. That is the gist of it. While friends, family and neighbours are in pain, because of the regime. This is why the problem isn’t the youth, but the party, which doesn’t serve them nor their communities. Peace.

Opinion: Project Muhoozi is moving to the next chapter

After 28 years of service in my glorious military, the greatest military in the world, I am happy to announce my retirement. Me and my soldiers have achieved so much! I have only love and respect for all those great men and women that achieve greatness for Uganda everyday” (Muhoozi Kainerubaga, 08.03.2022).

The first son and Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is on Women’s Day announcing his retirement from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). This means the UPDF Commission and institutions has to be notified and told about the retirement. As the military career is suddenly over and his becoming a civilian. Alas, his still the third ranking Lt. Gen. who happens to be the Commander of Land Forces (CLF) and previous leading the Special Forces Command (SFC). Which is making today very unique.

Because, since 2013 there has been smoke and mirrors. There been slowly growing movements of his rising power. Where he has gotten momentum and more prestigious titles. He has gone up in rank and in responsibility. While only holding the Senior Presidential Advisor title at home. Therefore, we knew things was happening and in the cards.

Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinye aka Tinyefuza warned the general public in letters, which was so grading and so confidential. That the Daily Monitor and Red Pepper was ceased for a week after releasing the first one. Heck, the General had to flee into exile and lived in London for a stint too.

What Muhoozi should consider is that his time in the army and becoming a civilian will come with a cost. He will always be questioned by the actions of the SFC and whatnot. The former Lt. Gen. cannot act like he doesn’t have blood on his hands or have used violent means towards civilians, which can be deemed as terror or torture. Therefore, Muhoozi will now carry on to another office.

Muhoozi will get the next chapter into becoming a civilian and another high ranking official in the government. Where he will have the space and opportunity to evolve. So, the ones paying the gigs and praising brigade of Muhoozi will staunch his every move. They will praise him like a demigod. That’s who he is to them and they are creating an image of greatness, even when he hasn’t created anything substantial. Neither, does he have an impeccable record as an army commander. No, his just been a raunchy and loud individual who happens to have rank.

The ones that believe anything good comes out of this. They are fools. There is nothing good coming out of this. It is the eventualities of a succession plan and a monarchy ticket. That’s all there is and the National Resistance Movement will either be what it is or be rebranded to the new kingpin. Because that is what it all is. Just like there was an UPM and it had to become NRA before it was successful. The same will be with Muhoozi and his fellow cronies. They will dance and sing the songs he wants them too. However, they will not give any service or care to the designated office, which he will happen to take. Some other unlucky permanent secretary or fixed bureaucrat has to lift the burden away from the first son. Because, it is not like his enlightened or have the wits to capture it.

Muhoozi will go to “greener” pastures now, but don’t expect it to graze the fields quietly. No, he will come with all the big-guns and gravitas of his unceremonial presence. This man will not make strides or go through tribulations to go anywhere. No, this man will go without any hurdles or re-runs to get there. The way has already been paved and he can just walk on the tarmac as we speak. While someone else made the road and prospects of getting to that point. Peace.