CDL Associates
@cdlassociates.bsky.social
Watching the Clash of Civilizations, the Fall of Russia and the U.S. Four decades of Foreign Policy & International Security, Intelligence, Crude Oil, Energy. Inside knowledge. All retired or not much.
Reposted by CDL Associates
Meanwhile in Iran, the situation continues to escalate as protests intensify and spiral beyond the regime’s control. Demonstrators, once peaceful, are now arming themselves against Iranian security forces.
In the city of Ashkhaneh, protestors set fire to a military administration building.
In the city of Ashkhaneh, protestors set fire to a military administration building.
January 7, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Meanwhile in Iran, the situation continues to escalate as protests intensify and spiral beyond the regime’s control. Demonstrators, once peaceful, are now arming themselves against Iranian security forces.
In the city of Ashkhaneh, protestors set fire to a military administration building.
In the city of Ashkhaneh, protestors set fire to a military administration building.
Even when you know you can expect anything from Trump, just anything, you see it and freeze up.
Trump: "I have just viewed the clip of the event which took place in Minneapolis. It is a horrible thing to watch. The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting ... "
January 7, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Even when you know you can expect anything from Trump, just anything, you see it and freeze up.
Animals. But what's so surprising about that? The cult of weapons, school shootings, police officers who can strangle you at any moment if something strikes them as odd, or shoot you if they feel like it. Those involved in the storming of the Capitol on January 6 were acquitted. This is America.
ICE goons shoots a concerned neighbor point blank in the face with a 40mm pepper grenade after a woman was shot in the face during an ICE abduction (Minneapolis, MN. 1/7/26)
January 7, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Animals. But what's so surprising about that? The cult of weapons, school shootings, police officers who can strangle you at any moment if something strikes them as odd, or shoot you if they feel like it. Those involved in the storming of the Capitol on January 6 were acquitted. This is America.
Reposted by CDL Associates
Update #IranProtests (30):
Protesten breidden zich uit naar meer dan 100 steden, waaronder Rasht, Aligudarz, Gazvin, Abadan, Bandar-Abbas, Kerman, Bojnourd en Kermanshah, verspreid over meer dan 25 provincies.
Indrukwekkende beelden vandaag uit de stad Bojnourd, NO-#Iran. #WomanLifeFreedom
Protesten breidden zich uit naar meer dan 100 steden, waaronder Rasht, Aligudarz, Gazvin, Abadan, Bandar-Abbas, Kerman, Bojnourd en Kermanshah, verspreid over meer dan 25 provincies.
Indrukwekkende beelden vandaag uit de stad Bojnourd, NO-#Iran. #WomanLifeFreedom
January 7, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Update #IranProtests (30):
Protesten breidden zich uit naar meer dan 100 steden, waaronder Rasht, Aligudarz, Gazvin, Abadan, Bandar-Abbas, Kerman, Bojnourd en Kermanshah, verspreid over meer dan 25 provincies.
Indrukwekkende beelden vandaag uit de stad Bojnourd, NO-#Iran. #WomanLifeFreedom
Protesten breidden zich uit naar meer dan 100 steden, waaronder Rasht, Aligudarz, Gazvin, Abadan, Bandar-Abbas, Kerman, Bojnourd en Kermanshah, verspreid over meer dan 25 provincies.
Indrukwekkende beelden vandaag uit de stad Bojnourd, NO-#Iran. #WomanLifeFreedom
For the first time, something meaningful from Bondi (re. Marinera):
“As a consequence of failing to obey the Coast Guard’s orders, members of this vessel are under full investigation and criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors."
>>>
“As a consequence of failing to obey the Coast Guard’s orders, members of this vessel are under full investigation and criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors."
>>>
January 7, 2026 at 7:45 PM
For the first time, something meaningful from Bondi (re. Marinera):
“As a consequence of failing to obey the Coast Guard’s orders, members of this vessel are under full investigation and criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors."
>>>
“As a consequence of failing to obey the Coast Guard’s orders, members of this vessel are under full investigation and criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors."
>>>
"The United States government has begun marketing Venezuelan crude oil in the global marketplace for the benefit of the United States, Venezuela, and our allies."
"All proceeds ... will first settle in U.S. controlled accounts at globally recognized banks ..."
www.energy.gov/articles/fac...
"All proceeds ... will first settle in U.S. controlled accounts at globally recognized banks ..."
www.energy.gov/articles/fac...
FACT SHEET: President Trump is Restoring Prosperity, Safety and Security for the United States and Venezuela
Thanks to President Trump, the United States is restoring prosperity, safety, and security to the United States and Venezuela.
www.energy.gov
January 7, 2026 at 7:23 PM
"The United States government has begun marketing Venezuelan crude oil in the global marketplace for the benefit of the United States, Venezuela, and our allies."
"All proceeds ... will first settle in U.S. controlled accounts at globally recognized banks ..."
www.energy.gov/articles/fac...
"All proceeds ... will first settle in U.S. controlled accounts at globally recognized banks ..."
www.energy.gov/articles/fac...
If this does not have serious consequences not only for the killer but also for ICE, America will soon be knee-deep in blood.
NEW: Second video shows ICE shooting in Minneapolis. A woman, a U.S. citizen, was killed
January 7, 2026 at 6:59 PM
If this does not have serious consequences not only for the killer but also for ICE, America will soon be knee-deep in blood.
"Details of American participation in the multinational force for Ukraine were removed from an earlier draft, seen by POLITICO. That version had stipulated the U.S. would commit to 'support the force if it is attacked' and assist with intelligence and logistics."
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Europe gets warm words from US on Ukraine — but reliability fears loom
An explicit commitment that Washington would backstop Kyiv was scrapped in the leaders’ final joint statement.
www.politico.eu
January 7, 2026 at 5:54 PM
"Details of American participation in the multinational force for Ukraine were removed from an earlier draft, seen by POLITICO. That version had stipulated the U.S. would commit to 'support the force if it is attacked' and assist with intelligence and logistics."
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Reposted by CDL Associates
Perhaps the greatest irony of Putin's strategy of disrupting the rules-based global order to restore Russian greatness is that his successors are likely to discover that the disappearance of those rules leaves Russia more exposed to the opportunistic ambitions of stronger powers
January 7, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Perhaps the greatest irony of Putin's strategy of disrupting the rules-based global order to restore Russian greatness is that his successors are likely to discover that the disappearance of those rules leaves Russia more exposed to the opportunistic ambitions of stronger powers
Reposted by CDL Associates
I don't think this is actually a close call, as swapping your fake Guyanese flag for a Russian one once the US begins pursuit would appear to be an exemplar scenario for when you lose protection under UNCLOS
But it nonetheless feels geopolitically spicier.
But it nonetheless feels geopolitically spicier.
January 7, 2026 at 1:49 PM
I don't think this is actually a close call, as swapping your fake Guyanese flag for a Russian one once the US begins pursuit would appear to be an exemplar scenario for when you lose protection under UNCLOS
But it nonetheless feels geopolitically spicier.
But it nonetheless feels geopolitically spicier.
"United Nations"? Is this a joke?
UN Human Rights: US military intervention in Venezuela violates the country’s sovereignty and the UN charter, while damaging the foundations of international security, making every country less safe.
January 7, 2026 at 2:21 PM
"United Nations"? Is this a joke?
His bodyguards, service personnel, and their children. Perhaps it is a church at one of his residences; he is unlikely to visit a military base where something could accidentally fly in.
⚡️ Ukraine war latest live: Russia 'trying to accumulate resources' in Luhansk Oblast forest.
Ukraine war latest updates: Putin spent Orthodox Christmas at military base church, independent Russian media says (4)
Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have marked Orthodox Christmas at a church in...
kyivindependent.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:17 PM
His bodyguards, service personnel, and their children. Perhaps it is a church at one of his residences; he is unlikely to visit a military base where something could accidentally fly in.
Reposted by CDL Associates
LOL Finland says detained cargo ship Fitburg may resume voyage after fixes - Caliber.Az quoting Russian Interfax
caliber.az/en/post/finl...
caliber.az/en/post/finl...
Finland says detained cargo ship Fitburg may resume voyage after fixes | Caliber.Az
Finnish transport authorities have said that the cargo vessel Fitburg, which was detained on suspicion of damaging an underwater telecommunications cable in...
caliber.az
January 7, 2026 at 1:55 PM
LOL Finland says detained cargo ship Fitburg may resume voyage after fixes - Caliber.Az quoting Russian Interfax
caliber.az/en/post/finl...
caliber.az/en/post/finl...
Reposted by CDL Associates
"Reuters reports that U.S. special forces have likely already seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the Atlantic. The operation is supported by U.S. and British surveillance aircraft, including KC-135T Stratotankers and P-8 Poseidons. "
January 7, 2026 at 1:42 PM
"Reuters reports that U.S. special forces have likely already seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the Atlantic. The operation is supported by U.S. and British surveillance aircraft, including KC-135T Stratotankers and P-8 Poseidons. "
Back in 2023, we've been saying (not here) that effective response to Russia would be elimination of its allied regimes in Syria, Iran, Venezuela and Africa. Listen, this is a world war, as we also said back then, and it was (and still is) not the time to whine >>>
January 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Back in 2023, we've been saying (not here) that effective response to Russia would be elimination of its allied regimes in Syria, Iran, Venezuela and Africa. Listen, this is a world war, as we also said back then, and it was (and still is) not the time to whine >>>
Reposted by CDL Associates
Aktuell sind in jeder größeren Stadt im Iran massive Proteste und die Regimesöldner haben kaum noch eine Chance einzugreifen. An vielen Orten sieht es aus wie hier in Maschhad wo Regimesöldner mit Schlägen vertrieben und danach ihre Motorräder unter den Füßen zertrampelt werden.
#IranProtests
#IranProtests
January 7, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Aktuell sind in jeder größeren Stadt im Iran massive Proteste und die Regimesöldner haben kaum noch eine Chance einzugreifen. An vielen Orten sieht es aus wie hier in Maschhad wo Regimesöldner mit Schlägen vertrieben und danach ihre Motorräder unter den Füßen zertrampelt werden.
#IranProtests
#IranProtests
Reposted by CDL Associates
Islamic regime buildings have been set on fire in Fardis, west of Tehran.
January 6, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Islamic regime buildings have been set on fire in Fardis, west of Tehran.
Reposted by CDL Associates
The Iranian protests have now spread to 120 cities.
January 6, 2026 at 8:28 PM
The Iranian protests have now spread to 120 cities.
Will it become the Caribbean Crisis #2?
So, this is Putin's move against Trump. And now everything depends on what Trump will do. The situation is already very complicated. If Trump backs down, it will have catastrophic consequences. If he doesn't...
>>>
So, this is Putin's move against Trump. And now everything depends on what Trump will do. The situation is already very complicated. If Trump backs down, it will have catastrophic consequences. If he doesn't...
>>>
Why does this matter? It heightens tensions between U.S. and Russia. Trump says there's a naval blockade on Venezuela’s oil exports and will stop sanctioned vessels. These 3 ships were recently in Venezuela, under U.S. sanctions, and now fly Russian flag. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/w...
Russia Sends Naval Vessel to Escort Oil Tanker U.S. Is Pursuing
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Will it become the Caribbean Crisis #2?
So, this is Putin's move against Trump. And now everything depends on what Trump will do. The situation is already very complicated. If Trump backs down, it will have catastrophic consequences. If he doesn't...
>>>
So, this is Putin's move against Trump. And now everything depends on what Trump will do. The situation is already very complicated. If Trump backs down, it will have catastrophic consequences. If he doesn't...
>>>
Reposted by CDL Associates
Russia is still getting Starlink despite sanctions, @nordsint.bsky.social reveals. Records show the gear is routed through Netherlands, UAE, and Hong Kong, often using false manufacturer details. Workarounds keep Starlink running for Russian military in Ukraine. nordsint.org/2026/01/06/a...
A Mistake in the Declarations: Russian Starlink Procurement Traced via Conformity Filings
Throughout 2025, Russian companies and vendors continued to import Starlink products. These systems often reach the battlefield in Ukraine, providing the Russian military with vital communications capabilities, particularly in frontline areas where internet networks are degraded or unavailable. This has occurred despite western sanctions and Elon Musk's official position that SpaceX does not "directly or [...]
nordsint.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:53 AM
Russia is still getting Starlink despite sanctions, @nordsint.bsky.social reveals. Records show the gear is routed through Netherlands, UAE, and Hong Kong, often using false manufacturer details. Workarounds keep Starlink running for Russian military in Ukraine. nordsint.org/2026/01/06/a...
Reposted by CDL Associates
The US coast guard is currently chasing the now Russian-flagged and sanctioned oil tanker Mariners in the North Atlantic. It is suspected that it will soon be boarded.
Previously, the ship was under Venezuelan flag and broke through the blockade. Russia requested free passage.
Previously, the ship was under Venezuelan flag and broke through the blockade. Russia requested free passage.
January 6, 2026 at 8:30 PM
The US coast guard is currently chasing the now Russian-flagged and sanctioned oil tanker Mariners in the North Atlantic. It is suspected that it will soon be boarded.
Previously, the ship was under Venezuelan flag and broke through the blockade. Russia requested free passage.
Previously, the ship was under Venezuelan flag and broke through the blockade. Russia requested free passage.
Reposted by CDL Associates
Warner: "Nothing would lead to the absolute destruction of NATO more than US aggressive action against a longtime ally like Denmark"
Schumer: "I asked for assurances that they were not planning operations in other countries like Colombia and Cuba, and I was very very disappointed in their answer"
Schumer: "I asked for assurances that they were not planning operations in other countries like Colombia and Cuba, and I was very very disappointed in their answer"
January 6, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Warner: "Nothing would lead to the absolute destruction of NATO more than US aggressive action against a longtime ally like Denmark"
Schumer: "I asked for assurances that they were not planning operations in other countries like Colombia and Cuba, and I was very very disappointed in their answer"
Schumer: "I asked for assurances that they were not planning operations in other countries like Colombia and Cuba, and I was very very disappointed in their answer"
Reposted by CDL Associates
Iran’s unrest is escalating. In Abadan, security forces reportedly refused to disperse protesters and instead joined them. The Times reports that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is preparing a contingency plan to flee with his family to Moscow if the situation spirals out of control.
January 6, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Iran’s unrest is escalating. In Abadan, security forces reportedly refused to disperse protesters and instead joined them. The Times reports that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is preparing a contingency plan to flee with his family to Moscow if the situation spirals out of control.
Zero value. This has no significance for achieving peace in Ukraine.
Do they think Trump will start putting strong pressure on Putin after he rejects it one way or another?
Good luck with that nonsense.
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
Do they think Trump will start putting strong pressure on Putin after he rejects it one way or another?
Good luck with that nonsense.
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
Paris Declaration - Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine
The members of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine and the United States have convened today in Paris.
www.elysee.fr
January 6, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Zero value. This has no significance for achieving peace in Ukraine.
Do they think Trump will start putting strong pressure on Putin after he rejects it one way or another?
Good luck with that nonsense.
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
Do they think Trump will start putting strong pressure on Putin after he rejects it one way or another?
Good luck with that nonsense.
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...