Vlog Recommendation: The Caspian Report

While most of my readers will be dealing with the beginning of the horse race that is the U.S. Presidential Election, there is a much wider world out there and what goes on out there does affect things here (and vice-versa). To that end, it's worthwhile to seek out perspectives across that world and hear what they have to say.

The Caspian Report is one such perspective. The man that runs this place goes by the name of Shivan, and he came to my attention via James Corbett of The Corbett Report. I've put his 2016 prognosis below as a relevant jumping-on point; go through his backlog, especially his History of Islam, for more on what he has to offer. Comparing and contrasting this perspective with that of the Syrian Girl, Red Ice Creations, and others outside the mainstream of Anglo-American Establishment narratives (and their counterparts in other officialdoms) will help in aiding you to make sound decisions in the years to come.

In 2016, we will see the continuation of conflicts and rivalries in the Middle East. More countries will get entangled in the Syrian Civil War, but we will also see a reemerging Turkey. The Saudi-Iranian rivalry will reach new heights and Israel will have to rethink its geopolitical position. Further North in Russia, the low oil prices will force Moscow to push hard for economic reforms. Financial changes will also occur in Europe, where many nations will struggle with their economies, which in turn will inspire the rise of nationalism. However, there are also exceptions such as Switzerland, where are important referendum could trigger a financial revolution.

In 2016, the territorial disputes in the South China Sea will continue to remain the focus of attention in Asia. An important decision by the international tribunal is expected, one that will greatly influence the dispute. China’s economic slowdown will lead to lower metal prices, which will have enormous consequences for commodity producing sectors. Furthermore in India, the country will remain one of the fastest growing economies in the world but the security issues with neighboring Pakistan will continue.

Security will also play a big role in Libya, where the lack of a government will turn the country into a gateway for foreign fighters and arms headed to Central Africa. Aside this, a number of African nations will stand on the brink of civil war. But not everything is bad, in South America, Colombia is well on its way to peacefully settle a 50-year insurgency. And the new government of Argentina will begin addressing its financial problems through negotiations. Further North, the American public will continue the debate on racial violence, but the biggest issue for the United States will be the growing challenges to its status as the world’s sole superpower.