Dear friends
Today rather than commenting on the risks of a major war in Europe, or even the entire northern hemisphere, I want to share a few things about the blog.
Minor issue: Twitter “cleaning house”
There are currently two twitter accounts which claim a connection to me:
https://twitter.com/vineyardofsaker
https://twitter.com/VineyardSaker
The first one was run by a friend of mine.
I have no idea who ran the second one.
Please notice that the first one’s last tweet is dated Jun 17, 2019
The second one last tweet is date Apr 11, 2020
In other words, these are dormant/abandoned accounts.
My friend lost the credentials to the first one, and I never had the credentials to the second one.
I tried to email Twitter, but they did not even bother reading my email and sent me a standard reply telling me that I can log in and deactivate the accounts. They also told me that they have no way to establish if these accounts are mine or not. And since I don’t have the credentials to login, there is nothing I can do about this.
So, for the record, I want both of these closed, but since I cannot make that happen, I can only publicly declare that I have no association with either one of these accounts.
That is really no big deal, but I want to make my position public and clear.
Next,
Major issue: the future of the blog
Last year I took three months off for health reasons. That was the time when the Internet was flooded by a Tsunami of nonsense about Bucha, Kharkov and other Russian “strategic defeats” and I knew that 3 months down the road, all that nonsense would peter out. And it did (see this interview of Colonel Maccgregor if you want details). As for me, I took my first break from blogging since 2007 and it was very beneficial to me as it allowed me to take care of some health issues I had neglected.
In the past I have indicated several times that should it come to a direct war between the USA and Russia I would shut down the blog because being a guest in the USA (I only have a “Green Card”) while my country of ethnic origin is at war with the USA puts me in an impossible position. Again, while I have lived a total of 26 years in the USA, and all my family has US passports by birth, I never requested a US passport (my only citizenship is Swiss) and that is why I think of myself as a guest of the USA. This places both moral and legal obligations upon me which I cannot and will not ignore.
True, we are not quite there YET, but with the German Foreign Minister declaring that the EU is at war with Russia, and knowing that the EU is just a colonial administration, we are very, very close to a full-scale war between the US and Russia. What is even worse is that I don’t see how such a war could be avoided. I explained that in my recent post here. Simply put, there is *zero* chance of the US/NATO/EU victory, which means that the US Neocons will be faced by a stark choice: defeat or go nuclear (and even that won’t yield a victory for the United West).
Putin tried everything in his power to avoid that outcome, but he was not dealing with rational actors – which is a key assumption of any theory of deterrence – and so it is the US Neocons that forced this outcome on the entire planet.
What the US Neocons will eventually decide is impossible to predict: yes they are cowards, but they are hate-filled cowards. And I am not so sure about their self-preservation instincts simply because they are too ignorant and stupid to understand the danger.
Frankly, I am appalled and disgusted by the current situation.
I have been warning about these risks since 2008 (that is FIFTEEN years ago!) and all my efforts and all the efforts of those who tried to prevent this from happening have failed.
More relevantly, I don’t think that there is anything meaningful I could contribute to even marginally affect the current situation: I often feel that I have said all that I had to say, I did everything I possibly could, and that now further efforts would essentially be wasted as the guns will do all the talking.
To be brutally honest, I am no prophet and maybe, by God’s Mercy, the current war will not explode into something much larger. Yes, that is still possible. But I personally don’t see how so I REALLY hope that I am wrong in my conclusions.
But as of today, I think that only some kind of miracle could prevent a major escalation.
This begs the question: what would be the purpose for me to continue?
Then there is also this reality: I have a wonderful family and that family needs me. For years I have fully invested myself into this blog and now my family is telling me that they need me. How can I ignore that? Furthermore, I am under no illusions about the future of the USA (or Europe, for that matter), which means that bad times are ahead, and my family will need me even more than they do now. Again, how can I ignore that?
And yes, while some of my health issues have improved, others have deteriorated and my strong feeling of burnout, disgust and horror about the current dynamics are not helping.
And then there is this: there are other people out there who are doing a great job of informing and analyzing. These are the authors I can sincerely recommend: (in no special order)
- Andrei Martyanov
- Colonel MacGregor
- Big Serge
- Michał Krupa
- Bernard
- Dmitri Orlov
- Aleks (new and very interesting, check him out!)
and, of course, there is the larger Saker Community:
These are all (the only) legitimate Saker Community sites, but they are run independently. Make sure to check them out too!
I understand that the worst part about shutting down the blog would be that it would also shut down the platform for our absolutely *fantastic* community of guest authors which, frankly, has been the biggest asset of this blog. I wish I had a way to keep them going without me, but I really don’t see how (any ideas?).
Now just to be absolutely clear: I have not taken any decisions yet. My only goal today is to truthfully and honestly inform you. I also would very much like to hear from you, especially those of you who have supported me for so many years. While I cannot promise anything, I can promise that I will listen to your suggestions and opinions.
In the meantime, I want to give myself some time to pray, think and consult with my family and friends, but I don’t want to keep you in the dark about where I now stand.
Andrei
***
And since it is Friday, I want to share with you one of my absolute favorite compositions of one of my favorite Russian composers, Rachmaninov (the other one would be Scriabin). It is entitled “Suite No. 1 Op. 5 (Fantaisie-Tableaux) for 2 pianos” (1893). I think of this composition as “prophetic”, as if Rachmaninov felt what would soon happen to his country and his people. This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. Enjoy!
Thanks Andrei/The Saker for the video of Rachmaninov’s Suite for 2 pianos. Rachmaninov is one of my favourite composers too. My other favourite is Bach.
Fully understand why you would close this blog should there be a direct war between USA and Russia. Agree with you that everything seems to point to its inevitability.
Just an opinion :
Should there be a US/NATO Vs Russia war, it might likely become a WW3 as I don’t see how other powers like China or even India will not somehow be dragged in. USA, Canada and Europe will be devastated. Have you thought /considered moving over to Australia or New Zealand? Although they are both USA -alligned countries, “culturally” these countries might be acceptable for you and family, and would be far away from military crossfire? Perhaps that would also allow you to continue with this blog?
Other considerations would be Singapore or even my country Malaysia. Hopefully we won’t be that affected in such a war(in terms of physical destruction).
I think my opinion is perhaps too impractical. I will continue to read your blog as long as you hold on to it. Take care!
Singapore is a major water carrier for Five Eyes, taping the submarine cables that come ashore, host to 2 US littoral warships with the express interests to block Chinese commercial shipping in the Straits of Malacca in the event of US-China hostilities, host to US spy planes that routinely fly near Chinese islands in the SCS.
Still want to recommend B to move to Singapore?
And US strategic reserves are either anchored in Singapore waters or else moved into the vast underground cavern that is under one of the hills.
In short, Singapore is a prime target for Chinese ballistic and cruise missiles unless the govt openly declare neutrality and forbid US from using any of the island’s facilities for hostile actions against China.
@Surferket
Thanks for the info. I recommended Singapore because I was unaware of these facts /how deeply entrenched the Singaporean elites are with the US. I was aware of Singapore’s geopolitical tilt towards US but not this military aspect.
I expect Singapore to be “neutral” in the event of a US-China war , it makes no sense to side one over the other in a war scenario. But then again I may be wrong : if Singapore is that deeply involved with the US, neutrality is perhaps quite impossible.
I also suggested my own country Malaysia but then again, the strategic importance of the straits of Malacca means , we are not that safe here too. The current Malaysian PM has long been deeply connected with the US(Brian Berletic did several videos on this) . However, so far he seems to be neutral in his foreign policy -but he is a weak PM of a “Unity Government” and less than 3 months in office.
Suggested Singapore and Malaysia because anyone accustomed more to “Western culture” will not feel out of place in those countries.
As I said at the end of my comment, this idea is likely impractical for Andrei.
Surferket might even be understating how compromised the current SG ‘leadership’ is vs a vs the US. It’s the same exact playbook that is now evident in western Euroep. The previous generations knew better than to trust Uncle Sam, and would be comfortable playing China off US. But the current ones are hopeless. Out of the blue, they even repealed some anti-LGBT law that’s been on the statutes since colonial times. This is still quite a conservative society in some ways, so why repeal a law that has never been enforced or been used to threatened anyone? I’m surprised the drag show queens haven’t made it to a local mall yet /s.
Sinotibetan – whereabouts are you in Malaysia? If not too far away, we can do meetups.. I’ve got some interesting local groups going on. We’ll all need all hands on deck soon enough.
@SG_Obsever
I am in the Klang Valley, close to Kuala Lumpur.
Are you a Malaysian or Singaporean?
“But the current ones are hopeless. ”
Singaporean elites (ie academic /educated class, business elites, political class – most of them may even overlap) had always looked up to the West (especially to UK, USA and Anglophone West). Wouldn’t deem this as a purely Singaporean phenomenon. It is a nearly global phenomenon of Anglo-Saxon psychological hegemony. Even non Anglo-Saxon Europeans are psychological vassals, albeit nearer to the highest point in the pecking order compared to East Asians. South Koreans and Japanese elites are likewise similar to Singaporean elites. The minds of their elites(and dare I say majority of their population) are being colonized by the West, especially Anglo Saxon ones. To be a graduate or PhD holder from UK or American academia is deemed prestigious and in these Sinosphere countries(I consider Singapore as part of Sinosphere because ethnic Chinese are the predominant political and cultural force) , of higher merit than the ‘local trained’. Populations in Sinosphere countries have a tendency to be conformists and they will follow these Western trends….lbgtqa or whatever garbage is spewed from woke culture. It is inferiority complex of the highest order. The West is seen as technologically ,intellectually and materially superior . Sinosphere populations are meritocratic and materialistic – they worship material success , they reliably kowtow to the Imperium. The Chinese in Malaysia and Singapore even have a Money God -that’s how much they admire the rich and being rich. It doesn’t matter if they can’t even speak a word of English, they want validation from their imperial masters. That’s why they are hopeless. They remain colonial vassals in their minds. They do not have the desire nor the will to try to beat their masters in their own game and TRULY be a competitor and rival. They are fine in being rich, living in ‘peace’ and validated as second in the pecking order by their Western masters. In fact I wonder if this infection has already become a pandemic in China itself(I think it is with the Chinese upper and middle class). The infection comes with the people to people and cultural ‘exchange’.
Once I was attending a medical conference with a group of doctors from ASEAN countries, including those from Singapore. These Singapore doctors, cognizant they are from the only ‘first world ‘ country in a sea of ‘third world’ ASEAN were talking down to the rest of us like we were inferiors. They were boisterous, talking among themselves about the newest medications from Western pharmaceuticals, looking down on many of us, especially those from poorer ASEAN countries, on our ‘lack of experience’ using these super expensive wonder drugs. Yet immediately when some gwailo(‘white’) experts from USA showed up, these same Singapore doctors became as quiet as a church mouse, they listened and jotted notes at every slide, and asked “questions ” merely to validate the ‘superiority’ of these Western experts. It was quite an interesting behaviour to behold.
I am Malaysian Chinese. Our community , especially the educated and middle to upper class, is just one step behind Singapore in this woke nonsense.
I am sure you are well acquainted with all these. Just my views for others who do not know that much about this region.
Australia and NZ are pretty much done; fully under US control – foreign policy is dictated out of Washington. If there’s a retreat of the anglosphere you can be sure that the minerals and energy would see no slackening of control.
“Australia and NZ are pretty much done;”
Nonsense.
Arguably “we have maintained a silence closely resembling stupidity”, but the cat is out of the bag , and the trigger was the faux pandemic, not to mention the “vaccine ” fraud.
Watch this space.
And Andrei , NZ is desperately short of veterinarians.
@Sinotibetan
As an Australian (part of 5 Eyes) I would NOT recommend Australia OR NZ as they also are 5 Eyes! The MSM in both Countries would make anyone spew – they lie & publish uS BS 24/ 7.
@biro
@farmerbraun
@james1
True, Australia and NZ are part of the 5 eyes and vassals of USA. However, I was thinking in terms of “physical safety” and ability to fit in the cultural milieu. Should war break out between USA and Russia, I expect massive destruction, even possible annihilation of huge swathes of the Northern Hemisphere. As long as Australia and NZ do not hold some long range missiles capable of reaching Russia or China, perhaps they would not be the main targets of military attacks.
By the way, in my opinion, in the current world order, we are all vassals of USA. It is only the degree and depth of vassalage that differs : US “allies” or not. This Ukraine conflict and so many tensions are symptoms of some countries trying to break free from this master-vassal relationship.
I remember when I was younger and a Pro USA cheerleader. I believed North Korea is the rogue nation and a threat to humanity. Little did I realize that the one and only rogue nation capable of annihilating humanity is actually USA.
“I expect massive destruction, even possible annihilation of huge swathes of the Northern Hemisphere”
And you think being at the bottom of the world will somehow shield you from this? And how would one get there, unless they leave RIGHT NOW?
“As long as Australia and NZ do not hold some long range missiles capable of reaching Russia or China, perhaps they would not be the main targets of military attacks.”
If the military planners of Russia and China are this naive, they would’ve already lost this war.
@Gaius the Gleeful
1. I never said the southern hemisphere will be shielded . At least it would not be the first to be destroyed and hopefully will not be as devastated as the northern hemisphere. I have already stated if the war happens, there is possibility of the extinction of humanity .
2. Who said about leaving when the US Vs Russia war has already started? I did not mention the timing of leaving but of course one would leave well before that .
3. I did not say Russia and China will not target Australia and NZ. If the war breaks out, it is a WORLD WAR. I am saying they might not be the primary /MAIN targets. They might not be caught in the crossfires .
Get it?
Thank you Saker, for this heart felt and direct expression off where this blog stands.
Whatever happens, never forget that it has kept going through the devotion and commitment of those who write articles and comment. Recently I went back and checked out SMO from April 22, and came upon a sitrep which had 350 comments, so you must be a special person person indeed.
Thankyou for keeping us informed Andrei.
Pleased to hear some of your health issues are improving and yes totally agree that our health and our family have to come first.
That being said, I dont share you pessimism re: escalation. Here’s why in a series of tweets on RAND Corp. from @KitKlarenberg of The Grayzone. (Perhaps perNorway & JMF are better placed to advise as to how accurate that site is).
“Fascinating new RAND report urges Washington to get the hell out of dodge in Ukraine, as “US interests would be best served by avoiding a protracted conflict,” and “costs and risks of a long war…outweigh the possible benefits!”
Avoiding a Long War – US Policy and the Trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PEA2510-1.html
“RAND pushing US/Western escalation against Moscow for a very long time. In 2019 it published report on “Extending Russia”. Many of its recommendations subsequently came to pass. Three years earlier, an investigation of US/China war also made a subsequently fulfilled suggestion:”
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fndz4nTXgAAxl0i?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fndz8RzXkAATfpQ?format=jpg&name=medium
&
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fnd0I5rWAAAhdOi?format=png&name=900×900
“RAND’s reasons for ending proxy war are manifold, but “US ability to focus on competition [ie war] with China” looms large. Intriguingly, it is feared the longer this goes on, the closer Moscow and Beijing will become, which Washington absolutely fears, and does not want!”
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fnd0lv1WYAEIZoI?format=png&name=900×900
&
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fnd1LtvXoAESnm8?format=jpg&name=large
“RAND is a highly influential body, which informs – and reflects – elite thinking and imperial policy. This report particularly significant given numerous US officials have similarly expressed doubts about Washington keeping this grinding on. We shall see …”
Comment: “This seems to be the money shot, so to speak”
Table 4 Potential Costs of a Long War for the United States (borken down to Highly Significant Costs / Moderately Significant Costs / Less Significant Costs
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fnd0lcsWYAITkGI?format=jpg&name=large
Thanks for this beautiful music & have a nice weekend.
Cheers,
One further point, if I may. I don’t know how many people you know who live on the Continent, but the the general consensus is there is no appetite amongst Europeans (in spite of the frenzied MSM propaganda/information war effort) who actually are prepared to go to war.
The usual refrain which I hear when discussing a wider war is “Not for Ukraine”.
Thanks for the RAND info and links. Although I do expect wider war, I also see the possibility of delay while the countries arm themselves. Such a delay could last perhaps a year or two. But there are also forces preventing a delay: The west is not in a good position to lose face, and Ukraine is in shreds. Stopping now leaves a gargantuan mess, humiliation for the west, and Russia in a better position than a year ago. Russia would also have time to strengthen and organize alliances, while countries like Serbia, Romania, and others would be given an even better rationale for abandoning the west.
Others can no doubt expand on this question in a better way. Saker’s opinion would be interesting.
Delay? So many will have died from old age before the delayed build up gets to a point where it can be used against Russia.
McGregor gave up the answer as to why it’s a ‘war, not a war’ it will never be a war.
Unless: someone from Acme Inc signs a Declaration of War against Russia (or Russia does same……have they: avoided like the plague). Raising the question, which belligerent signs first, making them the first belligerent to take Mr and Mrs Zircon’s free ride to Dodoland.
In order to bring armament production to war levels one needs a DOW to ‘nationalize industry’ to produce weapons. The current carrot and stick approach will not work fast enough to deliver the goods, hence scraping the cupboard bare.
Cheers M
US ran away from Afghanistan because of impending Ukraine war. Blinken said that.
Now Rand wants to run away from Ukraine because of impending China competition?
How can US win any belligerence if American strategists promote run-away strategy due to the fact that failure is a favorable outcome and nobody will bear failure responsibility?
Bad news for US: there is no competition between US and China. US lost it already. All those economic sanctions stuff against China have been like mending a broken fence after the horses gone. US is inconveniencing China right now, but can US hinder Chinese people to innovate, to progress, to revenge, and so have the last word? Nyet.
Uncle Davy: Many thanks for that “vote of confidence”.
Regarding the Grayzone, I’ve read it for years, and pretty much regard it as the “gold standard” of investigative reporting. Their coverage of the situation in Ukraine has been brutally honest and exceptionally noteworthy. And everything I’ve seen from Kit Klarenberg has been highly commendable.
Consider too that the Grayzone has been targeted by both British and US intelligence functionaries, with the intention of shutting them down. Any site considered that “dangerous” by the powers that be absolutely commands my respect!
Dear Saker, please keep the blog a little bit longer, maybe until the end of the year, if possible.
And maybe with several reminders that we will soon be on our own.
The picture is somewhat like how President Putin can’t stay forever, so the next generation must prepare to continue the work without him.
And for all of us, the most important work now is to become more spiritually advanced, each along his/her own path toward the Ultimate Truth and Goodness.
There comes a time when events are unstoppably set in motion, a point of no return, when everything that humans have built will disintegrate, and something new will come, along with an enormous shifting of “karma”.
During that time, all we can do is “pray”, and to be kind and supportive of each other wherever and however we can.
This post has your characteristic grounded sensibility and insight, Saker, and I appreciate very much what you are saying. I have been too busy to comment on some of your recent posts, but they were excellent. You have a particular way of expressing underlying realities that is not found in the other writers you mention. So, while their blogs are excellent, they do not serve the same function. I am sure many here will miss you deeply if you shut down the operation.
At the same time, I have almost precisely the same perception as you about the inevitability of the war expanding and have been saying so to whoever would listen since spring of 2022. As you say, God could intervene, and personally I believe he is intervening to delay such an event to give those with ears to hear some time to prepare. Yet, most are squandering the reprieve.
I will add to your great points that I see the western world in a serious Scylla and Charybdis moment. In Europe, along with a thousand other intrusions, just short of gestapo tactics, bug meal is being introduced throughout the European food supply by decree. There is even a “cute” insect logo to appeal to the children. This is not a joke: we can live with eating a few bugs inadvertently, but a steady diet of chitin and other insect components is a horrible, invasive, and totalitarian type move. If this is not obvious now to those in the US, I am confident it will be as it begins to hit closer to home. The walls are closing in fast in Europe, and most countries also with respect to war – Germany, Netherlands, Italy, etc. are being made fully complicit in weapons transfers to Ukraine. Latest I heard was Israeli drones passing through Italy on their way to Ukraine.
Even if you keep your blog going, I hope your post above will wake some up to where we are now. I think it is easy to ignore for some people because so many past skirmishes (Viet Nam, Iraq, etc) have had minimal impact on their lives. The situation now is really not the same. It is not clear to me whether the western planners believe their “Russia will fold” party line or whether they are gunning for nuclear war. But either way, the direction is clear.
Even for those who cannot manage to focus on war, the threats from stolen elections, legislated immorality (clearly moving towards acceptance of pedophilia), authoritarian controls of digital currency, etc, are enormous threats that are no longer decades away.
In sum, I fully support your need to focus on family, health, etc. At the same time, your perspectives are very special (even if I don’t always agree), and I am sure you would be greatly missed.
Sorry to hear about your health issues Saker – certainly it’s the first thing to take care of. Needless to say, so many of us will be bereft without the Vineyard to come to, but again, like yourself, we can but hope that things dont come to that horrific pass.
I’m wondering if there is any hope that the America people will rise up and move against the utterly selfish, self centred narcissistic maniacs of the Washington Cabal. I’d think it’s the worlds only hope right now – it really is all an America problem, but the Cabal has exported it to make it the worlds problem. But come down to brass tacks, to use an old English expression, it really, at the end of the day rests with the America people.
Hope you continue to feel well enough to keep going for a while. Best regards.
I have appreciated this blog for its diverse cadre of quality journalists and its international collection of commenters. I also understand the severity of the global situation. I pray for humanities sake that what is currently on the table may be averted. My faith in God and Christ will sustain me and mine. I pray for yours as well.
To the thinking observer who looks out the window, all the signs that he sees paint a picture that the place in the river we are all on is nearing the sea. I share your trepidation. No matter our faith the animal side that we also are cannot escape fear. I fear for myself but moreso I fear for my family, innocents who cannot see the beast coming. We might well fail, but we who can see must endeavor to stop this beast by whatever means we find at our disposal, rage loudly or rage quietly, but rage relentlessly against the dying of the light. As for health issues Andrei, take this from a 65 year old, we all get old and physically fall apart piece by piece, it’s ordained, we look back and wish it weren’t so, but it is so, we have to deal with it. Stay balanced and listen carefully to the small quiet voice within which comes from no less than the Father of Existence. I liked Rachmaninoff, he speaks to the times, here is Sting.
https://youtu.be/4LdUme7QZLY
I’m sure others would feel the same as I would that for your blog to shut down would be a huge loss, a huge loss. Of course, you must do what is best for yourself & your family, but speaking for myself The Saker blog has been one of my primary sources of information & analysis over the years & I have learned so much from this site. So I think, I am sure, it would be sorely missed by many. In terms of the broader impact of such a site ending, it’s hard to say but my suspicion is immense, I am in no position to make any kind of assessment of the effects of this bog in the wider information war over the years, but I suspect it has had a massive impact. I do not exaggerate when I say massive, I really think that, you can kind of tell that from the comments section over the years. What does that mean in the real world? Well, none of us know what is going to happen – but I personally believe the US does not dare enter a direct war with Russia in an official capacity. That may sound daft considering how close we are to that at present, but the US establishment can not commit the populace or the soldiery to a direct war, US soldiers will not fight & die in a war against Russia, not a chance. There are many reasons why it has come to the point where the US population itself now presents a major obstacle to the US conducting its imperial operations, Iraq & Afghanistan are a prime factor, the lasting effects of Vietnam, the 2008 financial crash – but also the information war & blogs such as this. The Saker blog has effected the narrative, I can not evaluate or quantify to what extent, but it has had an impact, no doubt about that at all. More people are aware of what is going on because of this blog, more people know the truth because of this blog, & that makes it all the more harder for, as the blog slogan says, the empire to fight its war against Russia. And now is perhaps the most critical time of all, this is the culmination point, this is when the final showdown takes place. Right now I think it is clear that the US has demonstrated why it maintained & expanded NATO in the first instance, after 1991, to prepare for a full scale assault on Russia, but using proxies to do the fighting for it. As Ukraine/404 disappears as a state, the US is pushing Poland to take the next step, presumably with the promise of many rewards, including territory in ex-Ukraine when it is all done, they think, with a western/NATO victory. I believe Poland will go to war against Russia, but that this will be fought on the territory of Ukraine, & Poland will be smashed. That is when this war will end, with NATO’s collapse, plus the EU. None of this may come to pass, that is just my sense where this is all headed & how it will play out. The info war is critical at this stage, if it is possible to keep the blog going, it will be of invaluable service at this time, but if it has to be closed, then so be it, it has already provided a huge contribution to the struggle, I just hope it doesn’t come to that.
Thankyou for the information about the future of the Blog,and all the work you have done,i hope it doesn’t come to the Blog closing but your health and family are the most important,whatever happens best wishes to you and your family in the future.
Dear Andrei,
I don’t belong to the people who support you, I am a very poor artist hardly surviving, but I still would like to tell you how I would miss your blog and ABOVE ALL your insights which are unique. There are other people doing a great job, you’re right, but you are the only one who speaks with a mind and a heart. I hope we won’t miss you completely.
All best,
Isabelle McEwen
“This begs the question: what would be the purpose for me to continue?”
I understand how you’re feeling. As a reader and a time-to-time commenter, I think that your blog makes a significant contribution to the new World that is coming AFTER the conflict.
Your points of view, the analyses of your guest collaborators, the contributions of the readers and commentators, etc, provide such a rich source of ideas and discussions that helps immensely in conceiving the future societies of many countries.
In a few years, the “Empire’s War on Russia” may be just a sad memory or a subject to study at the university, but the spirit of facing World socio-economic-political problems and its inherent contradictions (unavoidable in human nature) and a blog like this one will certainly contribute with its particular set of ideas and visions.
Putin needs to speak with XI and China about making joint war on the UK Poland and the US…but without NUKES or only very limited ones. Would these three nations be the most warmongering of all of them? This will entail LOADS of targets, the production sites for weapons and military bases but MOST of all, the FINANCIAL targets. Could SWIFT be completely taken down and the internet completely taken down, in the WEST by cutting cables? Xi and Putin have to work together on taking down so much in the West, that even if we wanted to respond, we could NOT do so. The West, its military might, financial systems and communications all need to be PARALYSED. This cannot be done by Russia alone.
Do we in the West wish to be under the tyranny of an education system which teaches our children to be godless sex fiends, health services which operate on them and a system which grooms them to be Trannies before puberty? Get together with China and CHOOSE the targets. Set everything off at once. Communicate beforehand just to make it clear that the BIG nukes will be out for any nation which strikes Russia or Crimea.
The tsunami nukes can target several nations at once.
Thank you Saker for all your work, and your open words. I have to say that I would miss this blog, should it ever close down. It is a source of information, inspiration, and spiritual uplift. But I understand that it must be a lot of work and stress and that, as it is centered around a nasty war with lots of horrible things happening, this work surely can drag you down. I hope that your health improves, and that you find time to relax a little and find the time and space to clear the mind of all the madness out there. All the best to you and your family.
Hello, thanks for the update, i haven’t used twitter in a long, because they don’t let you write long comments. And on about the possible world big war between USA and Russia you are right. And let me say something about this, one of the sectors that I think we should blame is the US voters themselves and specially the middle classes and the lower layer of the middle classes. I read an article by a marxist writer called Bela Khun who said that the middle classes and regular citizens are more to blame for evil governments than the oligarchic ruling class, here is the link https://www.marxists.org/archive/kun-bela/1918/05/04.htm and they are more to blame than the upper ruling classes of USA, because a large percentage of the voting population of America is bourgeoise, right-wing, anti-communism, anti-change and still supports US Imperialism.
So if the large population of America voted for anti-war progressive socialist political parties like The Green Party, or the Trotskist Socialist Equality Party of USA (http://www.wsws.org) or for a national united anti-war front (composed of anti-war right-wing and anti-war left wingers) composed of popular anti-war leader of masses like Chomsky, Paul Craig Roberts, Chris Hedges, Amy Goodman, Ray Mcgovern, Thom Hartmann, Cornell West etc) things would be a lot different.
But since the voting behaviour of the population resembles the voting behaviour of many other bourgeoise conservative traditional stuck-up, arrogant consumerist, materialist socities full of pride and arrogance, like many societies are, we are doomed and that anti-war national voting front will not be possible in the near future.
Because even the writer Edgar Allan Poe said something which is very true, he claimed that the masses of people do not support regular humble average leaders like Ray Mcgovern, Paul Craig Roberts. he claimed that the masses are always supporting leaders and things that are full of luxury, wealth, brightness and pomposity, that’s why many americans love Donald Trump and traditional politicians, instead of alternative thrid party politicians which do not have a lot of money and brightness. That’s why people still eat at Mcdonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut instead of eating from regular family owned businesses, because of what Edgar Allan Poe said.
And there are also theories of truths in sociology called Conventional Wisdom, Consensus Reality, Argumentun Ad Populum,The Bandwagon Effects and others (found on wikipedia) which all basically say that according to those theories, for the majoirity of people truth and goodness means what ever the majority of people claim that is truth and goodness. And I think that in USA and other countries still the majority of people think that Putin is evil and Ukraine is good.
This is how this stupid mind-controlled human population has been for a long time, so I guess a major confrontation between USA and Russia will take place. We are doomed !!
.
“So if the large population of America voted for anti-war progressive socialist political parties like The Green Party, or the Trotskist Socialist Equality Party of USA (http://www.wsws.org) or for a national united anti-war front (composed of anti-war right-wing and anti-war left wingers) composed of popular anti-war leader of masses like Chomsky, Paul Craig Roberts, Chris Hedges, Amy Goodman, Ray Mcgovern, Thom Hartmann, Cornell West etc) things would be a lot different.
But since the voting behaviour of the population resembles the voting behaviour of many other bourgeoise conservative traditional stuck-up, arrogant consumerist, materialist socities full of pride and arrogance, like many societies are, we are doomed and that anti-war national voting front will not be possible in the near future.”
America loves to run its mouth about how it is the “Leader of the Free World.”
America is a leader alright, but it ain’t freedom.
The United States of America is the world’s leading war criminal nation.
Washington war criminals–from the White House to Congress–were elected by the American people, who are responsible for these criminal wars their elected leaders perpetrate.
Here’s are only some of America’s crimes for which the United States must be brought to justice:
How Many Millions of People Have Been Killed in America’s Post-9/11 Wars? – Part One: Iraq
https://consortiumnews.com/2018/03/22/how-many-millions-of-people-have-been-killed-in-americas-post-9-11-wars-part-one-iraq/
How Many People Has the U.S. Killed in its Post-9/11 Wars? Part 2: Afghanistan and Pakistan
https://consortiumnews.com/2018/04/03/how-many-people-has-the-u-s-killed-in-its-post-9-11-wars-part-2-afghanistan-and-pakistan/
How Many Millions Have Been Killed in America’s Post-9/11 Wars? Part 3: Libya, Syria, Somalia and Yemen
https://consortiumnews.com/2018/04/25/how-many-millions-have-been-killed-in-americas-post-9-11-wars-part-3-libya-syria-somalia-and-yemen/
Will be a sorry day if this blog was shut.
But knowing what US does, they might shut a lot of domains, probably blame it on a cyber attack anyways.
Thank you for this honest update, please stay with us here for a while dear Andrej/The Saker. I’ll keep reading here as long as possible. I have there no illusions about the future here in Europe either. Soon, I’ll go with my family to a place where we really feel comfortable. No idea how much time we have left and if we will be safe there. Good luck!
I have never really agreed with Saker on the doomsday scenario because many more events need to happen based on the Bible and Torah. The rise of the so called Anti Christ will not be overnight . Has he been born and exist yet? The eventual war against Israel and Christ’s appearance at the Mount of Olives to prevent the destruction of the earth . I remember many so called prophets calling on the unification of Europe as a sure sign of Armageddon. We could be close to the end of the age or not , nobody knows but God and Christ sitting at the right side of the throne . Fervent prayer by the Monks and Church may be helping and stalling the eventual rise of the so called Anti-Christ.
Reality does not care about us, our gods in our image and about this totally insignificant part of the universe.
By searching reasons in 2000 year old, many times reworked books, making predictions and believing that prayer! will prevent a catastrophe, you employ a misconception about reality. Only our actions in how we deal with ourselves and our environment will have any effect.
Right now the onus is on the population in the western sphere of influence. They have to take action to defuse the militaristic course headed for the brink. Mass demonstrations outside of the homes of politicians and other influential public figures would be a good start.
By the same token, more of the higher class should use their positions to break the uniform belligerent narrative.
I am afraid prayer won’t help, at all. Because reality – and by extension nature – does not care.
Da, no amount of words or logic can tame loose-cannon crazed degenerates like McCain (deceased), Nudelman & Soros.
As I’ve stated for many years, only brute force can dent the enthusiasm and hubris of these psychopaths.
He who fires first, fires best. This means crippling America; their satellites are weak trash hanger-on pathetic bastards. Disable the organ-grinder and the monkey will starve to death.
If it’s true Baerbock is popular in Germany, then as soon as the first Leopard-2 fires on Russia (Donbass) then Russia ‘must’ send Mr Kinzhal to Germany. Same goes for the French.
Andrei has eloquently dissected all the political, geopolitical, psychological, humanitarian and religious facets of America’s war on Russia to the extent the quality of his/family’s life has been effected.
It’s now time for Russia and Allies to make life impossible for ANY American venturing outside of America, whether to a foreign airbase, diplomatic core (spy) or their financial terrorists plundering Euro pensions or African mineral resources.
Their hubris will never cease until they’re physically removed from Syria/other.
@darkmoon.
Spot on –religeous beliefs offer nothing to the current situation – plenty of prayers no doubt but no answers.
The uS is filled with those that call themselves Christian & they go to Church – they also advocate War !
Andrei,
Thank you for your sincere and sensible statements about your situation. I can only sympathise with you, especially as I fully share your views. You may not have changed the course of the world, but you certainly have contributed to the personal change that several of us experienced, including me. You have done your share of good! God did not ask that you change the course taken by the “Empire of lies”. This devilish entity is experiencing the fruits of the toxic seed it had distributed around in the entire world since its creation. We will all suffer but the removal of a rotten limb is always painful.
You are absolutely right to follow the course dictated by your conscience. Times change and you must submit to your spiritual intuition and to the demands of your family. Many excellent people are taken over the fight, and this is how the world operates,
In my opinion the blog
Andre, you are a special voice. You are our “Peace Movement” now that the Greens and Lefties are war loving imperialists.
I saw in the comments section to Bernard that Blinken had secretly made an interesting offer fulfilling most of Russia’s requirements. There is such an article linked to Washington Post, but I don’t subscribe to the Post so don’t know about its validity. I would also note “American advisors” saying Ukrainians should retreat. I would also note the political corruption problems recently and everyone resigning. Who is forcing them to resign. US military? Then there is the “mysterious” helecopter crash of the entire interior ministry.
For the first time yesterday I saw hope. Until now I been reading about the war for timing when the lights would go out. I enjoy the ray of Hope.
Dear Saker,
Cutting to the chase, my sugestion to you is that you somehow donate this blog to someone out of USofA reach. Not sure who that could be, but one of your trusted regulars must be outside western juridisction no?
That would leave you as guest on your own created platform, but you would have the same respect from us, and would allow you to cease at any time withouth compromising the site we all love and depend on for sane analisys of world affairs.
For sure we would all loose if this source of information ceases to exist.
Now going back to the details, thank you for this forum, all the dedication you and your guests put onto it!
Thanks as well to the many commentors who often bring pearls of wisdom and information.
For me it has been a refuge of sanity in an insane world for almost a decade.
Hold the line! No pasaran! Better days will come!
Salutojn!
My thoughts EXACTLY! Andrei could post articles as he sees fit being a guest himself without devoting so much of his precious time here but rather with his loved ones. Win-win situation in my mind but only Andrei can decide what’s best for himself and his family.
Either way a huge thanks Andrei. I’m a Johnny-Come-Lately to this site (late 2021) and it has truly been a treasure trove of information, analysis & exchanges!
Nice thoughts, my sentiments too, but. It seems the Saker role is probably a lot bigger than we realize.
Here, here;
“For me it has been a refuge of sanity in an insane world for almost a decade.”
Dear Andrei,
Believe me, this personal message you just wrote worked better to warn people about the impending major (nuclear) war than all yoir previous and technical articles…
I agree, sadly, that there is absolutely no way to keep the guest authors going without you – other than by them finding an alternative publisher. Many, and perhaps most or even all, of those authors would, I imagine, want to comment publicly on any direct conflict between the USA and Russia. Even if you were to silence your own pen, you would be, in a sense, a participant to the conflict if you were to publish their commentary – the very (and most important) thing you want, correctly in my view, to avoid. Sorry, but I think you are right. Maybe one of your long-time readers has been waiting patiently for just such an opportunity to start up her or his blogging or publishing venture.
May the Lord take care of your soul and body. You are very necessary for us. You are carrying a cross but the Lord, like Simon of Cyrene, will help you to make your load light…God bless you
Makes me sad, but nothing is forever.
I have followed you since 2008 (didn’t use LT as a username back then).
Your 2008 piece(s) on the invasion of South Ossetia taught me a lot and after that I was hooked.
Thank You for telling the truth.
God Bless
I have been reading your Blog, although never commenting, since I discovered it in late 2013 when the crazies really started going bonkers on the Maidan square. I live in Moscow. Other than friends and relatives all over Russia including Crimea who are still my friends and relatives I have former relatives & friends in Xarkov’, Odessa and other parts of the Borderlands to the West who will not speak to me anymore. So be it and such is the power of the 30 year long propaganda they have been subjected to.
Speaking several European languages as well as “ok” mandarin, it is incredible and shocking to read the western media.
If you decide to pull the plug, so be it and respect for your decision.
The reason I am writing today is to thank you for what you have done with “The Saker”, thank you.
If you continue, that is good.
If you don’t, that is also good.
BTW, some years ago I was to the concert of exactly this Rachmaninov concert here in Moscow.
Of course it is up to you to decide. We appreciate this site and wish it can continue to be a platform for reasonable discourse on issues.
Society can go askew in values and persecute innocent people. But this current neocon bout will subside sooner or later. The Neocons can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but they cannot fool all the people all the time.
Totally agree, there is nothing more to say about this war.
I was heavily into commenting on social media in the beginning having learned much from yourself and the authors you mentioned above trying (in vain it turned out) to steer people away from the abyss. Now, there is no point since all the players seem locked into their respective choices and this needs to play out before we can have any reasonable discussion.
I’d say take a leave of absence from commenting until the war is over then please, please come back and talk about the post-war world we’ll all be living in soon enough. As for timing, I’d say we’ll see the new global order much more clearly by the end of the summer. There will be plenty to write and discuss then.
Dear Saker: I am heartbroken to hear this news, but understand your motivation. Your health and family must come first.
We lived in Florida until things in the US became intolerable. For that reason we moved to Mexico (it’s only 1 1/2 hours by air from Ft Lauderdale and even closer from Tampa (to Cancun)). We love it hear and would never go back. I tell you this because it might be a viable option for you and your family.
Please don’t believe what you read in the media about Mexico (I shouldn’t have to mention that to you, of all people :), but understand that you can live here happily with excellent healthcare, no supply-chain issues, wonderful abundant food, no riots, etc. within a very family-oriented Christian society.
And Mexico is a country that’s stayed far from the political fray, but has refused to sanction Russia or to send weapons to Ukraine.
We think we are blessed to be here, and maybe you, too, will consider it.
May our Lord be with you!
Dear Sir
I support any thing that you may do. I have (I think) a fairly good understanding of your position in regards to publishing as you have done so well over the last years.
The situation that the Empire of Lies has brought us to is existential for all members of the human race. I agree that whoever they may be that run this shit show that is the American Dominion seem to think that since there has been only (to them) only minor reactions to their crossing of ” red lines”, that the powers that be can continue to escalate with no consequences.
We both know this is wrong.
If you make the decision to keep your head down and take care of your family, more power to you. I have done the same and have canceled all travel plans and business dealing that would involve going any farther than one tank of gas will bring me.
I have read this blog daily for many years and will miss it greatly if gone.
Love for you and your family.
You’ve spoken eloquently against the madness and said all that can be said. Time to walk away and spend time with your family. I have a feeling you won’t regret it. Take Care!
What do ants do in their life? They cannot control everything so they just act in their nature. Life is to surrender. It’s pure spiritual. Humans are more conscious, but they also can only surrender to life and nature itself. Every attempt to control stuff outside us can only fail. There is no purpose outside us. Nothing to control, nothing to fix and nothing prevent. The only thing that will have impact on life itself is fulfilling your own purpose in the self. Being happy helps others while trying to make others happy will fail. You have to do what makes you happy. This is the only way our consciousness will break the cyclus and helps us and life spiral outwards. The individual has to go inwards so that life can go outwards. Have fun.
” Being happy helps others while trying to make others happy will fail. ”
These are wise words.
Please don’t shut down
“Frankly, I am appalled and disgusted by the current situation.”
To think of the mayhem that has gone on around the globe and finally it seems to be coming home to birth it’s demise. The stress of knowing that major powers in the world simply want us gone is a feeling known to many and finally we can taste this.
So yeah man you have done so much. Your effort did not get the unlimited supplies from oligarchs or gov. Yet it survived and thrived thus proving there is still a market for the truth. I will always owe you a debt for your selfless contributions to humanity.
My handle makes me feel a bigger part of conversations where I rarely fit. Like so much in life it is an illusion, that said, my reply to the quote is me too!
wow that would be sad Saker. Its not just the information – yeah we can all get that from many other sources – but you just mentioned the community of guest writers – what about your readers Saker ? What about us ?
What about the community that has formed over the many years that you have been blogging ? Your family needs you – but we need each other – the community and you provide for us – I mean none of us have gotten together – but everyday there is Saker’s where there is a bunch of people that come everyday for their needs.
Don’t stop blogging Saker.
Ann
The site is a fantastic resource and it would be a great shame to lose it. Thank you deeply for all the work you have put in over the years.
The situation we’re in is largely due to the brainwashed state most people are in and sites like this are an antidote to that.
I don’t know the amount of work involved in keeping the site going, but if someone in a safe country could take over so it stays available and you stay safe, that would be great.
Saker will never give up his blog and if someone else took it over – it wouldn’t be Saker’s anymore and people would drift away – Saker you are so much more than your articles – yer our friend.
The Western narrative about Serbia just didn’t seem right to me, not least because I know the Serbs to be stubborn and very tough, just like the Scots, so I didn’t believe that they could be so easily pushed aside (my account name is a nickname from Serbian friends who also saw some similarities between Scotland and Serbia :-) As a result I decided to do some research of my own and happily I found this website.
For years I’ve been reading it on a daily basis, and I’ve learnt a huge amount about Russian history, contemporary geopolitics, and a number of other subjects. I cannot thank Andrei enough for helping me form more enlightened and informed views about the world.
Nevertheless, I now want the Saker to fly off to new pastures with his family. Many members of this community are increasingly of a ‘prepper’ mindset, so it is natural to wish for our community leader to enjoy good health, and security for his family, and to be well prepared for what is coming.
My ha’ penny worth is that I noticed that Saker is a truly gifted teacher of the young (in his school Q&A) so he could achieve a great deal as an educationalist. In a perfect world Saker should be touring Russian schools giving lectures to expand the minds of the Russian youth (just as Michael Hudson tours Chinese colleges).
So even though I will sorely miss the Vineyard my belief is that Saker should shut it down. Events have now moved beyond the time for talk. Having said that, amongst the closing articles I would like to see one devoted to ‘how to emigrate to Russia (and other resistance countries)’. I wish Andrei and his family every good fortune. May Heaven protect us.
My strong sense is that everything USA says and does is either solely or primarily for PR purposes so maybe there won’t be a full scale war.
The psychopaths that own and rule USA crave your attention. Don’t give it to them. Be Dispassionate.
Despite everything, I’m still in love with many aspects of the culture of the US, and it’s amazing people…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xtcR8Vc4no
Dear Saker,
This here is my favorite blog. I can’t help but checking in several times a day when I’m at home. So, to hear it possibly going down is a bummer for me personnally. However, I do understand and respect your situation and position. Yes, family comes first; the world will go on turning either way. And there is certainly no reason to wind up dead because of a blog; so if there is a direct confrontration, direct threats, absolutely do shut down. I’m not sure if you watch late nite TV too much, but one can take a pointer from Jimmy Kimmel. That guy takes 3 day weekends; his Friday shows are reruns. Then he goes off and takes 4 month vacations; having guest hosts cover for him while he is away. Every holiday he is off, not only on the actual holiday, but also on the days before and after. Yet he maintains one of the most popular shows on television. I believe you have one of the most influencial blogs on the internet. You probably done more than you realize. Your blog is one of the very few windows we here in the west have to the rest of the world. That is a very big thing. But take it easy. A great sage once said “nuclear power won’t stop the time…..” “Don’t worry, be happy.”
Keep the b;og going like you did when you took the 3 months off. Instead of writing every week, write a column when the spirit moves you. Because of your unique history, just writing an article when you have a special insight, rather than feeling the obligation to produce something every week/
Andrei: I hear you, and understand completely your predicament. The outbreak of a direct war involving the US and NATO would obviously put you “between a rock and a hard place”, somewhat akin to Robert E. Lee’s dilemma at the outbreak of the US Civil War but with more personal ramifications.
Amarynth has resumed blogging recently. Would it be possible — with her(?) consent, of course — to mirror or transfer the guest posts there, should the need arise?
However this shakes out, my continued best wishes for you and for Russia. Though I’m a native-born US citizen, I don’t feel much like one anymore, owing to what I perceive as the abandonment of the US people by their government.
People should not be afraid of their government; governments should be afraid of their people. – V
Dear Saker,
your work had an immense impact on fighting the MSM narrative. There is nothing new under the Sun, this is true, and yet, the voice of The Saker and all of its collective grew out of a personal mission to something we all feel has a greater significance in this crazy world. I dig the ‘burn-out’ factor but it must be a way to continue this mission while preserving your private matters as a priority. Even if it means monetizing this blog to a degree, it is worth it, besides, there is nothing wrong to make a living out of honest work. The list of alternative sources of information is a sad one, with only a handful of good websites, and shutting down TheSaker would create a vacuum none of the remaining sites would be able to fill as your website is unique in many ways.
No matter the outcome, I respect your decision and I truly hope we live to see the end of this demonic nightmare. In the end, this is a spiritual war. God Bless You.
Thank you, Andrei, for everything you do in presenting the Russian truth (русская правда) to the Western world, especially at this vital, turning-point time. It is one of the missions and tasks of all Russians who live in the West to present this truth, though few take up the call. I have been following you since I discovered you in 2014. The possible loss of your blog would be a huge loss, though your health and family must take priority. May God keep you and yours! Да хранит Вас и Ваших Господь!
Dear Andrei.
We fully understand the precarious situation for your family, and how important it is to secure them as the first priority.
Regarding the Saker Blog.
15 years of enlightening the whole world on Geopolitics importance is not lost.
You made a big difference in opening the eyes of especially the western population.
As my old uncle said: Things done right and from the heart never comes back to bite you.
Even if you decide to end the blog, you will never disappear, but always stay in our hearts.
And one day, when the war is over (and if we survive) we will start looking for the Saker again.
May God protect you and your family during the times ahead.
And May God intervene to stop this madness.
Dear Saker
I urge to too continue or find somebody who can bring this into the future, maybe with you as a thinker/writer and find a way to unload some work on others. Your work is important and you, as a free voice, is crucial in our time.
Every general dispaire- but pls. keep up your good and important work
From Norway- paul
Dear Saker,
First of all, thank you for providing us this blog and your analysis over the years.
To offer a little bit of optimism, though it might turn out to be wrong, I don’t think there will be a direct US-Russia war. Not yet at-least.
I am someone who constantly has premonitions in regards to the future. You might consider these to be precognitive dreams. And for years they have been quite accurate.
I have not had any premonitions lately regarding nuclear war. What I have been having premonitions of is finding a wife, a house and having children. I have even watched my future child grow up from a baby to a teenager in some of them..
I think such premonitions would not be happening if nuclear war was right around the corner. Because then there would be no opportunity for positive things to happen in my own personal future.
I think that the US/NATO will shy away from direct war with Russia for the time being, even if Ukrainian lines collapse. Perhaps they will declare victory and leave as in previous cases, abandoning Ukraine when no other choice remains, lick their wounds and perhaps prepare new provocations elsewhere.
It is true that the Neocons will always be a threat as long as they remain in power and that sooner or later they will need to be removed one way or the other. But I don’t think it will come as a result of a hot US-Russia nuclear conflict. I think the chances of an eventual revolt in America remain extremely high and that the Neocons will be dealt with in this manner.
I could be wrong, but for now there is still hope for the future.
Regards.
Not a problem Saker, the toll of running a pro-Russian website from the USA for so many years must have been tremendous. The best of luck to you no matter what your decision is.
Andrei,
Your blog is one of the small handful that do an excellent job at saying the truth and being thoughtful and analytical about where the world is going.
Some Blog Options (IMHO):
a) I think the archive of this blog has a huge value in and of itself. So, please, consider at the very least keeping the website up and running for people to find your and your guests essays and articles. It appears you are using Cloudflare as a hosting provider, if you are not using a FREE option, can you switch to the FREE options to minimize the hosting cost?
b) Someone already suggested to offer the (co)-Management of the site to some similarly passionate and intelligent person or a group of people. Of course the style and the “voice” of the blog will change. But if such person or people have similar values and world views, that’s OK, everyone will understand.
And of course you could write articles and essays as well from time to time, but not to the detriment of your health and family time.
c) …and of course, you could always consider selling the blog. With 1.5 – 2 million monthly visitors (if Similarweb’s estimates are correct), it has a significant value. Just the ad-based monetization of this blog with the above traffic could bring $5,000 to $40,000 in monthly Revenue (google pays the least, a few niche-ad-networks pay a lot more).
With monetization potential like this (of course the buyer will need to continue using the blog as today to avoid losing all the traffic within a few weeks) it could be worth $150,000 to $1 million to the right buyer.
At the very least you will get some money for your huge multi-year effort.
d) a combination of a+c, or b+c could also be some options to consider.
I second strongly this request that the content be kept somewhere as an online archive.
Dear Saker,
Although I support whatever decision you take, and yes, self-care and family come first, I wanted to state how important this community you have created is. As others have said, your perspective has been invaluable in understanding what was going on, in the context of historical facts that are often not very well known. I have rarely seen somebody bring so much clarity to difficult subjects.
During the pandemic madness, I discovered your blog and it gave me hope: there was not only propaganda out there, but there were actually a lot of people fighting in their heart against the regime. All your contributors have helped me to understand what was at stake.
Hopefully, a succession plan can be arranged.
Best,
Pierre
Dear Andrei,
I’m a patreon supporter but I rarely ever comment. Your blog has been such a source of enlightenment for many! if you decide to close
it, I will miss it dearly. However, I wish what is best for you and you family!
Cheers,
BikerX
Personally i hope you keep blogging and keep the site alive, but that is my ego and wants speaking.
The internet and world will be poorer, it will miss a reasonably sane voice and analytiker and a great community with a few of the smartest commenters i know about.
But.
You should prioritize your family.
No matter what you chose you have my full support.
Per
I too love Rachmaninoff. I have only fairly recently come to appreciate his incredible piano works.
Here is another extraordinary “freie Luft” performance, of the gut-wrenching Piano concerto #2, in Munich’s Odeonsplatz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD5pqlDPCHc
The dangerous situation in which we find ourselves is hard to grasp because of its utter absurdity: it has been and is being *chosen* by the stupidest, most venal members of the government of the heretofore most powerful nation on earth to solve a nonexistent “problem.” We are to be blown to smithereens for nothing? To further the crazy plans of a Nazi-Neocon coalition of the absurd?
For me what is almost as disturbing as this casual choice of steering the ship of state toward nuclear holocaust is that it shows our government to be not dysfunctional but NON-functional.
According to our founding document, the Constitution, only the US Congress can declare war.
But that fact has become buried.
Has anyone publicly discussed that inconvenient circumstance?
Does anyone even expect any member of Congress to put it to “Biden” and his State Department: You cannot take this country to war.
A group of neocon maniacs in the State Department seem to have taken over all of the levers of our government. And Congress follows along like lemmings.
Thank you for the years of relevant commentary and dot connecting. I first became aware of the Vineyard of the Saker back in ca. November 2013. At that time attention was on Syria, and events in Ukraine seemed to be a disconnected action (although my Gazprom work had sensitized me to some aspects of the Ukraine situ). After some reading of analyses here I.started to realize how serious the new Ukraine “front” was and how dangerous were the maniacal Ukie fifth columns in the US and/but especially in Canada. It seemed far-fetched, but turned out to be true. So many seeming arcane issues, such as the relationship of the Uniate and the Orthodox church, turned out to have relevance to the madness brewing in that “country.”
It feels like it might very soon be time for “Sauve soi, qui peut.”
I understand if you feel you must discontinue this blog.
I would miss it.
Taffy
If I were to move, would go to Southern Hemisphere — no major wars.
Santiago Chile has. Mediterrean climate found in only 5 places on planet.
Health is #1, Family #2, and Work #3.
with much love added.
God bless for keeping us informed of reality.
And yes, Russian composers are incredible.
Dear friend, world has come to a strange place… based on history, moving to a unipolar world would be in no way good for humanity in general, except for that 5%~25% richiests. The old ocident colonizers were colonized by the top sharks of capitalism, that grouped together. In that sense, Russian forces are the last barrier and your opinions (and friends) and analisys much important for a lot of people around. Rethink your role in current times… we need everyone.
Best wishes.
If the blog is to be kept alivetgere are 2 very important things that are vitally needed to be done ASAP.
1. Move the domain name, or set up a similar domain name and link the database, with a non Empire/colony domain name registrar.
2. Move the database to a bulletproof host that’s located either in Russia or Iran.
*Point 1 domain name registrar should also be in Russia/Iran, and impervious to Evil Empire threats.
The Evil Empire has used it’s minions to seize control of the domain names of sites that threatened it with Truth.
It’s been a good site, I’ll miss it. You started it to say your piece and do what you could to wake up the masses. Sorry man, can’t compete with the level of stupid that makes up the american mind. Might as well pack it up and go get a factory job. Pays better than blogging.
All the best,
comrade simba.
Egads, I would/(will) miss you, and your guest posts tremendously. My go to many, many times a day. To read new comments until the wee hours. And, but, yet….health first, God and family, right alongside. I say this as I broke my back in 2021. A slide down the slippery path. I too, travelled to Mexico and was granted my permanent residency. I yearn to return, alas, health keeps me here, West Coast, USA. I have little time left, my bones tell me. Your decision will be right for you and your loved ones. Be at peace, or equanimity. With God as your guide. GodSpeed, Andrei.
“I understand that the worst part about shutting down the blog would be that it would also shut down the platform for our absolutely *fantastic* community of guest authors which, frankly, has been the biggest asset of this blog. I wish I had a way to keep them going without me, but I really don’t see how (any ideas?).” This blog is GREAT. I am from New Zealand and many of us follow. A polite question … why can’t the guest authors continue to publish in this site? What is needed to do this? Cheers
“frankly, has been the biggest asset of this blog.” The Saker is the glue that kept this boat surfacing again and again. Just a fast attack in the desert.
Yes ridiculous humor is how I compensate for such catastrophic news. Also a good illustration of the evil power of propagandizing editing.
Would a big sum of money help secure this forum The Vineyard of the Saker?
I can well imagine a whole series of fake Sakers, failing miserably, except if making us all angry counts for something.
Putin is a rare source of hope in the world. The Saker has been another for me.
You are doing vitally important work here, Andrei. Your health and family responsibilities are #1, but it would be a great loss if you had to discontinue the blog. It has really opened my eyes to the truth about what is going on in this increasingly dangerous and chaotic world. Hope you can somehow strike a balance and keep it going. Thank you!
Sorry to hear about your ongoing health issues. I also understand that it is important to spend time with the family. Regarding the future of your blog, ultimately that is a decision that only you can make. Although I am sure that we can quickly find lots of people in the comments here that would like to see it stay online in one form or another. :)
Regarding the risk of nuclear war, that is something that I am not personally concerned about. The US billionaire oligarchs that rule the USA own an extreme amount of assets that, along with themselves, would cease to exist in any all-out war with the Russian Federation. In addition, the Russian military is very thoroughly grinding up Washington’s Kiev regime proxy army. The next round of Western weapons will not change anything on the ground. The clock is ticking down on Zelensky’s dictatorship. It is only a matter of time until Washington inevitably cuts its losses and leaves, just as in Vietnam and Afghanistan. Russia’s victory is inevitable.
Andrei,
Many thanks for your fine work, and for gracing our shores.
Whatever you decide, I hope there’s a way to archive your excellent articles.
I completely understand about family and health. You and yours are in our prayers.
If you drop the blog, and later want to write more, may I suggest Substack? As far as I can tell, there are no barriers to entry. Even I can write there. Sometimes.
https://notfb.substack.com/p/rip-liberalism
All the best.
Lord have mercy!
I understand what Andrei had to say. His family and his health has to come first. Andrei will be sorely missed if he has to step away. It will be a sad day for all of us if this comes to pass. As Andre alludes to if a full blown war between the US/NATO and Russia breaks out (pray that it doesn’t) then most readers here will be will well advised to go off the air. Any pretension of “democracy” in the west will be discarded. We will all be in the same boat as those simpleton’s who made the mistake of walking into Capital Hill.
I want to thank Andrei and his team of experts. The Saker blog has been an educational experience for this US American. I feel that I have gained a much better understanding of Russia and Russians. God Bless Andrei and the folks who hang out at The Saker!
Understand your position. Have you considered selling/giving/transferring this blog to another person, perhaps one of your main contributors or supporters? You can separate yourself entirely from its ownership and operations and therefore not compromise your position as a guest in the States, but the blog could continue albeit without your articles.
All best.
Saker,
Sad to see what you’re heading too but fully understand you. Having been supporting you forme some years now I can understand this évolution. There is certainly some ways we can continue following you even if it isn’t on a daily basis.
Il’l get back to you for further comments.
Hi Andrei… please keep the commentary coming! There are only a handful of truthful sites available. Our overload censors are scum. As you said in your recent article, we may not be able to “internally” change our society for the better, but change will only come externally or from an internal collapse. For example, how did Nazi Germany collapse? It was not destroyed internally by German citizens but was crushed from the outside (Russia and the so called Allies) and by it’s own evil actions, arrogance and stupefied leadership.
BD
Thank You for your work Andrei. Wish you all the best going forward.
To me it looks like you are under estimating the significance of your work. Maybe a break along the lines of last year would be useful ? The disaster with the Hurrican must also have put an extra toll on everything.
Kind Regard, Sven
Dearest Andrei,
I have left it a while to comment because I like to think before I comment these days. (Getting older and perhaps, wiser.)
I have followed youf blog for years, bought and read your books, and enjoyed the commentators you have introduced me to.
I do not always agree with you, though your assessments are always intellectually stimulating, and the disagreement is merely opinion. Your facts are always well researched and correct.
My friend, I believe we both adore the same God, though we approach him in different ways, and I want to say this thing to you. The tide will wash it all away. All either of us will leave behind after all of this is over is our families…our children and Grandchildren. So, do not feel disheartened. You have fought harder than almost anyone, and you have had great success with your message. But again, the tide of time will wash it all away, good and bad, so do not mourn, or be sad. You did not make the world, and you are not responsible for the good or the evil. You have done your best, and it was very good. I sense that you want to rest, and that it is affecting your well being. If it is a question of money to pay someone to move it forward, or a subscription, just ask, and I will be the first to pay, but I want you to be well, first and foremost. You have built an amazing thing, but perhaps it is time for you to move back and let others, like P Escobar, or G Lira, or A Martanyov, to come up with a group or consortium to move it to a paying basis. They have the followers and influence and know how.
As I say, just ask, and I will help, as will many others. We can keep alive what you have built, without it destroying you or your health. Just ask.
Kindest Regards,
Stephen.
Thank you for all these years of valuable analysis, Andrei! I will never regret providing the little support I managed. I’ll intensify my prayers for peace and have faith that we will all meet up again regardless the events here on Earth.
Fine, if you think there are “moral issues”, (I would argue there aren’t) shut down the blog BUT do not stop blogging. Ive been reading this blog from its inception basically and what has been published by you specifically in the main has come to fruition, that’s number one.( I don’t know what effort is involved in running anything really but can imagine it a herculean task and if it affecting you and your family negatively I get it)
Second, if this does come to a kinetic war and its made explicit between Russia and the United States and the degenerate West, the American and the Western peoples that have been to busy moored in debt bondage and social media will start looking for objective opinion outside the mainstream.
Three, have a weekly or bi-weekly sitrep published on Substack or over a multitude of alternative sites like the ones you suggested with a link to this blog at the epilogue, and or, highlighted links within the article for reference or context (for further reading) or create a separate link with your work indexed chronologically.
If you believe yourself moral and your ideas legitimate as I do, now of all times is not the time muzzle oneself.
Godspeed.
Hi Andrei
As you have probably already considered, there is the option to leave your blog to someone else.
Of course the choice of the person in charge depends on what you really want this blog to continue to focus on.
If you want it to keep on being an ethnic traditional Russian blog it would mean to find a Russian trustworthy person with optimal English language skills. Second option a non-russian “manager” or a group of managers.
In every case you could be giving your contributes whenever you want.
I think you have the ability to find the right choice and the right people.
We all canbe only grateful to you for the time and the passion, the infos, the lectures, the suggestions, the ideas, cultural contributions, all sources of enriching our spirit.
I personally have been following you for practically two decades now and consider you one of my major international reference points. So I would never want this blog to be permanently lost.
And I certainly wouldn’t want (as no one would) a worldwide denouement such as this one that is being threatened now.
Take your decision calmly knnowing that on the other side of the cable there are many people who care about you and thank you for all the good you have been able to do by giving us all this time and ideas from your life.
GP from Italy
Thanks you Andrei,
Your work has made a difference to a lot of people.
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Couldn’t you scale down your time and efforts for this blog?
Let’s say instead of a weekly analysis – a monthly or a quarterly one?
Your blog is quite a rare place on the Internet (both due to your essays and guest authors), so it would be a pity to lose it…
And if there is a war between Russia and the USA your blog still could be quite helpful in dealing with the aftermath of the USA losing this war…
My Dear Brother in Orthodox Faith,
When you created this blog, the lead title that struck the chord of honest and forthright journalism is and always shall be, “Stop the Empire’s War on Russia”. Nobody else, not Martyanov, not, Orlov, not Ishchenko, not Helmer was so bold as to declare you are a man to be counted; a man who speaks for Russia.
In the beginning you had no fear, for you live and worked at the edge of darkness. “Tap tap tap,” on the keyboard, the letters formed the words of truth, a lone candle that taught us here in the Vineyard about the greatness of Russia, the suffering of her people, the self-inflicted political and economic wounds and the rise above certain cultural and spiritual death to declare she is a survivor above all else; she is the Motherland.
Your post suggests you grow tired of the fight against the armies of Satan. The strength to scribe about the evil that permeates in the west has waned. “Let others do the writing; I cannot go on for my aged wings beat too slow now and I don’t think I can rise above the lies and deception much longer,” says the Saker.
A thought has entered your mind, perhaps due to physical illness that wounded the body and made you think about mortality and your beloved Anna, the children of your loins and yes, even grandchildren to come. Despair and hopelessness is one of many tricks the Devil has to deploy and do you know why he targets you? He’s afraid mankind all over the world will come to the Vineyard, read the blog or listen to your podcasts and turn to the light. He can’t allow that so he tempts you or even those closest to you with the reality of aging and plants the idea to leave and enjoy what material things and pleasures you have left.
So you acquiesce, push away from the Internet portal, take a deep breath, look at life and get ready for . . . the end.
For a while, the Vineyard will survive but without its founder to nurture it with love, tenderness and emotional sweat and furred brow, it will shrivel and die. Perhaps you’ll read Martyanov or Bernard a few days a week, comment to yourself about whatever, look at your keyboard but then walk away. As you stand for mass in church on Sunday you see the icon of Christ; he looks back at you. There is silence and then a whisper is heard, “You’re not done yet my son; there is more work to do.”
Andrei, the blood of Russia flows in your veins and Russian Christians are meant to suffer for their sacrifice in word and deed is what stymies Satan. You can’t quit because as I see it, you are a modern day Russian soldier like Martyanov and others, armed not with bullets and bayonet but with a plethora of knowledge the world needs to understand.
“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 9:16 KJV 1611)
The living “fruit” that remains is the Vineyard and it needs her caretaker. Despite the temptation that you’re finished, you must go on and on and on until the beast is defeated and your soul venerated in heaven as the title of faithful friend is bestowed in glory to God.
Hello Andrei,
first and most important, if you do not know it already:
For mastering health issues I can highly recommend as a starter to take the time to see the documentation „The Universal Antidote“ (https://theuniversalantidote.com/ ) and read a bit in the telegram channels there, as well as getting the „The DMSO Handbook: A New Paragdigm in Healthcare“ from Hartmut Fischer and „Forbidden Health – Incurable was Yesterday” form Andreas Kalcker. These cover a huge array of diseases including almost every infection.
By the way, I have tried a few times to inform the Russian embassy and the Kremlin on the military, healthcare and economic potential of learning how to use these simple but extremely effective substances, but it seems it was useless. Although, I am still convinced, that studying and learning to use these possibilities could be important and effective in helping Russia to win the war in Ukraine and against the West as well as there after to win the peace and the hart of the people. Healtcare can be made much better, more effective, safer and much more affordable and by this more accessible. To improve the ability to restore health, to cure infections and prevent infections may be more important than a few hundred tanks and artillery pieces.
For pains and problems originating from muscles however, I would rather look for a solutions in Simon and Travells Triggerpoint Manual and some other books and use physical methods.
Regarding your blog: I have my own German blog, where I have covered many issues and solutions, including energy, healthcare and agriculture. If I don’t have the time to write or if I feel that I have written enough on a certain issue, I just don’t care, but I leave the blog for others (and for me too) as a reference.
I came to know thesaker.is by several German translations at http://www.theblogcat.de which was then completely shut down. I hope thesaker.is will remain available even if no new post may be published, as long as the internet remains available.
By the way, it may be the time to remember the convention of Tauroggen, which was signed on December 30, 1812, after Napoleon’s Grande Armée was defeated. I do not know how this event is seen and remembered in Russia. I learned about it in school and in 2019 I visited the place when I was on holiday in that area in Lithuania. The Lithuanians have build there a memorial with money from the EU.
Best wishes, especially a speedy recovery
I’ve been thinking about this all day after reading this. I understand the legalities of continuing with this blog if the US should go to war with Russia. I have to hope that God will bring this to an end before it gets to that point. I think that the American people are definitely not interested in fighting and dying in a war with Russia so I still hope that the political and economic fallout of such a decision will bring an end to the conflict short of war.
I understand that you must take care of your health and it is the most important concern.
I read The Saker every day and I would definitely miss it. I wonder if you could consider posting articles one week out of the month, taking the rest of the month off. Is that even possible?
Dear Andrei:
As you pray for guidance, please reflect upon Abraham’s intercession to the Lord that even ten faithful souls were sufficient reason to spare the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrha from destruction.
In this age of the lukewarm faith, we are bound together by the Helper, sent to provide divine guidance and insight of things yet unseen to our Christian neighbors. Whatever happens to our earthly bodies in His service is not our concern but is the sin of Moses or Jonah when they tried to turn away from God’s plan.
Silencing your blog at this time of great need among your listeners deprives this community of your use of Scipture and light to thwart the Prince of this World. Please do not turn away from your Calling at its most crucial time, as did Lot’s wife at her moment of weakness. The Holy Spirit inspired you to create this forum to reveal His Grace- even to those of us who live in Mystery Babylon but yearn for His salvation from this great evil.
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”
—Luke 12:25