Weekly Links – August 8, 2026 | Naked Capitalism

Dear valued readers,

In today’s update, we present comprehensive sections on the Iran conflict and the newly formed Borat Agreement, substituting for a detailed post on the Iran war.

<h2>Noteworthy Articles</h2>
<p><a href="https://daily.jstor.org/the-case-for-aesthetic-education/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Case for Aesthetic Education</a> - JSTOR (Micael T)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.worksinprogress.news/p/why-horses-have-stopped-getting-faster" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Upper Limits of Biology</a> - Works in Progress (Micael T)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/643935-us-organ-donation-kennedy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">‘Living Donor’ Horror Case Triggers Crackdown in the US</a> - RT (Kevin W)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.noemamag.com/why-is-everyone-in-tech-so-sad/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why Is Everyone in Tech So Sad?</a> - Nomea. While I get the desire to escape tedious high-end jobs, hobbies can feel like just another form of torture. Why not volunteer, like reading to the blind?</p>

<h2>Climate and Environment</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260805082454.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The AMOC Remains Strong Despite a Major Ocean "Lifeline" Near Shutdown</a> - Science Daily (Kevin W)</p>
<p><a href="https://archive.is/J7IqF#selection-1253.0-1253.55" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How Climate Change Is Setting the Stage for More Fires Worldwide</a> - Bloomberg</p>
<p><a href="https://www.afr.com/world/europe/england-starts-to-resemble-outback-in-europe-s-devastating-furnace-20260729-p60jt6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">England Now Echoes the Outback Amid Europe’s Severe Heatwave</a> - Australian Financial Review</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Breaking: El Niño forecasts have just escalated significantly.</p>
    <p>The latest ECMWF outlook predicts a peak near +4.0˚C in December—an unprecedented record.</p>
    <p>This will profoundly impact global climate patterns from late this year extending into 2027. <a href="https://t.co/YvbctXluCL" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/YvbctXluCL</a></p>
    <p>— Ben Noll (@BenNollWeather) <a href="https://x.com/BenNollWeather/status/2084973546363875785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 5, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>

<h2>China Insights</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-military-promotions-reshuffle-anti-corruption-xi-jinping-6305871" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What China’s New PLA Leaders Indicate About Xi’s Ongoing Military Overhaul</a> - Channel News Asia</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/taiwan-china-washington-donald-trump-taipei-b3028534.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taiwan’s Military Drills Indicate Closer Alignment with the U.S.</a> - Independent</p>
    <p><a href="https://asiatimes.com/2026/08/chinas-25-year-tax-reach-will-cost-it-more-than-it-collects/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">China’s 25-Year Tax Strategy Could Lead to Greater Losses Than Gains</a> - Asia Times (Kevin W)</p>
    <p><a href="https://kdwalmsley.substack.com/p/why-us-tariffs-are-pushing-factories" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How U.S. Tariffs Are Driving Factories Back to China</a> - Kevin Walmsley</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Updates from Japan</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://no01.substack.com/p/twilight-over-the-rising-sun" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twilight Over the Rising Sun</a> - NO1, a concise overview.</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/07/japan-us-yen-intervention-global-currency-markets.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A ‘Weaponized’ Yen: How U.S.-Japan Intervention Could Reshape Global Currency Markets</a> - CNBC</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/steveforbes/2026/08/05/japans-wobbling-yen-could-trigger-a-global-financial-crisis/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Japan’s Unstable Yen Might Lead to a Global Financial Crisis</a> - Forbes</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Korean Developments</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/06/asia-pacific/north-korea-projectile/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">North Korea Commemorates Hiroshima Anniversary with Missile Test</a> - Japan Times</p>
    <p><a href="https://thecommunists.org/2026/08/07/tv/north-korea-speaks-build-united-anti-imperialist-front/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">North Korea Calls to Establish a United Anti-Imperialist Front</a> - The Communists (Robin K)</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>India Updates</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/clashes-erupt-at-susta-along-india-nepal-border/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clashes Erupt at Susta Along India-Nepal Border</a> - The Diplomat</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Southeast Asia</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.nationthailand.com/news/world/40069529" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. and ASEAN Chair Urge Unconditional Release of Suu Kyi in Myanmar</a> - Nation Thailand</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Africa</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7kldz4djno" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sudan’s Invisible Children: Born in War Without Legal Identity</a> - BBC</p>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/aGYQc#selection-1075.0-1075.45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ending Sudan’s Brutal, Overlooked Conflict</a> - Economist</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/6/when-atrocities-return-the-cost-of-failed-accountability-in-tigray" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Price of Failed Accountability in Tigray</a> - Al Jazeera</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.africanews.com/2026/08/06/mass-prison-escape-as-armed-clashes-rock-western-libya/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mass Prison Escape Amid Armed Clashes in Western Libya</a> - Africa News</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.kitklarenberg.com/p/collapsing-empire-us-creates-new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. Forms New African Psyops Unit Amidst Collapsing Empire</a> - Kit Klarenberg</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>South of the Border</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/05/cuba-true-believers-revolution-moncada" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cuba’s Devoted Supporters Stand Firm Against U.S. Intervention Amid Power Outages</a> - Guardian</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/8/7/mexico-deploys-troops-to-secure-avocado-region-after-us-halts-imports" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mexico Deploys Troops to Protect Avocado Region After U.S. Suspends Imports</a> - Al Jazeera</p>
    <p><a href="https://venezuelanalysis.com/news/venezuela-govt-and-opposition-open-us-backed-talks-to-overhaul-electoral-judicial-authorities/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Venezuela: Government and Opposition Enter U.S.-Backed Talks for Electoral and Judicial Overhaul</a> - Venezuelanalysis (Robin K)</p>
    <p><a href="https://venezuelanalysis.com/news/venezuela-leftist-groups-rally-against-imperialist-plundering/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Venezuela: Leftist Groups Protest Against "Imperialist Plundering"</a> - Venezuelanalysis (Robin K)</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/08/07/thousands-protest-private-property-legislation-in-argentina-as-clashes-erupt-with-police_6756236_4.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thousands Protest Legislation on Private Property in Argentina Amid Police Clashes</a> - Le Monde</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>European Disunion</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://livetslapidarium-blogspot-com.translate.goog/2026/07/en-nato-bank.html?m=1&amp;utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_x_tr_sl=auto&amp;_x_tr_tl=en&amp;_x_tr_hl=de&amp;_x_tr_pto=wapp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Proposal of a NATO Bank</a> - Lapidarium of Life via Machine Translation (Micael T)</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/germany-industrial-decline/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Germany’s Ongoing Industrial Decline</a> - GIS Reports</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.tovima.com/finance/low-wages-deepen-cost-of-living-crisis/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Low Wages Contribute to Greece's Cost of Living Crisis, with Real Earnings Declining Since the Financial Crisis</a> - Tovima</p>
    <p><a href="https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Europes-Heatwave-Is-Hitting-Refineries-And-Power-Supplies.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Europe’s Heatwave Impacting Refineries and Energy Supplies</a> - OilPrice</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Old Blighty</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/uk-in-longest-jobs-slump-since-financial-crisis-pmi-shows" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UK Experiences Its Longest Job Slump Since the Financial Crisis, PMI Indicates</a> - Staffing Industry</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K4xOVjXdlg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mossad, Israeli Cash &amp; Nigel Farage: The Breaking Scandal</a> - Double Down News, YouTube</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Israel vs. The Resistance</h2>
<blockquote>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Why do Palestinians teach their children to hate Israel?”</p>
        <p>They don’t. Generations of Palestinian children have been taught to hate Israel by Israeli soldiers like these. <a href="https://t.co/KNUyjY9EMJ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/KNUyjY9EMJ</a></p>
        <p>— Jonathan Cook (@Jonathan_K_Cook) <a href="https://x.com/Jonathan_K_Cook/status/2085419592243921174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 6, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Finkelstein: "Israel has become a nation of child killers. From Daniella Weiss to Benny Morris—from settlers behaving inappropriately to soldiers capturing footage of a dying child and obstructing aid."</p>
        <p>This is not just a few misled individuals; this is a collective responsibility.</p>
        <p>When even the moderate voices... <a href="https://t.co/puBUSJXy83" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/puBUSJXy83</a></p>
        <p>— Ounka (@OunkaOnX) <a href="https://x.com/OunkaOnX/status/2085582179674063264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">The director of a major hospital in Gaza is facing severe torture after being taken hostage, part of Israel's strategy to systematically dismantle the health sector. <a href="https://t.co/vslZRtzNp3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/vslZRtzNp3</a></p>
        <p>— Nicola Perugini (@PeruginiNic) <a href="https://x.com/PeruginiNic/status/2085022243868852725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 5, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">These armed Israeli drones are surveilling Lebanon. They are not just collecting data but also serve as a form of psychological terror. The buzzing you hear is coming from inside my apartment.</p>
        <p>The relentless drone sound… <a href="https://t.co/q4d7Ahjujy" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/q4d7Ahjujy</a></p>
        <p>— courtneybonneauimages (@cbonneauimages) <a href="https://x.com/cbonneauimages/status/2085666747902824828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <p><a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/lebanon-paramedics-israel-bombs-mary-turfah.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">‘If I Leave, Who Is Going to Rescue People?’</a> - New York Magazine (guurst)</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.newarab.com/news/mossad-officials-sacked-over-failed-iran-regime-change-plot" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mossad Officials Dismissed Over Unsuccessful Iran Regime Change Efforts, with Netanyahu Blamed for Shifting Responsibility</a> - New Arab</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>The Borat Agreements</h2>
<p>This label is temporarily applied; official names will be introduced later.</p>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/saudi-arabia-turkey-pakistan-sign-joint-defence-deal-amid-regional-turmoil-2026-08-07/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan Commit to Mutual Defense Amid Escalating Regional Turmoil</a> - Reuters</p>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">This surprise alliance is likely designed to protect the Saudi regime following:</p>
        <p>– Support for the *failed* US/Israeli conflict against Iran.<br/>– Aiming to uphold the US-backed blockade in Yemen amidst local resistance.<br/>– Conducting joint U.S./Saudi attacks on Iraqi resistance.</p>
        <p>In short,… <a href="https://t.co/KmwLXPndG1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/KmwLXPndG1</a></p>
        <p>— MenchOsint (@MenchOsint) <a href="https://x.com/MenchOsint/status/2085670062426300488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.moonofalabama.org/2026/08/the-odd-defense-agreement-between-saudi-arabia-pakistan-and-turkey.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">An Unusual Defense Pact Between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey</a> - Moon of Alabama. A noteworthy takeaway: "This agreement likely holds more symbolic than practical value."</p>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ansar Allah forced the U.S. to retreat, leaving Israel's shipments stranded and missiles striking Eliat. What role will Turkey play?</p>
        <p>— Anemher (@Anemher) <a href="https://x.com/Anemher/status/2085722078959878395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/nhVHIdavce0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan Unite… but Against Whom?</a> - The Cradle, YouTube (Robin K)</p>
    <p><a href="https://alonmizrahi.substack.com/p/the-borat-agreements" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Borat Agreements</a> - Alon Mizrahi:</p>
    <blockquote>
        <p>The old leadership of West Asia collaborates with their Judeo-Christian overlords to establish a so-called trilateral defense pact involving Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, resulting in a comical farce.</p>
    </blockquote>
</blockquote>

<h2>Iran War</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHFIgSqS140" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alastair Crooke – Iran’s Only Choice: Humiliate the U.S.</a> - Daniel Davis, YouTube. An essential watch.</p>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">The divergence between Washington's narrative and Tehran's stance is vast.</p>
        <p>Iran shows no eagerness to conclude this war except under conditions favorable to them. <a href="https://t.co/TbtQfRdvzb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/TbtQfRdvzb</a></p>
        <p>— Will Schryver (@imetatronink) <a href="https://x.com/imetatronink/status/2085782771218440482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://archive.md/G8LiG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iran Identifies an Opportunity to Remove U.S. Presence from the Gulf</a> - Wall Street Journal</p>
    <center>*   *   *</center>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Amid claims of an impending deal between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Iran no longer bothers to deny it; they just target oil tankers attempting to cross without their approval.</p>
        <p>— JustDario (@DarioCpx) <a href="https://x.com/DarioCpx/status/2085903773105557998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 8, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">No deal for Hormuz exists, the latest propositions are infeasible.</p>
        <p>The outflow of oil through Hormuz is climbing (now trending >5 MMbpd) as illicit trade patterns reemerge.</p>
        <p>Iran is keeping vessels cautious but not fully restricting them (if that’s even their intention?).</p>
        <p>It’s a chaotic situation.</p>
        <p>— Rory Johnston (@Rory_Johnston) <a href="https://x.com/Rory_Johnston/status/2085738702341296346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <p><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/246805/Iran-not-to-allow-opening-of-second-corridor-in-Hormuz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iran Will Not Permit a Second Corridor to Open in Hormuz</a> - Mehr News. Trita Parsi highlights that the specifics regarding fees and the corridor are still subject to change. Moreover, he points out that Reuters, which reported fees of 5% to 7%, has often proven to be unreliable, suggesting that planting this rumor may be a tactic to further irritate already disgruntled GCC countries.</p>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Iran has released an image of a fully intact Israeli Hermes 900 drone downed by its electronic warfare units, with the IRGC now commencing reverse-engineering on various components of the drone, per Tasnim.</p>
        <p>Iran has also initiated the reverse-engineering of previously captured… <a href="https://t.co/j9hYWQ8cj6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/j9hYWQ8cj6</a></p>
        <p>— The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) <a href="https://x.com/HormuzLetter/status/2085715278621511725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇮🇷🇺🇸 NEW:</p>
        <p>An Iranian Air Force officer reported that an Iranian aircraft attacked U.S. bases using only paper maps.</p>
        <p>According to him, pilots operated without GPS or radio communication to avoid detection, catching U.S. air defenses off guard.<br/><a href="https://t.co/QLjYtqJ1iy" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/QLjYtqJ1iy</a></p>
        <p>— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinkle) <a href="https://x.com/jacksonhinkle/status/2085543531603447989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Saudi Arabia has reportedly fired about 2,400 Patriot PAC-3 interceptors in the initial 44 days of the Iran conflict, depleting around 86% of its pre-war stockpile, leaving only approximately 400 missiles available by April. At the current utilization rate, they would run out in just 8 days,…</p>
        <p>— The Hormuz Report (@HormuzReport) <a href="https://x.com/HormuzReport/status/2085782331063967907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <p>More on the Ansar Allah strikes against Saudi-supported forces:</p>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Massive smoke plumes are rising from the location hit in Marib, Yemen, following an Ansarallah ballistic missile strike.</p>
        <p>Reports suggest that Saudi-backed Yemeni officials were hosting a meeting in the targeted building. <a href="https://t.co/d14qmq4iAn" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/d14qmq4iAn</a> <a href="https://t.co/5pn2R3pxeC" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/5pn2R3pxeC</a></p>
        <p>— MoloMonitor 🇮🇹 (@MoloWarMonitor) <a href="https://x.com/MoloWarMonitor/status/2085620257461301700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <p><a href="https://warstud.blogspot.com/2026/08/the-middle-east-military-crisis-great.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THE MIDDLE EAST MILITARY CRISIS: A GREAT PARADOX</a> - Military Analysis and History (guurst)</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.agbi.com/analysis/oil-and-gas/2026/08/iraq-and-kuwait-face-tougher-oil-restart-than-gulf-neighbours/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iraq and Kuwait's Oil Restart Faces More Challenges Than Their Gulf Neighbors</a> - AGBI</p>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today, the United States has sanctioned one of the most significant sanction evasion schemes ever discovered in Iran.</p>
        <p>Executive Order 13902 targetted Shelbit, an illegal gambling network, part of a $4 billion scheme evading sanctions.</p>
        <p>As the world watches…</p>
        <p>— Brett Erickson (@BrettErickson28) <a href="https://x.com/BrettErickson28/status/2085786266503975346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>
</blockquote>

<h2>Syraqiatan</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/8/5/5-8-clip-teargas-ik-protests-pk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clashes Marking the Anniversary of Imran Khan’s Imprisonment</a> - Al Jazeera</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/pakistan-kashmir-protest-deaths-india-foreign-funding-b3028556.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Protests in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Deny Allegations of Indian Interference</a> - Independent</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>New Not-So-Cold War</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/eurasia/russia-ukraine-exchange-overnight-strikes-killing-4-injuring-11/4021610" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Russia and Ukraine Exchange Strikes, Resulting in 4 Fatalities and 11 Injuries</a> - Anadolu Agency</p>
    <p><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2026/08/07/europe/ballistic-missiles-russia-ukraine-explained-intl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Examining How Russian Ballistic Missiles Are Exploiting Vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s Air Defense</a> - CNN</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.energyintel.com/0000019f-d6d7-db90-a5bf-ffffeef80000" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kazakhstan Faces Pressure as Fallout from the Russia-Ukraine Conflict Expands</a> - Energy Intel</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Big Brother is Watching You</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/08/ai-smartglasses-camera-film-privacy-consent" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Man Secretly Photographed by Someone Wearing Smart Glasses: A Controversy Over Privacy</a> - Guardian. Unfortunately, this isn't the case in the U.S., where public visibility even in one's yard, if seen from the street, strips away any expectation of privacy.</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Trump 2.0</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://tass.com/world/2170219" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump Predicts He May Be the Last Republican President in the U.S.</a> - TASS</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-sign-orders-birthright-citizenship-axios-reports-2026-08-06/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump Signs Orders Aiming to Curb U.S. Birthright Citizenship, Ignoring Supreme Court Precedents</a> - Reuters (Kevin W). This was mentioned in yesterday's updates but remains significant.</p>
    <p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-court-ruling-1528247275ec6103da892d271d4ee883" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Appeals Court Declares Trump Cannot Build White House Ballroom without Congressional Approval</a> - Associated Press</p>
    <p><a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/6017820-senate-todd-blanche-attorney-general-nomination/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General Following Tense Confirmation Battle</a> - The Hill</p>
    <p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/08/trump-fcc-kills-tv-ownership-cap-claiming-authority-over-limit-set-by-congress/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump's FCC Abolishes TV Ownership Cap, Asserting Authority Over Congressional Limits</a> - Ars Technica (Kevin W)</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Tariffs</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://democracysos.substack.com/p/trumps-new-tariff-plan-is-more-preposterous" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump’s New Tariff Proposal is Even More Absurd and Undemocratic Than the Last</a> - Steven Hill</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Economic Insights</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://mishtalk.com/economics/another-weak-jobs-report-payrolls-down-23000-and-employment-down-87000/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Another Dismal Jobs Report: Payrolls Decrease by 23,000 and Employment Drops by 87,000</a> - Micael Shedlock</p>
    <p><a href="https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/US-Diesel-Exports-Hit-Record-High-as-Global-Supply-Crunch-Deepens.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. Diesel Exports Reach Record High as Global Supply Woes Intensify</a> - OilPrice</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Mr. Market Should Be More Vigilant</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.visionofhumanity.org/how-the-climate-crisis-is-becoming-a-financial-stability-risk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Examining How Climate Change Is Evolving into a Risk for Financial Stability</a> - Vision of Humanity</p>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/F0XVM#selection-1195.0-1195.65" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Asian Tech Stocks Experience Highest Volatility Since the Global Financial Crisis</a> - Bloomberg</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Artificial Intelligence</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/ED8bF#selection-2239.4-2239.64" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The West's Rampant AI Investment is Bound to Unravel</a> - Telegraph</p>
    <p>The AI boom may be illusory: 70% of AI revenue is generated by OpenAI and Anthropic | Ed Zitron - The Tech Report. YouTube</p>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p lang="en" dir="ltr">AI has become pivotal for U.S. economic expansion.</p>
        <p>Investment in AI-related sectors surged by over $300 billion year-on-year in Q2 2026, marking a 25% increase to a record annual rate of $1.5 trillion.</p>
        <p>This explosion in investment primarily stems from spending on computers and peripheral equipment,… <a href="https://t.co/g14BTgaN9d" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/g14BTgaN9d</a></p>
        <p>— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) <a href="https://x.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2085469740638588935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 6, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>
</blockquote>

<h2>Guillotine Watch</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://theonion.com/antichrist-rolls-eyes-throughout-peter-thiel-lecture/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antichrist Rolls Eyes Throughout Peter Thiel Lecture</a> - The Onion</p>
    <p><a href="https://oligarchwatch.substack.com/p/zuckerberg-apologizes-for-child-sexual" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zuckerberg Issues Apology for Child Sexual Abuse Ads on Instagram</a> - Caleb Ecarna</p>
    <p><a href="https://patrickwood.substack.com/p/part-ii-technocrats-call-for-dictatorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Part II: Technocrats Call for Dictatorship and Technocracy in 2026</a> - Patrick Wood (Micael T). Mencius Moldbug was quickly escorted off the site after commencing his commentary due to ongoing bad faith arguments and monopolizing conversations.</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Class Warfare</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://lesleopold.substack.com/p/what-can-progressives-win-without" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What Can Progressives Achieve Without the Working Class? Not Much!</a> - Les Leopold</p>
    <p><a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/6015958-dan-crenshaw-burrito-debate-affordability/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crenshaw Comments on the Controversial $20 Burrito Sparking Discussions on Affordability</a> - The Hill. It used to be a chicken in every pot.</p>
    <p><a href="https://babylonbee.com/news/7-hacks-to-obtain-a-burrito-for-less-than-20?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7 Tips to Get a Burrito for Under $20</a> - Babylon Bee</p>
    <p><a href="https://proletaren-se.translate.goog/artikel/jojo-strejken-ar-tillbaka-men-for-att-vinna-kravs-omtag/?_x_tr_sl=auto&amp;_x_tr_tl=en&amp;_x_tr_hl=de&amp;_x_tr_pto=wapp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Yo-Yo Strike Returns – Victory Requires a Rematch</a> - Proletaren via Machine Translation. Micael T notes: “The Swedish unions draw inspiration from U.S. automotive unions, acting against their own members' interests.”</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Daily Antidote</h2>
<p>(<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/adorable-duckling-resting-in-grass-near-tranquil-water-UEQiimVMgoM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</a>):</p>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" src="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-08-at-12.55.29 PM.png" alt="" width="600" height="418" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-314597"  /></p>

<h2>A Bonus:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Best Way to Teach Kids <a href="https://t.co/KYSNry6diy" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/KYSNry6diy</a></p>
    <p>— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://x.com/Rainmaker1973/status/2085390815895974356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 6, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>

<h2>A Second Bonus:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is the level of unbothered I'm aiming for <a href="https://t.co/4Sxu733moi" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/4Sxu733moi</a></p>
    <p>— We Assess and Draw Cats 🐾 (@WeAssessCats) <a href="https://x.com/WeAssessCats/status/2085232660360970354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 6, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>

<h2>And a Third:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p lang="en" dir="ltr">He was there every step of the way😭 <a href="https://t.co/flwH9sYA7f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/flwH9sYA7f</a></p>
    <p>— Wolf (@WolfprwX) <a href="https://x.com/WolfprwX/status/2085576879201759691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">August 7, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>

<p>You can view yesterday’s links and antidote du jour <a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2026/08/links-8-7-2026.html">here</a>.</p>

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