Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/quartz-shortages-and-us-backed-coups-vance-to-become-senate-majority-leader/
Economy
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the town of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, is experiencing a significant supply chain disruption. The quartz mines operated by Zabelco and QuartzCorp have been shut down, with no clear timeline for resuming operations. This disruption could impact the $5 billion quartz market and the $600 billion semiconductor industry, which relies on this mineral. Experts estimate a four to six-week delay in restoring normal operations, potentially affecting solar panels, fiber optics, and other technologies. BlackRock’s recent $90 million investment in the region’s lithium resources underscores the strategic importance of Spruce Pine’s mineral wealth, even as local infrastructure struggles to recover from the hurricane’s damage.
Geopolitics
In a report by Jim Rickards, Assad’s fall marks a significant change in the 13-year civil war, with the northwest now under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda offshoot reportedly backed by the US and Turkey. This development raises questions about US alliances, as Turkey, a NATO ally, has been involved in the conflict. The regime change has reportedly disrupted Iran’s influence in the region, impacting Hezbollah. Turkey and Israel may benefit from the situation, while the Kurds face mixed outcomes. The US, having coordinated with HTS, views the change as a strategic move against Russia, which supported Assad. However, the region remains volatile, with potential for further conflict. Reports from Al Jazeera confirm Assad’s relocation to Moscow, while Amnesty International has raised concerns about the humanitarian conditions in areas now controlled by HTS.
Other reports indicate that the US had prior knowledge of the HTS offensive to topple Assad. The US-backed Revolutionary Commando Army (RCA) was informed to prepare for significant changes, leading to a consolidation of Sunni militias under RCA’s command. This coordination reportedly allowed HTS to advance towards Damascus, with RCA now controlling a significant portion of Syrian territory. Despite HTS’s al-Qaeda origins, the US has expressed willingness to work with the group, highlighting the complex dynamics at play. The Biden administration’s engagement with HTS leader Mohammad Abu al-Julani underscores the shifting alliances in the region. Critics, such as those from The Grayzone, argue that this engagement could embolden extremist groups, while others see it as a pragmatic approach to stabilize the region.
In Europe, tensions are rising between Slovakia and Ukraine over gas transit issues. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of attempting to bribe him into supporting Ukraine’s NATO membership. The dispute centers around the expiration of a gas transit contract between Ukraine and Russia, with Slovakia concerned about losing significant transit fees. Fico’s allegations come amid broader EU efforts to sever energy ties with Russia, as stated by EU Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen. The situation highlights the geopolitical complexities surrounding energy security in Europe. While Fico’s claims have stirred controversy, Zelensky has emphasized the human cost of the conflict, underscoring the broader stakes involved.
US Politics
A constitutional debate has emerged over the potential role of J.D. Vance as Senate Majority Leader. Proposed by Senator Mike Lee and supported by Charlie Kirk, the idea suggests that Vance, as Vice President, could assume the dual role of President of the Senate and Senate Majority Leader. This untested concept could shift the legislative agenda and power dynamics in Washington, particularly given the current Senate majority’s reliance on Donald Trump’s influence. While the feasibility of this plan remains uncertain, it has sparked discussion about the potential impact on the Senate’s direction. Political analysts have expressed skepticism about the practicality of this proposal, noting the complexities of Senate rules and the established norms of party leadership.
Sources
Hurricane Helene Halts Quartz Mining in Spruce Pine, Threatening Global Semiconductor Supply Chain
Virtually the entire global supply of that quartz comes from one tiny town called Spruce Pine, North Carolina.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
Syria’s Political Earthquake: Assad’s Fall and the Geopolitical Domino Effect
Source | Submitted by AndyS62
US Knew of HTS Offensive to Topple Assad, Prepped Proxies for Action
The US had foreknowledge of the offensive led by the al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that ousted former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and helped another rebel group join the fight, The Telegraph reported this week.
Slovak PM Fico Accuses Zelensky of Bribery Over NATO Vote Amid Gas Transit Tensions
Slovak PM Fico Says Zelensky Tried to Bribe Him Into Voting for Ukraine Membership in NATO
J.D. Vance as Senate Majority Leader? A Constitutional Curveball from Mike Lee and Charlie Kirk Sparks Debate
John Adams presided over the U.S. Senate as Senate Majority Leader 200 years ago as Vice President of the United States.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: RyanMattaMedia, Al Jazeera, Amnesty International, The Grayzone, Politico, and The Hill.