Scott Bessent thinks that America can grow its way out of its $40 trillion national debt! Who the hell is he trying to kid? A country would need one hell of a lot of economic growth to be able to grow its way out of a debt as big as that! That man is living in Cloud-cuckoo-land! He is also talking tosh! — © Mark Alexander
August 23, 2026
U.S. Treasury Secretary's Total Fail on Iran
Scott Bessent thinks that America can grow its way out of its $40 trillion national debt! Who the hell is he trying to kid? A country would need one hell of a lot of economic growth to be able to grow its way out of a debt as big as that! That man is living in Cloud-cuckoo-land! He is also talking tosh! — © Mark Alexander
US-Canada Trade War: The Cost of Fighting Back | DW News
Droits de douane : Donald Trump empêtré dans sa croisade tarifaire mondiale
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Le locataire de la Maison-Blanche a réussi à tordre le bras à l’Europe et à d’autres pays pour obtenir des conditions avantageuses. Alors que le bras de fer avec le Canada est relancé, l’annulation, il y a six mois, d’une grosse partie des tarifs par la Cour suprême fragilise largement sa politique.
Œil pour œil, dent pour dent. Après l’échec des négociations commerciales avec Washington, le Canada a choisi la riposte. Dans la nuit de samedi à dimanche, Ottawa a annoncé à son tour des droits de douane d’un montant équivalent aux 20 milliards de dollars d’importations canadiennes ciblées par la Maison-Blanche. Un nouveau front de la guerre commerciale tous azimuts du président américain se rouvre.
Depuis son retour au pouvoir, Donald Trump a fait des droits de douane le principal instrument de sa politique étrangère, frappant tour à tour la quasi-totalité des partenaires économiques des États-Unis. Mais en l’espace de dix-huit mois maintenant, à force d’accords et de revirements, d’exemptions sectorielles, de pauses tarifaires, de petits arrangements ainsi que de dispositifs invalidés par la Cour suprême, la politique commerciale américaine est devenue un maquis insondable. » | Par Lucas Mediavilla | dimanche 23 août 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Trump s'est mis dans un sacré pétrin ! Il a entraîné ses compatriotes et lui-même dans une guerre contre l'Iran qu'il ne peut tout simplement pas gagner. Il est également engagé dans une guerre commerciale avec le Canada — qu'il ne peut pas remporter non plus — qui coûte cher à de nombreux acteurs américains, notamment aux producteurs de spiritueux et autres boissons alcoolisées.
Qui plus est, l'économie sous l'ère Trump bat de l'aile et les prix s'envolent. Pourtant, Trump continue de s'enfoncer dans un trou toujours plus profond !
Pour couronner le tout, la dette nationale américaine a explosé, dépassant les quarante mille milliards de dollars. La seule guerre contre l'Iran coûte environ un milliard de dollars par jour !
Voilà bien toute la maîtrise dont fait preuve Trump en matière d'économie et de géopolitique ! — © Mark Alexander
Iran Warns Gulf States Against Joining Trump’s Economic War, or Else
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Iran’s new hard-line national security adviser, Mohsen Rezaei, vowed to prevent “a single drop of oil” from leaving the region.
Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s new security chief, last month in Tehran. Though hostilities have largely ceased, the United States and Iran are locked in an economic standoff. Credit: Mohammed Salem/Reuters
President Trump has warned that “Economic D-Day” is coming for Iran. This weekend, Tehran promised to fight back, threatening any nation that helps the United States.
Iran’s new security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, on Saturday vowed to strike the interests of oil-rich neighbors if they joined U.S. efforts to further isolate Iran, whose economy is already in free fall. He warned that Tehran would seek to prevent “even a single drop of oil” from leaving the region.
“Any country that becomes a partner in creating economic restrictions against us will be regarded by us as an enemy,” he said in an interview with Iran’s state broadcaster.
Mr. Razaei is a political hard-liner and former head of the Revolutionary Guards. The interview offered his first extensive comments since taking up his new post two weeks ago — and struck an aggressive tone in line with Iran’s increasingly uncompromising regional strategy. At one point, he asked whether Iran should pursue building a nuclear bomb, which Tehran has previously insisted it has no intention of doing. » | Erika Solomon | Sunday, August 23, 2026
President Trump has warned that “Economic D-Day” is coming for Iran. This weekend, Tehran promised to fight back, threatening any nation that helps the United States.
Iran’s new security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, on Saturday vowed to strike the interests of oil-rich neighbors if they joined U.S. efforts to further isolate Iran, whose economy is already in free fall. He warned that Tehran would seek to prevent “even a single drop of oil” from leaving the region.
“Any country that becomes a partner in creating economic restrictions against us will be regarded by us as an enemy,” he said in an interview with Iran’s state broadcaster.
Mr. Razaei is a political hard-liner and former head of the Revolutionary Guards. The interview offered his first extensive comments since taking up his new post two weeks ago — and struck an aggressive tone in line with Iran’s increasingly uncompromising regional strategy. At one point, he asked whether Iran should pursue building a nuclear bomb, which Tehran has previously insisted it has no intention of doing. » | Erika Solomon | Sunday, August 23, 2026
What the Collapse of Trade Talks Means for U.S. Alcohol Sales
Richard Wolff: The Decline of the US Empire Is Accelerating Fast
Canadian PM Carney Reveals What Trump Demanded from Canada for a Trade Deal
Canada ‘at War’ With U.S. After Trade Talks Collapse, Carney Says
Jeffrey Sachs: America’s Economic Crisis - U.S. Debt & Rising Rates Signal Trouble
Aug 22, 2026 | Professor Jeffrey Sachs joins Judge Andrew Napolitano to discuss the growing challenges facing the U.S. economy, including rising interest rates, falling bond prices, massive federal deficits, and America’s $40 trillion national debt. Sachs argues that declining demand for U.S. Treasury securities reflects growing concerns about American economic policy and credibility.
The conversation also examines the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy, changing relationships with countries such as South Korea and Iran, and the broader reassessment of America’s global role. Sachs also discusses AIPAC, U.S. political races, and changing American attitudes toward Israel.
The conversation also examines the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy, changing relationships with countries such as South Korea and Iran, and the broader reassessment of America’s global role. Sachs also discusses AIPAC, U.S. political races, and changing American attitudes toward Israel.
August 22, 2026
Broken DUBAI: 10 Areas Turning Into Ghost Zones as Tourism Collapses in 2026
July 25, 2026 | What is really happening across Dubai in 2026?
After years of record-breaking tourism, some of Dubai's most famous destinations began experiencing quieter streets, changing visitor patterns, and growing economic uncertainty. But is Dubai really in decline, or is the reality more complex?
In this documentary, we explore 10 areas across Dubai that have sparked discussion about the city's future, including Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), DIFC, Global Village, and The World Islands.
After years of record-breaking tourism, some of Dubai's most famous destinations began experiencing quieter streets, changing visitor patterns, and growing economic uncertainty. But is Dubai really in decline, or is the reality more complex?
In this documentary, we explore 10 areas across Dubai that have sparked discussion about the city's future, including Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), DIFC, Global Village, and The World Islands.
Conflit au Moyen-Orient: Téhéran dit considérer comme un « ennemi » tout pays participant à la « guerre économique » de Washington
LE FIGARO : Le secrétaire du Conseil suprême de sécurité nationale iranien a appelé les pays du monde à ne pas se ranger derrière les États-Unis.
« Tout pays participant à la mise en place de restrictions économiques » à l’encontre de l’Iran est « considéré comme un ennemi »>i>, a déclaré samedi le secrétaire du Conseil suprême de sécurité nationale iranien, Mohsen Rezaï. « Nous déclarons à tous les pays autour de nous et tous les pays du monde: ne vous joignez pas à la guerre économique menée par les États-Unis », a déclaré Rezaï à la télévision d’État, après l’annonce par Washington d’un renforcement des sanctions économiques destinées à accentuer la pression sur Téhéran.
Si les pays concernés refusaient de « prendre leurs distances » avec les États-Unis, l’Iran porterait « atteinte à leurs intérêts », a-t-il ajouté. « Nous n’avons encore attaqué aucun intérêt économique américain » et « jusqu’à présent, nous n’avons ciblé que des bases militaires, mais s’ils veulent nous imposer des sanctions économiques, les États-Unis possèdent des entreprises pétrolières et économiques autour de l’Iran et ailleurs, et nous les frapperons », a poursuivi Mohsen Rezaei. Si Donald Trump « mène une action (contre nous), notre confrontation sera comme un séisme », a-t-il encore menacé. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 22 août 2026
« Tout pays participant à la mise en place de restrictions économiques » à l’encontre de l’Iran est « considéré comme un ennemi »>i>, a déclaré samedi le secrétaire du Conseil suprême de sécurité nationale iranien, Mohsen Rezaï. « Nous déclarons à tous les pays autour de nous et tous les pays du monde: ne vous joignez pas à la guerre économique menée par les États-Unis », a déclaré Rezaï à la télévision d’État, après l’annonce par Washington d’un renforcement des sanctions économiques destinées à accentuer la pression sur Téhéran.
Si les pays concernés refusaient de « prendre leurs distances » avec les États-Unis, l’Iran porterait « atteinte à leurs intérêts », a-t-il ajouté. « Nous n’avons encore attaqué aucun intérêt économique américain » et « jusqu’à présent, nous n’avons ciblé que des bases militaires, mais s’ils veulent nous imposer des sanctions économiques, les États-Unis possèdent des entreprises pétrolières et économiques autour de l’Iran et ailleurs, et nous les frapperons », a poursuivi Mohsen Rezaei. Si Donald Trump « mène une action (contre nous), notre confrontation sera comme un séisme », a-t-il encore menacé. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 22 août 2026
US-Schulden außer Kontrolle? Sandra Navidi: „Es wird langsam gefährlich“ | ntv
Trump's Put a 'Bandaid on a Bullet Hole' | Bond Expert Explains US Debt
Aug 22, 2026 | “We need higher growth and some kind of fiscal reform.”
The US “is in the midst of an innovation revolution” while also carrying a very large debt burden, but it is the “average household” that gets hurt, says Mohamed El-Erian, one of the world’s most respected bond-market experts and chief economic adviser at Allianz.
The US “is in the midst of an innovation revolution” while also carrying a very large debt burden, but it is the “average household” that gets hurt, says Mohamed El-Erian, one of the world’s most respected bond-market experts and chief economic adviser at Allianz.
Canada-U.S. Trade War Escalates as Talks Collapse
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Intense negotiations to stave off new levies by the Trump administration ended in an impasse as Mark Carney suspended talks. U.S. tariffs on Canada, and retaliatory tariffs on the U.S., will come into effect.
Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada said he suspended the trade talks because the American side introduced last-minute terms that ”called into question the reliability of any deal.” Credit: Greg Locke/Reuters
Crucial trade talks between the United States and Canada to stave off punishing new tariffs by the Trump administration on Canadian goods collapsed late Friday, with Canada saying it would retaliate “dollar for dollar.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada said he had decided to suspend the talks because the American side had introduced last-minute terms that were “unfair, uneconomic, and called into question the reliability of any deal.”
He added that the talks, which had been going on for weeks and had intensified in the past few days, had marked important progress but had ultimately “not been enough to meet our objectives for Canadians.”
United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told reporters that Canada had walked away from the negotiating table, minutes before a deadline ushering in new 50 percent tariffs by the Trump administration on a broad range of Canadian goods. » | Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Ian Austen and Ana Swanson | Matina Stevis-Gridneff reported from Toronto and Ian Austen from Ottawa. Ana Swanson reported from Washington | Published: Friday, August 21, 2016. Updated: Saturday, August 22, 2026
ALSO READ:
Carney Stands Up to Trump in Trade War Despite the Risks: Canada’s prime minister walked away from what he thought was a bad trade deal with the United States. Many Canadians are behind him, but it will be costly. »
Crucial trade talks between the United States and Canada to stave off punishing new tariffs by the Trump administration on Canadian goods collapsed late Friday, with Canada saying it would retaliate “dollar for dollar.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada said he had decided to suspend the talks because the American side had introduced last-minute terms that were “unfair, uneconomic, and called into question the reliability of any deal.”
He added that the talks, which had been going on for weeks and had intensified in the past few days, had marked important progress but had ultimately “not been enough to meet our objectives for Canadians.”
United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told reporters that Canada had walked away from the negotiating table, minutes before a deadline ushering in new 50 percent tariffs by the Trump administration on a broad range of Canadian goods. » | Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Ian Austen and Ana Swanson | Matina Stevis-Gridneff reported from Toronto and Ian Austen from Ottawa. Ana Swanson reported from Washington | Published: Friday, August 21, 2016. Updated: Saturday, August 22, 2026
ALSO READ:
Carney Stands Up to Trump in Trade War Despite the Risks: Canada’s prime minister walked away from what he thought was a bad trade deal with the United States. Many Canadians are behind him, but it will be costly. »
August 21, 2026
Professor Marandi: Iran Will Outweigh the United States
Aug 21, 2026 | On Thursday's episode of The Grand Standoff: Iran and the World, Professor Mohammad Marandi warned that Western economic warfare against Iranian civilians will yield direct consequences for regional regimes aligning with the United States.
Marandi emphasizes that if Western sanctions seek to choke off Iranian commerce, Tehran will apply reciprocal pressure to US assets and host nations across the region. Marandi further questioned the long-term viability of regimes that have sacrificed their stability to enable American policy, asserting that Iran possesses the endurance and strategic depth to outlast Washington’s siege tactics.
Marandi emphasizes that if Western sanctions seek to choke off Iranian commerce, Tehran will apply reciprocal pressure to US assets and host nations across the region. Marandi further questioned the long-term viability of regimes that have sacrificed their stability to enable American policy, asserting that Iran possesses the endurance and strategic depth to outlast Washington’s siege tactics.
How the US Is Using Iran’s Economy to Fight the War in the Middle East | BBC News
Aug 21, 2026 | US Vice President JD Vance says the Iran War is in a ‘new phase’ of economic pressure.
It comes as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said: “You are either with us or against us," as he urged US allies to support Washington's efforts to "squash" the Iranian economy.
But the Iranian Foreign Ministry has called the measures ‘economic terrorism’. The BBC has also heard from people inside Iran on what life is like for them.
It comes as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said: “You are either with us or against us," as he urged US allies to support Washington's efforts to "squash" the Iranian economy.
But the Iranian Foreign Ministry has called the measures ‘economic terrorism’. The BBC has also heard from people inside Iran on what life is like for them.
Was Clacton Fiasco Beginning of the End for Farage and Reform?
August 21, 2026 | Farage has gone missing since the Clacton by-election — and the party he built is falling apart around him.
I wasn't going to talk about Farage this week, but after the Clacton by-election he's done a disappearing act and Reform UK appears to be in complete meltdown.
n this video I look at why calling that by-election was the first major unforced error of Farage's career — the moment he realised he'd made a classic mistake and went to ground.
From the poll slump (27% down to 24%) to the pressers from Richard Tice and Bob Jenrick, the £50 billion benefit cut plan, and the long list of scandals and fallings-out — the £5 million gift, the tax investigations, the convictions — this is a party beginning to look like a complete rabble.
I also ask the bigger question: Is this finally it for the man who brought us Brexit? …
I wasn't going to talk about Farage this week, but after the Clacton by-election he's done a disappearing act and Reform UK appears to be in complete meltdown.
n this video I look at why calling that by-election was the first major unforced error of Farage's career — the moment he realised he'd made a classic mistake and went to ground.
From the poll slump (27% down to 24%) to the pressers from Richard Tice and Bob Jenrick, the £50 billion benefit cut plan, and the long list of scandals and fallings-out — the £5 million gift, the tax investigations, the convictions — this is a party beginning to look like a complete rabble.
I also ask the bigger question: Is this finally it for the man who brought us Brexit? …
$40 Trillion 'Time Bomb’': Is Trump about to Break the Global Economy?
Aug 21, 2026 | Is Donald Trump driving the world economy off a cliff while you’re on your summer holiday?
America has just passed $40 trillion of debt. Trump’s tariffs are pushing up prices, his tax cuts are adding to the deficit, and his war with Iran has sent oil prices soaring. Now bond markets are turning on him. The US treasury has tried to step in and calm the bond markets, but it doesn’t appear to have worked. So what exactly is going on?
Is this just a wobble in the bond markets - or a sign of something much worse to come?
On this episode of The Fourcast, Ciaran Jenkins is joined by Pippa Malmgren, who served as an economic adviser to President George W. Bush, and The Economist’s economics editor Archie Hall.
America has just passed $40 trillion of debt. Trump’s tariffs are pushing up prices, his tax cuts are adding to the deficit, and his war with Iran has sent oil prices soaring. Now bond markets are turning on him. The US treasury has tried to step in and calm the bond markets, but it doesn’t appear to have worked. So what exactly is going on?
Is this just a wobble in the bond markets - or a sign of something much worse to come?
On this episode of The Fourcast, Ciaran Jenkins is joined by Pippa Malmgren, who served as an economic adviser to President George W. Bush, and The Economist’s economics editor Archie Hall.
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