Hillbilly wisdom: Hoopie always said, “Don’t ask for what you can’t give”. There are guesses about the upcoming talks between Xi and Trump. Basically the public does not know what to expect. One topic is the overproduction of products by China which drives the prices down and makes competition between countries “unfair’. An example might be electric vehicles. China because of their investment in technology makes electric vehicles cheaper than any other country. United States counters with the largest military exports in the world plus control of a large portion of energy sales. How will China view disruptions to their energy flows and trade contracts? Another possibility the United States is advancing second hand sanctions or tariffs against countries trading with Iran. China has large trading positions with Iran. China’s trade is a weapon very similar to the United States military hardware.

The other side of the coin.

Saudi Arabia’s purchase of 48 F-35 for 24.3 billion is contingent upon Congressional approval.

Saudi Arabia has cut deliveries of crude to the European costumers. This action is a direct restriction upon the world wide energy shortage. The United States currently will not help Saudi Arabia against Houthis- might be a negotiating point. Trump keeps pushing the Abrams Accord which is not happening. Trump’s dilemma is not the 24.3 billion aircraft sales to Saudi Arabia.

Who will be the “last man standing” in the region?

The United States’ ability to protect the region has been shown “to be lacking”. You can’t profit if you aren’t in the game. Trump counters Aircraft sales to Saudi with a proposed sell- 2.4 billion heavy bombs to Israel. Israel has treaty with the United States which guarantees Israel’s weapon superiority. The bombs are a little icing on the cake.

Netanyahu is also coming to town before Xi. Prediction: Trump will go with the money; sell to both sides ; and keep the chaos going.

Oil disruptions in the Middle East benefit the other oil producing nations. Total shutdown raises the price of crude for anyone in production or in control of production.

Israel has the support of one external country- United States. If the conflict can be contained within the Middle East, then NATO countries are out of it. But the war continues. The consequences will come later; the pain will continue and increase; and somebody (?) will pay for it all.

In summary or The edge of the coin where side one meets side two, there is an ongoing shift of power in the world and the actions in the Middle East are having ripple effects throughout the world. The deal is yet to be made and China is scheduled to meet with the United States for talks.