Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Saturday, July 25, 2026

Approximately 10% of the world's nitrogen based fertilizer comes through the Persian Gulf That supply line has been severed. We have already lost a crop yield. We have already lost a growing season with reduced fertilizer. This damaged to this growing season was slightly prevented by use of alternative fertilizers and the limited stockpiles The next growing season-September to November will see a major reduction in output. It is inevitable. The world lives on a "just in time" model of razor thin margins for food supply to the most vulnerable places on earth. Countries that were food poor even before this war relied heavily on donated food. The coming crop yield will be significantly lower meaning famine. This damage is unavoidable at this point. But the real harm comes in 2027 when these losses multiply. Keep in mind that the alternative fertilizer processes say for phosphorus based fertilizer uses sulfur which comes from LNG processing.

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And add in the higher cost of diesel fuel which is used to harvest and transport food.

We are looking at a catastrophe of epic proportions.

The development of a cost-effective fertilizer within the last 80-100 years has permitted the world to grow enough food to support 8 billion + people.

That may be ending and we may be returning to a pre- time when agriculture could support only 2 billion people

So it is not crazy to imagine that if this war goes on for another 5 or 6 months that famine and starvation will kill 10s of millions of people.

And understand that that type of food insecurity causes mass migration. From the global south to the global north.

Expect another flood of immigrants, seeking food.

#1 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-07-25 02:13 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

This is what happens when you elect an idiot to be your president

#2 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-07-25 02:13 PM | Reply

This is what happens when you elect an idiot to be your president
#2 | POSTED BY TRUTHHURTS

"But wait! There's more!"
Ron Popeil

So ... much ... more.

#3 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-25 02:50 PM | Reply

These are some resources I used before I retired from the USIC: fews.net

You can marry up the data from fews.net with the data from iom.int

Sidenote: 250,000 people in France and Spain were evacuated because of uncontrollable wildfires. More carbon in the atmosphere, more arable land destroyed, and innocent wildlife killed.

The novel Make Room! Make Room! (Harry Harrison, 1966) was the basis for Soylent Green (1973).

Dystopia ad portas.

#4 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-07-25 03:19 PM | Reply

This is what happens when you elect an idiot to be your president
#2 | POSTED BY TRUTHHURTS

With only 30 months left in his term.

#5 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-25 04:37 PM | Reply

"This is what happens when you elect an idiot to be your president"

Exactly. End it. Take out the water facilities NOW!

#6 | Posted by rf4b at 2026-07-25 09:24 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

If Iran wants to starve the world, let them drink sand.

#7 | Posted by rf4b at 2026-07-25 09:25 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

If Iran wants to starve the world, let them drink sand.

#7 | Posted by rf4b

Pedos and War Crimes

Just a match made in MAGA.

#8 | Posted by Sycophant at 2026-07-25 09:29 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

If Iran wants to starve the world, let them drink sand.

#7 | Posted by rf4b

I know you are intensely stupid Pedo but let me help you.

First, that's called a War Crime.

Second, at any time, Iran can end our ability to get oil from the Middle East. They can take out the oil fields, refineries, and desalination plants. About 75-80% of water in most of the oil exporting countries except Iran come from Desalination. No water, no workers, no oil. It would take 3-5 years to get oil pumping again. We can't go that long. Especially if China starts importing again rather than using their reserves.

#9 | Posted by Sycophant at 2026-07-25 09:33 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

rf4b sounds like a jihadist.

He was just born here.

#10 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-07-25 09:46 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

If Iran wants to starve the world, let them drink sand.
#7 | Posted by rf4b

Desalination currently provides a very small fraction"roughly 3%"of Iran's potable water, and only about 0.2% of its total overall water consumption. Unlike neighboring Gulf states that depend on it for up to 90% of their supply, Iran still relies primarily on traditional rivers, reservoirs, and heavily depleted underground aquifers.

You're an idiot

Meanwhile
Approximately 90 percent of Kuwait's drinking and residential water comes from desalination.
Desalination provides 59 percent of Bahrain's total national water supply, a figure that jumps to over 90 percent (and up to nearly 100 percent) specifically for drinking and municipal water needs
Approximately 42 percent of the United Arab Emirates' overall drinking and potable water comes from desalination plants, according to official government data. The remainder of the country's broader water supply relies heavily on natural groundwater and treated wastewater
Approximately 70% of Saudi Arabia's drinking water comes from desalination, though desalination accounts for about 18% to 60% of its total overall water consumption depending on whether agriculture and heavy industrial use are included. The country relies heavily on this infrastructure managed by the Saudi Water Authority (formerly SWCC).
Desalination accounts for approximately 85% to 90% of Israel's municipal (drinking) water supply. This is generated by five major Mediterranean coastal plants (Ashkelon, Palmachim, Hadera, Sorek, and Ashdod) and numerous smaller brackish groundwater plants in the Arava region

Like I said, you're a idiot

#11 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-07-25 09:52 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Meanwhile, meanwhile, idiots like rf4b ignore the point of the thread, which is we are on the verge of a global famine that could kill 10s of millions of people.

#12 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-07-25 09:53 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Like I said, you're a idiot

Posted by truthhurts at 2026-07-25 09:52 PM

You're an idiot.

FTFY

#13 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2026-07-25 09:53 PM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

Fair nuff lol

#14 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-07-25 10:06 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

"Like I said, you're a idiot"

This stuff writes itself.

#15 | Posted by rf4b at 2026-07-25 10:34 PM | Reply


Like I said, you're a idiot

LOL you're the idiot TruthNNuts.

If TruthNNuts was honest, he's say Trump is saving the planet...

Globally, nitrogen use efficiency is 46%, but the ratio should be much closer to 100%, said environmental scientist Xin Zhang at the University of Maryland, who led the latest study. The crops with the lowest nitrogen efficiency are fruits and vegetables, at around 14%, said Zhang. In contrast, soybeans, which are natural nitrogen fixers, have a high efficiency of 80%.

Approximately 10% of the world's nitrogen based fertilizer comes through the Persian Gulf That supply line has been severed.

Just a 10% decrease in nitrogen fertilizer led to only a 0.6% yield reduction and cut nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen leaching. "Our analysis revealed hot spots where excessive nitrogen fertilizer can be cut without yield penalty," said bioproducts and biosystems engineer Zhenong Jin at the University of Minnesota.
eos.org

#16 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-07-25 11:20 PM | Reply

If Iran wants to starve the world, let them drink sand.
#7 | Posted by rf4b

You hate Muslims.
The more dead Muslims the better.

This war mostly affects Muslims, in Iran and nearby.
The longer Iran fights, the more Muslims die.
So you should be on Iran's side in this war.

#17 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-07-26 10:30 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

#11 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-07-25 09:52 PM | Reply

Still wedded to the Iran Can Depopulate the Region strategy. Trying to take out distributed infrastructure in 6 different countries, and completely mission kill it, not just cause a temporary disruption.

If it worked, Russia would be in Kyiv. Compared to Iran, despite having 10x the cruise missiles, 8x the air force in numbers and far superior in quality, largest missile inventory in the world also superior in quality, thousands more long range drones, and using all of it to attack Ukrainian civil infrastructure for 3 years and 10 months.

#18 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-07-27 08:44 AM | Reply

This war mostly affects Muslims, in Iran and nearby.

#17 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-07-26 10:30 AM | Reply | Flag:

Nobody kills muslims like other muslims. It's almost like it's a permanent holy war between rival sects.

#19 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-07-27 08:45 AM | Reply

Still wedded to the Iran Can Depopulate the Region strategy. Trying to take out distributed infrastructure in 6 different countries, and completely mission kill it, not just cause a temporary disruption.
If it worked, Russia would be in Kyiv. Compared to Iran, despite having 10x the cruise missiles, 8x the air force in numbers and far superior in quality, largest missile inventory in the world also superior in quality, thousands more long range drones, and using all of it to attack Ukrainian civil infrastructure for 3 years and 10 months.

#18 | Posted by sitzkrieg

Ukraine receives essentially 0% of its water from desalination,

Electricity, which Russia has targeted is not as critical as water.

You're stupid if you don't understand that

And Iran doesn't have to knock out the entire system, knocking out 10-20% of Kuwait's capacity is likely enough to collapse their government

#20 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-07-27 10:21 AM | Reply

Ahh, Ukrainians don't need water! Such a valid defense!

"Ukraine's water system is highly dependent on electricity to function.

Key Electrical Dependencies

Pumping Stations: Electric pumps move water from natural sources to treatment plants and uphill to high-rise residential buildings.Treatment Facilities: Modern purification plants rely heavily on electrical power to run automated filtration systems and chemical dosing.
Wastewater Treatment: Processing plants require constant electricity to treat sewage and prevent environmental contamination.

#21 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-07-27 10:46 AM | Reply

No power = no water, no waste water treatment.

Your Russian strategy is ineffective.

#22 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-07-27 10:47 AM | Reply

"Ukraine's water system is highly dependent on electricity to function."

But not to desalinate.
You pick the weirdest hills to die on sometimes. Is it the Kratom?

#23 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-07-27 10:48 AM | Reply

Ukraine has solar powered desalinization in Mykolaiv.

Speaking of weird hills, watching Russians fail with 10x the military to implement that strategy, for 4 years, and thinking Iran can do it easily and is just holding back, is the dumbest hill to die on.

#24 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-07-27 10:51 AM | Reply

The funniest part about this thread, Iran tried it, already. They spent 4 days on it last week. They're not holding back.

The sum total of the damage is... people in Kuwait have been asked to reduce their air conditioner use.

#25 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-07-27 10:55 AM | Reply

Sitzwar is the Moron who wouldn't admit the Dead Ducks in the Reflecting Pool were Mallards, not Muscovys.

After it was obvious to everyone.

Dying on Stupid hills is his Wheelhouse.

Lol.

#26 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-07-27 12:05 PM | Reply

** BEHOLD ** ** BEHOLD ** ** BEHOLD **

The quintessential example of actually dying on stupid hills:

Sitzwar is the Moron who wouldn't admit the Dead Ducks in the Reflecting Pool were Mallards, not Muscovys.

After it was obvious to everyone.

Dying on Stupid hills is his Wheelhouse.

Lol.

#26 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-07-27 12:05 PM

Yep.

The concern of the weak minded: Are the Dead Ducks in the Reflecting Pool Mallards or Muscovys ? ? ? ?

Lol.

#27 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-07-27 12:11 PM | Reply

Truth is always more relevant than Delusions and Denial.

People who Lie about small things tend to Lie about big things.

Hasbara Boy.

Like lying about being, A Friend.

You're Nobody's Friend but Bibi's.

Lol.

#28 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-07-27 12:15 PM | Reply

The Putin bot's capitalization scheme is wild. It could be coded better.

#29 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-07-27 12:16 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

When people start critiquing my Capitalization, I know they have LOST on the actual Arguments.

Were they Mallards, Or Muscovys, O'Master of War?

I know you Won't Answer, because you were Wrong and Died on that Hill.

Lol.

#30 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-07-27 12:21 PM | Reply

uh huh. Your account lost its voice the day it said Nazis were in Ukraine. In fact I don't even remember this account from before that. You should change your name and move on.

#31 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-07-27 12:26 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Now it's just the same RT spam since, only compelling occasionally because of the absurdity.

#32 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-07-27 12:27 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"Never let anybody waste your time twice," no matter how geunine they may sound at times.

Some trolls adopt sophistries that sound convincing or intellectual, but their real mission is to distract and deflect away from real problems and the causes of those problems.

They are holograms that bleat talking points, nothing more, nothing less.

Trolls are the online analogs of TV tumors Joe Rogaine and Bill Maher, the Soma-dispensing Judas Goats making a fortune on MSM pretending to be on the side of Joe Sixpack or Jane Vassar.

*Killfile*

#33 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-07-27 12:29 PM | Reply

Still Dead on that Hill...

How Hard is it to Admit, Being Full of ----?

It's Sad actually, to see someone so Afraid of Admitting Error.

Kinda Trumpian Actually.

Like Sharpiegate, only Even Dumber.

Lol.

#34 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-07-27 12:30 PM | Reply

#30 effette spews forth proof of the concern of the weak minded:

"Were they Mallards, Or Muscovys, O'Master of War?"
Don't know, don't care.

It isn't a concern of mine, o weak-minded one.

Why is it a concern of yours, o weak-minded one ? ? ? ?

#35 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-07-27 12:35 PM | Reply

Because is shows a Contempt for the Truth.

If he stubbornly continues to Lie about something as minor as Dead Ducks why wouldn't ALL OF HIS ARGUMENTS be LIES?

His Credibility is Nil.

As is Your's, Hasbara Boy.

You Lie about Everything, Including your actual Agenda on this Forum.

You Sow Division and call Yourself, A Friend.

Sick Stuff, -------.

#36 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-07-27 12:40 PM | Reply

The Israeli trolls are out in full force today to distract us from Benjamin Netanyahu's unwanted presence on American soil.

A. Fiend posted pablum today, SITZKRIEG seems to be blathering away on this thread, CutiePie made her hit-and-run appearance on my thread, and R2DT posted cr*p about assault rifles in NJ or somesuch. And he highlights comments as "FUNNY" like a stalker.

Distract, deflect, demur, deny....

*Killfile* thankfully spares me their mishegoss.

One wonders how many folks on drudge.com still fall for these holograms.

#37 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-07-27 12:44 PM | Reply

#36 effete continues to puke out nonsense like the species of a waterfowl is indicative of anything but a neurotic fixation on the useless: "Because is shows a Contempt for the Truth."

You read that right:

effete sets his truthiness meter to "What kind of a duck is this...", and then thinks the wrong answer is a perjury offense worthy of banishment and worse.

Meanwhile, the truth rings out, loud-and-clear ...

Your account lost its voice the day it said Nazis were in Ukraine. In fact I don't even remember this account from before that. You should change your name and move on.
Knight vs ducks: a quest begins


click image - above - for a larger view

#38 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-07-27 01:00 PM | Reply

#37 Hard at work ...

click image - above - for larger view

#39 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-07-27 01:09 PM | Reply

But the Ducks,...WERE MALLARDS.

Sitzwar lied as Usual,then continued to Lie after being shown to be WRONG.

Now you take such a Deep Deep, interest in my Exposing something "Trivial" and "Unimportant".

The Truth Is important.

That's why Even Your Moniker is so Offensive.

When I first saw that you Called Yourself "A Friend", I knew you were Anything But.

#40 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-07-27 01:09 PM | Reply

#40 o do tell us, effete, who are you fighting off here, the Mallards or the Muscovys????

.

click image for larger view

Since you're the expert, and all .

#41 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-07-27 01:43 PM | Reply

Mallards, uh, Duh.

That's how I know you're Really in Israel.

A Native Born American would know what those Ducks are in Kindergarten. They are widespread and common throughout the majority of the Country, Muscovy Ducks look completely different and are an Exotic, somewhat invasive species. They are Cool birds Though.

That's why Sitzwar Dying on that hill was So Stupid.

And you show ignorance about things actual Americans almost Universally Know from early Childhood.

#42 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-07-27 02:30 PM | Reply

#42 Dying on Duck Hill?

Isn't that your job, effete?


click image - above - for larger view

Oh, and here's the current weather in Tel Aviv.

You're welcome.

#43 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-07-27 02:53 PM | Reply

Thanks for the weather update, Schlomo.

#44 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-07-27 02:59 PM | Reply

I think Donnerboy still inexplicably interacts with SITZKRIEG, an outed Israeli troll.

Must be fascinating communicating with a soulless hologram.

Thank you, *Killfile*!

#45 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-07-27 03:00 PM | Reply

"SITZKRIEG, an outed Israeli troll."

He trolls on his own dime. A "True Believer" if you will.

#46 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-07-27 03:01 PM | Reply

He's an effing Moron.

All Acronyms and military Jargon but dumb as hell.

Stubborn about being Corrected too.

#47 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-07-27 03:08 PM | Reply

SITZKRIEG, an outed Israeli troll.
A_Friend, an outed Israeli troll.
CutiePie, an outed Israeli troll.
Our host must be very proud:

The State of Israel has devoted not 1, not 2, but at least three (3) Israeli trolls the the Drudge Retort:

Recent third-party estimates put drudge.com at roughly:

~37,000 monthly visits (May 2026 estimate) according to Semrush.

Traffic is overwhelmingly direct traffic (people typing the address or using bookmarks), which is typical for legacy destination sites.

That is a very small share of the overall online news market.

For comparison, major news publishers receive tens or hundreds of millions of monthly visits, so drudge.com would generally be a fraction of 1% of total digital news traffic.

What an amazing accomplishment for our host, to attract such attention from the State of Israel ! ! ! !

#48 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-07-27 03:10 PM | Reply

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