David L. Smith of the Geneva Business Insider blog joins us once again for our monthly conversation on economics, finance and politics. This month we delve into the pipeline proxy war behind the Syrian destabilization, the latest calls by Merkel and crew for an end to austerity, and the insanity taking place in Japan in the name of Abenomics. We also discuss the booming demand for gold and the tricks being played by the bullion banks to get out of their short positions while the market is suppressed.