Shortly after the start of the war in Iran on February 28, Iran declared that the Strait of Hormuz — which is used to transport about 20% of the world’s oil — was closed.
"[N]o indication of a strategic direction other than blowing stuff up and seeing what happens."
Real glad us taxpayers are helping fund a war which isn't officially a war but totally is a war, especially one that lacks a clear justification or any semblance of a plan. Top-notch stuff, America.
The maladministration thought the Iranians were cowards like they (`the maladmin) are and would instantly give up. They believed their own propaganda which convinced them that "shock and awe" were all that was needed, that the experienced military "leaders" were merely too weak or too woke and despite all historical evidence to the contrary, they would succeed in their M.E. "excursion" because this time, THEY'RE the ones doing it and they are exceptionally, especially special beings on account of they're rich and therefore are possessed of superior genes!
The minesweeper saga is especially ludicrous. Trump had four battle-tested Avenger class minesweepers *already* in the Persian Gulf. Old, yes. But extremely reliable, and with very experienced crews. Which Trump/Hegseth *sent home,* assigning only a single new Littoral Combat Vessel. Which has promising new, but untested, minesweeping capabilities. That appears to be malfunctioning. Now Trump is begging our allies for minesweeping assistance.
Meanwhile the price of gas at the pump reached $3.71; and continues to rise daily. The war is costing taxpayers up to $20billion/week. The entire world--8.3 billion people--are now paying 30% more for gasoline and cooking fuel because of Trump & Bibi's war of choice. Trump now has to either beg the Iranians for a ceasefire--or escalate with boots on the ground.
The key point: The head of the National Counterterrorism Center chosen by trump resigned because he said there was no imminent danger from Iran and he could no longer support the war effort.
He blamed the Israelis (and Israeli lobbying) which is interesting because Marco Rubio said on March 2nd:
• We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action. We knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces.”
“And we knew that if we didn't preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties ... And then we would all be here answering questions about why we knew that and didn't act”
• The same day: Mike Johnson indicated after a classified briefing, it was a “defensive operation” because Israel was ready to act against Iran “with or without American support.” The WH believed Israel was "determined to act on its own" leaving trump the "very difficult decision" to join the offensive to protect US personnel & assets after the WH determined Iran would retaliate.
Kent also blamed (unspecified) American media for the spreading the misinformation about the nuclear dangers Iran. Doesn’t everyone in the administration constantly blame the media for anything’s that happened & things that never happened?
The Israelis have attacked Iran before without needing to draw us in us as well. Why couldn't we have just let Bibi attack Iran, and just stay out of it like we've done before?
Kent said AIPAC--which has *enormous* power in DC--strongarmed the Administration. But the AIPAC crowd have *always* pushed for war with Iran. Since like the Yom Kippur War (1973); with the exception of the Iran-Iraq War years, when their two biggest enemies were busy killing each other.
The only other big reasons for war, are to benefit Daddy Vladdy's oil revenue--along with US Big Oil...and distraction from those pesky Trump-Epstein files.
I think so, except for prolonged closing of the Strait which does not affect Israel. Although Iran has often threatened it, Iran had never done so. He and Putie may have discussed it. Either way, it’s a 30 day deal Putin got. Was it in anticipation of a brief shutdown of the Strait? Or quiet extensions? Meanwhile, he and his billionaire pals (probably including Cabinet members) are raking in $$ hand over fist.
The US bombing Iran lets Israel concentrate more on destroying Lebanon, again. Another reason Bibi, AIPAC and others can cheer. Our Arab allies are burning through their defensive munitions. Israel is burning through its stockpile & the US is too (except apparently a big pile of dumb bombs.)
I don’t believe he saw any negatives that would not succumb to his & Bibi’s partnership. Historically a military conflict raises approval of a president and his party. It’s working for Bibi. In the US it is especially true if the ‘excursion’ is short. I suspect earlier reporting that he expected it to last 4 days is true. It’s running longer and he has only assassinations mostly done by Israel for deliverables. The rest are all bad news as we close in on week 3.
Neither of whom were stupid enough to let Bibi lure them into a quagmire in the Middle East for the very reasons that are playing out now. Bibi knew that Trump and his idiotic henchmen, Rubio and Hegseth would bomb first and ask questions later. This is going to make Iraq,Afghanistan and Vietnam Nam look like rational “expeditions “.
Trump is also under the direction of MBS. After all, MBS did give Jared billions of dollars. They pay the Trump family and then we, the american people, pay them back with our military.
Who doesn't want to know what MBS and the other Gulf State leadership have been secretly lobbying for regards Iran? Nixing Iran's oil export capacity--12% of global supply--is something Russia and every other oil exporter or Oil Company wants. Because they'll make lots more money.
The recent admission by Trump that it was Kushner who pushed him hard for war is telling. But did he do so for Israel? For MBS? For both?
Obviously the fewer oil exporters the more clout they have. That’s one reason Trump wants to take over oil supplies - or compliant oil puppets will do.
We should not--ever--underestimate the power of AIPAC and the rest of increasingly GOP-affiliated pro-Likud Zionist crowd in DC. Which is why both parties have seen to it that Israel has received $32 billion or so from taxpayers for their insane Gaza war. AIPAC has had a decades-long boner for war with Iran.
But Desperate Donny urgently needs to re-open the Straits of Hormuz to tanker traffic, or both the world economy--and the GOP's prospects this November--will go up in flames. Which means he either needs to beg Iran for a ceasefire; or escalate with boots on the ground.
Not to mention the LCS has a relatively small fuel capacity. To get to the SoH, they'll need to fuel at least twice. There are good reasons it's called the Little Crappy Ship among the ranks.
Trump is a draft dodger doesn't have any military experience and Hegseth is an alcoholic blowhard who mostly knows to do whatever Trump asks. I wouldn't be surprised if this war wasn't just a way to cover up and distract from issues at home. In fact, it just shows yet again what an incompetent government we have.
The war was created to divert attention from Epstein- pure & simple. This toad has cost the lives of American soldiers for something as criminal as that.
Oh my, the new unmanned ships are not reliable and one did not return to the "mothership"? No, no, no. You cannot unman something and call it a mother. Let's call Hegseth's ships the daddyships in honor of our complete moron of a defense secretary, or even broships because they act like an idiot who won't and can't control itself or those it brought with it.
Once again. The global war that has to be fought and won if civilization is to survive. Is against the greedy bastards who profit from this kind of political oligarchy.
I am in Germany. I am reading that our government does not want to "assist" Trump in the Strait of Hormuz. The stance of the EU is that this is not a conflict where the US is defending itself, but one of aggression. NATO allies are not required to help in such a situation. They have been telling Trump that diplomacy is the way to go.
As an American in the world, even though I am also a German, I feel we Americans are in greater danger because a Fatwa has now been administered for all Americans. So, those of us living outside of the US are particularly vulnerable to attack. In many cities outside of the US members of Indivisible Abroad are planning No Kings Day Rallies. Will we be a vulnerable collective for assassination? I guess we will find out. I am still planning our No Kings Day rally, and the other people in my group did not listen to Malcolm Nance discussing with his Muslim guest, how Fatwas work, so I am the only one worrying about this. We need to make a good safety plan. Luckily guns are not so common in Germany. Vehicles are often used to attack.
Germany is already a potential target of Iranian ire because unlike Spain and the UK, it has been allowing the US to use its military bases here to operate the war. Planes fly in and out of Ramstein to the Middle East, and probably from other bases here as well, and the wounded US soldiers are being brought to hospitals at Ramstein. In addition, the Israeli government jet , "Wings of Zion" is parked in the airport in Berlin. This is something they do when they have a conflict with Iran. Someone I know saw it there when they were leaving Berlin 2 weeks ago. So, this war of the US and Israel is endangering Iranians, people in other countries in the Middle East.
I attended an anti-war rally in my city last week. I wrote a piece, which is mostly pictures.
Only six words are needed anymore to describe the administration of the Queens real estate mob boss sundowning as President - Planning is hard. Chaos is easy.
Planning....hell when you look at the total shitshow, I'd say THINKING is hard, chaos is easy. Forget planning, they don't appear to even have stopped to think of clearly obvious ripple effects
This holds true for electing the wrong people...destroying the country and the governmental infrastructure is easy. Fixing it again is harder.
Let's protect our free and fair elections, and vote the right people into office this time. Don't listen to what they say, see what they do and how they vote in Congress.
That puts us in a box. If true, trump is not capable of crimes including war crimes. Impeachment is for crimes & conviction. The 25th amendment is for removing a president for “inability.” That begins with the VP & majority of the Cabinet. He can then dispute the claim & go to Congress where it takes a 2/3 majority in both the House and Senate within 21 days to remove him. While it is in dispute he has all the powers of the presidency.
Rubio said that Iran closing the Straits would be "suicidal". Funny how the willingness to do suicidal missions skyrockets when your opponent is actively murdering your side already. FFS, Netanyahu even promised to kill the Ayatollah's replacement before they were even named.
I agree with the countries that Trump is soliciting for help. It is not their war. However, they could play the situation the way Trump would and that is pay for play: You (Trump) do this for me forever (no tariffs, etc.) then I’ll consider helping you. He understands that kind of “negotiation”.
How many would listen? How many would continue to pretend not to hear?
It is not a crime to be unable. Impeachment is for crimes & convictions. They could try that excuse this time. (Last time it was the Courts will take care of it.)
Thank you for your cogent, well-informed, depressing reportage. Appreciate your work - hope it is widely reported. (I also remain horrified - and besmirched as an American)
"In 1953, Iran’s new parliament decided to nationalize the British imperial oil concession there to fund social services for its emerging democracy. In response, a joint CIA-MI6 coup ousted the reformist prime minister and installed the son of the long-deposed former Shah in power. Unfortunately for the Iranian people, he proved to be a strikingly inept leader who transformed his country’s oil wealth into mass poverty — thereby precipitating Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution.
By 1954, Guatemala was implementing an historic land reform program that was investing its mostly Mayan indigenous population with the requisites for full citizenship. Unfortunately, a CIA-sponsored invasion installed a brutal military dictatorship, plunging the country into 30 years of civil war that left 200,000 people dead in a population of only five million."
Our feckless foreign policy dealing with Iran started in 1953. When will the media discuss our history with Iran every time Iran is discussed?
Golden Rule of Politics - When a country does a great deal of evil to a country that has caused it no harm - example Iran in 1953, it should not be surprised when countries it has never harmed want to destroy it before the country is able to harm them.
Iran was a FRIEND OF THE USA and then the USA decided to do great deal of evil to Iran.
USA has nationalized industries in peace time and War. Steel and coal may have been nationalized when Harry Truman was President.
Eisenhower used CIA to overthrow our FRIEND Iran because of oil and Guatemala because of business ties his administration had with United Fruit. The following article shows some of the business ties
In first, CIA acknowledges 1953 coup it backed to overthrow leader of Iran was undemocratic
The CIA decided to terrorize people in Iran for over 20 years after the overthrow. This led to the Iranian hostage crisis, bombing of our embassy in Lebanon, and the murder of our Marines in Beirut in 1983.
Did Israel's spy agency and Israel's military help CIA terrorize and murder people inside and outside of Iran?
One of main reasons illegal immigration is a major problem in USA - Eisenhower broke Central America.
The decision to attack Iran does not belong to the President. It belongs to Congress. When will members of Congress fulfill all their responsibilities dealing with the military? Congress could take full control of the military including control of nuclear weapons via Letters of Marque and Reprisal and make Rules and Regulations of the military.
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;"
There were draft riots during the Civil War. I expect future military drafts would have worse riots.
An Amendment to the Constitution that Eliminates the Draft as a Possibility
"I am glad you are talking about the importance of Declaring War with Iraq before we send significant numbers of land troops against Iraq. I hope people will write to members of Congress and demand that they start fulfilling all of their Article One, Section Eight War Making responsibilities."
What do you mean 'not at all responsible to the Congress of the United States'?
"The threat of SAM attacks on U.S. airliners was acknowledged in an FAA study in 1993, which noted that as passenger and baggage screening became more rigorous, the chances of missile strikes would rise. The U.S. government’s interest in the problem followed its decision to supply Afghan mujahedeen fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan — whose ranks included Osama bin Laden and many of his al-Qaeda lieutenants — with about 1,000 Stinger missiles in the 1980s. Pentagon officials credit the Stinger with downing about 250 Soviet aircraft."
I have believed for many years that White Christian terrorists in USA and Europe will blow up commercial aircraft on takeoffs, landings, and other times. Muslims may be blamed for attacking commercial aircraft when White Christians committed the attacks.
Most of the deaths would be on the ground if the jet fuel bombs crash into highly populated areas.
Iran may decide to attack commercial aircraft.
Less than 5,000 people died on 9/11. If the planes had been flown into the ground in highly populated areas, a lot more people would have died.
If you want to see what could happen, look at photos from World War 2 dealing with the firebombing of Germany.
"Sept. 11, 2001 — On the day of the terror attacks in New York and Washington, there are only 33 air marshals, none of whom fly domestically. The hijackings spur an overhaul of aviation security, including the hiring of more than 4,000 air marshals for the newly created Transportation Security Administration. The service is headed by Thomas Quinn, a former Secret Service agent."
Terrorists many years after 9/11 could have blown up as many planes as they wanted with cell phone bombs in cargo of planes.
Airplane security, airport security, and Federal building security were checked out by GAO many years after 9/11 and they failed.
A Perspective on Cockpit Security since 9/11
Has the airline industry mitigated risks? Yes, but it's an evolving process that requires everyone to participate.
Excellent historical review. Thank you for this. I would tell friends during the Shrub's years as president that Iran doesn't hate us for our freedoms, they hate us for wehat we did to their democratically elected leader and no one would know what I was talking about.
They'd complain about South American and Mexican immigrants coming here and ask why can't they just stay home and "fix their own country?" I'd ask them if they ever heard of the excesses of the United Fruit Company in the South Americas and no one would know what I was talking about.
This country has never been innocent and always been hypocritical. Now we've even grown worse due to interference, indifference and ignorance.
However, all is not lost and we can educate and motivate enough people to make positive change. Indeed, the change is happening already but there is still a long way to go.
The federal government should pay 100 percent of the cost of providing public k-12 educations to illegal immigrants and the children of illegal immigrants including those children born in the United States of America. The federal government should pay 100 percent of the cost of Medicaid for illegal immigrants and the children of illegal immigrants including those children born in the United States of America. The federal government should pay 100 percent of the cost of food stamps and other anti-poverty programs for illegal immigrants and the children of illegal immigrants including those children born in the United States of America. The federal government should pay 100 percent of the cost of jailing illegal immigrants and the children of illegal immigrants including those children born in the United States of America. Local governments and state governments should send bills to the federal government for the previous things and the federal government should pay them because the federal government is responsible for keeping illegal immigrants out.
An important component of national security is border security. Democrat members of Congress, Republican members of Congress, Republican Presidents, and Democrat Presidents have not cared enough about border security. We need to be worried about illegal immigration, terrorism, crime, diseases, and harm to our food supply.
Our country should significantly increase LEGAL IMMIGRATION in the future especially educated immigration and skilled immigration. Our country should let in more immigrants who are able to create jobs in our country. Our computer industry has benefitted significantly from legal immigration over the years. We might not have much of a computer industry if it were not for people like An Wang and Andy Grove.
It should be easier for LEGAL IMMIGRANTS to become citizens of the United States of America.
Illegal immigrants should have to register with the federal government and the state government of the state they work in. If a business hires an illegal immigrant who is NOT registered to work in the United States of America, the federal government and the state government should hit the business with fines. Illegal immigrants should receive photo IDs that includes their fingerprints.
Illegal immigrants should pay a higher social security tax and a higher Medicare tax than citizens of the United States of America. Illegal immigrants should pay a higher income tax than citizens of the United States of America. Illegal immigrants should pay a 5 percent WORK IN THE USA tax collected by employers that would be split between the federal government and the state government. Only ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS should pay the WORK IN THE USA tax.
An illegal immigrant should have to live in the United States of America for at least 10 years after the passage of this law before the person may become a citizen of the United States of America. An illegal immigrant should have to pay social security taxes for at least 25 years after the passage of this law before the person is able to obtain any benefits from Social Security.
The federal sales taxes would tax some of the money being earned in our underground economy by illegal immigrants and others.
I recommend people read
"Hiding in the Shadows
The Growth of the Underground Economy" by Friedrich Schneider and Dominik Enste.
Having a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants may help increase birth rates, increase the numbers of people who want to be soldiers, improve funding for Social Security and Medicare, help reduce the national deb, reduce povert
I wrote a pathway to citizenship plan for illegal immigrants in 2009 on New Geography.
2025
You are more likely to be raped and murdered by a person born in USA than an illegal immigrant. Many of the hardest working people in our country are illegal immigrants. Many of them had ancestors living in North America long before Trump's ancestors came to USA.
2025
Moving illegal immigrants into the regular economy would likely increase the tax revenues of local governments, state governments, and federal government. Immigrant, children of immigrants have started many Fortune 500 companies.
Thank you very much for the feedback Adam. The more evil we do to others that have not harmed us the more evil likely to be done to us. The media needs to discuss every night what we did in 1953 in Iran and then what CIA did in Iran for more than 20 years afterwards.
"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty."
Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.
As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it, avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertion in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should co-operate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind that towards the payment of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic embarrassment, inseparable from the selection of the proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue, which the public exigencies may at any time dictate.
Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin it - It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it ? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue ? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices?
In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence, frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. The nation, prompted by ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject; at other times it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations, has been the victim."
White Christian Europeans used biological warfare to kill off Native Americans before the Pilgrims came to the USA. Native Americans saved the lives of the Pilgrims and the descendants of the Pilgrims chose to terrorize Native Americans.
Governments and the Catholic Church tried to destroy Native American cultures and languages. Native American Code Talkers are the main group of people who won WW1 and WW2. The Indian Health Service when Democratic Party controlled the US House of Representatives in the 1960s and 1970s tried to exterminate Native Americans via forced sterilizations of Native American females.
The greatest hero of WW2 was a British homosexual who was chemically castrated. He is now on British currency. He killed himself.
Our top spy of the American Revolution was a black man.
Black soldiers have fought in a lot of our Wars.
Women spies and women soldiers fought in American Revolution and Civil War.
The best sniper of WW2 was a woman who fought for the Soviet Union and was a friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. Soviet Union sent a submarine to save her life. I consider her the best sniper of WW2 because of how many Nazi snipers she killed.
The best sniper of WW1 was a Native American from Canada.
Some of the best bomber pilots of WW2 were the Night Witches of the Soviet Union.
Iran also wanted to review the books to see if the Brits were paying as agreed on the oil they were pumping. For several reasons Truman wouldn’t join with the Brits. About 1951 the Iranians nationalized the oil and won their case in the international court. So in 1953 the tool of choice was covert leadership removal.
One of the main things Truman worried about came to pass: the CIA used this 1953 new way to flex its muscles as a template - beginning with Guatemala, 1954.
Yes, there are several that are known. So I said “beginning with Guatemala” — I think it is one of those things that is hard to track because it is covert & very hard to end.
"[N]o indication of a strategic direction other than blowing stuff up and seeing what happens."
Real glad us taxpayers are helping fund a war which isn't officially a war but totally is a war, especially one that lacks a clear justification or any semblance of a plan. Top-notch stuff, America.
The maladministration thought the Iranians were cowards like they (`the maladmin) are and would instantly give up. They believed their own propaganda which convinced them that "shock and awe" were all that was needed, that the experienced military "leaders" were merely too weak or too woke and despite all historical evidence to the contrary, they would succeed in their M.E. "excursion" because this time, THEY'RE the ones doing it and they are exceptionally, especially special beings on account of they're rich and therefore are possessed of superior genes!
Not a war, but a "Special Military Operation."
The minesweeper saga is especially ludicrous. Trump had four battle-tested Avenger class minesweepers *already* in the Persian Gulf. Old, yes. But extremely reliable, and with very experienced crews. Which Trump/Hegseth *sent home,* assigning only a single new Littoral Combat Vessel. Which has promising new, but untested, minesweeping capabilities. That appears to be malfunctioning. Now Trump is begging our allies for minesweeping assistance.
Meanwhile the price of gas at the pump reached $3.71; and continues to rise daily. The war is costing taxpayers up to $20billion/week. The entire world--8.3 billion people--are now paying 30% more for gasoline and cooking fuel because of Trump & Bibi's war of choice. Trump now has to either beg the Iranians for a ceasefire--or escalate with boots on the ground.
Joe Kent, appointed by trump resigned this morning in a public statement.
“Top counterterrorism official Kent resigns over Trump’s Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat”
https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-war-kent-resignation-e2e17a76d79617a68370f076c0291208
But read his entire resignation letter. He blames everyone but trump for starting the war.
I read it. What were you expecting?
The key point: The head of the National Counterterrorism Center chosen by trump resigned because he said there was no imminent danger from Iran and he could no longer support the war effort.
He blamed the Israelis (and Israeli lobbying) which is interesting because Marco Rubio said on March 2nd:
• We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action. We knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces.”
“And we knew that if we didn't preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties ... And then we would all be here answering questions about why we knew that and didn't act”
• The same day: Mike Johnson indicated after a classified briefing, it was a “defensive operation” because Israel was ready to act against Iran “with or without American support.” The WH believed Israel was "determined to act on its own" leaving trump the "very difficult decision" to join the offensive to protect US personnel & assets after the WH determined Iran would retaliate.
Kent also blamed (unspecified) American media for the spreading the misinformation about the nuclear dangers Iran. Doesn’t everyone in the administration constantly blame the media for anything’s that happened & things that never happened?
The Israelis have attacked Iran before without needing to draw us in us as well. Why couldn't we have just let Bibi attack Iran, and just stay out of it like we've done before?
Kent said AIPAC--which has *enormous* power in DC--strongarmed the Administration. But the AIPAC crowd have *always* pushed for war with Iran. Since like the Yom Kippur War (1973); with the exception of the Iran-Iraq War years, when their two biggest enemies were busy killing each other.
The only other big reasons for war, are to benefit Daddy Vladdy's oil revenue--along with US Big Oil...and distraction from those pesky Trump-Epstein files.
I think so, except for prolonged closing of the Strait which does not affect Israel. Although Iran has often threatened it, Iran had never done so. He and Putie may have discussed it. Either way, it’s a 30 day deal Putin got. Was it in anticipation of a brief shutdown of the Strait? Or quiet extensions? Meanwhile, he and his billionaire pals (probably including Cabinet members) are raking in $$ hand over fist.
The US bombing Iran lets Israel concentrate more on destroying Lebanon, again. Another reason Bibi, AIPAC and others can cheer. Our Arab allies are burning through their defensive munitions. Israel is burning through its stockpile & the US is too (except apparently a big pile of dumb bombs.)
I don’t believe he saw any negatives that would not succumb to his & Bibi’s partnership. Historically a military conflict raises approval of a president and his party. It’s working for Bibi. In the US it is especially true if the ‘excursion’ is short. I suspect earlier reporting that he expected it to last 4 days is true. It’s running longer and he has only assassinations mostly done by Israel for deliverables. The rest are all bad news as we close in on week 3.
Or blame Obama or Biden.
Neither of whom were stupid enough to let Bibi lure them into a quagmire in the Middle East for the very reasons that are playing out now. Bibi knew that Trump and his idiotic henchmen, Rubio and Hegseth would bomb first and ask questions later. This is going to make Iraq,Afghanistan and Vietnam Nam look like rational “expeditions “.
Trump is also under the direction of MBS. After all, MBS did give Jared billions of dollars. They pay the Trump family and then we, the american people, pay them back with our military.
Who doesn't want to know what MBS and the other Gulf State leadership have been secretly lobbying for regards Iran? Nixing Iran's oil export capacity--12% of global supply--is something Russia and every other oil exporter or Oil Company wants. Because they'll make lots more money.
The recent admission by Trump that it was Kushner who pushed him hard for war is telling. But did he do so for Israel? For MBS? For both?
Obviously the fewer oil exporters the more clout they have. That’s one reason Trump wants to take over oil supplies - or compliant oil puppets will do.
We should not--ever--underestimate the power of AIPAC and the rest of increasingly GOP-affiliated pro-Likud Zionist crowd in DC. Which is why both parties have seen to it that Israel has received $32 billion or so from taxpayers for their insane Gaza war. AIPAC has had a decades-long boner for war with Iran.
But Desperate Donny urgently needs to re-open the Straits of Hormuz to tanker traffic, or both the world economy--and the GOP's prospects this November--will go up in flames. Which means he either needs to beg Iran for a ceasefire; or escalate with boots on the ground.
What option do you think he'll choose?
More like bomb first and ask questions never
Not to mention the LCS has a relatively small fuel capacity. To get to the SoH, they'll need to fuel at least twice. There are good reasons it's called the Little Crappy Ship among the ranks.
ProPublica did a deep dive on the LCS a couple of years ago, it's pretty good
https://www.propublica.org/article/how-navy-spent-billions-littoral-combat-ship
You can't find gas here in SoCal for less than $5.00/gal, most stations are $5.50/6.00
Trump is a draft dodger doesn't have any military experience and Hegseth is an alcoholic blowhard who mostly knows to do whatever Trump asks. I wouldn't be surprised if this war wasn't just a way to cover up and distract from issues at home. In fact, it just shows yet again what an incompetent government we have.
Like, . . .,oh, Jeffrey Epstein for example?
The war was created to divert attention from Epstein- pure & simple. This toad has cost the lives of American soldiers for something as criminal as that.
With some calculated profiteering figured in there.
EXACTLY! Got to keep the Saudis happy too!
Yes, a lot of profiteering and gaining large leverage on the global economy & oil markets.
Totally.
Oh my, the new unmanned ships are not reliable and one did not return to the "mothership"? No, no, no. You cannot unman something and call it a mother. Let's call Hegseth's ships the daddyships in honor of our complete moron of a defense secretary, or even broships because they act like an idiot who won't and can't control itself or those it brought with it.
Once again our defense dollars being spent on crap. Doesn't matter. Defense contractors and folks in Washington cashed in.
Once again. The global war that has to be fought and won if civilization is to survive. Is against the greedy bastards who profit from this kind of political oligarchy.
I am in Germany. I am reading that our government does not want to "assist" Trump in the Strait of Hormuz. The stance of the EU is that this is not a conflict where the US is defending itself, but one of aggression. NATO allies are not required to help in such a situation. They have been telling Trump that diplomacy is the way to go.
As an American in the world, even though I am also a German, I feel we Americans are in greater danger because a Fatwa has now been administered for all Americans. So, those of us living outside of the US are particularly vulnerable to attack. In many cities outside of the US members of Indivisible Abroad are planning No Kings Day Rallies. Will we be a vulnerable collective for assassination? I guess we will find out. I am still planning our No Kings Day rally, and the other people in my group did not listen to Malcolm Nance discussing with his Muslim guest, how Fatwas work, so I am the only one worrying about this. We need to make a good safety plan. Luckily guns are not so common in Germany. Vehicles are often used to attack.
Germany is already a potential target of Iranian ire because unlike Spain and the UK, it has been allowing the US to use its military bases here to operate the war. Planes fly in and out of Ramstein to the Middle East, and probably from other bases here as well, and the wounded US soldiers are being brought to hospitals at Ramstein. In addition, the Israeli government jet , "Wings of Zion" is parked in the airport in Berlin. This is something they do when they have a conflict with Iran. Someone I know saw it there when they were leaving Berlin 2 weeks ago. So, this war of the US and Israel is endangering Iranians, people in other countries in the Middle East.
I attended an anti-war rally in my city last week. I wrote a piece, which is mostly pictures.
https://lindaweide.substack.com/p/i-attended-an-anti-war-rally-in-bremen?r=f0qfn
Let's hope they don't call a Jihad.
Only six words are needed anymore to describe the administration of the Queens real estate mob boss sundowning as President - Planning is hard. Chaos is easy.
Planning....hell when you look at the total shitshow, I'd say THINKING is hard, chaos is easy. Forget planning, they don't appear to even have stopped to think of clearly obvious ripple effects
This holds true for electing the wrong people...destroying the country and the governmental infrastructure is easy. Fixing it again is harder.
Let's protect our free and fair elections, and vote the right people into office this time. Don't listen to what they say, see what they do and how they vote in Congress.
The Atlantic article were he says "I run the country and the world" keeps coming back in play.
The war is the result of having a president with frontal lobe dementia. Biden's mind was sound trump's is demented.
That puts us in a box. If true, trump is not capable of crimes including war crimes. Impeachment is for crimes & conviction. The 25th amendment is for removing a president for “inability.” That begins with the VP & majority of the Cabinet. He can then dispute the claim & go to Congress where it takes a 2/3 majority in both the House and Senate within 21 days to remove him. While it is in dispute he has all the powers of the presidency.
Rubio said that Iran closing the Straits would be "suicidal". Funny how the willingness to do suicidal missions skyrockets when your opponent is actively murdering your side already. FFS, Netanyahu even promised to kill the Ayatollah's replacement before they were even named.
I agree with the countries that Trump is soliciting for help. It is not their war. However, they could play the situation the way Trump would and that is pay for play: You (Trump) do this for me forever (no tariffs, etc.) then I’ll consider helping you. He understands that kind of “negotiation”.
Consider it. Promise it. But not actually do it, right? That's the way Trump deals work
I don't think they want to be mercenaries for the US.
What will it take for someone to voice out loud, to his face, in Congress, “In compos mentis”?
How many would listen? How many would continue to pretend not to hear?
It is not a crime to be unable. Impeachment is for crimes & convictions. They could try that excuse this time. (Last time it was the Courts will take care of it.)
The Joint chiefs need to say stop and pull the troops out.
Like this idea. March Hegseth into a cell.
The joint chiefs need to execute a coupe.
Consultant Alfred E. Neuman (with bright orange hair) is on standby.
How desperate does Trump have to become before he threatens the use, or actually deploys, a nuclear weapon?
Maybe if the elections go against him
Except he'll use it on California.
Thank you for your cogent, well-informed, depressing reportage. Appreciate your work - hope it is widely reported. (I also remain horrified - and besmirched as an American)
part 1 by Kenneth Scot Stremsky
Wrote this to TomDispatch
OPED:
Alfred W. McCoy, How the Past Whispers to the Present in Iran
https://tomdispatch.com/imperial-decline-in-the-straits-of-hormuz/
"In 1953, Iran’s new parliament decided to nationalize the British imperial oil concession there to fund social services for its emerging democracy. In response, a joint CIA-MI6 coup ousted the reformist prime minister and installed the son of the long-deposed former Shah in power. Unfortunately for the Iranian people, he proved to be a strikingly inept leader who transformed his country’s oil wealth into mass poverty — thereby precipitating Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution.
By 1954, Guatemala was implementing an historic land reform program that was investing its mostly Mayan indigenous population with the requisites for full citizenship. Unfortunately, a CIA-sponsored invasion installed a brutal military dictatorship, plunging the country into 30 years of civil war that left 200,000 people dead in a population of only five million."
Our feckless foreign policy dealing with Iran started in 1953. When will the media discuss our history with Iran every time Iran is discussed?
Golden Rule of Politics - When a country does a great deal of evil to a country that has caused it no harm - example Iran in 1953, it should not be surprised when countries it has never harmed want to destroy it before the country is able to harm them.
Iran was a FRIEND OF THE USA and then the USA decided to do great deal of evil to Iran.
USA has nationalized industries in peace time and War. Steel and coal may have been nationalized when Harry Truman was President.
Eisenhower used CIA to overthrow our FRIEND Iran because of oil and Guatemala because of business ties his administration had with United Fruit. The following article shows some of the business ties
In first, CIA acknowledges 1953 coup it backed to overthrow leader of Iran was undemocratic
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/in-first-cia-acknowledges-1953-coup-it-backed-to-overthrow-leader-of-iran-was-undemocratic
The Dulles Brothers: How to wreak havoc in Guatemala and Iran
https://www.mohammadmossadegh.com/news/dulles-brothers/
The CIA decided to terrorize people in Iran for over 20 years after the overthrow. This led to the Iranian hostage crisis, bombing of our embassy in Lebanon, and the murder of our Marines in Beirut in 1983.
Did Israel's spy agency and Israel's military help CIA terrorize and murder people inside and outside of Iran?
One of main reasons illegal immigration is a major problem in USA - Eisenhower broke Central America.
The decision to attack Iran does not belong to the President. It belongs to Congress. When will members of Congress fulfill all their responsibilities dealing with the military? Congress could take full control of the military including control of nuclear weapons via Letters of Marque and Reprisal and make Rules and Regulations of the military.
Constitution
Article 1, Section 8
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;"
There were draft riots during the Civil War. I expect future military drafts would have worse riots.
An Amendment to the Constitution that Eliminates the Draft as a Possibility
Thursday, February 15, 2007
by Kenneth Scot Stremsky
https://www.thegreenpapers.com/Vox/?20070215-1
Preparing for Terrorist Attacks
Tuesday, February 18, 2003
https://www.thegreenpapers.com/Vox/?20030218-0
"I am glad you are talking about the importance of Declaring War with Iraq before we send significant numbers of land troops against Iraq. I hope people will write to members of Congress and demand that they start fulfilling all of their Article One, Section Eight War Making responsibilities."
What do you mean 'not at all responsible to the Congress of the United States'?
Monday, April 13, 2009
by Ken Stremsky
https://www.thegreenpapers.com/Vox/?20090413-0
I believe Congress has more control over our military than the President
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
https://www.thegreenpapers.com/Vox/?20070214-0
Dealing with Punishment
Thursday, November 19, 2009
https://www.thegreenpapers.com/Vox/?20091119-0
Does the way our Republic wages War bother Mr. Berg-Andersson?
Friday, November 20, 2009
by Ken Stremsky
https://www.thegreenpapers.com/Vox/?20091120-0
Letters of Marque and Reprisal
Monday, November 23, 2009
https://www.thegreenpapers.com/Vox/?20091123-0
How to Protect Airliners from Missiles
December 2002
https://time.com/archive/6924695/how-to-protect-airliners-from-missiles/
"The threat of SAM attacks on U.S. airliners was acknowledged in an FAA study in 1993, which noted that as passenger and baggage screening became more rigorous, the chances of missile strikes would rise. The U.S. government’s interest in the problem followed its decision to supply Afghan mujahedeen fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan — whose ranks included Osama bin Laden and many of his al-Qaeda lieutenants — with about 1,000 Stinger missiles in the 1980s. Pentagon officials credit the Stinger with downing about 250 Soviet aircraft."
I have believed for many years that White Christian terrorists in USA and Europe will blow up commercial aircraft on takeoffs, landings, and other times. Muslims may be blamed for attacking commercial aircraft when White Christians committed the attacks.
Most of the deaths would be on the ground if the jet fuel bombs crash into highly populated areas.
Iran may decide to attack commercial aircraft.
Less than 5,000 people died on 9/11. If the planes had been flown into the ground in highly populated areas, a lot more people would have died.
If you want to see what could happen, look at photos from World War 2 dealing with the firebombing of Germany.
Dresden: The World War Two bombing 75 years on
12 February 2020
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Toby Luckhurst
BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51448486
Congress refused to harden cockpits.
History of the Federal Air Marshal Service
https://www.propublica.org/article/history-of-the-federal-air-marshal-service
"Sept. 11, 2001 — On the day of the terror attacks in New York and Washington, there are only 33 air marshals, none of whom fly domestically. The hijackings spur an overhaul of aviation security, including the hiring of more than 4,000 air marshals for the newly created Transportation Security Administration. The service is headed by Thomas Quinn, a former Secret Service agent."
Terrorists many years after 9/11 could have blown up as many planes as they wanted with cell phone bombs in cargo of planes.
Airplane security, airport security, and Federal building security were checked out by GAO many years after 9/11 and they failed.
A Perspective on Cockpit Security since 9/11
Has the airline industry mitigated risks? Yes, but it's an evolving process that requires everyone to participate.
https://www.flyingmag.com/a-perspective-on-cockpit-security-since-9-11/
Excellent historical review. Thank you for this. I would tell friends during the Shrub's years as president that Iran doesn't hate us for our freedoms, they hate us for wehat we did to their democratically elected leader and no one would know what I was talking about.
They'd complain about South American and Mexican immigrants coming here and ask why can't they just stay home and "fix their own country?" I'd ask them if they ever heard of the excesses of the United Fruit Company in the South Americas and no one would know what I was talking about.
This country has never been innocent and always been hypocritical. Now we've even grown worse due to interference, indifference and ignorance.
However, all is not lost and we can educate and motivate enough people to make positive change. Indeed, the change is happening already but there is still a long way to go.
part 2
Wrote following in 2009 on New Geography
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
The federal government should pay 100 percent of the cost of providing public k-12 educations to illegal immigrants and the children of illegal immigrants including those children born in the United States of America. The federal government should pay 100 percent of the cost of Medicaid for illegal immigrants and the children of illegal immigrants including those children born in the United States of America. The federal government should pay 100 percent of the cost of food stamps and other anti-poverty programs for illegal immigrants and the children of illegal immigrants including those children born in the United States of America. The federal government should pay 100 percent of the cost of jailing illegal immigrants and the children of illegal immigrants including those children born in the United States of America. Local governments and state governments should send bills to the federal government for the previous things and the federal government should pay them because the federal government is responsible for keeping illegal immigrants out.
An important component of national security is border security. Democrat members of Congress, Republican members of Congress, Republican Presidents, and Democrat Presidents have not cared enough about border security. We need to be worried about illegal immigration, terrorism, crime, diseases, and harm to our food supply.
Our country should significantly increase LEGAL IMMIGRATION in the future especially educated immigration and skilled immigration. Our country should let in more immigrants who are able to create jobs in our country. Our computer industry has benefitted significantly from legal immigration over the years. We might not have much of a computer industry if it were not for people like An Wang and Andy Grove.
It should be easier for LEGAL IMMIGRANTS to become citizens of the United States of America.
Illegal immigrants should have to register with the federal government and the state government of the state they work in. If a business hires an illegal immigrant who is NOT registered to work in the United States of America, the federal government and the state government should hit the business with fines. Illegal immigrants should receive photo IDs that includes their fingerprints.
Illegal immigrants should pay a higher social security tax and a higher Medicare tax than citizens of the United States of America. Illegal immigrants should pay a higher income tax than citizens of the United States of America. Illegal immigrants should pay a 5 percent WORK IN THE USA tax collected by employers that would be split between the federal government and the state government. Only ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS should pay the WORK IN THE USA tax.
An illegal immigrant should have to live in the United States of America for at least 10 years after the passage of this law before the person may become a citizen of the United States of America. An illegal immigrant should have to pay social security taxes for at least 25 years after the passage of this law before the person is able to obtain any benefits from Social Security.
The federal sales taxes would tax some of the money being earned in our underground economy by illegal immigrants and others.
I recommend people read
"Hiding in the Shadows
The Growth of the Underground Economy" by Friedrich Schneider and Dominik Enste.
https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/issues/issues30/index.htm
2025
Having a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants may help increase birth rates, increase the numbers of people who want to be soldiers, improve funding for Social Security and Medicare, help reduce the national deb, reduce povert
I wrote a pathway to citizenship plan for illegal immigrants in 2009 on New Geography.
2025
You are more likely to be raped and murdered by a person born in USA than an illegal immigrant. Many of the hardest working people in our country are illegal immigrants. Many of them had ancestors living in North America long before Trump's ancestors came to USA.
2025
Moving illegal immigrants into the regular economy would likely increase the tax revenues of local governments, state governments, and federal government. Immigrant, children of immigrants have started many Fortune 500 companies.
https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/new-american-fortune-500-2024/
Illegal immigrants could avoid paying higher taxes by working for at least 8 years in one or more of following
soldier in military
local police officer
state police officer
doctor in rural area
nurse in rural area
doctor for senior citizens
nurse for senior citizens
public school teacher
Sincerely,
Ken Stremsky
part 1
Thank you very much for the feedback Adam. The more evil we do to others that have not harmed us the more evil likely to be done to us. The media needs to discuss every night what we did in 1953 in Iran and then what CIA did in Iran for more than 20 years afterwards.
George Washington Farewell Address
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp
"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty."
Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.
As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it, avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertion in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should co-operate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind that towards the payment of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic embarrassment, inseparable from the selection of the proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue, which the public exigencies may at any time dictate.
Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin it - It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it ? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue ? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices?
In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence, frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. The nation, prompted by ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject; at other times it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations, has been the victim."
White Christian Europeans used biological warfare to kill off Native Americans before the Pilgrims came to the USA. Native Americans saved the lives of the Pilgrims and the descendants of the Pilgrims chose to terrorize Native Americans.
Governments and the Catholic Church tried to destroy Native American cultures and languages. Native American Code Talkers are the main group of people who won WW1 and WW2. The Indian Health Service when Democratic Party controlled the US House of Representatives in the 1960s and 1970s tried to exterminate Native Americans via forced sterilizations of Native American females.
The greatest hero of WW2 was a British homosexual who was chemically castrated. He is now on British currency. He killed himself.
Our top spy of the American Revolution was a black man.
Black soldiers have fought in a lot of our Wars.
Women spies and women soldiers fought in American Revolution and Civil War.
The best sniper of WW2 was a woman who fought for the Soviet Union and was a friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. Soviet Union sent a submarine to save her life. I consider her the best sniper of WW2 because of how many Nazi snipers she killed.
The best sniper of WW1 was a Native American from Canada.
Some of the best bomber pilots of WW2 were the Night Witches of the Soviet Union.
"towards the payment of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes"
These maga mopes just don't get it.
PS: Wow mister. You use a lot of words. Wordle have a sale? Hahahahahaha!
To be clear, I really like the way you write.
Iran also wanted to review the books to see if the Brits were paying as agreed on the oil they were pumping. For several reasons Truman wouldn’t join with the Brits. About 1951 the Iranians nationalized the oil and won their case in the international court. So in 1953 the tool of choice was covert leadership removal.
One of the main things Truman worried about came to pass: the CIA used this 1953 new way to flex its muscles as a template - beginning with Guatemala, 1954.
Don't forget about another democratically elected leader in the early 60's. Patrice Lumumba was done as per the same Dulles playbook!
Yes, there are several that are known. So I said “beginning with Guatemala” — I think it is one of those things that is hard to track because it is covert & very hard to end.
Agreed. Like an evil and perverse whack-a-mole game, it's never over, merely on pause.