Iran is approximately 636,000 square mile in size, roughly equal to the landmass of Alaska. Odd, Iran's population is almost identical to our distance from the Sun in miles. That's a country filled with 93,000,000 religious fanatics who hate us. What Trump has done, militarily speaking, equates to throwing a bunch of darts at the side of a barn.. The Iranian people are a tough bunch, they will never "comply" with anything our Mr. Trump dictates for them to do. Years ago I saw a cartoon in the Saturday Evening Post. It showed an old model steam shovel with its bucket buried deep in the ground and its ass end containing the operator suspended in the air. There were two workers wearing hard hats talking to one another. The caption read; "There goes Hodgins, biting off more than he can chew." I think Mr. Trump just did exactly that. What's worse, he has no one smart enough to help him out of the shit he just stepped in. The battle of the greasy sand is about to begin, and It will get ugly. I wonder how Donnie will assess our situation in a year from now.
I canʻt watch the Coffee Klatch because itʻs 2:30 a.m. and I donʻt want to wake up those in the house, but I do have a few comments which may or may not be on target, of course.
I disagree that Iran is populated by nothing but religious fanatics. Yes, they have been subjugated for 40 years by an oppressive theocracy. They are a proud, strong people who wonʻt be steamrolled, however.
I just read an article by an anthropologist who spent 15 months there making a serious study of who the people of Iran are and what they think. Like any country, there is a wide spectrum of people with a myriad of opinions. It is ethnically and religiously diverse, and there are important differences in class and social strata. They have been oppressed and propagandized (sound familiar?). Not all Iranians are anti-American, in fact, many have relatives living in the U.S.
Itʻs clear that Trump is operating at a very low intellectual level and is easily influenced. Miller, Rubio, Hegseth, et al, have a big part in this war, no doubt, but the main reason for it is pretty clear. Trump and Netanyahu made an agreement to attack, and negotiations between the U.S. and Iran were not seriously sought. They were a distraction from the real plan and/or PR for the American people.
This war is being approached by this regime as a simple matter, which it most assuredly is not with a myriad of variables, and it seems sure to get extremely ugly.
Karen Cooper: So well said. Firstly, Donald Hodgins let his bias slip when he failed to credit you for your opinion and responded to Thomas Cooper. Secondly, using Mr. Hodgins' analysis, which is also biased, he paints every Persian the same colour with the same brush. It is comparable to saying all 350 million Americans support Isreal and this invasion of Iran. Simply not true.
Shia Islam is not monolithic -- meaning there are sects within it. There is also a substantial percentage of Persians who follow Sufism -- but will declare themselves as Shia. I grew up in pretty large Muslim community (Dearborn) as a non-Muslim. In all those years, I have nothing but respect for my friends and classmates, and I will defend them here. We did have ugly Americans -- brought back to mind by the ignorant Hodgins. A trumper in spirit.
Jean, Donald Hodgins is also missing a very big point .... what about the hundreds of thousands of people who have been demonstrating in the streets of Tehran and the estimated 40,000 dead? Ya think they supported the regime?
Persia has been an ancient empire with a profound influence in the Middle East for thousands of years. The country has absorbed many conquerors and cultures, but was unable to prevail as a culture over recent takeovers in the 20th century. Will we ever stop bombing this area of the world just to acquire more oil?
Timothy--I said the country was filled with religious fanatics!! 93,000,000 of them. Okay I may have over stated things a bit. Let me rephrase my thinking. 92,999,999-is that better. After watching how they treated 52 American hostages for 444 days I don't trust anyone of them. It's a terrorist society--steeped in a religion that loves to hate.
I certainly hope the rest of the world doesn’t characterize the U.S. as a bunch of corrupt and stupid MAGAT pedo files because of current “leadership.”
I can excuse the uneducated people who were taken in by him. But I cannot excuse Theil, Musk and members of the Heritage Society for assisting him. The length of prison sentence should be measure by the degree of culpability. In Musk's case I reckon 50 to life is appropriate, and there must be no appeal.
A great many of the people in Iran were not even BORN when the hostage crisis happened. And do you remember how Ronald Reagan contributed to all that continuing as long as it did?
Much of the Iranian population is very much against the policies of their government, it's clear. They were willing to go out in the streets and die for that. Now we are killing even more of them.
Carpet bombing Tehran is not the best strategy. Urban centres are where most of those who want regime change live and work. Much of the countryside, however, is riddled with various extremist factions who won’t be easily defeated on their own territory. They are hate fuelled, fanatical and heavily armed. This war has to be fought over the entire expanse of the country. Good luck with that....(heavy sigh).
Oh sure. What nonsense Tens of thousands of Iranians demonstrated against the government, openly in the streets even though thousands were being killed by the regime for daring to protest. Go peddle your hate elsewhere
"This war is being approached by this regime as a simple matter, which it most assuredly is not with a myriad of variables, and it seems sure to get extremely ugly.
Elene--Thanks for the help--I agree completely--Trump has no ideas what he is doing. It is anything but simple--Bill Gates shares in my dyslexia. At least that's what they say because he has never been diagnosed and either have I.
If this is true, Donald, it would be so because we made them so. How would you feel if they did to us what we have done to them? Words and actions have consequences, and, at this point, I doubt if we have any friends left abroad.
Victor--I'm so sick and tired of people bitching about what happened way back when in history. Leave the past in the past where it belongs. There has been transgressions on both sides--the problem lies in "people" stirring the pot of discontent. I had a psychology professor who believed humans were inherently a waring species, and that desire will take thousands of years to grow out of. As for our friends --once Trump has departed, they will return.
You condemn others for hanging on to ancient grudges for too long. Next you attest once Trump is gone friends in the Middle East will soon return. Are these people NOT humans like you & I? Humanity as a WHOLE has a history of holding on to ancient grudges for FAR TOO LONG. To build forward positively we needs all learn to FORGIVE & FORGET as advocated by the Christian faith. There are no PERFECT humans; we can hardly call the pot BLACK when we are EQUALLY black ourselves.
Yes, Donald, getting stuck in the past is not healthy, but it is hard to move forward when bills are not being paid. God may forgive us our debts, but we cannot afford to be so kind. We must move forward but we must acknowledge our debts..
Do you think the 93 million religious fanatics who hate us includes the Iranian Jews, Kurds, Afghanis, Chinese, Turks, Lurs, Turkmen, Mazandaranis, Balochs, Arabs, Armenians, Tats, Talysh, Georgians, Assyrians, and Gilakis?
As to the groups you mention, regardless of their past sentiments towards the US, one thing is pretty much assured: it's become impossible for most of the world to like or trust the US at this juncture; a lawless regime of greedy, amoral bullies with dubious and ever-changing motives,
Trump, is a demented, warmongering half-wit, who has proven over and over that he is not true to his word and CANNOT BE TRUSTED. He and his coterie of incompetent grifters and stooges have conducted this entire Iran war debacle with such ineptitude and callousness that it's shocking. Sorry, most of us in the rest of the world have lost all confidence in American leadership.
Sadly, trump keeps doing everything he can to tarnish the reputation of your country and isolate it even further from other democracies. The damage is spilling over to the rest of us. Enough is enough. Soon. the USA will find itself with few friends other than putin and netanyahu.
I am pointing out that you and I are not willing to be painted as MAGA, and the many people of Iran are not willing to be painted as fanatics who hate us. To characterize all Iranians as religious fanatics who hate us is ignorant and beneath the intellectual standard of this forum.
“A significant portion of the Iranian population is considered pro-Western and desires freedom, democracy, and a better future, contrary to the actions of the regime.”
No, Donald. It did not. I suggest you read it again. Perhaps without prejudice.
“A significant portion of the Iranian population is considered pro–Western and desires freedom, democracy, and a better future, contrary to the actions of the regime.”
Iran has a rich history of poetry, agriculture and art that has influenced many parts of the world including India, Central Asia and Middle East. It is known for its diversity.
To label a people, an ancient people, to be all terrorists, is wrong. It smacks of bigotry and, frankly, ignorance.
Wars are started and perpetuated by those who either believe the enemy population to be irredeemably evil, or encourage that belief for their own purposes, or both.
Painting the "enemy" as evil is evil in itself, and is intellectually lazy at best. I am extremely saddened to see anyone here do it.
It is likely that a very large majority of the population just want to get on with their lives without violence. But if only a single figure percentage of the population were involved that would make it very hard to pacify it, and the US casualty figures could be huge. I bet some will have been radicalised by what the orange pig has done.
Thomas --you support your position with such eloquence. I over stated my thought to make a point. The Muslim religion refers to Christians and the people of the Jewish faith as Infidels. What fate do Muslims wish to bestow upon us non-believers---"Death" to us all. I don't think that's a friendly way to approach anyone-- Your language speaks volumes --I feel sorry for you.
"The Muslim religion refers to Christians and the people of the Jewish faith as Infidels." It doesn't. In fact, you cannot be a good Muslim if you do not believe in other religions of the book.
Donnie will repeat the unspeakable performance of George Bush on the golf course. Maybe a slightly different line: "Nobody could imagine such success totally crushing Iran. Now watch this drive..."
It could be worse. Even after Iraq was invaded, the insurgents made life hell for the occupying forces. This would be the same again and on a much larger scale. Also every crazy Jihadist will flock there. Al Qaeda and ISIS are reckoned to have 3 times as many people as they had in Iran.
Colin--We need another battle of the budge--We have intel as to the locations where the refining is taking place. Attack those areas with ground forces, get in, destroy the facilities and get out. It would be a horrific period in history if we allowed the creation of another Gaza.
All very neat and tidy. I've read enough military history to know that rarely happens. No plan survives contact with the enemy. Maybe that why Mr Orange has no plan. After all he is a genius.
If he is incapable of assessing the situation now, Donald, he certainly won't be better able to do so a year from now. And how many more little girls will he kill in the meantime? He and his friend Bibi need to be stopped.
Callie--you missed my point--Trump and his goons who don't understand life let alone war, are saying the effort we are initiating in Iran will only last 4 or 5 weeks--I'm saying a year from now we will be stuck exactly where we currently are. This mess won't be over in the time frame Trump is feeding us.
That's the problem with wars, you can't stop them when you want to. I reckon the Iranians will try and widen their terrorist attacks and since they think of the UK as little Satan we'll get them too.
Colin--Agreed--There are 9 countries who have nuclear weapons. Let them work like NATO. A new member must be voted in. Iran can never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.
Victor--With respect to the events that led to the actual blood letting yes--the reasoning behind the carnage is another story, it's like a hungry ghost that never stops haunting.
Agree with Thomas on the supposed "93,000,000 religious fanatics." In fact, on a per capita basis, there might be just as many "religious fanatics" in the US. Also, amongst the Arab and Persian friends of my Jewish husband and I, they are to a person in favour of trump's war. I understand their feelings of course, I just don't think they've fully considered the long-term consequences or the demise of the rules-based international order.
Dorothy--I suppose there were segments of the Iranian society that looked upon our way of life as being note worthy, however, that changed when Netanyahu blew up that country's leadership. Now they all hate us.
Elene--Everyone knows fully well the hatred a segment of the Muslim religion holds that calls for the death of all infidels. They admit it. When I post a thought I maintain the right to express myself through the use of hyperboles. The 93,000,000 was a stretch but I wanted to make the point that most Muslims in the country of Iran hate Americans.
You have made and made and made that point. Unfortunately this use of hyperbole reinforces the bigotry and hatred many in the US have toward Muslims. And it just keeps raising the temperature at a time when cooler heads are needed.
And you just keep doubling down on it.
While you have the right to express yourself in this specific way, I have the right to point out that it is unfair and unhelpful.
At any rate, we have done nothing in the past week to improve Iranians' opinions of us. Now that we have attacked them and killed their children, we have given those who were against us all the more reason to feel that way. Those who may have had hope that we were going to rescue them may still have some, I don't know. (I personally am not privy to any of their thoughts.)
I wish for all the best for the Iranian people in throwing off tyranny and reaching a better place economically and every other way. And the same for us.
I'm done with this unfortunately circular discussion.
Colin--There is a purpose. Iran can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, how we go about that task remains to be seen--but the clock is ticking.
There is actually no sane purpose Donald. Some say this Administration should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons and I agree. American intel on Iran is that they are years away from having any nuclear WMD. We are more at risk from Trump's actions.
Jean--If the intel on Iran is correct and they are years away from developing a nuclear weapon, when do you think it would be prudent to deal with the threat? Before they develop the ability to build such a device or after they have them?
What a constrained choice you pose! Do you question our intelligence sources for the last 10 to 20 years? Is it ever prudent to start a war without a plan or approval from Congress?
We had been negotiating this issue for some years until TRUMP's insanity stopped the talks. A military attack has never accomplished anything positive. You are certainly old enough to remember Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and countless other conflicts across South America.
George W Bush said the same about Iraq, despite the information available from the CIA. I bet you support that conflict, too.
Jean--In this world the end justifies the means. Sad but true--I don't support the manner in which the conflict was begun but I do serve its purpose. Iran can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. There are 9 countries that possess nuclear weapons, let them decide via a vote--should Iran be let into the fold. I know the answer and the media and propaganda didn't direct my path. The vote will be 6 to 3, at worse 5 to 4. Denying Iran entry.
Trump is interested in only one thing that Iran has and that is oil, and he will stop at nothing to get it. Recall he said he would personally take over the profits from Venezuela's oil “ to see that it goes to the Venezuelan people. “ Once it's in his pocket, it's not going anywhere!
He will say he destroyed everything he intended to destroy, with so much power - unlike the world has ever seen before. Nobody has ever done what trump has done... where's my Nobel Peace Prize?
Mr. Malekafzali: It seems obvious that either Donald Hodgins doesn't get out enough or hasn't had enough sleep. You will never out last his bias any more than the rest of us will survive Trumps' MAGA mania. A cult is a cult,is a cult...
Farhad--93,000,000 is about the current population of that sand based country. They carry signs as they march through the streets -Death to America, and they mean it.
Farhad--You disagree with my assessment concerning a sand based country--it's true. In America we have top soil, in the Middle East they have sand. What's the problem? The term "the sands of time" originated in the deserts of the Middle East, not in the dirt of America.
"The sands of time" refers to the sand in an hourglass.
In SOME parts of America we have abundant topsoil. Here in the desert Southwest, we have a bunch of sand and dust along with not as much topsoil as we might like.
I have the impression that you have never traveled much.
Do you think the 93 million religious fanatics who hate us includes the Iranian Jews, Kurds, Afghanis, Chinese, Turks, Lurs, Turkmen, Mazandaranis, Balochs, Arabs, Armenians, Tats, Talysh, Georgians, Assyrians, and Gilakis?
Actually, the majority of Iran’s population is under age 30. About a decade (or more) ago, it was 80%. Back then, they were largely pro American. They even loved America jeans. It’s why president Obama made the 10 year deal with Iran. To wait for a new generation of Iranian voters
The problem is not religion but virulent nationalism dressed as religion. The Quran preaches humility, and the submission to the will of God/Allah. The Iranian ayatollahs have shown none of that. We have a relative here at home. It's called Christian nationalism, and it often goes by the name the Church Militant or the like.
Victor--- from the Quran--The "Sword Verse" (9:5): This is the most frequently cited verse, stating: "And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them...".
Verse 2:191: Commands believers to "Slay them [unbelievers] wherever you find them, and drive them out of the places from which they have driven you out...".
They kill because their religion tells them to do so.
and what does the book of Joshua say? Aren't you blinded by the rod in your own eye? What did Christians do to fellow Christian, all in the name of God?
It may be wishful thinking, but it strikes me this war is Trump's undoing. At least for a while. He periodically likes to lose bigly and seems to have set himself up to do so here.
Even then I think it's a rough go. Partly because I'm not entirely sure Trump has any real self-esteem to salvage. But also because I'm not sure any announcement to that effect will placate the American public given that he already seemed to imply he did that before. Any further announcement could go over with a 'big whoop' sigh of boredom from many.
Finally, I've been reading analyses of the war from non-corporate US media that seem to imply that Iran can keep engaging in low-level attacks for months if not years. And if there's one thing the American public seems to sour on, it's a long-term commitment. It's certainly not what 'America first' meant to most people.
Victoria--If Trump is to salvage anything from his overly aggressive behavior with regards to Iran, he must find a way to destroy any and all vestiges of the past administration's desire to possess nuclear weapons. This must be achieved post hast, then get the hell out of there.
Nice bit of work; Donald; excepting Iran is a society of multiple factions many of whom were quite friendly toward the west. That is they WERE; I doubt that they are NOW
Kem--Prior to Trump it was estimated that 10% of Iran's population was friendly toward the West. Like you pointed out that percentage most likely and declined. I got hell for my negativity about the people of Iran and their feelings toward the US.
"That's a country filled with 93,000,000 religious fanatics who hate us." I'm sorry but I disagree. It looks like you don't know any Iranians personally, have never been to Iran, believe that a large nation struggling under--and valiantly against--the autocracy of its government can simultaneously be unified in hatred of the people ("us") of another country themselves struggling (if less valiantly) against autocracy. You don't have personal experience of a country unified in hate, because no one does. It's not a real thing. People are different. But if there's one trait that seems to characterize Iranians as a whole, it's their welcoming generosity: everyone I know who's visited or lived in Iran--every single person--has been overwhelmed by that. It doesn't mean Iran isn't run by a bunch of ideologically driven thugs. But so is the US. That doesn't make you or me a thug, right?
Mary--Farzen Manouchehrican, a dear friend of mine, is from Iran. I have no problem with any one who meets me on level ground and extends their hand to meet mine in friendship. Iran as a country has sponsored terror across the middle East for decades.
The "Sword Verse" (9:5): This is the most frequently cited verse, stating: "And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them...".
Verse 2:191: Commands believers to "Slay them [unbelievers] wherever you find them, and drive them out of the places from which they have driven you out...".
You contradicted your own opening statement. No, "THEY" don't want us dead, no does their nation. Many in fact sort of want this war (or at least this war if it were led by someone less stupid and cruel than Hegseth, who on X told all the people of Iran--he shares your view of them--that they are going to die). Their GOVERNMENT wants it, though even they didn't start this war, have managed to avoid starting any war since Cyrus the Great's. If you're willing to share the views, feelings, and blame for the US government's action (I know you're not, from reading your comments over time), only then can you blame the people of Iran for their government's actions, mostly taken against them, not us.
And if you read scriptures literally--an odd habit for an intelligent, analytical adult--then please consider the bloody verses of the Bible: here e.g. is Jesus, Prince of Peace, Matthew 10:34: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." Or Deuteronomy 20: "16 But of the cities of these people, which the Lord thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth: 17 But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee."
Why are you puzzled? You offer me proof that the people of Iran are in solidarity with the government that just massacred 30,000 of them for protesting against it, in the form of a violent verse from the Koran. I offer you a couple similar ones from the Jewish and Christian Bible. Clearly the writings of a monotheistic religion born and fostered by a particular ethnic group in the premodern world and written during a period of war were capable of espousing violence within the writer’s particular context. That verse from the Koran doesn’t prove that modern Iranian people are united in a violent hatred of America, nor do those in the Bible prove that Americans—who overwhelmingly oppose this war—hate Iran. Most of us share most Iranians’ view of Iran’s clerical autocracy. A state and its people are two different things, and when democracies fail the State goes its own way. (Not that Iran’s democracy failed, as you know—it was overturned by U.S. machinations and replaced with a corrupt Shah.)
Mary--you can paint the situation in Iran any color that suits you. The fact remains that country has been the hub for terrorism for decades. Her loving people have done little to change things. I'll give you there is a segment of that society which has suffered greatly under the thumb of the Ayatollah. But their numbers are in the minority. That country hates us.
💯 Especially if he was motivated by revenge and small-fingered insecurity. “At the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Obama mocked Trump's Celebrity Apprentice show and his qualifications, joking about the ‘changes’ Trump would bring to the White House, such as turning the broadcast room into a set. Following the release of his birth certificate, Obama joked that Trump could now focus on real issues, such as ‘the moon landing’ and ‘where Biggie and Tupac are.’ Observers described Trump as sitting in "locked, unmovable rage" while being targeted, barely reacting to the jokes. According to political associates, this public humiliation was a turning point that drove Trump to run for president. The dinner occurred shortly after Trump had heavily criticized Obama regarding his birth certificate, and just days before the mission that killed Osama bin Laden.” (Google AI). https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/watch-inside-the-night-president-obama-took-on-donald-trump/
I saw that video - everyone is laughing at Obama’s jokes except Trump - his rage is evident on his face - this man is incapable of interaction with humans
In addition to Obama's comments you cited, I recall Seth Meyers saying "Donald Trump has been saying that he will run for president as a Republican — which is surprising since I just assumed that he was running as a joke". When the camera cut away to show Trump's reaction, I knew his fragile ego was triggered and he would run for president with the sole purpose being to get even. Obama lives rent free in Trump's head to this day.
honestly while I understand the idea of democracy I think it would be reasonable nonetheless that somehow a person who knowingly spreads lies each systemically based on bigotry like say allerging a sitting president is unfit to be president based on lies about his birth place and his funny to dumb bigots sounding name and calling that a movement.....in short the further movement should have been where somehow runp was disqualified from running not to mention how much was known about his even more horrific crimes...and certainly now as obvious as it is he raped children and is srill president says something about us a society and those things are very bad....and yes rump is a hyper hyper competitive far less than mediocre petty angry hateful spiteful vile man who sought power for the sake of it and to avoid jail...and to try to prove he's better than Obama.,he hasn't proved anything other than he's one of the worst humans ever the manifestation of the worst of us history and humanity and a horrific horrible heinous criminal..... president
I hate to blame Obama for anything related to Trump, but sadly if he had not made those wickedly funny remarks, Donald might not have been so desperate to be president, and the world would be very different....
One of Trump's worst qualities, out of so many, is that he absolutely cannot laugh at himself. That makes for a deeply dysfunctional human being.
BTW Obama was correct...rumsp tv show was the worst reality tv crap ever and given how terrible reality tv is that's saying w lot ..and turns out government by reality tv and podcast goons and evil Barbies is really horrible too.....idk I guess that's the problem with anyone can be president ethos for a nation....anybody includes a born wealthy dumb lacking in any skills interests decency difk head predator creep con snake oil rapist as much as a single mother's child who raised him well...I don'tguess that's what anyone should mean but it did....
The man in the White House will do whatever he thinks is necessary to take our attention away from the Epstein Scandal. His shiny objects are increasingly alarming. What absolutely blew me away was the fact he could not understand why our allies have given him a resounding NO as far as helping him. In MSM, magas were so quick to denigrate NATO and how the US was the most important member and NATO would not help. Boy, did they get slammed for that ridiculousness. Every one was so quick to point out that NATO provides help to member countries that have been attacked, like Ukraine, but does not provide help to a member that attacks another country! The orange man and magas just do not understand that at all! I almost spit out my coffee when you were talking about fertilizer, Professor Reich! I have to say, I am so very glad that you do know your shit! The orange man has started something he has no control over. Netanyahu will use this war to his advantage, so orange man hitched his star to the wrong wagon! When we get our country back, I would like an amendment to the war powers in the Constitution. I want it stated clearly that any fighting, bombing, strikes etc. MUST BE approved by Congress. If a president does not abide by that, then he/she is removed from office post haste! Truly enjoyed the substack today! Thank you so much, Kamau Bell! Keep fighting, America! Stay strong and stay safe!
Yes Peggy, I agree completely. I also find the tone of this Klatch a bit lighthearted. And with little stress on the morality. Maybe 30.000 Iranians were shot in the streets, a casualties number, only surpassed by Netanyahu in Gaza.
The talks about regime change do not pay attention to the religious meaning of the ayatolla regime. Do Americans understand what they are doing?
The risk for world peace are growing every day. The Iranians will try to drag Nato in, but like you say Peggy, Nato is for defense, not fot attack. The Russians and the Chinese are still moderate, but how long?
Tom, I feel with this latest stupid choice by the man in the White House, he has set in motion actions that do not bode well for the entire world. This con man, grifter, felon has managed to bring our world to a precipice and whether we fall or back away is a choice that I hope true, sane leaders will decide!
I think North Korea is going to step in soon - Kim Jung doesn’t like Trump invasion of a country of 93 million and saying he will “INSTALL “ his own leaders - China is feeling edgy also as about 50% of their oil is coming from Iran.
So proud of Spain. So disappointed that we have decided to allow DJT to continue to use the Açores for refueling. What a waste of an opportunity to exert influence.
Professor Reich and Kamau Bell: i love you, kamau! thanks for mentioning the upcoming NO KINGS rally, but i simply MUST point out that TODAY is the second ever STAND UP FOR SCIENCE rally all around the nation, so be sure to get out there to protect science (science is what made our nation great). here's the website where everyone can find a stand up for science rally near them:
i deeply mourn the loss of jasmine crockett from congress, and hope hope HOPE that she keeps pushing her way into politics (and appealing to her supporters to vote for talarico in the upcoming midterms) because we desperately need her wit and plain speaking realism.
Demanding unconditional surrender in a conflict that a few days ago they tried not to call a war...
Looks like the three or four weeks Kegseth spoke of for its duration just won't fulfill the most pressing objectives:
- continual diversion from Epstein revelations
- keeping the window open longer, hoping that domestic Iranian terrorism will provide a reason to cancel the midterms
- ensuring that arms producers can make hundreds of billions in profits, cutting off a little slice of that to back Republicans in congressional races
- prolonging Trump's opportunity to feel macho in the most visible way possible
- lowering the bar for invading Cuba. If the timing is right - in the midst of a major offensive in Iran. Most of America will hardly notice.
Trump feels emboldened with both sides of Congress refusing to enforce the War Powers Act that should've prevented war via impulse. He wants to strut about like #DonaldDuce while most of the world sees him as #DonaldDunce, a nine-year-old simpleton on a sugar high with an AK-47.
I’ve been saying for weeks - we need to go after republicans in senate - they are the final word - those old turds like Grassley McConnell Collins Graham - they have no protections - hit them hard !!!!
It sounds like he’s coveting a WWII outcome. “The United States explicitly demanded and achieved “unconditional surrender” from the Axis Powers—specifically Germany and Japan—during World War II, a policy announced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 to ensure total victory. The policy required the complete dismantling of the enemy's political and military systems (Google AI).”
But 47 isn’t “The New Dealer” FDR or “Give ‘em hell, Harry” Truman.
As I wake this morning in Massachusetts and turn on MSNBC the actual state of the United States of America is it’s a hot mess. Trump IS a psychopath. The pundits have been hashing over the Iran “War” for one week now. All the talk tries to rationalize Trumps behavior as to what is going on in that deranged brain of his. Donald Trump is obviously drunk on power. He has total control of our military. Now that he has it he’s decided he is taking the world over excluding China and Russia. Trump is the World’s first planetary Dictator. Trump is out of control putting us all in danger . He’s collapsing our society.
Not just illegal, but a war that should never have started. My opinion is Trump ignored diplomacy in order to not just distract from Epstein and the fact he’s dropping in popularity for various reasons, but to try to claim an emergency in order to take over the voting. If Republicans lose (pray they do) just one entity they know they will be more exposed than they already are. They are placing the country and our servicemen in a dangerous place for their own benefit. Trump has threatened Greenland, Mexico, Canada, has killed innocents, pushed into Venezuela and now Iran. He has near destroyed our relationship with our allies that can only be explained by his desire to be a dictator. Iran can certainly become a “forever war.” In fact many other countries are now involved. One excuse for Netanyahu creating situations like Trump is to stay out of jail. I’ll be at the No Kings. We must continue to Stand Our Ground!
Trump expects unconditional surrender of a large religious state of ninety-three- million people? He idiotically seeks the impossible with as many of our nation's dead bodies and treasures as it takes. That is the reason I believe that he, like others who would make war, should personally lead in the front rank of the first attack.
Senator John Fetterman voted against the war powers resolution because he believes military action is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and supports the ongoing U.S. and Israeli military operations in Iran. He was the only Democrat to oppose the measure, which aimed to limit President Trump's authority to conduct military strikes without congressional approval.
Unrelenting disbelief that our country's military isn't capable of keeping our one sole nation managing all the world's oil energy for this world. Time after time our presidents have mucked up the notion of cooperation and sharing the worlds resources over an underlying principal of world hegemon. Top dog, king of the hill concept.
Trying to break up Russia into smaller provinces. A long term project going back to post WWII. Constant wars in the Middle East trying to keep the gulf states in line with our Petro dollar free lunch policy our elites suckle on. And trying to topple China off their place of being the worlds biggest economy. That they earned, by hard work. And they have no notion for being like our craven governments self. For the Chinese its cooperation and win-win approach to their success.
I'm with the economists, political scientists and people that believe our nation is a fading empire striking out in denial that the spot we thought we were entitled to being the prime nation of this planet is past tense now. And really, what purpose does that serve? Our nation makes up only about 4 & one quarter of all humanity. Yet our leaders behave as if that means we are the chosen ones to make the world go around. Or go up in flames.
We're going to have to learn the hard way it seems. This latest intrusion into the worlds peaceful existence may further cripple not our intended target. But ourselves. By not being a nation trustworthy to do business with or invest in. Too chaotic and too menacing.
It seems that a way to end this war is to have the billionaire class, who seem to love Trump and his nonsense, fund it instead of the rest of us hardworking Americans who pay taxes every year!
Let's not forget that Jared Kushner is cozy with Bibi AND the Saudis. This war is beneficial for the Saudis and for Jared. Jared bagged $2Billion from them and keeps close to them and whispers into trump's ears... This is a deeply embedded system involving several players. It's not just USA & Iran.
We assume we are going to win in November. Did you see what they did in Dallas, where people were re routed to different voting places, and they kept the polls open so people could get in. AND THEN the supreme court said they couldn’t count votes that came in after 7:00pm. We need to be aware of this!!
Unconditional surrender----
Iran is approximately 636,000 square mile in size, roughly equal to the landmass of Alaska. Odd, Iran's population is almost identical to our distance from the Sun in miles. That's a country filled with 93,000,000 religious fanatics who hate us. What Trump has done, militarily speaking, equates to throwing a bunch of darts at the side of a barn.. The Iranian people are a tough bunch, they will never "comply" with anything our Mr. Trump dictates for them to do. Years ago I saw a cartoon in the Saturday Evening Post. It showed an old model steam shovel with its bucket buried deep in the ground and its ass end containing the operator suspended in the air. There were two workers wearing hard hats talking to one another. The caption read; "There goes Hodgins, biting off more than he can chew." I think Mr. Trump just did exactly that. What's worse, he has no one smart enough to help him out of the shit he just stepped in. The battle of the greasy sand is about to begin, and It will get ugly. I wonder how Donnie will assess our situation in a year from now.
I canʻt watch the Coffee Klatch because itʻs 2:30 a.m. and I donʻt want to wake up those in the house, but I do have a few comments which may or may not be on target, of course.
I disagree that Iran is populated by nothing but religious fanatics. Yes, they have been subjugated for 40 years by an oppressive theocracy. They are a proud, strong people who wonʻt be steamrolled, however.
I just read an article by an anthropologist who spent 15 months there making a serious study of who the people of Iran are and what they think. Like any country, there is a wide spectrum of people with a myriad of opinions. It is ethnically and religiously diverse, and there are important differences in class and social strata. They have been oppressed and propagandized (sound familiar?). Not all Iranians are anti-American, in fact, many have relatives living in the U.S.
Itʻs clear that Trump is operating at a very low intellectual level and is easily influenced. Miller, Rubio, Hegseth, et al, have a big part in this war, no doubt, but the main reason for it is pretty clear. Trump and Netanyahu made an agreement to attack, and negotiations between the U.S. and Iran were not seriously sought. They were a distraction from the real plan and/or PR for the American people.
This war is being approached by this regime as a simple matter, which it most assuredly is not with a myriad of variables, and it seems sure to get extremely ugly.
- Karen Cooper
Karen Cooper: So well said. Firstly, Donald Hodgins let his bias slip when he failed to credit you for your opinion and responded to Thomas Cooper. Secondly, using Mr. Hodgins' analysis, which is also biased, he paints every Persian the same colour with the same brush. It is comparable to saying all 350 million Americans support Isreal and this invasion of Iran. Simply not true.
Shia Islam is not monolithic -- meaning there are sects within it. There is also a substantial percentage of Persians who follow Sufism -- but will declare themselves as Shia. I grew up in pretty large Muslim community (Dearborn) as a non-Muslim. In all those years, I have nothing but respect for my friends and classmates, and I will defend them here. We did have ugly Americans -- brought back to mind by the ignorant Hodgins. A trumper in spirit.
Jean, Donald Hodgins is also missing a very big point .... what about the hundreds of thousands of people who have been demonstrating in the streets of Tehran and the estimated 40,000 dead? Ya think they supported the regime?
- Karen Cooper
They surely didn't, and many of them were either too young or not yet born when the Shah was deposed.
Persia has been an ancient empire with a profound influence in the Middle East for thousands of years. The country has absorbed many conquerors and cultures, but was unable to prevail as a culture over recent takeovers in the 20th century. Will we ever stop bombing this area of the world just to acquire more oil?
A certain segment of the powerful will always seek more power, and thereby more assets
- Karen Cooper
Timothy--I said the country was filled with religious fanatics!! 93,000,000 of them. Okay I may have over stated things a bit. Let me rephrase my thinking. 92,999,999-is that better. After watching how they treated 52 American hostages for 444 days I don't trust anyone of them. It's a terrorist society--steeped in a religion that loves to hate.
I certainly hope the rest of the world doesn’t characterize the U.S. as a bunch of corrupt and stupid MAGAT pedo files because of current “leadership.”
I can excuse the uneducated people who were taken in by him. But I cannot excuse Theil, Musk and members of the Heritage Society for assisting him. The length of prison sentence should be measure by the degree of culpability. In Musk's case I reckon 50 to life is appropriate, and there must be no appeal.
Deborah--Me to. But they question our sanity.
You overstated things pretty incredibly.
A great many of the people in Iran were not even BORN when the hostage crisis happened. And do you remember how Ronald Reagan contributed to all that continuing as long as it did?
Much of the Iranian population is very much against the policies of their government, it's clear. They were willing to go out in the streets and die for that. Now we are killing even more of them.
Carpet bombing Tehran is not the best strategy. Urban centres are where most of those who want regime change live and work. Much of the countryside, however, is riddled with various extremist factions who won’t be easily defeated on their own territory. They are hate fuelled, fanatical and heavily armed. This war has to be fought over the entire expanse of the country. Good luck with that....(heavy sigh).
No, carpet bombing is not the best strategy, the best would be to turn to diplomacy, serious and determined negotiation, and a commitment toward peace
- Karen Cooper
Unfortunately, trump has proven that he doesn't seem committed or even capable of negotiating (anything) in good faith.
Elene--New faces same old hatred.
Oh sure. What nonsense Tens of thousands of Iranians demonstrated against the government, openly in the streets even though thousands were being killed by the regime for daring to protest. Go peddle your hate elsewhere
Linda--I said 93,000,000--but there are more people than that living in the country--I left room for the ones who would be considered Pro-American.
You don't know that. Good grief. 93 million people is an awful lot and they have different backgrounds, ages, educational levels, etc. etc. etc.
(The leadership is largely the same OLD faces-- same as much of our leadership here.....)
Elene--and I can say the same for your comment.
are you implying that genocide is the only solution? Perhaps some other people also hate us. Should we go and kill them?
Victor--Killing anyone to me is wrong. However, now that Trump has his foot in the door we should do what needs to be done and get out.
If you read Karen's comments a little more carefully, you'll see that they were not written by Timothy. She took the trouble to sign her work.
Elene--can't find it.
"This war is being approached by this regime as a simple matter, which it most assuredly is not with a myriad of variables, and it seems sure to get extremely ugly.
- Karen Cooper"
That's the end of her comment.
Elene--Thanks for the help--I agree completely--Trump has no ideas what he is doing. It is anything but simple--Bill Gates shares in my dyslexia. At least that's what they say because he has never been diagnosed and either have I.
Then I saw that on your page you mention being dyslexic.
92,999,999. Yes much better. Thank you.
If this is true, Donald, it would be so because we made them so. How would you feel if they did to us what we have done to them? Words and actions have consequences, and, at this point, I doubt if we have any friends left abroad.
Victor--I'm so sick and tired of people bitching about what happened way back when in history. Leave the past in the past where it belongs. There has been transgressions on both sides--the problem lies in "people" stirring the pot of discontent. I had a psychology professor who believed humans were inherently a waring species, and that desire will take thousands of years to grow out of. As for our friends --once Trump has departed, they will return.
You condemn others for hanging on to ancient grudges for too long. Next you attest once Trump is gone friends in the Middle East will soon return. Are these people NOT humans like you & I? Humanity as a WHOLE has a history of holding on to ancient grudges for FAR TOO LONG. To build forward positively we needs all learn to FORGIVE & FORGET as advocated by the Christian faith. There are no PERFECT humans; we can hardly call the pot BLACK when we are EQUALLY black ourselves.
Ken---You point to events in history, I point to issues not yet cold in our thoughts, there is a difference. However. I agree..
Yes, Donald, getting stuck in the past is not healthy, but it is hard to move forward when bills are not being paid. God may forgive us our debts, but we cannot afford to be so kind. We must move forward but we must acknowledge our debts..
Victor--With Trump at the helm, we don't have to worry about our debt--he'll make it bigger than its ever been before.
Do you think the 93 million religious fanatics who hate us includes the Iranian Jews, Kurds, Afghanis, Chinese, Turks, Lurs, Turkmen, Mazandaranis, Balochs, Arabs, Armenians, Tats, Talysh, Georgians, Assyrians, and Gilakis?
As to the groups you mention, regardless of their past sentiments towards the US, one thing is pretty much assured: it's become impossible for most of the world to like or trust the US at this juncture; a lawless regime of greedy, amoral bullies with dubious and ever-changing motives,
Trump, is a demented, warmongering half-wit, who has proven over and over that he is not true to his word and CANNOT BE TRUSTED. He and his coterie of incompetent grifters and stooges have conducted this entire Iran war debacle with such ineptitude and callousness that it's shocking. Sorry, most of us in the rest of the world have lost all confidence in American leadership.
Sadly, trump keeps doing everything he can to tarnish the reputation of your country and isolate it even further from other democracies. The damage is spilling over to the rest of us. Enough is enough. Soon. the USA will find itself with few friends other than putin and netanyahu.
I am pointing out that you and I are not willing to be painted as MAGA, and the many people of Iran are not willing to be painted as fanatics who hate us. To characterize all Iranians as religious fanatics who hate us is ignorant and beneath the intellectual standard of this forum.
I am pointing out that those who were once supportive, those not fanatical, now have different reasons to distrust the USA.
Look at what the world saw Jan 6th. It looked like “Americans” were attacking our capital. But that was totally misleading
Linda--It was Trump's missguided flock.
Right, better termed "traitors"
- Karen Cooper
I agree with the following assessment:
“A significant portion of the Iranian population is considered pro-Western and desires freedom, democracy, and a better future, contrary to the actions of the regime.”
Maura--It said "a segment of Iran's population" nothing more.
No, Donald. It did not. I suggest you read it again. Perhaps without prejudice.
“A significant portion of the Iranian population is considered pro–Western and desires freedom, democracy, and a better future, contrary to the actions of the regime.”
Iran has a rich history of poetry, agriculture and art that has influenced many parts of the world including India, Central Asia and Middle East. It is known for its diversity.
To label a people, an ancient people, to be all terrorists, is wrong. It smacks of bigotry and, frankly, ignorance.
Get off your high horse, Donald.
Before the US stuck its nose into Iran's government back in the late 1990s, Iran was a democracy.
Maura--The word "significant" is up for interpretation. To me 1% of the population is significant. To you it might not be.
Thank you.
Wars are started and perpetuated by those who either believe the enemy population to be irredeemably evil, or encourage that belief for their own purposes, or both.
Painting the "enemy" as evil is evil in itself, and is intellectually lazy at best. I am extremely saddened to see anyone here do it.
99 percent Muslim (90-95 percent Shia) is not religiously diverse.
Yet a polarized society.
"That's a country filled with 93,000,000 religious fanatics who hate us. "
Stating that the entire population of Iran are religious fanatics who hate the United States is a Trumpian scale fucking lie.
It is likely that a very large majority of the population just want to get on with their lives without violence. But if only a single figure percentage of the population were involved that would make it very hard to pacify it, and the US casualty figures could be huge. I bet some will have been radicalised by what the orange pig has done.
Thomas --you support your position with such eloquence. I over stated my thought to make a point. The Muslim religion refers to Christians and the people of the Jewish faith as Infidels. What fate do Muslims wish to bestow upon us non-believers---"Death" to us all. I don't think that's a friendly way to approach anyone-- Your language speaks volumes --I feel sorry for you.
"The Muslim religion refers to Christians and the people of the Jewish faith as Infidels." It doesn't. In fact, you cannot be a good Muslim if you do not believe in other religions of the book.
Religion is bullshit. Better if people just went bowling.
Farhad--I'm just repeating what the people of Iran have been screaming for years.
People of Iran don't scream.
Farhad--you haven't been watching CNN.
“Ulululululululul!”
From what you just said it seems that you listen only to screams. How do you account for thie selective listening?
Victor--The louder the commotion the more attention it attracts. I look at many things, the ones where screaming is involved has a higher priority.
Sorry-- the population of Dearborn, MI, for just one example, wants death for all non-Muslims?
This is astonishing bigotry and I don't mind using that word.
Elene-- The people in Dearborn Michigan aren't in Iran.
You made statements about all Muslims, not just all Iranians.
Elene--Are you always this picky--I was referring to the Muslims in Iran--Duh.
Could not agree more.
Donnie will repeat the unspeakable performance of George Bush on the golf course. Maybe a slightly different line: "Nobody could imagine such success totally crushing Iran. Now watch this drive..."
Mmerose--The drive you're referring to is a second Vietnam.
It could be worse. Even after Iraq was invaded, the insurgents made life hell for the occupying forces. This would be the same again and on a much larger scale. Also every crazy Jihadist will flock there. Al Qaeda and ISIS are reckoned to have 3 times as many people as they had in Iran.
Colin--We need another battle of the budge--We have intel as to the locations where the refining is taking place. Attack those areas with ground forces, get in, destroy the facilities and get out. It would be a horrific period in history if we allowed the creation of another Gaza.
Baloney!
Jean--If you know how to prepare it--the stuff make a great sandwitch.
All very neat and tidy. I've read enough military history to know that rarely happens. No plan survives contact with the enemy. Maybe that why Mr Orange has no plan. After all he is a genius.
Attorney General Pam Bondi is the most brazen hussy I have seen in my 83 years.
Celia--You and me both.
Impeach Bondi!
If he is incapable of assessing the situation now, Donald, he certainly won't be better able to do so a year from now. And how many more little girls will he kill in the meantime? He and his friend Bibi need to be stopped.
Callie--you missed my point--Trump and his goons who don't understand life let alone war, are saying the effort we are initiating in Iran will only last 4 or 5 weeks--I'm saying a year from now we will be stuck exactly where we currently are. This mess won't be over in the time frame Trump is feeding us.
That's the problem with wars, you can't stop them when you want to. I reckon the Iranians will try and widen their terrorist attacks and since they think of the UK as little Satan we'll get them too.
Colin--With war anything is possible.
So much better not to start one unless you have to.
Colin--Agreed--There are 9 countries who have nuclear weapons. Let them work like NATO. A new member must be voted in. Iran can never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.
Do wars ever end?
Victor--With respect to the events that led to the actual blood letting yes--the reasoning behind the carnage is another story, it's like a hungry ghost that never stops haunting.
Agree with Thomas on the supposed "93,000,000 religious fanatics." In fact, on a per capita basis, there might be just as many "religious fanatics" in the US. Also, amongst the Arab and Persian friends of my Jewish husband and I, they are to a person in favour of trump's war. I understand their feelings of course, I just don't think they've fully considered the long-term consequences or the demise of the rules-based international order.
Dorothy--I suppose there were segments of the Iranian society that looked upon our way of life as being note worthy, however, that changed when Netanyahu blew up that country's leadership. Now they all hate us.
So you are privy to the innermost thoughts of every one of the 93 million Iranians. I know some powerful psychics, but no one at that level!
Elene--Everyone knows fully well the hatred a segment of the Muslim religion holds that calls for the death of all infidels. They admit it. When I post a thought I maintain the right to express myself through the use of hyperboles. The 93,000,000 was a stretch but I wanted to make the point that most Muslims in the country of Iran hate Americans.
You have made and made and made that point. Unfortunately this use of hyperbole reinforces the bigotry and hatred many in the US have toward Muslims. And it just keeps raising the temperature at a time when cooler heads are needed.
And you just keep doubling down on it.
While you have the right to express yourself in this specific way, I have the right to point out that it is unfair and unhelpful.
At any rate, we have done nothing in the past week to improve Iranians' opinions of us. Now that we have attacked them and killed their children, we have given those who were against us all the more reason to feel that way. Those who may have had hope that we were going to rescue them may still have some, I don't know. (I personally am not privy to any of their thoughts.)
I wish for all the best for the Iranian people in throwing off tyranny and reaching a better place economically and every other way. And the same for us.
I'm done with this unfortunately circular discussion.
He's hopeless!
Elene--Your assessment of the thinking is faulty, I hold no prejudices toward anyone. I call a spade a spade.
Invading Iran could make Vietnam look like a kids tea party. The US military can serve the people best by refusing to send soldiers there.
Colin--There is a purpose. Iran can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, how we go about that task remains to be seen--but the clock is ticking.
There is actually no sane purpose Donald. Some say this Administration should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons and I agree. American intel on Iran is that they are years away from having any nuclear WMD. We are more at risk from Trump's actions.
Jean--If the intel on Iran is correct and they are years away from developing a nuclear weapon, when do you think it would be prudent to deal with the threat? Before they develop the ability to build such a device or after they have them?
What a constrained choice you pose! Do you question our intelligence sources for the last 10 to 20 years? Is it ever prudent to start a war without a plan or approval from Congress?
We had been negotiating this issue for some years until TRUMP's insanity stopped the talks. A military attack has never accomplished anything positive. You are certainly old enough to remember Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and countless other conflicts across South America.
George W Bush said the same about Iraq, despite the information available from the CIA. I bet you support that conflict, too.
Jean--In this world the end justifies the means. Sad but true--I don't support the manner in which the conflict was begun but I do serve its purpose. Iran can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. There are 9 countries that possess nuclear weapons, let them decide via a vote--should Iran be let into the fold. I know the answer and the media and propaganda didn't direct my path. The vote will be 6 to 3, at worse 5 to 4. Denying Iran entry.
No nation should have nuclear weapons because sooner or later, some unhinged madman will use them. My money's on Herr President Drumpf!
Trump is interested in only one thing that Iran has and that is oil, and he will stop at nothing to get it. Recall he said he would personally take over the profits from Venezuela's oil “ to see that it goes to the Venezuelan people. “ Once it's in his pocket, it's not going anywhere!
He will declare victory and walk away.
I hope so. Then the damage will be more limited.
But I doubt Netanyahu will walk away, and I don't see this disaster ending anytime soon.
Judy--If he doesn't prove to the world that his efforts to destroy Iran's refining facilities were a success--his ego will never recover.
He will say he destroyed everything he intended to destroy, with so much power - unlike the world has ever seen before. Nobody has ever done what trump has done... where's my Nobel Peace Prize?
Judy--And yet we still can never allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon.
"That's a country filled with 93,000,000 religious fanatics who hate us." How did you figure that?
Mr. Malekafzali: It seems obvious that either Donald Hodgins doesn't get out enough or hasn't had enough sleep. You will never out last his bias any more than the rest of us will survive Trumps' MAGA mania. A cult is a cult,is a cult...
Farhad--93,000,000 is about the current population of that sand based country. They carry signs as they march through the streets -Death to America, and they mean it.
Sand based country? I think you should stop now.
In the future we will be able to fill up our gas tanks with sand.
Whereabouts--In my youth people would put sand in their transmissions so the gears wouldn't slip. I guess the stuff does have an application.
Farhad--You disagree with my assessment concerning a sand based country--it's true. In America we have top soil, in the Middle East they have sand. What's the problem? The term "the sands of time" originated in the deserts of the Middle East, not in the dirt of America.
"The sands of time" refers to the sand in an hourglass.
In SOME parts of America we have abundant topsoil. Here in the desert Southwest, we have a bunch of sand and dust along with not as much topsoil as we might like.
I have the impression that you have never traveled much.
Elene--My exploits might surprise even you.
Well, he saw how much fun Bibi is having in Gaza, so....
John--What Netanyahu did in Gaza was a crime. We don't need a repeat performance.
Do you think the 93 million religious fanatics who hate us includes the Iranian Jews, Kurds, Afghanis, Chinese, Turks, Lurs, Turkmen, Mazandaranis, Balochs, Arabs, Armenians, Tats, Talysh, Georgians, Assyrians, and Gilakis?
Martha--What you just added to the soup just enhances the flavor. We are a hated country, thanks to Trump.
Actually, the majority of Iran’s population is under age 30. About a decade (or more) ago, it was 80%. Back then, they were largely pro American. They even loved America jeans. It’s why president Obama made the 10 year deal with Iran. To wait for a new generation of Iranian voters
Linda--I hope they find a way to keep religion out of their government.
The problem is not religion but virulent nationalism dressed as religion. The Quran preaches humility, and the submission to the will of God/Allah. The Iranian ayatollahs have shown none of that. We have a relative here at home. It's called Christian nationalism, and it often goes by the name the Church Militant or the like.
Victor--- from the Quran--The "Sword Verse" (9:5): This is the most frequently cited verse, stating: "And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them...".
Verse 2:191: Commands believers to "Slay them [unbelievers] wherever you find them, and drive them out of the places from which they have driven you out...".
They kill because their religion tells them to do so.
and what does the book of Joshua say? Aren't you blinded by the rod in your own eye? What did Christians do to fellow Christian, all in the name of God?
Victor--Two different religions on a collision course throughout hidstory.
With Trump it's an unconstitutional surrender.
It may be wishful thinking, but it strikes me this war is Trump's undoing. At least for a while. He periodically likes to lose bigly and seems to have set himself up to do so here.
Victoria-- The only way Trump can salvage any self-esteem is if he succeeds in his desire to rid Iran of its nuclear threat.
Even then I think it's a rough go. Partly because I'm not entirely sure Trump has any real self-esteem to salvage. But also because I'm not sure any announcement to that effect will placate the American public given that he already seemed to imply he did that before. Any further announcement could go over with a 'big whoop' sigh of boredom from many.
Finally, I've been reading analyses of the war from non-corporate US media that seem to imply that Iran can keep engaging in low-level attacks for months if not years. And if there's one thing the American public seems to sour on, it's a long-term commitment. It's certainly not what 'America first' meant to most people.
Victoria--If Trump is to salvage anything from his overly aggressive behavior with regards to Iran, he must find a way to destroy any and all vestiges of the past administration's desire to possess nuclear weapons. This must be achieved post hast, then get the hell out of there.
Nice bit of work; Donald; excepting Iran is a society of multiple factions many of whom were quite friendly toward the west. That is they WERE; I doubt that they are NOW
Kem--Prior to Trump it was estimated that 10% of Iran's population was friendly toward the West. Like you pointed out that percentage most likely and declined. I got hell for my negativity about the people of Iran and their feelings toward the US.
"That's a country filled with 93,000,000 religious fanatics who hate us." I'm sorry but I disagree. It looks like you don't know any Iranians personally, have never been to Iran, believe that a large nation struggling under--and valiantly against--the autocracy of its government can simultaneously be unified in hatred of the people ("us") of another country themselves struggling (if less valiantly) against autocracy. You don't have personal experience of a country unified in hate, because no one does. It's not a real thing. People are different. But if there's one trait that seems to characterize Iranians as a whole, it's their welcoming generosity: everyone I know who's visited or lived in Iran--every single person--has been overwhelmed by that. It doesn't mean Iran isn't run by a bunch of ideologically driven thugs. But so is the US. That doesn't make you or me a thug, right?
Mary--Farzen Manouchehrican, a dear friend of mine, is from Iran. I have no problem with any one who meets me on level ground and extends their hand to meet mine in friendship. Iran as a country has sponsored terror across the middle East for decades.
The "Sword Verse" (9:5): This is the most frequently cited verse, stating: "And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them...".
Verse 2:191: Commands believers to "Slay them [unbelievers] wherever you find them, and drive them out of the places from which they have driven you out...".
They want us dead.
You contradicted your own opening statement. No, "THEY" don't want us dead, no does their nation. Many in fact sort of want this war (or at least this war if it were led by someone less stupid and cruel than Hegseth, who on X told all the people of Iran--he shares your view of them--that they are going to die). Their GOVERNMENT wants it, though even they didn't start this war, have managed to avoid starting any war since Cyrus the Great's. If you're willing to share the views, feelings, and blame for the US government's action (I know you're not, from reading your comments over time), only then can you blame the people of Iran for their government's actions, mostly taken against them, not us.
And if you read scriptures literally--an odd habit for an intelligent, analytical adult--then please consider the bloody verses of the Bible: here e.g. is Jesus, Prince of Peace, Matthew 10:34: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." Or Deuteronomy 20: "16 But of the cities of these people, which the Lord thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth: 17 But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee."
Mary--???????????????????????
Why are you puzzled? You offer me proof that the people of Iran are in solidarity with the government that just massacred 30,000 of them for protesting against it, in the form of a violent verse from the Koran. I offer you a couple similar ones from the Jewish and Christian Bible. Clearly the writings of a monotheistic religion born and fostered by a particular ethnic group in the premodern world and written during a period of war were capable of espousing violence within the writer’s particular context. That verse from the Koran doesn’t prove that modern Iranian people are united in a violent hatred of America, nor do those in the Bible prove that Americans—who overwhelmingly oppose this war—hate Iran. Most of us share most Iranians’ view of Iran’s clerical autocracy. A state and its people are two different things, and when democracies fail the State goes its own way. (Not that Iran’s democracy failed, as you know—it was overturned by U.S. machinations and replaced with a corrupt Shah.)
Mary--The Shah left in January of 1979--How much time do the people of Iran need to set things straight.
Mary--you can paint the situation in Iran any color that suits you. The fact remains that country has been the hub for terrorism for decades. Her loving people have done little to change things. I'll give you there is a segment of that society which has suffered greatly under the thumb of the Ayatollah. But their numbers are in the minority. That country hates us.
turns out letting a predator rapist bully con grifter snake oil creep obsessed with fighting awards and nonesense is a very bad idea
💯 Especially if he was motivated by revenge and small-fingered insecurity. “At the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Obama mocked Trump's Celebrity Apprentice show and his qualifications, joking about the ‘changes’ Trump would bring to the White House, such as turning the broadcast room into a set. Following the release of his birth certificate, Obama joked that Trump could now focus on real issues, such as ‘the moon landing’ and ‘where Biggie and Tupac are.’ Observers described Trump as sitting in "locked, unmovable rage" while being targeted, barely reacting to the jokes. According to political associates, this public humiliation was a turning point that drove Trump to run for president. The dinner occurred shortly after Trump had heavily criticized Obama regarding his birth certificate, and just days before the mission that killed Osama bin Laden.” (Google AI). https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/watch-inside-the-night-president-obama-took-on-donald-trump/
I saw that video - everyone is laughing at Obama’s jokes except Trump - his rage is evident on his face - this man is incapable of interaction with humans
Here it is. https://www.c-span.org/clip/white-house-event/user-clip-2011-obama-roasts-trump-at-white-house-correspondents-dinner/4887587
In addition to Obama's comments you cited, I recall Seth Meyers saying "Donald Trump has been saying that he will run for president as a Republican — which is surprising since I just assumed that he was running as a joke". When the camera cut away to show Trump's reaction, I knew his fragile ego was triggered and he would run for president with the sole purpose being to get even. Obama lives rent free in Trump's head to this day.
🙏 Amen, Chuck!
honestly while I understand the idea of democracy I think it would be reasonable nonetheless that somehow a person who knowingly spreads lies each systemically based on bigotry like say allerging a sitting president is unfit to be president based on lies about his birth place and his funny to dumb bigots sounding name and calling that a movement.....in short the further movement should have been where somehow runp was disqualified from running not to mention how much was known about his even more horrific crimes...and certainly now as obvious as it is he raped children and is srill president says something about us a society and those things are very bad....and yes rump is a hyper hyper competitive far less than mediocre petty angry hateful spiteful vile man who sought power for the sake of it and to avoid jail...and to try to prove he's better than Obama.,he hasn't proved anything other than he's one of the worst humans ever the manifestation of the worst of us history and humanity and a horrific horrible heinous criminal..... president
I hate to blame Obama for anything related to Trump, but sadly if he had not made those wickedly funny remarks, Donald might not have been so desperate to be president, and the world would be very different....
One of Trump's worst qualities, out of so many, is that he absolutely cannot laugh at himself. That makes for a deeply dysfunctional human being.
BTW Obama was correct...rumsp tv show was the worst reality tv crap ever and given how terrible reality tv is that's saying w lot ..and turns out government by reality tv and podcast goons and evil Barbies is really horrible too.....idk I guess that's the problem with anyone can be president ethos for a nation....anybody includes a born wealthy dumb lacking in any skills interests decency difk head predator creep con snake oil rapist as much as a single mother's child who raised him well...I don'tguess that's what anyone should mean but it did....
The man in the White House will do whatever he thinks is necessary to take our attention away from the Epstein Scandal. His shiny objects are increasingly alarming. What absolutely blew me away was the fact he could not understand why our allies have given him a resounding NO as far as helping him. In MSM, magas were so quick to denigrate NATO and how the US was the most important member and NATO would not help. Boy, did they get slammed for that ridiculousness. Every one was so quick to point out that NATO provides help to member countries that have been attacked, like Ukraine, but does not provide help to a member that attacks another country! The orange man and magas just do not understand that at all! I almost spit out my coffee when you were talking about fertilizer, Professor Reich! I have to say, I am so very glad that you do know your shit! The orange man has started something he has no control over. Netanyahu will use this war to his advantage, so orange man hitched his star to the wrong wagon! When we get our country back, I would like an amendment to the war powers in the Constitution. I want it stated clearly that any fighting, bombing, strikes etc. MUST BE approved by Congress. If a president does not abide by that, then he/she is removed from office post haste! Truly enjoyed the substack today! Thank you so much, Kamau Bell! Keep fighting, America! Stay strong and stay safe!
Yes Peggy, I agree completely. I also find the tone of this Klatch a bit lighthearted. And with little stress on the morality. Maybe 30.000 Iranians were shot in the streets, a casualties number, only surpassed by Netanyahu in Gaza.
The talks about regime change do not pay attention to the religious meaning of the ayatolla regime. Do Americans understand what they are doing?
The risk for world peace are growing every day. The Iranians will try to drag Nato in, but like you say Peggy, Nato is for defense, not fot attack. The Russians and the Chinese are still moderate, but how long?
Tom, I feel with this latest stupid choice by the man in the White House, he has set in motion actions that do not bode well for the entire world. This con man, grifter, felon has managed to bring our world to a precipice and whether we fall or back away is a choice that I hope true, sane leaders will decide!
I think North Korea is going to step in soon - Kim Jung doesn’t like Trump invasion of a country of 93 million and saying he will “INSTALL “ his own leaders - China is feeling edgy also as about 50% of their oil is coming from Iran.
"Kim is a friend" says the traitor in chief. Problem is indeed the oil flow; from Russia to Hungary, passing Ukraine. But from Iran to China as well.
It makes the question still more urgent: does political America has an idea what it is doing and what the complexities are?
So proud of Spain. So disappointed that we have decided to allow DJT to continue to use the Açores for refueling. What a waste of an opportunity to exert influence.
Trump was angry enough. Spain should find allies for a proud position.
The Iranian regime was ugly, but this war will be: and risky ....
Just saw this - the Açores are not happy! https://www.instagram.com/p/DVl2rRgCItO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Peggy,
Ukraine is NOT a member of NATO. Never has been.
In any case, Iran has been at war with us for nearly 50 years.
Professor Reich and Kamau Bell: i love you, kamau! thanks for mentioning the upcoming NO KINGS rally, but i simply MUST point out that TODAY is the second ever STAND UP FOR SCIENCE rally all around the nation, so be sure to get out there to protect science (science is what made our nation great). here's the website where everyone can find a stand up for science rally near them:
https://www.standupforscience.net/march7
i deeply mourn the loss of jasmine crockett from congress, and hope hope HOPE that she keeps pushing her way into politics (and appealing to her supporters to vote for talarico in the upcoming midterms) because we desperately need her wit and plain speaking realism.
Demanding unconditional surrender in a conflict that a few days ago they tried not to call a war...
Looks like the three or four weeks Kegseth spoke of for its duration just won't fulfill the most pressing objectives:
- continual diversion from Epstein revelations
- keeping the window open longer, hoping that domestic Iranian terrorism will provide a reason to cancel the midterms
- ensuring that arms producers can make hundreds of billions in profits, cutting off a little slice of that to back Republicans in congressional races
- prolonging Trump's opportunity to feel macho in the most visible way possible
- lowering the bar for invading Cuba. If the timing is right - in the midst of a major offensive in Iran. Most of America will hardly notice.
Trump feels emboldened with both sides of Congress refusing to enforce the War Powers Act that should've prevented war via impulse. He wants to strut about like #DonaldDuce while most of the world sees him as #DonaldDunce, a nine-year-old simpleton on a sugar high with an AK-47.
I’ve been saying for weeks - we need to go after republicans in senate - they are the final word - those old turds like Grassley McConnell Collins Graham - they have no protections - hit them hard !!!!
with apologies to 9-year olds.....
It sounds like he’s coveting a WWII outcome. “The United States explicitly demanded and achieved “unconditional surrender” from the Axis Powers—specifically Germany and Japan—during World War II, a policy announced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 to ensure total victory. The policy required the complete dismantling of the enemy's political and military systems (Google AI).”
But 47 isn’t “The New Dealer” FDR or “Give ‘em hell, Harry” Truman.
47 is a convicted felon found guilty of dozens of counts of fraud and liable for SA and defamation. He’s been described as a short-fingered vulgarian engaged in an illegal "war of choice.” Critics argue these actions lack Congressional authorization and do not meet the legal threshold for self-defense. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/04/trump-administration-illegal-war-iran-experts#:~:text=Cate%20Brown%20in%20Washington,military%20offensive%20of%20its%20own.
Good morning Robert and Kamau.
As I wake this morning in Massachusetts and turn on MSNBC the actual state of the United States of America is it’s a hot mess. Trump IS a psychopath. The pundits have been hashing over the Iran “War” for one week now. All the talk tries to rationalize Trumps behavior as to what is going on in that deranged brain of his. Donald Trump is obviously drunk on power. He has total control of our military. Now that he has it he’s decided he is taking the world over excluding China and Russia. Trump is the World’s first planetary Dictator. Trump is out of control putting us all in danger . He’s collapsing our society.
Not just illegal, but a war that should never have started. My opinion is Trump ignored diplomacy in order to not just distract from Epstein and the fact he’s dropping in popularity for various reasons, but to try to claim an emergency in order to take over the voting. If Republicans lose (pray they do) just one entity they know they will be more exposed than they already are. They are placing the country and our servicemen in a dangerous place for their own benefit. Trump has threatened Greenland, Mexico, Canada, has killed innocents, pushed into Venezuela and now Iran. He has near destroyed our relationship with our allies that can only be explained by his desire to be a dictator. Iran can certainly become a “forever war.” In fact many other countries are now involved. One excuse for Netanyahu creating situations like Trump is to stay out of jail. I’ll be at the No Kings. We must continue to Stand Our Ground!
Trump expects unconditional surrender of a large religious state of ninety-three- million people? He idiotically seeks the impossible with as many of our nation's dead bodies and treasures as it takes. That is the reason I believe that he, like others who would make war, should personally lead in the front rank of the first attack.
And then the shame of asking Ukraine for drone help
Who’s holding the cards now?
Trump is the piece president; piece of 💩
Tap!
Someone should interview the Democrat who voted against the war powers act and ask them why.
Here's what my "search agent" had to say:
Senator John Fetterman voted against the war powers resolution because he believes military action is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and supports the ongoing U.S. and Israeli military operations in Iran. He was the only Democrat to oppose the measure, which aimed to limit President Trump's authority to conduct military strikes without congressional approval.
Democrat, not democrats.
Confirmed: https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00046.htm
Corrected
Thanks for checking!
Thanks for noticing. My high school composition teacher was strict about always checking original sources.
Unrelenting disbelief that our country's military isn't capable of keeping our one sole nation managing all the world's oil energy for this world. Time after time our presidents have mucked up the notion of cooperation and sharing the worlds resources over an underlying principal of world hegemon. Top dog, king of the hill concept.
Trying to break up Russia into smaller provinces. A long term project going back to post WWII. Constant wars in the Middle East trying to keep the gulf states in line with our Petro dollar free lunch policy our elites suckle on. And trying to topple China off their place of being the worlds biggest economy. That they earned, by hard work. And they have no notion for being like our craven governments self. For the Chinese its cooperation and win-win approach to their success.
I'm with the economists, political scientists and people that believe our nation is a fading empire striking out in denial that the spot we thought we were entitled to being the prime nation of this planet is past tense now. And really, what purpose does that serve? Our nation makes up only about 4 & one quarter of all humanity. Yet our leaders behave as if that means we are the chosen ones to make the world go around. Or go up in flames.
We're going to have to learn the hard way it seems. This latest intrusion into the worlds peaceful existence may further cripple not our intended target. But ourselves. By not being a nation trustworthy to do business with or invest in. Too chaotic and too menacing.
You get back what you put out.
It seems that a way to end this war is to have the billionaire class, who seem to love Trump and his nonsense, fund it instead of the rest of us hardworking Americans who pay taxes every year!
Let's not forget that Jared Kushner is cozy with Bibi AND the Saudis. This war is beneficial for the Saudis and for Jared. Jared bagged $2Billion from them and keeps close to them and whispers into trump's ears... This is a deeply embedded system involving several players. It's not just USA & Iran.
We assume we are going to win in November. Did you see what they did in Dallas, where people were re routed to different voting places, and they kept the polls open so people could get in. AND THEN the supreme court said they couldn’t count votes that came in after 7:00pm. We need to be aware of this!!