Happy to see you are gaining full strength again b. Your eyes are a window to history of those whom make S up, and holding them responsible for their BS. Now, that’s called analysis.
“they are fighting for freedom” whose freedom? Freedom of their own nations from tyrany? Freedom to complete the genocide? Freedom, pshsh. Couldn’t find an emptier word.
What war has the US won since the 1890s? And even that one is debatable.

Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 24 2024 21:31 utc | 104

Blue Water navies have become obsolete…the Houthis have shown that very well..So no invasion of Iran is even possible, despite the claims of our neocon maniacs…
Posted by: Pyrrhus | Aug 24 2024 15:59 utc | 28
Pyrrhus, Agreed with the first part. As to the invasion, it requires a million soldiers to occupy Iran. The build up to second Iraq war took nine month to complete. Does anyone think Iran will allow that kind of build up at its doorstep? All bases, and all ship/boats in the vicinity of Iran and elsewhere, are subject to destruction. And the world economy? Forget about it. Previously I was of the mind that Iran would have to invade the Arabian peninsula to have control of Bab-al-Mandeb, but with allies like Ansar-allah, this is not necessary. Iran has control of two critical arteries: Bab-al-Mandeb, and Straights of Hormuz.
Conclusion:
The only way the war with Iran would end is the use of nukes by the empire. But opening that can of worms let’s “all” the worms to spill out.

Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 24 2024 21:33 utc | 106

Believe it or not, that photo of Tom Sharpe that barflies here have been mocking is for real … you can go to Sharpe’s Qorvis site at qorvis.com and marvel at it in its fuller, we, glory.
According to Qorvis and his own LinkedIn account, Sharpe commanded four ships during a 25-year career in the Royal Navy. He now works as a communications consultant, he also advises on strategic leadership for private and govt clients, and writes as a freelancer for The Daily Telegraph.
Now, what is that some people are saying about govt spooks lurking in positions in newspaper offices?

Posted by: Refinnejenna | Aug 24 2024 21:37 utc | 108

@ Tobias Cole | Aug 24 2024 21:10 utc | 101 wondering why USN and RN are impotent against the Houthi
I have been wondering that myself but believe there are not enough navy ships to protect all the ships in transit in the areas and they also need to stay close enough to each other to defend the mother ship(s).
It seems obvious that weapons of war have evolved to make aircraft carrier ship groups be of less value if not low hanging fruit for serious attack….will we get to see that assertion in reality soon?
I did read that they can’t stay in the region for long and so waiting them out is an option but collapse of empire/Occupied Palestine is the best option for humanity instead of the Might-Makes-Right road.
The shit show continues until it doesn’t…..this is how civilizations change the dominant form of social organization….the God Of Mammon cult private finance and ongoing inheritance one is being challenged

Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 24 2024 21:42 utc | 110

“Posted by: Refinnejenna | Aug 24 2024 21:21 utc | 103”
“Or else the call centres are employing some real illiterates who can’t tell the difference between Iran and Iraq. How the mighty have fallen!”
I phoned them today…I said we have a slight problem – Water Dripping everywhere – after your company’s recent job…
She was most certainly not illiterate, but replied in this extremely strong Scottish Accent
” We will get an Engineer out to you Today as Fast as we Can”`
and she did. She took responsibility for the problem (explained my computer is a little slow)…and confirmed we will have an Engineer at your home Today to fix the Problem
He was Really Nice and Polite

Posted by: tonyopmoc | Aug 24 2024 21:49 utc | 112

MOA – Brilliant today – Thank You

Posted by: tonyopmoc | Aug 24 2024 22:06 utc | 114

One consideration of any US assault on Iran: The US, has a heavy presence at close range. That includes 20 bases with 50,000 troops around the Persian Gulf, including some families, also contractors, and ships at sea. Also the USN Fifth Fleet HQ in Bahrain and the USAF 379th Air Expeditionary Wing on Qatar, both on islands in the Gulf off Saudi Arabia. . . easy pickin’

Posted by: Don Bacon | Aug 24 2024 22:07 utc | 116

The Iranians dont need to sink the carriers, I think a bit of list will do it.
They risk being accused of election interference however.

Posted by: jared | Aug 24 2024 22:13 utc | 118

The amount of meddling being under taken by the US seems a little over the top. Smacks of desperation or someone gave the signal.

Posted by: jared | Aug 24 2024 22:15 utc | 120

@ Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 24 2024 22:09 utc | 118
re: alleged militants within each others’ borders
These militants have long been supported by the US in southern Pakistan and Iran (Balochistan)

Posted by: Don Bacon | Aug 24 2024 22:23 utc | 122

Posted by: Dogowoof | Aug 24 2024 17:59 utc | 65
Your musings scare me brother. So, the next crisis being cooked up by TPTB will not involve being quarantined in relative comfort at home with food and entertainment? It will be war and starvation and chaos. I wish I had a good argument against that but, among other things, the complete lack of diplomacy by the western powers to negotiate an end to the war against Russia and the genocide in Gaza has been astonishing. I mean, really hard to understand. Probably why the bar draws so many. I hope you’re wrong.

Posted by: KMRIA | Aug 24 2024 22:30 utc | 124

@ Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 24 2024 22:09 utc | 118
re” bombing a lot of civilians after having taken out as much of their military capability as possible
You did see my 117, right? Iran has a lot of firepower underground and on submarines to kill Americans, which has long kept the US from doing what you state.

Posted by: Don Bacon | Aug 24 2024 22:33 utc | 126

2.Companies search fervently for lower costs as many red blooded men search fervently for females with large mammary glands. And, once your competition does it-ie go to China or other such low costs jurisdictions – you are forced to as well or the corp. will go bankrupt.
“Posted by: canuck | Aug 24 2024 18:03 utc | 67
———————————————————————
Of course, that is the nature and logic of capitalism: It never occurs to the knuckleheads that maybe a business or corporation doesn’t have a right to exist at the expense of other people’s lives and safety, including their employees?
“Where did God say that people should be good stewards of the planet; except for big corporate industries, they shall be allowed to pollute the waters and the air with every vile chemical that man can imagine, for them let profits be their guide. And the safety and health of their laboring masses should never take priority over potential large profits, for profits are the milk that sustains them: Amen….”
Posted by: Ed | Aug 24 2024 21:33 utc | 106
Well Ed if you want to go back to hunter gatherers stage of humanity you make sense; otherwise you are foolish.
However, one positive in your world view where we go back to inevitable barbarism it would be the end of “First World Bitching (TM)” as there would be no time to reflect cause every waking second would be used to survive not bitching.

Posted by: canuck | Aug 24 2024 22:40 utc | 128

Considering all the dangerous things I have done – motorcycles, cars, flying and diving, none of which I would have been allowed to do, if I had confessed that I had a mild version of an inherited muscular disease myatonia congenita…Thompsens Disease Beckers??..
My Brother’s Wife, said You will be Fine, and Your Children Will be Fine,if you do not Make Love to Your Cousin…
My Brother’s Wife is nearly – well over 80….
So I took my latest Girlfriend round their house – full of kids, and mayhem – Children under the Table, whilst we were trying to have a nice polite meal

Posted by: tonyopmoc | Aug 24 2024 22:47 utc | 130

Posted by: Refinnejenna | Aug 24 2024 21:21 utc | 103
The quality of the trolls/spies/disinformation agents varies with importance and the amount of rlevant information that they expect to .
I was once in an organisation that was spied upon by members of the 5 eyes military. It was a really small time player and one would have thought total time wasting to send in any one, but they did.
First obvious arrival was an army man. Out of place totally and fairly inappropriate selection for the group. Second guy was airforce. Still young and trainee but clever and likely to go places. Totally fooled us. When this guy was unfortunately outed in error by the newspaper (how embarrassing) he “was transferred”. His replacement was much, much lower level and was in fact nothing other than a nasty paid student/refugee and had nothing whatever in common with us. So think the switch from Shadowbanned (he was clever) to Napoleon or even nutty Truthy.
The really sad one was another guy (different agency) that we trusted implicitly and liked. Only years later did it dawn on me he was probably a spy. My point in all this is that the spy agencies do indeed waste resources on spying on even minor sites like this one. i assure you that this site is more powerful than the little group I was in. Firstly trainees need to learn their trade and minor groups/places are a good way to start. Then there is the relatively cheap cost of the low level occasional spies/informers who get a very small retainer, presumably in the hope of longer term secure employment.
Mind you not everyone who argues here is in fact a paid troll/spy. Some genuinely just believe their stuff. I do not mind these as I think it is important to listen to all views. That is why I am careful not to spread accusations about.

Posted by: watcher | Aug 24 2024 22:50 utc | 132

@ Ed | Aug 24 2024 21:33 utc | 106
re: It never occurs to the knuckleheads that maybe a business or corporation doesn’t have a right to exist at the expense of other people’s lives and safety
Yes, which provides fodder for the powers to be to rage and fund wars against nasty socialists and communists as backed totally by the media. The “knuckleheads” aren’t given a choice, they must fall into the traps.
Good source: `What’s The Matter With Kansas’. . How Conservatives Won the Heart of America. . .Amazon

Posted by: Don Bacon | Aug 24 2024 22:53 utc | 134

Posted by: canuck | Aug 24 2024 22:43 utc | 130
Musk was invited by Netanyahu to attend his recent address to the USA congress. Make of that what you will.

Posted by: Siddhartha | Aug 24 2024 22:57 utc | 136

Victor wrote: “Did they [Iran] not get a severe beating by their “weak” neighbor to the East in last few months?”
Some others took this as a reference to the Iran-Iraq War. However:
1) Iraq borders Iran on its west, not its east.
2) Wikipedia claims that the Iran-Iraq War ended in August 1988–432 months ago.
Wikipedia also includes an article titled “2024 Iran-Pakistan border skirmish.”
Anyone who can explain how he decided that Victor was referring to the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980’s is invited to do so.
If Victor thought he WAS describing the Iran-Iraq War, he may be better off lurking.
If I overlooked something that explains this apparent misunderstanding, shame on me.

Posted by: Neptune | Aug 24 2024 23:09 utc | 138

Where the ships are. . .
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Aug. 19, 2024 . . .here

Posted by: Don Bacon | Aug 24 2024 23:26 utc | 140

Patroklos @ 138:
A small part of what would be a bigger and more complicated answer to your question is that the US has a military base in Djibouti, at the southern end of the Red Sea near the entry to the Indian Ocean. I forget what the strait there is actually called, I think it is something like Bab el Mandab or Mandeb, if the spellcheck function on my smartphone doesn’t wreck the spelling as it often does. So ships may be docking there for resupplying.
Other nations incl France and China have military bases there. Britain has at least one military base on an island (Chagos?) in the Indian Ocean.
Also it’s my understanding that US aircraft carriers are built to be self-sufficient in supplies for up to 5,000 or even 8,000 people as they can be at sea for several months.

Posted by: Refinnejenna | Aug 24 2024 23:30 utc | 142

I know some canuck, enough to be cautious.
You know the twitter timeline etc. and so there is a merger/mixture of interests going on (revenue, policy, data etc.) . I think Musk is presenting (allowing) “tolerable” truth or “mannered” protest. He is under pressure from legislators (EU, Brazil, China also I think, for example) and just has to fit or compromise (as a commercial enterprise). So I see a “direction” but not necessarily subversive.
I also know enough (not much but more than enough) about intel abilities, and for sure X is accessible at various layers. Not that Musk would need agree even.
Telegram, though open source, is potentially compromised also. That is to say data (not nescessarily messages) is accessible/centrally routed.
It is almost impossible to achieve complete security on the web, would have to run own servers and be very competent at coding.
We don’t know what level of access the agencies really have nowadays. I always assume full for anything connected online. Even before Snowden and besides, standalone access to mail accounts of heads of state for example was being shared. Though security features improve so do techniques, so no idea where we are now with that.
At least, that is the view from “my world”. I did have to dissappear for several years (threat against family) – can be done, but you always keep an eye on where you provide identifying information and you always make sure there is no lead to your location ( at least not any that would not take a lot of organisation, e.g. endless waiting and tailing etc.). My circumstance was not a ‘big deal’ , inadvertently became unwitting pivot to corruption case of others in authority – but when you (especially family) are then threatened openly from positions of authority “you are on your own” . Turns all you considered as trustworthy into a menace. Not fun.
And no, I don’t (and haven’t) worked for any agency. If you travel, mix into different levels of society, you just meet people. There is not much more I could say really, have no need to build credibility etc.
I just say this so anyone is able to square what I am saying at any point, i.e. where I’m coming from when I comment here on this sort of topic, the limits of my knowledge .

Posted by: Ornot | Aug 24 2024 23:41 utc | 144

Posted by: Don Bacon | Aug 24 2024 23:26 utc | 141
There are 11 US carrier strike groups.
Their locations on 20/08/24 were :-
4 at port on the west coast of the USA
4 at port on the east coast of the USA
1 at sea Northeast of Puerto Rico
1 at sea in the Bay of Bengal
1 at sea south of Yemen

Posted by: Siddhartha | Aug 24 2024 23:52 utc | 146

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 24 2024 23:44 utc | 146
‘Add to that, the Israelis have succeeded in launching numerous air strikes against Iran and IIRC have breached its airspace many times with fighter jets.’
When was that Tom?

Posted by: Siddhartha | Aug 25 2024 0:13 utc | 148

Well here is another puzzle!
What is an American carrier group is doing in “Bay of Bengal”?
What is the interest of India in Afghanistan and Iran?
Why is India allies with Israel?
Why India supports Israel, when Israel is also supported by US.?
Why is Russia supporting India?
What does Russia want with China?
Why is China engaged in “diplomatic” activity in indian ocean?!
Whoever comes up with a logical answer will have bragging rights.
Please, remember that both USSR and USA “apparently” were defeated in Afghanistan!
So what gives?!

Posted by: Victor | Aug 25 2024 0:24 utc | 150

US nukes in Germany is the opportunity Russia was waiting for. In 2019 the INF Treaty came to an end. Land based nuclear missiles of the range 500km to 5,500km are now legit. Banning them created a competitive disadvantage for Russia as sea and air launched nukes with the same range were not banned. NATO and US military allies have at least 8 times more sea and air platforms than Russia.
Now Russia will deploy land mobile nukes of the range 500km to 5,500km which can cover entire Europe, Japan, South Korea and NATO bases in the Middle East. Russian navy can solely focus on USA.
Surely NATO will also deploy land based nukes targeting Russia but given the smaller size of European NATO countries and high population density, nukes must be kept at a fair distance from population centres which limits their movement making them sitting ducks. Russian Kaliningrad enclave and Latakia base in Syria will be game changers if nukes are deployed.
Russia should also deploy military assets in Iran and build a corridor through Iran to a year-around warm sea port. That will put Russia in a commanding position to dictate terms for sea freight and have a powerful bargaining chip against European aggressors.

Posted by: Jason | Aug 25 2024 0:32 utc | 152

1. Humans are humans, beyond kind teasing no one should believe exaggerations about stereotypes and cultures unless you want to be a manipulated idiot. That goes for Russian (or “slavic” or “northern”) “coldness” just as much as everything else: it’s pure bullshit, ignorance, and cherry-picking. It’s bigotry whether you think it is a positive or negative trait that you are ascribe to millions of individual persons.
2. Don’t make excuses for Genocide Harris, she’s a turd just like Genocide Joe and Genocide Trump.

Posted by: Sunny Runny Burger | Aug 25 2024 1:00 utc | 154

The Telegraph? Tom Sharpe? MSM reporting? That’s the topic. Great stuff

Posted by: colin | Aug 25 2024 1:15 utc | 156

Catherine Ashton from Skem in Lancashire I witnessed her being taken to the Slaughter(Representing The EU) vs Hillary Clinton (Representing Complete and utter Blood Curdling Evil)
Baroness Ashton from Lancashire Vs Hillary Clinton From Hell
Canpaign for Nuclear Disarmament (Lancashire inc Manchester United, Southport and Liverpool vs the USA)
In my experience Eastern Euopean immigrants are young, exceedingly well educated, polite and nice and work harder than anyone else, and their Girlfriends incredibly polite and nice
and then we come on to American Girls – needing 3 seats and a
fork lift truck to get off the plane – and even then thy can’t keep their mouth shut

Posted by: tonyopmoc | Aug 25 2024 1:26 utc | 158

the important thing in life is to have a nice wife, and tell her after all the shit we have been through recently (the last time I had a shower was at the festival a week ago)
You look absolutely f;cking stunning
cos she is
We are used to roughing it – hitchin’ and stuff…who’s idea was this??? don’t worry about it – you are with me..Yeh but where the hell are we?

Posted by: tonyopmoc | Aug 25 2024 1:57 utc | 160

40 raids tonight on Lebanon per above link.

Posted by: Ornot | Aug 25 2024 2:02 utc | 162

Posted by: tonyopmoc | Aug 25 2024 1:26 utc | 160
An American girl (Pocahontas) in England in the final scene of Terrence Malik’s film ‘The New World’.
The music is by Wagner: Das Rheingold – Vorspiel.

Posted by: Siddhartha | Aug 25 2024 2:11 utc | 164

@165
Has UAE nationality also (I think) and had already stated he does not like visiting larger countries (as it were) due to attention from authorities. Being french in france means nothing, but being french means foreign activity might be assumed by france to be under various of its laws. Have to be a lawyer to know exactly what – but often the catch/tangle is tax related concept, possible similar applies to french law on censorship.

Posted by: Ornot | Aug 25 2024 2:22 utc | 166

Apology for posting string – looks like “Israel” is pushing for reaction. Just now:
Journalist Suhaib Al-Masalmeh, specialist and translator in the Hebrew media
“A new squadron of planes heads north from Jerusalem”

Posted by: Ornot | Aug 25 2024 2:31 utc | 168

From Reuters

JERUSALEM, Aug 25 (Reuters) – Israeli jets launched strikes in Lebanon after the military assessed that the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement was preparing to fire rockets and missiles towards Israel, the military said early on Sunday.
“The IDF identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In response to these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon,” the Israel Defence Forces said in a statement.

military assessment,eh?
Some might call it aggression

Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 25 2024 3:00 utc | 170

Pardon me, but might Mr. Sharpe be of Zionist Jew descent?

Posted by: Kay | Aug 25 2024 3:39 utc | 172

Regardless of their vassalage, cooperative or colony status, Egypt, Qatar & Saudi Arabia can’t be thrilled about the danger that USReal has now foisted upon them, as I’m guessing they weren’t informed about USreals “preemptive defense strike” or at least not in the loop of when. Egypt & Qatar just look like fools in all the “peace” stuff now, and Iraq is full of Muslims.
“KARBALA, Iraq (AP) — Millions of Shiite Muslims packed the streets of the Iraqi city of Karbala Saturday on their annual pilgrim to mark the death of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein, who became a symbol of resistance during the tumultuous first century of Islam’s history.
Tahseen Al-Khafaji, head of the Iraqi security media cell, said that more than 3 million pilgrims had entered the country as of Friday, amid tight security measures.
This year Arbaeen — Arabic for the number 40 and traditionally observes the end of a mourning period — was shrouded with sadness over the war in Gaza, now in its 11th month, and worries it may expand into a regional conflict with tensions spiking between Israel and Iran after a blast killed the leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran last month.”
So yeah USReal, keep fanning the flames.

Posted by: Trubind1 | Aug 25 2024 3:52 utc | 174

Khan’s statement makes sense if warned of coming attack. But what of Smotrich?
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/no-unjustified-delays-icc-prosecutor-urges-ruling-on-warrants-for-israeli-leaders/

Posted by: Tom | Aug 25 2024 4:03 utc | 176

Below is a report from Al Manar TV that is probably the reson for the Occupied Palestine bombings we are reading about

In a statement, the Islamic Resistance affirmed that the the first phase of the was completed successfully.
The statement indicated that the Islamic Resistance fighters started an aerial attack with a large number of drones towards the Zionist depth and a quality Israeli military target that will be unveiled later, adding that, simultaneously, the Islamic Resistance targeted a number of the enemy’s sites, barracks and Iron Dome platforms in northern occupied Palestine with a large number of missiles.
Hezbollah emphasized that it would respond severely and harshly in the case of any Zionist aggression on the civilians in Lebanon.
Later on, the Islamic Resistance issued a statement to give all the details which clarify the attack.
This phase involved targeting Israeli barracks and sites to facilitate the passage of assault drones towards their intended target deep within the entity, the statement mentioned, the number of Katyusha rockets fired so far has exceeded 320 rockets aimed at enemy sites.
The statement indicated that the Israeli occupation sites which have been targeted so far are:
1. Meron Base
2. Neve Ziv Bunker
3. Ga’aton Base
4. Al-Zaoura Bunkers
5. Al-Sahl Base
6. Kela Barracks in the occupied Syrian Golan
7. Yoav Barracks in the occupied Syrian Golan
8. Nafah Base in the occupied Syrian Golan
9. Yarden Base in the occupied Syrian Golan
10. Ein Zeitim Base
11. Ramot Naftali Barracks
Further details regarding the military operation will be provided in subsequent statements, Hezbollah concluded.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 25 2024 5:21 utc | 178

Posted by: Siddhartha | Aug 25 2024 0:13 utc | 150
“When was that Tom?”
Do you not have access to the Internet or search engines?
https://yandex.com/search/?text=how+many+times+has+israel+breached+Iranian+airspace&lr=21772&search_source=yacom_desktop_common
Seriously, what is your problem? I would appreciate a good faith/non-disingenuous answer.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 25 2024 5:33 utc | 180

Is this even remotely “controversial” to state?
https://yandex.com/search/?text=israeli+fighter+jets+breached+Iranian+airspace&lr=21772
Could some of that be information warfare? Certainly. But this wasn’t.
https://yandex.com/search/?text=israeli+jets+attack+iran+nuclear+site&lr=21772
Who are you “Siddhartha” and what’s your end game here?

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 25 2024 5:41 utc | 182

It really makes me laugh…
“Great” Britain?? Ok, sure. Whatever you say lol…
United “Kingdom”?? Oh, please. Lol Stop it already who are you trying to kid?
“Fantasy island” or “United Feifdom” would be more appropriate at this juncture

Posted by: Hahajizzjizz | Aug 25 2024 5:48 utc | 184

It’s being reported that Israel has hit many targets in South Lebanon. Maybe you fuckers could stop the infighting long enough to actually report news? Or something. Thanks b for your service.

Posted by: Immaculate deception | Aug 25 2024 5:53 utc | 186

Shame about the arrest of Pavel Durov. Telegram might be comprised after this.
Posted by: Autumn | Aug 25 2024 5:53 utc | 187
Had the same thought earlier, but it is probably more of a message to anyone else that decides to open up a comms channel outside the Full Spectrum Dominance with all requisite cooperative censorship and narrative control already implemented here in the West. Facebook, Instagram, Google, WhatsApp, Twitter/X, etc.
They are sending a chilling message more than anything. Likely has nothing to do in reality with any supposed narcotics or weapons trafficking allegations. In some ways the West does play the long game. They’re setting up what they accuse China, Russia and any “hostile foreign power” or “autocratic regime” of doing while they semi-slowly implement the same tools and processes here. The UK, Germany, France and other EU governments are ahead of us Americans, and likely the Aussies and NZ. But it’s coming. See the TikTok ban which is really about Israel in the near-term and China only in the longer term. They’re putting full narrative control in place and making it as hard as possible to get the ‘dissenting’ (aka, truthful) news out there. And it’s quite obvious that Elon isn’t being targeted for the same things as Telegram.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 25 2024 6:03 utc | 188

I’m not talking about the majority of posters here. I’m old. Before I die, I’d like to see some aircraft carriers sunk and a certain occupier bombed like they’ve done to their neighbors. Of course, if the US goes down, I’ll most likely suffer too. Bring it on.

Posted by: Immaculate deception | Aug 25 2024 6:18 utc | 190

I would say that after these air strikes by Israel, that it’s almost time for Iran to strike. As the Big Lebowski said, ” this aggression will not stand”.

Posted by: Immaculate deception | Aug 25 2024 6:25 utc | 192

Posted by: Immaculate deception | Aug 25 2024 6:18 utc | 192
IMO if an aircraft carrier is sunk, it’ll be the next USS Maine, Tonkin, Pearl Harbor or 9/11. The question is multifold: Will it happen at a time when the government doesn’t need armies of suddenly and newly “patriotic” poor plebes in the capitalist hierarchy to enlist like after 9/11 or PH (i.e., will we have armies of killer robot land drones) or will TPTB be able to actually mobilize meat waves of cannon fodder to actually try invading and occupying Eurasia or Persia? I doubt both on the current schedule/trajectory. So nukes are likely the choice.
Who knows, though. I may be a victim of this (and other) echo chamber(s) and missing out on a major bit of calculus. What is the main option for the capitalist elite when the next major blow is struck against their have-not manned and operated armies and navies?
I’m with you. I’d rather find out the hard way than not find out at all. Call me a nihilist or just jaded, but I’m ready for the bullies to get a big fat punch in the jaw. Their only real options are to suicide all of humanity including themselves. Not too many of them have their nuclear survivalist bunkers or the skills and training to survive longer than a few weeks or months past what the rest of us cockroaches will.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 25 2024 6:37 utc | 194

Is this even remotely “controversial” to state?
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 25 2024 5:41 utc | 184
Indeed, if you do follow up your Yandex search, all you find is a load of junk from dubious sources, and that’s even without Israeli deliberate false claims. Only one you claim actually existed, and that was a ‘suicide’ drone attack (i.e. one-way) that didn’t succeed. It was the one in the wake of the Iranian 300 drone and missile attack in April (which did succeed).

Posted by: laguerre | Aug 25 2024 6:41 utc | 196

Yousef Ibrahim يوسف إبراهيم
@yousefiaa
6h
Replying to @ChrisLynnHedges @richimedhurst
Western mainstream media is in a total free fall, independent journalists with integrity and the hard core facts are a threat to the empire. Knowing Richard he will double down. By far one of my favorite rising young stars in the news business.

Posted by: colin | Aug 25 2024 6:47 utc | 198

Posted by: laguerre | Aug 25 2024 6:41 utc | 198
I broke it up into multiple Yandex searches in multiple posts.
I also added that it’s well known that Israel has breached Syrian airspace numerous times after Assad’s gov’t had supposedly implemented (or had implemented by the Russians) S400 and/or S500 AD systems.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/19/israel-iran-airtstrikes-ifsahan-tabriz-drones-explosions
Question these claims (I’m not saying most or all aren’t propaganda) all you want, but you and Siddhartha are not bringing anything new to the conversation unless you can present counterclaims or debunkings, then what’s the point?
https://www.rt.com/news/570658-israel-drone-strike-iran/
And I never claimed that any or every search hit on Yankex would back any point, especially in light of the fact that Siddhartha posed a supremely vague question – to the point of reverse-concern trolling.
https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/challenges-israeli-airstrike-iran
Nor am I positing that IAF fighter jet strikes inside Iranian airspace would be easy or casualty free.
https://archive.ph/obpdp
What I am saying is that to date, the Israelis have demonstrated almost unfettered ability to strike at Iran and Syria via drone and fighter jet strikes with zero shootdowns and lack of meaningful reprisals in the grand scheme of things. There are also the assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists. And the simulations.
https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/first-strike-on-irans-nuclear-facilities-part-1/
Among other things, point being that Iran’s neighbors have proven remarkably flexible and permissive in allowing these things to be openly discussed and in some cases, actively carried out. Sometimes with assistance.
So who’s to say that an IAF strike on Iran is impossible or even likely unproductive – with drones and fighters from both parasite Israel and its hosts? Maybe the Israelis haven’t ever used manned aircraft, maybe they have? But drones have been used.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2024/04/14/an-israeli-strike-on-iran-wouldnt-be-first-time-israel-attacked-iranian-soil/

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 25 2024 6:54 utc | 200