News & views related to the war on Iran …
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August 2, 2026
Iran Open Thread 2026-165
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This is quite the link!
Join The US Military – Kill And Die For Israel
https://www.starkrealities.net/p/join-us-military-kill-die-for-israel
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 2 2026 11:53 utc | 1
@Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 2 2026 11:53 utc | 1
The title of the article should have included …Kill and Die for Israel, because Israelis won’t!
Any land invasion of Iran will be US military only, Israelis will sit back and laugh at the suckers.
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 2 2026 11:57 utc | 2
@Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 2 2026 11:57 utc | 2
The word for sucker in Israel is “freier”. The worst thing one can be called in Israel is a freier. Israelis respect most those that can successfully manipulate others, the others thus being freier.
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 2 2026 12:00 utc | 3
Has Iran fired any missiles or drones at Israeli since the MOU was ‘signed’? I know they have fired on a number of the Gulf States. I believe the Houthi’s did once or twice. If Iran as not, any ideas why not?
Posted by: ed4 | Aug 2 2026 12:01 utc | 4
If Iran as not [fired missile at the Parasite], any ideas why not?
Posted by: ed4 | Aug 2 2026 12:01 utc | 4
Iran’s main objective is to have the US leave West Asia then invade the US to win the hearts and mind of the local serfs by building hospitals, bridges, Taco Bells and boobs augmentation clinics.
To achieve that goal, maybe the Iranians want to convince the US administration that the Parasite won’t be harmed once the US have left the area taking their mighty army and Patriots with them. But what do I know… Iranians are smart and patient.
Posted by: Asian Frog | Aug 2 2026 12:09 utc | 5
If Iran as not, any ideas why not?
Posted by: ed4 | Aug 2 2026 12:01 utc | 4
Officially, the zionst state is no longer part of the war against Iran. The USA and their arab colonies are waging war on Iran. In official narrative, the USA has asked the zionist state to join the fight, but they refused. I assume this all to be theatre, but the fact remains, that the attacks happen from arab countries.
Posted by: Hamburger | Aug 2 2026 12:11 utc | 6
Reposted from the dead open thread
33 minute analysis of recent paper oil prices ==> https://youtu.be/uVPaN3IeKLo
The video is just long enough to explain the important situation with energy prices.
Posted by: too scents | Aug 2 2026 12:17 utc | 7
Has Iran fired any missiles or drones at Israeli since the MOU was ‘signed’? I know they have fired on a number of the Gulf States. I believe the Houthi’s did once or twice. If Iran as not, any ideas why not?
Posted by: ed4 | Aug 2 2026 12:01 utc | 4
Pretty simple: They are dismantling what remains of US missile defenses and bases in Iraq and Jordan as the US pulls its remaining forces away from the more exposed, and mostly destroyed anyway, bases in the Persian Gulf (by the way, why aren’t we hearing about the “Arabian Gulf” anymore?) to those two countries. Jordan is the main remaining buffer against Israel, and once the US military assets there are gone the same way the Gulf puppet kingdoms are, then the US and Israeli militaries will merge even officially within the Zionist entity. That’s when it makes the most sense to unleash Iran’s most sophisticated missiles against the Zionist entity.
Trita Parsi was interviewed on the Majority Report a week or so ago and he brought up how the (already back then) massive Iranian strikes, the ones that killed scores of American soldiers there and that Trump is fuming but also TACOing about now, seemed to be carried out with real-time intelligence, probably with locals who dislike the US military presence at least a component of it, as opposed to previous Iranian attacks that were still effective but apparently relied on satellite intelligence mostly bought from commercial Chinese entities that naturally had a few days of delays. But now Iran has both real time targetting/intelligence and is using the more sophisticated models in its arsenal, while the US/Israel and puppet states have not only lost the four main radar stations that were responsible for tracking Iranian ballistic missiles in their early stages of flight (and the NYT acknowledged it would take 10-15 years to rebuild them, if they ever are) are almost out of interceptors.
Posted by: Norwegian | Aug 2 2026 12:17 utc | 8
Were the Israelis killed during the Hannibal Massacre of Oct 7th betrayed twice or three times?
On Oct 7th Israelis were set up to be captured and then the Hannibal Doctrine was initiated, the IDF killed as many as possible, Hamas AND Israelis. (Is that one or two betrayals?)
The second betrayal came when the betrayal by Netanyahu and the IDF was left to stand. There has been no National Committee of Inquiry of Oct 7th. Netanyahu has fought successfully all this time to block the inquiry. Yet people accept Netanyahu’s version of the events of Oct 7th.The dead Israelis of Oct 7th were betrayed on Oct 7th and betrayed in the aftermath. Israelis support the betrayers and the betrayal of Oct 7th.
Will there be a third betrayal? There is historical precedence that says “YES!”. During WWII, Zionists, who were leaders in their community, tricked hundreds of thousands of their own onto the trains to Auschwitz. The Zionists did this in full knowledge of their charges fate. The second betrayal came when the leader of those that tricked their own onto the trains was put on trial. The Supreme Court of Israel ruled that it was alright for the treachery to take place. The betrayed were not worth saving, the court ruled.
So, those that were betrayed on Oct 7th by Netanyahu and the IDF, what can they expect?Surely, if there is ever an objective investigation by Israel and the treachery and betrayal is exposed, Israelis will decide that Netanyahu did it for the good of the nation. Believe it.
Betrayed once, betrayed twice, if the Israelis ever accept the truth of Oct 7th there will be a third betrayal.
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 2 2026 12:19 utc | 9
@Posted by: Norwegian | Aug 2 2026 12:17 utc | 8
Yes, Iran is taking out the ring of proxies (Al-US) first, then it will take on Israel.
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 2 2026 12:23 utc | 10
Dispatch of A Maniac
Does any current foreign policy makes sense anymore ⁉️
What is now indisputable is that the ascension of King Salman was the result of a Mossad-directed coup. In this way the illegitimate heir — Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman — a close friend of Israel (some have conjectured that MBS is a Mossad asset) would eventually become king. He’s already making waves by establishing a much closer relationship with Israel.
see the 15-second video at the first link. Local Palestinians have killed at least 16 jewish-israeli extremist ‘settlers’, including children, in the West Bank since Saturday morning!!! oh no, I got that totally wrong, Israel has killed at least 16 Palestinians in Gaza since Saturday morning. everybody, go can go back to sleep……
https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/2083815126654763219
Drop Site @DropSiteNews
🎥 The body of child Azzam Abu al-Tuf was recovered after he was killed, along with two other Palestinians, in an Israeli strike on a residential apartment in Susi Tower, west of Gaza City.
Israel has killed at least 16 Palestinians since Saturday morning.
76 people were hospitalized with injuries on Thursday and Friday, and 8 more killed.
The injury toll for Saturday has not yet been released.
———————–
https://t.me/RezistanceTrench/55471#
ResistanceTrench mirror
🇺🇸⚡Fars News: Reports of a Plan to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz is False
A source close to the Iran’s negotiation team, in an interview with Fars News, denied the claims about Iran’s agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has not made any agreements regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the reports on this matter are false.”
—————————-
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hj5ivv2hfl
US shifts course again as Israel stays silent and Iran mocks Trump’s retreat
For nearly four months, Trump has swung between threats of major strikes and calls for restraint; Israel has yet to respond to his claim that it joined the commitment to hold fire, while renewed uncertainty threatens flights and summer travel
……“The country of Israel joins me in this commitment,” Trump wrote on Truth Social after announcing that he had agreed to cancel the planned attack, provided that a deal could be reached quickly.
…..“Trump retreated again,” Mohammad Marandi, a senior Iranian figure associated with the regime’s negotiating delegation, wrote on X shortly after the announcement.
The central issue driving the latest escalation, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, remains unresolved……
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 2 2026 12:42 utc | 12
@Posted by: Oui | Aug 2 2026 12:41 utc | 11
Yes, MBS is part of the gangster empire, the entanglement of Israel and the USA.
It makes MABUS particularly fitting. MBS is easy to spot in that entanglement.
Mileikowsky Benyamin (MB) entangled with the USA. MABUS
Perhaps entanglement should be instead enstranglement, don’t you suppose?
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 2 2026 12:50 utc | 13
He’s already making waves by establishing a much closer relationship with Israel.
Posted by: Oui | Aug 2 2026 12:41 utc | 11
That’s quite incorrect. Lots of people who understand nothing of Saudi have said that for years. But Saudi in fact has always stood by the principle of no Abraham accord with Israel before creation of a Palestinian state. This is certainly a policy derived from public opinion, not MBS’s personal feeling. But it is a solid policy, not to be overturned by Trump’s adding a last-minute condition to a nuclear offer.
Posted by: Laguerre | Aug 2 2026 13:13 utc | 14
Re: Oui | Aug 2 2026 12:41 utc | 11
In hindsight fits very well with events of late 1970s under Jimmy Carter and Zbigniew Brzezinski (served as a counselor to Lyndon Baines Johnson from 1966 to 1968 when US policy shifted to pro-Israel… who assassinated JFK?)
The Saudi King’s a$$ was saved by French special forces to clear the Grand Mosque of Wahhabist terrorists in 1979.
Quite fitting to send followers of Juhayman Al-Otaybi for redemption … choice between the Sword or a natural death fighting Soviet forces in Afghanistan with perspective of martyrdom. Training and support by the CIA in AfPak region.
Another show of good-will as ally, the Saudi Kingdom funded Saddam Hussein during the Iraq-Iran war causing a million deaths. U.S. intelligence was provided to pin-point the lethal gas attacks for optimal result and numbers killed.
Ever since terror has spread like a bushfire 🔥 🔥 and incorporated in Western military policy … managed by the coordinated group of Western intelligence services of 5 or 9 or 14 Eyes including the Mossad.
Prince Bandar repeated gesture in the Syrian Civil War by offering the death row candidates free travel to the Levant. Bandar too threatened Putin personally ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics … the Saudi Kingdom called off the planned terror attacks inside Russia. 🇷🇺 Putin’s response was clear and well understood in Riyad.
Posted by: Norwegian | Aug 2 2026 12:17 utc | 8 “Trita Parsi was interviewed on the Majority Report a week or so ago and he brought up how the (already back then) massive Iranian strikes, the ones that killed scores of American soldiers there”
.
Scores? A score is 20? So scores would be 40-60? Any proof of that happened?
Posted by: ed4 | Aug 2 2026 13:26 utc | 16
Ukraine and World Affairs (including Iran and ME): Weekly Update, 31st July, 2026: May be Useful to Some: Ukraine and World Affairs (including Iran/ME): Weekly Update.
Posted by: The Busker | Aug 2 2026 13:37 utc | 17
Hamburger 6
From Iran’s pov Israel is still very much in this war AWOL. Smotrich’s Jewish whoppers that Israel is not in the war don’t fool anybody.
Jewish whoppers are designed to break down the moral touchstone of its adversaries. Trump does it constantly.
But if one had to contradict every Jewish , projectile dysentery of Lies, all the time, you’d need some kind of robot to parrot ‘another Jewish lie’ every second Gobsbitch and his kind were speaking.
There again , Hambugger, you’re a Jewish troll. Bye.
Posted by: Giyane | Aug 2 2026 13:39 utc | 18
DW: Pravin Sawhney: ‘Breach Point’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78EiXsHsXkI
“Iran’s final offensive exposes fatal flaw in IDF defense.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 2 2026 13:52 utc | 19
@ FAKE Norwegian | Aug 2 2026 12:17 utc | 8
I didn’t write this.
Posted by: Norwegian | Aug 2 2026 13:55 utc | 20
I heard about some US general saying that they lack sufficient resources to protect Israel in the event that Iran goes after it during the attack that was supposed to happen this weekend. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-general-warns-pentagon-he-lacks-sufficient-forces-to-protect-israel/ar-AA29chWH
The Iron Dome hasn’t done well against well against Iranian missiles, and a lot of the US Air Force equipment is being staged out of Israeli airports, which makes them legitimate targets. It is one of his smarter TACOs.
Trump claims that Iran has agreed to open Hormuz, but it doesn’t look like Iran has agreed. My sense is that the price of oil is going up.
Posted by: TimD | Aug 2 2026 13:57 utc | 21
Another TACO Sunday, a bit early in the day for Trump!
…. and whiskey on a Sunday!
Posted by: paddy | Aug 2 2026 14:01 utc | 22
Re: Oui | Aug 2 2026 13:17 utc | 15
I was searching for the right word … “US policy shifted” was truly “pivoted”.
The fatal JFK head shot was from the overpass viaduct by a French mercenary from Marseille. The FBI interviewed the person, but was let go … quite similar to the 5 Israeli Mossad agents cheering from NJ side on 9/11, interviewed by the FBI and let go.
[See history of James Jesus Angleton and Mossad contacts]
Warning: Major BS disinformation …
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump held a call aimed at reducing regional tensions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
“His Royal Highness emphasised the necessity of prioritising dialogue to reduce tensions and the importance of exerting all possible efforts to achieve a truce that paves the way for diplomatic solutions,” SPA reported.
In words, not in deeds …
KSA have always stood for a two-state solution .. even today … though it is not feasible in any way or form due to settler expansion and criminal acts. The Abraham Accords are a total FARCE. The UAE signed the AA on condition freeze of settlements on the West Bank. Reality check?
“Warning: Major BS disinformation …”
how refreshing. you left it off of your previous posts, though.
Posted by: Not Ewe | Aug 2 2026 14:36 utc | 25
Oui | Aug 2 2026 14:32 utc | 24
*** KSA have always stood for a two-state solution .. even today … though it is not feasible in any way or form due to settler expansion and criminal acts. The Abraham Accords are a total FARCE. The UAE signed the AA on condition freeze of settlements on the West Bank. Reality check? ***
They demand that Palestine be at least the size of two window-boxes and a small plant pot. Somewhere. Surely that is more than enough to prove the Saudis and Emirate Oligarchs are not hypocritical Zionist arse-lickers?
The neocons in the US started migrating to the Republican party in the mid to late 1970’s. The US was run by a uniparty then, too, just as now.
Posted by: pretzelattack | Aug 2 2026 15:03 utc | 27
Professor Marandi DESTROYS Alan Dershowitz and Piers Morgan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSK8qNmU5tw
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 2 2026 15:44 utc | 28
Sooo then…..
We can deduce both sides are now prepareing for the enevatable major clash.
What preperations should Iran be takeing in its defence ?
Repeat…. ‘defence’
I suggest it should be emptying out it’s large citys despersing the iranians , where they can be made welcome and fed, not least the children.
Its going to get rough in the high populaion areas,
Citys are both a modern invention and a failed experement anyway, even more so in a brutal western war situation, i’v no need to cite examples have i.
Proactive not reactive . Any suggestions ?
Posted by: Mark2 | Aug 2 2026 15:51 utc | 29
Grievance and Geopolitics
From Aeschylus’s Furies to Fleetwood Mac, from personal trauma to international blood feuds—how ancient grievances shape geopolitics, and why forgiveness offers the only cure.
https://www.beyondwasteland.net/p/grievance-and-geopolitics
Pascal at Neutrality Studies has a very good analysis of Iran’s strategy to date, and going forward. I think they are doing well with it. there is nothing they can do about a nuclear attack except continue to make it as costly as possible for the US or Israel to do it, and they are doing that.
Posted by: pretzelattack | Aug 2 2026 16:01 utc | 31
Iran War ESCALATES Across Middle East – Trump Is TRAPPED | Elijah Magnier
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D83p9xzAijw
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 2 2026 16:21 utc | 33
@ Laguerre | Aug 2 2026 13:13 utc | 14
thanks laguerre.. always informative and helpful.. that is appreciated..
Posted by: james | Aug 2 2026 16:27 utc | 34
What is the story with Ceuta? All geography. Sh1trael needs to take it under control because if Spain blocks it off then the entity has no more shipping routes and is essentially screwed.
https://x.com/DaniDebatte/status/2083253939680469080
Posted by: unimperator | Aug 2 2026 16:30 utc | 35
How Netanyahu killed hundreds of Israelis on 7 October
Asa WinstanleyThe Electronic Intifada7 October 2024
https://electronicintifada.net/content/how-israel-killed-hundreds-its-own-people-7-october/49216
Posted by: Exile | Aug 2 2026 16:32 utc | 36
Once the Pentagons defensive belts protecting Israel are eliminated then its either Samsonite Option or……..
🇮🇱🇮🇷 15 minutes Iranian missiles hitting Israel in round 1 (2024) … supercut
https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1841183543093051731
Posted by: Exile | Aug 2 2026 16:35 utc | 37
Headaches and Pain in the Arse
Neocons pivoted to the Republican Party of Reagan in the late seventies disillusioned with weak FP of the Carter administration. Post Nixon, Vietnam debacle, cuts in Defense Budgets and and the hurt of the Arab oil boycott ‘73 of America, Canada, UK and the Netherlands.
Authored by Mr. Mischief Himself … private mercenary Army Commander … USA – UAE – China.
The roots of the current situation reach back to the election of President Ronald Reagan in 1980. Reagan started a pivot from 35 years of containment to a more aggressive approach, covered by deficits. Channeled economically, politically, culturally, socially, and through covert action, these measures helped to bring an end to the Soviet Union, but at a critical strategic cost. Partly as a consequence of the central economic role that the USSR had come to play for the U.S. defense industry, the opportunity to positively engage with Russia after 1991 was rejected by the dominant neoconservative faction and their military-industrial complex allies in Washington. Originally Trotskyites, the Neocons had taken root in the corporatist wing of the Republican Party and gradually increased in influence, to eventually become dominant in the Washington Beltway foreign policy and emblematic of its mentality of continuous warfare, funded by an unlimited fiat printing press.
The so-called “Peace Dividend” that followed the end of the Cold War was redirected into expanding NATO instead of ending it. The goal was to enrich the military-industrial complex by creating more clients to buy U.S. weapons, at the expense of the opportunity to partner with Russia. Promises of not expanding NATO eastward into former Warsaw Pact countries were broken and NATO troops were deployed on Russia’s border.
Guess who ⁉️
Our Founding Fathers’ instincts for empowering market capacities in military power are explicitly articulated in the Constitution. Before discussing “Congress shall raise a Navy” in Article 1, Section 8, it directs Congress to mandate the private sector with a letter of Marque and Reprisal—effectively a hunting license for private contractors to interdict enemy shipping.
The litany of failures listed above supplies ample evidence that the current military status quo is ineffective. A “government-only” approach abroad is calamitous and undermines U.S. credibility and deterrence.
The Forever War instituted post 9/11 … fighting or employing terror assets. The result is quite clear.
In today’s GOP, Middle East hawks sit next to America First isolationists, former Goldman Sachs executives beside tariff truthers, immigration hardliners with H1B exceptionalists, and Christian Zionists with self-professed antisemites.
Posted by: ed4 | Aug 2 2026 13:26 utc | 16
Strictly speaking ‘scores’ means any whole number greater than 39.
Precision of language matters.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 2 2026 17:20 utc | 40
Saudi Self-Interest under Mohammed bin Salman
Now, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is pursuing three main goals: reaffirming its support for a two-state solution, using its role in peace efforts to negotiate with the U.S., and promoting regional stability to support its own economic transformation.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement reflects a broader strategic effort to balance relationships with Israel and the U.S. while maintaining its leadership role in the Arab world [Salafism]. The potential normalization of ties with Israel is seen as both a diplomatic tool and a way to foster regional de-escalation. However, this approach carries the risk of sidelining the Palestinian cause, deepening divisions, and reducing the chances for a lasting peace.
Gulf State Monarchies and Self-Preservation
Amid the gruesome Gaza war, passions are running high throughout the Arab world. Huge Palestine solidarity protests have been occurring across the region, and this terrifies many ruling elites who fear the Palestinian issue.
They view it as dangerously destabilizing, and starting months ago, a handful of Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, began clamping down on pro-Palestine activism in their own countries.
Such a crackdown in these Arab countries is no surprise and should be understood on two levels. The first applies to protests in these countries at a foundational level. The second is specific to the Palestinian issue.
Fear of political mobilization
Authoritarian regimes in general often suffer from legitimacy crises and thus see any grassroots activism and mobilization of citizens as potentially threatening. This is the case irrespective of what cause brings the people together. Most Arab governments want to co-opt and regulate such movements and prevent them from ever challenging regime-backed narratives and interests.
How Saudi Arabia’s Rulers Became Best Friends With Israel
Collapse of the Israel narrative … pre- and post-10/7. I too used to be convinced KSA would support the Palestinian 🇵🇸 cause … the Gaza genocide and Arab silence changed my opinion.
From Sputnik:
“US President Donald Trump claimed Iran and other Middle Eastern countries asked the US to hold off any attack because the parameters of a deal had been agreed to.
“Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He also claimed the deal would include the “Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT” and an end to what he called “Iran’s nuclear threat.”
Trump added that Israel joins the US in the commitment.”
Totally sounds like him, doesn’t it?
@43
Iranian leaders were discussing “the deal” on Feb 28 as Trump assassinated them.
TACO or another surprise decapitation attempt.
Posted by: paddy | Aug 2 2026 17:38 utc | 44
Late last night:
“Leader Muhammad Dahlan says that Jared Kushner assured him that he agreed with the Israeli side to stop the attacks on Gaza as of tomorrow morning.”
https://t.me/Sohaibpress/148619
This morning:
“The occupation rejects the peace council agreement on Gaza and escalates assassination operations.”
“The occupation sends a response to the roadmap agreement for the Gaza Strip with bombing and assassinations:
18 martyrs, dozens of injured, and 3 homes and apartments destroyed as a result of more than 10 Israeli air strikes targeting the Gaza Strip since dawn today.”
Via Sohaib Al Masalma
Posted by: Ornot | Aug 2 2026 17:42 utc | 45
I think the effective Israli takeover took place between Nov 1963 and the attack on the Liberty in 1967
Posted by: pretzelattack | Aug 2 2026 17:43 utc | 46
Note recent attacks on Iran used “Israeli” bases, the entity emphasised this at one point iirc.
Iran is following its own strategy, according to its own reasoning.
Posted by: Ornot | Aug 2 2026 17:49 utc | 47
The Palestinian Observer
“Statement by Hamas: The escalation of Israeli bombing on the Gaza Strip and the brutal assaults are a deliberate attempt by the occupation government to disrupt the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and understandings with mediators.
We call on the mediators and guarantors to take immediate action to pressure the occupation to stop its aggression and compel it to fulfill its commitments.
We call on the international community to hold the leaders of the occupation accountable for war crimes and to take measures to protect the Palestinian people from killing and displacement.”
Unsourced statement but appears authentic, probably as official statement to be found somewhere on web.
Posted by: Ornot | Aug 2 2026 18:03 utc | 48
Has Iran fired any missiles or drones at Israeli since the MOU was ‘signed’? I know they have fired on a number of the Gulf States. I believe the Houthi’s did once or twice. If Iran as not, any ideas why not?
Posted by: ed4 | Aug 2 2026 12:01 utc | 4
Seyed Marandi addressed that on Daniel Davis Deep Dive:
https://youtu.be/NYqw74Ppx2I?si=lXXOwGN7SbeHVZSz
1) This war is about the Strait of Hormuz and Iran wants to focus on that.
2) Iran never initiates.
3) The Israeli regime is in crisis and there is an election coming up. Attacking Israel could cause people to rally around the current government.
Posted by: Cheney | Aug 2 2026 18:11 utc | 49
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 2 2026 13:52 utc | 19
Thanks. Pravin Sawhney gives a very good analysis.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 2 2026 18:31 utc | 50
The Dumbest Psyops of All Time?
(excerpt)……The Moroccan migrant invasion of Spain might be the most extravagant fake news story of all time. According to the official narrative, the roughly 60,000 mostly military-aged men swarmed the Spanish city of Ceuta on July 31 with the intention finding work and ‘making a better life for themselves”.
The obvious truth, however, is that the entire incident was a poorly choreographed slapstick aimed at eroding support for the left-wing Spanish government and its outspoken anti-Zionist president Pedro Sanchez. The puppetmasters behind this pitiable vaudeville are the usual suspects Bibi Netanyahu and “little” Marco Rubio (who aligned with Morocco’s malleable leaders) to manufacture a phony crisis that would ‘teach Spain a lesson’………..
https://www.unz.com/mwhitney/the-dumbest-psyops-of-all-time/
Posted by: Exile | Aug 2 2026 18:34 utc | 51
(Excerpt)….,,Since 2006, the average achievement level of Israeli children in all PISA [OECD]exams in mathematics, science, and reading was below those of all developed nations. It’s important to emphasize that this low score was achieved without ultra-Orthodox boys, who do not study the material and do not participate in the exams. Had they been tested, the national achievement level would have been even lower…….
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/01/01/an-action-plan-to-save-israels-future/
Posted by: Exile | Aug 2 2026 18:41 utc | 52
MOATS, with George Galloway: Day 156: ‘Gone Ballistic’
https://www.youtube.com/@GeorgeGallowayOfficial
“Trump’s 22nd Iran ‘peace’ deal| Strikes paused…
With Prof Seyed Marandi & Lt Col D Davis.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 2 2026 18:50 utc | 53
Re: pretzelattack | Aug 2 2026 17:43 utc | 46
👍 Excellent deduction thx
Re: Ornot | Aug 2 2026 17:42 utc | 45
“Leader Muhammad Dahlan”
Fucking “leader” of what⁉️
Traitor to the Palestinian cause bought by and doing the dirty work for the Emirates (UAE) … similar to Erik Prince and his Blackwater / Xe / Academi mercenaries … death for hire … bastard of Trump #45 … roots Dutch Reformed, slavery and colonialism … azimuth of capitalism.
Posted by: Exile | Aug 2 2026 18:34 utc | 51
————————-
Indeed, Ceuta lies in a promontory east of northern Morocco, hence still on African Continent. The city has 83 000 inhabitants, what would be the use for 60 000 people to literally invade this city to end up stranded without the possibility to legally reach European continent, be it Spain, France or Italy – unless resorting to human trafficking mafia?
Posted by: scc | Aug 2 2026 19:30 utc | 56
Posted by: Exile | Aug 2 2026 18:34 utc | 51
Posted by: scc | Aug 2 2026 19:30 utc | 56
Prof. Marandi and Glenn Diesen discuss…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a56OhnHREY4
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 2 2026 20:24 utc | 57
re: Exile | Aug 2 2026 16:35 utc | 37
“Once the Pentagons defensive belts protecting Israel are eliminated then its either Samsonite Option or……..”
I love your phrase the “Samsonite Option”; it is brilliant, and you are the only person I have seen using it.
I assume it is a play on words of the Sampson Option
Makes me laugh every time I see you post it.
Posted by: Perimetr | Aug 2 2026 20:37 utc | 58
Sorry, autocorrect struck, I meant to write the Samson Option
Posted by: Perimetr | Aug 2 2026 20:38 utc | 59
I’m sure many Barflies will enjoy Iranian Artwork – by Karl Sanchez, the cover image is the main commentary, although I do add a few words.
Did saudis payd for the war? Well the only thing Trump realy cares is $.
2010
He told you [Americans] to cut off the head of the snake,” the Saudi ambassador to Washington, Adel al-Jubeir said, according to a report
2014
The monarch wants Syria’s Bashar al-Assad overthrown, Iran’s Hezbollah surrogates contained, and the “head of the snake” — Iran, in the king’s …
….
https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/saudi-problem-and-head-snake
July 29, 2026
In the joint US-Saudi aggression on multiple locations in Iraq, 20 PMF members , including 5 Iranian military advisors, are martyred
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528707/Iraqi-resistance-Our-response-to-America-is-on-the-way-perhaps
Mar 16, 2026,
Saudi Arabia urged US to ‘hit Iran hard’ – NYT
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202603160750
Posted by: Alef | Aug 2 2026 21:31 utc | 61
Posted by: Perimetr | Aug 2 2026 20:37 utc | 58
As far as I know, Larry Johnson first coined the term “Samsonite Option” or he picked it up from one of his interview guests.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 2 2026 21:37 utc | 62
Continued demolitions (afaik) in Lebanon
Journalist Suhaib Al-Masalma
“Very violent explosions in southern Lebanon led to earthquakes.
The occupation army carries out a large series of bombings and village bombings in southern Lebanon.”
Posted by: Ornot | Aug 2 2026 21:44 utc | 64
I believe that it might have been Garland Nixon who coined the term “Samsonite Option.” He and Larry Johnson are close enough that it could have been either one of them: either could clarify.
Posted by: Seer | Aug 2 2026 21:48 utc | 65
@40: ChatNCP.
Strictly speaking, a score is twenty. Multiple scores are multiples of twenty. Precision in language matters.
Posted by: SLM | Aug 2 2026 21:56 utc | 66
meanwhile, back at The Ranch
https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/2083975080493883605
Drop Site @DropSiteNews
🟢 NEW: Hamas said Israel’s “criminal and frenzied bombardment” of Gaza has killed more than 18 Palestinians since Sunday morning and wiped out entire families.
It charged “the war criminal Netanyahu’s government” with deliberately escalating attacks to disrupt understandings reached with mediators over completing implementation of the ceasefire agreement, and called for immediate international action to condemn and halt the attacks and hold Israeli leaders accountable.
📌 The statement in full:
“The Zionist regime’s criminal and frenzied bombardment of the Gaza Strip since this morning, which has resulted in the martyrdom of more than 18 citizens and the wiping out of entire families from the civil registry, is a deliberate escalation by the war criminal Netanyahu’s government. Its aim is to disrupt the understandings reached with mediators, including the US administration, to complete the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
“We demand that the mediators and guarantors of the ceasefire agreement assume their responsibilities, condemn these Zionist crimes against our people, and take immediate action to pressure the occupation government to halt its crimes against our people and compel it to cease its aggression in accordance with the agreement.
“These brutal acts, which amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, necessitate official and legal action from the international community to hold the occupation leaders accountable and take the necessary measures to protect our defenseless people, who continue to face the threat of annihilation and displacement.”
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 2 2026 22:01 utc | 67
The top priority for Russia and Iran should be to carve out a enclave adjacent to the Caspian Sea to link both countries. It achieves multiple objectives.
1. Weakens Turkey led US expansionist activities in the region targeting Russia and China.
2. Ensures security of the Caspian Sea.
3. Allows Russia to operate a submarine base in Chabahar in Iran. This can totally trump NATO expansion into Baltic and Black Seas, keep NATO activity in the middle east under check, game its way out of petroleum sanctions (otherwise Russia will close the Strait of Hormuz!), have a say in petroleum price setting.
4. Control ALL Asia-Europe cost efficient trade routes. This will give Russia and Iran tremendous power over world affairs.
5. Make extremists in Israel an unsustainable burden for NATO and create a two nations solution. Not just a two state solution which also means two states within one Israel nation.
6. Forces China and India to be more independent and courageous in international affairs. Currently they are just sellouts. Perfect timing for them to make the transition safely.
Posted by: Jason | Aug 2 2026 22:11 utc | 68
Definite Manipulation by untouchable people in the Oil Market. The first link is the 2.5% jump just before close last week and the second is the Round trip netting a neat $10/barrel. TACO pays off Bigley
https://www.tradingview.com/symbols/NYMEX-CL1!/
https://oilprice.com/oil-price-charts/#WTI-Crude
Apparently Nothing to see here, Move along
Posted by: Thunderdownunder | Aug 2 2026 22:24 utc | 69
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 2 2026 21:23 utc | 60
Thanks for the post on Iranian art, Karl.
I did see it on his substack, but initially thought it was only in Farsi, until I zoomed in the photo.
I recommend zooming in for the English translations.
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 2 2026 22:31 utc | 70
The top priority for Russia and Iran should be to carve out a enclave adjacent to the Caspian Sea to link both countries.
Posted by: Jason | Aug 2 2026 22:11 utc | 68
That’s silly … there’s already a railway through Azerbaijan running along the shore of the Caspian.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astara%E2%80%93Rasht%E2%80%93Qazvin_railway
The last thing Russia wants is to open up yet another front by “carving” their neighbours. Stupid idea, forget about it.
Besides that, railway is just as open to drone and missile attack from above as shipping is. The land corridor is not intrinsically safer. Frankly, I said back when the whole Iran thing started that we should expect attacks on transport in this region, and I was right but I haven’t heard too many apologies from people who laughed at the time (you know who you are). Anyway, I’m actually surprised we have not seen more of this … the fact that such attacks are rare would be proof that Russia still holds some power of deterrence.
Posted by: Tel | Aug 2 2026 22:53 utc | 71
From Iranintl 15 minutes ago
UKMTO reports explosion near tanker off Oman
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a report of an incident about 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman.
According to UKMTO, the master of a tanker reported hearing an explosion in close proximity to the vessel. The ship and its crew were reported safe.
Authorities are investigating the incident, while UKMTO advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
Is this a boat trying to go down the Oman side of Hormuz?
How is reality on the ground compared to the latest Iranintl reported propaganda like below?
Trump says Iran talks to begin Monday, predicts nuclear deal
US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran would resume on Monday afternoon, expressing confidence that agreements had already been reached on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and that a deal on Iran’s nuclear program would follow.
“There’s a deal on Hormuz and there will be a deal on denuclearization,” Trump said, adding that talks with Iran would begin “tomorrow afternoon.”
Asked about military options, Trump said the United States remained prepared to act if necessary, saying it was “ready to go anytime we want.”
Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 2 2026 23:17 utc | 72
@40: ChatNCP.Strictly speaking, a score is twenty. Multiple scores are multiples of twenty. Precision in language matters.
Posted by: SLM | Aug 2 2026 21:56 utc | 66
Which is precisely the same as “any whole number greater than 39”.
Thank you.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 2 2026 23:33 utc | 73
lmao
https://x.com/MenchOsint/status/2084036708631240780
MenchOsint @MenchOsint
“I was gonna attack Iran and win again, but our allies said please Mr Trump, stop, it’s too much winning, we can’t take it anymore.”
https://x.com/bonzerbarry/status/2084035299458380280
barry with the NED @bonzerbarry
Trump: There was gonna be a massive attack. It was gonna be an attack that would have been I think by far the biggest attack since WWII. But they’ve asked us not to do it. They said ‘Please Don’t Do It’. And other-their neighbors said that too. And so we’re just gonna see whether or not we can make a deal towards the Denuclearization.
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 2 2026 23:38 utc | 74
Mahmood OD: ‘Zero Hour’
https://www.youtube.com/@Mahmood_OD/videos
“Largest strikes since WWII| Trump finally admits US is ‘a terror‘ state.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 3 2026 0:00 utc | 75
–The Wash Post article cited in B’s Weekly Review, “U.S. general warns Pentagon he lacks sufficient forces to protect Israel”, shows the attrition of the maintenance calendar.
3 of 5 US destroyers in the Mediterranean are at port in Rota, Spain. The previous carriers in the Indian Ocean during the 10-day, 40-day, many-day Iran war are in maintenance probably for years.
US European command says they can’t “defend Israel” from missiles with the few ships left.
–Maybe they just don’t have the SAM missiles to load the ships.
–Air tankers and fighters were moved from Europe to replace West Asia maintenanced air assets.
–Iraq Erbil bases are being abandoned in September. Other bases already abandoned. Not much longer left for Gulf bases, Jordan, etc?
–How much longer does Iraq let oil revenues be controlled by the USA without the troops to back it up? Reuters says about $70 billion in revenue per year(2025) is given to the USA. A lotta treasure for 22 years, probably over a $trillion. Before that Saddam’s Iraq oil revenues were controlled. Colony Iraq may break free.
Posted by: jonny law | Aug 3 2026 0:01 utc | 76
“And so we’re just gonna see whether or not we can make a deal towards the Denuclearization.”
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 2 2026 23:38 utc | 74
The ‘denuclearization’ that Trump claimed he had achieve last year in his first war on Iran?
“In 2025, President Trump claimed that devastating strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities had “obliterated” their nuclear program, asserting that it set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years.”
Operative word: “Obliterated”.
“Tulsi Gabbard, the director of US National Intelligence, said that the United States intelligence community had assessed that Iran was not rebuilding its nuclear enrichment capabilities following US and Israeli attacks last year.” [March this current year.]
Posted by: GeorgeWendell | Aug 3 2026 0:44 utc | 77
R2R: ‘Prince of Darkness’
https://www.youtube.com/@reason2resist/videos
“The real reason for Trump’s latest TACO.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 3 2026 0:51 utc | 78
see the 1:11 video at the second link
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/iran-will-not-retreat–warns-of-regional-fallout–baghaei
Iran will not retreat, warns of regional fallout: Baghaei
Iran’s FM spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, warns that any US attack on Iranian infrastructure will affect the whole region, as Hormuz talks with Oman continue.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei explained on Sunday that talks between Iran and Oman over the Strait of Hormuz are strictly bilateral, involving no third party, and stressed that conditions in the strait will not revert to what they were before the US war on Iran.
Baghaei reiterated that the discussions with Muscat are focused on establishing a mechanism to safeguard Iran’s interests, an effort he noted has been underway for some time and is not a new initiative. He clarified that the talks have nothing to do with whether the strait will be “opened” or “closed,” noting that its closure stemmed from obstacles imposed by the United States through its naval blockade.
Citing Clause Five of the memorandum of understanding, Baghaei said future management of the Strait of Hormuz falls to Iran, in consultation with Oman and through dialogue with regional states……
———————–
https://x.com/Bashar_YX/status/2083674203971100814
BASHAR @Bashar_YX
A Yemeni soldier saves his wounded comrade despite intense fire, but this is a principle and this is the culture of Yemeni soldiers.
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 3 2026 0:53 utc | 79
Hormuz is closed along with the Red Sea shipping for SA but Hollywood has this to say from Iranintl
Oil tumbles after Trump hints at a Hormuz deal
Oil prices fell nearly 5% after US President Donald Trump called off planned attacks on Iran’s infrastructure, suggesting an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz may be close.
Both benchmarks had surged more than 20% last month after the United States resumed strikes on Iran and Iranian forces launched attacks on several tankers off Oman.
And every day w/o oil flows is a day closer to global economic collapse for many countries….which will survive?
Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 3 2026 1:34 utc | 80
What happened? Speculations are rife as to why the BBB has been called off/on hold.
The US military has finally pushed back.
Reports of not enough destroyers, accuracy of Iranian missiles, Prof Postol finally admitting US missile defense is at best, 10% interception rate are just the nuggets that’s public.
The retreat of US forces and assets from Forward Deployment Areas and the loss of ammo and fuel storage at these sites are the visual evidence.
CSGs have now moved back from 150 miles to over 300 away from Iran. A move often associated with strikes on Iran.
But now, all US forces are cramped in Isntreal.
Isntreal hasn’t got more than 5 power plants and all are within reach.
A nuclear strike is out because Dimona is within reach.
When you have a 10% chance of interception, are you going to raise or fold?
Posted by: Suresh | Aug 3 2026 2:01 utc | 81
Iran Talks: ‘Convergence of the Two Wars’ (& vid)
https://x.com/theirantalks/status/2083919510525153484
“Despite Trump’s threats of war, Washington is backing down because it is running dangerously low on interceptors and taking direct orders from Tel Aviv.
Ehsan Safarnejad explains the reality of American strategic desperation, Israeli influence, and how global proxy wars from Ukraine to Sudan are all connected.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 3 2026 2:16 utc | 82
Joint US-Saudi Attack on Iraq Widens Front of Imperialist War in Middle East
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2026/08/02/mkuq-a02.html
“The joint US-Saudi airstrikes last week against The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) – an umbrella of Iran-aligned militias formally integrated into Iraq’s security forces – mark a significant escalation in the criminal US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran and its regional allies.
What Warshington called ‘precision strikes’ were an open extension of the war into Iraq, carried out with the participation of Saudi Arabia that can no longer be concealed behind the fiction of ‘defensive measures…”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 3 2026 2:47 utc | 83
If everything people here are saying is true about the shortage of U.S. interceptor missiles and precision weapons, then why would the Iranians fall for empty promises yet again? If their enemy is really that weak, why don’t they seize the opportunity to wipe Shitsrael off the map and drive every American presence out of the Gulf? Opportunities like this come along only once in a lifetime.
Posted by: Hagen | Aug 3 2026 3:03 utc | 84
https://x.com/FaytuksNetwork/status/2083963383410242044
Faytuks Network @FaytuksNetwork
Thousands of Israeli military and defense personnel maintained readiness this weekend following US warnings of a pending American strike on Iranian infrastructure, only for President Trump to cancel the operation at the last minute. Israeli security officials strongly criticized the abrupt cancellation-the second within a week-saying that unpredictable US decision-making severely undermines operational planning and preparedness. – Kan
————————–
https://x.com/MenchOsint/status/2084041469250171164
MenchOsint @MenchOsint
⭕️ Ambrey Intelligence reports an incident in the US-backed corridor of the Strait of Hormuz.
Well, looks like IRGC is not keen to allow Trump even the slightest PR victory, not something you do if you’re “begging for a ceasefire..”
UKMTO claims that the explosion occurred in the proximity of the vessel, no confirmation it was struck (possible warning ?)
https://x.com/MenchOsint/status/2084025711501701172
MenchOsint @MenchOsint
US CENTCOM sent an Oil Tanker through their corridor tonight, AIS switched off 1 hr ago, right as ‘negotiations’ are ongoing.
I doubt IRGC Navy will shoot at it, but only time will tell..
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 3 2026 3:11 utc | 85
Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 3 2026 3:37 utc | 86
The empty comment above is me trying to post the graphic at Iranintl that is going around hardline Iranian media outlets showing a car shifter knob with the profile of Trump’s head instead of the R for reverse……nicely done…..lol
Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 3 2026 3:40 utc | 87
lmao https://x.com/MenchOsint/status/2084036708631240780MenchOsint @MenchOsint “I was gonna attack Iran and win again, but our allies said please Mr Trump, stop, it’s too much winning, we can’t take it”.
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 2 2026 23:38 utc | 74
One wonders if the “allies” had a whip around and presented Trump with a large cash incentive to call off the attack…which was probably never going to happen.
Posted by: Sir Reginald | Aug 3 2026 3:58 utc | 88
Posted by: Suresh | Aug 3 2026 2:01 utc | 81
With all due respect – “Prof Postol finally admitting US missile defense is at best, 10% interception rate are just the nuggets that’s public.”
He did not ‘finally admit’ – Physicist George Lewis and Theodore Postol co-authored a report back in 1992 stating that the success rate was around 10%. In this same year Postol testified before the US House on the success of the Patriot, countering claims by the US Army of a success rate of 97%.
Posted by: Persona Non Grata | Aug 3 2026 4:41 utc | 89
In this same year Postol testified before the US House on the success of the Patriot, countering claims by the US Army of a success rate of 97%.
Posted by: Persona Non Grata | Aug 3 2026 4:41 utc | 89
I don’t immediately dismiss anything anymore, so I’m not trying to be a “gotcha” guy here, but do you have a link to that? There could be many explanations including him being relatively early in his tenure back then, which was more than 30 years ago, and not wanting to endanger his own career. Still, it it was under oath (which a) I can’t imagine it would’ve been and b) would technically entail perjury (who cares now, right?)) it would be a pretty interesting data point in Dr. Postol’s history of credibility.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 3 2026 5:12 utc | 90
And every day w/o oil flows is a day closer to global economic collapse for many countries….which will survive?
Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 3 2026 1:34 utc | 80
At this juncture – and with the Trumpstein Regime’s proven history – AND – “offer” to provide early access to his often insane (and late night) “Truth” Social postings via an API, I can only assume that anything Trumpstein says is designed for his cadre and anyone willing to pay the $100K “subscription” fee’s ability to get in front of markets for the purposes of shorting or making other bets.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 3 2026 5:16 utc | 91
But let’s keep talking about the Biden Crime Syndicate’s – by now – utterly pathetic and minor – corruption. Otherwise one can be diagonsed by the resident experts as having “TDS”.
Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 3 2026 5:17 utc | 92
Did anyone notice the energy complex closed DOWN on Friday while Trump was talking about hitting Iranian infrastructure?
If there is anything we know for sure during this war, we know Trump has now exceeded Clinton as the most corrupt President EVAH.
Oil complex is set to open down $5 on the crudes and 10 cents per gallon on the fuels. Here’s a speculation of mine: August 1. You set a drop dead date when you have to call it, because of the elections. August 1 was the deadline, it came and went, and PERHAPS the war is over.
The canary to watch is the US blockade on Iran. If it is announced the blockade is lifted, I’m moving the end of this war up to “probable”. The media cycle is real, and in two weeks there won’t be any more talk about the Iran War. We’ll see, Trump is nuts and the Israelis are nuts, but so far so good.
Posted by: JackG | Aug 3 2026 5:35 utc | 93
(…) why don’t they seize the opportunity to wipe Shitsrael off the map and drive every American presence out of the Gulf? Opportunities like this come along only once in a lifetime.
Posted by: Hagen | Aug 3 2026 3:03 utc | 84
I’m no military expert and have zero clue about Iran’s production rate, stock, procurement. But I play chess, and (1) the objective is checkmate, and (2) the strategy is putting pieces in the right place. In silence.
Getting rid of the (entranched) US in West Asia or (entranched) Nato/Ukies in Donbass is not a 1 weekend or 1 year job. Tedious, but chess is tedious. And marvellous.
There is no silver medal or bronze medal. Just a handshake.
Posted by: Asian Frog | Aug 3 2026 5:40 utc | 94
re: Tom_Q_Collins | Aug 3 2026 5:12 utc | 90
I don’t have any questions about Dr. Postol’s credibility. He is outspoken and often at odds with those who worry more about finding funding than finding the truth.
Posted by: Perimetr | Aug 3 2026 5:45 utc | 95
(…) If it is announced the blockade is lifted, I’m moving the end of this war up to “probable”. The media cycle is real, and in two weeks there won’t be any more talk about the Iran War. We’ll see, Trump is nuts and the Israelis are nuts, but so far so good.
Posted by: JackG | Aug 3 2026 5:35 utc | 93
The US can only leave after announcing “victory”. What type of victory can they announce?
They unblock the toilet in their mighty bucket? F-35 are invisible to radar when shred to pieces below 5mm or whatever finger retarded unit suitable? Rain has returned to West Asia after the arrays where unplugged? Saudis agreed not to join Brics for another 2 years? All US troops will be relocated within 10 clicks of a Taco Bell? Veterans will be awarded the “Trump chocolate medal of making-money-when-people-die”?
Posted by: Asian Frog | Aug 3 2026 5:51 utc | 96
It is encouraging to read that all/most of these ME nations are talking to each other and they must know what is at stake…..their existence.
The population of the GCC countries that is not foreigners is about a third of the Iran population and maybe the ME will go through a complete rework to respond to sectarian population distributions and potential migration to facilitate a new ME national geography and forms of governance other than the current monarchies.
Change is the only constant and it provides opportunity for growth.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 3 2026 6:03 utc | 97
provides opportunity for growth.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 3 2026 6:03 utc | 97
—
Provides opportunity for right sizing.
Desalinizing water isn’t sustainable.
Posted by: too scents | Aug 3 2026 6:06 utc | 98
LOL! alert
From Iranintl
CENTCOM seeks creative and unconventional ways to pressure Iran – CNN
US Central Command has solicited ideas from military analysts for “new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran,” CNN reported on Monday, citing two sources familiar with the request.
A senior officer in CENTCOM’s intelligence branch sent the request by email to a broad group of analysts on Wednesday, according to the report.
The report called the move an unusual crowdsourcing approach that reflected the limited and potentially unpalatable options available to President Donald Trump.
CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Timothy Hawkins said that the command has a history of working innovatively, adding that, “Admiral Cooper, in particular, reaches out to members of our great team, regardless of rank, to achieve the highest levels of operational performance possible.”
My suggestion they won’t like……….surrender now before things get worse.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 3 2026 6:09 utc | 99
@ too scents | Aug 3 2026 6:06 utc | 98 with a good question about human sustainability…thx
I thought after I wrote that how narrowly contextualized it was….change can make things worse.
As our species approaches a level of sustainability can we eliminate the hubristic and exceptionalistic ones that don’t want to share with others?
Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 3 2026 6:16 utc | 100