News & views related to the war on Iran …
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August 9, 2026
Iran Open Thread 2026-171
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Iran, it is claimed, is circulating a video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Problem is, it is an old video, before his injuries. It smacks of Iranian cover up, which of course, is reason to believe that it did not originate from Iran.
What is the extent of his injuries? How bad is it if he has lost his right hand? I believe that would be a terrible sign for Muslims (comments?).
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:27 utc | 1
Chief Rabbi converts to Christianity
Chief Rabbi of Rome, Eugenio Maria Zolli (AKA Israel Anton Zoller) led Italy’s Jewish community from 1940 to 1945. On 13 February 1945, Zolli, his second wife, and daughter converted to Catholicism (his first wife having died years earlier).
He was baptized at Gregorian University by Mgr. Luigi Traglia in the presence of Father Paolo Dezza; his godfather was Father Augustin Bea, confessor of Pope Pius XII. Zolli chose to be christened “Eugenio Maria” in homage to Pope Pius XII, who was born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli.
After his conversion, Zolli was asked in an interview why he had “given up the Synagogue for the Church.” Zolli responded saying, “But I have not given it up. Christianity is the completion or crown of the Synagogue. For, the Synagogue was a promise, and Christianity is the fulfillment of that promise. The Synagogue pointed to Christianity: Christianity presupposes the Synagogue. So you see, one cannot exist without the other. What I converted to was the living Christianity.”
In his autobiography, ‘Before the Dawn: Autobiographical Reflections’ by Eugenio Zolli, Former Chief Rabbi of Rome, Zolli said that while presiding over the religious service in the synagogue on the holy day of Yom Kippur in 1944, he experienced a vision of Jesus. Within his heart, he says, he found the words “You are here for the last time.”
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=1067 – https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-1944-a-rabbi-sees-jesus-on-yom-kippur-1.5340800
Posted by: Exile | Aug 9 2026 12:29 utc | 2
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:27 utc | 1
IIRC his father lost his right hand in an earlier failed assassination attempt. I’m sure Islam can cope with such circumstances. Apparently he taught himself to write with his left hand, even returning to calligraphy.
Few people know this, so I’m would not be surprised that malign elements would try and transfer the injury to the son.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 9 2026 12:33 utc | 3
[reformatted post]
The obvious: Israel did not go into the Hannibal Massacre of Oct 7th without a plan.
Also obvious: a false-flag is perception management.
Also obvious: the plan for perception management would have been fully developed before October 7th.
Israeli media must get the approval of military censors before they can publish articles.The head of military censors reports directly to Israel’s Chief of Staff – Head of the Israeli Defense Forces.
As Oct 7th was a false-flag and narrative control is an essential element of a false-flag,the officially approved narrative would have been composed BEFORE Oct 7th. It would have come from the designers of the false-flag right on down to the desks of the day-to-day censors.Certainly they would not let the narrative develop like a loose cannon!!
So, the military censors had the script, but they made a mistake – a great big ‘TELL’. Instead of the narrative appearing to develop organically they instead launched it fully developed, fully cooked on…wait for it…October 7th, 2023!
[October 7th, 2023]https://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/israels-failure-of-imagination-on-hamas/Title: Israel’s failure of imagination on Hamas
Hamas planned this attack meticulously. For many months, perhaps years, they created a false impression as if they were deterred and refrained from responding to the operationscarried out by the IDF against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and events in the West Bank and Jerusalem. In Israel, they bought into this calm and embraced a paradigm that Hamas would refrain from launching an all-out attack.Meanwhile, the organization planned its Simchat Torah attack. A planned, integrated attack with ground, air, maritime, and subterranean elements.Infiltrators crossed the border in simultaneously at multiple points, knowing exactly where to go. The cities, kibbutzim, moshavim, and IDF bases that were attacked found themselvesin the same situation facing Israeli troops on October 6, 1973, when the Egyptian forces breached the Bar Lev Line by crossing the Suez Canal.Cries for help, just like those heard over the radios from the fortifications back then, were broadcast live on Israeli channels in 2023.Hamas, of course, knew that it was a holiday, meaning that the IDF was relatively lowering its guard and a significant portion of the forces were at home, with a complacent atmosphere in the settlements.Such an operation requires early preparation with many collaborators. All of this escaped the view of the Israeli intelligence, which knew nothing.
That last sentence should catch your attention, it did mine. Jeepers. A strong declaration coming from a reportertrying to make sense of October 7th **on** October 7th. Shooting was still taking place, smoke was still rising,the fires still burning, as he gathered information.And his sources? They would be rather busy on such a day. “All of this escaped the view of the Israeli intelligence, which knew nothing.”
Also, look at the sentence before the highlighted one. It seems like a Freudian Slip,“Such an operation requires early preparation with many collaborators.”
Be mindful that two months later the cat was out of the bag. A whistleblower or a leak forced Israel’shand and they had to admit that they had had Hamas’ detailed jailbreak plan a full year in advance.This required adjustments to the official narrative but not right away.
The NYT was selected as the premier source for the revelation that Israel had had Hamas’ plan.But the NYT produced a Limited Hangout. Eventually, more came out in Israeli media about what was inHamas’ detailed plan. The thing about a Limited Hangout is that it leaves out key parts. And the factthat they are left out is a strong clue as to their importance.
The NYT Limited Hangout said nothing about Hamas planning to create complacency but Israeli media eventually did. The captured Hamas plan laid out in detail how they would create complacency – ISRAEL KNEW! And, also, the NYT Limited Hangout said nothing about Hamas’ planning to jailbreak on a holiday.
Israeli media eventually revealed that Hamas’ plan had said that the jailbreak would take place on a Jewish holiday or the Sabbath – Oct 7th was BOTH a holiday and the Sabbath.
It is quite the script for the military censors. All prepared in advance.
Read the article, supposedly it was prepared on Oct 7th, approved by the military on Oct 7th and then published while smoke was still rising, hostages and Hamas sill being Hannibaled. Read the article in full and you will see that it covered just about everything Netanyahu could wish for. I culled the following bullet points from the article published on Oct 7th itself.1) Hamas planned to create complacency2) A planned integrated attack, Hamas knowing exactly where to go.3) Hamas knew that because it was a holiday the IDF would have lowered its guard and a significant portion of the forces were at home.4) The IDF will penetrate deeply into Gaza.5) Hamas defeated and its leaders dead or captured.6) Send thousands of reservists to the West Bank7) Prepare for an escalation against Hezbollah8) “there has been a worrying operational convergence between terrorist organizations, synchronized from Beirut under the joint leadership of Iran and Hezbollah.”9) “Another concern will be the Arab population in Israel, especially in the affected cities. ”10) “Behind all this is Iran, trying not to be left out of challenging Israel.”11) “This is a leadership and command challenge of the highest order, in a period when Israeli society and the public are torn from within. All of this must be put aside now and we must be laser-focused on the ultimate mission – victory and restoring calm.”
Do you remember all the massive protests by Israelis against Netanyahu and his administration before the Hannibal Massacre of Oct 7th?
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:37 utc | 4
I have no evidence supporting the theory, but it struck me that installing a dead man as the supreme leader might be a useful thing to do. He is essentially indestructible, immune from all attacks, and can make pronouncements whenever necessary, from anywhere. If the Iranians thought the US/Israeli onslaught was going to be significantly worse than it has turned out to be, it could have been an interesting strategy. One less thing to worry about during a ground invasion or nuclear attack. As long as a single iranian in on the subterfuge remains alive, the ayatolla is still with us.
It’s merely a thought experiment – I’m sure the ayatolla is alive and well, but sensibly well hidden.
Posted by: Occasional poster | Aug 9 2026 12:42 utc | 5
Ukraine and World Affairs (including Iran/ME): Weekly Update, 7th August 2026: May be Useful to Some: Ukraine and World Affairs – by Dr. Rob Campbell
Posted by: The Busker | Aug 9 2026 12:46 utc | 6
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:27 utc | 1 IIRC his father lost his right hand in an earlier failed assassination attempt. I’m sure Islam can cope with such circumstances. Apparently he taught himself to write with his left hand, even returning to calligraphy. Few people know this, so I’m would not be surprised that malign elements would try and transfer the injury to the son.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 9 2026 12:33 utc | 3
You are correct, thx.
The Zio press has field day with that injured hand of Supreme Leader Ali Khameneias (the father of Mojtaba).
Two days after the decapitation attempt of Feb 28th by The Entanglement (MABUS) this article was published in The Jerusalem Post.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888381
Khamenei’s hidden hand concealed his flaw, and his long-reach of terror – analysis
Then came October 7.
The Hamas massacre had deeper roots than is imaginable. It was the culmination of decades of Iranian patronage, training, financing, and ideological reinforcement of Hamas. Whether or not Khamenei approved the precise timing, the conviction that Israel is illegitimate and a tumor to be removed was his. October 7 was the most devastating example of Khamenei’s hidden hand in action, and in the end, over two years later, it has led to his demise.
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:52 utc | 7
@ Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:27 utc | 1
GFY. Do you get a bonus payment in shekels for lying in wait to be the first to post your Zio propaganda ?You are wasting our time. No one wants your stale Zionist lies. No one wants to see a Muslim superstition used to denigrate a major leader. Just GFY, and don’t come back.
Posted by: JessDTruth | Aug 9 2026 13:15 utc | 8
• Journalist Suhaib Al-Masalma
– “Netanyahu: Israel rejects the 15-point document on Gaza presented by the Peace Council, and we will not carry out any withdrawal before Hamas is truly disarmed”
• Journalist Youssef Fares
– “Netanyahu: I want to be precise here: Israel rejects the 15-point document
I heard someone say: “You didn’t say that.” So here I say it again: Israel rejects the 15-point document.
When I say disarming Hamas, I inform you that this includes heavy weapons, and “less heavy” weapons… all weapons, and we are talking about real disarmament, not shams.
We are now talking to the Americans about this issue. They have ideas, some of which are acceptable to us and some of which are not, and we know how to adhere to our positions”
– “Hamas: The movement expects the mediators and the United States to pressure Netanyahu and his government to adhere to the road map”
• MESpectator
– “The Yemeni Armed Forces have taken responsibility for targeting the Jazan Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia last night, in response to airspace violations by drones”
Posted by: Ornot | Aug 9 2026 14:08 utc | 9
Re: Disarm ?
Netanyahu is halfway there. All of Israel and Palestine should be de-militarized and disarmed. Settlers too. Then a peacekeeping force of, say, 500,000 PRC , Malaysian, and maybe Mongolisn troops can secure a lasting peace. Said Troops paid out of Israeli taxes.
A
Posted by: Exile | Aug 9 2026 15:17 utc | 10
@ Exile | Aug 9 2026 15:17 utc | 10
A free Palestine should have as much right to have armed forces as any other state.
Posted by: malenkov | Aug 9 2026 15:28 utc | 11
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:27 utc | 1
This is a culture that considers martyrs the epitomy of heroicss and enduring suffering a national virtue. Disfigurement in defiance of an enemy is a badge of honour.
Posted by: HB_Norica | Aug 9 2026 15:28 utc | 12
Posted by: Occasional poster | Aug 9 2026 12:42 utc | 5
I have no evidence supporting the theory, but it struck me that installing a dead man as the supreme leader might be a useful thing to do. He is essentially indestructible, immune from all attacks, and can make pronouncements whenever necessary, from anywhere.
Countering,
I have no evidence, BUT, I met the Ayatollah himself yesterday.
It’s merely a thought experiment – I’m sure the Ayatollah is alive and well, but sensibly well hidden.
This make sense. All communication with the Ayatollah is now paper based, kind of like the old Persian empire days. No digital devices on anyone – 5 removed.
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 15:45 utc | 13
@ Exile | Aug 9 2026 12:29 utc | 2
not sure why you posted this on the iran open thread exile.. would be better on the moa week in review..
Posted by: james | Aug 9 2026 15:56 utc | 14
https://x.com/ejmalrai/status/2086472695026176249
Elijah J. Magnier 🇪🇺 @ejmalrai
President Trump is ready to end the war with Iran if the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, even without nuclear deal, WSJ reports. However, Iran has an MoU signed by Trump he needs to respect first. The Strait of Hormuz will open according to Iran’s conditions and following paragraph 5 of the MoU.
nevertheless, Iran would like to see the US implementing paragraph one in the first place.
Bottom line: No final strategic deal with Trump for the next two and a half years. Some tactical issues can be solved temporarily.
——————–
https://x.com/nytimes/status/2086118229831819354
The New York Times @nytimes
Breaking News: Iran’s top security official said the Strait of Hormuz would not reopen until the U.S. met a sweeping list of demands, including withdraw the U.S. military from around Iran, pay war reparations and release frozen Iranian assets.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/08/world/middleeast/iran-us-oman-strait-of-hormuz.html
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 9 2026 16:09 utc | 15
I have no evidence, BUT, I met the Ayatollah himself yesterday.
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 15:45 utc | 13
I hope you said ‘Hi’ from the barflies at MoA.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 9 2026 16:14 utc | 16
Posted by: Exile | Aug 9 2026 12:29 utc | 2
Thank you, Exile!
Posted by: juliania | Aug 9 2026 16:18 utc | 17
Here are the six conditions Iran has presented for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz [as linked in b’s Week in Review]:
“1. Never, and in no language, threaten Iran or insult the sanctities of this nation.
2. Permanently end the war and aggression against Iran and Iran’s allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq.
3. Lift the naval blockade and withdraw its military forces (naval and air) from around Iran.
4. Pay in full, without any reduction, the damages caused to Iran by the two wars of aggression and imposition.
5. Lift the unjust and illegal sanctions against the Iranian nation.
6. Unconditionally release the blocked and stolen assets of the Iranian people.”
Posted by: juliania | Aug 9 2026 16:30 utc | 18
https://x.com/MenchOsint/status/2086440932656738605
MenchOsint @MenchOsint
⭕️ A Saudi drone just dropped bombs in the Ghor Al-Mashwat area, Ghamr district, Yemen.
Well … looks like another Saudi refinery is about to get struck.
—————————-
https://t.me/Middle_East_Spectator/35804#
Middle East Spectator — MES
— 🇸🇦/🇾🇪 NEW: Yemen’s Armed Forces launched a ballistic missile at the house of the Saudi-backed governor of Hodeidah; he survived the attack
—————————-
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/yemeni-strikes-on-mukha–marib-targeted-saudi-troops–assets
Yemeni strikes on Mukha, Marib targeted Saudi troops, assets: Source
A Yemeni source says strikes on Al-Mukha and Marib targeted Saudi officers, troop concentrations, weapons depots, and a secret storage facility.
The strikes by the Yemeni Armed Forces on Al-Mukha and Marib decimated Saudi officers and their troop concentrations, targeting a heavy and medium weapons depot alongside a secret storage facility, a senior Yemeni source told Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Sanaa.
According to the source, the Yemeni army is maintaining precise, continuous surveillance over all Saudi movements and military build-ups, warning that neither officers nor their forces can escape missile and drone strikes.
Stressing that today’s operations delivered a powerful message, the source affirmed that the Yemeni military will turn every gathering of Saudi officers into a target, while urging everyone to stay clear of weapons depots and any Saudi-affiliated gatherings……
….The strike on Mokha is the second operation carried out by the YAF on Sunday. Earlier in the day, the YAF announced that they targeted a Saudi Aramco refinery in Jizan with a drone, stating that the operation comes as a response to Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace.
Saree announced that the forces successfully targeted the Aramco refinery in Jizan with a drone, achieving a precise hit. He said the operation came in response to Saudi drone incursions into the airspace of Yemen’s Saada and Hajjah provinces………..
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 9 2026 16:31 utc | 19
Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:37 utc | 4
Following 9/11 Condolezza Rice said that they could never have imagined that airplanes would be used to attack the Pentagon; yet, the Pentagon HAD practiced drills for such. This all said, it’s a second-level distraction to get us thinking about airplanes when it fact it was NOT an airplane that hit the Pentagon. My point here is that THEY are always behind all such attacks and they’ve planned how to manage perception (story line and how to push lots of rabbit-hole theories to keep everyone confused and off the true scent [and those who find the scent are killed, locked up or otherwise neutralized via smear campaigns]).
Posted by: Seer | Aug 9 2026 16:38 utc | 20
Posted by: Exile | Aug 9 2026 12:29 utc | 2Thank you, Exile!
Posted by: juliania | Aug 9 2026 16:18 utc | 17
Thank you – there is hope that some of these people can liberate themselves from the clutches of their opressive ethnic kin and join the brotherhood of man.
Posted by: Exile | Aug 9 2026 16:39 utc | 21
I hope you said ‘Hi’ from the barflies at MoA.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 9 2026 16:14 utc | 16
Chat,
Grin. Yes, of course. He said he much appreciates MoA as the last bastion of TRUTH.
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 16:41 utc | 22
• The Palestinian Observer
– “Syrian Foreign Ministry:
An agreement has been reached with Moscow to convert military bases into joint training and qualification centers. We received the Latakia International Airport today and have begun preparations for its rehabilitation”
– “Hezbollah, commenting on the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s publication of a map including southern Lebanon:
The government bears responsibility for pursuing a path of concessions.
The government must halt direct negotiations with Israel and file an urgent complaint with the Security Council. Israel’s entry into direct negotiations with Lebanon is a blatant attempt to buy time and impose new realities on the ground.”
• Journalist Youssef Fares
– “Palestinian leader Muhammad Dahlan: Netanyahu’s announcement today to reject the Gaza Agreement is a continuation of the policy of mass killing and systematic destruction of the Strip and further encroachment on the West Bank and Jerusalem, and this is what we have repeatedly warned against”
Posted by: Ornot | Aug 9 2026 17:19 utc | 23
And these Iranian idiots are just sitting around with their arms folded, waiting for the next wave of bombings from the Orange idiot. Everyone knows it’s coming soon. Why don’t they take the initiative and wipe out Tel Aviv, Nevatim Airbase, and the American bases?
Posted by: Hagen | Aug 9 2026 17:21 utc | 24
Because Iranians are idiots.
They are awaiting instructions from a barflea to tell them what to do.
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 17:33 utc | 25
TASS
https://tass.com/world/2170711
Excerpt:
“Following a series of talks between Syria and Russia, and agreement was reached providing for the transfer of commercial sections that were earlier held by the Russian side at the port of Tartus, including berth No 4 and warehouses and structures around it to the Syrian side,” it said.“
Framed in MSM as “Russia Base Leaving” but not the case.
https://tass.com/world/2170725
9 AUG, 12:24
“Syrian Civil Aviation Authority takes control of Latakia Airport”
CAIRO, August 9. /TASS/. Syria’s Civil Aviation Authority said it has taken over control of the Latakia airport.
“Control of the Latakia Airport was transferred to the Syrian authorities today. The next step is to renovate the airport so that it can handle international flights again,” it said.
The Syrian foreign ministry said earlier that Moscow and Damascus have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the future of Russian military bases in that country. The document envisages that all civilian facilities, including the Khmeimim airfield located at the southern Latakia airport, will be transferred to the control of the Syrian authorities within three months.
“No official comments from the Russian foreign ministry have been issued as of yet.”
The Tartarus Base is still retained with some changes, but the biggest issue is the Airport, although cited “civilian renovation ahead” can obviously be used to attack Iran.
The ever helpful Russian Kremlin…
Posted by: Trubind1 | Aug 9 2026 17:37 utc | 26
Posted by: Hagen | Aug 9 2026 17:21 utc | 24
Irans objectives are to kick the USA out of the region and force Israel to stop their genocide.
It’s already been established that Iran has escalation dominance over the USA / Israel. Iran’s missile sites are built to withstand a nuclear explosion and they’ve been able to hit bullseyes all over the Arabian peninsula without a miss so what’s the point of continuing to attack the USA / Israel?
Trump didn’t stop because he wanted to rearm … he stopped because Iran’s counter punches were doing far more damage to US interests than US bombs were doing to Iran.
Posted by: HB_Norica | Aug 9 2026 17:37 utc | 27
@24
Two reason
1, counter force targets are not worth the Iran missiles, same for US why Trump keeps spouting war crime attacks. US hyper expensive weapons are not useful on hard missile sites, if they could see them.
2. When Iran shoots it is effective U.S. shots do nothing but profit the MIC
Posted by: paddy | Aug 9 2026 18:00 utc | 28
@ Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 17:33 utc | 25
name hijack??
Posted by: james | Aug 9 2026 18:12 utc | 29
james @29
She was quoting a barflea but forgot the quotation marks.
Her comment had me laughing.
Posted by: William Gruff | Aug 9 2026 18:16 utc | 30
name hijack??
Posted by: james | Aug 9 2026 18:12 utc | 29
No, an angry response to a barflea that thinks he knows what’s best for Iran. First line is repeating his nonsense, to amplify, and show the error of judgement.
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 18:23 utc | 31
“This is a leadership and command challenge of the highest order, in a period when Israeli society and the public are torn from within. All of this must be put aside now and we must be laser-focused on the ultimate mission – victory and restoring calm.”
Do you remember all the massive protests by Israelis against Netanyahu and his administration before the Hannibal Massacre of Oct 7th?
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:37 utc | 4
Thank you. Do you remember bibi had sent his son yair to Miami not long before the October 7th “surprise?”
“Yair Netanyahu has resided in a luxury high-rise tower in Hallandale Beach. The complex features premium amenities, including a private cinema, a wine cellar, a spa, and a cigar room.
Security Detail: He is guarded 24/7 by Israel’s internal security service, Shin Bet, specifically utilizing personnel and drivers from the elite Unit 730.
Both bibi and his uugly and hysterical sarah knew about the “surprise” well in advance.
The bordello-loving coward yair has got a fitting assignment: “The ruling Likud party put him forward for a leadership role in the Hasbara (public diplomacy) branch of the World Zionist Organization.”
Well: “Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s son Yair (can we call him Baby Bibi?) was recorded on tape outside a strip club telling a friend that his father’s help pushing a $20 billion oil deal, which benefited the friend’s father, entitles Netanyahu Jr. to the 400 shekel ($116) prostitution fee.” — To the joy and pride of the World Zionist Organization.
Posted by: Anna | Aug 9 2026 18:31 utc | 32
Because Iranians are idiots.
They are awaiting instructions from a barflea to tell them what to do.
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 17:33 utc | 25
Well, the Iranian war strategy panned out almost exactly as it was gamed on MoA a decade ago.
Just sayin’ …
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Aug 9 2026 18:32 utc | 33
NEW: Yemen’s Armed Forces launched a ballistic missile at the house of the Saudi-backed governor of Hodeidah; he survived the attack
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 9 2026 16:31 utc | 19
In how many pieces though?
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Aug 9 2026 18:33 utc | 34
Danny Haiphong: Mohammed Marandi: ‘Huge Israeli Strike Coming’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jvUwxRFcO0
“Israel attacks Iran? War now imminent as Trump folds.”
MOATS, with George Galloway, Day 163: ‘Rope-A-Dope’
https://www.youtube.com/@GeorgeGallowayOfficial/streams
“Hormuz pact| US sidelined| Israel land grabs| Burnham on tour”
With Prof Jeffrey Sachs, Prof David Miller
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 9 2026 18:37 utc | 35
Just sayin’ …
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Aug 9 2026 18:32 utc | 33
Arch, yes, but does that mean that you agree with this barflea, for the current conditions?
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 18:41 utc | 36
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 18:41 utc | 36
No, I was trying to insinuate that Mojtaba has been lurking on this site for quite some time picking up ideas from the barflies.
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Aug 9 2026 18:45 utc | 37
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 16:41 utc | 22
Food and music is what brings people together, not discussing war and politics.
You come across as a kind and patient person, who suffers fools well, but only up to a certain point.
Is it possible for some of us idiots here in America to learn how to make Taf Dig? Does it require a special type of cooking vessel? Could you briefly outline the process for us…..
I have been getting to know some Persian music. The hammer dulcimer as played by Hossein Farjami. Apparently he is an expatriate living in Britain. Beautiful and very intricate melodies. I am looking for some music by an artist featuring the Ney flute. Such a haunting sound. Could you recommend an artist whose work may be accessible to us in the west? Your percussion instruments seem similar to those of India, as in the Tabla drum.
Respect, HR
Posted by: Harmonic Resonance | Aug 9 2026 18:54 utc | 38
Can the adderall addled Pedo Prez even flush his toilet without calling tel aviv for permission?
Answer: doesn’t need permission as just goes in his pants……….fecal incontinence is a well known adderall side effect.
Posted by: 24ouncer | Aug 9 2026 19:09 utc | 39
I’m calling out Bessant’s gloating that Iran’s economy is in tatters. Iran has three main trade partners–Russia, China and Pakistan–and lesser partners in EAEU, all of which use currency swaps and systems outside Outlaw control. Iran is also self-sufficient in many goods thanks to the years of sanctions. War production and reconstruction work are employing many Iranians, while millions still find time to hit the streets to protest–and those people look well fed and healthy, not emaciated and sickly as Bessant dreams. As with Russia, sanctions have failed to cause great harm to Iran as its military abilities prove.
IMO, the current state-of-affairs regarding Hormuz can continue until 2029 and Trump’s exit, somewhat similar to the much shorter hostage issue that kept Carter from reelection. The world knows who the criminals are that started the war, and thus most back Iran’s Hormuz position. I know it’s a month away, but this year’s UNGA “Debate” session will be very hot, and I foretell Trump’s attempt to ban many nations from attending. Many continue to say SPR depletion will be the camel breaking straw, but I differ. The inventory items to watch are jet fuel and distillates, which you see have remained very steady despite the SPR’s continual drawdown. Those two products fuel the Outlaw economy along with mogas, which also remains steady because plenty of oil to make it is extracted domestically. It’s the importation of sour crude that’s required to keep the other stocks even. SPR contents are mostly being exported, not used domestically if we are to believe the oil analysts. If its drawdown continues at the recorded pace, then the current level is about 297-6 million bbl. The point is the key fuels can continue to be produced at the current level because enough sour crude is being imported. So, the importance of the SPR reaching its drawdown limit will affect those nations benefitting from its export. Thus, the “magic” that’s supposed to occur domestically won’t happen in the way many have predicted. The big hit will be felt by those nations dependent on SPR exports, with Japan, RoK and Philippines being the most vulnerable followed by EU. But IMO it’s very doubtful their pain will influence Trump. And he won’t do anything demanded by Iran because doing so is an admission of defeat and that’s something he’ll never do.
Re: Baby Bibi
he is still of age to have been called up for active duty in Gazs etc. But never happened . check out photos of the
IDF ground pounders in Gaza – Not a single Askanazi among them. Likudniks practice racism towards unworthy Israelis.
Posted by: Exile | Aug 9 2026 19:16 utc | 41
Is it possible for some of us idiots here in America to learn how to make Taf Dig[sic]? Does it require a special type of cooking vessel? Could you briefly outline the process for us…..
Posted by: Harmonic Resonance | Aug 9 2026 18:54 utc | 38
Thank you for your reply HR.
Oh, you make me hungry thinking about tah dig. Tah mean bottom, dig the pot.
It is an age old art, but can be mastered fairly easily. When making a pot of rice, you leave it on the stove for an extra minute or two on low heat to make the rice at the bottom of the pot crunchy. It is best accomplished by a non-stick pot for the uninitiated. Alternatively, after boiling and and rinsing the rice – polo(rinsed) vs kateh, not, (making sure the rice is al dente, because there is more cooking to be done) – you line the bottom of the pot with oil, and sliced potatoes. Add the rinsed rice on top, use a spoon to make a few steam escape holes, and let it simmer till the potatoes are crunchy – you can check the edges of the bottom for doneness.
Tip: line the lid of the pot with cheese-cloth or such to not let the vapors/steam back into the pot.
Now, if you want art, try tah-chin. https://persiangood.com/recipes/tahchin/
As for music, Marzieh, is the best contender of classical/traditional, in my view.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke6bemjfeis
Enjoy.
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Aug 9 2026 19:38 utc | 43
‘Never Speak About It’: Leaked Audit Reveals the UN’s Palantir Problem
https://x.com/CraigMokhiber/status/2086139102211019155
“In the past week we have learned of an Israeli regime spy heading the UNICEF office in Washington DC, and now of a direct collaboration between WFP and Palantir, a company directly complicit in the Israeli genocide in Palestine.
What do both UN agencies have in common? Both are dominated by US funding and control, and both are always headed by Americans hand-picked by the US government.
The UN must be purged of this long-standing political corruption (and of those officials all-too-willing to submit to it), or watch its Charter fade into oblivion…”
We will. Because watching and only watching is what we do best. Beware the oligarchs.
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 9 2026 19:47 utc | 44
Do be aware that for the last 70 years the US Federal Government and the Banksters have been printing (and typing) currency out of thin air, calling it both a liability and an asset on a balance sheet but it is in fact “privileged debt” and they have been giving it to themselves and their friends, and if anyone did not accept the negative value privileged debt currency in exchange for valuable goods and services, the US military would murder them and destroy the country. Most recently this was done to Iraq and Libya. Do remember the way both leaders met their ends!
Now comes Iran…
Since the US has run out of ammunition in their assault on Iran, and since China is not providing any more ammunition, Iran and the rest of the world are now free to reject the US privileged debt currency (see Japan selling US debt?)
Anyone have any ideas about what is going to happen when the US military can not force the rest of the world to accept privileged debt currency in exchange for valuable goods and services?
All the US debt currency will be returned to the US and try to buy things an ordinary American would otherwise be buying. I expect the US Government to implement a sort of reverse capital flow stop, not allowing US debt currency back into the country. In a strange twist of fate, nothing could possibly benefit the American people more than the “end the FED” action long prescribed by Doctor Congressman Ron Paul. The primary action of the private banking cartel known as the FED and it’s member banks lend into existence some currency and get paid back all the created currency leaving a balance of zero, except for the “compounding interest” which has amounted to 300 Trillion dollars between the closing of the “gold window” and today. That 300 Trillion is pure profit for the Banksters and America needs to #1 stop paying any more compounding interest, and #2 “claw back” all of the 300 Trillion wrongly stolen by the Banksters in the immoral ponzi scheme called the Federal Reserve System.
Posted by: Hot Carl | Aug 9 2026 20:00 utc | 45
WWIII ends not with a bang but a whimper – https://wwiii.substack.com/p/wwiii-ends-not-with-a-bang-but-a?r=16w8dp
Posted by: manoj samanta | Aug 9 2026 20:23 utc | 46
https://x.com/ME_Observer_/status/2086490447656996962
Middle East Observer @ME_Observer_
Arabs are really a humiliated people
They give America and Israel sovereignty over their countries, lands, and waterways and don’t understand how a native can claim them as his , it’s considered an offense for them to claim your own rights after getting bombed to oblivion
https://x.com/ME_Observer_/status/2086472786671800473
Middle East Observer @ME_Observer_
⚡️🚨Lebanese Foreign Ministry:
The Ministry renews its rejection of Iran’s attempts to use the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of coercion, and calls for its full reopening without restriction or condition.
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 9 2026 20:41 utc | 47
DW: Nima R Alkhorshid: ‘The Middle East on the Edge’
https://www.youtube.com/@dialogueworks01/streams
“The inevitable just happened in the Middle East.”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 9 2026 21:02 utc | 48
i see an interview from left lens with marandi. he tells us: how a sick epstein class politican of the fucked us had fun for camera, that “iraninan have hunger”.
thats something most dont understand. this jerks want the hole word to hunger.
if the jerk-in-chief is an idiot, perfect, as long as the global economy gets hurt, and suffering is produced, death, depression, no kids…
its not geopolitics, its class-war against us all.
fight the power. free palestine!
@45
Agree except the $300 trillion compounding interest. That is accumulated interest going back 70 years and cannot be recovered. Those who earned it are still in debt of their own in a debt feedback loop. One lender’s backside in the mouth of his borrower’s backside. This is the US debt structure. The small spillover is held by US military allies and China.
US public debt (the publicly available amount) will reach $40 trillion early fall and by late winter breach the debt ceiling. Rump will be in a lot of havoc trying to lift it with a disruptive House. That’s China’s window of opportunity to takeover Taiwan. 2027 is shaping up to be the year of the century. Iran and Russia should hold on until then. NATO and US military allies will be begging for a face saving surrender.
Posted by: Jason | Aug 9 2026 22:04 utc | 50
Suleiman Ahmed has an in with Ansarallah. Gets the skinny on the current situation:
HISTORY OF YEMEN & SAUDI ARABIA CONFLICT, YEMEN’S DEMANDS & PALNS w/ ANSARALLAH HUSSAIN AL-BUKHAITI
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 9 2026 22:12 utc | 51
Otto Penn 1
The right hand is a Qur’anic expression of ownership and possession . I don’t think an expression of possession is cancelled by loss of the right hand any more than ‘ top of the morning to you my good sir’ if you said it in the evening’ or ‘it’s a dog’s life ‘ would be met a great sniffing of smells.
Phrases are not to be taken literally.
Posted by: Giyane | Aug 9 2026 22:14 utc | 52
karlof1 | Aug 9 2026 19:13 utc | 40—
I’m sure many are perplexed by my comment since it’s contrary to the alt-media narrative saying a fuel crisis will occur within the Outlaw US Empire. I suggest looking at the history link at the right end of each inventory fuel line to see the historical levels of inventory, and to make it easy here’s jet fuel, all distillates, and 18ppm sulfur and under diesel. There’re two other types of diesel listed that are produced in much lower amounts that have also remained even in their production. Clearly, the Empire continues to import enough sour crude to refine into those key products even with Gulf exports halted. My argument is that won’t change when oil can no longer be exported from the SPR
Given what the inventories tell us, we can conclude all refiners and their distributors have colluded in raping the US public over fuel prices since there’s no discernable drop in production that would warrant higher prices. Here’s the total gasoline inventory history. The only historical inventory graph that shows a dramatic drop is the SPR. Do look at the rest of them. Average Outlaw Empire fuel prices are 30% higher now Y/Y yet there’s very little change in supply to cause such a dramatic increase.
So, why all the obfuscation? IMO, it’s the standard oil industry gouging to create excess profits by pointing to the rise in international oil prices while domestic inventories remain steady. People look at the paper price, Brent is now $81,47/bbl, and inventory levels and legitimately ask why the hell they’re paying so much for fuel. Fuel inventory levels are really of no concern compared to the paucity of standoff weapons and almost useless AD interceptors. Big Oil has long held the Duopoly by its balls, which allows it to gouge at will, although I expect fuel prices to rapidly drop as we get closer to mid-terms.
So, why is the War Criminal Trump Gang so worried about the Hormuz closure when domestic fuel amounts other than price are a non-issue? The lack of dollar recycling to fuel Outlaw Empire debt and current operations because GCC is unable to sell its products for those dollars to be recycled is the genuine issue. That continual shortfall is driving the Bond Market and potential interest rates in a critical direction that the Gang can’t really manipulate, while T-bill and other dollarized asset holder economies enter fiscal crisis and need to generate cash via selling those assets. Thus, the emergency bail-out of Japan that merely kicks the can down the road as the underlying problem remains unresolved. (Yes, the Gulf issue is big for Japan.) Iran has no problem keeping Hormuz closed for as long as it takes for the Empire to squeal its surrender. But that’s anathema for Trump. It’s been suggested that Congress needs to remove Trump so Vance can do what must be done since Trump won’t. IMO, the Bond Market holds the axe.
BREAKING ISRAELI ATTACK ON IRAN IMMINENTsays Israeli Channel 13:Past 24 hours there’ve been rumors Trump is once again asking US military about possibility of nuclear attack on Iran.
Trump is distancing himself from whatever by very publicly “putting pressure on Israel” to desist, etc.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jvUwxRFcO0
Posted by: Penelope | Aug 9 2026 22:41 utc | 54
The interdependency of debt/fake paper/token assets is not only internal in the US Financial House of Cards.
Bumboy Bessent just used Euros to bid up the Japanese Yen, because if Japan started selling US Treasuries to buy up the weak Yen, then Treasuries would have dropped and US interest rates would have risen .
Sorry kids, it’s all fake. I ask again, if the US Trillionaire can’t write a check for $100 billion to buy up more Spacex Shares and bonds, instead of going to the Public Market to sell tokens, then the entirety of the money game is a mirage.
Posted by: kupkee | Aug 10 2026 0:22 utc | 55
karlof1 | Aug 9 2026 22:34 utc | 53—
Guess I’m singing solo. I accessed the IEA–International Energy Agency–monthly publication, “Oil Market Report” for July (since August won’t be released until the 12th) to see what light it might shine on the inventory issue. What I read is a fantasy land report consisting of wishful thinking not hard evidence. As you’ll see, the report focuses on June’s activity, which was slightly better than the March-May period. One of the major aspects not specifically mentioned was the increase in Saudi Red Sea Exports, “Total Gulf oil exports, including volumes bypassing the Strait, surged by 6.5 mb/d in June, to 16.1 mb/d…” [My Emphasis] What’s helpful in the report are the OPEC+ crude oil production numbers, but they don’t include the amount exported. Also lacking is a quantitative listing of product inventories, although a discussion of refining activity is provided. At its conclusion is a sentence relecting reality:
Renewed exchanges of fire in the Gulf this week highlight the risks of not reaching a lasting peace agreement, which is a must for the normalisation in oil markets.
No mention of market manipulation is made although the price swings were noted.
So, is a fuel crisis actually on the way, has it already happened, or is there some mixture of those two possibilities, or is something else lying in wait? I’ve provided the most current data from the two main global energy agencies. Global inventories are smaller with a few exceptions where inventories remain stable. Keen and Jermy have both provided very good analyses about how the global economy will react to a reduction in energy inputs and suggest a drop in global GDP will result, which seems very logical. What neither address is what happens to the petrodollar and the US Bond Market given the very sharp decrease in dollar recycling and related increase in bond and stock sales, plus the cessation of cash flow into US AI Corporate investment as well as the attacks and destruction of its infrastructure in the Gulf region. IMO, Professor Marandi is a good sounding board for Iranian attitudes towards the GCC states and how they should be treated over the next several months. And ultimately, IMO China’s role mustn’t be forgotten along with Russia’s in the reshaping of Gulf Region relations.
As for the Zionists, Netanyahu is clearly trying to provoke a strike by Iran through his actions on the other fronts. IMO, he will soon get his wish.
karlof1:
“And ultimately, IMO China’s role mustn’t be forgotten along with Russia’s in the reshaping of the Gulf Region relations…”
IMO also.
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 10 2026 0:52 utc | 57
The lack of visibility on real oil production numbers goes along the lack of visibility on all fronts. West leaders are fed unreal data, hopes, maybes and things they want to hear. Then they end up stuck in Ukraine and Iran burning taxpayers money and their country’s future.
Hoping something will turn well. Hail Mary. I find it goes along this appetite for superhero movies (Marvel, DC), movies that make great in the box-office. Leaders living in fantasy land.
September-October could be a monstrous storm of real oil booming price, real US federal insolvency, real US AI bubble pop, real US bond market exploding. No superhero to save the day.
Posted by: Asian Frog | Aug 10 2026 0:56 utc | 58
ISRAEL PREPARES: IDF Readies For Possible Independent Action Against Iran
Are these rumors based on facts or just wishful thinking as Bibi sits in a political stranglehold, set to lose the election this fall.
Israel is continuing preparations for the possibility of taking independent military action against Iran if necessary, Channel 13 reported, as uncertainty remains over whether Washington and Tehran Israel will reach an agreement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fallen to his lowest suitability rating for prime minister in recent months, with 31% of respondents backing him while 56% prefer a candidate other than Netanyahu, according to a Channel 12 poll.
The figure represents a six-point drop for Netanyahu in less than a month, from 37% in the previous poll.
Posted by: Oui | Aug 10 2026 1:01 utc | 58
It’s very unIsraeli to telegraph their attack like this which suggests that it is mostly posturing for domestic political purposes.
I may be wrong…
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 10 2026 1:08 utc | 61
What is the extent of his injuries? How bad is it if he has lost his right hand? I believe that would be a terrible sign for Muslims (comments?).
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:27 utc | 1
*****************
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, lost the use of his right arm on June 27, 1981, when a bomb hidden in a tape recorder exploded during a speech at the Abuzar Mosque in Tehran.
It did not adversely affect his mind, or his voice; nor did it detract from the respect that the people of his country showed towards him, and he led with authority for nearly 40 years until his martyrdom by an international criminal consortium..
We don’t know why Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public. There could be many reasons, and idle, uninformed speculation is probably not helpful.
Posted by: General Factotum | Aug 10 2026 1:10 utc | 62
Oui@58:
“Israel Prepares’…Are the rumors based on facts or just wishful thinking…”
See @35: Haiphong/Marandi: ‘Huge Israeli strike coming’
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 10 2026 1:11 utc | 63
Few people know this, so I’m would not be surprised that malign elements would try and transfer the injury to the son.
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 9 2026 12:33 utc | 3
*************
One thing that really impressed me was when President Putin met Khamenei at an official function and without ostentation extended his left hand to shake Khamenei’s left hand. Awareness and empathy …
Posted by: General Factotum | Aug 10 2026 1:14 utc | 64
It’s very unIsraeli to telegraph their attack like this which suggests that it is mostly posturing for domestic political purposes. I may be wrong…
Posted by: ChatNPC | Aug 10 2026 1:08 utc | 60
“Through deception, we shall achieve victory..” Mossad
Posted by: Harmonic Resonance | Aug 10 2026 1:24 utc | 65
I do not see USA suffering a crude oil shortage while the heavier sour grades are available from Canada, Mexico etc. Although price paid may be excessive by recent historic standards.
The SPR is, imo, largely irrelevant under those circumstances,
The paper price of oil futures and stocks appears to be determined by Trump’s bloviating to the AI agents controlling the algorithms which decide what and when to buy and sell.
Whether these agents continue to ignore reality remains to be seen.
Posted by: necromancer | Aug 10 2026 1:49 utc | 66
necromancer | Aug 10 2026 1:49 utc | 68—
What isn’t loudly reported is the oil price at the loading or offloading dock. That’s the price that matters.
Agreed Karl,
I saw $180 per barrel of Dubai crude some months ago.
Posted by: necromancer | Aug 10 2026 2:02 utc | 68
The Phantom Proxy: How the West Delegated the Dirty War in West Asia to Ukraine
https://beeley.substack.com/p/the-phantom-proxy-how-the-west-delegated
“More details on Ukrainian intelligence operations in West Asia in support of the US-Zionist war against Iran and the Resistance Axis…”
‘The Western intelligence agencies and ‘Israel’ have come up with the perfect alternative that provides a convenient shadow war and full plausible deniability – delegating highly sensitive and deniable operations to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (GUR). Kyiv has become the ideal global asymmetric proxy – the global agent of chaos for the US attack…’
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 10 2026 2:04 utc | 69
https://t.me/RezistanceTrench/55650#
ResistanceTrench mirror
🇺🇸⚡️🇮🇷 U.S. Senator Chris Murphy:
I will support a bad deal to end the American war against Iran.
* The American people are suffering from this war, and the cost of reopening the Strait of Hormuz is increasing day by day.
* Trump lost this war, and America has become weaker, while Iran has become stronger.
* The only deal available currently is a terrible one.
————————-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHFIgSqS140
Alastair Crooke – Iran ‘s ONLY Choice: Humiliate the US
Daniel Davis / Deep Dive 463K subscribers
————————
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/8/9/iran-war-live-tehran-demands-end-to-us-blockade-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz
Israeli forces committed 108 attacks on Palestinian journalists in July, syndicate says
The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate documented 108 attacks by Israeli occupation forces on journalists and media workers in July, according to its Liberties Committee, the Palestinian news agency Wafa has reported.
Violations included arrests, beatings, detentions and prevention from covering events, alongside settler attacks, raids on homes and press institutions, and seized or destroyed equipment.
Detention and obstruction of coverage topped the list with 58 cases, followed by 12 cases of sound and gas bomb exposure, 11 settler attacks, and six beatings. Four journalists suffered bloody injuries, including shrapnel wounds, while covering events in Gaza, the syndicate found.
It called for journalists to be protected and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 10 2026 2:20 utc | 70
16 Iranian Fishermen Missing For 3+ Months – US Helicopter Last Seen Overhead
https://x.com/timand2037/status/2086604913468117249
“As in the Caribbean, it looks like the brave imperial forces seek conquests in the Persian Gulf region by killing Iranian fishermen…”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 10 2026 3:06 utc | 71
What isn’t loudly reported is the oil price at the loading or offloading dock. That’s the price that matters.
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 10 2026 1:58 utc | 68
—
The “crack spread” is a wash trade to hide the cost of refinery inputs.
An audit would reveal that it doesn’t represent the cost above the refined product but instead a hidden premium paid to secure crude.
Posted by: too scents | Aug 10 2026 3:52 utc | 72
My understanding is that if Trump and his Recidivist Revisionist Zionist Nazi Neocons or their pimple Netanyahu use nukes against Iran, China will nuke the perpetrators.
They don’t like it up em so it ain’t goin to happen.
The point about War by deception is the deception that Talmudic Zionism is lying about everything, not just war.
As for the Zionist who converted to Roman Catholicism, it was the Talmudist rabbis who lied to Rome that the Messiah , alaihi salaam, had claimed he was a son of God, which would be Blasphemy.
They’ve been lying a long time. 6,000 years and counting.
Posted by: Giyane | Aug 10 2026 4:05 utc | 73
see the photo at the first/second link
https://x.com/_ZachFoster/status/2086605031227236394
Zachary Foster @_ZachFoster
A reminder that Israel holds thousands of Palestinians hostage — and is currently starving them all. Torturing them all. And raping many of them.
But the world stopped caring about the hostages …. Because all of them are Palestinian.
https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/2086564199979749454
Drop Site @DropSiteNews
🔴 Israel has acknowledged nearly two years late that Palestinian prisoner Ehab Mohammed Abdel Qader Diab, 36, died in its custody, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Commission said on Sunday.
➤ Diab was detained on December 12, 2023. The commission believes he died on September 18, 2024, after roughly nine months of torture in Israeli custody.
➤ Israel claimed Diab had a health condition. His family rejects that completely, saying he was healthy and had no illnesses when detained.
➤ His death raises the number of Palestinian prisoners who have died in Israeli custody since 1967 to 328, including 91 since October 7, 2023. Fifty-three of the 91 were from Gaza.
➤ Gaza’s Prisoners Ministry held Israel’s government and prison administration fully responsible, citing evidence of torture, medical neglect and brutal conditions. It demanded an international investigation, accountability, return of Diab’s body to his family and disclosure of all Gaza detainees whose fates Israel is concealing.
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 10 2026 4:06 utc | 74
Quote of The Week:
“I think what’s going on here is that Trump is trying to blame Hegsith for the mess that we’re in now. Of course, what Hegsth did was he blamed his deputy. He said that his deputy had not kept him informed and had not taken the necessary steps to rectify this situation. So, I think what you’re going to see moving forward is a giant blame game. And most interestingly… it will be very interesting to see how Trump and Netanyahu or more generally the United States and the Israelis deal with each other moving forward because it’s very clear that the Israelis led the United States into this disaster.”
~ John Mearsheimer
____
Blame
Posted by: Strange Bedfellow | Aug 10 2026 4:19 utc | 75
“james @29 She was quoting a barflea but forgot the quotation marks.Her comment had me laughing.”
~ William Gruff | Aug 9 2026 18:16 utc | 30
I once rolled, on my rollerblades, into a craft store, lightly singing, “I’m a happy little fruit-fly.” (to the tune of that Scotties Little Softee commercial jingle).
There was a young woman just ahead of me, already in the entrance part, who sort of looked around at me, as she and I headed onward and into the store… Not a half a minute later, I caught the young woman kind of hiding behind a display in stitches laughing, most likely at this grown man on rollerblades, initially singing that he’s a happy little fruit-fly. Sober, no less.
I’ve always like surreal deadpan humour and I guess she did too.
But enough about me… ;P
Posted by: Strange Bedfellow | Aug 10 2026 4:39 utc | 76
It’s a Sin to Be a Sucker in Israel
(Excerpt) …..
JERUSALEM — Why does an Israeli driver speed up when another car signals its intent to enter his traffic lane? Because he doesn’t want to be a freier–a sucker.
What do Israelis say when dodging military reserve duty? “What do I look like, a freier?”
And how does the Club Riviera advertise its five-star apartments? “Only Freiers Pay More!”
If Israelis could agree on anything–a highly unlikely prospect, but if they could–it just might be that the cardinal sin is to be a freier.
“It’s a national characteristic,” said author Zeev Chafets, who included a chapter on the subject in his book about Israelis, “Heroes and Hustlers, Hard Hats and Holy Men.” The topic “is something we talk about all the time.”
A freier, in Israeli eyes, is a shopper who waits in line to pay retail. It is a driver who searches for legal parking rather than pulling onto the sidewalk with the other cars. And if he does this in a rush to file a tax return, he is the consummate freier…..
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-jul-25-mn-16208-story.html
Posted by: Exile | Aug 10 2026 4:42 utc | 77
Giyane@78:
“…China will nuke the perpetrators.”
Or perhaps at least give up operation and ownership of Israel’s largest port, Haifa…
Posted by: John Gilberts | Aug 10 2026 4:45 utc | 78
From Iranintl
Kayhan says regional defense pact must not target Iran allies
Iran’s hardline Kayhan newspaper said on Monday any action under the Mecca defense pact targeting Iran-aligned armed groups would draw a response from the Islamic Republic.
The agreement has raised questions among Iranian officials over its potential implications for regional security and Iran-aligned groups, including Yemen’s Houthis.
“Any move against the Axis of Resistance will face a decisive response,” Kayhan, which is overseen by an appointee of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, wrote.
The newspaper said any use of the agreement to target Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis or other interests of Iran and its allies would produce a response “not in diplomatic statements, but on the battlefield.”
Kayhan also urged Iran’s neighbors not to tie their security to alliances in which the United States is the principal actor.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Aug 10 2026 5:01 utc | 79
@Exile | Aug 10 2026 4:42 utc | 83:
Yes, I caught that too, it’s apparently been making the rounds.
Israel is a safe space.
Israel is a victim mentality.
Israel is reparations
Israel is an institutional cast
Israel is a disproportionate cultural salience/force…
Israel/its lobby may be behind Woke propaganda, because it has a similar smell.
The nose knows.
Posted by: Strange Bedfellow | Aug 10 2026 5:01 utc | 80
I dont know if this should be posted under the Iran thread, the Ukraine thread, or the “Europeans are brainless muppets” thread.
https://eurooilwatch.com/analysis/europe-has-crude-short-of-diesel
Europe Has Crude. What It Is Running Short Of Is Diesel.
Brent is easing. European diesel refining margins just set an all-time record of $74.66 a barrel, European diesel inventories are at their thinnest since 2022, and total ARA product stocks are at a 2014 low. The market is saying, as clearly as a market can, that the scarce thing is no longer the barrel — it is the machine that turns the barrel into fuel.
Apparently, Europeans gleefully blowing up Russian refineries means that there is less refined product available for Europeans. What a truly shocking outcome! Who could have predicted that?
Posted by: Occasional poster | Aug 10 2026 5:28 utc | 81
~ Go Woke, Go Broke: A Harbinger For Israel? ~
If Wokeism is a kind of socioculural ‘bleed’ of Zionism and/or of the mentalities of those behind it– and it is suspected as much, given Zionists’ disproportionate ‘stranglehold’ on the US’ media, educational and political institutions– then maybe the idea behind ‘Go Woke, go broke.’ is a harbinger of Israel’s future.
Posted by: Strange Bedfellow | Aug 10 2026 5:52 utc | 82
Eerie silence. There must be a LOT of negociations in the background. Pepe called it the fog of the fog of war.
Posted by: Minaa | Aug 10 2026 7:12 utc | 83
Posted by: karlof1 | Aug 9 2026 19:13 utc | 40
Thanks Karl.
Add Aluminum to the list.
Pentagon war game exposed a critical US aluminum risk months before Iran attacks – MINING.COM
Posted by: Suresh | Aug 10 2026 7:13 utc | 84
@Suresh | Aug 10 2026 7:13 utc | 83:
Maybe this is old news, but China appears to be putting the squeeze on the US in terms of strengthening its rare-earth (and presumably similar, too) export controls. If China’s been helping Iran in the war, why wouldn’t they from other angles as well.
Posted by: Strange Bedfellow | Aug 10 2026 7:26 utc | 85
…But I mean, again, that was part of Trump’s initial election platform; ‘Bring industry back home.’.
Posted by: Strange Bedfellow | Aug 10 2026 7:51 utc | 86
Mojtaba has just appointed the former head of the IRGC as his personal representative to head up Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
https://www.tasnimnews.ir/en/news/2026/08/09/3667409/mohsen-rezaei-named-leader-s-representative-in-iran-s-snsc
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei named Dr. Mohsen Rezaei as his representative in Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
In a decree on Sunday, the Leader appointed Major General Rezaei, a former commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), as his represented in the council.
“In light of your valuable experiences, I hereby appoint you, who are one of the pioneers of the glorious eight-year period of Sacred Defense, as my representative in the Supreme National Security Council. I hope that you will achieve complete success in carrying out this important responsibility,” the Leader said in the decree.
Posted by: trollofages | Aug 10 2026 8:03 utc | 87
Strange Bedfellow
Where I live , the people aren’t woke, but they have anti-woke , extraordinary levels of what Mr Woke, Sigmund Freud, used to call Repression.
This is not a Muslim country, where like the US, the roads are wide and the women are plentiful.
This is England where the 200 year old roads are small and you are only allowed one wife, who is often your first cousin.
The Repression takes the form of buying huge, powerful cars, and driving them fast, and then bringing these Big Beasts into shopping streets hwhere a bus and lorry and a Q7 and an X8 cannot squeeze past eachother in the school holidays.
A team of two traffic wardens, armed only with a mobile camera and windscreen penalty stickers can easily catch £2000 of fines for the council per day on 400 metres of road.
Obviously the Wokies are blissfully unRepressed, as they have followed and fulfilled their lusts in every conceivable way.
And they produce very lovely Muslim babies.
We have no Middle Eastern style Shopping Malls here, because the land is still used for 200 year-old , defunct Industrial factories.
We need more wives, more Malls, more house, bigger roads, and Local planners with the vision to knock old buildings down.
Posted by: Giyane | Aug 10 2026 8:04 utc | 88
86
Sorry, I meant to say that the Wokies produce No lovely Muslim babies.
Britain must adapt to its overpopulation problem very soon.
Posted by: Giyane | Aug 10 2026 8:08 utc | 89
Pentagon war game exposed a critical US aluminum risk months before Iran attacks – Suresh 83
‘The Pentagon war game unfolded over two days in July of last year, according to a report from the nonprofit Institute for Defense Analyses, which oversaw the exercise.
The government officials and executives gathered were presented with a task:
Increase the capacity of the US aluminum industry before and after a “major large-scale combat operation” that would curtail imports in 2027.
A second event, such as a cyberattack leading to the loss of a smelter, would occur at the same time.
The participants were given cards representing actions they could take, like enforcing a “Buy American” rule, along with the estimated cost. They had to stick to specific budget scenarios ranging from $12 billion to $1 billion. Using wall charts, they wrote down their actions on sticky notes placed along a timeline.
At the end of the exercise, the participants made a series of recommendations for government agencies and policymakers. They advised amassing a domestic stockpile of high-purity aluminum and related products, as well as expanding US production of the metal and investing in new equipment. They also suggested improving access to low-cost, reliable power sources, which they said could be done by reopening old coal-fired plants or opening new nuclear reactors and natural gas generators.
The war game was part of a broader effort to identify strategic dependencies. That’s an area where Washington has made far more progress diagnosing the problem than fixing it, according to Michael O’Hanlon, the Philip H. Knight Chair in defense and strategy at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank.’
So they wargamed this! I’m reminded of…jeez I’m reminded of so many things.
https://centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/tabletop-exercises/event-201-pandemic-tabletop-exercise
‘The US military can still get the high-purity aluminum it needs if it’s willing to pay a higher price, according to Eugene Gholz, an associate professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame.
The metal can be produced elsewhere, although at elevated cost or with delays, he said.’ …
… Midwest premium, or the surcharge added to global price benchmarks to deliver aluminum to that region, surged in June to record highs in data going back to 2003 as the Iran war roiled supply, though prices have since pared some gains.
Regular suppliers of high-purity metal include Tennessee-based Kaiser Aluminum Corp., France’s Constellium SE and Apollo Global Management’s Arconic Corp., according to one trader.
The companies are the top three providers of the ultra-refined metal to defense contractors including Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co.’
They are making out like bandits.
Gas at the pump is below 4 bucks again.
‘A second event, such as a cyberattack leading to the loss of a smelter, would occur at the same time.’
Apollo Global Management
My cynicism can’t keep up with the reality.
Posted by: Dan Kelly | Aug 10 2026 8:17 utc | 90
Posted by: Strange Bedfellow | Aug 10 2026 7:51 utc | 85
…But I mean, again, that was part of Trump’s initial election platform; ‘Bring industry back home.’.
When it comes to both domestic and foreign policy, believing that what Trump says reflects what he actually thinks or intends to do is a fundamental error.
One that makes it impossible to understand what is really happening on the ground.
Trump is a liar and a con artist. Everything he says is designed to deceive his victims, namely, his voters and his opponents.
To understand the policies of his mentors, which he is implementing, one must look past his statements and observe what is actually being done.
If Trump truly wanted certain industries to return to the country, where are the legislative incentives? The financing support schemes? The measures to encourage training in these fields? The steps to lower local production costs?
There are none, not a single one.
Just tariffs and blackmailing vassal states into transferring billions.
And, incidentally, retaliatory measures are hitting the few industries that still remain.
Trump is lying. His objectives are primarily financial.
Posted by: Sebgo | Aug 10 2026 8:24 utc | 91
So, the military censors had the script, but they made a mistake – a great big ‘TELL’. Instead of the narrative appearing to develop organically they instead launched it fully developed, fully cooked on…wait for it…October 7th, 2023! [October 7th, 2023]https://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/israels-failure-of-imagination-on-hamas/Title: Israel’s failure of imagination on Hamas
Posted by: Otto Penn | Aug 9 2026 12:37 utc | 4
Does anybody have an idea where the NOVA music festival originally should have been held?
could find nothing. looks like the final place on the path to that IDF barracks was silently planned from the get go.
Posted by: MAKK | Aug 10 2026 8:31 utc | 92
seriously, look at how these dumb-ass sheets in Washington/Western world think about Iran. they don’t understand. they are extremely deluded about what Iran wants and why and is capable of doing, and withstanding. the Iranians aren’t afraid of Hegseth nor of Bessent. they talk about money because the focking USA and other Western powers/allies have stolen hundreds of billions of dollars that are Iran’s.
the Iranians have put up with sanctions for some 47 years, they’ve been very ingenious about finding ways around them, and they certainly won’t be “pressured into giving concessions” to the USA by some war criminal terrorist US Secr. of the Treasury.
in fact, it’s Iran’s Hormuz operation that is putting tremendous pressure on the USA & it’s economy and the Western world’s oil, gas, helium and fertilizer resources/supplies/availability – that’s how they the Iranians are going to get incredible concessions out of the focking war criminals who run the USA, at the end of the long day
Re: “assets that we have frozen” – you mean, assets that the USA has illegally seized and stolen. Meet the Real Fockers
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/8/10/iran-war-live-us-semi-negotiating-with-tehran-israel-rejects-gaza-plan
US envoy says economic pressure will force Iran to make concessions
Mike Waltz, US ambassador to the UN, says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s economic operation “is devastating the Iranian economy”, claiming that the Iranian side keeps coming to the negotiating table asking for cash.
“When Iran is coming to the table with our negotiators, they are talking about cash, cash, cash. Because they’ll absorb the bombings,” Waltz said in an interview with Fox News. “I say this jokingly but seriously as well – the Iranians are more afraid of Secretary Bessent than they are of [Defense] Secretary Hegseth right now.”
The US envoy claimed that Iranian leaders “don’t care about” their military or the Iranian people. Instead, they mainly care that “their currency is tanking” and that “inflation is the highest [it has been] in 80 years”, he said.
“They are constantly asking for access to cash, access to their assets that we have frozen … that’s the squeeze. That, coupled with the blockade, that’s what’s going to eventually get the Iranians to move.”
Posted by: michaelj72 | Aug 10 2026 8:31 utc | 93
Posted by: Giyane | Aug 10 2026 4:05 utc | 72
My understanding is that if Trump and his Recidivist Revisionist Zionist Nazi Neocons or their pimple Netanyahu use nukes against Iran, China will nuke the perpetrators…
What makes you come to this conclusion?
I’ve never come across anything suggesting this. If you consider nuclear weapons to be instruments of deterrence, then it would be rather self defeating for a nuclear power to hide such an important addition to its doctrine. In fact, it would be suicidal.
It would also be poor strategy to stay exterior to a conflict that carries such a high stake. Before committing to an end-times nuclear exchange with the West, wouldn’t it make more sense for China to weigh in earlier on to raise the cost of Western belligerence? As it stands, neither China nor Russia have bothered to extend diplomatic cover to Iran. Instead, these two veto-powered permanent member states just sat on their hands and watched the West lay the legal and narrative framework for a full economic and military onslaught.
Posted by: robin | Aug 10 2026 8:33 utc | 94
@87 And I am fucking glad. Too many religious nutjobs are polluting the air as it is. And all with egos blown up like hot-air-ballons.
Discussing geostrategic and economic issues is one thing, but once the topic switches to religion, somehow emotions boil over and every side claims to have the license to truth.
The MO of the powers-that-be is to take a well-researched scientific concept, which runs contrary to the monetary gain of the elite, for example climate change. There is simply no doubt about the mechanism of GW and the role of humanity. They plant on top a faux positive “green” change, while in reality little happens (in contrast to China). At the same time reactionary groups or individuals – usually well funded by big oil – charge up the conspiracy jet engine to fan the flames and split the people.
Same shit is happening with the “woke” ideology.
Human sex/gender is well researched.
1) It has two components: the biologically assigned sex and the gender identity, which is stored in neuronal clusters in the very early stages of brain development.
2) Both parts exist, like almost everything in nature, on a SPECTRUM. For the assigned sex, it ranges from XX to XY. The same is true for the gender identity. Society applies a huge pressure there to lock one into a role. So the same happened here: A scientific problems gets inserted into society on top of a faux ideology and divides people. That does not make the underlying knowledge invalid. Like climate change.
Stop playing their games. Sorry for OT, but this has been bugging me every time I read comments.
Posted by: darkmoon | Aug 10 2026 8:42 utc | 95
Posted by: Dan Kelly | Aug 10 2026 8:17 utc | 90
Regular suppliers of high-purity metal include Tennessee-based Kaiser Aluminum Corp., France’s Constellium SE and Apollo Global Management’s Arconic Corp., according to one trader.
Aluminum is refined from alumina via electrolysis. This is a highly energy-intensive process, requiring both massive power supplies and low costs.
French producers rely on nuclear energy from their own power plants, while over 80% of their alumina comes from Europe’s largest supplier, located in Ireland.
That Irish alumina is produced entirely from bauxite sourced from Russian suppliers.
This is why France and Ireland have opposed any sanctions against Russian aluminum companies.
The vast majority of French nuclear fuel is enriched by Russia, which also handles nuclear waste management.
Several aluminum producers in the West find themselves in the same absurd position of dependence on Russia
Even America relies on Russia for nuclear fuel and waste.
The alternative would often be finished aluminum from China, as production from Canada and Australia is insufficient.
All of this explains why it is not in their interest to openly wage war against Russia.
The day Russia truly decides to inflict pain, and abandons its principle of not politicizing trade…
Posted by: Sebgo | Aug 10 2026 8:46 utc | 96
Posted by: Sebgo | Aug 10 2026 8:46 utc | 96
Alpha HPA Project, Gladstone, Queensland is producing ultra high purity aluminium (currently stage one). When stage two is complete it will be the worlds largest producer of HPA from a single site.
Currently powered by 100% renewable energy ( yes – natural pristine bushland & national parks, the habitat for many endangered species was systematically destroyed to achieve this) and 40% of the workforce are women.
Australia, the sycophantic lapdog to the US, will be more than happy to supply its master when called upon.
Posted by: Persona Non Grata | Aug 10 2026 9:32 utc | 97
Posted by: Sebgo | Aug 10 2026 8:24 utc | 91
———————-
There is only one way to bring back the industries in the US by the big corporations, (irrespective of the need to rebuild the industries base): lower the wage to the Chinese, Filipino or Vietnamese levels.
Drean on 😉
Posted by: scc | Aug 10 2026 9:42 utc | 98
darkmoon,
who should pay the ~$2.5 million for a gender change operation, therapy, etc. ?
Posted by: Exile | Aug 10 2026 10:10 utc | 99
Posted by: scc | Aug 10 2026 9:42 utc | 98 …There is only one way to bring back the industries in the US by the big corporations, (irrespective of the need to rebuild the industries base): lower the wage to the Chinese, Filipino or Vietnamese levels. Drean on 😉…..
.
.
<= There likely is at least one better way: nationalize those industries.. basic to the American industrial economy.. and reduce the time copyright and patent laws protect ownership of ides ( to say 20 seconds) because they:
.
a. enable monopoly power to exist in private hands and
.
b. prevent back yard inventors from putting major corporations out of business over night because of the private ingenuity that made America great in the past.
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c. tax the corporations that have the monopolies on basic industries to the full extent of their net worth, and give the proceeds back to them in exchange for the nationalization of their industries..
.
Posted by: snake | Aug 10 2026 10:13 utc | 100