How is it that the acceptable relationship is with a war mongering, genocidal Israel leader? He has proven that murdering innocents and wiping out people's is his blood lust. That our country negotiates with this despicable excuse for a human being is so mind boggling.
Not one reporter used the word “genocide” during the White House briefing today. They gingerly danced around threat of destroying an entire civilization with their inquiries.
A timid press cannot coexist in harmony with a democracy.
There is only one strategic objective for US & Israel. It is called a nuclear deal with Iran, where Iran has to give up all their nuclear material enriched above 20%. This is the international limit for Enrichment of uranium. This has to be monitored by International team of nuclear scientists and military personnel. Needless to say this treaty has to apply to all countries in the region and the World as well. This is where UN has a role to play in Iran and all other non-nuclear countries in the region and around the WORLD!
The other objectives are non strategic objectives as one cannot impose a limit on ballistic missiles on Iran when all regional states enjoy no limits. In addition, these missiles can be easily bombed by B2 Bombers at any time provided they appear a threat to regional peace. This makes the ballistic missile program more of a bilateral agreement among all Gulf states & Middle East states, on the one hand, & Iran, on the other. Basically US-Israel cannot impose limits as these are not illegal weapons in accordance with International Law.
As to proxies, the treat here goes to countries that are hosting such organizations. Meaning if they do allow Iranian proxies on their territory then their are liable for these groups. This suggests a possible regime change or war against the countries that host such terror groups or groups that are targeting Israel. This is the structure of the negotiations and USA will be more successful if they ficus on one issue in this war - a nuclear deal! - Viktor, title: Magnus NUCLEUS, for Purity of THOUGHT
Without making predictions, I think we are in for some surprises with Iran. On one side of the spectrum would be a complete collapse of the regime, and a failed state after that. On the other, U.S. retreat and consolidation of the Iranian regime. One way or another, Trump will declare victory, even if we just return to the status quo ante with free passage in the strait and ongoing negotiations on the enriched uranium.
A two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan—not out of brilliance, but because everyone involved suddenly remembered the cost of continuing. The U.S. didn’t want to get dragged deeper. Iran didn’t want more damage. China didn’t want the global economy catching fire. So they all stepped back—not out of trust, just calculation.
And that’s the core truth here: this isn’t peace. It’s exhaustion pretending to be restraint.
Now the real questions start, and they’re the uncomfortable kind.
Does this hold?
Who controls the Strait of Hormuz—and who pays for it?
What happens to Iran’s nuclear program?
Because that gap is still massive. The U.S. wants rollback, Iran wants survival. Somewhere in between is either a deal… or a quiet understanding backed by the threat of bombs. And let’s be honest—that second option is darker, more unstable, and probably more likely than people want to admit.
Then there’s the part people usually ignore—the inside story.
Policy wasn’t some clean, rational process. It was messy, impulsive, shaped by ego and timing. Netanyahu pushed hard, sold a vision of easy wins. Trump bought into it—hooked on the idea of being the guy who does what others didn’t. And inside the room? Too many people stayed quiet when it mattered.
That’s the real “sausage factory.”
Not evil masterminds—just assumptions, silence, and momentum.
Experts sidelined. Risks underestimated. Intelligence questioned but overridden. And a system where once the top guy leans one way, everything else follows.
And now here we are—after strikes, after escalation—back to talking.
Which tells you something important:
the same forces that stopped this from exploding completely will also make a clean, lasting peace almost impossible.
So what do we get instead?
Not war.
Not peace.
Something in between—tense, managed, and always one misstep away from lighting up again.
I have been surprised/disappointed that your idea for a blockade of the gulf has not received more attention and uptake. It could still serve as a very effective response to Iran’s declared intention to collect tolls from the limited number of ships that it decides to let pass through the straight. What more can be done to promote your idea with the people advising Trump?
There is an absence in the allegedly "realpolitik" discussions of this kind to integrate the attraction the conduct of war has for those who are in positions to profit monetarily from war, and especially those who see the potential for profit "between friends" and who can monetize the entire endeavor in their own and their "friends" favor. It's as if the old-time cartoons of dollar signs clicking in the eyes of Donald Duck or Elmer Fudd are fully realized.
I can't claim to know much about how this gets shoved into the sausage casings of war, legislatively or otherwise, but would appreciate some acknowledgement that it plays a part, either in the planning stages or after the entire horrific and bloody thing gets underway.
People, and those who offer elite commentary, often sound as if they have absolutely no awareness of the incredible misery war unleashes... and in the US we have had so little warfare in such a long time in our own cities and neighborhoods (other than that created by purpose-driven bigotry and the violent segregation of classes, and now ICE) we tend toward viewing wars we conduct over the globe as some kind of techno-gamesmanship, complete with reality show broadcasts and the utter dehumanization of those most direly impacted: pouring metaphoric salt in very real wounds.
The most glaring omission in your piece is the economic state of Iran. Regardless of what happens in the next two weeks, Iran is dead economically.
This is tantamount to treating your heart condition whilst ignoring the brain tumor that is killing you slowly and then quickly.
Iran is on the verge of a nuclear economic meltdown, the kind that Mexico and the Weimar Republic have experienced.
Iran has a currency that is not convertible, that is not accepted for payment anywhere in the world, 70%+ pre-war inflation, 50%+ pre-war unemployment, and has gigantic capital requirements as a result of the American/Israeli bombing campaign.
The government cannot meet its won payroll.
This is with the context of the US either seizing their shipping terminus through which 90% of their oil ships or the US bombing their power and power generation grid and bridges.
There will be regime change.
In a country of 92,000,000 200,000 IRGC is eventually not going to be enough. It's just math.
There is no ceasefire and there will be no ceasefire.
The record of the Iranians and their minions on creating and honoring ceasefires is sort of like Jeffrey Epstein's manners with the opposite sex.
Iran notoriously enters ceasefires never to honor them or to advance beyond that original head fake.
Iran cannot be trusted -- on anything.
Tell me you don't actually believe that Mullahs and assorted scumbags who murder in cold blood tens of thousands of their own people and hang anybody who shows their hair or disrespects the regime are the kind of men with whom you can enter into an agreement and expect it to be honored.
Surely you and the other lefties are not that bloody stupid.
The notion that Iran is entitled to some control of the Strait of Hormuz and would be legally empowered to collect baksheesh to pass international waters has such a Barbary Pirates taste to it, it's appropriate Trump sent the Marines.
Trump is manipulating the markets and public perception, cleaning his hands of not having done enough, and Iran will present him with more than sufficient justification to move forward.
There is no reformed government in Tehran that can make this work. There is wholesale regime change and there is Disneyland.
How can anyone give credence to the Times reportage on the supposed meeting when they got everything wrong -- EVERYTHING -- on the Russia hoax and routinely sourced their writing with the same sort of faux insider access.
This is highly classified material and is unlikely to be authentic.
WE ARE CREATING FAR MORE TERRORISTS THAN WE ARE DESTROYING!
Anyone with a modicum of war experience (or common sense)knows this. Kill civilians, damage cultural landmarks and unleash unremitting hatred and revenge.
Given the situation as things stand tonight - only 4 ships passing the straight on Wednesday, tolls charged - why not give Mr. Haas’ idea of a blockade a fair chance? All go through or none go through. They need money, too. If this is the way it’s going to be, let’s see how long they last with no money coming through the door.
How is it that the acceptable relationship is with a war mongering, genocidal Israel leader? He has proven that murdering innocents and wiping out people's is his blood lust. That our country negotiates with this despicable excuse for a human being is so mind boggling.
Agree. We are also a country which sent our vice president to campaign for a Putin supported dictator.
It’s disgraceful we are now viewed as a country whose leaders do not value other civilizations. How can we come back from this farcical regime?
Not one reporter used the word “genocide” during the White House briefing today. They gingerly danced around threat of destroying an entire civilization with their inquiries.
A timid press cannot coexist in harmony with a democracy.
There is only one strategic objective for US & Israel. It is called a nuclear deal with Iran, where Iran has to give up all their nuclear material enriched above 20%. This is the international limit for Enrichment of uranium. This has to be monitored by International team of nuclear scientists and military personnel. Needless to say this treaty has to apply to all countries in the region and the World as well. This is where UN has a role to play in Iran and all other non-nuclear countries in the region and around the WORLD!
The other objectives are non strategic objectives as one cannot impose a limit on ballistic missiles on Iran when all regional states enjoy no limits. In addition, these missiles can be easily bombed by B2 Bombers at any time provided they appear a threat to regional peace. This makes the ballistic missile program more of a bilateral agreement among all Gulf states & Middle East states, on the one hand, & Iran, on the other. Basically US-Israel cannot impose limits as these are not illegal weapons in accordance with International Law.
As to proxies, the treat here goes to countries that are hosting such organizations. Meaning if they do allow Iranian proxies on their territory then their are liable for these groups. This suggests a possible regime change or war against the countries that host such terror groups or groups that are targeting Israel. This is the structure of the negotiations and USA will be more successful if they ficus on one issue in this war - a nuclear deal! - Viktor, title: Magnus NUCLEUS, for Purity of THOUGHT
History will confirm that Israel's Prime Minister "Netanyahu played Trump like a fiddle".
Everyone should read this blog to understand the craziness going on.
Without making predictions, I think we are in for some surprises with Iran. On one side of the spectrum would be a complete collapse of the regime, and a failed state after that. On the other, U.S. retreat and consolidation of the Iranian regime. One way or another, Trump will declare victory, even if we just return to the status quo ante with free passage in the strait and ongoing negotiations on the enriched uranium.
A two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan—not out of brilliance, but because everyone involved suddenly remembered the cost of continuing. The U.S. didn’t want to get dragged deeper. Iran didn’t want more damage. China didn’t want the global economy catching fire. So they all stepped back—not out of trust, just calculation.
And that’s the core truth here: this isn’t peace. It’s exhaustion pretending to be restraint.
Now the real questions start, and they’re the uncomfortable kind.
Does this hold?
Who controls the Strait of Hormuz—and who pays for it?
What happens to Iran’s nuclear program?
Because that gap is still massive. The U.S. wants rollback, Iran wants survival. Somewhere in between is either a deal… or a quiet understanding backed by the threat of bombs. And let’s be honest—that second option is darker, more unstable, and probably more likely than people want to admit.
Then there’s the part people usually ignore—the inside story.
Policy wasn’t some clean, rational process. It was messy, impulsive, shaped by ego and timing. Netanyahu pushed hard, sold a vision of easy wins. Trump bought into it—hooked on the idea of being the guy who does what others didn’t. And inside the room? Too many people stayed quiet when it mattered.
That’s the real “sausage factory.”
Not evil masterminds—just assumptions, silence, and momentum.
Experts sidelined. Risks underestimated. Intelligence questioned but overridden. And a system where once the top guy leans one way, everything else follows.
And now here we are—after strikes, after escalation—back to talking.
Which tells you something important:
the same forces that stopped this from exploding completely will also make a clean, lasting peace almost impossible.
So what do we get instead?
Not war.
Not peace.
Something in between—tense, managed, and always one misstep away from lighting up again.
That’s the reality. Not dramatic. Not satisfying.
Just unstable… and unfinished.
WATING FOR MORE
I have been surprised/disappointed that your idea for a blockade of the gulf has not received more attention and uptake. It could still serve as a very effective response to Iran’s declared intention to collect tolls from the limited number of ships that it decides to let pass through the straight. What more can be done to promote your idea with the people advising Trump?
There is an absence in the allegedly "realpolitik" discussions of this kind to integrate the attraction the conduct of war has for those who are in positions to profit monetarily from war, and especially those who see the potential for profit "between friends" and who can monetize the entire endeavor in their own and their "friends" favor. It's as if the old-time cartoons of dollar signs clicking in the eyes of Donald Duck or Elmer Fudd are fully realized.
I can't claim to know much about how this gets shoved into the sausage casings of war, legislatively or otherwise, but would appreciate some acknowledgement that it plays a part, either in the planning stages or after the entire horrific and bloody thing gets underway.
People, and those who offer elite commentary, often sound as if they have absolutely no awareness of the incredible misery war unleashes... and in the US we have had so little warfare in such a long time in our own cities and neighborhoods (other than that created by purpose-driven bigotry and the violent segregation of classes, and now ICE) we tend toward viewing wars we conduct over the globe as some kind of techno-gamesmanship, complete with reality show broadcasts and the utter dehumanization of those most direly impacted: pouring metaphoric salt in very real wounds.
Thank you, Richard. I really appreciate the information you give us.
The most glaring omission in your piece is the economic state of Iran. Regardless of what happens in the next two weeks, Iran is dead economically.
This is tantamount to treating your heart condition whilst ignoring the brain tumor that is killing you slowly and then quickly.
Iran is on the verge of a nuclear economic meltdown, the kind that Mexico and the Weimar Republic have experienced.
Iran has a currency that is not convertible, that is not accepted for payment anywhere in the world, 70%+ pre-war inflation, 50%+ pre-war unemployment, and has gigantic capital requirements as a result of the American/Israeli bombing campaign.
The government cannot meet its won payroll.
This is with the context of the US either seizing their shipping terminus through which 90% of their oil ships or the US bombing their power and power generation grid and bridges.
There will be regime change.
In a country of 92,000,000 200,000 IRGC is eventually not going to be enough. It's just math.
There is no ceasefire and there will be no ceasefire.
The record of the Iranians and their minions on creating and honoring ceasefires is sort of like Jeffrey Epstein's manners with the opposite sex.
Iran notoriously enters ceasefires never to honor them or to advance beyond that original head fake.
Iran cannot be trusted -- on anything.
Tell me you don't actually believe that Mullahs and assorted scumbags who murder in cold blood tens of thousands of their own people and hang anybody who shows their hair or disrespects the regime are the kind of men with whom you can enter into an agreement and expect it to be honored.
Surely you and the other lefties are not that bloody stupid.
The notion that Iran is entitled to some control of the Strait of Hormuz and would be legally empowered to collect baksheesh to pass international waters has such a Barbary Pirates taste to it, it's appropriate Trump sent the Marines.
Trump is manipulating the markets and public perception, cleaning his hands of not having done enough, and Iran will present him with more than sufficient justification to move forward.
There is no reformed government in Tehran that can make this work. There is wholesale regime change and there is Disneyland.
Finish the job and stop deluding ourselves.
How can anyone give credence to the Times reportage on the supposed meeting when they got everything wrong -- EVERYTHING -- on the Russia hoax and routinely sourced their writing with the same sort of faux insider access.
This is highly classified material and is unlikely to be authentic.
Fooled twice? Nope. Not me. Do better.
WE ARE CREATING FAR MORE TERRORISTS THAN WE ARE DESTROYING!
Anyone with a modicum of war experience (or common sense)knows this. Kill civilians, damage cultural landmarks and unleash unremitting hatred and revenge.
Given the situation as things stand tonight - only 4 ships passing the straight on Wednesday, tolls charged - why not give Mr. Haas’ idea of a blockade a fair chance? All go through or none go through. They need money, too. If this is the way it’s going to be, let’s see how long they last with no money coming through the door.