The US-Israeli folie à deux face strategic defeat in the Persian Gulf. Iran's stranglehold on Hormuz is fatal to financial oligarchs, who in turn may force Trump to TACO and submit to Tehran's terms.
Another excellent essay Kevin, I fully agree with your conclusions. I love how you mix the psychological elements with the geopolitical one.
* It seems that "Khamenei fils" has already issued a fatwa against nuclear weapon like his dad. So that would not make him more ruthless. But still, I agree he may probably be more ruthless for the reasons you mention and as well because it seems that "Khamenei père" was a bit out of touch with the reality of US power. (Examples : his faith in negotiations with the "Great Satan" seems a complete contradiction, for as Faust knew, you should avoid dealing with the devil. And then enriching U235 to 60%, seem mistakes in hindsight.)
* Yes, the phallus symbol is significant, but it seems the US does too much of (pea)cocking. Sometimes, just hinting implicitly at the potentially lurking snake, like the Russians do, is sometimes more powerful and suggestive. When Trump and Hegseth keep reminding everybody of how what an enormous phallus they have, it somehow strains belief (small hands!) and introduces an element of doubt about their actual prowess.
* This phallus comment combined with the efforts made with the tar figure together remind me of Doctor Strangelove, where the General retains his "precious bodily fluids" ; namely a sated man who has given it all to a woman, who is therefore unable to show his phallus (erect of course), is a bit less of a man; less powerful and less motivated.
Sorry. But you are just plain wrong. Iran is NOT in the strongest position ever. In fact, they are growing weaker by the day. Their ability to retaliate shrinks by the hour. Many of the US systems that have been claimed as destroyed can actually be repaired at a fraction of their original cost as well. But the real loser is China. Without cheap Iranian oil, their economy is going to take another massive hit. The Iranian people are gearing up for another round of massive protests as well. But the Iranian government won't be able to react in the same vigorous manner, nor will the crowds be merely content to mass in the streets to peacefully protest. They will be out for blood, and the Khamenei family will be among the people whose blood that the Iranian people wants.
Yes. I know this as I chat with my friend in Isfahan. She's just one of those women who has been victimized inside one of the Islamic Republic's prisons. But you know what Achilles said. "Time wounds all heels..."
Another excellent essay Kevin, I fully agree with your conclusions. I love how you mix the psychological elements with the geopolitical one.
* It seems that "Khamenei fils" has already issued a fatwa against nuclear weapon like his dad. So that would not make him more ruthless. But still, I agree he may probably be more ruthless for the reasons you mention and as well because it seems that "Khamenei père" was a bit out of touch with the reality of US power. (Examples : his faith in negotiations with the "Great Satan" seems a complete contradiction, for as Faust knew, you should avoid dealing with the devil. And then enriching U235 to 60%, seem mistakes in hindsight.)
* Yes, the phallus symbol is significant, but it seems the US does too much of (pea)cocking. Sometimes, just hinting implicitly at the potentially lurking snake, like the Russians do, is sometimes more powerful and suggestive. When Trump and Hegseth keep reminding everybody of how what an enormous phallus they have, it somehow strains belief (small hands!) and introduces an element of doubt about their actual prowess.
* This phallus comment combined with the efforts made with the tar figure together remind me of Doctor Strangelove, where the General retains his "precious bodily fluids" ; namely a sated man who has given it all to a woman, who is therefore unable to show his phallus (erect of course), is a bit less of a man; less powerful and less motivated.
1. The United States goal in Iran is to turn that country into a failed state, as was done to Iraq, Syria and Libya.
2. MAGA is, first and foremost, a cult of personality. Whatever Trump does, they are for. Until Trump is against it. Then they are against it
Irans internal security needs to take better care of the new guy, than they did of the old. 🤞
Great read, thank you.
Sorry. But you are just plain wrong. Iran is NOT in the strongest position ever. In fact, they are growing weaker by the day. Their ability to retaliate shrinks by the hour. Many of the US systems that have been claimed as destroyed can actually be repaired at a fraction of their original cost as well. But the real loser is China. Without cheap Iranian oil, their economy is going to take another massive hit. The Iranian people are gearing up for another round of massive protests as well. But the Iranian government won't be able to react in the same vigorous manner, nor will the crowds be merely content to mass in the streets to peacefully protest. They will be out for blood, and the Khamenei family will be among the people whose blood that the Iranian people wants.
Time will tell who is correct...
Yes. I know this as I chat with my friend in Isfahan. She's just one of those women who has been victimized inside one of the Islamic Republic's prisons. But you know what Achilles said. "Time wounds all heels..."
I like that one...
Everything ready for America's heels. Was about time.
Only if you hate freedom and love communist and muslim authoritarian dictatorships.