It is clear to anyone who follows politics closely: Mr Trump, President of the USA, is desperate. Nothing else explains the behaviour towards Iran: The USA are even historically famous for their need of oil. Of fossil fuels.
The economy in the USA is failing and has been for years just as it has everywhere else. The pandemic has taken its toll.
The weapons’ industry in the USA is the most powerful of all. When you don’t make war, you don’t need to produce weapons.
That’s why wars are so ‘profitable’: The president profits from the ‘noise’ and news around apparent enemies that have to be fought. No one will look at his criminal record anymore. (Link to New York Times article.)
The industry producing weapons also profits: The storage spaces will be lightened of their ‘burden’ and new weapons have to be bought.
With the tax payers’ money, to boot. And the soldiers that might die?
Let them not fool us: Iran’s internal politics are cruel and brutal towards their population, against human rights and especially those of women.
But this is not about Iran’s population: This is about its oil and the power and the money. It’s between Iran and the USA.
Later, March 1st 2026: What will happen, if a new government actually would be instated in Iran that of course would be cheek by jowl with the US? For decades the Palestinians had to try and hold their ground. Ground that was originally theirs to keep as per agreements after the founding of Israel.
What will happen to Iran itself? A copy of Western civilisations, with the values and particular ways gone…?
What will happen to its oil and the USA’s needs…?
Hopefully enough people will start thinking about this early. The factions inside and outside of Iran are even now distinctly discernible.
Let’s hope that a fate like that of Iraq will be spared them. Iraq’s dictator Saddam Hussein had been supported for decades by the USA as well. They even helped him getting ‘up’. When he started to become too independent, his fate was sealed.
Iran’s history for over two centuries now has been determined by its resources, above all: Oil. The ‘black gold’ that since industrialization has been the most coveted resource of all. Iran has lots of it. And it is the largest oil recovering industry of the world.
The present government is cruel internally. The rules and regulations are restrictive and deny basic human rights to all, especially to women.
It is the dreadful choice of ‘hell or high water’: All foreign powers since the 18th century, especially then-Russia, the Soviet Union and now Russia again, France, Great Britain and a little later the USA tried constantly to grab hold over Iran’s politics and thus its oil. Its resources are rich, such as gas, but oil exists in abundance.
And can be extracted with ease, the modern facilities in place.
During the reign of the last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a few very rich profited and lived in luxury, a thin layer of the society’s strata that over here are called the middle and upper middle classes also lived a fairly wealthy and quiet life.
But there was no freedom of arts, press or opinion. The Savak, the shah’s secret service was present everywhere. Would someone try and criticize the shah’s politics openly, they would rather quickly find themselves in prison, the Evin prison close to Tehran to this day is world in-famous for the cruel conditions and torture of political prisoners. It was founded during the shah’s reign.
To boot, oil at the time was basically in the hands of the US, sold to them at dumping prices, the shah lived and reigned from their grace. And they removed support when the uprisings began to become huge in 1978 and 1979.
The larger part of the Iranian population at the time, though, not only lived in the country. They were poor to starvation point, and uneducated, many were not even able to read or write.
For decades they tried to make it known and finally protested so often and in such large groups that the shah finally had to leave. That was in 1979. It enabled Ayatollah Khomeini to come back, who had had to flee the country some years previously.
He seemed to promise freedom, finally: Freedom of thoughts and ideas, of press and a more just distribution of the country’s wealth. Many a fine journalist and educated intellectual was taken in at the time.
But as soon as the government was instated, any and all ‘enemies’ of the Islamic Revolution and the ‘Islamic Republic’ were hunted down and killed or imprisoned. The freedom of opinion or press or basic human rights were denied again. Ancient Islamic laws were reinstated and especially the restrictions for women in terms of clothing, education and choice of profession were made much worse again.
A few hopes had been attached to leaders in the late 1990s and early 2000s but in vain. Some few lessened limitations were soon to be tightened again.
It is over 40 years now. The third generation of young people are living under harsh restrictions.
Yet, the international community, above all the USA to this day constantly put Iran under pressure:
Especially the Trump administration has in both its times in office committed about every political misdemeanour possible:
The contracts in regard to the control of uranium enrichment that had been reached after over 10 years of negotiation have been cancelled by Trump during his first stay in office. At the same time severe limitations and restrictions to trade and international business have been imposed upon Iran. They are not only still in place but tightened every now and again.
Making the living conditions inside the country so much worse.
What is the motivation for the USs meddling, the constant pointing of fingers, threatening and blaming Iran alternatively?
Easy to figure out really: No one would lift a finger very probably, if Iran wasn’t so rich in resources.
Iran and Persia to this day for a lot of fine reasons ring in people’s ears with wonders and a thousands of years’ old culture, reaching far back beyond Islam’s advent.
If anything, a free government and political culture of its own, unmolested by outside powers will be Iran’s salvation.
Image by Dorothe Wouters, and general content, from Pixabay
“Negotiate the hell out of them”… da…rn it. – I’d like to say that directly sometimes to the people concerned at present trying to reach an end to that war, that was unnecessary in the first place, if…
Yes, if people would do their homework, people in power learn from history, and those who know:
Diplomats, for centuries learned ‘at their mothers knee’ what is essential in any kind of politics you may want to conduct:
Realize that in politics it is about money, power and – 3rd party interests, those of your own country as well as those of others.
Know your opponents’ interests as well as possible.
Realize that it is about power-balance just as much as saving face!
The one-time elegance of manners stems also from here: Get to realize that treating the opposing party with respect and the usual formalities makes all the difference.
Learn to be patient! Patience – without giving up, or in – is the most important characteristic of successful negotiating.
The Thirty Years’ War in Europe raged exactly that: 30 years.
Whole regions were wasted and cities laid bare because of plundering, murder and legions of soldiers passing that had to be kept, resulting in hunger, starvation and more death.
The weapons’ industry and its entourage are the only ones – if they survive it – that profit from a war.
So, let’s keep telling them: We want peace, we want a power-balance, at least. We want that cruelty and useless destruction to stop, now.
The Thirty Years’ War took 5 years to end it. 5 years of negotiations.
Patience is the order of the day. Not more profit from yet more weapons.
The New York Times won a Pulitzer Prize for it: The reporting on contacts between Trump and Putin all those years ago, when he first ran for office: The election of 2016 already had been influenced on a broad scale by Russian hackers.
Additionally, the contacts between other members of the Trump-family, such as his nephew, to Russia and Putin or his ‘entourage’, have been proven.
Not so long ago Trump could be seen practically worshipping Putin when meeting him.
Trump seems to have stated publicly even that he envied Putin his status: To be able to have people to ‘jump through hoops’ basically at his command. Something Trump has been craving and is as yet denied by the constitution of the USA.
What is going on?
I think it is safe to suppose that all this threatening scenery has been moved just as on a stage: Make us believe in the threat – and invest: In weapons and the weapons’ industry.
In return, Putin at some point will ‘get’ Ukraine. And no more NATO in front of his territory.
Which sounds alright.
Otherwise: It seems a huge campaign in order to get Trump raised NATO-members’ annual in weapons. To 5% from 3% originally. Do the maths: Depending on the gross national product, per year. That’s billions of dollars the US-way. Weapons that are produced mainly in the US. Weapons that most of the other NATO members will order from there.
Add the raised tariffs and you have your threatening setup and deals-closing all complete.
By a man whose whole history is about making huge amounts of money; who did not care a hoot about anyone, when going bankrupt on purpose in the 1960s, hurting thousands of small stakeholders and sinking them.
Who promises yet never really comes through with bettering living conditions, employment rates, for those at the bottom of society’s ladder.
Who praised himself for being that kind of deal-closer: Threaten them and be done with it. Who has done so – or at least tried – repeatedly.
North Korea comes to mind, a couple of years ago. Some threats and fears raised of actual military action in the seas close to Korea. And suddenly:
– Silence. Shaking of hands and alleviation of said threats…
At the time it seemed too good to be true already. It does so even now. Looking at all the other examples, mentioned. At Gaza. At Ukraine.
Putin and Trump: Meet the ‘family’.
Note: There are facts. There are interpretations. Most of what I cite here, is fact and can be verified.
When you negotiate it is vital to understand your opponent at the table, especially in politics, in diplomacy! All this is actually an age-old knowledge and even wisdom to use. To recall, even look it up, where necessary.
What is the logic of this war…? For over 11 years now, with a lot of public attention small step by small step a nation like the Ukraine is supposed to be conquered…? By a country like Russia…? Slowly? – Seriously?
When you look at the map of current member states below, the parts of the world that are not intended or even actual members, the first thing striking the eye of the beholder is the relation towards Russia of member states…
Would anyone stay dumb when there is a pretty obvious encroaching of powers – and a constant threat, right outside the door, as it were?
One more reason to take each other seriously at last! Not just behind the scenes, but in front of cameras too.
To let people suffer and kill them day after day, just for the obvious reason that some people rather stay greedy, and in power by selling weapons, forcing deals, in order to make more money after scaring people out of their wits… is just cruel; also a clear sign of priorities!
There are societies with more freedom and more peace on the inside than Russia at the moment, no doubt about it!
But war?
It’s wrong.
Whatever your colour, creed or conviction you are not supposed to either kill, torture or bother other people! Period!
War is not a destiny! It’s not an accident! And it’s not a chance occurrence on a rainy Sunday…!
Start thinking – and properly. Start getting counselling and stop this madness! It has gone on far too long!
Full screenshot taken at 2025-07-09 at 19-37-49 local time (UTC+1) on the NATO site itself.
Author’s Note:
“Device” can be used in several connotations, not to say meanings. One, according to Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries, is this: “a method that is used to produce a particular effect“
Not everyone will find my way to reason apparent. Not everyone can connect easily to my conviction that war is bad. Should be avoided. Look into history. Or try a recent German publication by an archeology professor of high standing: “Die Evolution der Gewalt“
Additionally, using the form of addressing people in a sort of letter personally, online (or in print in former times), is one particular genre – or type of text.
I am grateful that I live in a country where opinion is still free…
Power and money — not necessarily in this order — are at the heart of any US politics under a president such as the present one. It’s almost funny to see and hear and read about journalists actually wondering about his sanity…
Sane or not? Does it matter, really?
He is — together with all those other greedy, low-life scum that are his followers and supporters — in power. In office. He will stay there as long as no one will stand up and fight his office, his holding it, by legal means.
The impeachment already had been imminent. Several actions in courts of law against him for fraud, bribery and molestation had been on their way. He is a criminal, already convicted too. And then a supreme court ruling — lo and behold, how could that happen…? — rendered them void.
The US-American society and nation’s future as a democracy are in severe danger. This may even cause a civil war.
But, no this sadly limited brain of a greedy dictator is not above doing it: He bullies and threatens all and sundry into subservience. So far it’s a relieve to also hear about Harvard University standing its ground: They will not be bullied into scientific obedience and dependency.
The US academic system is dependent on private as well as government funds. That makes it vulnerable. But in such times also hardened against withdrawal of government funds. Because there are other donors, yet.
What a sorry excuse for a man the Republican heap of drooling and greedy entities of existence — that you could hardly call human — have made their figurehead — any human action or reaction long since being deadened by heaps of money they cannot have enough of.
It’s a shame.
The ‘fool’ in former times was a figure at courts like a clown; meant to remind a king or potentate of his limitations as a human being. At the same time ‘fool’ is also the term for a figure that is ridiculous and hollow where proper thinking is concerned.
Someone like the present president has little to no formal education of a wise kind. Raised in a military school that calls itself academy and coming from a family whose main value was to be rich — and famous — what can you expect?
Actually, I would expect someone with his connections and background to be aware enough to better himself. Insane and downright sick people should be taken pity on — not exception.
But he is not to be pitied. It’s his own, ‘sane’ doing.
Be that Trump or Putin, they are about money, and more money – and their networks: They depend on the lobbyists behind them. They are not the only ones, but at the moment the most noticeable ones.
That’s why we see what we read and hear about: Trump has been best buddy to Putin at least ever since Trump’s first run for office. His family was actively maintaining contacts in Russia and with Putin. These facts have been proven. By newspapers such as the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Since then amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos has acquired the Washington Post and already he not only has reduced its staff: The quality and reliability of the content and the reporting has become rather superficial not to say doubtful.
Another dependent and buddy is Elon Musk, who at this very moment is firing thousands of US-government officials in the administration. A cover-up for the government funds he received for development. The Teslas failed and he would have to return billions of dollars and be bankrupt. This way: He just might be save…
The New York Times are a reliable source of information yet, but we can only hope that Trump as well as the several courts over there will let it stay that way. He certainly has done all he could – and had it done for him – to make sure that he practically cannot be drawn into court again. For none of his proven crimes.
In Europe we need to stay united, all those that are not yet compromised by money or power – but know what the true values of a democracy are:
Special effects used as a front – lighting and stage decoration used to intimidate or frighten people… (Image licensed via Adobe CC)
To start a conflict, manipulate people into it by threatening them in multiple ways; to position oneself as a representative of an interest group, a lobby; then in the limelight apparently get people back together again for peace talks and eventual – and so sudden … – peace or at least truce…
What do you call that?
‘Smart’, because the person reaches their goal of appearing to be the hero of the hour?
‘Business-like’, because using money as a weapon they appear influential and the ‘wise guy’ … of the day?
Or ‘Cruel’, because many lives are lost in the process, hostages kept for years in fear and captivity, marred for life while others suffer intense pains of loss and worry?
I am happy and very relieved that so many are now apparently released from captivity as hostages! For themselves and for their families, their near and dear!
But they might not have been to be in that place at all, in the first place – used by a president-to-be and yet another ally in Israel, Netanyahu, who had to fear using his ‘job’ – and thus started to get beligerent. Follow the history on channels and newspapers to trust. It was rather obvious.
And war one way or another throughout history has been known to be a welcome and often-used method to distract attention from internal affairs and issues – of a king, or a dictator, or a president…
The result, and the tragic and cruel truth can seem unbearable: It’s once again about power and money. Ultimately. People are just so much cannon fodder, once again.
And we can expect ‘more of the same’, in the coming months, if not years.
You can easily feel discouraged looking at news these days: People in New Orleans suffer from an attack, numerous people die. The Ukraine-war raging on. The Gaza strip and Israel and Palestine conflicts going on into the 7th decade…
‘What’s going on with people in this world?’, you could ask.
Let’s remember two very important truths:
News are about some aspects of life – but news are not LIFE!
News are often rather sensational, they focus on the dramatic, the ‘scoop’ – because that’s what newspapers and channels live by: Drama sells. (Just as sex does, by the way.)
Courage comes from hope and thus let’s remember:
An African proverb is supposed to run like this:
“If many little people in many little places all around the world do many little things every day, they can change the face of the earth.”
Keep at it – and remember the breaks too!
Know that we are strong, together!
A happy, peaceful and friendly new year to all, with friends and relations – ‘near and dear’ – full of hope and courage!
Map of NATO members taken from NATO website at 23-11-2024_16-55-31, UTC+1
The other day I was looking up a job offer and checking out the website of a company that is not only into technology – but also into war-relevant products. They actually stated in so many words that the present world politics were beneficial to their business – and that they expected their revenue to rise accordingly.
Do we really need any more proof? Isn’t history full of the news that came later – sometimes 30 years or more later – to inform the general public of what was classified information at the time?
That weapons and military and their supplies are part of the machinery… war.
Let’s remember that still we as the population, the voices of each of the peoples of the world are the ones who can do it as a whole:
Let them know that we do not want to be turned into cannon fodder.
The map above is the one of the current member states of NATO, taken at the time of writing this article; the date given also above, including the original URL and time of today, the 23rd of November 2024.
When you look at it you may understand better what it might feel like to live in one of the white spaces; especially lands to the east of Europe. Why I mention it? Because negotiating becomes so much easier if you know how the people facing you feel.
I am a German born and bred who was married to a Persian for more than a decade. I learned about humanism and enlightenment when I was still a girl.
My parents were careful to impress upon us all through childhood and adolescence to look closely and let our judgement not be clouded by advertisements – or propaganda. And what is propaganda other than a sort of advertisement?
The human rights declaration and the Buddhist concept “Avoid pain” are the basis I argue from.
Look into history and learn: War never ever was a necessity or a heroic deed or a defense of a religion: It always was the failure of politics to be patient and continue negotiating until a proper agreement with all concerned was reached. It was part of the system of greed that stampedes over everything – including bodies.
Such negotiations can take years, decades even.
But if you look into history again, you will find numerous examples – the European Thirty Years’ War not the least of all – that confirm this view.
The Thirty Years’ War raged in Europe for exactly 30 years. More than half of the population of all Europe was killed, whole regions laid bare of any people, laid waste for decades. The destruction was tragic.
Even more cruel and dreadful were the crimes committed in the period: Rape, plunder and murder all through the lands, and recorded carefully too made it something that was part of the common memory of the European survivors for ages.
Again: War is politics, war is business, war is no necessity, and no heroic march either. War kills people, and cruelly.
