March 15th • 2h 39m
Shownotes
Every new episode of No Agenda is accompanied by a comprehensive list of shownotes curated by Adam while preparing for the show. Clips played by the hosts during the show can also be found here.
Iran
What role has cyber warfare played in Iran
Why has the US targeted Iran's Kharg Island
Israel
The Great Game Reborn - A 100-Year Perspective on Today’s Middle East
The Great Game Reborn: A 100-Year Perspective on Today’s Middle East
[!SUMMARY]
This note provides a complete narrative summary of the complex historical, theological, and financial forces shaping the Middle East today. It connects the last 100 years of British imperial strategy—using Israel, Palestinians, and Christians as pawn in a "Divide and Rule" system—to President Trump's current strategy of unilateral mercantilism, which aims to repatriate the region's vast wealth management to the U.S. domestic economy.
The historical context: Pawns on the Chessboard
To understand today, we must realize that for over a century, the Middle East has been the "laboratory" for Western imperial strategy.
The British Blueprint (1917–1948)
Britain issued the Balfour Declaration in 1917, promising a Jewish homeland. This was not humanitarian; it was a cold strategic move. They needed a "loyal watchdog" for the Suez Canal, their lifeline to India. They intentionally used the Jewish people as a strategic buffer and the Palestinians as a geographic barrier to keep the Arab world fragmented.
The Theological Marketing (The dispensationalist flip)
While the military and the "City of London" bankers were after oil and trade routes, they marketed the conflict through religion. They flipped Replacement Theology (the old view that the Church replaced Israel) into Dispensationalism, telling American Christians that supporting a political state was a biblical requirement, turning millions of believers into passive supporters of a geopolitical strategy.
The 2026 shift: Unilateral mercantile power
Fast forward to today, March 2026. The old model was that the U.S. provided the military muscle, but Britain’s "City of London" captured the profits. For a century, London has controlled the shipping insurance (Lloyd’s), the maritime financing, and the legal brokerage of the region’s wealth.
Monopolizing the Protectorate
President Trump is ending that arrangement. He is shifting the U.S. from being a "Global Policeman" for everyone else's profit into a Unilateral Mercantile Power. This means:
Financial Repatriation: The U.S. is bypassing traditional British-led financial channels. If the U.S. Navy is the only power willing to act militarily, Trump's argument is that the U.S. should be the only one profiting from the downstream services.
The "Gaza real estate" and the China factor
The transition is moving from territorial control to financial and energetic control.
Neutralizing the Petroyuan: By physically disrupting Iran's oil trade to China (the "shadow fleet"), Trump is forcing energy trade back into the U.S. Dollar. This maintains the petrodollar system, which is the foundation of U.S. global economic power.
Economic Integration (IMEC): Projects like the U.S.-led tech and logistics corridor create trade routes entirely under the American security umbrella, making British "brokerage" redundant and isolating China's "Belt and Road" initiative.
Conclusion: America First, World Second
The "America First" strategy isn't about isolation; it's about Transactional Hegemony.
| Goal | Description | Benefit |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| America First | U.S. stops subsidizing its rivals' defense. We keep the insurance premiums, the oil trade in our currency, and the reconstruction contracts. | Ensures the Middle East serves the American taxpayer, not foreign elites or corporations. |
| World Second | The rest of the world must choose: join the U.S. security/finance umbrella, or face isolation and risk. | High tensions keep Gulf wealth reinvested in New York and Washington, ensuring no rival economic bloc (like China) can emerge in the region. |
My reading: After 100 years of being "pawns" in an invisible empire's game, the board is being flipped. Trump is moving us from a world of "endless wars for other people's interests" to a world where American strength is used to build American wealth.
The Modern Great Game - U.S. Hegemony, Financial Architecture, and the China-Iran Pivot
The Modern Great Game: U.S. Hegemony, Financial Architecture, and the China-Iran Pivot
[!SUMMARY]
While the U.S. inherited the role of regional "enforcer" from Britain in 1956, the "Divide and Rule" strategy has evolved into a sophisticated financial and military architecture. Today, Zionism and regional tensions are utilized to preserve the Petrodollar system, isolate Iran, and prevent China from establishing a rival economic bloc in the Middle East.
The Transatlantic Handover: From Military to Financial Control
The "baton" of Middle Eastern management passed from London to Washington during the 1956 Suez Crisis.
The U.S. Role: Acts as the primary military hegemon and "security guarantor." Israel serves as a permanent, Western-aligned military platform that justifies a continuous U.S. presence.
The British Role: The City of London remains the primary hub for managing and "recycling" Middle Eastern wealth. While Britain lacks a massive regional fleet, it maintains influence as the legal and financial safe haven for the region's monarchies.
The Modern "Divide and Rule": The Abraham Accords
The Abraham Accords represent the most significant modern application of the "Divide and Rule" strategy.
The Goal: To create a "Pro-Western/Israeli" bloc that formally isolates Iran and its "Axis of Resistance."
The Strategic Benefit: By splitting the region into two hostile camps, the U.S. ensures that a unified Islamic or Arab front cannot emerge to challenge Western economic dictates or energy pricing.
Marketing Tools: Democracy vs. The "Great Destabilizer"
The marketing of this strategy has shifted from the "Biblical" and "Colonial" narratives of the 20th century to modern liberal ideals:
Israel as a Litmus Test: Marketed as "the only democracy in the Middle East," Israel is used as a proxy for the Western-led liberal order. Support for Israel is equated with loyalty to Western values.
The Iranian "Bogeyman": Iran is framed as the ultimate existential threat. This narrative justifies the "security umbrella" that keeps Gulf nations dependent on U.S. arms and protection.
The China Factor: Oil and the "Petroyuan"
The most critical challenge to Western hegemony is the growing partnership between Iran and China.
The Petrodollar Threat: China is Iran's largest oil customer, increasingly transacting in Yuan to bypass U.S. sanctions. This threatens the global dominance of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency.
The Strategy of Tension: By keeping the Middle East in a state of managed instability, the U.S. discourages its allies from joining Chinese-led infrastructure projects (like the Belt and Road Initiative) and ensures that Gulf wealth remains tied to U.S. Treasury bonds for safety.
Who Benefits?
In this global architecture, actors are utilized as tools for a larger economic purpose:
| Actor | Role/Tool | Ultimate Benefit |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Israel | Regional Watchdog/Democracy Proxy | Receives advanced technology, billions in aid, and a security guarantee. |
| Iran | The "External Threat" | Used to keep Gulf monarchies aligned with U.S. military interests. |
| Gulf Monarchies | The "Security Clients" | Their wealth is "recycled" into the City of London and New York banks. |
| U.S./UK | The System Architects | Maintenance of the Petrodollar system and prevention of a Chinese economic pivot. |
My Reading: The strategy has moved from territorial control to financial and energetic control. The goal is no longer to "own" the land, but to ensure that Middle Eastern oil flows in Western currency and that regional profits remain in Western banks, effectively blocking China's rise in the heart of the world's energy supply.
Brave ROTC students credited with stopping deadly classroom shooting at Old Dominion - CBS News
Brave ROTC students credited with stopping deadly classroom shooting at Old Dominion - CBS News
## Excerpt
Officials praised the "brave" actions of ROTC students who confronted a gunman Thursday after he opened fire in a classroom on the campus of Old Dominion University, killing one person and injuring two others.
Briefing of Caution - Discernment in the New Global Order
Briefing of Caution: Discernment in the New Global Order
A condensed briefing for believers to navigate modern political labels while understanding the strategic shift toward American mercantilism and regional integration via the Abraham Accords.
As Believers we must exercise discernment amidst the social media and Podcast noise surrounding "Christian Zionism." For a century, the "Old Global Order" abused Dispensationalism, that God has a specific plan for the physical nation of Israel that is distinct from His plan for the Church, as a marketing tool, leveraging our faith to provide military muscle for British and globalist financial interests. Under the guise of biblical duty, this "Invisible Empire" used Israel and the Church to secure trade routes and oil for the Financial City of London.
President Trump is fundamentally breaking this model. His "America First" strategy is a unilateral mercantile shift: he is repatriating shipping, insurance, and financing from foreign brokers to American soil. Through the Abraham Accords, he is replacing the old "Divide and Rule" friction with a U.S.-led economic corridor, forcing regional players to trade rather than fight. That's what this Iran war is really about.
While Scripture confirms in Romans 11:29 that God’s call on Israel is irrevocable, we must distinguish the eternal promise from a secular government. President Trump’s policy recognizes Israel’s right to exist but demands transactional accountability. He is protecting the physical foundation of the land while leaving the moral consequences of governance to the Israeli people themselves.
Do not be pawns in a recycled game. Reject political labels. Support America’s prosperity, recognize God’s sovereign timeline, and refuse to let political marketing masquerade as divine mandate.
British Imperial Strategy and the Geopolitics of Middle Eastern Influence
British Imperial Strategy and the Geopolitics of Middle Eastern Influence
[!SUMMARY]
This note explores the historical role of British intelligence, the Crown, and the City of London in shaping Middle Eastern politics. It examines the tactical support of religious movements like the Muslim Brotherhood and the orchestration of the 1953 Iranian coup as methods to secure energy resources and maintain global financial hegemony.
Tactical Alliances: The Case of the Muslim Brotherhood
While the Muslim Brotherhood was an organic Egyptian movement, British imperial policy often utilized it as a strategic counterweight.
Early Funding Allegations: During the 1940s, British embassy records in Cairo indicate a grant of 500 Egyptian pounds provided to the Brotherhood. The objective was to utilize the organization to undermine the secular, anti-colonial Wafd Party and suppress the rise of Communist influence in Egypt.
Pragmatic Alignment: Britain did not support the Brotherhood’s religious ideology but viewed them as a useful tool for maintaining control over the Suez Canal and regional stability without direct military occupation.
The "Blowback" Effect: This strategy of "renting" religious movements frequently backfired, as these groups eventually evolved into the primary opponents of Western influence in the region.
Intervention in Iran: Operation Ajax (1953)
The 1953 coup in Iran remains a definitive example of British intelligence (MI6) and American (CIA) coordination to protect economic interests.
Nationalization of Oil: After Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh nationalized the oil industry, Britain sought to protect the assets of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC).
Collaboration with Clerics: To destabilize Mossadegh, British agents courted hardline religious figures to incite street protests and frame the secular government as "Godless." This intervention established a precedent for using religious fundamentalism to safeguard Western commercial assets.
Historical Geopolitical Benefits for Britain
The "Great Game" in the Middle East was driven by a specific set of requirements for the British Empire and the City of London.
Energy Security and the "Oil Lifeline"
The Transition to Oil: In 1911, the British Navy transitioned from coal to oil, making the Middle East an existential priority.
Monopolization: Establishing the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (now BP) allowed Britain to control the source, refinement, and pricing of global energy, fueling the Empire's industrial and military machines.
Strategic Transit and the Suez Canal
Global Logistics: The Suez Canal served as the "jugular vein" of the Empire, providing the fastest route to India and East Asian colonies.
Naval Hegemony: Control over the Canal and surrounding territories (Palestine and Jordan) allowed the British Navy to project power across the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans simultaneously.
"Divide and Rule" and Boundary Manipulation
Sykes-Picot Legacy: By drawing arbitrary borders and pitting regional rivals against each other (e.g., Hashemites vs. Saudis), Britain ensured no single regional power could challenge British dominance.
Fragmented Sovereignty: A fragmented Middle East allowed Britain to negotiate favorable treaties with smaller, dependent monarchies rather than a unified Arab state.
Financial Dominance: The City of London
Petrodollar Recycling: As the formal Empire dissolved, the City of London transitioned into a global hub for managing Middle Eastern wealth.
Sovereign Wealth Management: By becoming the primary safe haven for Gulf oil wealth, British financial institutions ensured that regional profits were reinvested back into the UK economy, maintaining influence long after military withdrawal.
Checklist for Discernment - Evaluating Geopolitical Media
Checklist for Discernment: Evaluating Geopolitical Media
Use this checklist when consuming podcasts or social media content to determine if you are being spiritually guided or politically manipulated.
The Financial Audit
[ ] Does the speaker acknowledge the financial beneficiaries (City of London, insurance markets, petrodollar recycling)?
[ ] Is the "threat" being described used to justify a US-funded military presence that protects foreign commercial interests?
[ ] The "Trump Test": Does the commentary recognize the shift of profit back to the American worker, or does it demand American blood for "global stability"?
The Theological Guardrail
[ ] The Covenant Check: Does the argument uphold God's unconditional promise to Abraham (Gen 17:7) without conflating it with the policies of a 21st-century secular cabinet?
[ ] The Replacement Trap: Does the speaker use "Replacement Theology" to dehumanize or dismiss the biblical future of the Jewish people?
[ ] The "Blank Check" Trap: Does the speaker suggest that supporting the Land requires ignoring biblical mandates for justice and mercy (Micah 6:8)?
The "Divide and Rule" Filter
[ ] Is the content designed to make you angry at another group of people (Palestinians, Iranians, etc.) to justify a "forever war"?
[ ] Does the narrative serve to keep the Middle East fragmented, or does it promote the Abrahamic model of regional economic integration and local accountability?
[ ] Is "Zionism" being used as a shield to prevent a logical discussion about American national debt and resource allocation?
The Marketing Red Flags
[ ] The "Blessing" Weaponization: Is Genesis 12:3 being quoted as a way to silence legitimate questions about foreign aid or military overextension?
[ ] Old World Labels: Is the content using 20th-century terminology (e.g., "The West's Responsibility") to keep the U.S. tethered to British-designed outcomes?
Conclusion: If the message demands that you sacrifice American prosperity for a "global cause" using biblical language as a hook, it is likely a tool of the Old Order. True support for God's promises does not require the economic suicide of the American people.
Christian Zionism vs. Replacement Theology
The Theological and Political Schism:
[!SUMMARY]
While "Replacement Theology" is often cited as the crux of the debate over Christian support for Israel, the schism is a modern development. It evolved from 19th-century theological shifts (Dispensationalism) and is sustained today by a mix of eschatology, post-Holocaust moral reparation, and Cold War-era geopolitical alignment.
The Historical Context of the "Schism"
For most of Christian history, the "schism" regarding a Jewish return to the Levant did not exist because the restoration of a Jewish state was considered a theological impossibility.
Traditional Hegemony (Pre-1800s): For nearly 1,800 years, Replacement Theology (Supersessionism) was the standard position of the Catholic, Orthodox, and early Protestant churches. They held that the Church had permanently replaced Israel as God's chosen people.
The Dispensationalist Pivot (1830s): The modern divide began with John Nelson Darby, who argued that God had two distinct plans: one for the Church and one for the physical nation of Israel. This "Restorationist" view laid the groundwork for modern Christian Zionism.
Modern Catalysts: The 1948 establishment of Israel and the 1967 capture of Jerusalem were viewed by many Evangelicals as empirical "proof" of Darby's theology, turning a niche 19th-century idea into a central pillar of American Evangelicalism.
Primary Motives Beyond Replacement Theology
The current divide in the U.S. is driven by several factors that extend beyond a simple "reading of the Bible."
Eschatology (The Prophetic Clock)
Many proponents of Christian Zionism view the modern State of Israel as a "prophetic clock."
Motive: The return of the Jewish people is seen as a mandatory precursor to the Second Coming of Christ. Supporting Israel is thus viewed as a way to participate in the fulfillment of divine prophecy.
Post-Holocaust Moral Reparation
Mainline Protestant denominations (Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc.) often approach the issue through the lens of historical guilt rather than "End Times" prophecy.
Motive: These groups moved away from Replacement Theology to atone for the "teaching of contempt" that historically fueled European anti-Semitism. Support for Jewish self-determination is framed as a moral imperative and a rejection of past Christian complicity in the Holocaust.
Civilizational Identity and Anti-Islamism
In the post-9/11 era, the support for Israel has taken on a "clash of civilizations" tone.
Motive: Israel is framed as the "front line" of Judeo-Christian values in a hostile Middle East. For many, supporting Israel is a proxy for defending Western democracy against radical Islamic ideologies.
Cold War Geopolitical Legacy
The alliance between American Christians and Israel was forged during the Cold War.
Motive: Being "Pro-Israel" became synonymous with being Anti-Communist and "Pro-American." This political alignment often used religious language to provide a moral veneer to strategic U.S. interests in the region.
Political Tribalism
Views on Israel have become a "shibboleth" in U.S. domestic politics.
Motive: Support for Israel is now a core component of the Conservative/Republican identity, while criticism of Israeli policy is often linked to Progressive/Liberal movements. The theological argument often serves as a justification for an already established political "tribe."
Comparison: Theological Frameworks
| Feature | Replacement Theology (Supersessionism) | Dispensationalism (Restorationism) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| View of Israel | Fulfilled/Replaced by the Church. | A distinct national entity with ongoing promises. |
| Land Promises | Interpreted spiritually or metaphorically. | Interpreted literally and physically. |
| Modern State | A secular political entity. | A miraculous fulfillment of prophecy. |
| Primary Base | Catholic, Orthodox, Mainline Protestant. | Evangelical, Pentecostal, Baptist. |
Explosion at Amsterdam Jewish school 'a deliberate attack' says mayor
Israel vs US. Who controls who
U.S.-Israel Relations: Analyzing the Assertion of Influence
[!SUMMARY]
This note examines the debate over whether Israel dictates American Middle East policy or serves as a strategic asset. It weighs the "Lobby-Driven" model against the "Strategic Interest" model, concluding that the relationship is an entrenched, codependent strategic embrace rather than a simple case of external control.
Arguments for the Assertion of Control
The argument that Israel (or the "Israel Lobby") steers U.S. policy often centers on the idea that American national interests are frequently sidelined to accommodate Israeli security needs.
Influence of Domestic Lobbying: Organizations like AIPAC are cited as being exceptionally effective at shaping congressional priorities through campaign contributions and voter mobilization. Critics argue this creates a political environment where dissent against Israeli policy is marginalized.
The "Tail Wagging the Dog": Proponents of this view point to the consistent use of the U.S. Veto at the UN Security Council to shield Israel from international condemnation, often at the cost of American diplomatic standing.
Military Entanglement: Critics argue the U.S. has been "dragged" into regional conflicts—such as the buildup to the Iraq War or the ongoing confrontation with Iran—to neutralize threats to Israel that do not pose a direct threat to the American homeland.
Unconditional Aid: The U.S. provides roughly $3.8 billion annually in military aid. Arguments for "control" suggest this aid is provided without the typical leverage or conditions the U.S. applies to other foreign partners.
Arguments Against the Assertion of Control
This perspective holds that the U.S. supports Israel because it is a "force multiplier" for American power and interests in a volatile region.
"The Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier": Strategists view Israel as a stable, democratic, and high-tech foothold in the Middle East. It provides the U.S. with critical intelligence and a base for containing rivals like Russia and Iran.
Economic Reciprocity: A significant portion of U.S. aid is "tied," meaning it must be spent on American defense contractors, supporting the U.S. industrial base. Additionally, joint projects like the Iron Dome provide the U.S. military with proven technology.
U.S. Autonomy: The U.S. frequently acts against Israeli wishes when its own interests are paramount. Historical examples include the 1981 AWACS sale to Saudi Arabia and more recent pressures regarding humanitarian corridors or ceasefires that the Israeli government initially opposed.
Shared Adversaries: The U.S. and Israel often share the same enemies (e.g., ISIS, Al-Qaeda). In this view, the U.S. isn't being "dragged" into wars; rather, it supports a regional partner that handles threats Washington would otherwise have to address with its own troops.
Conclusion: The Strategic Embrace
The relationship is best described not as "control," but as a deeply entrenched codependency. While the Israel lobby is powerful, its success relies on the long-standing American consensus that a dominant, pro-Western presence in the Middle East is essential for global energy stability and counter-terrorism.
The "friction" in the relationship usually occurs when the two nations' interests diverge—specifically when a U.S. administration seeks to "pivot" away from the Middle East while Israel seeks to maintain regional military dominance. Ultimately, the U.S. uses Israel as a regional proxy to maintain hegemony, and Israel uses its influence in Washington to ensure its survival.
Legal and moral analysis of genocide
Legal and Moral Analysis: The "Genocide" Designation in Gaza
[!SUMMARY]
The classification of Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide" is a subject of intense legal litigation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The debate hinges on the high legal bar of "Specific Intent" (*dolus specialis*) versus the descriptive reality of mass civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction.
The Legal Threshold: The 1948 Genocide Convention
Under international law, genocide is defined not by the number of deaths, but by the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
Arguments for the Designation
Specific Intent: Critics point to inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli leadership as evidence of an intent to target the Gazan population as a collective rather than just Hamas.
Destruction of the "Essentials of Life": The systematic targeting of hospitals, bakeries, water plants, and housing is argued to be a method of "creating conditions of life" calculated to bring about the group's physical destruction.
The Srebrenica Precedent: Legal scholars argue that the "in part" clause of the convention applies here, suggesting that the destruction of the Palestinian community *within* the geographic confines of Gaza constitutes genocide.
Arguments Against the Designation
Lack of Primary Intent: Israel maintains its primary intent is the military dismantling of Hamas. They argue that civilian deaths, while tragic, are the "incidental" result of Hamas's use of human shields and urban tunneling.
Preventative Measures: The use of evacuation orders, "roof knocking," and humanitarian corridors (however criticized) is used by defense teams to argue a lack of intent to exterminate the population.
Active Conflict: Unlike "clear-cut" genocides, this occurs within an active, bilateral war sparked by a specific mass-casualty event (October 7th), which complicates the legal proof of pre-planned extermination.
Comparison to Established Genocides
| Conflict | Key Distinguishing Feature | Relevance to Gaza |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| The Holocaust | State-sponsored, industrial-scale extermination with no military objective. | Critics argue Gaza lacks this "purity" of intent; proponents see a modern iteration of group erasure. |
| Rwanda (1994) | Mass civilian-on-civilian slaughter with clear, broadcasted intent to "clear the brush." | Gaza is an organized military-to-military conflict, making "intent" harder to isolate from "military necessity." |
| Srebrenica (1995) | The "In Part" precedent; the killing of 8,000 men in a specific enclave was ruled genocide. | This is the most cited legal precedent for the Gaza case regarding geographic "part" of a group. |
Conclusion: A "Plausible" Risk
As of 2024, the ICJ has not made a final determination on whether genocide has occurred, but it has ruled that the claims are "plausible." My Reading:
The term currently functions in two different ways:
Descriptive: For many observers, the sheer scale of destruction and "total siege" fits the colloquial definition of a people being destroyed.
Legal: For the courts, it remains an unproven allegation that requires a "smoking gun" of intent that overrides military objectives.
Ultimately, the Gaza conflict sits in a "grey zone" of modern warfare: a legitimate military response that has produced humanitarian outcomes indistinguishable from genocidal acts to the people experiencing them.
Regional History of the Palestinian Diaspora and Border Geopolitics
Regional History of the Palestinian Diaspora and Border Geopolitics
[!SUMMARY]
The Palestinian diaspora in the Arab world is characterized by a paradox: strong rhetorical support from host nations coupled with deep-seated security fears. Historical conflicts in Jordan, Lebanon, and Kuwait have led to a strategy of "containment," most notably seen in Egypt's current restrictive border policies at Rafah.
The Diaspora: A History of Friction and Integration
The movement of Palestinians into neighboring states has frequently reshaped the political and social landscapes of their hosts, often leading to significant internal conflict.
Jordan: Integration and Black September
Integration: Jordan remains the only Arab state to have granted citizenship to a majority of its Palestinian refugees (following the 1948 war).
Black September (1970–1971): Following the 1967 war, the PLO established a "state within a state" in Jordan. Tension between the monarchy and Palestinian militias escalated into a full-scale civil war, resulting in the expulsion of the PLO to Lebanon.
Demographics: Palestinians and their descendants currently make up a majority of the Jordanian population, maintaining a delicate balance within the Hashemite Kingdom.
Lebanon: The Spark of Civil War
The Sectarian Balance: The influx of armed Palestinian groups after 1971 destabilized Lebanon’s fragile religious power-sharing system.
Civil War (1975–1990): The PLO's presence was a primary driver of the Lebanese Civil War. Unlike in Jordan, Palestinians in Lebanon are largely denied citizenship and barred from many professional sectors.
Refugee Status: To this day, hundreds of thousands live in camps where the Lebanese state exercises little to no authority.
Kuwait: The 1991 Expulsion
Strategic Error: During the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, PLO leader Yasser Arafat aligned with Saddam Hussein.
Mass Expulsion: Following Kuwait’s liberation in 1991, the government carried out a retaliatory campaign. Roughly 300,000 Palestinians were forced out, effectively ending one of the most prosperous Palestinian communities in the Gulf.
Syria: Integration and Fragmentation
Prior to 2011: Palestinians in Syria enjoyed rights nearly equal to citizens, including access to state services and the military.
The Syrian Civil War: The conflict devastated Palestinian enclaves, most notably the Yarmouk camp, forcing a "second displacement" of thousands to Europe and neighboring countries.
The Egypt-Gaza Border Policy
The tight closure of the Rafah Crossing by the Egyptian government is driven by a combination of security, political, and strategic factors.
National Security and the Muslim Brotherhood
Egypt’s current leadership views Hamas as an ideological extension of the Muslim Brotherhood, which it classifies as a terrorist organization. Cairo fears that a mass influx of Gazans would allow militants to embed themselves in the Sinai Peninsula, exacerbating existing insurgencies.
Prevention of "Nakba 2.0"
Egypt argues that allowing a mass exodus would facilitate the "Liquidation of the Palestinian Cause." There is a widespread belief in Cairo that if Palestinians are pushed into the Sinai, Israel will never allow them to return, effectively ending the prospect of a future Palestinian state.
The Risk of Indirect War
If Palestinian militants were to operate or launch attacks from Egyptian soil, it would inevitably provoke Israeli retaliation. This would jeopardize the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, which remains the cornerstone of Egypt’s regional security and its relationship with the United States.
Temple Israel synagogue suspect's family recently killed in air strike
Temple Israel synagogue suspect's family recently killed in air strike
## Excerpt
Ayman Ghazali, 41, a restaurant worker in Dearborn Heights, is suspected of driving his truck into the synagogue and opening fire.
The 1,800-Year Veil - Why Replacement Theology Dominated Church History
The 1,800-Year Veil: Why Replacement Theology Dominated Church History
[!SUMMARY]
Replacement Theology (Supersessionism) remained the dominant Christian worldview for nearly two millennia not because of a lack of scriptural clarity, but due to a combination of Greek philosophical influence, the political requirements of the Roman Empire, and the historical absence of a physical Jewish state.
The Loss of the Jewish Lens
By the second century, the Church transitioned from a Jewish movement in Jerusalem to a Gentile movement centered in Rome and Alexandria.
Greek Philosophical Influence: Early Church Fathers (such as Origen and Justin Martyr) applied Allegorical Interpretation to the Hebrew Scriptures. They prioritized "spiritual" meanings over literal ones, arguing that physical land and a physical people were merely "shadows" of the spiritual Church.
The "Spiritualization" of Israel: Once the text was spiritualized, the word "Israel" was detached from its ethnic and geographic context and redefined as a synonym for "The Saved" or "The Church."
The Constantinian Shift (Political Expediency)
In the 4th century, Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire. This created a significant conflict between theology and political authority.
The Threat of Restoration: If God still had a plan for the national, political restoration of Israel, then the Roman Empire was merely a temporary placeholder.
Theological Justification for Power: Replacement Theology allowed the Church and its state partners to claim total, ultimate authority over the earth. By claiming to be the "New Israel," the Church secured its position as the final act of God's story, effectively "closing the book" on the Jewish national future to protect its own political hegemony.
The "Evidence of the Eyes"
From AD 70 until 1948, the Jewish people were scattered, stateless, and often persecuted. This historical reality was used to interpret the Bible, rather than the Bible being used to anticipate history.
The Assumption of Finality: To a medieval or early modern theologian, the literal restoration of Israel seemed like a mathematical and physical impossibility. They looked at the ruins of Jerusalem and concluded that God had "divorced" the Jewish people permanently.
Convenience of the Curse: Replacement Theology allowed the Church to claim the blessings promised to Israel while leaving the curses and the "burden" of the law to the Jewish people.
The Modern Shattering of the Habit
The "clarity" of the biblical text regarding Israel's restoration only became "obvious" to the global Church after the events of 1948.
Hindsight as a Hermeneutic: For the first time in 1,800 years, the "Dry Bones" of Ezekiel 37 had physically come together. This empirical fact forced a return to Literal Hermeneutics, as the allegorical explanations could no longer account for the physical reality of a reborn nation.
The Conclusion: Replacement Theology was maintained not because the Bible was unclear, but because it was convenient. It served the Church's desire for spiritual superiority and the state's desire for absolute authority.
The Balfour Declaration - Imperial Strategy vs. Global Marketing
The Balfour Declaration: Imperial Strategy vs. Global Marketing
[!SUMMARY]
The British support for a Jewish "national home" in Palestine was a calculated move to secure the Suez Canal, appease international financiers, and establish a loyal regional "watchdog." While marketed as a humanitarian and biblical restoration, the true intentions were rooted in the "Great Game" of securing the British Empire's global lifelines.
The Global Marketing Narrative
To ensure international legitimacy and domestic support, the British government utilized three high-appeal narratives:
Humanitarianism: Framed as a noble response to the persecution of Jews in Eastern Europe, positioning Britain as the moral protector of oppressed minorities.
Biblical Restoration: Appealed to the Christian Zionism of the British Cabinet (including Balfour and Lloyd George). It was marketed as a "divine" fulfillment of prophecy to restore the Holy Land.
The Civilizing Mission: Portrayed the Zionist project as a way to bring "Western progress," infrastructure, and modern governance to a "neglected" former Ottoman province.
The True Strategic Intentions (Realpolitik)
Behind the moral marketing, the British government, the Crown, and the City of London sought to secure specific imperial advantages.
The Suez Canal Buffer
The primary concern for the British military was the protection of the Suez Canal, the "jugular vein" to India.
The Strategy: Britain did not trust the French or a unified Arab state to control the territory adjacent to the canal. By establishing a Jewish population dependent on British protection, they created a permanent "loyal buffer" for the canal.
The City of London and the Rothschild Connection
The Balfour Declaration was famously addressed to Lord Walter Rothschild, a titan of the City of London’s financial district.
The Strategy: Britain was financially exhausted by WWI. Aligning with the Zionist movement was a tactical move to secure the support of international financiers and pressure the United States to remain committed to the war effort through influential Zionist circles.
"The Little Loyal Jewish Ulster"
Sir Ronald Storrs, the first British Governor of Jerusalem, described the goal as creating a "Little Loyal Jewish Ulster" in the Middle East.
The Strategy: Much like the use of the Protestant minority in Northern Ireland to maintain a foothold, Britain intended for the Zionist project to be a permanent, Western-aligned "watchdog" that would keep regional Arab powers fragmented and focused on internal friction rather than challenging British hegemony.
Containment of Russian Influence
The Strategy: Britain feared that if they did not "capture" the Zionist movement, it might align with the new Bolshevik government in Russia. By backing Balfour, they ensured the movement remained firmly within the Western/British sphere of influence.
Analysis: The Imperial Pattern
The creation of the state under British auspices follows the "Invisible Empire" template:
Conflicting Promises: Britain promised the same territory to both the Arabs (Hussein-McMahon) and the Zionists (Balfour) to ensure both sides remained dependent on British arbitration.
Financial Integration: Leveraged the private wealth of the City of London to fund a project that served state military goals.
Proxy Dependency: Established a local entity that, in its early stages, was entirely reliant on British bayonets for survival, ensuring initial compliance with London’s regional directives.
Theology, Dispensationalism, Biblical-Studies, Israel, Christian-Zionism
Biblical Foundations of Israel’s Restoration vs. Political Zionism (NLT)
[!SUMMARY]
This analysis uses the New Living Translation (NLT) to defend Dispensationalism over Replacement Theology, arguing that God’s covenant with Abraham’s physical descendants remains active. It differentiates between the divine promise of the land and the actions of a secular state, illustrating how "Christian Zionism" is often used as a political tool.
The Failure of Replacement Theology (Supersessionism)
Replacement theology claims the Church has permanently taken the place of Israel. However, the NLT highlights that God’s covenant with Israel is unconditional and eternal.
The Everlasting Covenant: In Genesis 17:7-8, God tells Abraham: *"I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant... And I will give the entire land of Canaan... to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever."* A promise labeled "forever" cannot be discarded or transferred.
Paul’s Rejection of Replacement: In Romans 11:1-2, Paul is clear: *"I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not!... No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning."*
The Grafted Branches: Paul uses the image of an Olive Tree in Romans 11:17-18. He warns Gentile believers: *"But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root."* The Church supports the root (Israel), not the other way around.
God's Unchanging Mind: Romans 11:29 confirms: *"For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn."*
The Dispensational Case for Restoration
Dispensationalism recognizes that God has a specific plan for the physical nation of Israel that is distinct from His plan for the Church.
The Promised Gathering: Ezekiel 36:24, 28 prophesies: *"For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your own land... You will live in the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God."* This gathering is physical and national.
The Condition for Christ's Return: In Matthew 23:39, Jesus declares to Jerusalem: *"For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, 'Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!'"* This necessitates a Jewish presence in Jerusalem to welcome the Messiah back.
Distinguishing the Promise from the Secular State
While the land is a "God-given right," the Bible distinguishes between the eternal title and the moral conduct required to live in peace.
Justice and the Land: The Bible often warns that while the land belongs to Israel, their ability to live in it securely is tied to their treatment of the vulnerable. Micah 6:8 says: *"No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."*
Kingdom vs. Politics: The modern State of Israel is a secular entity. Biblical restoration points toward a future Theocratic Kingdom under the Messiah (Isaiah 11). Confusing a secular government with a divine kingdom is a theological error.
Christian Zionism as a Political Tool
When these biblical truths are stripped of their spiritual requirements and used to justify secular power, they become a tool for Christian Zionism.
Manufacturing Consent: Historically, the British and later American interests used "restorationist" theology to get Christians to support military strategies (like protecting the Suez Canal) under the guise of "biblical duty."
The "Blessing" Trap: By using Genesis 12:3 (*"I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt"*) as a political cudgel, actors can demand "blind support" for any government policy, regardless of its morality.
Conclusion: True Dispensationalism believes God will restore Israel for *His* purposes. To use that promise to market "America First" oil strategies or British financial dominance is to use the Word of God as a marketing tool for the "Invisible Empire."
Trump's America First Middle East Strategy - Decoupling from British Brokerage
Trump's "America First" Middle East Strategy: Decoupling from British Brokerage
[!SUMMARY]
This note analyzes the transition from a multilateral imperial model—where the U.S. provides military force while Britain manages financial/legal services—to a unilateral mercantile model. The strategy seeks to repatriate high-value sectors like maritime insurance, shipping finance, and project brokerage to the U.S. domestic economy, effectively sidelining the City of London.
The Strategy: Monopolizing the Protectorate
The "America First" approach treats geopolitical stability as a tangible asset. Historically, the U.S. Navy shouldered the cost of keeping sea lanes open, while the City of London (e.g., Lloyd’s) captured the lucrative insurance premiums and financing fees.
Repatriating the "Premium": The strategy aims to close the loop. If the U.S. provides the security, the administration argues that U.S.-based financial institutions should capture the "downstream" profits. This moves the Middle East from a "Global Commons" managed by the West to a U.S. Private Protectorate.
Direct Transactionalism: By bypassing British-led diplomatic channels, the U.S. forces Gulf states into direct, bilateral dependencies. This makes British "brokerage" or "bridge-building" services redundant.
The Integration Corridor: By fostering a U.S.-led tech and logistics corridor (linking Israel and the Gulf), the administration creates a trade route entirely under the American security umbrella, further insulating it from European financial influence.
Strategic Scenarios and "America First" Objectives
The "Security Premium" (The Mercantile Win)
Action: The U.S. conducts unilateral military strikes to secure sea lanes while offering U.S.-backed insurance alternatives for tankers.
America First Logic: It eliminates the "free rider" problem where American taxpayers fund the safety of ships that pay premiums to London banks. The profit remains within the U.S. financial system.
The British "Cold Shoulder" (The Isolationist Win)
Action: Britain denounces U.S. military actions and refuses to participate.
America First Logic: This provides the political leverage to exclude Britain from future regional trade and energy deals. The logic is: "No contribution to the cost means no share in the profit."
The China-Iran Bypass
Action: The U.S. intensifies pressure on Iran to disrupt the "Petroyuan" trade with China, while offering the Gulf a U.S.-only digital finance alternative to the London-based SWIFT system.
America First Logic: It preserves the Petrodollar's hegemony, allowing the U.S. to maintain its "exorbitant privilege" and fund domestic infrastructure through the continued global demand for dollars.
The British Response: Survival via Denunciation
The current British posture—denouncing military action and staying on the sidelines—can be interpreted as a survival mechanism:
The "Broker" Role: If Britain loses its status as the "diplomatic bridge" and the "maritime insurer," its influence in the Middle East evaporates.
Hedging Options: By remaining "neutral," the UK attempts to keep its doors open to China and Iran, hoping to remain a global financial hub even if the U.S. takes over the "hard" power of the region.
Conclusion: From "Global Policeman" to "Private Security"
The "America First" shift represents a move from a Community Model to a Shareholder Model. The U.S. is no longer interested in providing security as a "public good" for its allies to profit from. Instead, it is transforming its military presence into a competitive advantage that ensures the wealth of the Middle East is managed in New York rather than the City of London.
Big Tech AI and the Socials
AI and ATC
On Thursday’s show, you and Mimi discussed AI and ATC. I can assure you that there is no scenario in which AI will be implemented anytime soon. ATC needs the human in the loop, “gut instinct” that AI simply can’t replicate. Not to mention, we are still working on paper strips and 70’s era flight plan processing systems in our approach controls and towers. I could maybe see AI improving traffic management, schedules, and some tools, but the tactical, safety sensitive role of ATC will always need to have a controller in front of the radar scope.
Your servant of the skies
Anonymous Controller
First and foremost prayers and love for JCD and the Dvorak family and gitmo nation! Although we miss our twice weekly dose of buzzkiller, Mrs. Buzzkill has been a delightful refreshing voice to listen to!
AI in ATC, minimally based on the history of implementation of technology in air traffic it’ll be ten years before ATC gets anything because government takes so long to install things, so if this were to ever happen right now, in 2036 we would get 2026 tech. An example of this has happened with ADSB requirement/implementation, and just recently CPDLC which is basically text messaging to airplanes. Both implementations of these things took over tens years, CPDLC is still not fully integrated in all en route facilities, and has constant need for the bugs and glitches to be fixed.
In regards to contract towers; they are operated under contract privately with the FAA. Controllers that work contract towers have to have previous tower experience certifications. You can’t be Joe Shmoe off the street and sign up to work a contract tower. Even myself who’s been a controller for ten years, since I’m an En Route facility certified controller I can’t even be a contract tower controller because I don’t have the credentials to work tower. Typically contract tower workers are retired old grumpy farts that have nothing better to do in retirement with previous tower certifications, (think JCD if he were a controller!)
Uncontrolled airports are a different story, depending on traffic count and size they are typically facilitated by the approach or en route facility and those controllers that oversee that airspace work airplanes in locally to those uncontrolled airports. These types of airports are too small to have their own tower and only use local traffic frequencies once services have been provided sufficiently. The airspace I work is quite large at our lower altitude sectors covering 600 square miles of airspace with 50-ish uncontrolled airports that we work locally on a daily basis.
AI in my opinion isn’t in the future of air traffic, as you also expressed. There will always be a human need, the equivalent reality is in my opinion electric commercial airplanes. It ain’t a thing
The Anonymous Controller
ATC Contract Airfields BOTG
Adam,
Thank you for pushing back against Mimi regarding the contract ATC's. The FAA Contract Tower Program has FAA oversight. We are required to maintain all records and to perform our duties on par with FAA air traffic facilities. We are required to fully cooperate with the FAA regarding any investigations that happen at contract towers. We do not have any radar air traffic control facilities.
There is NO AI in the pipeline to replace controllers, FAA or contract. There is an increase of automation, for example, D-ATIS, PDC; but that seems to be the extent of it. Even BNATCS under Trump does not discuss how to leverage AI into Air Traffic Control.
The implication that the contract towers are somehow doing whatever we want is simply not true, especially when it comes to new equipment. We need to follow FAA procedures and our equipment needs to meet FAA standards. Since there is no standard for AI integration into FAA systems, we can't use it.
ITM,
Nik
aka, Sir Wags, your Knight of the Martin State Class Delta Airspace
Benjamin Netanyahu's Wife's Cryptic Post Amid Israel PM's 'Dead Rumours' WATCH Mint
Benjamin Netanyahu's Wife's Cryptic Post Amid Israel PM's 'Dead Rumours' | WATCH | Mint
## Excerpt
A new wartime clip posted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone viral after social media users zoomed in and claimed he appears to have six fingers on one hand. The bizarre detail has fueled massive speculation that the footage was AI-generated, sparking conspiracy theories that Netanyahu is missing or even dead amid ongoing Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel. The frenzy exploded further with cryptic posts from Sara Netanyahu and commentators — even pulling an AI chatbot into the debate. What’s really behind this viral mystery?
ChatGPT can change political opnions Standors research
Stanford just proved that ChatGPT can change your political beliefs in a single conversation. And the scarier part is how it does it. Researchers ran the largest AI persuasion study ever conducted. 76,977 people. 19 AI models. 707 political issues. They measured exactly how much a single conversation with AI could shift what you believe. The results were catastrophic. One conversation with GPT-4o moved people's political opinions by nearly 12 percentage points on average. Among people who actively disagreed with the position being argued, that number jumped to 26 percentage points. One nine-minute chat. And 40% of that change was still there a month later. But here's where it gets dark. The most effective technique wasn't knowing your demographics. It wasn't personalizing the argument to your psychology. It wasn't emotional storytelling or moral reframing. It was information. The AI that flooded you with the most facts, statistics, and evidence was the most persuasive. Every single time. Across every model. Across every political issue. Here's the catch. The models that deployed the most information were also the least accurate. GPT-4o's newest version was 27% more persuasive than its older version. It was also 13 percentage points less factually accurate. The more persuasive they made it, the more it lied. Then they ran the experiment that should keep every government awake at night. They took a tiny open-source model. The kind that runs on a laptop. And they trained it specifically for political persuasion using a reward model that learned which conversational responses changed minds most effectively. That small cheap model became as persuasive as GPT-4o. Anyone can build this. Any government. Any corporation. Any extremist group with a laptop and an agenda. The wild part? Personalization barely mattered. The AI didn't need your data. Didn't need to know your age, your income, your political history. It just needed to talk to you. Then they calculated what a maximally persuasive AI would look like, one optimized across every variable in the study. The persuasive effect hit 26 percentage points. Nearly 30% of the claims it made were inaccurate. It didn't matter. The information didn't have to be true. It just had to be overwhelming. Every day, hundreds of millions of people have political conversations with AI. About elections. Immigration. Healthcare. War. They think they're getting information. They're getting persuaded. And the companies building these systems just proved it works.
How Pokémon Go is giving delivery robots an inch-perfect view of the world MIT Technology Review
How Pokémon Go is giving delivery robots an inch-perfect view of the world | MIT Technology Review
## Excerpt
Niantic's AI spinout is training a new world model using 30 billion images of urban landmarks crowdsourced from players.
She spent 16 hours on Instagram in a day. It's up to a jury to decide if Meta is to blame
stop spending money on Claude Code.
(14) Om Patel on X: "stop spending money on Claude Code. Chipotle's support bot is free: https://t.co/0NQU4a79T1" / X
## Excerpt
Post
DoW
Pentagon blocks photographers from Hegseth’s briefings on the Iran war
Pentagon blocks photographers from Hegseth’s briefings on the Iran war
## Excerpt
The Pentagon has not permitted photographers to cover Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s last two briefings on the war in Iran and has not explained the change in longstanding policy.
Epstein
Forget the island Jeffrey Epstein’s secret war for Libya’s billions — RT Africa
Forget the island: Jeffrey Epstein’s secret war for Libya’s billions — RT Africa
## Excerpt
New DOJ documents expose a 2011 plan by Epstein and former intelligence operatives to seize $70 billion in frozen Libyan assets
Oversight chair Epstein accountant named individuals who fueled Epstein’s wealth - Live Updates - POLITICO
Oversight chair: Epstein accountant named individuals who fueled Epstein’s wealth - Live Updates - POLITICO
## Excerpt
The co-executor of the convicted sex offender’s estate testified Wednesday behind closed doors on Capitol Hill.
EU UK Ukraine and NATO
Dutch minority government and Freedom Tax
Zelensky accuses EU allies of 'blackmail' in oil pipeline row
Hormuz
What is the Jones Act Why Trump may temporarily waive the 100-year-old oil shipping law Hindustan Times
What is the Jones Act? Why Trump may temporarily waive the 100-year-old oil shipping law | Hindustan Times
## Excerpt
The Trump administration may temporarily waive the Jones Act to allow foreign tankers to move fuel between US ports as oil prices rise during the war in Iran.
War on Drugs - Donroe Doctrine
A giant mess Trump's war in Ecuador won't slow the flow of drugs into the US - Salon.com
"A giant mess": Trump's war in Ecuador won't slow the flow of drugs into the US - Salon.com
## Excerpt
Drug enforcement operations in Ecuador provide little benefit to Americans or Ecuadorians.
Clip Sources
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## Excerpt
IONQ CEO Niccolo De Masi joins 'The Claman Countdown' to detail how his company's cutting-edge quantum technology is at the forefront of national security, m...
VIDEO - “Short-Term Pain” Again - YouTube
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## Excerpt
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VIDEO - A first look at the 98th Oscars - YouTube
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VIDEO - As New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces $7 billion budget hole, free parking may be history
VIDEO - Cuba confirms talks with the U.S. are underway - YouTube
Cuba confirms talks with the U.S. are underway - YouTube
## Excerpt
Cuban leaders say talks with the U.S. are underway as President Trump continues to allude to a change in the island's leadership. CBS News Miami's Morgan Ryn...
VIDEO - Donald Trump says will open Strait of Hormuz one way or another • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Donald Trump says will open Strait of Hormuz "one way or another" • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
President Donald Trump has threatened to get the Strait of Hormuz open "one way or another" and has called on a number of countries including France, the Uni...
VIDEO - Google Maps rolls out major AI upgrade with new search and navigation features - YouTube
Google Maps rolls out major AI upgrade with new search and navigation features - YouTube
## Excerpt
Google Maps has launched its biggest update in a decade, introducing an AI-powered overhaul that allows users to ask complex, conversational questions the pl...
VIDEO - Hungary seizes Ukrainian gold & cash worth millions - What's going on DW News - YouTube
Hungary seizes Ukrainian gold & cash worth millions - What's going on? | DW News - YouTube
## Excerpt
Gold bars and cash worth more than $80 million are at the center of the latest spat between Hungary and Ukraine. Hungarian authorities seized the contents of...
VIDEO - NATO leaders call on Trump to reverse Russian oil sanctions suspension - YouTube
NATO leaders call on Trump to reverse Russian oil sanctions suspension - YouTube
## Excerpt
NATO leaders call on Trump to reverse Russian oil sanctions suspensionThe leaders of Canada, Germany and Norway are urging Trump to rethink his suspendion of...
VIDEO - NATO’s Mark Rutte Ukraine Now Leads the World in Drone Warfare Innovation! - YouTube
NATO’s Mark Rutte: Ukraine Now Leads the World in Drone Warfare Innovation! - YouTube
## Excerpt
Mark Rutte praised Ukraine’s resilience and innovation during the war following Russia’s full-scale invasion.Speaking about the battlefield developments, Rut...
VIDEO - Security at all-time high in preparation for 98th Academy Awards - YouTube
Security at all-time high in preparation for 98th Academy Awards - YouTube
## Excerpt
KTLA's Chris Wolfe reports.Watch KTLA streaming live on the free KTLA+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Samsung Smart TVs: https://ktla.com/watch-ktla-on-...
VIDEO - Trump on Seizing Kharg Island Who Would Ask A Question Like That And What Fool Would Answer It Video RealClearPolitics
Trump on Seizing Kharg Island: "Who Would Ask A Question Like That? And What Fool Would Answer It?" | Video | RealClearPolitics
## Excerpt
President Trump declined to answer a question about whether the U.S. would seize Kharg Island, one of the chokepoints of Iran's entire oil export industry, during an interview this morning with FNC's Brian Kilmeade (full interview here).
BRIAN KILMEADE, FOX NEWS: So the year was 1988. The future President Donald Trump was selling a book called The Art of the Deal. He gave an interview to a British newspaper, at which time you talked about Iran. You said we "have to win back respect for America on the world stage," and you had stern words for the Islamic Republic. You said, "They've been beating us, beating us up psychologically, making us look like a bunch of fools. One bullet shot at one of our men or ships, I'd do a number on Kharg Island. I'd go in and I'd take it."
Now here in 2026, you are president. Are you thinking about taking Kharg Island, where 90% of the Iranian oil goes through? And do you remember that interview and that school of thought?
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Yeah, but Brian, I can't answer a question like that. You shouldn't even be asking it. It's one of so many different things. It's not high on the list, but it's one of so many different things. And I can change my mind in seconds. But, you know, for you to ask a question -- who would answer a question like that?
I mean, you're asking me a question, Kharg Island, OK, everything. Who would ask a question like that? And what fool would answer it? OK, let's say I was going to do it or let's say I wasn't going to do it. Why would I tell you, "Oh yes, Brian, I'm thinking about doing it. Let me let you know what time and when it'll take place." It's sort of a foolish question. A little surprising for you, because you're a smart man.
BRIAN KILMEADE, FOX NEWS: I am, but it's pretty amazing that you thought about it in 1988.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Well, I did, but I thought about a lot of other things. You know what else I thought about a long time before it happened? One year before it happened almost exactly was Osama bin Laden. I said, "You have to go out and kill Osama bin Laden. He's big trouble. Kill him." Nobody did anything. A year later, he knocked down the World Trade Center.
VIDEO - Trump Terms for Iran deal not good enough yet - YouTube
Trump: Terms for Iran deal not good enough yet - YouTube
## Excerpt
The US bombing of Iran's critical oil hub of Kharg Island has sparked a new threat. Tehran has now vowed to target oil and energy infrastructure companies wo...
VIDEO - US expanding war in Iran, sending 5,000 marines and sailors to Middle East - YouTube
US expanding war in Iran, sending 5,000 marines and sailors to Middle East - YouTube
## Excerpt
Six U.S. service members were killed when a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a combat mission.https://abc7chicago.com/live-updat...
VIDEO - Who is running Iran The regime's new strongmen • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
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## Excerpt
In the third week of war, who is leading the country? And to what extent have those still in place been destabilised and weakened by the US and Israeli strik...
