History, Religion, Politics, Culture, and Travels in the Islamic World
Iran, courtesy of Trump and Netanyahu, has achieved nuclear ambiguity. Its nuclear sites and 408kg trove of highly-enriched uranium survive. Mossad/CIA spies (“IAEA inspectors”) have no physical access to sites; CCTV at every site is off. Iran’s nuclear program, formerly the world’s most open and inspected program, has gone black.
Analysis of SM-2, SM-3, SM-6, PAC-3, and THAAD interceptors used (10/23 to 08/25), costs, and remaining stockpiles. If Iran enters round two of the Iran-Israel War holding nuclear deterrence, Iranian missile barrages can pound Israel into capitulation.
Iran assisted U.S. militarily following 9/11, but after Israel derailed Iran-U.S. rapprochement, IRGC’s roles in liberating Afghanistan were concealed by U.S.
“Contain Iran,” “contain Russia,” and “contain China” are mantras in Washington, D.C. “Containment,” a concept introduced in George Kennan’s “The Sources of Soviet Conduct” (1947) and expanding on his celebrated “Long Telegram” (1946), has been misapplied by U.S. policymakers, from Vietnam to post-Soviet Russia to Iran.
Taking a short break. I leave you with the video recording of “O Iran” (Ey Iran) performed by the Tehran Symphony Orchestra at Azadi Square following Iran’s victory over Israel. Brief history of the song, its composer, and lyricist, are included.
Euro Troika (UK, FR, DE) are threatening to trigger “Snapback Sanctions” on Iran. This would be an act of malevolence against the Iranian people given Israel’s and USA’s illegal attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran, however, has potent “Snapback” tools at its disposal.
Tel Aviv thought the Islamic Republic would collapse with some strike operations, targeted assassinations, and car bombs. Instead, the Israelis are getting a historic battering as Iranians rally fiercely behind their government and armed forces (link to article at external site).
Hundreds of Afghans arrested for aiding Israel; suspected Mossad ties to Ahmad Massoud’s “National Resistance Front”; “Westoxified” (gharbzadegi) Afghan diaspora hates Shia Iran but expects Tehran to host Afghan refugees; ca. 250,000 Afghans deported in June 2025.
Iran won. Trump’s confidant, Steve Bannon, explains on video. My amplifications in essay.
Israel wants end to war; Iran plans to prolong war. Israel cannot survive without help; but Iran is prepared to fight alone and grind Israel into capitulating. Israel discovers that “plans don’t survive first contact with the enemy.” Netanyahu dials 1-800-USA HELP.
Perspectives 
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