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The South African
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
FOREVER WARS – Part 8: Iran
So the ancient timeless agitation between Israel and the Arab world has reignited – again. Is Iran, the last of the seven countries on General Wesley Clarke's 'memo', finally about to fall? Or, is Israel about to be blown off the map? Tel Aviv awoke to a terrifying Tuesday this week as Iran unleashed a barrage of back-to-back missile strikes on the Israeli city, killing at least 24 and wounding hundreds, in what Tehran called a 'campaign of revenge.' Iran also struck the port city of Haifa (which receives a third of Israel's imports) on day 5 of the tit-for-tat attacks between the two Middle Eastern countries. Iran's counterstrike is retaliation to Israel's airstrike on more than 100 nuclear, military and infrastructure targets across Iran last Friday – including its main nuclear facility in Natanz – that killed several top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists. Israel's attack came two days before Iran was set to resume talks with the US over Iran's nuclear programme. On Monday, 16 June, Israel bombed Iran's State TV broadcaster IRIB with an airstrike, captured live on camera. The talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled for last Sunday in Oman, have been cancelled. Let's recap. Back in 2007, ex-NATO commander Clarke told the world, in an interview with Democracy Now , that, 10 days after 9/11, he was shown a classified memo by a colleague at the Pentagon outlining how the US was going to knock out seven Middle East and North Africa countries in five years. Lest we forget, those seven countries were: Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Lebanon, Syria…and Iran. (As I pointed out in part one of this series, it was actually 8 countries – if you include Afghanistan.) All but one of those countries have been bombed, invaded, destabilised or overthrown by the West – and Israel. And…here we are. Last domino on the Middle-Eastern map, Iran, is now too in the crosshairs of the US-NATO-Israel axis of evil. The axis may be way over schedule, and no doubt over budget, but they are right on course. And what is the big gripe with Iran? Well, apart from the usual, stock-standard, Western Arabiophobic racism? According to Israel – and their loyal slavish pit bull, the US – Iran is in the process of creating a nuclear weapon. We've heard the words countless times before. Israel, specifically Netanyahu, has said it over and over, ad nauseam; 'Iran CANNOT have a nuclear weapon!' And Trump just basically parrots his puppetmaster, Bibi. In fact, do you know how many times, and for how long, Benjamin Netanyahu has been crying wolf, going on and on about Iran building an atomic bomb? Believe it or not…since at least 1992. Some say as early as 1984. Here are just a few dates and quotes from when Bibi tried to terrorise the world with Iran's phantom nuke: 1992: 'Iran is 3-5 years from nuclear capacity.' 2003: 'Iran's nuke programme is a global threat.' 2010: 'Iran could produce a bomb within a year.' 2021: 'Iran closer than ever to nuclear weapons.' 2024: 'Iran dangerously close to nuclear bomb.' 2025: 'Iran days away from enrichening uranium for a bomb.' That's right, according to Bedlam Bibi, Iran has been right on the cusp of building a nuke…for decades. Unfortunately, these fear-mongering, propaganda lies are regurgitated by the Western echo chamber mainstream media, particularly in the US. By the way, this is the same Netanyahu who said we could restore peace to the Middle East if we could just get rid of Iraq's Saddam…if we could just get rid of Libya's Gaddafi….if we could just get rid of Syria's Assad. Well, all that happened, and…do we have peace in the region? And now, Bibi is saying…if we could just remove the Iranian regime, there would finally be peace in the Arab world. Are we learning yet…? So, let me get this straight. Everyone else in the world can have nukes…but not Iran? Russia and the US have more than 5000 nuclear missiles each. France and the UK have more than 200 each. China, India, Pakistan and North Korea have nearly 1000 between them. And we have the nations of Italy, Turkey, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands 'hosting' more than 100 nukes collectively. Yet, Iran is not even allowed to have… one? What's that all about…? Just more of that Western Arabiophobic racism? Here's the thing though…there's no substantial proof that Iran is developing nuclear weapons. And it's not just me – and the Iranians – saying it. On 25 March this year, Trump's director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, appeared in testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee where she made it clear that US intelligence has determined Iran is not building a nuclear weapon. In her opening statements, she said: 'The IC [intelligence community] continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003.' She also said the IC was closely monitoring if Tehran decided to reauthorise its nuclear weapons programme. However, you know who doesn't give a toss what Gabbard or the IC think? Their boss, President Donald J. Trump. In a brief interview on Airforce One on Tuesday, a reporter reminded Trump what Gabbard said to the Senate Committee about Iran not having a nuclear weapon. Trump responded, 'I don't care what she said, I think they were very close to having one.' (Nice. Way to go, throwing your DNI under the bus there, Big Don.) That's because Trump doesn't care what his cabinet, staff, advisors, voter base or the American people think or want. He only cares what Benjamin Netanyahu wants. Because, as we've well established, Trump is Bibi's patsy, Bibi's b**ch. It's clear now that Trump was never about America First or MAGA, he was always about MIGA. If Israel and the US thought ratcheting up tensions with Iran was somehow going to spur the Iranian people to turn against the 'regime' in Tehran and overthrow the Ayatollah and his government, they were dead wrong. All the airstrikes did was coalesce and galvanise the Iranian people, against their common foe. As one article put it, Israel is making the case for a nuclear-armed Iran. In fact, a video has gone viral of an Iranian woman at a rally in Tehran, without a hijab, shouting and calling for Iran to acquire a nuke – the very thing Israel and the US are trying to prevent. 'These b*st*rds have been driving us crazy for 400 years', she said. 'These scoundrels spent a year and a half killing half a million people. Now, an attack (on us). We want an atomic bomb!' The crowd around her cheered her on. 'The Strait of Hormuz? Close it already,' she snapped. I don't have to tell you what happens to oil and petrol prices if that happens. If Iran does shut down the Strait, economists estimate it could push the oil price (currently around $75 per barrel) up to $130 p/barrel. Some speculators are talking $300 per barrel. Which means they won't have to forcibly lock you down again…because you won't be able to afford to drive anywhere. Trump's actions on Iran – and Israel – has split the MAGA base, down the middle. While the usual warmongering neocons – like senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, Mike Pompeo and John Bolton – to name a few, are salivating at the prospect of destroying yet ANOTHER Middle-Eastern country, anti-war voices are coming out of the MAGA camp in droves. Here's what some experts, analysts, commentators and many from the MAGA base are saying on X about Trump's recent double-play against Iran: Conservative commentator and staunch Trump supporter, Tucker Carlson wrote; 'The real divide isn't between people who support Israel and people who support Iran or the Palestinians. The real divide is between those who casually encourage violence, and those who seek to prevent it — between warmongers and peacemakers.' He asked, 'Who are the warmongers? They would include anyone who's calling Donald Trump today to demand air strikes and other direct US military involvement in a war with Iran.' Carlson was also just in an interview with former Trump advisor, Steve Bannon. Both men were devout in their opposition to Trump attacking Iran. Republican representative for Georgia, Marjorie Taylor Greene, has been amongst the most vocal voices on Capitol Hill against a war with Iran. 'Anyone slobbering for the US to become fully involved in the Israel-Iran war is not America First or MAGA. Wishing for murder of innocent people is disgusting. We are sick and tired of foreign wars. All of them,' she posted. 'Real America First/MAGA wants world peace for all people. I don't want to see Israel, Iran or Gaza bombed. This position is NOT antisemitic. It's rational, sane, and what many Americans voted for in 2024,' she added. Comedian and podcaster, Dave Smith, posted; 'It's genuinely hard to imagine a worse decision than going to war with Iran. They pose absolutely no threat to us and the war would be a substantially larger catastrophe than Iraq. If you wanted to destroy the USA, another disastrous war in the Middle East would be the move.' Republican representatie for Kentucky, Thomas Massie, posted; 'This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.' 'I'm introducing a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to prohibit our involvement. I invite all members of Congress to cosponsor this resolutionm,' he added. Other military and political analysts were more direct and brutal in their take on Trump's buckling to Bibi's push for (more) war. In an interview with Judge Napolitano, ex-CIA analyst Larry Johnson said: 'Donald Trump now has established himself in the last 48 hours as a liar.' He added: 'You know what this is? This is Saddam Hussein – Part 2.' In another interview with Napolitano, military and intelligence analyst, Scott Ritter, said: 'What the president just did here is undermine American legitimacy, and credibility, and shows that America is incapable of serious diplomatic engagement. What this proves is that Donald Trump – the most pro-war president out there – is a duplicitous, two-faced liar.' In an interview with Carlson, military analyst Douglas Macgregor said: 'The way Donald Trump handled Zelensky is the way he has got to handle Netanyahu. If he doesn't, Netanyahu will drag him into the abyss…because Bibi wants this war with Iran – come hell or high water.' Meanwhile, the US has reportedly dispatched a second aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, among other 'substantial military assets' to the Middle East as the Israel-Iran conflict ramps up. On Monday 16 June, Trump posted this on his Truth Social; 'Iran should have signed the 'deal' I told them to sign. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again!' Then he added: 'Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!' That last line has sparked a mass exodus out of the city – of 10 million people. He followed that up in the past 24 hours with an apparent threat aimed at Ayatollah Khamenei when he posted: 'We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there. We are not going to take him out, at least not for now. (Did he just borrow a line from Juju?) But our patience is wearing thin.' Finally, he delivered an ultimatum to Iran: 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!' As the tit-for-tat strikes between the two countries continues into the sixth day, Israel has just announced that they've killed another Iranian military commander who was appointed only 4 days ago. Well, here we go again, folks. Like we've seen so many times before; left or right, Republican or Democrat. No matter who's in the Oval Office, the wars never end and the bombs keep dropping. Are we learning yet..? I think journo-activist, Caitlin Johnstone, said it best when she recently posted on X: 'There is absolutely no excuse for buying into the war propaganda about Iran after what we all saw with Iraq.' 'If you're a grown adult with internet access still swallowing this load of bull in the year 2025, you're either stupid…or evil,' she added. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Yahoo
Major Madeleine McCann update as prime suspect Christian Brueckner may walk free in just days
The prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann might soon be released from prison, as authorities are hurriedly trying to charge the German citizen. Prosecutors have levelled allegations against 48 year old Christian Brueckner, asserting that he murdered the three year old in Portugal back in 2007. However, the suspect, currently serving a sentence, is seeking an early discharge from his 2019 conviction after last year's acquittal on unrelated offences. Investigators are concerned that he could be back on the streets within a fortnight, prompting urgent meetings with key witnesses in the Madeleine case to gear up for the potential indictment of Breuckner. READ MORE: Putin's 'next target' after Ukraine identified by ex-NATO chief READ MORE: Man forced to choke his own dog with his forearms during horrific 45-minute mauling An insider shared with The Sun: "Normally a move like his bid for an early release would be laughed out of court. But everyone is very nervous after what happened with his rape trial last year. The court was surprisingly favourable to him. Brueckner's lawyers know they need to go for this now, in case an appeal against his acquittal is allowed. That will create a new arrest warrant and he'll be stuck behind bars." Furthermore, the source conveyed that the team prosecuting the McCann case is anxious that once the suspect is freed, he may vanish without a trace, an outcome that would spell "disaster" for her parents, Kate and Gerry. Following a German court's decision to clear him of unrelated rape and sex abuse charges in Portugal between 2000 and 2017, Brueckner's fate remains uncertain. He is currently serving a seven-year sentence for the 2005 rape of an American woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal, but is set to be released in September. However, prosecutors are considering an appeal against the acquittal, and if successful, could lead to a retrial. In a surprising twist, Brueckner's lawyers are pushing for his early release, leaving prosecutors "nervous" about the court's potential decision, reports the Mirror. If Brueckner is freed, Madeleine's lawyers plan to appeal, which could delay his release by months. If that appeal is rejected, authorities will be forced to charge Brueckner in connection with Madeleine's disappearance on May 3, 2007, in Praia da Luz, and issue a new arrest warrant to keep him behind bars.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'All options on the table' after new Donald Trump tariff hits the UK
The Business Secretary says 'all options' are on the table after Donald Trump slapped tariffs on global steel and aluminium - amid fears for UK industry. Firms are braced for the impact of new tariffs which came into effect at midnight in the US, which raise a flat duty on steel and aluminium entering the United States to 25 per cent. The UK is yet announce any retaliatory measures - but the European Union says it will introduce counter-measures on American goods next month to 'defend European interests'. READ MORE: Putin's 'next target' after Ukraine identified by ex-NATO chief READ MORE: Fate of Gene Hackman's dogs in 'limbo' after they roamed freely for 10 days following couple's death Jonathan Reynolds said: "It's disappointing the US has today imposed global tariffs on steel and aluminium. "We are focused on a pragmatic approach and are rapidly negotiating a wider economic agreement with the US to eliminate additional tariffs and to benefit UK businesses and our economy. "Meanwhile we remain resolute in our support for UK industry. This Government is working with affected companies today, and I back industry's application to the Trade Remedies Authority to investigate what further steps might be necessary to protect UK producers." The EU says the new tariffs are expected to affect around 26 billion euros - or £22 billion - of EU exports. British officials are calling for a 'cool-headed approach' in response to Mr Trump's latest move, with last-ditch efforts to persuade the president to spare British industry seemingly ending in failure - but the Business Secretary says he is willing to act 'in the national interest'. Mr Reynolds added: "I will continue to engage closely and productively with the US to press the case for UK business interests. We will keep all options on the table and won't hesitate to respond in the national interest." Gareth Stace, the director-general of trade association UK Steel, branded the Trump administration's move 'hugely disappointing'. He said: "President Trump must surely recognise that the UK is an ally, not a foe. Our steel sector is not a threat to the US but a partner to key customers, sharing the same values and objectives in addressing global overcapacity and tackling unfair trade. "These tariffs couldn't come at a worse time for the UK steel industry, as we battle with high energy costs and subdued demand at home, against an oversupplied and increasingly protectionist global landscape. What's more, the EU is also pushing ahead with trade restrictive action that will amplify the impact of US tariffs." Mr Stace added: "It is essential that the UK Government not only continues efforts to negotiate exemptions with the US but also takes decisive action to bolster our trade defences. We greatly appreciate all the efforts that have been made so far and will continue working closely with our Government to secure the best possible outcome." The aluminium industry body earlier warned the looming taxes were already having an effect while the Unite union urged the Government to immediately designate British-produced steel as critical national infrastructure. Nadine Bloxsome, chief executive of the Aluminium Federation, said: "The UK aluminium sector is already seeing the first impacts of these tariffs. "The sharp rise in US premiums has created new incentives for scrap exports, raising the risk of significant domestic scrap leakage. This not only weakens the UK's recycling capacity but risks undermining our sustainability objectives and circular economy targets. "Additionally, the uncertainty around potential trade diversion is placing considerable pressure on UK producers, especially as semi-finished goods may flood the UK market at lower costs." "Our Government must act decisively to protect the steel industry and its workers following the announcement of US tariffs," Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said. "This is a matter of national security. Steel should be immediately designated as critical national infrastructure to properly protect it." William Bain, head of trade policy for the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said the decision plunged both countries 'into a new age of uncertainty'. But he warned against a series of "tit-for-tat" tariffs that could "easily spiral into an all-out trade war". "We must keep talks alive and retaliatory tariffs should only be used as a means of last resort. If talks succeed, it would be a win-win, bringing welcome stability and pro-growth economic conditions for both sides." The issue was discussed in a call between Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump on Monday, and ministers and officials have been in frequent talks with their US counterparts since the measures were first proposed in February. The Government estimates around 5% of UK steel exports and 6% of aluminium exports by volume go to the US, although the aluminium industry body said the US market accounted for 10% of exports – valued at £225 million. Mr Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs on other countries and then relented, but he remains wedded to the overall idea of making the US richer through taxing imports.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Canadian Prime Minister's 14-word verdict on whether country will ever be part of the USA
New Canadian Prime Minister has delivered a 14-word verdict on whether his country will ever be part of the United States - after Donald Trump's repeated comments referring to the country as the 51st state. Mark Carney – who headed up Britain's Bank of England between 2013 and 2020 – will replace the 59-year-old Justin Trudeau after winning the Liberal Party leadership race. Mr Trudeau, who has served as prime minister since 2015, announced he was stepping down in January after facing calls to quit from his own MPs. Mr Carney, 59, is currently chairman of Canadian alternative investment firm Brookfield Asset Management. READ MORE: Putin's 'next target' after Ukraine identified by ex-NATO chief READ MORE: Man buys fully functioning house on Amazon for £30,000 – but there's a catch He will now have to decide when to call a general election in Canada – which must take place on or before October 20. In 2013, he became the first non-citizen to run the Bank of England since it was founded in 1694. He also led efforts to support the UK economy through Brexit and the initial responses to the pandemic, although his successor Andrew Bailey took over in March 2020 as Covid-19 took hold. Since his role at the Bank, he has held a number of posts in the finance sector and has worked as an adviser to Mr Trudeau. Being introduced by his daughter Cleo after his win, Mr Carney said: 'Who is ready to stand up for Canada with me? 'Yes Canada, the Liberal Party is united and strong and ready to fight to build an even better country.' Referencing Donald Trump's trade war and his talk of making Canada the 51st US state, Mr Carney said: 'We have made this the greatest country in the world and now our neighbours want to take us. No way.' He also said Americans 'want our resources, water, our land, our country'. He added: 'Think about it. If they succeeded, they would destroy our way of life … America is a melting pot. Canada is a mosaic. 'America is not Canada. Canada will never ever be part of America in any way, shape or form.'
