I agree with you in many ways. But, unfortunately, I see this as only a temporary halt to the
🇺🇸🇮🇱 quest for dominance. And in Iran's case, the intention is to disintegrate it. Iran will have to keep developing/adapting a clever strategy to maintain its freedom.
Israel has already started bombing Lebanon again. And I'm sure the situation in Gaza is disasterous, even though our attention is diverted. Opposite to appearances, I don't think Trump wanted to halt, and I think he is coordinating with Netanyahu all the time.
I am appalled at how other countries, even powerful ones like China/Russia are willing to turn a blind eye and allow terrible precedents to be set, precedents that will affect all of us in the end!
I think it's temporary too, David, but I also know that the USA and the west in general are broke, running out of weapons and losing credibility in its support of the ongoing genocide, so I think in the long run the west as a power is going down. As well, the rest of the world is getting organized and gaining power. In the meantime, I'm sure we'll see dirty tricks galore from the USA, Israel and other western powers.
I certainly agree with you on your last point Diana. To me, the US government is not even really being run by Trump, he is a useful mercurial character on whom all kinds of crazy actions can be blamed. But the real power in the US I think, is with the Oligarchs, many of them supporters of Israel and the Greater Israel project. This is the greater danger. Incredible the US government supports 🇮🇱 over its own citizens.
I agree with you, David, that the oligarchs, the Deep State, or whatever you want to call it are the real threat, and they use all kinds of dirty tricks to get their way.
Mark Carney, Canada's Prime Minister, is in lock step with them. However, the NDP, a third party here in Canada, just elected Avi Lewis as its new leader and he's attracting all kinds of people with his clearly progressive policies, and that gives me hope. Here's his website: https://lewisisleader.ca/
My hope is that with the small amount of leverage people still have in the west, they elect the likes of Avi and then make sure they hold them to account and get them to do the right thing.
Sounds inspirational Diana! But the challenges are many in today’s era. Brave people like Avi are rare, it will be very difficult for him. I’m not even sure that normal democratic processes are allowed to function anymore, unfettered, as they did only a few years ago. I’ve become so cynical unfortunately, because I know those with power (largely meaning huge sums of $) are able to “tilt the playing field” to their advantage. And fool most people.
I don’t know about you, but I find most people whose heart is in the right place and who empathise about one cause, may by swayed against other worthy causes (like Climate Change, or the Ukraine-Russia War and lack of will for Peace, or the danger of Viruses, …). It is truly so difficult to dissect issues by applying critical thinking, when so so many don’t want to go anywhere near critical thinking 🤣. Yet, for me, there are a number of existential crises at the moment. But, of course, we must stay optimistic! Wishing Avi wins!!
He already won the leadership on the first ballot! I hope he gets to be Prime Minister one day in the not too distant future.
He has a few things going for him: he's been an activist for the causes he champions in his life before politics which gives him a lot of credibility; he's brilliant, charismatic and an excellent speaker; and he's the son of Stephen Lewis, and the grandson of David Lewis both very prominent NDP members and has been married to Naomi Klein for the past thirty years. She says he's the most caring person she's ever known.
I know what you mean about people who have their hearts in the right place, but are not well informed about other issues, and it's so frustrating.
I can't resist sharing Avi's acceptance speech with you, so you can see how inspiring this guy is. I hope he inspires others to run for office. The first bit is getting people onto the stage, etc. But he talks policy in earnest beginning at about the 7 minute mark.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QbvLoBn5Jc&t=148s
His father, Stephen Lewis, passed away the day after this speech, and he was able to hear Avi's speech before he died. Towards the end of Avi's talk, there's a very touching story he tells of his Dad and Grandpa.
I hope he gives you some hope too, David. We all need some hope these days, and hope that's based in actual reality.
First, the MoU has to be signed om Friday, and a helluva lot can happen in the meantime. Then an official agreement/treaty has to be drawn up, agreed upon and signed, upheld, implemented and enforced over a longer period of time (unlike the Minsk Accords). Not to forget that the US has to vacate West Asia, and Israel must be permanently reined in, constrained and neutralized, if not dismantled. All before anyone can uncork the champagne and sing "Hallelujah"!
I have quite a lot of confidence in the Iranians. They've played their cards very well, and I think they'll continue to do so. Do you ever listen to Professor Marandi, Diane? He offers an interesting glimpse into Iran.
Me too. That million dollar price on his head put there by Israel scares me. I always check to make sure he's still doing interviews and therefor still with us.
Diana, it's a relief and a victory even if it's not watertight, with Israel burying its head in the sand. By everyone's verdict except the Trump administration, Iran has won.
But the saga has taught us something else: under this president, surprises and U‑turns are the norm. That's a lesson not just for Iran, but for anyone watching. If you only see it from Iran's angle, you miss the bigger picture. The real takeaway is that nothing is settled and even then, it can shift again. We live in a completely different era.
Still, a win is a win. Just keep your eyes open because what looks like the end today might just be the beginning of the next chapter.
For sure, Shams. As reality has proved, as most of us expected it to. Despite the dirty tricks up the sleeves of Israel and the USA, this has been a win. And I expect to see more dirty tricks because of those countries' histories.
I'm glad to see that Iran come out with some great concessions. I'm glad there's a provision about halting hostilities in Lebanon, but I'm not reading anything about ending the genocide in Gaza. I was hoping that Iran would hold out for a provision along the lines of the US stops arming Israel at the very least and that humanitarian aid and groups be allowed into Gaza and the West Bank.
This is a small step and US and Israel are not to be trusted . We will wait and pray that peace happens, but I would not hold my breath or start celebrating yet.
There is still another theory to consider ….that this war is all part of a Globalist plot to break supply chains and economies. Bringing in such destitution and desperation that people willingly sign up for Digital ID’s and Currency , that bring the ultimate control.
We watch this space and are grateful for the work you do Diana and your big heart 💓
I agree with you in many ways. But, unfortunately, I see this as only a temporary halt to the
🇺🇸🇮🇱 quest for dominance. And in Iran's case, the intention is to disintegrate it. Iran will have to keep developing/adapting a clever strategy to maintain its freedom.
Israel has already started bombing Lebanon again. And I'm sure the situation in Gaza is disasterous, even though our attention is diverted. Opposite to appearances, I don't think Trump wanted to halt, and I think he is coordinating with Netanyahu all the time.
I am appalled at how other countries, even powerful ones like China/Russia are willing to turn a blind eye and allow terrible precedents to be set, precedents that will affect all of us in the end!
I think it's temporary too, David, but I also know that the USA and the west in general are broke, running out of weapons and losing credibility in its support of the ongoing genocide, so I think in the long run the west as a power is going down. As well, the rest of the world is getting organized and gaining power. In the meantime, I'm sure we'll see dirty tricks galore from the USA, Israel and other western powers.
I certainly agree with you on your last point Diana. To me, the US government is not even really being run by Trump, he is a useful mercurial character on whom all kinds of crazy actions can be blamed. But the real power in the US I think, is with the Oligarchs, many of them supporters of Israel and the Greater Israel project. This is the greater danger. Incredible the US government supports 🇮🇱 over its own citizens.
Canada seems a lot more normal, you’re lucky.
I agree with you, David, that the oligarchs, the Deep State, or whatever you want to call it are the real threat, and they use all kinds of dirty tricks to get their way.
Mark Carney, Canada's Prime Minister, is in lock step with them. However, the NDP, a third party here in Canada, just elected Avi Lewis as its new leader and he's attracting all kinds of people with his clearly progressive policies, and that gives me hope. Here's his website: https://lewisisleader.ca/
My hope is that with the small amount of leverage people still have in the west, they elect the likes of Avi and then make sure they hold them to account and get them to do the right thing.
Sounds inspirational Diana! But the challenges are many in today’s era. Brave people like Avi are rare, it will be very difficult for him. I’m not even sure that normal democratic processes are allowed to function anymore, unfettered, as they did only a few years ago. I’ve become so cynical unfortunately, because I know those with power (largely meaning huge sums of $) are able to “tilt the playing field” to their advantage. And fool most people.
I don’t know about you, but I find most people whose heart is in the right place and who empathise about one cause, may by swayed against other worthy causes (like Climate Change, or the Ukraine-Russia War and lack of will for Peace, or the danger of Viruses, …). It is truly so difficult to dissect issues by applying critical thinking, when so so many don’t want to go anywhere near critical thinking 🤣. Yet, for me, there are a number of existential crises at the moment. But, of course, we must stay optimistic! Wishing Avi wins!!
He already won the leadership on the first ballot! I hope he gets to be Prime Minister one day in the not too distant future.
He has a few things going for him: he's been an activist for the causes he champions in his life before politics which gives him a lot of credibility; he's brilliant, charismatic and an excellent speaker; and he's the son of Stephen Lewis, and the grandson of David Lewis both very prominent NDP members and has been married to Naomi Klein for the past thirty years. She says he's the most caring person she's ever known.
I know what you mean about people who have their hearts in the right place, but are not well informed about other issues, and it's so frustrating.
I can't resist sharing Avi's acceptance speech with you, so you can see how inspiring this guy is. I hope he inspires others to run for office. The first bit is getting people onto the stage, etc. But he talks policy in earnest beginning at about the 7 minute mark.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QbvLoBn5Jc&t=148s
His father, Stephen Lewis, passed away the day after this speech, and he was able to hear Avi's speech before he died. Towards the end of Avi's talk, there's a very touching story he tells of his Dad and Grandpa.
I hope he gives you some hope too, David. We all need some hope these days, and hope that's based in actual reality.
First, the MoU has to be signed om Friday, and a helluva lot can happen in the meantime. Then an official agreement/treaty has to be drawn up, agreed upon and signed, upheld, implemented and enforced over a longer period of time (unlike the Minsk Accords). Not to forget that the US has to vacate West Asia, and Israel must be permanently reined in, constrained and neutralized, if not dismantled. All before anyone can uncork the champagne and sing "Hallelujah"!
For sure, Diane. Not a 'done deal' by any stretch. I still think getting this far is a win, and Iran is playing its cards very carefully.
And let's hope they keep their cards close to their chests!
I have quite a lot of confidence in the Iranians. They've played their cards very well, and I think they'll continue to do so. Do you ever listen to Professor Marandi, Diane? He offers an interesting glimpse into Iran.
Yes, I do and regularly!
Me too. That million dollar price on his head put there by Israel scares me. I always check to make sure he's still doing interviews and therefor still with us.
I didn't know you wrote on here as well - how did I miss that?
I'm trying to think of where I might know you from Evelyne. I have a pretty crappy memory.
My guess would be Alex’s posts, in the comments. But I could be wrong.
Which Alex?
Verbeek
Yes, I follow his work. Sounds right to me Evelyne.
Diana, it's a relief and a victory even if it's not watertight, with Israel burying its head in the sand. By everyone's verdict except the Trump administration, Iran has won.
But the saga has taught us something else: under this president, surprises and U‑turns are the norm. That's a lesson not just for Iran, but for anyone watching. If you only see it from Iran's angle, you miss the bigger picture. The real takeaway is that nothing is settled and even then, it can shift again. We live in a completely different era.
Still, a win is a win. Just keep your eyes open because what looks like the end today might just be the beginning of the next chapter.
For sure, Shams. As reality has proved, as most of us expected it to. Despite the dirty tricks up the sleeves of Israel and the USA, this has been a win. And I expect to see more dirty tricks because of those countries' histories.
I'm praying for the axis of resistance, and the end! of USreal.
Do you mean for the end of USreal, doug?
Oops! Yes!
I'm glad to see that Iran come out with some great concessions. I'm glad there's a provision about halting hostilities in Lebanon, but I'm not reading anything about ending the genocide in Gaza. I was hoping that Iran would hold out for a provision along the lines of the US stops arming Israel at the very least and that humanitarian aid and groups be allowed into Gaza and the West Bank.
This is a small step and US and Israel are not to be trusted . We will wait and pray that peace happens, but I would not hold my breath or start celebrating yet.
There is still another theory to consider ….that this war is all part of a Globalist plot to break supply chains and economies. Bringing in such destitution and desperation that people willingly sign up for Digital ID’s and Currency , that bring the ultimate control.
We watch this space and are grateful for the work you do Diana and your big heart 💓