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Posted on 06/16/2026 1:01:28 PM PDT by Words Matter
This article, “The Powerhouse of Perception” by Ben-Dror Yemini, argues that military strength alone does not determine geopolitical outcomes; public opinion, narratives, and information influence are also forms of power. (ynet)
Main points
The author notes the huge military gap between the United States and Iran, but argues that weaker actors can still wield significant influence through determination, public support, asymmetric capabilities, and control over strategic chokepoints. He warns against assuming that a short military campaign could easily force Iran to capitulate. (ynet)
A central theme is that Israel and the U.S. are losing the battle for international public opinion. According to the author, controversial statements by Israeli politicians and the broader perception of the Gaza war have damaged Israel’s standing and strengthened anti-Israel sentiment globally. (ynet)
The article claims that Iran benefits from what the author calls a “coalition” of activists, academics, media figures, and social-media influencers from both the far left and far right who are united in hostility toward Israel. (ynet)
Focus on Tucker Carlson
A large portion of the article is devoted to criticism of Tucker Carlson.
The author portrays Carlson as one of the most influential anti-Israel voices in the United States because of his connections to prominent Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President J. D. Vance. (ynet)
Yemini accuses Carlson of:
Giving sympathetic platforms to Holocaust deniers and antisemites.
Promoting or amplifying conspiracy theories involving Israel.
Repackaging antisemitic ideas as criticism of Israel or concern for human rights.
Influencing public opinion against Israel while denying that he is antisemitic. (ynet)
The author also criticizes Israeli media figures who praised or promoted Carlson’s appearances on Israeli television. (ynet)
Conclusion
The article concludes that Iran’s tough negotiating position stems not only from military capabilities but also from favorable international narratives and public opinion. Yemini argues that a broad ideological coalition—ranging from parts of the far right to parts of the far left—has helped legitimize Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah in the public sphere. He sees this as a dangerous distortion of reality and compares current isolationist and anti-interventionist trends in the U.S. to the pre–World War II “America First” movement. (ynet)
In short, the article is less about military strategy than about the author’s belief that the struggle over public perception and information has become a decisive geopolitical battlefield, and that Iran currently enjoys an advantage in that arena. (ynet)
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Exclusive: Iran deal includes $300 billion fund, more than half of which already committed, source says
By Andrew Mills, Maha El Dahan and Parisa Hafezi
June 16, 2026
https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/iran-deal-includes-300-billion-fund-more-than-half-which-already-committed-2026-06-16/
This action does not seem like it was our idea and we are bailing out at the 1st opportunity. I would love to find out I am wrong.
This debate is not the point. You have to do the best of a situation. Not the worst.
I don’t know if this Iran deal is a capitulation or not.
But any article that smacks Tucker Carlson around is okay in my book.
Encouraging and promoting only US control, of US Foreign Policy, to the betterment of US Citizens is not Anti-Israel nor Antisemitic.
It’s American, MAGA, and Constitutional.
To rooting for Israel to kick the crap out of it’s enemies is NOT simply Pro-Israel. It’s also in favor of Self-determination.
These are all true at the same time.
Oh, please. Let’s not suddenly make Trump look out like some naive child.
Oh really, how pro America was he when he promoted (Feb/2024) Putin OVER our American?
Fckr Carlson stopped being able to claim he is not a bigot when he
promoted Holocaust denying Darril Cooper in Sep/2024
and Hitler fan Nick Fuentes Oct/2025.
When I first saw that we were being “helped” by the Pakistanis, I figured we would end up getting f’d.
Would you, though?
Not an accusation; just a gut check.
My principle point is that Trump isn’t flying solo; he’s surrounded by individuals many of whom have alternate agendas in play. The farther they are out in the skinny branches of the Administration, the more ability they have to run their playbook, not his.
I’ve come to take everything that “Trump says” with a dose of salt that would induce apoplexy at the American Heart Association, because — unless it’s on live video — the likelihood that Trump actually said even half of what they say he said is greatly to be questioned.
Ditto, companion phrases like “Trump is trying to...” and “Trump wants to...”; it would be more honest to just say “The Administration hopes to...” or “Administration Officials say...”
Only speech that supports the government narrative should be allowed.
All other speech should be verboten.
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