Free Republic

The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow! President DONALD J. TRUMP

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....

Donald Trump accused Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of killing 'too many people' in Lebanon while speaking at the Group of Seven summit on Tuesday. While sitting for bilateral meetings with the Qatari delegation, including Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the President expressed his frustrations with Israel's actions in Lebanon. 'Israel is fighting Hezbollah too long, and too many people are being killed,' Trump said while taking questions from reporters. ’They should have been able to do the job faster.’ 'You don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. There are a lot...

Josh Block @JoshBlockDC: Copy of the document to be signed by the United States and Iran 1. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, together with their allies in the current war, declare upon the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding an immediate and permanent end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and undertake that from now on they will not launch any hostile action against each other, and will refrain from the threat or use of force against each other. The final agreement will confirm the provisions of this Article and the remaining Articles. 2....

President Donald Trump declared an end to his campaign against Iran’s leaders with an exhortation on Sunday: “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” With the Iranian regime still in place, he was celebrating a resumption of the way the world was on Feb. 27, the day before the United States and Israel attacked Iran. A return to a version of the status quo was a far cry from the original aims of a war effort that kicked off with a vow to come to the aid of the Iranian protesters who had taken to their...