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New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
With Iran strike, Trump broke the spell of Iraq — and reset US foreign policy
President Donald Trump has finally moved the United States past the traumas of the Iraq War. With the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz, the United States made the world a safer place in the long run. But the attack and subsequent cease-fire between Israel and Iran also represents a reset of American foreign policy. Advertisement The president rejected both the naivety of neoconservatism and the shortsightedness of isolationism. For one thing, Trump, to the dismay of 'non-interventionists,' came to terms with the serious limitations of diplomacy with Islamists. Advertisement Iran was given decades to strike an agreement. It was more interested in a nuclear weapon. Even after Israel had severely degraded its military capabilities and nuclear facilities, seizing supremacy of the air, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wouldn't surrender his program. Stay up to date on the latest developments in the US airstrike on Iran The idea that diplomats were on the cusp of forging a deal with Iran is dubious. Advertisement Trump also realized that diplomacy is useless without enforced red lines. For decades, the Iranian leadership, hard-liners and 'moderates' alike, ignored its commitments without any repercussions. Simply because we were misled about the extent of Iraq's WMD program doesn't mean that no other country is pursuing them. Iran didn't make much of a secret about its intent, after all. Advertisement Also, let's not forget that the Islamic Republic has been assailing Americans for 45 years. Some of us are old enough to remember hostages being paraded by revolutionaries, the bloody Beirut bombing and servicemen being killed and maimed by Iranian IEDs. All of this should have been unacceptable. But every president since Bill Clinton has been made a fool of by the Iranians on the nuclear issue. Trump, though, accepted that Iran was not Iraq. Few argue that our experiment of imposing a democratic government on Islamic nations failed. Neither Afghanistan nor Iraq evolved into anything resembling a free nation. US drops $500M bombs on Iran Tam Nguyen / NYPost Design The US military dropped 14 'bunker buster' bombs on Iran's Fordow nuclear enrichment plant Saturday night and on two other key sites. Prior to the airstrikes, Israel initiated extensive attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure and military. Satellite images show how part of the mountain protecting the facility was completely obliterated. This marks the first time that the US used the 15-ton GBU-57 bunker buster bombs in anger. 'Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior,' Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said following the attack. Iran, though, was never going to be another social engineering project. The Trump administration's goal was to deny the regime nuclear weapons. There could not have been a clearer objective. Advertisement Our long-standing ally did the heavy lifting, severely degrading Iran's military capabilities. We, hopefully, finished the job without a single American casualty. Yet the failures of a foreign technocratic nation-building project have turned many Americans into cynics and panic-mongers. There was hysteria after Trump posted that though it wasn't 'politically correct' to use the term regime change, 'if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a regime change??? MIGA!!!' Advertisement Attempting to divine the president's heavily punctuated thinking is a precarious undertaking. Still, it's extraordinarily unlikely Trump ever meant the United States was mulling a way to install a new Iranian government by force. The president was likely attempting to frighten the mullahs into a cease-fire. An invasion of that nation would have taken a major buildup of troops and movement of military assets. There was never any sign that such a plan was in motion. Nor has anyone suggested such an undertaking. Nor is there any popular will to do it. Advertisement Yes, the Israelis also talked up 'regime change.' Stirring up paranoia and anxiety in an opponent is a psychological component of warfare. Israel, moreover, is fighting an enemy that's incessantly threatening its existence. It, quite rationally, wants to destroy its foe. It's also quite rational for the United States to desire a less fundamentalist and bellicose government in Iran. Advertisement Simply because Iraqis rejected our ideas doesn't mean those ideas aren't worthwhile — or that we shouldn't help those who organically embrace them. Our primary concern is American interests. But engaging in a foreign policy wholly stripped of any idealism also leads to ugly places. There have been five uprisings in Iran over the past decade. If the Iranian people have the means and ability to overthrow an autocratic regime and cobble together a less destabilizing government, however unlikely, we certainly shouldn't stand in their way. Perhaps most importantly, Trump understands that a superpower doesn't act terrified when threatened. Others should be terrified of us. The United States seems to have forgotten its own strength after the failures of the Iraq War, which convinced an entire generation that even limited conflicts would spiral us into World War III. This week's Iranian 'attack' on a US base in Qatar had all the earmarks of a face-saving, symbolic maneuver designed for a domestic audience. The truth is that we humiliated our enemy and denied them a chance at a nuke. We have no clue how all this ends. What we do know is this: The United States is no longer paralyzed by the past. David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
India denounces demolition of Hindu temple in Dhaka, says dismayed that such incidents continue to recur
New Delhi, June 26 (UNI) India today denounced the demolition of a Hindu temple in Dhaka following pressure from an Islamist mob, saying it is the responsibility of the Interim Government in Dhaka to provide security to the temple. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in his media briefing, said that India is dismayed that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh. 'We understand that extremists were clamouring for demolishing the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka. 'The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as illegal land use … and they allowed the destruction of the temple today. 'This has resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted. 'We are dismayed that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh. Let me underline that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and religious institutions.' According to reports, a Durga Mandir in Dhaka was demolished by the administration today, days after a large mob of Islamists threatened to bring it down. The Khilkhet Sarbajanin Durga Mandir was demolished based on an order issued by the Bangladesh Railway's Dhaka Division Deputy Commissioner and Divisional Estate Officer. The idols in the temple, puja materials and other items in the temple were destroyed in the operation. To another question on trade issues with Bangladesh, the spokesperson said: 'The trade-related amendments announced by India in respect of Bangladesh were based on Bangladesh's own quest for fairness, equal treatment, and reciprocity. We await resolution of the underlying issues pending with the Bangladeshi side for a long time. These issues have been raised by India at several structured meetings earlier, including at the Commerce Secretary level talks.' To a question whether the two countries are renegotiating the Ganga waters treaty, the spokesperson said that India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, which also includes the Ganga. 'To discuss all relevant issues that form part of this cooperation, the two countries have bilateral mechanism in place, which is the Joint Rivers Commission. We also have consultations of concerned state governments, representatives in our own internal consultations on such issues to frame our approach. We are prepared to engage with Bangladesh on all matters in an environment that is conducive for mutually beneficial dialogue.' UNI RN
New York Post
4 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
How about NOT relying on Qatar as an honest US-Iran broker?
Count us as deeply skeptical of having Qatar handle negotiations to further resolve Iran's nuke program — or any other burning Middle East issues. Doha certainly has its uses, as it strives to be everyone's friend — but that very much includes warm relations with America's rivals and outright enemies, which drastically limits those uses. It has, notably, been one of the prime funders of Hamas, whose headquarters is there — even as it was one of the first Gulf nations to (unofficially) embrace trade with Israel. Advertisement It's a designated US Major Non-NATO Ally and hosts major US bases, but also hosts and owns Al Jazeera — a media network with a clear anti-American bias and a history of links to rabid Islamists. It's an eager participant in and funder of AI initiatives — yet its easy relations with Beijing foster fears that it would aid China's relentless theft of Western intellectual property in this most cutting-edge research. Advertisement So, yes: Qatar was plainly helpful in setting up the Israel-Iran ceasefire — but relying on it to broker deeper and longer-lasting accords could easily skew those negotiations into favoring a hidden agenda. Doha is just plain slippery — the last quality anyone should want when looking for an honest broker. Another possible complication: The Trump Organization's deal with Qatar's sovereign wealth fund to develop the Trump International Golf Club in Doha — a further blurring of interests that can only add fuel fearful speculation over just whose interests are being served by any Qatar-facilitated diplomatic accords. Really, folks: If you want a neutral intermediary, what's wrong with Switzerland? It's served just fine in that role for a long, long time.
LeMonde
4 days ago
- Politics
- LeMonde
Algeria seeks 10-year sentence for writer Sansal on appeal
Algeria's prosecutor general sought at an appeal hearing on Tuesday, June 24, 10 years in prison for writer Boualem Sansal, doubling his current sentence. The dual French-Algerian writer, whose case has been at the heart of a diplomatic row between the two countries, was sentenced to five years imprisonment on March 27. Sansal, known for his criticism of Algerian authorities as well as of Islamists, was arrested in November and stood trial for undermining Algeria's territorial integrity, after saying in an interview with a far-right French media outlet that France unfairly ceded Moroccan territory to Algeria during the colonial era. The statement echoed a long-standing Moroccan claim, and was viewed by Algeria as an affront to its national sovereignty. On March 27, a court in Dar El Beida sentenced him to a five-year prison term and fined him 500,000 Algerian dinars ($3,730). French President Emmanuel Macron has urged his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune to show "mercy and humanity" towards Sansal, while Algiers insists the writer has been afforded due process. Sansal's conviction and sentence further frayed ties between Paris and Algiers, already strained by migration issues and Macron's recognition last year of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which is claimed by the Algeria-backed pro-independence Polisario Front.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Iran's exiled 'crown prince' calls for supreme leader's exit
Pahlavi said during a press conference in Paris on June 23 that he was ready to help lead Iran "down a road of peace and democratic transition" and he claimed, without providing specific evidence, that he had seen credible reports that Khamenei and other senior Iranian regime officials were preparing to flee with their families as the United States has joined Israel's bombing campaign on Iran's nuclear facilities. What is Iran's next move? World awaits response to U.S. bombing "The military is fractured," Pahlavi said. "The people are united. The foundations of this 46-year tyranny are shaking. This is our Berlin Wall moment. But like all moments of great change, it comes with great danger." Pahlavi added he had a "direct message" for Khamenei: "Step down, and if you do, you will receive a fair trial and due process of law." He said he was setting up a new "secure platform" for dissidents and internal opponents of the regime to coordinate their efforts to put the country on the path of a "free and democratic" future. Khamenei's office could not be reached for comment. It was not also clear whether Pahlavi had specific crimes he wanted to see Iran's supreme leader stand trial for or if it was a generalized comment about Iran's leadership. Still, while Pahlavi has plenty of admirers in the Iranian diaspora who support a return to the monarchy, it is uncertain how popular he is inside the country. Iran: 11 facts about the country following US strikes on three of its nuclear sites And almost everything he said in Paris he has said variations of for several decades. In fact, most Iranians are not old enough to remember life before the 1979 revolution. Those that do look back eitherwith nostalgia for the pre-revolutionary era, or recall deep inequality and oppression. Pahlavi senior was a U.S.-backed dictator who used secret police and torture on his opponents. He died of cancer in Egypt in 1980. According to his official biography, published in 1963, Khamenei himself was tortured by the shah's henchmen at age 24 when he served the first of many prison terms for political activities. Iran's opposition beyond 'crown prince' Apart from Pahlavi's monarchists, the other main opposition group outside Iran is the People's Mujahideen Organization, also known as the MEK. The MEK was founded in the 1970s, led a bloody guerrilla campaign against the shah, but lost a power struggle with Iran's Islamists after the shah was toppled. Mini-skirts and hijabs: After a rights crackdown, a new look at Iran, through its movies Many Iranians have not forgiven the MEK for siding with Iraq during Iran's war with that country from 1980-88. Human rights groups and even a U.S. government research document from 2012 have accused the MEK, which now has its headquarters in Albania, of abuses and displaying cult-like behavior. This behavior, which the MEK vigorously denies and its senior leadership told USA TODAY emanates from a vicious "disinformation campaign" by Iran's clerical rulers, ranges from torture and forced celibacy to holding members against their will. The MEK are the main force behind the so-called National Council of Resistance of Iran, which like Pahlavi has cultivated close ties with some Western politicians and operators including Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York and lawyer for Donald Trump. Many have reportedly been paid large sums to make speeches at MEK events. Giuliani made an appearance at one such MEK rally in Poland in 2019. At a Paris forum on June 20, the council's leader Maryam Rajavi reiterated her opposition to any return of the monarchy, saying "neither the shah nor the mullahs." Rudy Giuliani's side project: bashing Iran, in Poland Within Iran, opposition groups are also fragmented and have coalesced around specific issues. Iranian demonstrators in 2009 flooded the streets over what they saw as a stolen presidential election. In 2017, running street protests focused on falling living standards. In 2022, it was women's rights that were the trigger. Iran's mostly Sunni Muslim Kurdish and Baluch minorities have also chafed against rule from the Persian-speaking, Shi'ite government in Tehran. These groups regularly organize protests in western Iran, where they form a majority. Many women in Iran???????? grudgingly accept strict rules that dictate how they must live. Many also risk imprisonment and take off their head scarves in a cat-and-mouse game with the authorities. My report from Iran Full series: — Kim Hjelmgaard (@khjelmgaard) August 31, 2018 Since the start of Israel's air war on Iran, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has used a string of media appearances to endorse the idea of regime change in Iran. Trump, too, has speculated on the idea. "It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???" Trump said in a social media post June 23. (White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that Trump, in his post, was not saying the U.S. would help change Iran's regime militarily, but encouraging the Iranian people to change their regime by themselves.) Gen Z, Iran, misinformation: the mass panic happening on TikTok Still, some Iranian activists involved in previous bouts of protest inside Iran say they are unwilling to help unleash mass unrest, even against a system they hate, with their nation under attack by the U.S. and Israel. One of them even made her feelings clear from an Iranian prison. "Do not destroy my city," Narges Mohammadi, Iran's most prominent rights activist and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, said in a social media post on June 17 as Israel called on Tehran's residents to evacuate parts of Iran's capital. "End this war." Contributing: Bart Jensen, Reuters
