War with...Iran?

[Macam]

It’s never too late to do the right thing.

I don't think anyone disagrees, but I also think one should have a clear eyed vision of the opposition party and their positions.

We have two modern, extraordinary cases with Bush Jr and Trump, both of whom engaged in numerous disastrous, illegal wars and domestic events, and their successors basically campaigned against it and then washed their hands of any accountability to focus on their own agendas. Even now, with midterms, no one is calling for proper accountability, even rhetorically, beyond just bemoaning what they're doing is illegal and 'unAmerican'. I don't think anyone's holding their breath here on accountability and, while I think there absolutely freaking should be, I think it's probably more realistic to just assume there won't be.

 

[NewNinetyNine]

Its high time there were a few convictions for treason again. Im not advocating the death penalty but I would like some fucking consequences for USA and British politicians who put their loyalty to israel above that of their own country.

Monkey's Paw Curls
"Anti-war protestors prosecuted for treason."
See: UK and Palestinean Action.

 

[Megalodon]

I think this is giving us a pretty good idea of what's probably going to happen:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026...ng-system-for-strait-of-hormuz-transit-report
https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-...arch-25-2026-be07c54139bcc70672bb33f0773ede6a

The US proposal is essentially that Iran abandon everything that's allowed it to protect its sovereignty against US aggression, without any durable security guarantees in return. That's obviously a non-starter.

Meanwhile Iran has no need to get any concessions from the US, only rely on it to lose tempo of its own accord when there aren't early easy wins. Other countries are willing to quietly cut side deals even though that tacitly concedes that Iran controls an international water way.

Presumably there'd be some expectation of normalization at some point in the future, but after vicious and unprovoked US/Israeli aggression Iran has a pretty solid justification to say a state of war exists. And given the low likelihood of any kind of formal peace agreement, Iran isn't likely to lose that justification any time soon.

It's one thing for US/Israeli operations to lose tempo, but it will be quite another to get US agreement that Iran can't be bombed at Israel's whim, to say nothing of some sort of agreement that Israel could be credibly expected to stick to. So that might end up being the status quo for a long time. Think, the Koreas still technically being at war three quarters of a century later.

 

[bjn]

Its high time there were a few convictions for treason again. Im not advocating the death penalty but I would like some fucking consequences for USA and British politicians who put their loyalty to israel above that of their own country.

And Russia! Don’t forget all the Putin lovers out there.

 

[concernUrsus]

I think this is giving us a pretty good idea of what's probably going to happen:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026...ng-system-for-strait-of-hormuz-transit-report
https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-...arch-25-2026-be07c54139bcc70672bb33f0773ede6a

The US proposal is essentially that Iran abandon everything that's allowed it to protect its sovereignty against US aggression, without any durable security guarantees in return. That's obviously a non-starter.

Meanwhile Iran has no need to get any concessions from the US, only rely on it to lose tempo of its own accord when there aren't early easy wins. Other countries are willing to quietly cut side deals even though that tacitly concedes that Iran controls an international water way.

Presumably there'd be some expectation of normalization at some point in the future, but after vicious and unprovoked US/Israeli aggression Iran has a pretty solid justification to say a state of war exists. And given the low likelihood of any kind of formal peace agreement, Iran isn't likely to lose that justification any time soon.

It's one thing for US/Israeli operations to lose tempo, but it will be quite another to get US agreement that Iran can't be bombed at Israel's whim, to say nothing of some sort of agreement that Israel could be credibly expected to stick to. So that might end up being the status quo for a long time. Think, the Koreas still technically being at war three quarters of a century later.

So far, the vetting system for Strait of Hormuz only have Asia's countries. I am curious if and when a Europe country get vetted. I think the diplomat impact would be more significant.

 

[tigas]

I seem to recall another country being demanded by their invader to "abandon everything that's allowed it to protect its sovereignty against [..] aggression". They told their invader to "go fuck yourself" and have been resisting for 1450 days.

[edit: correct quote of making love]

 

[karolus]

I don't think anyone disagrees, but I also think one should have a clear eyed vision of the opposition party and their positions.

We have two modern, extraordinary cases with Bush Jr and Trump, both of whom engaged in numerous disastrous, illegal wars and domestic events, and their successors basically campaigned against it and then washed their hands of any accountability to focus on their own agendas. Even now, with midterms, no one is calling for proper accountability, even rhetorically, beyond just bemoaning what they're doing is illegal and 'unAmerican'. I don't think anyone's holding their breath here on accountability and, while I think there absolutely freaking should be, I think it's probably more realistic to just assume there won't be.

About the only time US presidents get punished is in the voting booth—and that's primarily for economic self-interest. As you note, there have been numerous transgressions over the past few years—including insurrection. Congress has failed in their duties, as well as self-interest. They have essentially become a failed appendage of the federal apparatus, having greased the skids for Unitary Executive Theory, as practiced by George W Bush and Trump.

The Iran conflict is appearing to put not only the US, but the global economy to the acid test, and will be heuristic on whether Washington can hold their own to account. My suspicion is no, since there's too much self interest in not doing anything.

 

[VividVerism]

Its high time there were a few convictions for treason again. Im not advocating the death penalty but I would like some fucking consequences for USA and British politicians who put their loyalty to israel above that of their own country.

Absolutely not. Giving preferential treatment towards Israel on the world stage, allowing for being goaded or persuaded or blackmailed to further Israel's agenda, or even up to full plausibly antisemitic conspiracy-level "following explicit orders from Israel to decide US actions" (which I think we're well short of), all come nowhere close to even a simple dictionary definition of treason:

Treason is the crime of attacking a state authority to which one owes allegiance. This typically includes acts such as participating in a war against one's native country; attempting to overthrow its government; spying on its military, its diplomats, its officials, or its secret services for a hostile foreign power; or attempting to kill its head of state.

If we call whatever influence our government has allowed Israel to have "treason", then almost anything can be branded as treason.

Also: the problem isn't "loyalty" to Israel. That has some rather unsavory connotations and doesn't even really fit. Israel has oversized influence and an undeserved deference out of simple political self-interest due to the ability of AIPAC and allies to tank a political campaign if they really want to. There's also some residual degree of "these are our only democratic allies in the region and we need to stand by our allies" going on. But I've seen no evidence of split-loyalty, "need to listen to my true masters" type behavior. And as I mentioned, the connotations there get dark really quick by heavily implying all the old (((globalist))) new-world-order protocols of the elders of zion or whatever antisemitic tropes.

 

[concernUrsus]

About the only time US presidents get punished is in the voting booth—and that's primarily for economic self-interest. As you note, there have been numerous transgressions over the past few years—including insurrection. Congress has failed in their duties, as well as self-interest. They have essentially become a failed appendage of the federal apparatus, having greased the skids for Unitary Executive Theory, as practiced by George W Bush and Trump.

The Iran conflict is appearing to put not only the US, but the global economy to the acid test, and will be heuristic on whether Washington can hold their own to account. My suspicion is no, since there's too much self interest in not doing anything.

For all the talk about be a country by rule, people can get away with a lot when you are top 1% (or is it 0.1%?) in USA. The South Korea's ex-president is actually convicted and jailed now. I cannot imagine that happens in USA. USA may be closer to Saudi Arabia than Canada/German/etc. on how we treat the "elites".

Regardless the outcome, the war is likely made USA weaker. It has already overextended its military. It certainly have overextended its financial. I believe interest payment is the largest liability other than Social Security and Medicare now.

 

[Sajuuk]

About the only time US presidents get punished is in the voting booth—and that's primarily for economic self-interest. As you note, there have been numerous transgressions over the past few years—including insurrection. Congress has failed in their duties, as well as self-interest. They have essentially become a failed appendage of the federal apparatus, having greased the skids for Unitary Executive Theory, as practiced by George W Bush and Trump.

The Iran conflict is appearing to put not only the US, but the global economy to the acid test, and will be heuristic on whether Washington can hold their own to account. My suspicion is no, since there's too much self interest in not doing anything.

Congress has failed in their public duties because of their self-interest. Our Congress is, quite literally, comprised of millionaires laundering government for billionaires. Who in the senate gives a shit what the emperor does? They're all, for the most part, completely insulated from consequences and as comfortable as any human can imagine.

 

[karolus]

Congress has failed in their public duties because of their self-interest. Our Congress is, quite literally, comprised of millionaires laundering government for billionaires. Who in the senate gives a shit what the emperor does? They're all, for the most part, completely insulated from consequences and as comfortable as any human can imagine.

I'd disagree there.

McConnell, et.al. decided to cast their lot with Trump, including nixing the impeachment charges, because they felt it furthered their interests to do so. Now, they are on the outside looking in, similar to the Supreme Court. They have surrendered lucrative and (formerly) powerful positions in order to further what they believed were their ends by giving it all to the Executive. They now have little recourse if he decides to throw the hammer down. That's all been given away.

The shakeup over the Iran war will put these decisions to the test.

 

[Sajuuk]

Absolutely not. Giving preferential treatment towards Israel on the world stage, allowing for being goaded or persuaded or blackmailed to further Israel's agenda, or even up to full plausibly antisemitic conspiracy-level "following explicit orders from Israel to decide US actions" (which I think we're well short of), all come nowhere close to even a simple dictionary definition of treason:



If we call whatever influence our government has allowed Israel to have "treason", then almost anything can be branded as treason.

Also: the problem isn't "loyalty" to Israel. That has some rather unsavory connotations and doesn't even really fit. Israel has oversized influence and an undeserved deference out of simple political self-interest due to the ability of AIPAC and allies to tank a political campaign if they really want to. There's also some residual degree of "these are our only democratic allies in the region and we need to stand by our allies" going on. But I've seen no evidence of split-loyalty, "need to listen to my true masters" type behavior. And as I mentioned, the connotations there get dark really quick by heavily implying all the old (((globalist))) new-world-order protocols of the elders of zion or whatever antisemitic tropes.

But I've seen no evidence of split-loyalty, "need to listen to my true masters" type behavior.

‘No, That Is Not Your Job,’ Say Critics After Schumer Claims ‘Job’ Is to ‘Fight for Aid to Israel’​

Lindsey Graham Declares, ‘I Will Be With Israel Until Our Dying Day’​

I don't see any of our other allies talked about in such a manner, but I think that is because of Israeli influence, not Jewish influence.

 

[Sajuuk]

I'd disagree there.

McConnell, et.al. decided to cast their lot with Trump, including nixing the impeachment charges, because they felt it furthered their interests to do so. Now, they are on the outside looking in, similar to the Supreme Court. They have surrendered lucrative and (formerly) powerful positions in order to further what they believed were their ends by giving it all to the Executive. They now have little recourse if he decides to throw the hammer down. That's all been given away.

The shakeup over the Iran war will put these decisions to the test.

Right, they cast their lot in with Trump because he, and MAGA, were and are a vehicle for the instantiation of a Republican Unitary Executive. Abdicating Congressional responsibility for comfort is the goal, not a giveaway.

 

[Megalodon]

I don't see any of our other allies talked about in such a manner, but I think that is because of Israeli influence, not Jewish influence.

The reality is that there's a bunch of interests aligned behind Israel. The MIC wants to sell weapons and wants to provoke conflict. Evangelicals want to do their eschatology. White supremacists want oppression porn. All drafting off the (quite justified) horror at the Holocaust. No one set of interests alone could have made support for Israel so durable.

 

[Made in Hurry]

At its current price, crude oil only accounts for a little over $2 of that diesel price, if we're talking about US dollars.

Taxes in Norway is just about half of that though, which is why it goes up so far. We have the road taxes, Co2 taxes and such and then VAT which is 25 percent on top of that - yes, VAT on taxes, that is quite common here.
There are "emergency" meetings going on today where they are planning temporary reductions. The current government are not willing to do anything, but they do not hold the majority so it looks like reductions are coming.
The problem in Norway are refineries, we have only one (Mongstad), and its on the west coast, so its cheaper to import to where people live than to transport it ourselves across the mountains, so we export most of what we refine on the west coast, and import refined products to the Oslo region.
We had two, but they closed the refinery south of Oslo in 2021 for some reason, so we basically export almost everything of what we drill out of the north sea.

I do not drive much and my petrol car gets about 44mpg (0,54 pr 100 km) and i fill it up in Sweden as i live 30 minutes away and go shopping every week there anyways, the country without any oil where prices are less than $8 currently. (Sweden removed all taxes to the EU minimum recently).
Not getting an EV yet as i am likely moving out of Norway this year.

 

[concernUrsus]

The reality is that there's a bunch of interests aligned behind Israel. The MIC wants to sell weapons and wants to provoke conflict. Evangelicals want to do their eschatology. White supremacists want oppression porn. All drafting off the (quite justified) horror at the Holocaust. No one set of interests alone could have made support for Israel so durable.

I would take a step back and say Israel is not always the villain that Soap Box likes to think it is. It is a messy situation. The leadership on all side decided to double down on the hate instead of form a reality coexisting plan.

Israel's respond can be justified emotionally, but it is morally wrong as well as unlike achieve lasting peace.

 

[karolus]

Right, they cast their lot in with Trump because he, and MAGA, were and are a vehicle for the instantiation of a Republican Unitary Executive. Abdicating Congressional responsibility for comfort is the goal, not a giveaway.

The tradeoff is that in doing so, these people have no recourse if Trump acts against him. They've essentially given up their job protections by ceding their formerly held power.

 

[Sajuuk]

The tradeoff is that in doing so, these people have no recourse if Trump acts against him. They've essentially given up their job protections by ceding their formerly held power.

Oh, I agree, I just think that's the trade they wanted to make.

 

[wco81]

Taxes in Norway is just about half of that though, which is why it goes up so far. We have the road taxes, Co2 taxes and such and then VAT which is 25 percent on top of that - yes, VAT on taxes, that is quite common here.
There are "emergency" meetings going on today where they are planning temporary reductions. The current government are not willing to do anything, but they do not hold the majority so it looks like reductions are coming.
The problem in Norway are refineries, we have only one (Mongstad), and its on the west coast, so its cheaper to import to where people live than to transport it ourselves across the mountains, so we export most of what we refine on the west coast, and import refined products to the Oslo region.
We had two, but they closed the refinery south of Oslo in 2021 for some reason, so we basically export almost everything of what we drill out of the north sea.

I do not drive much and my petrol car gets about 44mpg (0,54 pr 100 km) and i fill it up in Sweden as i live 30 minutes away and go shopping every week there anyways, the country without any oil where prices are less than $8 currently. (Sweden removed all taxes to the EU minimum recently).
Not getting an EV yet as i am likely moving out of Norway this year.

I thought majority of new car sales in Norway has been EVs for a couple of years now.

 

[metlman13]

Fortunately or unfortunately depending on your perspective, the modern world does not have the stomach for that kind of punishment. Not for war crimes, where the accused person did not directly cause loss of life by their own hands. The death penalty has supporters here in the US because of the visceral nature of the crimes committed by folks who end up on death row. Its easy to say that x person murdered people so that person should also have their life taken. Its not so easy when the person to be hanged was giving orders to another person to do the actual killing. Treason still carries the death penalty but no one has executed for treason in over 150 years, despite people having been convicted since then.

We have an administration thats all about bringing the 'old ways' back to reverse anything 'woke' about the last century.

Therefore I absolutely expect either gallows, electric chairs or guillotines to be built on the national mall, and thereafter round-the-clock executions of everyone the administration considers to be their domestic enemies, from 'antifa' to illegal immigrants to democratic poll workers and finally just the democrats themselves. All covered in 4K resolution by Fox News, OAN and Newsmax and narrated by anchors speaking with happy tears in their eyes about how "the real america" is back.

And you know what will be done about it? Not a thing.

 

[Megalodon]

I would take a step back and say Israel is not always the villain that Soap Box likes to think it is.

No that's wrong, Israel is exactly the villain the Soap Box thinks it is, but if you want your apologetics spattered on the windshield of completely obvious rebuttals I suggest you take that up in the dedicated Israel thread.

It is a messy situation.

And if we do a root cause analysis for why it's messy we will quickly find a major contributor for every messy component to be "Israel bombed them recently or is still bombing them". That is certainly true of Iran.

The leadership on all side decided to double down on the hate instead of form a reality coexisting plan.

Not seeing this argument, sorry. Whatever else you can say about Iran and their government, they've actually been remarkably careful about their escalation. At least since the first few days of the current war, which to be fair to them, was the result of an unprovoked decapitation strike against their leadership, and the only reason they responded like that was because they knew they were facing untrustworthy and viciously murderous opponents who would absolutely stoop so low as to launch an unprovoked decapitation strike. Hard to deny the US and Israel are capable of that when the US and Israel factually did do that. They adopted a defense posture that would be resilient to an attack like that, and it worked. That being the case, it's hard to blame them for a plan that only went into effect due to unprovoked aggression designed to topple the entire country.

So you're not really telling the truth when you say "on all side". You're lying and making excuses on behalf of the US and Israel. The only real contribution Iran has made to this conflict is have the temerity to not capitulate instantly. Since the first few days of decentralized groups acting autonomously, their responses have been proportional response. You attack their petroleum facility, they attack US allies petroleum facilities. You attack their nuclear site, they attack Israel's nuclear site, and so on. Literally everything that is happening is an Iranian response to US/Israeli aggression.

Have you seen the US 15-point proposal? It basically demands that Iran must render itself defenseless in exchange for no durable guarantees Iran won't face further aggression. It's not "doubling down on the hate" to reject this proposal because the US and Israel have broken their commitments multiple times, Iran are right to conclude the US and Israel cannot be trusted, and they are right to assume their weapons programs are essential to protect their sovereignty against unprovoked aggression.

I think the only way Iran could be persuaded to deescalate and disarm would be security guarantees provided by another country, of which China is probably the only one that could do it credibly. But China has no desire to be drawn into this situation, so I think that's unlikely. So, we're all stuck with Iranian weapons programs, including their nuclear weapons program, specifically because the US and Israel have shown again and again that they are untrustworthy aggressors who will not abide by their own commitments.

Disagree? Let's ask some of the US's character references. How about Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark? No?

So you can forget this "both sides" nonsense. Iran is a totalitarian terrorist pariah state and they aren't even in the running for being top villain here. They're maybe tied for third with Saudi Arabia.

 

[SedsAtArs]

I thought majority of new car sales in Norway has been EVs for a couple of years now.

This is true, but they still only account for 32% of cars here.

 

[Megalodon]

This is true, but they still only account for 32% of cars here.

Expect that to increase. Petroleum independence is now a national security issue. It always was of course, but it's harder to deny now.

 

[SedsAtArs]

Well, given that the market share has been in the 90 percent range for a couple of years I would expect it to go up. I'm not sure the Iran war will change that much when it comes to EVs for Norway.

 

[Anacher]

Well, given that the market share has been in the 90 percent range for a couple of years I would expect it to go up. I'm not sure the Iran war will change that much when it comes to EVs for Norway.

Random fun fact:
(quoting from the linked article)
In January 2026, only 98 diesel cars were sold across all of Norway, alongside 29 hybrids and 7 petrol-only cars.

https://electrek.co/2026/02/03/even...s-norway-only-sold-98-diesel-cars-in-january/

 

[Coriolanus]

Yeah, Iran called for a fatwah against Trump... also against Salman Rushdie, who's still alive and kicking (you'd think Ars posters would be sympathetic to an author who has survived state-sponsored assassination attempts for the crime of writing fiction, but who knows these days).

If you look closely, you can see a red herring in the wild.

 

[Peldor]

Have you seen the US 15-point proposal? It basically demands that Iran must render itself defenseless in exchange for no durable guarantees Iran won't face further aggression.

I'm trying and failing to imagine a "durable guarantee" the U.S. and Israel could possibly offer that would pass the laugh test.

 

[Megalodon]

I'm trying and failing to imagine a "durable guarantee" the U.S. and Israel could possibly offer that would pass the laugh test.

Sorry could you repeat that? I got distracted trying to count the number of ceasefires Israel is simultaneously violating right now.

 

[Lt_Storm]

I'm trying and failing to imagine a "durable guarantee" the U.S. and Israel could possibly offer that would pass the laugh test.

Sure, but, hypocrisy is the toll vice pays to virtue, so even such laughable offers at least suggest that their opposite considers them to be human. That we aren't even bothering suggests a degree of contempt that, honestly, makes negotiation impossible. Which, I suppose is transparent enough that most such offers don't pass the laugh test. Which means that it's fucked.

Incidentally, this logic here is why the whole "if we attack Iran, their dissidents will rebel and overthrow their government" strategy won't work*. After all, those dissidents see that contempt and, likely correctly, assume it's directed toward them as well.

* especially given that the aid came a couple weeks after Iran murdered so many of them, there might have been a moment when the iron was hot and strikes could have been useful, but we waited until it was stone cold before applying the hammer.

 

[Auguste_Fivaz]

Today politico.eu reports on "Trump’s ‘absurdly incoherent’ Iran pleas leave allies befuddled." They have talked with officials from the various EU countries who are involved (or not) in the discussions.

“One would wish for more predictability, more clarity and more strategic foresight — not only in this case,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told POLITICO on Tuesday, adding: “Let’s wait and see.”

The slow-moving talks reflect Trump’s conflicting messaging more than three weeks into his war against Iran — where he has threatened allies for failing to back his campaign, then said they weren’t needed, all while providing scant detail on how they could support the U.S.

“The big picture is: the U.S. has asked us to take care of and defend our own countries, take care of supporting Ukraine … and now [the] Middle East and global supply chains,” said one senior European government official, calling it “absurdly incoherent to put it mildly.”

The report concludes with this:

And until the U.S. ceases hostilities in the region and explains what it needs — and why — its European partners are unlikely to do much more.

 

[thunderous_funker]

Amazing. This administration can't clear the low bar of coherence. At this point, the leaders of the most lethal fighting force in the history of the world are virtually indistinguishable from median 4Chan contributors.

By Grabthar's Hammer, will the EU please announce direct refugee assistance/pathways for middle-class Americans who desperately need to get the fuck out of here?

 

[Made in Hurry]

I thought majority of new car sales in Norway has been EVs for a couple of years now.

They are, but fossil fuel cars are still popular, used ones. Prices have barely gone down on used ones in the past 4-5 years, especially after January 1st of this year where tax breaks were removed. Plenty of used EVs out there as well, but they are as popular as 3 year old laptops.

 

[sword_9mm]

By Grabthar's Hammer, will the EU please announce direct refugee assistance/pathways for middle-class Americans who desperately need to get the fuck out of here?

I'm waiting.

Or at least send forces here to nullify the fascists.

Maybe Nato will help when the civil war finally goes hot.

 

[Vlip]

By Grabthar's Hammer, will the EU please announce direct refugee assistance/pathways for middle-class Americans who desperately need to get the fuck out of here?

Sure, sure... I fear you will have to wait in line for your turn behind me checks notes the Ukrainian refugees, the Syrian refugees, the Lebanese refugees and the Iranian refugees though. We will slot you in before all the influencers running away from Dubai though.

Sorry, I know, it's a bit caty. But to say I'm a bit salty at the Americans blowing stuff in the Middle East and then let us deal with the resulting refugee waves while they "extrem vet" a handful symbolic refugees to "do their part" is... an extravagant understatement to say the least.
I'm doubly salty since after all this, we also get somehow victim blamed by the current american administration for this and get accused of "civilisational erasure" as the mammoth sized shitcherry on top of the proverbial cake.

 

[karolus]

Trump is a poster child for shirking responsibility. He's been able to make a successful career of it. Unfortunately, the people of Iran have to deal with this now, even though they had no hand in choosing him, or even starting this conflict.

When all is said and done, it will be telling if Americans own up to their responsibilities incurred by putting him in the White House twice to create such problems. The odds of that are extremely slim.

 

[Technarch]

The people of Iran are apparently crowdfunding a $25M price on Trump's head, presumably in their own bid for the Nobel Peace Prize.

No word as to eligibility restrictions, or how one would report such income on their taxes.

 

[thunderous_funker]

Sure, sure... I fear you will have to wait in line for your turn behind me checks notes the Ukrainian refugees, the Syrian refugees, the Lebanese refugees and the Iranian refugees though. We will slot you in before all the influencers running away from Dubai though.

Sorry, I know, it's a bit caty. But to say I'm a bit salty at the Americans blowing stuff in the Middle East and then let us deal with the resulting refugee waves while they "extrem vet" a handful symbolic refugees to symbolically "do their part" is... an extravagant understatement to say the least.
I'm doubly salty since after all this, we also get somehow victim blamed by the current american administration for this and get accused of "civilisational erasure" as the mammoth sized shitcherry on top of the proverbial cake.

Not much I can say to refute any of that. I don't take it personally, even if the net effect is...well...personal.

By the same corollary, please end any and all "golden" Visa programs for Americans. If those of us who work for a living have to stay put and endure their eschatological ratfuckery, they shouldn't be allowed to abscond.

 

[metlman13]

By Grabthar's Hammer, will the EU please announce direct refugee assistance/pathways for middle-class Americans who desperately need to get the fuck out of here?

If you or anyone reading this is serious about wanting to leave the country, you may want to research how to live as a Digital Nomad.

To be clear, this lifestyle is not for everybody, but moving and living abroad does not have to be as expensive and risky of a venture as it is sometimes made out to be.

 

[Macam]

Today politico.eu reports on "Trump’s ‘absurdly incoherent’ Iran pleas leave allies befuddled." They have talked with officials from the various EU countries who are involved (or not) in the discussions.

The report concludes with this:

Every day this circus goes on, I'm often reminded of -- haunted? -- this image from almost a decade ago.

And yet somehow, this country decided....yes, more of that, please.

Sure, sure... I fear you will have to wait in line for your turn behind me checks notes the Ukrainian refugees, the Syrian refugees, the Lebanese refugees and the Iranian refugees though. We will slot you in before all the influencers running away from Dubai though.

Sorry, I know, it's a bit caty. But to say I'm a bit salty at the Americans blowing stuff in the Middle East and then let us deal with the resulting refugee waves while they "extrem vet" a handful symbolic refugees to "do their part" is... an extravagant understatement to say the least.
I'm doubly salty since after all this, we also get somehow victim blamed by the current american administration for this and get accused of "civilisational erasure" as the mammoth sized shitcherry on top of the proverbial cake.

Hey now, Americans are never refugees or immigrants. We're "ex-pats"! Take us in and please speak English when interacting with us. You assimilate to us, yes?

But back to Iran. Looks like Iran may be setting up formal control here:



Link

I'm sure they can just frame it in Trumpian terms: "We've been getting ripped off for ages by other countries, other countries are going to pay for the privilege to access our waters, etc etc"

 

[fractl]

If you or anyone reading this is serious about wanting to leave the country, you may want to research how to live as a Digital Nomad.

To be clear, this lifestyle is not for everybody, but moving and living abroad does not have to be as expensive and risky of a venture as it is sometimes made out to be.

I hear there are some vacancies in Dubai...

Edit: Spelling.