21 Comments
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don dunne's avatar

It's always difficult to stop a war machine once it gets started,, over 40 States in the United States are now profiting trillions of dollars from the war in Iran . When Federal government funding for Nam stopped in 73 the war continued until 75 and another 10,000 more names were added to that memorial wall in Washington .

The boots on the ground won't be the rich will they ?..the poor get to serve and die with honor . What did trump call them ?

Good luck America have a great day my friends

Frances's avatar

Prof.Ghamari-Tabrizi was a fantastic guest . The war of aggression on Iran is both unlawful and immoral. Our prostrate government tied to Israel , AIPAC, Defense stock trading is destroying our immediate safety by funding war , spreading hate, backlash will happen.

TCL's avatar

Thank you Ralph and a professor Ghamari-Tabrizi. I have been waiting for someone to talk about APOC/BP giving Mossadegh and Iran the shaft which led to the 1953 coup. I did read somewhere that initially Mossadegh asked for the same deal that APOC/BP gave the Saudis which was something like 45/55 Saudis/APOC, and when they refused that’s when he moved to nationalize their oil. He also offered to pay APOC for the cost of developing the oil fields. If so, it shows that even prior to the 1953 coup Iran was getting screwed by s UK/US. Perhaps in another show you can talk more about Mossadegh’s plans for the country.

Lastly, I think our illegal war of aggression against Iran also reveals that the US has endured yet another coup as it appear Netanyahu now controls the White House and 3/4 of Congress

The Shitty News's avatar

Ceasefire now! Give Peace a chance.

TomL's avatar
Mar 8Edited

Charles Freeman who you've had on this program had these observations on the Iran strategy today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gltqzfUnhFg

The practiced lies and Trump's primative channeling of despicable raw power have become more and more transparent. From every quality analysis I've read we're dealing with total incompetents, simplistic sloganeering stooges doing the dirty work of even more ugly and depraved people than they are if that were possible. Trump and his Israeli drivers have long ago abandoned ethical or moral principles. We're not dealing with actions in line with any rationale that propagandists could use to give them cover. The only explanation for the attack on Iran that makes any sense for this, as can be said of this man's policy actions is psychopathy.

If you try to defend Iran against the treacherous plan to pretend to be negotiating peace, as the phony real estate manipulators Witkoff and Kushner were doing, all the while they were scheming and had decided to launch a "surprise" attack, some online call you a "trraitor". There are a lot of AIPAC Quislings and Vichy Democrats who are trying to defend the lawless dictator we're suffering under.

This is a truly shocking and disgusting episode in American history. I remember what led up to the Iraq war launched under GHW Bush and the long political wrangling, debates, delays and near defeat before it was launched. Then the far more destructive Iraq war in 2003 under GW Bush. This time the show biz "personality" and real estate and casino mis-manager is doing Israel's bidding and crimes. There are many forces that are working against the latest episode of this dictatorial regime. I'm hoping that their problems continue to explode to limit the damage to the rest of the world.

Selina Sweet's avatar

Oh please. At a time when Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries parade their blah response to the dismantling of our democracy, and the Progressives need all the recognition and support they deserve - the author could have had the acuity to name the four democrats voting nay. These Constitutional crippled foursome must be denounced.

Joseph H Ladarski's avatar

Bombing schools doesn't even get a mention on conservative media.

Joseph H Ladarski's avatar

Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman-Sachs basically said: "Guys, we haven't had a major crash since 2008, and we're due for one". I remember when it happened in 2008 Ralph said: "I hate to say that I told you so, but I told you so". lol.

Joseph H Ladarski's avatar

Crude oil is used not just for energy. It's used for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oils, asphalt, lubricants, petrochemicals used in manufacturing plastics, synthetic rubber, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, and countless other materials essential for modern life. It's fuel to make stuff but also the fuel used for transporting food around. This is why you want to develop alternative ways to produce energy, which Trump is totally against. $5.00 dollar a gallon gasoline will be upon us in 3 months.

TCL's avatar

It’s also a good reason to wean ourselves from our toxic plastic addiction

Adriana's avatar

Great interview. I don't know where to start to express ho grateful I am for the quick history reminder, the context and the fact that this comes from someone who has seen and felt the regime up close validates even more the absurdity and the criminality of this war.

I want to do something but I don't know what else. I have called and email the useless people claiming to represent me. I don't see any protests near me, the apathy is enraging. I can't go to many protests anyway. I have donated to those who are "getting their hands dirty" but money is not unlimited. I guess I will do as I did a few times for Palestine: make a sign and sit by myself in the busy downtown area of my bourgeois city. At this point I have a collection of those signs

This empire needs to fall soon, or the whole world will.

Guy Keenan's avatar

Your protest sounds like a promising start. I did an "Impeach Trump" rally in Tucson in early June 2017 under a brand new Facebook page and got well over 100 folks after just 4 days. Maybe try something like that? If you build it they will come!

Joseph H Ladarski's avatar

Much of what you see in the media is "angertainment", as if that solves anything.

TomL's avatar

Ted Postol who you've had on the program, recent program on the missiles: https://youtu.be/Q2yQ3kBAQIk

Two retired CIA analysts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ldDdDJO4pw

Chris Hedges and Mr. Crooke: https://substack.com/@chrishedges/p-190169223

Kathlean J Keesler's avatar

Sending gratitude with love.

Elizabeth J.'s avatar

Thanks for this presentation. Quite a few years ago I took a class with Laura, at UCB & learned a wealth of information. And so happy to see you bringing us the true story & information we won’t read in the NYT & other mainstream print.

Joseph H Ladarski's avatar

Nothing says democracy like installing one. You cannot replace a regime by air. You have to send troops in.

Rogb's avatar

If you. think that democracy is the real goal of the US government, either party, I have a bridge to sell you.

JaKsaa's avatar

Excellent hour podcast - Thanks to the team for producing this with transcript.