The news of Iraqi TikTok star Om Fahad, whose real name is Ghufran Sawadi, being shot dead in Baghdad is truly tragic and disheartening. It is reported that she was attacked by a lone person on a motorbike, pretending to be a food delivery person. Another woman was also injured in this cowardly act of violence. Fahad gained fame on TikTok for sharing videos of herself dancing to pop music, which earned her a considerable following. However, her success and freedom of expression were met with backlash, leading to her imprisonment for sharing videos deemed to undermine “modesty and public morality.”… Continue reading
Five rockets fired from Iraq towards a U.S. military base in Syria. As I read this headline, my mind immediately wandered to a place of familiarity. Doesn’t this happen all the time? It feels like a never-ending cycle of violence, with each incident blending into the next, blurring the lines between what is normal and what is not. The Middle East, a region fraught with conflict and unrest, always seems to be at the center of attention when it comes to acts of aggression.
It’s no surprise that Iran, Iraq, and Syria, along with their various proxies, are involved in such provocative actions.… Continue reading
The recent news of a huge blast at a military base used by Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces has brought forth a myriad of opinions and speculations. The situation in Iraq seems to be a tangled web of militias, factions, and external influences, all vying for power and control. It makes one wonder how the Iraqi government manages to function with so many different groups operating within its borders.
The idea of disarming and eliminating these militias is a daunting task, as they pose a direct threat to the state’s monopoly on violence. The Popular Mobilization Forces, in particular, seem to have created quite a stir, with suspicions of their ties to Iran and their growing influence within the Iraqi military.… Continue reading
Explosions heard in Isfahan, the home of Iran’s largest nuclear facility, along with simultaneous strikes on targets in Syria and Iraq. The news of airstrikes targeting air bases in Syria, including radar and air defense sites, as well as reports of explosions in Iran, has sparked curiosity and concern. The idea that Israel may have eliminated Iran’s aerial defense layer, potentially paving the way for further actions, raises the stakes in an already volatile region.
Iran’s response, or lack thereof, to these reported explosions is telling. Claiming that the explosions were just air defense firing at an unknown object seems like a strategic move to downplay the severity of the situation.… Continue reading
The recent news of the US starting retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria has sparked a wide range of reactions and opinions. As I reflect on this latest development, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, there’s a sense of relief that the US is taking action to address the attacks against its forces and protect its allies. On the other hand, I’m deeply concerned about the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the potential consequences it may have.
The sheer number of strikes, with reports indicating at least 85 different targets hit, is staggering.… Continue reading
Why am I reading about our military’s plans on the internet before they happen? It’s frustrating to see news like “US approves plan to strike Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq, officials say” without any prior knowledge or official announcement. As a citizen, I feel left out of the decision-making process when it comes to our country’s military actions.
While I understand the need for secrecy and operational security, it raises questions about the transparency of our government and the trust we can place in their decision-making. Shouldn’t the American people have a say in matters of national security? Shouldn’t we be informed about potential military actions that could have far-reaching consequences?… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker