Greetings again to one and all and welcome back to another edition of Laura's Links.
It's mid-April and spring is in the air. The air is a little warmer, the days are longer and a sprinkling of buds are poking through the soil and unrolling on branches. And as we watch the gradual thaw, we still await news and developments on the war against Iran with baited breath.
As previously mentioned, I disagree with my most gracious host, the Great Prophet Mark Steyn, PBUH (Pocket squares Be Upon Him and no, that joke never gets old thankyouverymuch and you're welcome) about the war other than the point he made about Iran being able to "win" the war just by surviving. Last week, I questioned if it would survive and postulated that we might be seeing the very beginning of the end of the regime due to economic reasons.
So, this is kind of where I'm at right now with the Iran war, and here and here.
The situation for Iran right now reminds me a little of the countries and states in America that offer convicted pedophiles a choice between medical or surgical castration. All roads lead to castration, just pick your lane. In my view, the Islamic regime is being castrated militarily and economically by America and Israel. And it's not just America and Israel who are rooting for this castration, it's other Gulf states and even Saudi Arabia. Frankly, even Qatar seems to be falling in line somewhat. Lots of interesting things are happening in the region, like Lebanon and Israel speaking directly to one another with Americans brokering talks. That is a good thing. I can't wait to visit Lebanon and Iran.
As I said previously, there is rightly no interest or enthusiasm for American (or Israeli) boots on the ground in Iran. But it may be economic pressure that kickstarts the end of the Mullah era. On another note, I think it was absolutely excellent of President Trump to send J.D Vance to negotiate in Pakistan with the Iranians. What a move - giving the VP first-hand experience in negotiating with the fanatic Shia rug dealers. Chef's kiss, I'm telling you. Chef's kiss.
~
In other columns, I've mentioned the quote from Genesis 12:3 where G-d says that he will bless those who bless Israel/the Jewish people and curse those who curse Israel/the Jewish people. And then there is of course the story in Numbers 22-24 of Balak and Balaam's attempt to curse the Jewish people as well. Biblical literacy is very important for everyone, even if you are not a person of faith. You cannot understand the world and human nature without it, you cannot fully appreciate most of the best of Western literature without it either.
Anyway, I know it's hard for people who are not religious to understand the extent to which this is true or believe it, but there are plenty of examples of this throughout history and right now as well. You know, a lot of Palestinians used to work in Israel in construction, but after October 7, there was absolutely no further appetite or interest in Israel in Palestinian construction labour. As a result, Israelis (Jews and non-Jews) started to get back into the building trades and jobs were also offered to Indian and Chinese workers. And guess what? Israel is booming. Not booming from Palestinian suicide bombers and more October 7th wannabees, but construction booming. Cranes everywhere. New infrastructure projects everywhere. The shekel is stronger than ever and the Tel Aviv Stock market is doing great. And there's lots of babies everywhere. These are the facts, Jack. Make of them what you will.
Alright. I'm zonked.
I'll leave it at that and see you in the comments as I'm able.
~
North America:
"The fertility crisis isn't an economic problem. It's a cultural one."
Blubbery, boring leftist freak Thomas Friedman says that he doesn't want Iran to be democratic if the cost is that Trump and Bibi are going to get the credit for it. PERFECTLY NORMAL!
It is impossible to be too cynical. Agree!
It is so profoundly evil and wrong to torment nuns with this abusive, sickening, disgusting leftist Wokestapo lawfare. There is a G-d and He sees all of this.
"MAiD is a political movement, not medical." AMEN.
Alexander Dugin: The Paranoid Prophet of Loserdom.
Trees are raaaaaaacist in Toronto. Who knew?
This is a terrible, terrible story, rest her soul in peace. This makes me want to talk about something that people don't like to talk about: "blended families". Just like humans from a third world country don't suddenly become Westernized when they land on the magic soul of the West, so too is the case with "blended" families. Sometimes it works out. Fine. But we need to talk more about how this is not the natural order of things, and how it is not natural for men or women to be living in a house with children they are not biologically related to - and what that can mean. Kathy Shaidle used to talk about how "mom's boyfriend" was the leading cause of violence and violent death for young children and she was right. Just because two adults get married, it does not mean that their respective children are instant siblings. They are unrelated former strangers and it is often weird. It may work out mostly peacefully, to borrow a phrase from CNN, but it's not natural. I know many stories of men and women who have stepped in and raised children not their own, and lots of successful loving adoption stories but I still think it's not popular to talk about how this goes against the natural order of things and that there are very serious risks to children involved.
Government run stores! Now where have I heard this before? I'm sure it will all work out just fine.
~
Israel and Jews:
BEGONE, FROGS. (So good.)
~
Iran:
~
The Formerly Great Britain:
Remember a few minutes ago when British media were telling you that there were too many pet owners, and then that dogs made Muslims feel uncomfortable? I'm sure this is totally unrelated.
Saying the quiet part out loud.
Good. I hope she took them to the cleaners.
"The comments are off because a guy named 'Oliuwadamilola Ogunyankinnu' did it." This is what the media does all the time. Withholding key information from you in case you want to make an informed opinion for yourself. Recently, the Canadian media withheld the name of a "Brampton man" (a third worldified suburb of Toronto) who shot up a Jewish-owned restaurant. Why on earth do you think the Canadian media refused to tell you that his name was Mohammad? I can't imagine.
There are politicians and policy makers in Britain (and elsewhere) that truly need to be hung on lampposts.
RELATED: "I assure you, no child is off limits to these people."
~
Europe:
~
The Great Walkbackening, Reckoning and Accounting:
It was all so evil. I'm not "over it". Not in the least.
GOOD.
~
Iran:
Thoughts from Col. Richard Kemp.
~
Africa:
Christian children are being sold in Africa. Does anyone care?
~
Human Grace:
This is really nice. Internet cross pollination can often be a wonderful thing.
It's never too late to create.
"The first time I was flying to Beirut..."
It's open thread time! Log into SteynOnline and let Laura know what you think of these stories or other happenings from the week that was. Commenting privileges are among the many perks of membership in The Mark Steyn Club. While going off topic is permitted on Laura's Links, do stick to the other rules as you engage: no URLs, no profanity, and no ad hominem attacks.
