The dangerous stories driving war in Iran
From Trump to Putin, the narratives leaders tell themselves shape global conflict – and the war in Iran shows the consequences when belief overrides reality.
Recent articles in USA
21 March 2026
‘Cracks are beginning to show’: Trump voters want quick end to Iran War
A new poll shows strong backing among Trump voters for ending the Iran war, with rising concern over costs, casualties and escalation.
21 March 2026
The meltdown of the Trump presidency: his oath was a betrayal - part one
A Supreme Court ruling, an unauthorised war and open defiance of legal limits point to a presidency no longer constrained by institutions – but defined by them being ignored.
21 March 2026
Australia’s six pathways to the war with Iran: Part 1
Australia is already deeply involved in the US–Israel war on Iran, through intelligence, military deployments and long-standing strategic commitments.
20 March 2026
From hubris to holy war – the dangerous logic behind the Iran conflict
The language and beliefs driving the US–Israel war on Iran point to escalation, not restraint – with global consequences.
19 March 2026
A war without clear objectives is turning against Trump
With no clear objective and mounting economic and political costs, the case for ending the Iran war is becoming overwhelming.
18 March 2026
Iran war may accelerate a new Middle East security order
The war on Iran may have far-reaching consequences for Gulf security, regional alliances and the future of the US presence in the Middle East. Eugene Doyle talks with former US Ambassador Chas Freeman, to try and see the road ahead.
18 March 2026
Five steps to prevent the Iran war from becoming a global catastrophe
The war involving Israel, the United States and Iran risks escalating across the Middle East and beyond unless a coordinated diplomatic settlement is pursued.
17 March 2026
Sanctioned Rubio to take part in Trump’s China trip
The US secretary of state, previously sanctioned by Beijing, is expected to accompany Donald Trump on a visit to China as both sides prepare for high-level talks.
16 March 2026
Mearsheimer on Iran: no off-ramp, no clear victory, huge global risk
In this wide-ranging discussion with Chris Hedges, political scientist John J Mearsheimer argues the US and Israel have entered a war of attrition with Iran that risks global economic shock and a strategic defeat for Washington.
14 March 2026
Grandstanding government right off-side – Message from the Editor
I have never been cynical about politics. At my 1980s high school, I confused many by having then Prime Minister Bob Hawke plastered across my A4 binder instead of Bruce Springsteen or Boy George. After starting life in journalism, where there were plenty of cynics, I horrified my editor by leaving to work for the Federal ALP. He dubbed the move the worst decision I had ever made. But I was unmoved.
13 March 2026
Illegal tariffs, tax cuts for the wealthy, and an unauthorised war - Part 2
Cuts to healthcare and foreign aid, combined with an unauthorised war, reveal the human consequences of fiscal and political choices now measured in lives.
13 March 2026
Armageddon politics and the danger of religious war rhetoric
Reports that US commanders have framed the war on Iran as part of a divine plan highlight the dangerous intersection of religious prophecy and modern military power.
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