MEF Dispatch: On War: The Last Quiet Room

суббота, 7 марта 2026 г.

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View on web  |  Read what you missed On War: The Last Quiet Room By Winfield Myers ● Mar 07, 2026 Smart Brevity® count: 8.5 mins...2307 words In a poignant, personal reflection, Gregg Roman writes from Israel about the many hours he and his family have sought safety in a bomb shelter as Iranian missiles rain down on Tel Aviv. "There is no sound in the human catalog that does to the body what an Israeli air raid siren does. It is not a sound. It is a rearrangement of priorities. Every biological instruction your nervous system has ever received is instantly overwritten. You do not think. You move. You move toward your children." In three other pieces, Roman analyzes Tucker Carlson's role as the Islamic regime's chief English-language propagandist, the need for supplemental appropriations to sustain the war effort, and the $6 billion in Iranian funds now sitting in Qatari banks. Also included is the work of Mardo Soghom, Lazar Berman, Michael Rubin, Jose Lev Alvarez Gomez, Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, and Marilyn Stern. On War: The Last Quiet Room By: Gregg Roman At 1:05 AM on a Saturday, I return from the shelter where my children sleep on mattresses we dragged down a week ago. The sirens start and stop, confirming a new reality without language to describe it. Why it matters: Iran's retaliation has transformed life into a series of air raid sirens and shelter stays. A week ago, peace seemed possible with a potential nuclear agreement, but now the conflict rages on. I. The last quiet room The Israeli air raid siren isn't just a sound; it redefines priorities in an instant. It drives us to our children, while the booms of Iron Dome interceptors echo in the background. II. The observers and the observed Historical narratives guide our understanding amidst chaos, as Orwell and Didion once chronicled. Unlike past conflicts, today's events blend personal and professional realities. III. What is lost Casualties mount, with lives shattered on both sides. Innocent civilians and soldiers alike pay the price of geopolitical struggles. IV. A war against a regime This conflict targets the oppressive regime, not the Iranian people or their rich culture. The distinction is strategic, ensuring the fight is just. V. The booms above the shelter The sound of interceptors reassures us, but the cost of conflict remains high. Each boom signifies both protection and the ongoing struggle for peace. Conclusion: In this war's early days, the focus must remain on ending the conflict justly and securing a future where such tragedies are not repeated. To read the full article, click here. Tucker Carlson Has Become Tehran's Most Effective English-Language Propagandist By: Gregg Roman "Tucker has lost his way," President Trump declared, blasting Carlson for betraying MAGA values and aligning with Iran's agenda. Why it matters: Carlson's influence spreads Tehran's propaganda, threatening national security and echoing antisemitic tropes. His broadcasts parrot Iranian state narratives and legitimize Iran's lies, misleading millions and fueling anti-American sentiment. Erasing American sacrifices Carlson ignores Iran's attacks on Americans, disrespecting those who served and died. He omits key incidents, minimizing Iran's decades-long hostility against the U.S. Agency betrayal Carlson accuses Israel of manipulating the U.S., undermining America's sovereignty and leadership. His claims weaken America's global standing and embolden adversaries. Gulf delusion Carlson falsely claims Israel engineered Gulf tensions, disregarding Iranian aggression. Gulf states have united against Iran, debunking his narrative and exposing Tehran's true threat. Surrendering to chaos Carlson calls for U.S. withdrawal, risking unchecked Iranian influence and regional instability. His stance mimics previous disastrous exits, ignoring strategic realities and empowering adversaries. Conclusion: Carlson's rhetoric not only challenges U.S. policy but also emboldens adversaries, aligning with Iranian propaganda and antisemitic narratives, risking national security for sensationalism. To read the full article, click here. MEF Action Alert: Support Regime Change in Iran Urge Congress to Introduce an Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill to Support Regime Change in Iran In Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. and Israel struck key Iranian military targets, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and over 40 top officials, and decimating the regime's air defenses and missile launch sites. President Trump has urged Iranians to overthrow the Islamic Republic, but to realize regime change, Congress must pair military action with civic and humanitarian dimensions. By signing up, you'll send letters to your Congress members asking them to introduce and pass an emergency supplemental bill providing immediate assistance for Iranian revolutionaries and extended support for political transition in a post-regime Iran. This supplemental spending bill will set policies and allocate resources for humanitarian aid and information warfare, while providing funds to encourage defections and labor strikes. It includes a massive expansion of sanctions and terror designations, and sets aside funding for amnesty programs and civil society groups. With your help, we can build a stable and secure Iran—a peaceful participant in a global economy. Help us convince Congress to draft an Iran Freedom Supplemental Appropriations Act. CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION! America Needs an Iran Supplemental — And It Must Include More Than Missiles By: Gregg Roman Operation Epic Fury highlights the necessity of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, despite fiscal challenges. Why it matters: A nuclear-armed Iran poses a catastrophic threat, demanding immediate U.S. action to prevent global instability. Iran's nuclear ambitions could trigger regional proliferation and undermine international security, making the stakes too high to ignore. Fiscal imperatives The Pentagon faces a $50 billion supplemental request to sustain operations, reflecting the high cost of action versus inaction. Congress must balance military expenditures with strategic investments to address Iran's nuclear threat effectively. Beyond replenishment Investing in Iran's future governance is crucial to prevent reconstitution of hostile capabilities. A $2 to $3.5 billion investment in civil society represents a fraction of military costs but could yield strategic dividends. Conclusion: Congress should prioritize strategic funding to tackle Iran's nuclear threat, ensuring long-term security and stability despite fiscal constraints. To read the full article, click here. Iran's $6 Billion Sits in Qatar. Give It to the Americans Tehran Killed By: Gregg Roman Iran's $6 billion in Qatari banks should be seized to compensate American victims of terrorism. Why it matters: Iran's relentless aggression, including recent missile strikes, underscores the urgency to act. American courts have found Iran liable for terrorism, with over $53 billion in outstanding judgments. I. Levinson family first Congress must authorize the transfer of $1.45 billion to the Levinson family. Iranian officials kidnapped retired FBI agent Robert Levinson on Kish Island in 2007. Iran denied holding him. The U.S. government concluded in 2020 that he died in Iranian custody. The precedent exists: The U.S. has seized Iranian assets for terror victims before. Strategic allocation The remaining funds should compensate Gulf states and support the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. Iran's attacks on regional infrastructure justify this redistribution. Global precedent Seizing these assets sets a standard for holding Iran accountable globally. With an estimated $120 billion in frozen assets worldwide, this action is overdue. Conclusion: The U.S. must seize Iran's frozen assets to compensate victims and deter future aggression. It's time for Congress to act decisively. To read the full article, click here. Airstrikes Intensify Over Tehran as Iran's Missile Barrages Decline By: Mardo Soghom Heavy airstrikes hit Tehran and major Iranian cities, signaling a new phase in the U.S.-Israeli campaign. Civilian upheaval Tehran residents face increasing hardships as daily life becomes more challenging. Food and cash are heavily rationed, with supermarkets and banks operating sporadically. Strategic dismantling Strikes target Iran's underground command centers and military tunnels. Destroying these structures cripples regime forces, leaving them vulnerable and isolated. Diminished retaliation Iranian missile and drone attacks have nearly ceased, reducing threats to neighboring countries. The weakened Iranian capability reflects the effectiveness of Israeli and U.S. operations. Conclusion: As "Phase Two" of the campaign progresses, it focuses on disabling Iran's military capabilities while managing civilian challenges and geopolitical repercussions. To read the full article, click here. Iran Scrambles to Replace Bases as Strikes Target Missile Launchers By: Mardo Soghom Heavy strikes have forced Iran to reposition military units, reflecting a strategic scramble. Evacuation of municipal buildings Authorities clear key Tehran sites to house military personnel and equipment. Buildings like the Hamshahri newspaper office may now act as military hubs. Infrastructure resilience Despite strikes, Tehran's basic services remain operational, though internet access is cut. Residents report precise strikes, often targeting military sites, with some receiving phone warnings. Missile barrage decline U.S. and Israeli efforts to dismantle Iran's missile capabilities show visible impact. Daily missile launches have dropped significantly, indicating effective targeting of launch sites. Conclusion: As the conflict intensifies, Tehran's adaptations highlight both its vulnerabilities and the resilience of its infrastructure amidst ongoing military pressures. To read the full article, click here. They Won't Specify It in Their War Aims, but Both Israel and U.S. Want Iran Regime Change By: Lazar Berman The U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran stirs unease, especially regarding regime change ambitions. Why it matters: Americans are wary of repeating past costly interventions, while Israel seeks clarity in its objectives. The U.S. public is skeptical about prolonged engagements reminiscent of Iraq and Afghanistan. Regime change ambiguity Both nations hint at regime change but stop short of making it an explicit goal. An Israeli official emphasizes creating conditions for Iranians to decide their fate. Mixed messages U.S. leaders send contradictory signals about the extent of their objectives, complicating perceptions. Vice President Vance insists on a clear goal, while Trump suggests broader ambitions, leaving allies uncertain. Conclusion: The U.S. and Israel navigate complex objectives with unspoken desires for regime change. Read the full article at the Times of Israel. Kurdish Gamble: Why A U.S.-Backed Insurgency Could Be A 'Gift' To Iran By: Michael Rubin Iran's historical paranoia about fragmentation persists, influenced by past foreign interventions and internal uprisings. Why it matters: Kurdish aspirations for autonomy could reignite tensions, echoing historical betrayals and strategic calculations. Kurdish actions risk reinforcing Tehran's propaganda about foreign plots to dismember Iran, complicating U.S. and Israeli strategies. Historical betrayals Foreign powers often incite regional revolts in Iran, only to abandon them when larger geopolitical interests prevail. Kurdish leaders must tread carefully, recalling past betrayals like Rojava and aligning demands with realistic goals. Strategic caution Kurdish leaders should demand U.S. delisting of the PKK and advocate for federalism rather than independence. Trusting no one, they must seize current opportunities to negotiate favorable terms amid shifting alliances. Conclusion: As Iran navigates potential regime changes, the Kurds must balance historical lessons with strategic aspirations, ensuring their demands align with regional and global realities. To read the full article, click here. The West's International-Law Double Standard on America and Israel By: Jose Lev Alvarez Gomez The claim that U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran violate international law collapses under scrutiny. Why it matters: Article 51 of the U.N. Charter allows self-defense against imminent threats, justifying the strikes. Iran's extensive missile and proxy networks pose a direct threat, warranting pre-emptive actions. Iran's strategic threat Tehran holds a massive missile arsenal and is near nuclear capability, amplifying regional risks. Its proxies, like Hezbollah, further destabilize the Middle East with extensive state-backed terrorism. European reluctance Despite legal justification, some European governments question the strikes due to domestic political concerns. This hesitance overlooks the security benefits of dismantling Iran's military infrastructure, which protects Western interests. Conclusion: The U.S. and Israel's actions align with international law, addressing real threats while European skepticism reflects political, not legal, challenges. To read the full article, click here. Islamic State Editorial on the War Between the U.S./Israel and Iran By Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi The Islamic State's newsletter al-Naba' comments predictably on the U.S.-Iran conflict, rejecting both sides as disbelievers. Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi translated the document. Why it matters: Islamic State's views the U.S.-Israel and Iran conflict through a lens of mutual repulsion, celebrating divisions among perceived enemies. They emphasize the demise of Ayatollah Khamenei as a positive outcome against Shia influences. Strategic opportunity Islamic State urges Muslims to seize the chaos as a chance to invigorate jihad, exploiting the disarray for strategic gains. They highlight the Iranian attacks on Gulf states as a catalyst for potential normalization with Israel. Doctrinal stance The editorial underscores the need for Muslims to avoid siding with any disbelieving axis, advocating for a strict adherence to Islamic monotheism. Islamic State positions itself as the true defender of faith, rejecting alliances with either party. Conclusion: The editorial reflects Islamic State's consistent narrative of exploiting chaos to strengthen its jihadist agenda, while rejecting alliances with both the U.S.-Israel and Iran. To read the full translation, click here. Andrew Fox on The Iran War: Strategy, Strikes, and the Risk of Escalation By: Marilyn Stern Andrew Fox, senior fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, spoke to a recent Middle East Forum Podcast about the complexities of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. Why it matters: Israeli intelligence's successful targeting of Iran's leadership highlights vulnerabilities in Iran's command structure. The regime's hubris led to centralized meetings, making them easy targets for coordinated strikes. Military dynamics Iran's shift to solid fuel missiles posed new challenges, but Israeli tactics adapted effectively. Electronic warfare and precision strikes degraded Iranian missile capabilities, safeguarding regional stability. Geopolitical ripple effects Regime change could trigger regional power shifts, with countries like Turkey poised to expand influence. As the conflict unfolds, global energy markets and diplomatic alliances face potential realignment. To read the full summary and watch the podcast, click here. Further Reading: Iranian Kurds Should Beware of American Promises By: Hiwa Osman History shows that Kurdish movements suffer most when they enter power confrontations between states. Who Will Run Iran? By: Saeid Golkar and Jason Brodsky The longer this interim phase continues, the more it will shape the Iran that emerges after both the war and Khamenei. Algeria's Agony: Why the Fall of Ali Khamenei Is a Nightmare for Algiers By: Amine Ayoub While publicly claiming non-alignment, Algiers has leaned heavily on a shared 'resistance' vocabulary with Tehran. As events continue to unfold in Iran, Israel, and across the Middle East, the Middle East Forum will provide a steady stream of articles at https://www.meforum.org/. Thank you for reading the MEF Dispatch, and please share your thoughts on this issue in the comments. Sincerely, Winfield Myers Managing Editor, Middle East Forum Director, Campus Watch Was this edition useful? Your email will be recorded and shared with the sender MEF, an activist think tank, deals with the Middle East, Islamism, U.S. foreign policy, and related topics, urging bold measures to protect Americans and their allies. Pursuing its goals via intellectual and operational means, the Forum recurrently has policy ideas adopted by the U.S. government. Copyright © 2025 Middle East Forum, All rights reserved. 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