Bermuda was one of the few uninhabited islands that was colonized. It takes it's name from a Spanish captain Juan de Bermudez. Etymologically it has German roots, basically meaning "courage of the bear" as in "bear"+"mode". There are no bears in Bermuda.
It seems to me that the only way the US can open the Hormuz strait is to occupy Iran's coastal region - and that requires ground troops. That, or the US sues for peace & pays compensation to Iran.
"But what matters to us is principles. And I have said over and over that principles only mean something when it is inconvenient to stand by it."
- Mia Mottely, Prime Minister of Barbados speaking to parliament on the current threats of US imperialism to the region.
In a sense, the fact that Iran is even still fighting back & able to strike Israel a week into this horrific war of aggression by the US & Israel is impressive.
Almost every time I read that the US is condemning Iran for targeting hotels or residential areas, within hours it's revealed those areas were hosting US soldiers off base.
The White House has left viewers stunned after launching a war propaganda video featuring superheroes and Mel Gibson as William Wallace
The UK banning the likes Amazon would revitalise the high street.
Banning the likes of McDonalds would improve health.
Banning the likes of Netflix would revitalise the British media industry.
Etc
Across industries, banning the U.S. would be an eventual long term success for growth and wellbeing.
Sometimes people ask me why I criticize US imperialism so much. Well, I know some history and I follow the news.
It is something I'll be monitoring, but basically it seems like it's focused on using the war on drugs as a cover for regional hegemony through US military force. Imperialism.
Very strong statement from the First Lady of Iraq:
A world on fire. The Rubicon was crossed with the genocide in Gaza.
My latest opinion column looking at the challenges facing the region in the face of a rebooted aggressive American empire. Do we stand strong for our independence or do we surrender to imperialism?
www.royalgazette.com/opinion-writ...
Civil War in Iran will inevitably mean civil war in Iraq & Syria, & likely Turkey & Lebanon, plus insurgency in western Saudi & an uprising in Bahrain, plus likely terrorist incidents in the West, as well as problems in Pakistan, Afghanistan & India, all likely leading to a domino in China, etc.
We are having to relearn the lessons of past struggles for liberation. In real time we're seeing the consequences of vanguardism in leadership as opposed to bottom-up democracy and division as opposed to unity.
The rhetoric of the US empire today betrays a rapist mentality. It is the "your body, my choice" writ large on geopolitics "your country, my choice". Imperialism has always been intertwined with sexual violence.
I was musing last night whether this will kick off a new series of revolutions. Certainly a more unstable world.
Yeah, my communication with friends in the region is intermittent this week, a whole fog of war situation. Probably won't know the truth for ages.
Heya, I've not seen any citable news sources, was based on a conversation with a friend living there.
So, Baghdad is close to falling in a Shiite revolution; Saudi forces have invaded Bahrain to crush a Shiite revolution there; the Gulf States are almost put if interceptors & the US is not resupplying them; Iran continues to launch retaliatory strikes.
I am concerned that the US/Israel might nuke Terhan out of desperation & in the mistaken belief it'll send a message to the world to submit. I don't see this as a high probability yet - but one growing in probability daily.
I'm not saying we're on the verge of WW3. We might be. I am saying we're certainly in an unstable post international law world with a rogue superpower. Either way, I encourage all to prepare as if it is WW3. Dig your victory garden now. Get into shape. Read history & theory.
I reckon there would be the political will to do this, but is there sufficient funds? Or even capacity/imagination/ability in the relevant quangos/departments at this time, post covid?
In theory Bermuda can try to support them with a similar approach as we took during covid (loan/grants, debt restructuring, etc), but that just means an increased cost for public monies & is it sustainable?
In as much as a lot of small businesses rely on the tourist dollar, that's going to hit them, in addition to the increased cost of business in the first place (electricity, also imported products they sell).
On tourism - the war will leave US citizens with less disposable income due to inflation on top of tariffs. Add to that that the prices of BOTH air and cruise are set to raise drastically. All in all, expect a crappy tourism season for 2026.
You cannot bomb people into democracy. This is just blatant imperialism.
As always, the brunt of the impact will fall on the working class & women in particular.
Aside from the ethics of this illegal war, one needs to factor in the massive inflationary shock this will cause & it's impact on Bermuda. It will impact tourism. It will impact small businesses. IB will take a hit (& thus longer term CIT).
I conclude my Valentine's themed series with a conversation on consent.
www.royalgazette.com/opinion-writ...
I do think the Americans have miscalculated here. But I also think that if they're relatively successful they'll attack Cuba after.
