Tuesday, March 10, 2026
The Economics of a Dying Empire (w/ Richard Wolff) | The Chris Hedges Report
John Mearsheimer: US Already Lost Iran War - No Off-ramp in Sight
"Ill-considered" | JD Vance's Friend and Republican Clash over US "Goal" in Iran
“Heading to World War 3!” Israel & US 'Armageddon' in Iran | Feat. Jeffrey Sachs
Mar 10, 2026 | The new Ayatollah shares not only a name and a bloodline with his assassinated father - but also the hard line views that America and Israel are sworn enemies and weakness and chaos in the region makes its neighbours easier to control.
It’s therefore no surprise, under current circumstances, that Israel says it will kill the new Ayatollah - and the one after that.
But many people are still struggling to answer the two prerequisite questions: Why is the US at war? And why does it have to be now?
Professor Jeffrey Sachs, a senior advisor to the United Nations, was recently caught on film confronting ambassador Danny Danon about Israel’s ‘suicide’ mission - and they both join Piers Morgan to give their view on the escalating situation.
Piers also speaks to former IDF international spokesman Doron Spielman, former Israeli negotiator and president of the US/Middle East Peace Project, Daniel Levy, ‘Provoked’ author Scott Horton and Tehran University’s Dr Foad Izadi.
It’s therefore no surprise, under current circumstances, that Israel says it will kill the new Ayatollah - and the one after that.
But many people are still struggling to answer the two prerequisite questions: Why is the US at war? And why does it have to be now?
Professor Jeffrey Sachs, a senior advisor to the United Nations, was recently caught on film confronting ambassador Danny Danon about Israel’s ‘suicide’ mission - and they both join Piers Morgan to give their view on the escalating situation.
Piers also speaks to former IDF international spokesman Doron Spielman, former Israeli negotiator and president of the US/Middle East Peace Project, Daniel Levy, ‘Provoked’ author Scott Horton and Tehran University’s Dr Foad Izadi.
Steve Schmidt: This Catastrophe Will Bury MAGA at Last
I wonder why I always want to puke as a matter of urgency each and every time I hear Trump and his entourage speak this twaddle, this poppycock, spew these lies? — © Mark Alexander
El desprecio de España a Trump me ha vuelto patriota
THE NEW YORK TIMES — OPINIÓN: Siempre me han repelido las banderas. Nunca he cantado un himno nacional. Hablo catalán, una de las lenguas minoritarias de España. Y en el próximo Mundial animaré a los Países Bajos, no a España, porque me maravilla su historia de poéticas derrotas. Nadie me acusaría de patriota.
Sin embargo, la semana pasada, cuando escuché al presidente Donald Trump decir que España es un aliado terrible y que no tiene nada que Estados Unidos necesite, cuando vi que el líder del llamado mundo libre amenazaba con cortar todo comercio con España, sentí un extraño orgullo de ser español. Hay algo épico en sufrir la furia de un tirano, especialmente cuando esa furia brota de negarse a ser su vasallo.
El gobierno español ha desatado la indignación de Trump después de que nuestro presidente, Pedro Sánchez, anunciara que no permitiría a Estados Unidos utilizar las bases militares operadas conjuntamente en su guerra contra Irán. Esas bases han sido de uso estadounidense desde 1953, cuando España estaba aislada del mundo bajo la dictadura del general Francisco Franco. En esa época se selló un vergonzoso pacto entre nuestros países: España cedió a Estados Unidos el uso de las bases militares en su territorio a cambio de dinero y lo que en esencia fue el reconocimiento diplomático de un régimen sangriento y represor.
Hay que entender lo que eso significó para los españoles que vivieron bajo el régimen de Franco: Estados Unidos ayudó a liberar parte de Europa de las cadenas del fascismo en 1945, pero la liberación terminó en los Pirineos. Tan solo ocho años después del final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Europa, el país que defendía el sufragio universal, la libertad y los derechos abrazó al dictador español (al fin y al cabo, era anticomunista). El presidente Dwight Eisenhower encubrió así la dictadura franquista y España aceptó ser un peón estadounidense. Algunos no hemos olvidado ese fracaso moral de la Guerra Fría. » | Por Paco Cerdà | Cerdà es periodista y escritor. Su libro Presentes ha recibido el Premio Nacional de Narrativa. | 9 de marzo de 2026
Read in English.
Sin embargo, la semana pasada, cuando escuché al presidente Donald Trump decir que España es un aliado terrible y que no tiene nada que Estados Unidos necesite, cuando vi que el líder del llamado mundo libre amenazaba con cortar todo comercio con España, sentí un extraño orgullo de ser español. Hay algo épico en sufrir la furia de un tirano, especialmente cuando esa furia brota de negarse a ser su vasallo.
El gobierno español ha desatado la indignación de Trump después de que nuestro presidente, Pedro Sánchez, anunciara que no permitiría a Estados Unidos utilizar las bases militares operadas conjuntamente en su guerra contra Irán. Esas bases han sido de uso estadounidense desde 1953, cuando España estaba aislada del mundo bajo la dictadura del general Francisco Franco. En esa época se selló un vergonzoso pacto entre nuestros países: España cedió a Estados Unidos el uso de las bases militares en su territorio a cambio de dinero y lo que en esencia fue el reconocimiento diplomático de un régimen sangriento y represor.
Hay que entender lo que eso significó para los españoles que vivieron bajo el régimen de Franco: Estados Unidos ayudó a liberar parte de Europa de las cadenas del fascismo en 1945, pero la liberación terminó en los Pirineos. Tan solo ocho años después del final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Europa, el país que defendía el sufragio universal, la libertad y los derechos abrazó al dictador español (al fin y al cabo, era anticomunista). El presidente Dwight Eisenhower encubrió así la dictadura franquista y España aceptó ser un peón estadounidense. Algunos no hemos olvidado ese fracaso moral de la Guerra Fría. » | Por Paco Cerdà | Cerdà es periodista y escritor. Su libro Presentes ha recibido el Premio Nacional de Narrativa. | 9 de marzo de 2026
Read in English.
‘Nothing Will Remain of Tehran,’ Iranians Say Amid Heavy Bombing
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Some residents described the strikes overnight Monday into Tuesday as among the worst they had experienced since the war started.
When the U.S.-Israeli bombing began overnight in Tehran, some residents in the city of nearly 10 million described the strikes as among the worst they had experienced since the war began. And that was before the U.S. defense secretary vowed things would get even worse on Tuesday.
The bombings — which Iranians said hit civilian targets as well military ones — spread terror overnight Monday into Tuesday and made the air unbreathable, said a resident named Javad.
“It seems they are striking everywhere: homes, schools, mosques, hospitals,” said Javad, who like most people who spoke from inside Iran, asked that his full name be withheld for fear of retaliation. From 10 p.m. to past midnight, people in Tehran, the Iranian capital, could hear the sound of bombing “north, south, east and west,” he said.
“If they keep hitting Tehran like this for another 10 days,” he added, “nothing will remain of Tehran.” » | Leily Nikounazar and Erika Solomon | Tuesday, March 10, 2026
When the U.S.-Israeli bombing began overnight in Tehran, some residents in the city of nearly 10 million described the strikes as among the worst they had experienced since the war began. And that was before the U.S. defense secretary vowed things would get even worse on Tuesday.
The bombings — which Iranians said hit civilian targets as well military ones — spread terror overnight Monday into Tuesday and made the air unbreathable, said a resident named Javad.
“It seems they are striking everywhere: homes, schools, mosques, hospitals,” said Javad, who like most people who spoke from inside Iran, asked that his full name be withheld for fear of retaliation. From 10 p.m. to past midnight, people in Tehran, the Iranian capital, could hear the sound of bombing “north, south, east and west,” he said.
“If they keep hitting Tehran like this for another 10 days,” he added, “nothing will remain of Tehran.” » | Leily Nikounazar and Erika Solomon | Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Manoirs à Londres, hôtels de luxe, comptes en Suisse... L’opaque «empire» financier du nouveau guide suprême Mojtaba Khamenei à l’étranger
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Malgré l’ampleur des sanctions occidentales, le nouveau guide suprême d’Iran posséderait notamment une douzaine de propriétés dans la capitale britannique, d’une valeur totale estimée de 115 millions d’euros, via un montage complexe de sociétés écrans.
La presse israélienne est tombée des nues. Le nouveau guide suprême iranien Mojtaba Khamenei possède, selon les médias britanniques, deux luxueux appartements dans l’ouest de Londres, à deux pas de l’un des bâtiments les mieux protégés du Royaume-Uni : l’ambassade d’Israël. Et encore, ces propriétés d’une valeur de plus de 50 millions d’euros ne représentent qu’une infime partie du vaste et opaque empire financier contrôlé par le fils d’Ali Khamenei et mis au jour par une enquête fouillée de Bloomberg .
Le portefeuille comprend, outre une douzaine d’adresses londoniennes, une villa à Dubaï, des hôtels de luxe à Francfort et aux Baléares, ou encore des comptes bancaires en Suisse. La révélation est étonnante compte tenu de l’ampleur des sanctions occidentales contre l’Iran depuis des décennies, en réponse, entre autres, au développement de son programme nucléaire et à ses liens avec plusieurs groupes terroristes au Moyen-Orient. Mojtaba Khamenei est lui-même directement visé depuis 2019 par des sanctions du département du Trésor américain, qui estimait à l’époque qu’il représentait le guide suprême, son père, « à titre officiel ». » | Par Adrien Bez | mardi 10 mars 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Nb : Apparemment, techniquement parlant, Mojtaba Khamenei n'est pas un ayatollah, mais un grade inférieur — un hojatoleslam (orthographes diverses).
La presse israélienne est tombée des nues. Le nouveau guide suprême iranien Mojtaba Khamenei possède, selon les médias britanniques, deux luxueux appartements dans l’ouest de Londres, à deux pas de l’un des bâtiments les mieux protégés du Royaume-Uni : l’ambassade d’Israël. Et encore, ces propriétés d’une valeur de plus de 50 millions d’euros ne représentent qu’une infime partie du vaste et opaque empire financier contrôlé par le fils d’Ali Khamenei et mis au jour par une enquête fouillée de Bloomberg .
Le portefeuille comprend, outre une douzaine d’adresses londoniennes, une villa à Dubaï, des hôtels de luxe à Francfort et aux Baléares, ou encore des comptes bancaires en Suisse. La révélation est étonnante compte tenu de l’ampleur des sanctions occidentales contre l’Iran depuis des décennies, en réponse, entre autres, au développement de son programme nucléaire et à ses liens avec plusieurs groupes terroristes au Moyen-Orient. Mojtaba Khamenei est lui-même directement visé depuis 2019 par des sanctions du département du Trésor américain, qui estimait à l’époque qu’il représentait le guide suprême, son père, « à titre officiel ». » | Par Adrien Bez | mardi 10 mars 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Nb : Apparemment, techniquement parlant, Mojtaba Khamenei n'est pas un ayatollah, mais un grade inférieur — un hojatoleslam (orthographes diverses).
Trump Simply Isn’t ‘Making Any Sense’ | Sir Bill Browder
Democracy Now! Ret. Col. Lawrence Wilkerson: Netanyahu Could Turn to Nuclear Bombs If Iran War Escalates
Mar 10, 2026 | As President Trump gives conflicting statements about the length and objectives of the war he launched with Israel against Iran, fears are growing that the conflict could continue to expand throughout the region and beyond. Lawrence Wilkerson, retired U.S. Army colonel and former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell, says the U.S. and Israel are committing wanton "war crimes" in Iran. "We have bombed civilians relentlessly. We have bombed a school. We have bombed a hospital," says Wilkerson, who also suggests Western media outlets are downplaying the extent of the damage in Israel and how successful Iran has been in defending itself.
"This is a war with long legs. Trump has completely misinterpreted it," says Wilkerson. "The only one who's interpreted it correctly is Bibi Netanyahu, and I think he's ready to use a nuclear weapon, should it become as bad as it looks like it might right now, because Iran has not even began to shoot its most sophisticated missiles."
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
"This is a war with long legs. Trump has completely misinterpreted it," says Wilkerson. "The only one who's interpreted it correctly is Bibi Netanyahu, and I think he's ready to use a nuclear weapon, should it become as bad as it looks like it might right now, because Iran has not even began to shoot its most sophisticated missiles."
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
Ein langer Weg zur Versöhnung | Der Spanische Bürgerkrieg (1/2) | Doku HD | ARTE
Nov 4, 2025 | Im Juli 1936 misslang in Spanien ein Militärputsch. Der Staatsstreich artete in einen Bürgerkrieg aus. Mit dem Angriff auf Guernica bombardierte Deutschland vorsätzlich eine Zivilbevölkerung. Viele Geistliche schloss sich den Putschisten an. Franco wurde der Anführer der Nationalisten. Am 28. März 1939 ergab sich Madrid. Es war das Ende der Republik.
Der Spanische Bürgerkrieg begann im Juli 1936 mit einem gescheiterten Militärputsch. Einige Generäle hatten gehofft, die Republik zu stürzen. Der demokratische Staat, der seit 1931 existierte, stand für die Putschisten für Chaos und Unordnung. Als sich die Nachricht vom Staatsstreich verbreitete, ließ die Regierung die Bevölkerung zu den Waffen greifen. Republikanische Milizen wurden von Teilen der Armee unterstützt, die die Demokratie zunächst erfolgreich verteidigten. Eine Woche später schloss sich Francisco Franco, der spanische Generalstabschef in Afrika, den Generälen an und bat Hitler, den er persönlich kannte, um logistische Unterstützung.
Die Republikaner wurden von den westlichen Demokratien im Stich gelassen. Innerhalb weniger Wochen kontrollierten die Nationalisten mit Unterstützung aus Hitler-Deutschland und Italien die konservativen Regionen Spaniens. Lokalpolitiker, Staatsbeamte und linke Aktivisten zählten zu ihren ersten Opfern in den eroberten Städten und Dörfern.
Die meisten Geistlichen schlossen sich als Gegner der laizistischen Republik den Putschisten an. Im Herbst 1936 erreichten die ersten Kontingente der Internationalen Brigaden Spanien, um die Republik zu verteidigen. Im Baskenland warfen die deutschen Kampfflieger der Legion Condor Tonnen von Bomben ab, insbesondere über Guernica. Sie ermordeten ein Viertel aller Einwohner. Zum ersten Mal in der Geschichte wurde die Zivilbevölkerung vorsätzlich ins Visier genommen. Die Republikaner gerieten militärisch immer mehr ins Hintertreffen.
Dokumentation von Stéphane Benhamou und Barbara Necek (F 2024, 53 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 11/06/2026
Der Spanische Bürgerkrieg begann im Juli 1936 mit einem gescheiterten Militärputsch. Einige Generäle hatten gehofft, die Republik zu stürzen. Der demokratische Staat, der seit 1931 existierte, stand für die Putschisten für Chaos und Unordnung. Als sich die Nachricht vom Staatsstreich verbreitete, ließ die Regierung die Bevölkerung zu den Waffen greifen. Republikanische Milizen wurden von Teilen der Armee unterstützt, die die Demokratie zunächst erfolgreich verteidigten. Eine Woche später schloss sich Francisco Franco, der spanische Generalstabschef in Afrika, den Generälen an und bat Hitler, den er persönlich kannte, um logistische Unterstützung.
Die Republikaner wurden von den westlichen Demokratien im Stich gelassen. Innerhalb weniger Wochen kontrollierten die Nationalisten mit Unterstützung aus Hitler-Deutschland und Italien die konservativen Regionen Spaniens. Lokalpolitiker, Staatsbeamte und linke Aktivisten zählten zu ihren ersten Opfern in den eroberten Städten und Dörfern.
Die meisten Geistlichen schlossen sich als Gegner der laizistischen Republik den Putschisten an. Im Herbst 1936 erreichten die ersten Kontingente der Internationalen Brigaden Spanien, um die Republik zu verteidigen. Im Baskenland warfen die deutschen Kampfflieger der Legion Condor Tonnen von Bomben ab, insbesondere über Guernica. Sie ermordeten ein Viertel aller Einwohner. Zum ersten Mal in der Geschichte wurde die Zivilbevölkerung vorsätzlich ins Visier genommen. Die Republikaner gerieten militärisch immer mehr ins Hintertreffen.
Dokumentation von Stéphane Benhamou und Barbara Necek (F 2024, 53 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 11/06/2026
Geheimnisse der Weimarer Republik (3) 1929-1933 - Der Weg in den Abgrund [HD] | Doku
Mar 5, 2017 | "Die Weimarer Republik gilt als ein Aufbruch in die Moderne, der daran scheiterte, dass zu viele Gegner die Uhr wieder in die Vergangenheit zurückstellen wollten. Noch war das Bedürfnis in Deutschland nicht ausgebildet genug, das politische Schicksal selbst in die Hand zu nehmen. Was diese Phase zwischen 1918 und 1933 an turbulenten Entwicklungen bereithielt, das zeichnet in ZDFinfo die neue dreiteilige Doku-Reihe ""Geheimnisse der Weimarer Republik"" nach – von der ""schwierigen Geburt"", über den ""schönen Schein"" bis zum ""Weg in den Abgrund"".
Die Mehrheit der Deutschen war noch nicht reif für eine Demokratie. Viele waren verbohrt in ihren Weltanschauungen. Die autoritäre Kaiserzeit und der Erste Weltkrieg hatten die Männer zu kriegerischen, gewaltsamen Lösungen erzogen. Viele waren damals noch nicht fähig zum Ausgleich und Kompromiss, der in einer Demokratie üblich ist. Ein Freund-Feind-Denken beherrschte die Köpfe und mündete in Saal- und Straßenschlachten. Ein Gefühl des ständigen Bürgerkriegs und einer ständigen Bedrohung durch den Gegner bedrückte die Menschen. Eine gespaltene Republik.
Ein Scheitern in Raten
Die Sehnsucht nach einer obrigkeitlichen Autorität war größer als das Bedürfnis, das politische Schicksal selbst in die Hand zu nehmen. Weimar war ein Scheitern in Raten. Die Mehrheit der Deutschen empfand den Versailler Vertrag als ungerecht und als Schmach. Um es psychologisch zu sagen: Diese narzisstische Kränkung war für viele zu groß.
Eine höhere Akzeptanz wäre vielleicht durch ein wirtschaftliches Wohlergehen breiterer Bevölkerungsschichten zu erreichen gewesen, wie in Westdeutschland nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. Die Weimarer Republik hat nie ihre Identität gefunden. Es gab höchstens ""Vernunftrepublikaner"". Irgendwann hat sie dann auch ihre Koordinaten verloren."
Die Mehrheit der Deutschen war noch nicht reif für eine Demokratie. Viele waren verbohrt in ihren Weltanschauungen. Die autoritäre Kaiserzeit und der Erste Weltkrieg hatten die Männer zu kriegerischen, gewaltsamen Lösungen erzogen. Viele waren damals noch nicht fähig zum Ausgleich und Kompromiss, der in einer Demokratie üblich ist. Ein Freund-Feind-Denken beherrschte die Köpfe und mündete in Saal- und Straßenschlachten. Ein Gefühl des ständigen Bürgerkriegs und einer ständigen Bedrohung durch den Gegner bedrückte die Menschen. Eine gespaltene Republik.
Ein Scheitern in Raten
Die Sehnsucht nach einer obrigkeitlichen Autorität war größer als das Bedürfnis, das politische Schicksal selbst in die Hand zu nehmen. Weimar war ein Scheitern in Raten. Die Mehrheit der Deutschen empfand den Versailler Vertrag als ungerecht und als Schmach. Um es psychologisch zu sagen: Diese narzisstische Kränkung war für viele zu groß.
Eine höhere Akzeptanz wäre vielleicht durch ein wirtschaftliches Wohlergehen breiterer Bevölkerungsschichten zu erreichen gewesen, wie in Westdeutschland nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. Die Weimarer Republik hat nie ihre Identität gefunden. Es gab höchstens ""Vernunftrepublikaner"". Irgendwann hat sie dann auch ihre Koordinaten verloren."
Rutger Bregman: 10 Signs of Fascism. America Has All of Them.
The Five Stages of Fascism – Robert O. Paxton, Columbia University:
The Five Stafes of Fascism »
Rutger Bregman’s Other Essential Reading:
This is fascism: Fascism starts with talk, not tanks. With democratic elections, not a coup. And it takes hold thanks to people who think things won’t move quickly—until they do just that. »
Yes, It’s Fascism: Until recently, I thought it a term best avoided. But now, the resemblances are too many and too strong to deny. »
For more useful links to fight fascism, click here. Then click on 'more'.
Trump’s Halts All Legislation Unless SAVE Act Is Passed in Threat to Voting Rights for Millions.
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.
Monday, March 09, 2026
A Beirut Hotel Sheltering the Displaced Comes Under Fire
Persian Moonlight | Persian Mystical Music for Relaxation | World Music
Jan 16, 2026 | This video has mid-roll ads turned off🎶Please enjoy watching at your own pace.
Journey through the serene desert with this cinematic video, inspired by the tranquil beauty of moonlight. The atmospheric shots, from a desert caravan to a courtyard under the moon, are accompanied by a blend of peaceful arabic music and desert music, creating a truly immersive experience. This film music is perfect for quiet reflection or simply enjoying the visual poetry of the desert ambiance.
Bathe your senses in the gentle glow of Persian Moonlight.
This long-form sound journey invites you into a serene nocturnal world in which ancient melodies drift like moonbeams across desert landscapes and quiet cities. Each note is shaped to accompany moments of rest, reflection, and inner stillness.
The music features traditional Middle Eastern instruments such as the setar and ney, whose delicate tones have echoed through Persian culture for centuries. The sitar weaves introspective, flowing phrases, while the ney breathes a human-like warmth, evoking longing, calm, and spiritual depth. Together, they create a soundscape that feels close, intimate, and quietly luminous—like moonlight resting beside you.
Subtitles provide gentle insights into Persian history, the relationship between Persian music and historical eras, and the cultural meaning of the instruments used. These explanations are designed to deepen understanding without interrupting the listening experience.
Journey through the serene desert with this cinematic video, inspired by the tranquil beauty of moonlight. The atmospheric shots, from a desert caravan to a courtyard under the moon, are accompanied by a blend of peaceful arabic music and desert music, creating a truly immersive experience. This film music is perfect for quiet reflection or simply enjoying the visual poetry of the desert ambiance.
Bathe your senses in the gentle glow of Persian Moonlight.
This long-form sound journey invites you into a serene nocturnal world in which ancient melodies drift like moonbeams across desert landscapes and quiet cities. Each note is shaped to accompany moments of rest, reflection, and inner stillness.
The music features traditional Middle Eastern instruments such as the setar and ney, whose delicate tones have echoed through Persian culture for centuries. The sitar weaves introspective, flowing phrases, while the ney breathes a human-like warmth, evoking longing, calm, and spiritual depth. Together, they create a soundscape that feels close, intimate, and quietly luminous—like moonlight resting beside you.
Subtitles provide gentle insights into Persian history, the relationship between Persian music and historical eras, and the cultural meaning of the instruments used. These explanations are designed to deepen understanding without interrupting the listening experience.
Das vergessene Erbe der arabischen Heilkunst | Doku HD | ARTE
Mar 8, 2026 | Kann das Wissen von Al-Kindi, Al-Razi oder Avicenna neue Perspektiven für die Medizin der Zukunft eröffnen? Von Fès über Rabat und Istanbul bis nach Straßburg begibt sich ein Wissenschaftsteam auf die Spur vergessener Manuskripte der arabischen Medizin des Mittelalters. Der Dokumentarfilm schlägt eine Brücke zwischen den Gelehrten früherer Jahrhunderte und heutigen Forschenden.
Können alte Heilkünste den Weg für innovative Therapien ebnen? In den Bibliotheken von Fès, Rabat und Istanbul entdecken französische Forscher ein faszinierendes Kapitel der Wissenschaftsgeschichte neu: die arabische Medizin des Mittelalters. Zwischen dem 9. und 13. Jahrhundert legten Gelehrte wie Al-Kindi, Al-Razi, Avicenna oder Geber mit systematischen Beobachtungen, Experimenten und sorgfältigen Aufzeichnungen die Grundlagen der modernen Pharmakologie. Ihre lange verkannten oder gar verdrängten Schriften zeugen von einer erstaunlich modernen Denkweise, die auf einem experimentellen, streng klinischen Ansatz basiert.
Diese Wiederentdeckung bildet den Ausgangspunkt einer außergewöhnlichen Forschungsarbeit. Historiker, Biologen und Chemiker des CNRS bündeln ihren Sachverstand, um dieses vergessene Wissen neu zu erschließen. Die Dokumentation wandelt kontinuierlich zwischen Vergangenheit und Gegenwart. Dabei wird deutlich: Die Werkzeuge der Wissenschaft haben sich verändert, ihre Methode ist jedoch dieselbe geblieben – beobachten, vergleichen, experimentieren.
In Bibliotheken entschlüsseln die Forscher arabische Texte des Mittelalters, in Laboren prüfen sie die Hypothesen der einstigen Gelehrten. Ein von Avicenna beschriebenes Mittel gegen Hautinfektionen bildet das Herzstück der Untersuchung und steht sinnbildlich für die Weitergabe von jahrhundertealtem Wissen. Zugleich stellt die Dokumentation grundlegende Fragen: Warum wurde dieses Wissen aus dem kollektiven Gedächtnis verdrängt? Weshalb blieb das goldene Zeitalter der arabischen Medizin im Westen so lange unbeachtet?
Dokumentarfilm von Mathieu Schwartz und Anaïs Van Ditzhuyzen (F 2025, 90 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 27/10/2026>br />
Können alte Heilkünste den Weg für innovative Therapien ebnen? In den Bibliotheken von Fès, Rabat und Istanbul entdecken französische Forscher ein faszinierendes Kapitel der Wissenschaftsgeschichte neu: die arabische Medizin des Mittelalters. Zwischen dem 9. und 13. Jahrhundert legten Gelehrte wie Al-Kindi, Al-Razi, Avicenna oder Geber mit systematischen Beobachtungen, Experimenten und sorgfältigen Aufzeichnungen die Grundlagen der modernen Pharmakologie. Ihre lange verkannten oder gar verdrängten Schriften zeugen von einer erstaunlich modernen Denkweise, die auf einem experimentellen, streng klinischen Ansatz basiert.
Diese Wiederentdeckung bildet den Ausgangspunkt einer außergewöhnlichen Forschungsarbeit. Historiker, Biologen und Chemiker des CNRS bündeln ihren Sachverstand, um dieses vergessene Wissen neu zu erschließen. Die Dokumentation wandelt kontinuierlich zwischen Vergangenheit und Gegenwart. Dabei wird deutlich: Die Werkzeuge der Wissenschaft haben sich verändert, ihre Methode ist jedoch dieselbe geblieben – beobachten, vergleichen, experimentieren.
In Bibliotheken entschlüsseln die Forscher arabische Texte des Mittelalters, in Laboren prüfen sie die Hypothesen der einstigen Gelehrten. Ein von Avicenna beschriebenes Mittel gegen Hautinfektionen bildet das Herzstück der Untersuchung und steht sinnbildlich für die Weitergabe von jahrhundertealtem Wissen. Zugleich stellt die Dokumentation grundlegende Fragen: Warum wurde dieses Wissen aus dem kollektiven Gedächtnis verdrängt? Weshalb blieb das goldene Zeitalter der arabischen Medizin im Westen so lange unbeachtet?
Dokumentarfilm von Mathieu Schwartz und Anaïs Van Ditzhuyzen (F 2025, 90 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 27/10/2026>br />
La femme du maire de New York Zohran Mamdani au cœur d’une polémique après avoir «liké» des posts sur l’attaque du 7 Octobre
LE FIGARO : Le premier maire musulman de la ville, qui a déjà condamné à plusieurs reprises l’offensive terroriste du Hamas en Israël, a défendu son épouse en affirmant qu’elle n’était pas une personnalité publique.
La femme du nouveau maire du New York est au cœur d’une polémique. Rama Duwaji, une Américaine d’origine syrienne mariée à Zohran Mamdani depuis janvier 2025, est accusée d’avoir aimé plusieurs publications sur le réseau social Instagram qui défendent l’attaque des terroristes du Hamas le 7 octobre 2023. C’est le site d’information en ligne, un média américain ayant son siège à Washington, qui a d’abord rapporté ces informations.
Les posts en question ont été publiés le 7 et le 8 octobre, dans la foulée de l’attaque qui a fait 1200 morts civils et militaires ainsi que 250 otages. Le premier a été publié par un compte tenu par The Slow Factory, une association qui revendique militer « pour les libertés culturelles des communautés autochtones des pays du sud» et qui met en valeur «les voix et les idées de la majorité mondiale (Noirs, Autochtones et autres personnes de couleur) afin de partager leurs connaissances en dehors des frontières, des institutions et des systèmes oppressifs ». La publication « likée » contient l’image d’un bulldozer utilisé par les combattants du Hamas qui a servi à détruire un grillage sécurisé sur la frontière entre Gaza et Israël. » | Par Mayeul Aldebert | lundi 9 mars 2026
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La femme du nouveau maire du New York est au cœur d’une polémique. Rama Duwaji, une Américaine d’origine syrienne mariée à Zohran Mamdani depuis janvier 2025, est accusée d’avoir aimé plusieurs publications sur le réseau social Instagram qui défendent l’attaque des terroristes du Hamas le 7 octobre 2023. C’est le site d’information en ligne
Les posts en question ont été publiés le 7 et le 8 octobre, dans la foulée de l’attaque qui a fait 1200 morts civils et militaires ainsi que 250 otages. Le premier a été publié par un compte tenu par The Slow Factory, une association qui revendique militer « pour les libertés culturelles des communautés autochtones des pays du sud» et qui met en valeur «les voix et les idées de la majorité mondiale (Noirs, Autochtones et autres personnes de couleur) afin de partager leurs connaissances en dehors des frontières, des institutions et des systèmes oppressifs ». La publication « likée » contient l’image d’un bulldozer utilisé par les combattants du Hamas qui a servi à détruire un grillage sécurisé sur la frontière entre Gaza et Israël. » | Par Mayeul Aldebert | lundi 9 mars 2026
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Steve Schmidt: This Is How Trump Will End America
British Lawmaker Wants King Charles to Cancel His U.S. Trip Over Iran War
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in Britain, said President Trump does not deserve the “diplomatic coup” of hosting the king for a state visit.
Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats party in Britain, called on King Charles III to cancel his state visit to the United States in protest of what Mr. Davey calls President Trump’s “illegal war” against Iran.
Mr. Davey urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to advise the king to call off the trip, which is expected to take place next month as part of celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. A specific date has not been announced.
“At a time when Trump has launched an illegal war that is devastating the Middle East and pushing up energy bills for British families, it’s clear this visit should not go ahead,” Mr. Davey said in a statement on Monday.
“A state visit from our King would be seen as yet another huge diplomatic coup for President Trump, so it should not be given to someone who repeatedly insults and damages our country.” » | Michael D. Shear | Reporting from London | Monday, March 9, 2026
Sir Ed Davey is quite right. The King should cancel his trip. — © Mark Alexander
My comment also appears on the NYT here.
Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats party in Britain, called on King Charles III to cancel his state visit to the United States in protest of what Mr. Davey calls President Trump’s “illegal war” against Iran.
Mr. Davey urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to advise the king to call off the trip, which is expected to take place next month as part of celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. A specific date has not been announced.
“At a time when Trump has launched an illegal war that is devastating the Middle East and pushing up energy bills for British families, it’s clear this visit should not go ahead,” Mr. Davey said in a statement on Monday.
“A state visit from our King would be seen as yet another huge diplomatic coup for President Trump, so it should not be given to someone who repeatedly insults and damages our country.” » | Michael D. Shear | Reporting from London | Monday, March 9, 2026
Sir Ed Davey is quite right. The King should cancel his trip. — © Mark Alexander
My comment also appears on the NYT here.
Whistleblowers Speak Out about Religious Extremism in Military amid War on Iran
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
American religious freaks like Hegseth are as crazy as crazy can be. Needless to say, America is going downhill fast. At this rate, it will soon hit rock bottom. By the way, since when has God chosen felons and sex offenders to be his representative on Earth? — © Mark Alexander
Middle East Oil Crisis: What Is America's Real 'Endgame' in Iran?
The war in Iran is already sending shockwaves far beyond the battlefield. Stock markets are sinking, Brent crude has jumped above $100 a barrel, and G7 governments are considering tapping emergency reserves to steady the markets. Missiles landing close to critical Gulf energy infrastructure have sharpened fears that what began as a regional confrontation could tip the global economy into something far more dangerous.
The real question is whether this crisis can be contained, and if not, how vulnerable our economies really are - how fast could the world’s energy system start to break apart, and who would feel the pain first?
In today's episode of the Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy is joined by Guy Laron, author of Oil Wars: The Struggle for Control That Has Shaped the Modern World and Bernard Haykel, Professor of Near Eastern Studies.
The real question is whether this crisis can be contained, and if not, how vulnerable our economies really are - how fast could the world’s energy system start to break apart, and who would feel the pain first?
In today's episode of the Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy is joined by Guy Laron, author of Oil Wars: The Struggle for Control That Has Shaped the Modern World and Bernard Haykel, Professor of Near Eastern Studies.
Iran Picks New Supreme Leader; Toxic Black Rain Falls after Israeli Strikes on Iranian Oil Depots
Mar 9, 2026 | Iran has selected Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as Iran's supreme leader. The elder Khamenei was assassinated in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike on February 28. Iran selected the "hard-liner" Mojtaba Khamenei in defiance of President Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he can choose Iran's next leader. His selection also contradicts the Islamic Republic's previous resistance to hereditary succession. "The war changed everything," says Iranian American political analyst Hooman Majd, who adds that Iran's leadership sees the conflict as "existential" and is therefore carrying out retaliatory attacks throughout the region to "make it painful economically and in many other ways for the United States and for Israel to continue the war."
Meanwhile, preliminary investigations by _The New York Times_, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International indicate that the U.S. military carried out the strike on an elementary school in Minab, Iran, that killed over 100 young girls. "It is a war against people," says Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard, who is calling for the school massacre to be investigated as a war crime.
"Iran is going to be changed forever," says Majd, rejecting claims from U.S. leaders that military intervention has created the conditions for a civilian uprising. "For them to be able to rise up and take control of the government is just a pipe dream. I mean, how are they supposed to do that when they're being killed or are running away from missiles almost on a daily basis?"
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
Meanwhile, preliminary investigations by _The New York Times_, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International indicate that the U.S. military carried out the strike on an elementary school in Minab, Iran, that killed over 100 young girls. "It is a war against people," says Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard, who is calling for the school massacre to be investigated as a war crime.
"Iran is going to be changed forever," says Majd, rejecting claims from U.S. leaders that military intervention has created the conditions for a civilian uprising. "For them to be able to rise up and take control of the government is just a pipe dream. I mean, how are they supposed to do that when they're being killed or are running away from missiles almost on a daily basis?"
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
«Chah!», «Iran!» : plus d'un millier de manifestants pro-monarchie iranienne défilent à Paris
LE FIGARO : En soutien à Reza Pahlavi, fils du dernier chah d’Iran qui se présente comme une alternative pour succéder au guide suprême Ali Khamenei, plus d’un millier de personnes se sont rassemblées dans la capitale.
Plus d'un millier de manifestants agitant de nombreux drapeaux de la monarchie iranienne ont défilé samedi à Paris en soutien à Reza Pahlavi, fils du dernier chah d'Iran, a constaté l'AFP. «Chah!», «Iran!», a crié en chœur la foule lors de ce rassemblement organisé en soutien de Reza Pahlavi, qui se présente comme une alternative pour succéder au guide suprême Ali Khamenei, tué au début de la guerre déclenchée par les frappes israélo-américaines. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | dimanche 8 mars 2026
Plus d'un millier de manifestants agitant de nombreux drapeaux de la monarchie iranienne ont défilé samedi à Paris en soutien à Reza Pahlavi, fils du dernier chah d'Iran, a constaté l'AFP. «Chah!», «Iran!», a crié en chœur la foule lors de ce rassemblement organisé en soutien de Reza Pahlavi, qui se présente comme une alternative pour succéder au guide suprême Ali Khamenei, tué au début de la guerre déclenchée par les frappes israélo-américaines. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | dimanche 8 mars 2026
Khamenei's Son Built Secret Overseas Property Empire - Bloomberg
IRAN INTERNATIONAL: Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, directs a significant overseas real estate network through intermediaries, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday citing a year-long investigation.
No assets appear directly in Mojtaba's name, but he has been actively involved in deals dating to at least 2011, according to Western intelligence assessments, insider accounts, real estate records, and confidential documents reviewed by Bloomberg. The portfolio includes luxury London properties exceeding $138 million (one bought for $46.5 million in 2014), a villa in an elite Dubai district, and upscale hotels in Frankfurt and Mallorca.
Funding, largely from Iranian oil sales, moved through British, Swiss, Liechtenstein, and UAE banks via shell companies such as Ziba Leisure Ltd., Birch Ventures Ltd., and Emirati entities, as tracked by the report.
Iranian banker Ali Ansari, sanctioned by the UK in October, features as owner or director in many transactions. Ansari denies any connection to Mojtaba and plans to challenge the sanctions, the report said. » | Iran International | Thursday, January 29, 2026
From shadow to power: who is Mojtaba Khamenei? »
No assets appear directly in Mojtaba's name, but he has been actively involved in deals dating to at least 2011, according to Western intelligence assessments, insider accounts, real estate records, and confidential documents reviewed by Bloomberg. The portfolio includes luxury London properties exceeding $138 million (one bought for $46.5 million in 2014), a villa in an elite Dubai district, and upscale hotels in Frankfurt and Mallorca.
Funding, largely from Iranian oil sales, moved through British, Swiss, Liechtenstein, and UAE banks via shell companies such as Ziba Leisure Ltd., Birch Ventures Ltd., and Emirati entities, as tracked by the report.
Iranian banker Ali Ansari, sanctioned by the UK in October, features as owner or director in many transactions. Ansari denies any connection to Mojtaba and plans to challenge the sanctions, the report said. » | Iran International | Thursday, January 29, 2026
From shadow to power: who is Mojtaba Khamenei? »
Easy Mini Beef Pies | Akis Petretzikis
Get the recipe here.
Iran’s New Leader: Hardline Cleric, Military Insider, and Business Tycoon | Louise Callaghan
Mar 9, 2026 | “I think what it symbolises, obviously, is continuity more than anything else.”
The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader shows that the ruling system is intact, rather than changing direction, says Louise Callaghan, foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times.
The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader shows that the ruling system is intact, rather than changing direction, says Louise Callaghan, foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Extended 60 Minutes Interview
Pete Hegseth is a very dangerous fool. He should have stuck with his previous day job at Fox News! The world would now be a much safer place if he had done so. The man is far, far too cocky for his own good. — © Mark Alexander
Christian Zionists in Trump Regime Want Iran War to be “Bloody” to Fulfil End Times Prophecy | Reupload
The SHIT and POPPYCOCK that these American RELIGIOUS FREAKS believe! Little wonder the world is in a bloody mess! — © Mark Alexander
If Trump Thinks I'm a Fool, Then I'm Happy to Be One | Investment Banker
Mar 9, 2026 | "I'm happy to be a fool, because I think most people would look at the tangible impact on their lives."
President Trump has said that high energy prices are a very small price to pay for world peace, and you're a "fool to think differently". Chief economist at Panmure Liberum Simon French says he's happy to think differently to Trump.
Trump is a fool. As is Lindsey Graham. In fact, America today is being governed by know-nothing fools and jesters. Very dangerous fools and jesters at that! Trump should never have been able to find his way to the White House. Unfortunately, the rest of the world is having to pay the high price for the ignorance and imprudence of American voters. We are living in very sick times. — © Mark Alexander
President Trump has said that high energy prices are a very small price to pay for world peace, and you're a "fool to think differently". Chief economist at Panmure Liberum Simon French says he's happy to think differently to Trump.
Trump is a fool. As is Lindsey Graham. In fact, America today is being governed by know-nothing fools and jesters. Very dangerous fools and jesters at that! Trump should never have been able to find his way to the White House. Unfortunately, the rest of the world is having to pay the high price for the ignorance and imprudence of American voters. We are living in very sick times. — © Mark Alexander
‘We Just Don’t Know’ How High Gas Prices Will Go as Iran War Continues Warns Utilita Chair
Mar 9, 2026 | “It's going to be a white knuckle ride”
Utilita chair Derek Lickorish MBE tells Times Radio “we just don’t know” how high gas prices will go as long as the war in the Middle East continues.
WIKIPEDIA: Utilita Energy »
Utilita chair Derek Lickorish MBE tells Times Radio “we just don’t know” how high gas prices will go as long as the war in the Middle East continues.
WIKIPEDIA: Utilita Energy »
El líder de facto de Irán promete continuar la guerra y no rendirse
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Ali Larijani, aliado cercano del ayatolá Alí Jameneí, dijo que Teherán no detendrá sus ataques y buscará vengar la muerte del dirigente.
El principal responsable de seguridad nacional de Irán, en declaraciones a la televisión estatal cuando la guerra entraba en su segunda semana, dijo que Teherán no se rendirá ni reducirá sus ataques de represalia y prometió responsabilizar al presidente Donald Trump por la muerte del ayatolá Alí Jameneí.
Alí Jameneí, jefe del Consejo Supremo de Seguridad Nacional de Irán y confidente íntimo del ayatolá Jameneí, dijo que Irán estaba decidido a vengar el asesinato del dirigente, ocurrido el sábado 28 de febrero, en el primer día de la campaña de bombardeos estadounidenses e israelíes contra Irán. Larijani dijo que Estados Unidos “debe pagar el precio”.
“Los estadounidenses deben saber que no los dejaremos ir”, dijo Larijani. “Nuestro pueblo está con nosotros, nuestro liderazgo está unido, no hay división en la lucha contra Israel y Estados Unidos”.
Tras la muerte del ayatolá Jameneí, un consejo de tres personas compuesto por el presidente de Irán, el jefe del poder judicial y un jurista se quedó a cargo del poder, conforme a las disposiciones constitucionales sobre la sucesión. Larijani había sido ampliamente considerado el encargado preferido por Jameneí para dirigir el gobierno, como máxima autoridad en seguridad nacional y política exterior. » | Por Farnaz Fassihi | Farnaz Fassihi ha vivido y trabajado en Irán, ha cubierto el país durante tres décadas y fue corresponsal de guerra en Medio Oriente durante 15 años. | 9 de marzo de 2026
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El principal responsable de seguridad nacional de Irán, en declaraciones a la televisión estatal cuando la guerra entraba en su segunda semana, dijo que Teherán no se rendirá ni reducirá sus ataques de represalia y prometió responsabilizar al presidente Donald Trump por la muerte del ayatolá Alí Jameneí.
Alí Jameneí, jefe del Consejo Supremo de Seguridad Nacional de Irán y confidente íntimo del ayatolá Jameneí, dijo que Irán estaba decidido a vengar el asesinato del dirigente, ocurrido el sábado 28 de febrero, en el primer día de la campaña de bombardeos estadounidenses e israelíes contra Irán. Larijani dijo que Estados Unidos “debe pagar el precio”.
“Los estadounidenses deben saber que no los dejaremos ir”, dijo Larijani. “Nuestro pueblo está con nosotros, nuestro liderazgo está unido, no hay división en la lucha contra Israel y Estados Unidos”.
Tras la muerte del ayatolá Jameneí, un consejo de tres personas compuesto por el presidente de Irán, el jefe del poder judicial y un jurista se quedó a cargo del poder, conforme a las disposiciones constitucionales sobre la sucesión. Larijani había sido ampliamente considerado el encargado preferido por Jameneí para dirigir el gobierno, como máxima autoridad en seguridad nacional y política exterior. » | Por Farnaz Fassihi | Farnaz Fassihi ha vivido y trabajado en Irán, ha cubierto el país durante tres décadas y fue corresponsal de guerra en Medio Oriente durante 15 años. | 9 de marzo de 2026
Read in English.
Who Was Edward Said and Why Are His Writings on Orientalism Important Today?
Jan 15, 2025 | As Israel’s war in Gaza rages and its settlement expansion accelerates in the West Bank, one man’s critiques of Israel, the PLO, and Orientalism have proven to be precise even twenty years after his death.
The world-renowned Palestinian-American academic Edward Said was born to Christian parents in Jerusalem in 1935 but fled his home along with his family in 1947 in the lead-up to the creation of Israel in 1948.
He went on to write several books on music, media representation, literature, and colonialism, including Orientalism - said to be one of the most influential texts of the 20th century.
So who exactly was Edward Said and how is his legacy prevalent today?
The world-renowned Palestinian-American academic Edward Said was born to Christian parents in Jerusalem in 1935 but fled his home along with his family in 1947 in the lead-up to the creation of Israel in 1948.
He went on to write several books on music, media representation, literature, and colonialism, including Orientalism - said to be one of the most influential texts of the 20th century.
So who exactly was Edward Said and how is his legacy prevalent today?
Sunday, March 08, 2026
Iran : Mojtaba Khamenei, un « dur » proche des gardiens de la révolution, succède à son père comme guide suprême
LE FIGARO : PORTRAIT - L’assemblée des experts, un groupe de 88 religieux chargés de désigner le dirigeant du pays, a annoncé dimanche que le fils de l’ayatollah Ali Khamenei, éliminé samedi 28 février par Israël, avait été choisi.
Mojtaba Khamenei, l’influent deuxième fils du guide suprême éliminé samedi 28 février par une salve de missiles tirée contre sa résidence, a été élu ce dimanche pour succéder à son père. Plus tôt dans la journée, l’un des membres de l’Assemblée des experts, un groupe de 88 religieux chargés de désigner le prochain dirigeant du pays, avait déclaré que « le vote pour nommer le guide [avait] eu lieu et que le guide [avait] été choisi », mais sans dévoiler son identité. Bien que le processus se soit déroulé dans des conditions relativement opaques, il semblait avoir impliqué quatre ou cinq autres candidats. Parmi eux : l’ancien président Hassan Rouhani, le haut dignitaire religieux Alireza Arafi, l’ultraconservateur Mohammed Mahdi Mir Bagheri ou encore le réformateur Hassan Khomeiny, petit-fils du fondateur de la République islamique.
« La désignation de Mojtaba Khamenei témoignerait de la priorité accordée par le régime à sa continuité », observait cette semaine dans nos colonnes Vali Nasr, professeur de relations internationales à l’université Johns-Hopkins. Ali Vaez, directeur du programme Iran au centre de réflexion International Crisis Group, soulignait pour sa part qu’elle constituerait « une arme à double tranchant ». « D’un côté, le fils de l’ayatollah Khamenei est un proche des gardiens de la révolution qui pourrait prendre la relève sans délai car il connaît tous les rouages du système pour avoir travaillé pendant plus de trente ans au côté de son père. Mais, de l’autre, il est extraordinairement impopulaire et n’a jamais occupé de fonction élective. Sa nomination consacrerait l’avènement d’un système dynastique, alors que la République islamique était jusqu’à présent créditée d’avoir mis fin à une monarchie héréditaire. » » | Par Cyrille Louis | dimanche 8 mars 2026
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Mojtaba Khamenei, l’influent deuxième fils du guide suprême éliminé samedi 28 février par une salve de missiles tirée contre sa résidence, a été élu ce dimanche pour succéder à son père. Plus tôt dans la journée, l’un des membres de l’Assemblée des experts, un groupe de 88 religieux chargés de désigner le prochain dirigeant du pays, avait déclaré que « le vote pour nommer le guide [avait] eu lieu et que le guide [avait] été choisi », mais sans dévoiler son identité. Bien que le processus se soit déroulé dans des conditions relativement opaques, il semblait avoir impliqué quatre ou cinq autres candidats. Parmi eux : l’ancien président Hassan Rouhani, le haut dignitaire religieux Alireza Arafi, l’ultraconservateur Mohammed Mahdi Mir Bagheri ou encore le réformateur Hassan Khomeiny, petit-fils du fondateur de la République islamique.
« La désignation de Mojtaba Khamenei témoignerait de la priorité accordée par le régime à sa continuité », observait cette semaine dans nos colonnes Vali Nasr, professeur de relations internationales à l’université Johns-Hopkins. Ali Vaez, directeur du programme Iran au centre de réflexion International Crisis Group, soulignait pour sa part qu’elle constituerait « une arme à double tranchant ». « D’un côté, le fils de l’ayatollah Khamenei est un proche des gardiens de la révolution qui pourrait prendre la relève sans délai car il connaît tous les rouages du système pour avoir travaillé pendant plus de trente ans au côté de son père. Mais, de l’autre, il est extraordinairement impopulaire et n’a jamais occupé de fonction élective. Sa nomination consacrerait l’avènement d’un système dynastique, alors que la République islamique était jusqu’à présent créditée d’avoir mis fin à une monarchie héréditaire. » » | Par Cyrille Louis | dimanche 8 mars 2026
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Iran’s New Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei’s Son, Is a Mysterious Figure
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The succession of the slain leader’s son is seen as a signal of the Islamic republic’s defiance of Israel and the United States, and of continuity during crisis.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of the recently killed supreme leader, as his father’s successor, according to a statement from top clerics published on state media early Monday local time, signaling the continuity of hard-line theocratic rule as Israeli and U.S. airstrikes pound the country.
Mr. Khamenei himself, though, is something of a mystery even within Iran.
He is a son of the recently killed supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and has been an influential figure in the shadows of power, coordinating military and intelligence operations at his father’s office. He is known to have very close ties to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and was considered their favored candidate.
Unlike his father, Mr. Khamenei, 56, carries the full religious credentials as an ayatollah at the moment of his ascension. He was known for teaching popular Shiite seminary classes.
But his personality or politics outside of his father’s tight inner circle are not known. He seldom speaks or appears in public. And now he will take the helm not just as Iran’s new religious and political authority, but also as the commander in chief of its armed forces.
Vali R. Nasr, an expert on Iran and Shiite Islam at Johns Hopkins University, said that Mr. Khamenei would be a surprising choice, but a telling one.
“The choice of Mojtaba is choice of continuity with his father, and also he is more ready than other candidates to quickly consolidate power and assert control over the system,” said Mr. Nasr. He added that Mr. Khamenei had been considered a successor for a long time; but for the past two years, he had seemed to have dropped off the radar. » | Farnaz Fassihi | Farnaz Fassihi has lived and worked in Iran, has covered the country for three decades and was a war correspondent in the Middle East for 15 years.| Sunday, March 8, 2026
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of the recently killed supreme leader, as his father’s successor, according to a statement from top clerics published on state media early Monday local time, signaling the continuity of hard-line theocratic rule as Israeli and U.S. airstrikes pound the country.
Mr. Khamenei himself, though, is something of a mystery even within Iran.
He is a son of the recently killed supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and has been an influential figure in the shadows of power, coordinating military and intelligence operations at his father’s office. He is known to have very close ties to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and was considered their favored candidate.
Unlike his father, Mr. Khamenei, 56, carries the full religious credentials as an ayatollah at the moment of his ascension. He was known for teaching popular Shiite seminary classes.
But his personality or politics outside of his father’s tight inner circle are not known. He seldom speaks or appears in public. And now he will take the helm not just as Iran’s new religious and political authority, but also as the commander in chief of its armed forces.
Vali R. Nasr, an expert on Iran and Shiite Islam at Johns Hopkins University, said that Mr. Khamenei would be a surprising choice, but a telling one.
“The choice of Mojtaba is choice of continuity with his father, and also he is more ready than other candidates to quickly consolidate power and assert control over the system,” said Mr. Nasr. He added that Mr. Khamenei had been considered a successor for a long time; but for the past two years, he had seemed to have dropped off the radar. » | Farnaz Fassihi | Farnaz Fassihi has lived and worked in Iran, has covered the country for three decades and was a war correspondent in the Middle East for 15 years.| Sunday, March 8, 2026
Iran Names Khamenei’s Son New Supreme Leader
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Top clerics said in a statement published in state media that they had picked Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of the slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to succeed his father.
Screenshot taken from this section of the New York Times. | Mojtaba Khamenei, center, the son of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in 2019.| Credit...Rouzbeh Fouladi/Middle East Images, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of the country’s slain supreme leader, as his father’s successor, according to a statement from top clerics published on state media. His ascension, announced early Monday morning, signals the government’s desire for continuity as Iran faces expanding attacks from the United States and Israel nine days into the war.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was appointed by a committee of senior Shiite clerics after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the highest authority in the country for more than three decades, was killed in an airstrike during the opening blow of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. He is known for having close ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and takes the helm not just as Iran’s new religious and political authority but also as the commander in chief of its armed forces.
Israel’s military has been threatening to kill whoever succeeds Ayatollah Khamenei, and President Trump has called the younger Khamenei an “unacceptable” choice. Before the announcement, he warned in an ABC News interview on Sunday that the next supreme leader “is not going to last long” without the approval of the United States.
There was no sign of an offramp for the war, as fears mounted that the fighting would broaden across the Middle East. In a sign that American officials were aware of growing risks in the region, the State Department told American diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia, according to current and former U.S. officials.
And as markets opened Sunday evening, oil prices surged more than 10 percent, crossing $100 a barrel for the first time in almost four years. Live Updates » | Farnaz Fassihi, Edward Wong, Mark Mazzetti, Eric Schmitt and Aaron Boxerman | Sunday, March 8, 2026
Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of the country’s slain supreme leader, as his father’s successor, according to a statement from top clerics published on state media. His ascension, announced early Monday morning, signals the government’s desire for continuity as Iran faces expanding attacks from the United States and Israel nine days into the war.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was appointed by a committee of senior Shiite clerics after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the highest authority in the country for more than three decades, was killed in an airstrike during the opening blow of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. He is known for having close ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and takes the helm not just as Iran’s new religious and political authority but also as the commander in chief of its armed forces.
Israel’s military has been threatening to kill whoever succeeds Ayatollah Khamenei, and President Trump has called the younger Khamenei an “unacceptable” choice. Before the announcement, he warned in an ABC News interview on Sunday that the next supreme leader “is not going to last long” without the approval of the United States.
There was no sign of an offramp for the war, as fears mounted that the fighting would broaden across the Middle East. In a sign that American officials were aware of growing risks in the region, the State Department told American diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia, according to current and former U.S. officials.
And as markets opened Sunday evening, oil prices surged more than 10 percent, crossing $100 a barrel for the first time in almost four years. Live Updates » | Farnaz Fassihi, Edward Wong, Mark Mazzetti, Eric Schmitt and Aaron Boxerman | Sunday, March 8, 2026
How Soviet Leaders Really Lived Behind Closed Doors
Mar 5, 2026 | In public, Soviet leaders preached equality, worker solidarity, and the evils of bourgeois excess. Behind closed doors, they lived like tsars. While ordinary citizens waited in lines for bread and lived in cramped communal apartments, the Politburo elite enjoyed sprawling dachas with private chefs, luxury cars with dedicated lanes on Moscow roads, exclusive stores stocked with Western goods unavailable to anyone else, and medical care in elite hospitals that rivalled anything in the West. The gap between communist ideology and leadership privilege was staggering.
This video explores how Soviet leaders actually lived. We examine the perks of power: the dacha system where top officials had multiple country estates with servants, hunting grounds, and private beaches; the ZIL lanes reserved exclusively for leadership motorcades that allowed them to bypass Moscow traffic while everyone else sat gridlocked; and the "closed stores" like GUM's fourth floor where only the nomenklatura could shop for imported champagne, caviar, French cognac, and Western electronics.
We explore the medical privileges: the Fourth Directorate health system that provided Politburo members with their own hospitals, German pharmaceuticals, and doctors who faced severe consequences if their elite patients didn't recover. We look at the travel privileges—private jets, luxury Black Sea resorts closed to ordinary citizens, and hunting lodges in restricted forest preserves. We examine how their children attended special schools, got admitted to top universities regardless of merit, and were shielded from military service.
We also explore specific leaders' excesses: Brezhnev's obsession with Western luxury cars gifted by foreign leaders, his collection of over 50 vehicles while most Soviets waited years for a basic Lada. Stalin's paranoid network of dachas and bunkers. Khrushchev's surprising modesty compared to his peers. The hypocrisy that even ordinary Soviets recognized—the Party elite living like aristocrats while preaching classless society.
This is about power, hypocrisy, and the privilege hidden behind the Iron Curtain.
This video explores how Soviet leaders actually lived. We examine the perks of power: the dacha system where top officials had multiple country estates with servants, hunting grounds, and private beaches; the ZIL lanes reserved exclusively for leadership motorcades that allowed them to bypass Moscow traffic while everyone else sat gridlocked; and the "closed stores" like GUM's fourth floor where only the nomenklatura could shop for imported champagne, caviar, French cognac, and Western electronics.
We explore the medical privileges: the Fourth Directorate health system that provided Politburo members with their own hospitals, German pharmaceuticals, and doctors who faced severe consequences if their elite patients didn't recover. We look at the travel privileges—private jets, luxury Black Sea resorts closed to ordinary citizens, and hunting lodges in restricted forest preserves. We examine how their children attended special schools, got admitted to top universities regardless of merit, and were shielded from military service.
We also explore specific leaders' excesses: Brezhnev's obsession with Western luxury cars gifted by foreign leaders, his collection of over 50 vehicles while most Soviets waited years for a basic Lada. Stalin's paranoid network of dachas and bunkers. Khrushchev's surprising modesty compared to his peers. The hypocrisy that even ordinary Soviets recognized—the Party elite living like aristocrats while preaching classless society.
This is about power, hypocrisy, and the privilege hidden behind the Iron Curtain.
Jeffrey Sachs Warns US Militarism Risks Wider War Over Iran
Lawrence: Trump’s Son Will Not Fight in His ‘Illegal and Unconstitutional War’ in Iran
Vital Desalination Plants in Iran and Bahrain Are Attacked
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Strikes on nonmilitary infrastructure were a “serious escalation,” analysts said, and could widen the war’s impact on civilians.
Water desalination plants have come under attack in Iran and on the Persian Gulf island of Bahrain over the weekend, threatening a resource vital to life in the harsh desert climates of the region.
On Saturday, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused the United States of attacking a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, affecting the water supply for 30 villages.
“The U.S. set this precedent, not Iran,” he said on social media, calling the attack “a dangerous move with grave consequences.”
Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for the U.S. Central Command, said that U.S. forces were not responsible for that attack.
A day later, Bahrain’s interior ministry said that an Iranian drone had “caused material damage” to a desalination plant there, accusing Iran of “indiscriminately” attacking civilian targets. The country’s water and electricity authority said there had been “no impact on water supplies or water network capacity.”
It was not immediately clear whether either plant was still functioning. And there was no immediate comment from Iran on Bahrain’s allegation.
Iran has faced severe water shortages in recent years, and Gulf countries like Bahrain depend heavily on desalination technology — which turns seawater into drinking water — to sustain tens of millions of people. Desalination infrastructure is one of the most vulnerable military targets in the region because without it, the Gulf’s sprawling metropolises would effectively collapse. » | Vivian Nereim | Reporting from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Sunday, March 8, 2026
Water desalination plants have come under attack in Iran and on the Persian Gulf island of Bahrain over the weekend, threatening a resource vital to life in the harsh desert climates of the region.
On Saturday, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused the United States of attacking a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, affecting the water supply for 30 villages.
“The U.S. set this precedent, not Iran,” he said on social media, calling the attack “a dangerous move with grave consequences.”
Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for the U.S. Central Command, said that U.S. forces were not responsible for that attack.
A day later, Bahrain’s interior ministry said that an Iranian drone had “caused material damage” to a desalination plant there, accusing Iran of “indiscriminately” attacking civilian targets. The country’s water and electricity authority said there had been “no impact on water supplies or water network capacity.”
It was not immediately clear whether either plant was still functioning. And there was no immediate comment from Iran on Bahrain’s allegation.
Iran has faced severe water shortages in recent years, and Gulf countries like Bahrain depend heavily on desalination technology — which turns seawater into drinking water — to sustain tens of millions of people. Desalination infrastructure is one of the most vulnerable military targets in the region because without it, the Gulf’s sprawling metropolises would effectively collapse. » | Vivian Nereim | Reporting from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Sunday, March 8, 2026
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