Judging Freedom

Max Blumenthal : Who is to Blame: Trump or Netanyahu?

Jun 18, 2025
Max Blumenthal, a journalist known for his incisive take on Middle East politics, dives deep into the roles of Trump and Netanyahu in escalating tensions with Iran. He challenges mainstream narratives on Iran's nuclear ambitions, revealing contradictions in intelligence assessments and political rhetoric. Their impact on U.S. foreign policy and military dynamics is critically examined. Blumenthal also touches on the resilience of journalists in war zones, showcasing the dangers they face in reporting amidst chaos.
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INSIGHT

Netanyahu's Repeated Nuclear Claims

  • Netanyahu has repeatedly claimed Iran is weeks away from nuclear weapons for over 30 years, similar to false WMD claims on Iraq.
  • Iran's religious scholars resist nuclear weapons, making actual weapon development unlikely soon.
INSIGHT

Intelligence vs. Political Narrative

  • The U.S. intelligence community, including Tulsi Gabbard, consistently assesses Iran is not building nuclear weapons.
  • Trump's dismissal of intelligence sources signals a troubling disregard for accurate threat assessment.
INSIGHT

Trump's War Push Against Base

  • Trump is heavily influenced and possibly intimidated by Netanyahu and Israeli interests, ignoring his own base's anti-war stance.
  • MAGA and America First supporters largely oppose war for Israel, illustrating a rift in Trump's policies.
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