Inside Global Powers

21/02/2026

How Iran would respond to US attack

If the U.S. attacks, Iran won’t respond in just one way — it has multiple pressure points ready.

It could disrupt global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, launch ballistic missiles toward regional U.S. bases or Israel, activate proxy groups like the Houthis to target shipping, or strike back through cyberattacks on infrastructure.

Iran knows a direct war with America would be devastating. So the real strategy may be controlled escalation raising the cost, spreading the battlefield, and avoiding full-scale confrontation. This isn’t just about military capability. It’s about leverage, optics, and endurance.

20/02/2026

Trump confronts his options on Iran from targeted attacks to potentially toppling regime

President Donald Trump is confronting some of the most serious options yet when it comes to Iran. Advisers are presenting a range of responses from precise, targeted military strikes on key nuclear or military facilities to broader operations designed to cripple Iran’s strategic capabilities. Some discussions are on weighing whether sustained pressure or military escalation could ultimately weaken or even topple the current Iranian regime if Tehran refuses to shift course.

At the center of it all is Iran’s nuclear program. The White House has signaled that time is running short for diplomacy. Warnings have been issued. Deadlines are being discussed. And the message is clear a deal must be reached, or consequences will follow.

Iran, meanwhile, has warned it would respond forcefully to any attack.

20/02/2026

Something feels different this time.

The warning didn’t come quietly.
It came straight from the White House.

President Donald Trump has issued what many are calling his strongest message yet to Iran a direct ultimatum.

Make a deal or face consequences.

Across the region, defenses are tightening.
Iran reinforcing bunkers.
Missile systems on alert, signals being sent without words.

And the world is watching.

Because history has shown us one thingg when military power moves this visibly,
It’s never random.

The next few days could decide whether this becomes a diplomatic breakthrough.

16/02/2026

Why Israel Fears Iran’s Missiles

Israel sees the threat in simple terms: the nuclear warhead is the bullet… the missile is the gun. You can delay the bullet, negotiate over it, inspect it. But if the gun is already built and loaded, the danger never disappears.

Even if nuclear talks slow Iran’s enrichment, Israel fears a breakout could happen in weeks. And the delivery systems already exist. Some missiles can reach Tel Aviv or Jerusalem in minutes, leaving barely any time to respond.

During the June 2025 conflict, waves of drones and ballistic missiles pushed Israeli defenses to the edge. Then came faster, maneuvering threats like the Fata-2—hypersonic, unpredictable, difficult to intercept.

Israel is geographically small. A missile launch from Iran means seconds matter. Iran, by contrast, is vast, able to hide launchers and stockpiles across mountains and fortified bunkers.

For Israel, this isn’t theory. It’s survival. Their red line is clear: if the missile program keeps advancing unchecked, they will act even alone.

16/02/2026

Trump Calls Putin to pause attacking Ukraine

They called it a humanitarian pause.

President Donald Trump claimed he personally asked Vladimir Putin to hold back attacks on Ukraine during the brutal winter.

The reason?

To protect civilians from freezing temperatures.
To create space for negotiations.
To show humanity in the middle of war.

On paper, it sounded powerful.

But on the ground… winter told a different story.

As temperatures dropped near minus 20 degrees, missiles and drones continued to strike Ukrainian cities.

Power stations were hit.
Heating systems destroyed.
Entire neighborhoods left in darkness.

Families huddled in the cold without electricity or running water.

So what happened?

Was there ever a real pause?
Or was it just words interpreted differently?

The Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, insisted there was no official ceasefire — only a request.

A request is not an agreement.

And while leaders spoke, explosions echoed.

Then the war shifted.

Ukraine launched one of its boldest strikes yet — targeting Belgorod inside Russia.

Rockets hit key energy infrastructure.
Parts of the city went dark.

The message was clear.

This war is no longer just about territory.

It’s about power.
Perception.
And the dangerous gap between what is promised… and what actually happens.

And as winter tightens its grip, the world keeps watching.

15/02/2026

2026: A Year of Shock

2026 is already proving to be a year of global tension and unexpected political turns. But the latest development involving U.S. President Donald Trump has stunned even some within his own circle.

In a statement delivered by Marco Rubio, it was revealed that President Trump is seeking a direct, face-to-face meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. According to the message, this would represent a final opportunity for diplomacy — a last attempt to avoid what he describes as the possibility of a major war. The suggestion is clear: one final deal may still be on the table.

But the proposal raises serious and unsettling questions.

President Trump has previously spoken about regime change in Iran. He has demanded the shutdown or strict limitation of Iran’s missile program, restrictions on missile range, the full surrender of enriched uranium, and sweeping political shifts across the region. To many observers, these conditions resemble ultimatums rather than the starting point of negotiations.

When one side speaks of overthrow while requesting talks, it creates doubt about the true purpose of the meeting. Diplomacy traditionally requires balance and mutual assurances. Without that balance, skepticism grows.

Historically, Khamenei has never met an American president. The chances of such a meeting taking place remain extremely low. Analysts suggest that if it were ever to happen, it would require extensive international guarantees — potentially involving major global powers such as China and Russia, along with influential regional states. Without strong security frameworks, the risks would simply be too high.

Some experts argue that the offer of talks could serve as a strategic pause. If negotiations were announced, months could pass under the appearance of diplomacy while military planning quietly continues in the background. A single public handshake could later be used as evidence that “every peaceful option was tried,” even if escalation follows.

The world is watching carefully. One decision — one moment — could reshape the balance of power in the region and beyond.

If 2026 continues on this path, it may be remembered not just as a year of shock, but as a defining turning point in global politics.

15/02/2026

2026 A Year of Shock - Trump | Ali Khamenei

2026 is already proving to be a year of global tension and unexpected political turns. But the latest development involving U.S. President Donald Trump has stunned even some within his own circle.

In a statement delivered by Marco Rubio, it was revealed that President Trump is seeking a direct, face-to-face meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. According to the message, this would represent a final opportunity for diplomacy — a last attempt to avoid what he describes as the possibility of a major war. The suggestion is clear: one final deal may still be on the table.

But the proposal raises serious and unsettling questions.

President Trump has previously spoken about regime change in Iran. He has demanded the shutdown or strict limitation of Iran’s missile program, restrictions on missile range, the full surrender of enriched uranium, and sweeping political shifts across the region. To many observers, these conditions resemble ultimatums rather than the starting point of negotiations.

When one side speaks of overthrow while requesting talks, it creates doubt about the true purpose of the meeting. Diplomacy traditionally requires balance and mutual assurances. Without that balance, skepticism grows.

Historically, Khamenei has never met an American president. The chances of such a meeting taking place remain extremely low. Analysts suggest that if it were ever to happen, it would require extensive international guarantees — potentially involving major global powers such as China and Russia, along with influential regional states. Without strong security frameworks, the risks would simply be too high.

Some experts argue that the offer of talks could serve as a strategic pause. If negotiations were announced, months could pass under the appearance of diplomacy while military planning quietly continues in the background. A single public handshake could later be used as evidence that “every peaceful option was tried,” even if escalation follows.

The stakes are enormous. A direct confrontation could put thousands of troops at risk, disrupt global markets, and trigger responses from multiple fronts across the Middle East. At the same time, regional allies — particularly Israel — remain closely involved and deeply concerned about the outcome. President Trump now faces pressure from different directions: domestic critics, international opposition, and allies demanding decisive action.

This is why the proposed meeting carries such weight. It projects an image of peace, yet unfolds amid rising tension and strategic positioning. Behind closed doors, discussions about strikes, retaliation, and broader regional consequences reportedly continue.

The world is watching carefully. One decision — one moment — could reshape the balance of power in the region and beyond.

If 2026 continues on this path, it may be remembered not just as a year of shock, but as a defining turning point in global politics.

15/02/2026

The U.S. and Iran are on the Edge of a Major Crisis

Right now, tensions between the United States and Iran are higher than they’ve been in years. Experts are warning that what’s happening could be one of the biggest miscalculations in recent American foreign policy. And if things go wrong… the consequences could be massive.

Imagine this: thousands of U.S. troops are stationed across the Middle East — in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and even Qatar. These are some of the most strategic points in the region. And analysts warn that if a conflict with Iran breaks out, these bases could become the first targets. What would happen if missiles rained down on these locations? How prepared are we for that kind of strike?

Some say President Trump may believe he can use tactics that have worked before — tactics that applied pressure, forced negotiations, or pressured regimes to give in. But here’s the thing: Iran is not an easy target. It’s not a small, fragile state. It’s not Venezuela. It’s a country that has prepared for conflict for decades. A direct confrontation could last months, maybe even longer. And the cost — in lives, in politics, in global stability — could be enormous.

Even in smaller conflicts in the region, the U.S. has faced challenges. Think back to past engagements, when even limited operations stretched resources and tested strategy. Now imagine that on a much larger scale. Could we manage it? Could anyone truly predict the outcome?

And it’s not just about troops. Even if Iran can’t strike the U.S. homeland directly, it could destabilize the entire region. Oil routes, trade corridors, and key infrastructure could all be disrupted. Global markets could feel the shock. International alliances could be strained. And ordinary people around the world — not just policymakers — could feel the impact.

Some might think that removing top Iranian leaders would end the threat. But experts warn that wouldn’t stop retaliation. In fact, it might make it far worse.

15/02/2026

The U.S. and Iran are on the Edge of a Major Crisis

Right now, tensions between the United States and Iran are higher than they’ve been in years. Experts are warning that what’s happening could be one of the biggest miscalculations in recent American foreign policy. And if things go wrong… the consequences could be massive.

Imagine this: thousands of U.S. troops are stationed across the Middle East — in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and even Qatar. These are some of the most strategic points in the region. And analysts warn that if a conflict with Iran breaks out, these bases could become the first targets. What would happen if missiles rained down on these locations? How prepared are we for that kind of strike?

Some say President Trump may believe he can use tactics that have worked before — tactics that applied pressure, forced negotiations, or pressured regimes to give in. But here’s the thing: Iran is not an easy target. It’s not a small, fragile state. It’s not Venezuela. It’s a country that has prepared for conflict for decades. A direct confrontation could last months, maybe even longer. And the cost — in lives, in politics, in global stability — could be enormous.

Even in smaller conflicts in the region, the U.S. has faced challenges. Think back to past engagements, when even limited operations stretched resources and tested strategy. Now imagine that on a much larger scale. Could we manage it? Could anyone truly predict the outcome?

And it’s not just about troops. Even if Iran can’t strike the U.S. homeland directly, it could destabilize the entire region. Oil routes, trade corridors, and key infrastructure could all be disrupted. Global markets could feel the shock. International alliances could be strained. And ordinary people around the world — not just policymakers — could feel the impact.

Some might think that removing top Iranian leaders would end the threat. But experts warn that wouldn’t stop retaliation. In fact, it might make it far worse.

30/05/2024

Dear Members,

I am writing to inform you of our upcoming Martyrs Day celebration, which will be taking place this Sunday 02-06-2024.This is a day when we come together to honor and remember the sacrifices of those who have laid down their lives for their faith.

The Martyrs Day celebration holds deep significance for our community, as it allows us to reflect on the courage and unwavering dedication of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their beliefs. It is also a time for us to draw inspiration from their commitment and to reaffirm our own faith and devotion.

We invite all members of the congregation and friends to join us for this special service, which will include prayers, reflections, and a moment of silence to honor the memory of the martyrs. It will be an opportunity for us to unite as a community and to strengthen our bond through shared remembrance and reverence.

The Martyrs Day celebration will commence at 13:30, adres St Pauluskerk, Pieter Calandlaan 194, 1069LA Amsterdam. Main celebrant will be Fr Henry Mubiru together with Fr Peter Huurschuur Katongole as co-celebrant. We encourage all of you to participate in this meaningful observance and to bring with you a spirit of reverence and contemplation.

We look forward to coming together as a congregation to honor the Martyrs Day and to draw strength from the legacy of those who have gone before us.

In faith and unity,

J Kalule
Coordinator
Uganda Martyrs Community in the Netherlands
+31658836404 for more information

After mass we shall be served with lunch this time our local dish

27/05/2024