The Folly of A War With Iran
Reprint of a 13 June article by progresssive U.S. journalist Chris Hedges.
Cover image: And Now a Word From Our Monster - by Mr. Fish
A 14 JUNE NOTE TO READERS OF THE LEFT LANE:
On 3 June – two days after the previous issue of THE LEFT LANE came out - I underwent relatively major surgery; these days, the operation is pretty routine, but it remains very painful. I had hoped to bring out the next issue of TLL substack this weekend. While I am recovering well – thanks, in great measure, to the nursing assistance of my sweetheart - I am still not fully up to speed.
Instead, today's issue contains one substantial piece about Israel's commencement of a war on Iran which began just over 24 hours ago. Titled “The Folly of a War with Iran”, it was written on 13 June by Chris Hedges, a progressive US journalist, author and Presbyterian minister. Hedges is a former Middle East correspondent for The New York Times; you can read more about his background HERE.
Here is the header to the Chris’ article:
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The Folly of A War With Iran
Israel and its neoconservative allies in the United States have long attempted to start a war with Iran, a war that neither Israel nor the U.S. can win and will engender ferocious blowback.
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You can read his piece HERE
I am a paid subscriber to his substack; I urge you to become one as well.
The second piece is a brief reflection by Grace, aged 22, after attending her first major national demonstration in London on 7 June organised by the People's Assembly.
The Israeli attack on Tehran in the early hours of 13 June.
A shopkeeper waits for customers at the Tajrish traditional bazaar in northern Tehran, Iran on 13 June. ( AP Photo/ Vahid Salemi)
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The Power Of Attending Demonstrations & Collective Action - A Young Person's Personal Account
On Saturday 7th June, I attended the anti-austerity protest in London. For me, it was a significant personal milestone. I’ve only recently become more politically outspoken, and this was my first time at a protest of this scale. I’d only been to a few smaller, local demonstrations before. Making the decision to get more involved wasn’t easy. Most of my friends aren’t politically engaged, so it often felt like I was stepping into unfamiliar territory alone. I’ve worried that speaking up might distance me from them, that I’d be seen as “the political one,” always making things serious or judging others for not doing the same. But that’s never how I see it. My anger is directed at systems and institutions, not individuals. Still, it can feel isolating. But with everything going on: the genocide happening; and the crises here in the UK like the cost of living; housing; and mental health, I realised I didn’t want to carry the guilt of staying quiet.
I started following local groups and found the Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition. When I saw they were heading to London for a People's Assembly National Demonstration Against Austerity 2.0 (with affordable transport, even for me as an unemployed student), I went for it. At first, I was nervous. I thought everyone on the coach might already know each other. But once we arrived, that faded. Being around people who cared about the same issues helped me feel more grounded. It felt good to be part of something collective. Instead of just watching it all happen through a screen, I was actually there, taking part.
As a newbie, I’m still figuring things out. I’m learning how to balance activism with my own mental health (to stay engaged without burning out or putting too much pressure on myself). But there’s no question that being part of events like this matters. Organising matters, and being in community with others who care about justice matters.
Written by Grace (age 22) who attended the National Demonstration Against Austerity 2.0 on Sat 7/6/25
You can access the website of the peoples assembly HERE.
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Edited by Alan Story, THE LEFT LANE is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber: http://theleftlane2024.substack.com/subscribe
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