Author: Scott Ortkiese

America’s Suicidal Empire: The Iran War, the Death Spiral of a Failing Hegemon, and the World We Are Destroying

“You cannot bomb a civilization into submission.” , Colonel Douglas Macgregor, decorated combat veteran, former senior adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Defense

Trump, Rubio, Vance, and the Midterm Reckoning

An Omani brokered deal offered inspections and Iranian concessions, but Rubio’s control of intelligence cleared the way for the bombs.

Analysis: The World’s Critical Supply Architecture Disrupted by the U.S. Attack on Iran

Pre-publication draft, Version 2.0, shared for expert review and comment Incorporating new reporting and analysis through March 25, 2026

The Molecules of War: How Washington’s Persian Gulf Gamble Is Coming for Your Grocery Bill, Your Smartphone, and Your Economy

Most Americans think of supply chain disruptions in terms of port delays and empty shelves. This is a different kind of disruption.

Where’s the Business Plan for Trump’s $200 Billion Iran “Ask”?

The $200 billion request arrives with $1.3 to $1.4 billion daily war costs, near $40 trillion in debt, and no stated milestones or exit plan.

Does He Really Think They Don’t Have Options? How Trump’s Lack of Strategy Is Driving Nations Away

Japan, India, Germany and Turkey can revise energy relationships with Russia and China after Washington exposed their dependence on Hormuz.

The Last Blunder: How the US-Israel Attack on Iran Killed the American Empire’s Operating System

There is a particular kind of stupidity that is only visible in retrospect to those who committed it. Everyone else saw it coming.

A Propaganda Graphic, a LinkedIn Post, and the Two-Party Death Spiral

A graphic is circulating on LinkedIn. It shows a CNN broadcast image declaring that MAGA Republicans approve of Donald Trump at 100%, with 0% disapproval.

Does He Really Think Nobody Has Options? Trump’s Imperial Arrogance and the Countries He Screwed

They won’t just get mad, they’ll get very even.

TRUMP’S JUST DOING WHAT HE’S TOLD: The 2009 Brookings Document That Became His Marching Orders

A 241 page Brookings study detailed options for coercing Iran, written by former CIA, National Security Council and diplomatic officials.