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#31
Crazy times / The Parthian war of Caracalla
Last post by K-Dog - Mar 24, 2026, 04:04 PMAn unsuccessful campaign by the Roman Empire under Caracalla against the Parthian Empire in 216–17 AD.
Caracalla had the distinction of summoning Osroenean king Abgar IX to a meeting and then imprisoning him. Caracalla then annexed Osroene. We can assume it was really all about the olive oil.
Caracalla was a bad guy. Things went to his head after the kidnapping the king thing, and being that tyrants can't ever get enough, well Caracalla set his sights on Parthia. Caracalla didn't need a foreign king's advice because he believed he was being guided by a ghost: Alexander the Great. Bibi can't compete with that. Great caesar ghost. Capturing Osroenean king Abgar was such a slam dunk, how could conquering a whole country be any harder? Boom like that and it is all done and over. Easy if you don't think about it. And this is where it gets interesting.
Caracalla was assassinated on 8 April 217 while urinating at a roadside. His troops hated his brutality. People who are stuck on themselves can really piss other people off. Some things never change. The Parthians regrouped fighting the Romans to a standstill at the Battle of Nisibis. The new emperor Macrinus, brought the war to an end in 218 by paying the Parthians reparations of possibly as much as 50 million denarii.
In today's money that is $2.59 Billion USD.
If Trump could buy his way out with that right now, it would be money well spent. As things are, Trump the 'deal maker,' can't make a deal.
Caracalla's "easy" war was one of the worst ROI (Return on Investment) events in imperial history. Rome became unstable.
Rome often "won" the battles in Mesopotamia but lost the peace because the cost of occupying "Persia" was higher than the value of the land itself. The U.S. has a $1.5 trillion military budget and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is costing billions more. The Roman lessons about this is that winning the war is often the easy part. Surviving the carnage of the economic aftermath can destroy an empire.
As of March 2026, the U.S. National Debt has climbed past $38.8 trillion. The cost of the first 100 hours of the Iran conflict is estimated to be $3.7 billion. None of which was in the budget. Trump breaks the bank. Just like he was running a casino into the ground.
Caracalla was a bad guy. Things went to his head after the kidnapping the king thing, and being that tyrants can't ever get enough, well Caracalla set his sights on Parthia. Caracalla didn't need a foreign king's advice because he believed he was being guided by a ghost: Alexander the Great. Bibi can't compete with that. Great caesar ghost. Capturing Osroenean king Abgar was such a slam dunk, how could conquering a whole country be any harder? Boom like that and it is all done and over. Easy if you don't think about it. And this is where it gets interesting.
QuoteInvading Parthia Caracalla ravaged a large section of the country around Media by making a sudden incursion, sacked many fortresses, won over Arbela, dug open the royal tombs of the Parthians, and scattered the bones about. This was easy for Caracalla to accomplish as the Parthians did not even join battle with him. The barbarians took refuge in mountains beyond the Tigris to complete preparations, Caracalla suppressed this fact in a letter to the Senate and took to himself as much credit as if he had utterly vanquished the foe, whom as a matter of fact he had not even seen.
Caracalla was assassinated on 8 April 217 while urinating at a roadside. His troops hated his brutality. People who are stuck on themselves can really piss other people off. Some things never change. The Parthians regrouped fighting the Romans to a standstill at the Battle of Nisibis. The new emperor Macrinus, brought the war to an end in 218 by paying the Parthians reparations of possibly as much as 50 million denarii.
In today's money that is $2.59 Billion USD.
If Trump could buy his way out with that right now, it would be money well spent. As things are, Trump the 'deal maker,' can't make a deal.
Caracalla's "easy" war was one of the worst ROI (Return on Investment) events in imperial history. Rome became unstable.
Rome often "won" the battles in Mesopotamia but lost the peace because the cost of occupying "Persia" was higher than the value of the land itself. The U.S. has a $1.5 trillion military budget and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is costing billions more. The Roman lessons about this is that winning the war is often the easy part. Surviving the carnage of the economic aftermath can destroy an empire.
As of March 2026, the U.S. National Debt has climbed past $38.8 trillion. The cost of the first 100 hours of the Iran conflict is estimated to be $3.7 billion. None of which was in the budget. Trump breaks the bank. Just like he was running a casino into the ground.
#32
Peak oil / Cuba's electric grid collapses...
Last post by RE - Mar 24, 2026, 01:16 PMIt's a little ironic that Greta Thunberg is trying to get oil into Cuba to burn. lol.
RE
RE
#33
Against War / The opiate of the masses
Last post by K-Dog - Mar 24, 2026, 12:57 PM
A pharmacist and a homesick lifestyle blogger: The 'alarming' civilian cost of war in Iran
A committed pharmacist and a homesick blogger. Iranian civilians killed in the war.
US Troops Are Being Told to ‘Get Ready’ to Invade Iran
There is unprecedented dissent brewing inside the military – with some troops currently on their way to the Middle East seeking to refuse fighting.
Consciousness has a long way to go to get to where it was. And Democrat muckety-mucks do not understand that Gaza made Kamala lose.
Quote(War) h'uh
Yeah!
(What is it good for?)
Absolutely (nothin) uh-huh, uh-huh
(War) h'uh
Yeah!
(What is it good for?)
Absolutely (nothin')
Say it again, y'all
(War) h'uh (h'uh) look out!
(What is it good for?)
Absolutely (nothin')
Listen to me
Ooh war, I despise
'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives
War means tears, to thousands of mother's eyes
When their sons go off to fight and lose their lives
I said, war (h'uh)
Good God, y'all!
(What is it good for?)
Absolutely (nothin') 'gin
Say it, again
(War) whoa (h'uh) whoa-whoa, Lord
(What is it good for?)
Absolutely (nothin')
Listen to me!
(War)
It ain't nothin' but a heartbreaker!
(War)
Friend only to the undertaker
Ooh, war
Is an enemy to all mankind
The thought of war blows my mind
War has caused unrest
Within the younger generation
Induction, then destruction
Who wants to die?
Ooh war, Good God (h'uh) y'all!
(What is it good for?)
Absolutely (nothin')
Say it, say it, say it
(War)
Woah-h'uh (h'uh) yeah uh
(What is it good for?)
(Absolutely) nothin'
Listen to me
(War)
It ain't nothin' but a heartbreaker
(War)
It's got one friend and that's the undertaker
Ooh, war
Has shattered many a-young man's dreams
Made him disabled, bitter, and mean
And life is much too short and precious
To spend fighting wars each day
War can't give life
It can only take it away
Oh, war!
(H'uh) Good God, y'all
(What is it good for?)
Absolutely (nothin')
Say it, again
(War)
Whoa (h'uh) whoa-whoa, Lord
(What is it good for?)
A-absolutely (nothin')
Listen to me!
(War)
It ain't nothin' but a heartbreaker
(War)
Friend only to the undertaker
Woo!
Peace, love and understanding tell me
Is there no place for anything else?
They say we must fight
To keep our freedom
But Lord, knows there's got to be
A better way
Oooh
(War)
God, y'all! (uh)
(What is it good for?)
You tell 'em! (h'uh)
Say it, say it, say it
(War)
Good God (h'uh) now, h'uh
(What is it good for?)
Stand up and shout it
(Nothin'!)
#34
War / Iran responds
Last post by K-Dog - Mar 24, 2026, 12:45 PM
Iran's Armed Forces will continue the path until complete victory
The powerful armed forces of Islamic Iran, in full obedience to the dear Leader of the Revolution, remain steadfast in their commitment to defend the proud and victorious nation of Iran, and will continue this glorious path with the support of the aware and brave people of Islamic Iran until complete victory.
With that attitude they will last a fuck of a lot longer than Taco Trump will.
#35
Peak oil / Cuba's electric grid collapses...
Last post by K-Dog - Mar 24, 2026, 12:19 PM
Hasan Piker, Greta Thunberg Head Massive Cuba Convoy Aimed At Breaking US Blockade
Amid a crushing (and illegal) U.S. blockade, dozens of public figures, including Hasan Piker, Greta Thunberg, Jeremy Corbyn, and Kneecap are traveling to Cuba to deliver aid to the island.
#36
War / America Has No Good Options in...
Last post by RE - Mar 24, 2026, 06:44 AM
America Has No Good Options in Iran
Three weeks into the joint U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, the outlines of a familiar and dangerous pattern are emerging. The current conflict may for now be significantly different than American wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, or Vietnam—it has not yet drawn in U.S. ground forces in great numbers. But the Iran war shares a deeper strategic reality with these predecessors. Washington is once again fighting a weaker regional power without having clear objectives, a defined theory of victory, and a viable exit strategy.
With no good options available, you can count on Trumpolini to choose the worst one. Kharg Island seems the most likely, even though the main result would be to further restrict global energy supply for a longer period of time. It's unlikely to do anything to get the Iranians to surrender. However, Trumpolini's moving 5000 grunts halfway around the world. He's not doing that to have them sit on the boat twidling their thumbs.
RE
#37
War / US and Israel carrying out str...
Last post by K-Dog - Mar 24, 2026, 01:48 AMQuoteEl Trumpo makes an obviously false statement based on his own fantasies.
And still people believe him.
The idea that Trump has got some sense, well we have made that mistake before. Lets not even go there. Trump's brain is rotting away, and if you think it can improve then you are delusional. Likely Trump is just buying time for things to get in place before he attempts to grab Kharg or attempt some other madness. Trump wants to grab Iran by the pussy. That has not changed. Grabbing is all Trump knows how to do.
🇮🇷 The Kharg Island Bloodbath?
If Trump carries out his decades-long violent fantasy, his team expects ‘considerable’ US casualties. Plus, the clock is ticking on the US president's threat to commit war crimes in Iran.
Potential talks. That is a joke, The first side to talk in this mess admits they are defeated. Iran knows Israel has other intentions than peace, and there has not yet been enough pain for Trump to throw Israel under the bus as he will have to before this is over. But as things are today, Trump will throw America under the bus before he throws Israel under it.
Before Iran can get a peace they can live with Iran will have to throw America into a 1929 style depression. That is their plan, and they will prevail. America will be dragged under the Iran bus since America has no real leadership who can deal with this mess. Our leadership makes these messes so expecting them to deal with the problem is delusionally nuts. Our leadership made the mess. Economic warfare is an appropriate plan for Iran. Iran did not ask to be bombed, and despite what knuckle-dragging Americans say, Iran was not a threat to begin with. But now, thanks to Trump and crew, they are.
#38
War / What we know on Day 25 of the ...
Last post by RE - Mar 24, 2026, 01:41 AM
What we know on Day 25 of the US and Israel’s war with Iran
Trump postpones threat: Trump paused his threat to strike Iran’s power plants for five days after he claimed the US and Iran reached “major points of agreement” in talks over the weekend – though it’s not clear who the US is negotiating with within the Iranian leadership. Iran’s denial: Iran’s foreign ministry said there was “no dialogue” between Tehran and Washington, according to state affiliated media. They dismissed Trump’s claim as an attempt to lower energy prices and buy time for his military plans. One senior military adviser to the supreme leader said the war will continue until Tehran receives full compensation for damage it has sustained.
Amazing how Wall Street will jump on Tweets from Trumpolini without accepting the obvious realities. There's no dialogue with the Iranians, regardless of his pronouncements. There's no way His Trumpness and the Ayatollah are going to run the Straight of Hormuz "together". lol. There's no way the FSoA is going to pay reparations and grovel apologetically. Most of all, there's NO FUCKING WAY the oil supply market will return to normal in 2026.
Regardless of all of this, it's being ignored and they go ahead and bid upp the market simply because El Trumpo makes an obviously false statement based on his own fantasies.
On the upside, the return to reality should be spectacular.
RE
#39
Against War / The problem with being Israel'...
Last post by K-Dog - Mar 23, 2026, 07:05 PM
‘Forever live by the sword’: Understanding Israelis’ massive support for Iran war
A recent poll registered Israeli support for the war on Iran at a whopping 93%. Between the genocide, the ethnic cleansing, and the annexations, Israelis think this is how it’s meant to be. Constant war to sustain our constant expansion.
The Diverging U.S. and Israeli Goals in Iran Are Making the Endgame Even Murkier
The cracks between Trump and Netanyahu have become more pronounced, particularly over energy and leadership targets. Three weeks into the Iran war, the endgames of Israel and the United States appear to be diverging.
What is the Strait of Hormuz, and why does it matter?
Experts on supply-chains, geopolitics and the Middle East explain why the Strait of Hormuz is dominating headlines.
How Iran Sees the War
The Islamic Republic has maintained remarkable cohesion since the attacks started. Its command-and-control system remains intact, even though it has lost many leaders. It has retained enough firepower to launch missile strikes against U.S. bases, Israel, and various Persian Gulf Arab countries. And it swiftly named the elder Khamenei’s hard-line son Mojtaba as its new supreme leader. This resilience should not come as a surprise. For more than two decades since the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and especially since the 12-day war last June, Tehran has been preparing for a large U.S. attack and signaling that it would respond with fury.
Why Israeli support for the battle with Iran has stayed so high even as missiles fly
Public backing is still sky-high despite sirens, sleepless nights and shuttered schools. The reason, pollsters say, is Israelis feel they’re waging an existential fight in relative safety.
‘A Revolting Moral Outrage’: Toddler Torture Allegation Emerges Amid Mounting Evidence of Systemic Abuse in Israeli Detention
A disturbing allegation emerging from central Gaza has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the occupied territory, after reports that Israeli soldiers tortured an 18-month-old Palestinian child in front of his father.
I am amazed, the America I once knew would never have watched Bibi and Trump have gay sex through a keyhole. Being anybody's bitch would have been inconceivable to a nation that thought they were the greatest in the world. The savior of democracy. The winner of WWII. If my mental image bothers you, then imagine watching your wife or whatever flavor your significant other may be, cheating on you behind that keyhole. And you are not into it. It is not your monkey. Watching is not your thing.
Trump gives treasure, your treasure, to a foreign power. Is that more palatable. Do you like it? If so, then so be it. Different strokes they say. But the truth is raw, and it is in your face, and it is up your ass. And people are dying so those who have more already will have even more than they have now. The "Greatest Generation" would be having none of this. For them, not being alive to see what Trump has done to this country is a blessing. Trump sells off what they built with blood and sweat.
The inheritance of 1945 is pawned off for gold and crypto. A once-unrivaled giant stands outside the room, watching through a keyhole as its future is spent and taken away by a man who treats national honor as a line of credit for foreign presidents and kings.
#40
Peak oil / Cuba's electric grid collapses...
Last post by RE - Mar 23, 2026, 06:31 PMQuote from: TDoS on Mar 23, 2026, 05:18 PMSure you can. It is called a fact at that point. Peakers, amusingly enough, didn't even get it right AFTER it happened. Because it kept happening!
Facts aren't predictions. Nor are facts always factual. Nor are even factual facts always interpreted the same way. In any event as Kdog points out, the thread isn't about peak oil, it's about the conditions in Cuba under the Trumpolini oil embargo. If you have something worthwhile to say about that, feel free to post it here. You've already been warned about going off topic to beat your dead peak oil horse.
RE