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Finding Truth in a Blizzard of Propaganda
- Details
- By Mike Scruggs
- Category: Mike Scruggs' Column
American Costs and Risks in the Iran War
Unfiltered truth and analysis
In one of retired U.S. Army LCol. Daniel Davis’s YouTube podcasts on April 17, he summarized American costs since the second American and Israeli attack against Iran on February 28. The first attack, called the 12-day war, occurred between June 13-24, 2025, ending with a brokered ceasefire. Davis has established one of the most honest and thorough coverages of both the Ukraine and Iran War. He is a decorated combat veteran of the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War. He became an outspoken critic and “whistleblower” on the conduct of the Afghanistan War. Although he was nominated to be the Deputy Director of National Intelligence under Director Tusi Gabbard early in 2025, his nomination was essentially blocked by pressure from powerful Congressional and Trump donors associated with the American-Israeli Political Action Committee (AIPAC).
The Increasing Importance of Drone Warfare
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- By Mike Scruggs
- Category: Mike Scruggs' Column
Lessons from Ukraine and the Middle East
Just as this article was about to be published on Sunday April 12, President Trump declared a U. S. Naval Blockade of the Iranian controlled Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. This immediately followed the failure of peace and cease-fire talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, to which Vice President J.D. Vance was to be the chief U.S. negotiator. Although I have confidence in Vance and was hopeful, the failure is exactly what I expected. The two sides are far apart and not inclined to reasonable compromise, so we are essentially left with escalating war. Moreover, Trump’s additional threat to have the U.S. Navy halt ships that have paid a toll to Iran was grievance enough for Iran to escalate its drone and missile warfare. In addition, Trumps’s threat to halt or board foreign ships in the Strait is waving a red flag in the face of China, which probably regards such an American move as piracy. There are several reports of increased Iranian drone attacks on Israel, but the fog and tension of war and inclinations to propaganda and censorship are blocking more news than usual. The escalation has already driven the price of West Texas Crude (WTC) up 8% to $104 per barrel. In stocks, the current Dow futures are down $383. Gasoline prices are moving back up.
Cutting Through the Propaganda Narratives
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- By Mike Scruggs
- Category: Mike Scruggs' Column
Update on Iran War 4-6-2026
An NBC poll ending March 3, 2026, found that 52% of American voters disagreed with President Trump taking military action against Iran with 41% supporting military action and 7% unsure. However 77% of Republicans and 90% self-described MAGA voters supported military action against Iran.
A CBS/UGov poll ending March 20 found that 60% disapproved of military action against Iran and 40% approved it. However, 84% of Republicans supported it. A previous poll showed that a strong majority of Independent voters disapproved of military action against Iran.
Truth Versus Propaganda Narratives
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- By Mike Scruggs
- Category: Mike Scruggs' Column
War and Political Updates on Russia, Iran, Ukraine, Israel, and US
Protest by resignation
Propaganda Journalism
A March 27 Bloomberg News article featured this headline: Russians’ Trust in Putin Hits Wartime Low as Fatigue Grows
Here are the three main takeaways in the Bloomberg article:
“Trust in Russian President fell to its lowest since before the start of the invasion of Ukraine, due to a slowing economy and deepening war fatigue.”
“The share of people saying they trust in Putin slipped to 75% and his job performance stood at 70.1%, the weakest for both indicators since February 20, 2022.” [4 days before the Russian intrusion began.]
“A separate survey [independent Lavada Center] showed that 67% of those polled say the country should move toward peace negotiations, as public fatigue and economic pressures intensify amid the war’s fifth year.”
The title and major takeaways of the Bloomberg article seem extremely misleading considering that no other European leader has an approval rating anywhere near 75%. Moreover, Russia’s economic position is quite strong compared to its debt-ridden Western economic competitors.
Christian Principles of War and Foreign Policy
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- By Mike Scruggs
- Category: Mike Scruggs' Column
The Danger in Boasting of “Chariots and Horses”
Augustine of Hippo (354-430) was a North African (Algerian) Bishop of Hippo Regius during the latter years of the Roman Empire. He was a theologian and philosopher whose prolific writings profoundly shaped Western Christianity and philosophy. He was influenced by Bishop Ambrose of Millan and the writings of Roman Senator Cicero (106 to 43 BC) but was the first to elaborate rigorous criteria for a just war and just conduct in war and policing appropriate for Christian participation without any reservation or shame.
Augustine outlined three main criteria for a just war: It must be initiated by properly constituted authority; it must be for a just cause; and it must be conducted by just means. In the United States, the properly constituted authority is established by the U.S. Constitution as Congress. Properly constituted authorities must decide these issues on behalf of the citizens. Augustine emphasized that these authorities are also ultimately accountable to God and therefore the teaching of Scripture. Thomas Acquinas (1225-1274) and many others since have attempted to flesh out a more comprehensive Just War Theory, but the tragedy of war always generates many ethical loose ends.
Mike Scruggs is the author of two books: The Un-Civil War: Shattering the Historical Myths; and Lessons from the Vietnam War: Truths the Media Never Told You, and over 600 articles on military history, national security, intelligent design, genealogical genetics, immigration, current political affairs, Islam, and the Middle East.
He holds a BS degree from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Stanford University. A former USAF intelligence officer and Air Commando, he is a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War, and holds the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal. He is a retired First Vice President for a major national financial services firm and former Chairman of the Board of a classical Christian school.
Click the website below to order books. http://www.universalmediainc.org/books.htm.
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