War Is Tragedy

May 6, 2026:
Reports emerged that Washington and Tehran were nearing a one-page memorandum of understanding to formally end the war and launch a 30-day negotiation framework.

During Alexander’s time (4th century BCE), people in Persia and Mesopotamia did know about natural bitumen and seepage oil:
used for waterproofing
construction
medicine
warfare materials

May 1, 2026:
Trump formally informed Congress that hostilities had “terminated” because of the ceasefire and ongoing negotiations.

The famous line:
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
comes from The Godfather.
It was written by Mario Puzo (who wrote the original novel and co-wrote the screenplay)
and Francis Ford Coppola (co-writer and director of the film)
In the movie, the line is delivered by the character Vito Corleone, famously portrayed by Marlon Brando.

Full speech:

"Listen, what we’re doing on this Palatine Hill—it’s a total miracle. I just got the numbers, and they’re huge. Best founding in history. We’re building a wall, a beautiful wall, much better than anything they have in Carthage.

Remus? He was a disaster. Total loser. He tried to jump my wall—very disrespectful—and now he’s gone. You have to have borders or you don’t have a city. We’re bringing in the best people, the greatest people. We’re going to build temples so big, so beautiful, and we’re going to make the Etruscans pay for them. Rome is back, folks!”

April 21–23, 2026:
Ceasefire period and talks.

April 19, 2026: Trump warned Iran that “a whole civilization will die tonight.”

Although the Persians did not build the pyramids, they became connected to them centuries later when the Achaemenid Empire conquered Egypt in 525 BCE under Cambyses II. By that time, the pyramids were already ancient monuments, standing for nearly two thousand years. During periods of Persian rule, Egypt became part of a vast empire stretching from the Nile to Asia, linking Persian rulers with one of the world’s oldest wonders.

“Oh Jerry, don’t let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars.”

This famous line is spoken by Bette Davis (as Charlotte Vale) to Paul Henreid (as Jerry Durrance) in the final scene of the 1942 romantic drama film, Now, Voyager. It signifies accepting a profound, realistic love rather than demanding an impossible fairy-tale ending, ranking as the #46 movie quote by the American Film Institute.

The Scene: The quote concludes the film, where the lovers decide to settle for a meaningful, platonic connection rather than breaking up their respective lives for a conventional romance.

The Meaning: It is a plea to appreciate what they have ("the stars") rather than risking it all for perfection ("the moon").

Significance: It highlights the character's emotional maturity and liberation from her previously repressed life.

Now, Voyager is renowned as a classic "woman's picture" and was a major hit for Warner Bros. and Bette Davis.


April 18–20, 2026
Economic warfare intensified:
rising fuel prices
tanker shortages
insurance costs soaring
supply disruptions spreading internationally.

April 17, 2026: First announcement of the end of the war.
Iran temporarily reopened Hormuz shipping lanes during ceasefire discussions,
then restricted passage again the following day.