Iran Might Sign

The Islamic Republic may well sign a peace treaty, but that does NOT mean they will abide by its terms. The mad mullahs want attacks against them to cease but have no intentions of giving up their Islamist notions. In any cessation of hostilities against the theocratic tyrants, there must be no trust but plenty of verification. 

Peace with Iran

A lasting treaty to end hostiles between the United States and Tehran is possible. It is only possible though if the mad mullahs are removed from power. The Islamic Republic is an implacable opponent to America, but it is also an enemy to decent and reasonable Iranians. 

The Corrupt Ones

Putin is one of the wealthiest people to ever live, if not the richest. He has systematically looted Russia. This is bad, but what the leaders of the Ukraine have done is arguably worse. They diverted aid meant to save their country from an invasion by the Russians to become richer than Croesus themselves. Let us never delude ourselves into thinking there are good guys leading either side. 

Ultimately No Compromise

Religious zealots can't be bargained with, because they are not merely fighting for territory, wealth, or power, but because God (the Lord of their perception) commands them to do so. The United States was never going to be able to make a "deal" with the Islamic Republic, because the mullahs that oppress Iran are Islamist fanatics, who would rather see Iran wiped out than give up their ambition of a worldwide Shiite caliphate. 

Really Brutal Season

To play eighty-two regular season games is already taxing on the body. How about shortening the NBA playoff series down to best of five, except for the championship? I hated seeing Jason Tatum unavailable, and now even though Philadelphia advanced, Joel Embiid may be injured. We want to see the games, but yearn to have the star players well enough to participate. 

The Hawks Collapsed

Don't get me wrong, the New York Knicks are a good basketball team, but Atlanta just fell apart in the final game of the series. No pro team is naturally as dominant against other professionals as NY demonstrated. It was simply Atlanta giving up early in the game. Maybe the NBA should have a mercy rule when an embarrassing blowout like this starts to happen. 

Against the Odds

The Timberwolves were without their starting guards, and their third guard who has provided them dynamic athleticism coming off the bench. They were also missing a swingman and playing against the franchise that just a few short years back captured a championship. Minnesota losing Ant alone should have installed Denver as favorites, even though the Nuggets were playing on the road. Well, Minnesota played with teamwork and determination and prevailed over a team that while not fully healthy themselves was much more intact than the home team. All I can say now is "go Wolves!"