Photo by Hossein Nasr on Unsplash by Rick Shaw What to make, as Catholics, of President Trump’s incursions into Venezuela and Iran? Pope Leo urged a safeguarding of human and civil rights in Venezuela that ensures “a future of stability and concord.” Regarding Iran, he warned presciently against a widening of the conflict, praying “that the thunderous sound of bombs may cease, weapons may fall silent,” and “the voice of the people can be heard.” Archbishop Thomas Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged “a halt to the spiral of violence and a return to multilateral diplomatic engagement.” Both were measured, calling for an end to hostilities without casting blame or taking sides. Not so Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., who cited Catholic “just war” teaching to condemn America’s attack on Iran as “not morally legitimate”—a position also voiced, if more cautiously, by Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Military Archdiocese. Conversely, Catholic commentator William McGurn of the Wall Street Journal invoked “just war” principles to assert that U.S. military action in Iran is morally justified. So what are the practical pros and cons? In Venezuela, the Marxist Maduro regime impoverished the people of that oil-rich nation, using its wealth to line their own pockets, support other Marxist dictatorships in the region, build up their military, and align themselves with the murderous drug cartels that are killing thousands throughout the region and across the United States. In Iran, as Cardinal McElroy concedes, “Almost everyone rightly believes that the Khameini regime has been for decades a brutal and repressive government that has spread terrorism throughout the world and should be replaced.” That regime continues to pursue nuclear weapons; violently undermine the Abraham Accords through which President Trump had initiated peaceful engagement between Israel and some (formerly hostile) Arab nations; and exploit Iran’s abundant oil reserves to enrich themselves, dominate their region, manipulate world oil prices, and strengthen their military arsenal. In both countries, supporters contend, U.S. actions are morally justified to depose tyrannical regimes that terrorize neighboring states and menace world peace and freedom. The main counter-argument—voiced not only by Trump’s opponents, but by some MAGA supporters—is summed up in the simple question: What next? As we learned in the aftermath of 9-11, removing malevolent regimes is the easy part. We drove the Taliban from power in Afghanistan and captured and executed Saddam Hussein in Iraq. But trying to install Western-friendly governments in both nations proved disastrous. Iraq descended into the chaos and terror of ISIS, then into an Iranian client state. In Afghanistan, the Taliban simply bided their time, retaking power 20 years later amid America’s chaotic withdrawal. Trump campaigned against such failed attempts at “regime change” and “nation-building,” promising to end “forever wars” that too often result from American efforts to implement democracy in hostile environments. This, he insists, is not that. But where, exactly, do we go from here? Currently, things seem stable in Venezuela. Maduro was captured with a minimum of bloodshed, and his Marxist vice president is cooperating with America. But for how long? What is the endgame, and what long-term American commitment will be required? In Iran, Trump’s narrative changes with events. He told us last June that we had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities. Now he says this current war is necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. In February, he declared the Khameini regime “decapitated” by our first round of bombing. Yet weeks later, it is still being sustained by leadership that is fighting back and widening the war. “Many Countries,” he recently claimed, “will be sending War Ships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe.” Within days, virtually every such nation disavowed any intention to do so. So, what are we to believe from the president? What is the real purpose of this war? How much longer and more widespread might it become, and what will be the final outcome? Can real change happen without permanent regime change? And—even allowing that President Trump may achieve worthwhile goals here—what happens when Trump’s term ends, and our regime changes? This recurring problem is exacerbated by our current polarization. The strength of our alliances, and the boldness of our adversaries, wax and wane with every shift in America’s turbulent political winds. Looming over all these considerations is the potential impact of America’s actions on China’s global ambitions. Israeli journalist Haviv Rettig Gur contends that by providing China with crude oil exports, Iran negated “the American navy’s ability to interdict” the Beijing regime’s energy imports, which was “China’s single greatest vulnerability.” China, he adds, “was also arming Iran with systems specifically designed to threaten commercial and American military assets.” Now, writes longtime China analyst Steven Mosher, Trump has destroyed Iran’s ability to provide China with cheap oil, left Iran’s China-supplied military and telecom equipment “smoldering,” and provoked Iran into “reckless military barrages” that “have united the entire region against it—causing an enormous loss of face for its chief international backer.” And this, Mosher writes, is “only the latest in a long series of recent geopolitical setbacks” Trump has delivered to “America’s chief adversary.” His tariffs have taken “a huge bite out of China’s predatory trade profits.” In Latin America: Trump successfully pressured Panama to end China’s de facto control of the Panama Canal, keeping “this vital strategic waterway” open to international shipping; Removing Maduro “cut off China’s supply of cheap Venezuelan oil,” “obliterated billions in Chinese-made military equipment,” and “effectively ended China’s influence” over Venezuela; Cutting off Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba has “begun the liberation of another key client state of China’s.” Seeing China’s overtures in Greenland, Mosher writes, Trump’s “heated rhetoric got what he wanted all along: effective sovereignty over the parts of the island needed for missile defense or resource development” vital to American security—and doubtless European and Greenland security as well, with China lurking. Why is this so important? Because generations on from the unspeakable, genocidal atrocity that was Mao Zedong’s 40-year tyranny, current ruler Xi Jinping, behind the mask of a more subtle, sophisticated style, maintains ironclad control through those same Maoist tactics of mass terror and repression, epitomized by his enslavement of the Uyghur Muslims; barbaric forced organ harvesting practiced on targeted populations; continued suppression of religious faith and practice; and brutal crushing of freedom in Hong Kong. Internationally, he continues to menace Taiwan while using China’s modernized economy, technological advancements, and growing military might to accelerate its drive toward an international Communist hegemony that would impose that same cruel totalitarian subjugation around the globe. If blunting China’s drive toward world domination is part of Trump’s purpose, that is not in itself a dispositive justification of his actions in Venezuela and Iran. But it is, in my view, a powerful argument in their favor, as I remain convinced that Communist China is THE existential threat to world peace, security, and human freedom. ~~~ Rick Shaw: I have spent the last three decades in primarily Catholic communications work: as a reporter, news editor, columnist, and for eight years editor of The Long Island Catholic; several years as co-host and co-producer of The Catholic Forum program on the diocesan Telecare channel; two stints as Director of Communications for the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights; and a year as Associate Director for Communications at the New York State Catholic Conference. I also served for three years as Public Information Officer for the late Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon, a staunchly Catholic and active pro-life leader. The post Venezuela, Iran — and China appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

President Trump on Tuesday denied Tucker Carlson’s dramatic clickbait reports that the president was considering nuclear war with Iran. “Tucker’s a low IQ person who has no idea what’s going on,” the president said. “He calls me all the time; I don’t answer his calls. I don’t deal with him. I prefer dealing with smart people, not fools.” Carlson, in a Monday night post on X, claimed that President Trump’s Easter morning post on Truth Social was the first step toward nuclear war. Does Carlson really believe that? Who knows? He was referring to the post on Sunday morning in which Trump said to Iran, “open the F—–’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.” Carlson called the language used on Easter—a holy Christian holiday—”vile on every level.” “How dare you speak that way on Easter morning to the country?” Carlson said on his podcast. “Who do you think you are? You’re tweeting out the f-word on Easter morning.” Is Carlson really a goody-two-shoes Christian? Up until very recently, Tucker was posing as President Trump’s friend. Carlson suggested Trump was the anti-Christ, and is initiating nuclear war to provoke Armageddon. “Is it just a conventional escalation ladder in a badly thought out war … [or] could it be something bigger? Is it possible what you’re watching is a very stealthy yet incredibly effective attack on what, from a Christian perspective, is the true faith: belief in Jesus?” he said. “Is it possible that the president sees this in bigger terms? Sees this as the fulfillment of something?” An elevation of some higher office beyond president of the United States?” He hit all the red buttons to frighten people and support Democrats. Tucker Carlson implores White House staffers to say no Trump’s orders pic.twitter.com/pfmMvCvP9Z — Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) April 7, 2026 Here is Tucker saying capitalism shouldn’t be anywhere near Christianity. What the hell is going on? Tucker Carlson is now promoting Christian Marxism, with a claim that capitalism is fundamentally incompatible with Christianity. pic.twitter.com/tulhQ2CMHv — Ian Miles Cheong (@ianmiles) April 7, 2026 The post Tucker Has Gone Bananas & Trump Says He’s a Low-IQ Person appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Iranians who support the regime are gathering around power plants and on bridges, daring the US to bomb them. I wouldn’t dare Trump, but I never believed these were his targets. Why would he advertise it? It is a diversion. He specializes in the art of surprise. Think of other targets he might prefer to hit, perhaps Kharg and the fuel depots, ports, or uranium sites. He likely has a map of targets that excludes bridges and power plants. Remember, he would rather not hurt innocent people and deprive them of an economy. When he threatens to send them back to the Stone Age, he is saber-rattling. However, it will be an attack at full strength. It’s unlikely he came unprepared and without plans. Those are media talking points. President Trump wants out of Iran. His goal is to debilitate their fighting capacity since they want to destroy the West. JUST IN: Iranians are gathering on bridges and around power plants, forming human chains after threats of US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s civilian infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/DrGFZlfP0E — Current Report (@Currentreport1) April 7, 2026 That being said… The New York Times writes: Donald Trump says he is not playing games, and his deadline for Iran’s surrender is tomorrow evening. In a press conference, the president discussed the Iran timeline and the daring rescue of our F-15 WSO. New York Times: President Trump on Monday escalated his threats to devastate Iran if it does not agree to a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday night deadline, even as he again floated the possibility that there could be a diplomatic resolution to the war. “We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again.” Mr. Trump said at a White House news conference. If the attacks take place, he added, “It will take them 100 years to rebuild.” Mr. Trump also gave a laudatory depiction of the rescue of a missing American airman shot down over Iran. The mission involved 155 aircraft and hundreds of people, he said, though “a lot of it was subterfuge” designed to lead Iranian forces away from the aviator. He also revealed that the plane, a U.S. Air Force F-15E, had been downed by a single shoulder-fired missile, reports the New York Times The post Pro-Regime Iranians Line Bridges & Plants Before the Bombs Fall: They’re Wasting Their Time appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

In a phone call with Bret Baier this morning, President Trump said he wouldn’t put odds on how today will turn out, but, “8 p.m. is happening” if Iran doesn’t work with us. If we get to that point, there is going to be an attack like they have not seen.” “If negotiations move forward with something concrete, that could change.” The US will do something extreme. Unfortunately, Iranian leaders are probably willing to go down with the regime. Fox News’ Bret Baier: “I just got off the phone with the president… He said, ‘8 p.m. is happening. If we get to that point, there is going to be an attack like they have not seen.’ He’s sticking to that at this point.” “At this hour… he said, ‘It is moving forward with the… pic.twitter.com/ZsvM9VRho3 — RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) April 7, 2026 President Trump will speak at the Air and Space Museum shortly, and he will undoubtedly address the issue again. Ari Fleischer said that the Western part of NATO will never be the same after this. Spain, England, Italy, and France have sold the US out as they have in the past. A former NATO ambassador, ally of John McCain’s, mentioned that we didn’t consult our allies before. However, he agrees they are now acting badly. He also made the point that as long as the regime stays in power, it will be a threat to us. They will also be a threat to our allies. “8pm is happening.” Trump apparently said it to Bret Baier from Fox. “He said, if we get to that point, there is going to be an attack like they have not seen. Now he’s sticking to that at this point. Now he said if negotiations move forward today and there is something… https://t.co/eDYXzGtTI3 pic.twitter.com/3I1nOnqHAc — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 7, 2026 The post President Trump: 8 pm Is Happening If Iran Doesn’t Negotiate appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Glenn Beck produced a documentary about the Islamification of America that will be posted on YouTube today at noon. We will post it here. Beck was on Finnerty last night and made an important point. He explained that the uniting of communists, fascists, anarchists, and Islamists led to the downfall of Iran. Once the battle was won, the Islamists killed the leftists and anarchists. That is how most regimes are taken over by authoritarians. All the dissidents join together, but there will only be one dictator. During the Russian Revolution, the anarchists joined the communists until they won. The communists killed the anarchists. We see that now in the United States. The communist and Islamist ralliers join together,, supporting one another, increasing their numbers. Beck said his documentary includes factual documents as proof. T he Muslim Brotherhood documents revealed during the Holy Land Foundation are of note. Those found in Osama bin Laden’s hideout also revealed the goal to take over North America. There are others. Read some documents here, here, here, and here, and some quotes below. We will post his video when it airs. Long interview with Liz Wheeler Glenn Beck Reveals Massive Islamic Plot | Ep 247 https://t.co/YfldOxLzjy — Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) April 6, 2026 The Muslim Brotherhood’s Strategic Plan For America – Court Document Clarion Project The following is the official document from a 1991 meeting that outlines the Muslim Brotherhood’s strategic goals for North America. The document was entered as evidence in the 2008 Holyland Terror Funding Trial. Federal investigators found the document in the home of Ismael Elbarasse, a founder of the Dar Al-Hijrah mosque in Falls Church, Virginia, during a 2004 search. Elbarasse was a member of the Palestine Committee, which the Muslim Brotherhood had created to support Hamas in the United States. Enablement of Islam in North America, meaning establishing an effective and a stable Islamic Movement led by the Muslim Brotherhood which adopts Muslims’ causes domestically and globally and which works to expand the observant Muslim base, aims at unifying and directing Muslims’ efforts, presents Islam as a civilization alternative, and supports the global Islamic State wherever it is.” (Page 4) “…the Movement must plan and struggle to obtain “the keys” and the tools of this process in carry out [sic] this grand mission as a ‘Civilization Jihadist’ responsibility.” (Page 5) The process of settlement is a ‘Civilization-Jihadist Process’ with all the word means. The Ikhwan [Muslim Brotherhood] must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and ‘sabotaging’ its miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers…” (Page 7) “[W]e must possess a mastery of the art of ‘coalitions,’ the art of ‘absorption,’ and the principles of ‘cooperation.’” (Page 7) “A list of our organizations and the organizations of our friends”—This is where the Muslim Brotherhood listed its front groups in the U.S. Note that prominent organizations like CAIR, ISNA, ICNA, and others are named here. (Page 18)   The post Glenn Beck’s Look Into the Islamification of America appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.