Now As Always: If You Want Peace, Prepare for War

Peace in Our Time: Mid East Edition

• The UAE & Saudi Arabia are both reportedly looking at submarines, with the UAE focused on a smaller design (300t – 1,000t) to patrol the shallow Gulf waters. Fincantieri’s UAE JV Eithad Ship Building could have an interesting role, and gain a new global market niche. For the buyers, the real challenge comes in crewing, maintaining, and operating submarines after they’re delivered.

• A few days ago Iran’s state TV broadcast the Nightmare of Vultures, a documentary simulating attacks on an American aircraft carrier and Israeli cities. President Rouhani complained on Twitter that his public address was being delayed by state TV authorities, and that speech was not openly hostile to the West or Israel, unlike similar addresses from his predecessor. But one should not forget who’s really in charge as Iran’s Islamic Republic commemorates its 35th anniversary today.