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Truth Versus Propaganda Narratives
- Details
- 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.
Vengeance Belongs to the Lord
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- By Mike Scruggs
- Category: Mike Scruggs' Column
The Need for Facts and Biblical Clarity in the Iran War
Amalek is listed as a grandson of Esau in the book of Genesis. The Amalekites were first noted in the book of Exodus for their unprovoked ambushes and attacks against the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The first century Roman general and Jewish scholar and historian Josephus refers to Amalek as one born of an incestuous or forbidden relationship. The Amalekites were a semi-nomadic people located on the southern edge of Canaan in an area called Kadesh near the Negeb Desert and the Sinai Peninsula. They became the perennial enemy of Israel, and because they declared constant war against Israel became an enemy of God. They became to Israel a symbol of the very essence of evil.
Iran War Commentary and Notes
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- By Mike Scruggs
- Category: Mike Scruggs' Column
“Truth Is the First Casualty of War”
On Truth and War
The origin of the quote, “Truth is the first casualty of war” is controversial. It is sometimes attributed in form to the Greek philosopher Aeschylus (c. 524-456 BC) but that cannot be documented. Aeschylus is documented to have said, “God is not averse to deceit in a just cause.” In 1950, columnist Malcolm W. Bingay gave caution to this: “Aeschylus said that ‘God is not averse to deceit in a holy cause.’ It takes very mild mental gymnastics to make any politician or statesman or soldier believe that his cause is holy and therefore proper to lie about.”
Political and Economic Impact of Attack on Iran
- Details
- By Mike Scruggs
- Category: Mike Scruggs' Column
March 1, 2026, Comments
On Saturday morning, February 28, Israel and the United States launched a massive bombing and missile attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran. This occurred while negotiations between the United States and Iran were still ongoing, and Iran had just agreed to a major concession that it would not enrich or stockpile uranium. Iran had already stated that it would never develop nuclear weapons. In fact, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a religious Fatwa prohibiting nuclear weapons in October 2003. Iran, however, refused U.S. negotiators demand to eliminate its missile arsenal, its principal defense against Israeli and American attack. There were no offers to reduce financial or economic sanctions on Iran in exchange. This American and Israeli demand was one no country that valued its sovereignty, national security, and independence would agree to short of utter military defeat. It is obvious that the real issue to the United States and Israel was Regime Change. Supreme Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had to go and his government replaced by one friendly to and subject to the influence of the United States.
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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