Not Trump Again

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to a story that straddles the line between fiction and nonfiction, between the intimate lives of individuals and the sweeping forces of geopolitics.

This book explores the impact of global politics on individual lives, particularly during Donald Trump's presidency. Trump, a businessman with no prior experience in public office, approached international relations with a blunt and assertive style. His lack of diplomatic finesse led to dramatic and often controversial decisions that reshaped the world in significant ways.

One of the most striking examples of Trump's influence was his decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This move, made in December 2017, broke with decades of U.S. foreign policy and international consensus. By recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Trump reignited long-standing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Jerusalem is a city of deep religious and cultural significance to both groups, and Trump's decision was seen as taking sides in a deeply rooted conflict. Protests erupted across the Middle East, and the prospects for peace seemed more distant than ever.

Trump's approach to the Middle East also included the Abraham Accords, agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These accords were celebrated as historic breakthroughs. However, they deliberately excluded Iran, reflecting Trump's administration's strategy to isolate the country. This exclusion further strained the already tense relationship between Iran and its neighbors, contributing to regional instability.

The withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, and the re-imposition of sanctions were key elements of Trump's maximum pressure campaign against Iran. These actions aimed to cripple Iran's economy and limit its influence in the region. The effects were immediate and severe, leading to economic hardship and increased tensions. Iran's support for groups like Hezbollah can be seen as a response to these pressures. Faced with economic sanctions and political isolation, Iran sought to assert its sovereignty and protect its interests by strengthening its alliances with non-state actors. These groups, operating in Lebanon, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East, became essential to Iran's strategy to counterbalance U.S. influence and safeguard its position in the region.

The potential consequences of a second Trump presidency are daunting. His hardline policies could escalate existing conflicts and create new ones. For instance, the war in Ukraine could intensify, as Trump's approach to Russia has always been unpredictable. Relations between the U.S. and China might worsen, particularly over Taiwan, leading to a new Cold War. Additionally, Trump's stance on immigration, exemplified by his push for a wall along the Mexican border, could lead to increased tensions and humanitarian crises.

Trump's lack of prior public office experience influenced his presidency in many ways. His straightforward, often blunt approach was a stark contrast to the nuanced diplomacy traditionally associated with international relations. This approach led to significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy, often with immediate and far-reaching consequences. While some praised his decisive actions, others criticized them as reckless and destabilizing.

In the pages that follow, you'll find a narrative rooted in the real-life events and tensions that have shaped the relationship between the United States and Iran, particularly during the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign. This book aims to provide a human face to the often abstract and distant realm of international diplomacy. Through the eyes of Azad, a young man from Bandar Abbas, we explore the daily struggles and profound impacts that political decisions have on ordinary lives. By weaving together, the threads of personal hardship and global policy, I hope to illuminate the far-reaching consequences of sanctions, military posturing, and the escalating tensions that pervade the Persian Gulf region.

The story is set against the backdrop of significant historical events, such as the dismantling of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran, and the subsequent economic fallout. These events, while discussed extensively in the media and political spheres, often overlook the human element—the families who struggle to survive amidst economic turmoil, the individuals who must make desperate choices to protect their loved ones.

In creating this narrative, I've drawn from a wealth of sources, including news reports, historical records, and personal accounts. My goal is not just to tell a story, but to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of international relations, and to highlight the resilience and determination of those caught in the crossfire.

As you journey through the life of Azad and his family, I invite you to consider the broader implications of the story. How do international policies affect the everyday lives of people? What sacrifices are made in the name of national security? And most importantly, how can we, as global citizens, contribute to a more just and compassionate world?

Thank you for embarking on this journey with me. I hope that by the end, you will have gained not only a deeper understanding of the geopolitical landscape but also a renewed appreciation for the strength and spirit of those who endure its challenges.

Prologue

In the pre-dawn stillness, the Persian Gulf shimmered under the first light of day. A gentle breeze swept across the water's surface, causing ripples that danced with the rising sun. Along the horizon, naval ships emerged from the fading darkness, their formidable silhouettes casting long shadows across the sea. These ships seemed to watch over the coastal town of Bandar Abbas, a vibrant port city in southern Iran, where the day began to stir with the bustle of market life.

Azad, a young man of twenty, stood on the cliff overlooking the sea, feeling the wind against his face and smelling the salt in the air. He'd grown up in this town, watching the fishermen come and go, dreaming of a life with more certainty than the one his family currently faced. The USS Abraham Lincoln, a colossal aircraft carrier, towered in the distance, its massive form dominating the horizon. To Azad, it wasn't just another naval vessel—it was a symbol of the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.

This military presence signaled a dramatic shift in U.S.-Iran relations, stemming from the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign. In 2015, Donald Trump's candidacy had few anticipating the profound impact he would have on international diplomacy. His campaign, marked by promises to Make America Great Again, resonated with many Americans disconnected from traditional politics. Beneath the populist rhetoric was a hardline approach to foreign policy, characterized by assertiveness and confrontation, particularly with Iran.

When Trump took office in 2017, his administration quickly dismantled the Iran nuclear deal—the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—signed in 2015 during the Obama administration. Trump criticized the JCPOA for being too lenient, arguing it failed to address Iran's ballistic missile program and support for terrorism. His administration aimed to apply maximum pressure on Iran through sanctions and military posturing.

The withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and the re-imposition of sanctions marked a new chapter in U.S.-Iran relations. The sanctions targeted key sectors like oil, shipping, and finance, intending to isolate Iran and cripple its economy. The impact was swift and severe. The rial plummeted, leading to rampant inflation. Prices for basic goods like food and medicine skyrocketed, and even humanitarian waivers were restricted. This campaign of maximum pressure created a backdrop of uncertainty and tension in everyday life.

For families like Azad's, the sanctions had devastating effects. His father, Reza, struggled to make ends meet as fuel prices soared and the catch from his fishing expeditions dwindled. His mother, Maryam, worked tirelessly to manage their household, but it was never enough. The village market, once bustling with life, grew quieter as fewer people could afford the essentials. The sanctions weren't just numbers on a page—they were a harsh reality touching every aspect of their lives.

The U.S. military's increased presence in the Persian Gulf on international waters, with the US military warship as its centerpiece, only added to the growing tension. The assassination of General Qasem Soleimani, a key Iranian military leader, further escalated tensions, leading to widespread unrest and rumors of war. The situation seemed precarious, with many fearing that any misstep could lead to direct confrontation between the United States and Iran.

Inside his family's modest home, Azad tiptoed through the creaky doorway to avoid waking his parents. The small house, though humble, was filled with memories—memories of a simpler time when his father could provide for the family without fear of financial ruin, and his mother could focus on raising her children without worrying about where the next meal would come from.

Azad paused in the hallway, listening to the familiar creaks and groans of the house as it settled in the cool night air. His younger brother Ali and sister Jasmine slept soundly, unaware of the difficult choices that lay ahead for their family. Azad felt a surge of protectiveness and a renewed sense of responsibility. He knew that his decision to join the smuggling operation was risky, but it seemed like the only way to keep his family afloat.

As he lay in bed, the events of the day replayed in his mind. The whispers about smuggling, the risks involved, and the potential consequences if things went wrong. He thought about Haji, the older man who had taken him under his wing, and the advice he'd given him: Keep your head down and follow my instructions. One mistake, and you're finished. The weight of Haji's words pressed down on him as he tried to sleep. The images of the naval ships in the Persian Gulf, the sanctions that had crippled the economy, and the uncertainty that hung over his village filled his thoughts. It was clear that the choices he made now would have a lasting impact on his family and the entire community.

Despite the risks, Azad was determined to see this through. He knew he had chosen a dangerous path, but he was willing to take the risks for the sake of his family. He would navigate the shadows, work with Haji, and do whatever it took to provide for those he loved. The prologue sets the stage for the human stories that unfold, illustrating the real-life consequences of aggressive foreign policy and the complexities of international diplomacy. It underscores the unintended effects of sanctions and military posturing.

The following days passed in a blur of activity and uncertainty. Azad continued to help his mother with the market stall, but business was slow. His father returned from the sea each day with fewer and fewer fish, his shoulders slumped in defeat. The sanctions had made it nearly impossible for him to make a living, and the strain was taking its toll. The family faced financial hardship, and the mood grew increasingly somber.

One evening, as the family sat down for dinner, the weight of the circumstances was evident. The simple meal of rice and vegetables reminded them of the tightening grip of the sanctions and the struggle to make ends meet.

Azad couldn't tell his father about his involvement in smuggling, not yet. He knew it would worry him even more, and he didn't want to add to his burden. But he also knew that the family needed the money, and smuggling seemed like the only way to get it. He'd overheard a group of men discussing the smuggling operation in hushed tones, and the prospect of easy money was too tempting to ignore.

Over the next few weeks, Azad's involvement in the smuggling operation grew. He became more comfortable navigating the hidden trails that led to the cove, and he learned to work quickly and efficiently with Haji and the other smugglers. The tension was always there, lurking in the background, but the success of the first smuggling run had given him a sense of hope. Yet the threat of conflict in the region continued to grow. The increased deployment of U.S. naval ships in the Persian Gulf, the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani, and the constant uncertainty created a sense of looming disaster.

Despite the risks, Azad was determined to see this through. In the fading light of evening in Bandar Abbas, Azad felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. The journey ahead would be filled with challenges and dangers, but he was ready to face them. He had chosen his path and was willing to see it through. The prologue invites readers to explore the unfolding narrative, highlighting the impact of geopolitics on ordinary lives and the choices people make when pushed to the brink. It raises questions about the cost of geopolitical tensions and the human consequences of aggressive foreign policy, but it is also a story about resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of family.

Azad's journey into the world of smuggling was born out of necessity, driven by the harsh economic realities imposed by the sanctions. Each day was a delicate balance of risk and reward, with the potential for great gain shadowed by the ever-present threat of discovery and punishment. Despite his reservations and the fears of his family, Azad remained committed to his chosen path.

In the dim light of dawn, Azad met with Haji and the other smugglers, preparing for their next venture. The air was thick with tension as they loaded goods onto small boats, ready to slip past the naval patrols that crisscrossed the Persian Gulf. The stakes were high, and the margin for error was slim.

Azad's heart pounded as they set out, the rhythmic thrum of the boat's engine blending with the steady beat of his pulse. The waters were calm, but the weight of the smuggled goods and the knowledge of what they were doing added an invisible heaviness to their journey. Each wave that lapped against the boat's hull felt like a reminder of the precariousness of their situation.

As they approached their destination, Azad's mind raced with thoughts of his family. He pictured his father, worn and weary from another fruitless day at sea, and his mother, steadfastly keeping their household together despite the hardships. His younger siblings, still innocent to the dangers he faced, slept soundly back home, unaware of the risks their brother was taking to secure their future.

The operation went smoothly, but the tension never abated. Every successful run only served to deepen Azad's involvement, pulling him further into a world that was as unforgiving as the sanctions that had driven him to it. With each trip, the stakes grew higher, and the dangers more acute.

Yet amidst the fear and uncertainty, there was a glimmer of hope. The money he earned from smuggling provided a lifeline for his family, allowing them to buy food and medicine, and keep a roof over their heads. It was a precarious balance, but for now, it was enough to sustain them.

The prologue serves as a microcosm of the larger narrative, encapsulating the themes of struggle, resilience, and the impact of global politics on individual lives. It introduces readers to Azad and his family, setting the stage for a story that delves deep into the human cost of international conflict and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love.

As the story unfolds, Azad's journey will take him through perilous waters, both literally and figuratively. He will face challenges that test his resolve and force him to confront the moral complexities of his choices. Through it all, the bond with his family remains his guiding light, a source of strength and motivation in the face of adversity.

This prologue invites readers to join Azad on his journey, offering a glimpse into a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred by necessity and survival. It sets the stage for a compelling tale of human endurance, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

ONE.

∞

The Prelude: The Calm Before the Storm

THE afternoon sunbathed the coastal city of Bandar Abbas in a warm, golden light. This strategically vital port city, located on the southern coast of Iran along the Strait of Hormuz, serves as a critical gateway for the country's import and export activities. It is a bustling hub where goods from all over the world flow in and out, and where tankers loaded with crude oil depart for destinations across Africa and Asia.

Bandar Abbas is a city of contrasts, where modern infrastructure meets historic charm. The skyline is dotted with cranes from the vast port facilities, juxtaposed against ancient architecture and bustling bazaars filled with the rich scents of spices, seafood, and exotic fruits. The port is the lifeblood of the city, driving its economy and supporting thousands of livelihoods.

The air was filled with the sounds of children playing, vendors calling out their wares, and the distant hum of fishing boats returning to port. Workers moved briskly, loading and unloading cargo, while traders haggled over prices in the vibrant markets. It was around 4 p.m. when the serene day was shattered by a sudden, deafening explosion that tore through the quiet neighborhood.

Azad had been walking through the bustling bazaar, lost in thought about the day's work, when he heard the explosion. His heart skipped a beat, the force of the blast reverberating through his bones. The sound seemed to be coming from the direction of his home. He turned towards the direction of his home, panic seizing him. The plume of black smoke rising in the distance filled him with dread.

Maryam was at a friend's house, she had gone there with Jasmine, idly discussing bazaar trends, when the shockwave hit. She stumbled, her heart racing, fear gripping her voice. Her friend grabbed her hand, both women ran out staring at the smoke with wide, terrified eyes. Jasmine was playing with other children, when the explosion shook the building. The children screamed, and the adults rushed to shield them, confusion and fear rampant.

Reza had been by the docks, discussing the day's catch with fellow fishermen. The explosion made him drop his gear, he looked in the direction the sound came from. His mind immediately racing to his family.

Maryam, the kids, he whispered, before sprinting towards the smoke.

Ali, in the prime of his youth and dreaming of a professional football career, had been playing a match with his friends just a few blocks away. He was on his way home when the explosion occurred, the force of it knocking his slight frame off his feet and throwing him several meters. He hit the ground hard, pain searing through his body. The impact had shocked his young body, leaving him momentarily stunned. He tried to stand but crumpled back to the ground, his vision blurring. Blood was streaming profusely from his head, and his arm had sustained heavy injuries.

Azad ran towards home, his heart pounding. As he turned the corner, he saw the devastation. His home and two neighboring houses were engulfed in flames, the structure reduced to smoldering ruins. He saw Ali lying on the ground, surrounded by debris.

Ali! he shouted, rushing to his younger brother's side.

Maryam and Reza arrived at the same time, their faces pale with fear and shock. Maryam fell to her knees beside Ali, her hands shaking as she tried to assess his injuries. Ali, can you hear me? Stay with us, she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

Reza looked at Azad, his expression a mix of fury and heartbreak.

Azad, what have you done? he shouted, his voice cracking.

Azad's heart sank as he saw the anger and disappointment in his father's eyes. He had thought he was helping his family, but instead, his actions had brought destruction and danger to everyone he loved. The initial regret turned into a deep, gnawing guilt as he realized the full extent of his actions.

Emergency responders arrived quickly, their sirens piercing the air as they fought to control the blaze and tend to the injured. Azad watched in a daze as firefighters and paramedics worked tirelessly to save what they could. His neighbors, who had once greeted him with smiles, now looked at him with suspicion and anger. The sense of community was shattered.

As Ali was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, his dreams of becoming a professional football player now seemed distant and uncertain. The physical pain was overshadowed