photo #9152537

“THE MODERN SWORD OF DAMOCLES” Cartoon published 04/19/2026 After optimistic statements were made by President Trump, the stock market rose dramatically and oil prices declined. Now war is back on the menu. Iran broke the cease fire and attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and they also denied they will give up the enrichment of uranium for nuclear weapons. It may be posturing by what’s left of Iran’s leadership. They feel compelled to sound tough and keep pretending they are winning the war to keep civilian populations at bay and keep their own troops from deserting. Their egos have long been over-inflated due to using murderous force on their populace and they got away with it. They’ve raked in a vast fortune in oil revenue, but spent that money not on improving conditions for their people, but instead on instruments of war to destroy Israel and America, whom they call ‘The Great Satan.’ However, he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword and right now their’s a giant sword over the heads of Iran’s leadership and it’s waiting to fall. Will Iran promise to be good in the upcoming peace talks in Pakistan? Probably—they don’t want their infrastructure and electric plants destroyed. Still, they might accept destruction before backing down to the countries they hate the most. They might be praying for the return of a mysterious mahdi, or 12th Imam from 874 AD, who will mete out justice and vengeance for them. The Mahdi vs. the Mighty US Military—I’m guessing the US will win and Iran’s well—and their remaining hopes—will turn to ashes. Time will tell, the ceasefire ends on Wednesday, April 22nd, we hope Iran chooses wisely. — Ben Garrison