# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "America's last throw of dice" by Jawed Naqvi, Published in Dawn on June 17th, 2025:* The article examines the escalating *Israel-Iran conflict* and its implications for *American foreign policy* and *regional stability*. *Israel*, described as *America's unsinkable ship* in the *Middle East*, faces unprecedented challenges as *Iranian missiles* pierce its *Iron Dome* defense system, targeting critical infrastructure. The conflict, initially perceived as a threat to *Iran*, now appears to threaten *Israel*'s very existence, jolting the *Western world* with *Iran*'s fierce retaliation despite significant military losses. *Donald Trump*'s boast about providing *Israel* with the world's best military equipment faces scrutiny as reports suggest *2-3 US-made F-35 stealth jets* were destroyed, though unverified. Such losses would represent an *unspeakable humiliation* for *Western military engineers* and *Trump personally*, potentially impacting the *global arms market*. The article questions *Israel*'s relevance as a *Cold War relic* versus its continued strategic value for *Western patrons*. Historically, *Israel* served as a foil to *Soviet influence* among *Arab states*, leading the *West* to allow its *nuclear weapons development* by stealth. This makes accusations against *Iran*'s nuclear ambitions appear hypocritical, especially considering the West's destruction of *Iraq* based on false nuclear claims about *Saddam Hussein*. The piece highlights *Western complicity* in *Israeli transgressions*, citing the *1986 Mordechai Vanunu case* where the nuclear scientist was kidnapped by *Mossad* after exposing *Israel*'s secret nuclear facility at *Dimona*. *Israel*'s historical impunity includes the *1946 King David Hotel bombing* killing *British troops* and the *1967 USS Liberty attack* that killed *34 American crew members*. *Netanyahu*'s desperate televised plea for direct *American involvement* includes claims about *Iran*'s *1983 Beirut truck bombing* and alleged assassination attempts on *Trump*. However, *American defense analysts* and former military officers criticize *Netanyahu* for seeking to drag the *US* into his personal conflict, warning that *America* has already lost *$12 trillion* in the *Middle East* since *2003* against a current debt of *$34 trillion*. *Colonel Douglas McGregor* warns that *77 million Americans* voted for *Trump* to end overseas conflicts, not escalate them. He estimates that an *Israeli strike* on *Kharg Island* (*90% of Iran's oil exports*) or *Bandar Abbas terminals* could prompt *Iran* to close the *Strait of Hormuz*, affecting *20% of global oil supply* and causing *$7/gallon gas prices* overnight, crushing American families and the economy. With *40,000 US troops* in the *UAE*, *Qatar*, and *Persian Gulf* region serving as *sitting ducks*, *McGregor* notes the cost disparity: *Iranian Shahed-136 drones* cost *$20,000* each while *American Patriot missiles* cost *$4 million* per interceptor. The article concludes by questioning whether *Trump* will join *Netanyahu*'s last desperate gamble or accept a diplomatic resolution suggested by *Vladimir Putin*, proposing an emergency *UN Security Council meeting* where *America* opposes the destruction of any regional state. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *Israel*'s conflict with *Iran* threatens *American prestige* as *Iranian missiles* breach the *Iron Dome* and potentially destroy *US F-35 jets*. *Netanyahu* desperately seeks direct *US involvement*, but *American analysts* warn against joining what they call his personal war, citing *$12 trillion* already lost in the *Middle East*. An *Israeli strike* on *Iranian oil facilities* could close the *Strait of Hormuz*, affecting *20% of global oil* and crushing the *US economy* with *$7/gallon gas*. *Trump* faces a choice between escalation and *Putin*-suggested diplomacy. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Emergency UN Security Council Meeting* Convene an urgent *UNSC session* where *America* clearly opposes destruction of *Iran*, *Israel*, or any regional state. ## *2. Diplomatic Resolution* Accept *Vladimir Putin*'s suggested diplomatic approach instead of military escalation. ## *3. Economic Cost Analysis* Recognize the *$12 trillion* already spent in *Middle East* conflicts against *$34 trillion US debt*. ## *4. Avoid Oil Supply Disruption* Prevent *Israeli strikes* on *Kharg Island* and *Bandar Abbas* to avoid *Strait of Hormuz* closure. ## *5. Protect US Forces* Withdraw or secure *40,000 US troops* in *UAE*, *Qatar*, and *Persian Gulf* from becoming targets. ## *6. Cost-Effective Defense* Address the unsustainable cost ratio of *$4 million Patriot missiles* vs *$20,000 Iranian drones*. ## *7. Honor Campaign Promises* Follow *Trump*'s election commitment to end overseas conflicts, not escalate them. ## *8. Regional De-escalation* Focus on preventing wider *Middle East* conflict rather than supporting *Israeli aggression*. ## *9. Nuclear Proliferation Control* Address *Israeli nuclear weapons* program while maintaining consistent non-proliferation standards. ## *10. Alliance Reassessment* Re-evaluate *US-Israel* relationship considering historical transgressions and current costs. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *Iranian missiles* piercing *Israel*'s *Iron Dome* defense system. - *2-3 US-made F-35 stealth jets* reportedly destroyed (unverified). - *Mordechai Vanunu* kidnapped in *1986* after exposing *Dimona nuclear facility*. - *1946 King David Hotel bombing* killed dozens of *British troops*. - *1967 USS Liberty attack* killed *34 US crew members*, wounded *200*. - *1983 Beirut truck bombing* killed nearly *300 American and French soldiers*. - *America* lost *$12 trillion* in *Middle East* since *2003*. - Current *US debt* stands at *$34 trillion*. - *77 million Americans* voted for *Trump* to end overseas conflicts. - *90%* of *Iran*'s oil exports flow through *Kharg Island*. - *20%* of global oil supply passes through *Strait of Hormuz*. - *40,000 US troops* stationed in *UAE*, *Qatar*, and *Persian Gulf*. - *Iranian Shahed-136 drones* cost *$20,000* each. - *American Patriot missiles* cost *$4 million* per interceptor. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Israel* possesses an estimated *80-90 nuclear warheads* (*Stockholm International Peace Research Institute*, 2024). - *Strait of Hormuz* handles *21%* of global *liquefied natural gas* transit (*EIA*, 2024). - *Iran*'s oil production* averages *3.2 million barrels/day* (*OPEC*, 2024). - *US military spending* in *Middle East* operations totaled *$2.4 trillion* (*Watson Institute*, 2023). - *F-35 program* costs *$1.7 trillion* over its lifetime (*GAO*, 2024). - *Iron Dome* intercepts *90%* of rockets in ideal conditions (*Israeli Defense Ministry*, 2023). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *What defense system has Iranian missiles been piercing?* A. Patriot System *B. Iron Dome* C. THAAD System D. David's Sling ### 2. *How many US-made F-35 jets were reportedly destroyed?* A. 1-2 *B. 2-3* C. 3-4 D. 4-5 ### 3. *Who was kidnapped in 1986 for exposing Israel's nuclear program?* A. Jonathan Pollard *B. Mordechai Vanunu* C. Avner Cohen D. Daniel Ellsberg ### 4. *How much has America lost in the Middle East since 2003?* A. $8 trillion B. $10 trillion *C. $12 trillion* D. $15 trillion ### 5. *What percentage of global oil supply passes through Strait of Hormuz?* A. 15% B. 18% *C. 20%* D. 25% # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Blitzkrieg* (بجلی جنگ) – Swift, intense military campaign 2. *Mayhem* (بدحالی) – Violent disorder or confusion 3. *Foil* (مقابلہ کرنا) – Prevent or counter something 4. *Stealth* (چھپ کر) – Secret or undetected action 5. *Grouse* (شکایت) – Complaint or grievance 6. *Supplicant* (التجا کنندہ) – Person making humble request 7. *Impunity* (سزا سے بچاؤ) – Exemption from punishment 8. *Quarries* (شکار) – Targets being hunted 9. *Transgressions* (خلاف ورزی) – Violations of law or moral code 10. *Cynical* (منفی سوچ) – Believing worst about people/motives 11. *Scot-free* (بچ جانا) – Without punishment or harm 12. *Berated* (ملامت کی) – Scolded or criticized severely 13. *Prohibitive* (ممنوع) – Forbiddingly expensive or difficult 14. *Adamant* (اڑیل) – Refusing to change opinion 15. *Inventory* (فہرست) – Stock or supply of goods 16. *Escalating* (بڑھتا ہوا) – Increasing in intensity 17. *Unprecedented* (بے مثال) – Never done before 18. *Retaliation* (جوابی حملہ) – Revenge attack 19. *Hypocritical* (منافقانہ) – Saying one thing, doing another 20. *Complicity* (ملی بھگت) – Involvement in wrongdoing 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. Please be reminded not to remove the attribution label affixed to this article. It is crucial to acknowledge the source and the effort invested in creating this summary. We discourage any unauthorized distribution without proper credit. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 🔍 ⚡ *Explore More Summaries, Solutions, and Vocabulary Meanings* 💡 Join our WhatsApp Channel for timely and comprehensive summaries of the latest articles, along with well-crafted solutions and helpful vocabulary meanings. Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- *www.dawn.com* *America's last throw of dice* *Jawed Naqvi* *6–8 minutes* ISRAEL has been called America's unsinkable ship in the Middle East. Terrifyingly accurate Iranian missiles have been piercing its acclaimed Iron Dome to target the ship's hull as it were. The war that began as a threat to Iran is looking like a threat to Israel. The Western world looks jolted by Iran's furious response to Israel's initial blitzkrieg on Thursday night despite significant Iranian losses in military personnel. Much is at stake, not least American prestige. Riding the mayhem is Donald Trump's boast that America produces the world's best military equipment, which he gave to Israel. Reports, however, say two or three US-made F35 stealth jets used by Israel had perished. The Iran-sourced reports have not been independently verified. But, even if a single plane of that order is destroyed, it would be an unspeakable humiliation for Western military engineers, and for Trump personally. It's bad enough that a chronically sanctioned and cash-strapped country has built the resources to defend itself against formidable challengers. Bringing down a prestigious warplane could have consequences for the global arms market. American analysts seemed happy to blame French-made Rafale jets for Indian losses in the recent flare-up with Pakistan. The boot could be on the other foot. Is Israel a Cold War relic, or does it continue to have a purpose for its Western patrons? It was needed with Iran as a foil to Soviet influence among Arab states which Israel defeated in two decisive wars. For that and more, the West allowed it to become a nuclear weapons state, by stealth. It makes the grouse with Iran look even more unconvincing — that it can make nuclear weapons never mind the religious edict against WMDs. But then that's how they destroyed Iraq, by lying that Saddam Hussein was assembling the bomb. How the West turned a blind eye when Mordechai Vanunu was kidnapped by his former Israeli employers after the nuclear scientist blew the whistle on his country's secret nuclear weapons plant at Dimona. Vanunu, a closet anti-nuclear activist, let the cat out to a British newspaper in 1986, for which he was lured by Mossad to Italy where they drugged and transported him to Israel. Some developing countries hero-worship Israel as a demi-god, an invincible military and intelligence genius. They can't be blamed for it. One such supplicant got so carried away that it allegedly resorted to Israeli-style assassinations of domestic adversaries in foreign lands, overlooking a crucial rider. Israel was never ever permitted the impunity of kidnapping or killing its quarries inside any of the Five Eyes countries, the post-war Anglo-Saxon intelligence-sharing club. That's why Vanunu was lured to Rome. Israel's transgressions were indulged even before its cynical creation in 1948. Israel's transgressions were indulged even before its cynical creation in 1948. Truth be told, Zionist extremists showed paces as Frankenstein's monster when they blew up the King David hotel in Jerusalem in 1946, killing dozens of British troops. Later, Israel got away with a devastating attack on its mentor when it assaulted the USS Liberty, an American spy ship keeping an eye on the 1967 Israel-Arab war from the Mediterranean Sea. The attack mockingly used US-made jet fighters and motor torpedo boats to kill 34 US crew members. Nearly 200 were wounded. Reports say that Israel was stealing American nuclear secrets and covertly making bombs since the 1950s. And Western governments, led by Britain and the US, preferred to turn a blind eye. For far less, America executed Julian and Ethel Rosenberg in 1953 on suspicion they passed American nuclear secrets to the USSR. Israel got away scot-free in all cases. Thus it was a bit rich for Netanyahu to be pleading for direct American involvement in his unexpectedly uphill battle against Iran. In a televised address, sounding desperate, Netanyahu made a strange case to lure Trump more directly into the war. Iran, he said, had staged a 1983 truck bombing in Beirut that killed nearly 300 American and French soldiers. He even tried to persuade Trump to believe that Iran had attempted to assassinate him during the 2024 election campaign. American defence analysts, including former intelligence and army officers have berated Netanyahu for seeking to involve the US in what they say was his personal fight. They have cautioned Trump with the reminder that Washington had already lost $12 trillion in the Middle East since 2003, against a current US debt of $34tr. "Seventy-seven million Americans voted for President Trump because he promised to end the overseas conflicts and halt the march to WW3," tweeted Col Douglas McGregor, a former army officer who worked with US forces in the Middle East. He estimated that just one Israeli strike on Kharg Island — where 90 per cent of Iran's oil exports flow — or Bandar Abbas terminals, could prompt Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz. That would be 20pc of global oil supply. What it could do to America was prohibitive — disrupted supply chains and accompanying inflation. "Gas hits $7/gallon overnight. Every working family crushed. Truckers can't deliver food. Economy crashes. For what? So Israel that started this insane war can drag Americans into a wider regional conflict with the potential for nuclear war?" McGregor was adamant. The US has 40,000 troops in the UAE, Qatar, and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf. "They are sitting ducks," he warned. "Iranian Shahed-136 Drones cost $20,000 each. American Patriot Missiles cost $4 million per interceptor. Do the math. We will run through our inventory of missiles and go broke while Americans come home in boxes." The fear was echoed by a number of former military and intelligence personnel. What would Trump then do? Would he join Netanyahu's last throw of the dice or might he accept a diplomatic resolution that Vladimir Putin suggested in their phone call? McGregor suggests an emergency UN Security Council meeting where America clearly opposes the destruction of Iran, Israel or any state in the region. Is there any other way? The writer is Dawn's correspondent in Delhi. [email protected] Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2025