US War Budget, Iranians in Lebanon, and SpaceX’s ‘Military Industry’ Expansion

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As the United States ratchets up the pressure on Iran, fears of yet another war loom. American warships have reportedly neared the country, where the hardline government has allegedly killed thousands of people in recent protests.

As tensions soar, Inkstick regular Madeline Edwards spoke with Iranians who live in Lebanon about the grim experience of watching the lethal suppression of protesters in their home country from afar.

Meanwhile, the war industry is booming, and on the California coast, SpaceX is playing a large part in fueling it. As Inkstick fellow Hannah Bowlus reports, locals are taking issue with SpaceX for a host of reasons, including the sonic booms its rocket launches force them to endure.

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“Security for Whom? Protection in Africa after UN Peacekeeping” by Rebecca Rottenberg (Feb. 2)

As the UN winds down peacekeeping operations in Africa long criticized for their ineffectiveness, security is becoming increasingly fragmented and privatized, risking shifting protection from a public good to a paid service and endangering human rights and accountability.

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“Iranians in Lebanon Watch the Bloodshed from Afar” by Madeline Edwards (Feb. 3)

Iranian authorities quickly moved to repress the recent spate of protests, massacring at least 5,000 people according to the United Nations’ latest count. For Iranians in Lebanon, the deadly crackdown on protests in their home country brings apprehension and uncertainty.

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“With Defense of ICE, JD Vance Clarifies His Next Target: You” by Tyler Hicks (Feb. 4)

As protests have seen deadly violence at the hands of federal authorities, the US vice president wants to use law enforcement to punish his critics — regardless of any proof of criminality.

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“SpaceX is Expanding the ‘Surveillance and War Industries’” by Hannah Bowlus (Feb. 5)

The Air Force approved a plan late last year to launch 100 SpaceX rockets a year from the Vandenberg Space Force Base. It likely won’t be the last expansion.

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“Massive Military Spending is Bad for the United States, Actually” by William Astore (Feb. 5)

The Trump administration favors preparations for war and more war, fueled by potentially enormous increases in military spending that are dishonestly framed as “recapitalizations” of America’s security and safety.

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“Deep Dive: Do People Serve in the Military Just for Paychecks?” by Inkstick (Feb. 6)

A new study at Armed Forces & Society examines how citizens in five democracies understand why soldiers and officers joined the military, revealing striking cross‑national differences rooted in national citizenship traditions and military operational tempo.

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