Payam Ostovar
@payamostovar.bsky.social
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Conservative Man Proudly Frightened Of Everything
Conservative Man Proudly Frightened Of Everything
FLOWER MOUND, TX—Condemning the “woke left” for what he called the “modern evisceration of masculinity,” local conservative man Hank Daniels confirmed Monday that he was never going to stop being prou...
theonion.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Conservative Man Proudly Frightened Of Everything
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
“The mass deportations reminded H of an Afghan idiom: ‘When the fire comes, wet and dry, everything will burn.’”https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2025/10/14/trump-immigratio-afghanistan-asylum-deportation/
America saved him from the Taliban. Trump wants to send him back.
He supported America’s war, escaped Afghanistan and started a family in the U.S. Then ICE arrested him. If he is deported, he expects the Taliban to kill him.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:47 PM
“The mass deportations reminded H of an Afghan idiom: ‘When the fire comes, wet and dry, everything will burn.’”https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2025/10/14/trump-immigratio-afghanistan-asylum-deportation/
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
President Trump has taken to justifying his policy agenda by invoking his hope of reaching heaven after he dies. But “I don’t think there’s anything [that's] going to get me in heaven,” Trump told reporters en route to Israel on Air Force One. https://wapo.st/4q9yS1E
October 13, 2025 at 6:30 PM
President Trump has taken to justifying his policy agenda by invoking his hope of reaching heaven after he dies. But “I don’t think there’s anything [that's] going to get me in heaven,” Trump told reporters en route to Israel on Air Force One. https://wapo.st/4q9yS1E
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Patrolling the safest location in one of the safest cities in the Union.
[Real DC residents hope that this is as far into real DC that these small-d trigger happy twats go.]
[Real DC residents hope that this is as far into real DC that these small-d trigger happy twats go.]
Drug Enforcement Administration officers patrolling the National Mall.
If you know DC you understand how tremendously goofy this is
(h/t @lorenzohall1.bsky.social)
If you know DC you understand how tremendously goofy this is
(h/t @lorenzohall1.bsky.social)
August 11, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Patrolling the safest location in one of the safest cities in the Union.
[Real DC residents hope that this is as far into real DC that these small-d trigger happy twats go.]
[Real DC residents hope that this is as far into real DC that these small-d trigger happy twats go.]
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Oregon Approves Ambitious Framework for ’Microgrids’ - h/t Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon Approves Ambitious Framework for ’Microgrids’ - h/t Oregon Capital Chronicle
Local energy “islands” within the larger power system ensure key facilities can remain online during emergencies and power outages.
dlvr.it
July 22, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Oregon Approves Ambitious Framework for ’Microgrids’ - h/t Oregon Capital Chronicle
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
So glad we don't live in this reality. 😮💨
Imagine what a huge story it would be if a presidential administration were in disarray, with public, internecine fighting within & between departments, the president unable to say who was making critical decisions, & the right-hand man forming a new party—after less than six months.
Just imagine.
Just imagine.
July 11, 2025 at 10:42 PM
So glad we don't live in this reality. 😮💨
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
A State Department employee shared with PBS News an image from inside the department. The image includes a piece of paper taped to a mirror with the words, "Colleagues, if you remain: RESIST FASCISM. Remember the oath you vowed to uphold."
July 11, 2025 at 10:51 PM
A State Department employee shared with PBS News an image from inside the department. The image includes a piece of paper taped to a mirror with the words, "Colleagues, if you remain: RESIST FASCISM. Remember the oath you vowed to uphold."
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Some State Department staffers have now received notes saying they were incorrectly fired. 🤦🏽♀️
July 11, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Some State Department staffers have now received notes saying they were incorrectly fired. 🤦🏽♀️
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Had an engaging, wide-ranging conversation with @faisalalyafai.bsky.social on Iran—what motivates its politics, what complicates its politics, and why it can be both a joy and a misery to cover. Many thanks to @newlinesmag.bsky.social for putting it together
newlinesmag.com/podcast/what...
newlinesmag.com/podcast/what...
What Iran Wants
Historian and podcaster Afshon Ostovar joins Faisal Al Yafai to discuss the ideology and strategy of Iran.
newlinesmag.com
July 11, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Had an engaging, wide-ranging conversation with @faisalalyafai.bsky.social on Iran—what motivates its politics, what complicates its politics, and why it can be both a joy and a misery to cover. Many thanks to @newlinesmag.bsky.social for putting it together
newlinesmag.com/podcast/what...
newlinesmag.com/podcast/what...
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Breaking news: An imposter using AI to pose as Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacted three foreign ministers, a U.S. governor and a member of Congress, according to a State Department cable.
A Marco Rubio impostor is using AI voice to call high-level officials
An imposter using AI to pose as Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacted three foreign ministers, a U.S. governor and a member of Congress, according to a State Department cable.
www.washingtonpost.com
July 8, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Breaking news: An imposter using AI to pose as Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacted three foreign ministers, a U.S. governor and a member of Congress, according to a State Department cable.
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Big news: Our new members-only show, "The Iran Contingency with Afshon Ostovar (@AOstovar)," is launching this week. Join now at our special rate: $99/year (down from $150). Limited time only! 👉 ow.ly/JrH750WeNWF
June 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Big news: Our new members-only show, "The Iran Contingency with Afshon Ostovar (@AOstovar)," is launching this week. Join now at our special rate: $99/year (down from $150). Limited time only! 👉 ow.ly/JrH750WeNWF
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
We’re doing a thing
This week, we are launching a new members-only show: "The Iran Contingency with Afshon Ostovar (@osto.bsky.social)." For a limited time, become a WOTR Platinum member for $99/year, down from $150 warontherocks.member...
June 23, 2025 at 7:51 PM
We’re doing a thing
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Some thoughts on the outbreak of war between Iran and Israel, and what it could mean going forward. Really appreciated this conversation with Jordan Kranse and @wsj.com
www.wsj.com/video/series...
www.wsj.com/video/series...
Iran’s Military Arsenal Against Israel
As Iran strikes back at Israel after an unprecedented attack on Tehran’s nuclear operations, WSJ explains Iran’s military capabilities and strategy.
www.wsj.com
June 15, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Some thoughts on the outbreak of war between Iran and Israel, and what it could mean going forward. Really appreciated this conversation with Jordan Kranse and @wsj.com
www.wsj.com/video/series...
www.wsj.com/video/series...
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
The intelligence apparatus that has kept Khamenei in power for 4 decades is crumbling around him. He will spend the autumn of his life fighting to salvage the Islamic Republic.
"The ship that he stewarded has run aground,” @osto.bsky.social told me
My story:
www.wsj.com/world/middle... #iran
"The ship that he stewarded has run aground,” @osto.bsky.social told me
My story:
www.wsj.com/world/middle... #iran
Israel’s Attacks Leave Iran’s Supreme Leader Exposed—With No Good Options
Tehran’s bruising fight with Israel has left its military weakened and unable to respond in kind to Israeli attacks
www.wsj.com
June 14, 2025 at 8:08 AM
The intelligence apparatus that has kept Khamenei in power for 4 decades is crumbling around him. He will spend the autumn of his life fighting to salvage the Islamic Republic.
"The ship that he stewarded has run aground,” @osto.bsky.social told me
My story:
www.wsj.com/world/middle... #iran
"The ship that he stewarded has run aground,” @osto.bsky.social told me
My story:
www.wsj.com/world/middle... #iran
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Making music — even if you aren’t especially good at it — can still be good for you.
Music has the power to soothe the mind, promote brain health and bring people closer together, research has shown.
Music has the power to soothe the mind, promote brain health and bring people closer together, research has shown.
Why singing is good for your brain, even if you are no Beyoncé
Music has the power to soothe the mind, promote brain health and bring people closer together. Singing, listening to music or making music all promote health.
wapo.st
June 10, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Making music — even if you aren’t especially good at it — can still be good for you.
Music has the power to soothe the mind, promote brain health and bring people closer together, research has shown.
Music has the power to soothe the mind, promote brain health and bring people closer together, research has shown.
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Parks: Essential Community Infrastructure — and a Smart Investment - h/t National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog
Parks: Essential Community Infrastructure — and a Smart Investment - h/t National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog
Even during times of budget constraint, continued investment in parks is critical, as they provide proven benefits to public health, safety, climate resilience, and community well-being — particularly for under-resourced communities.
dlvr.it
June 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Parks: Essential Community Infrastructure — and a Smart Investment - h/t National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Everyone knows what it’s like to lose cell service. A burgeoning open source project called Meshtastic is filling the gap for when you’re in the middle of nowhere—or when disaster strikes.
Read more: www.wired.com/story/youre-...
Read more: www.wired.com/story/youre-...
June 5, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Everyone knows what it’s like to lose cell service. A burgeoning open source project called Meshtastic is filling the gap for when you’re in the middle of nowhere—or when disaster strikes.
Read more: www.wired.com/story/youre-...
Read more: www.wired.com/story/youre-...
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Ruth Eleonora López has defended Venezuelan immigrants deported to El Salvador by US President Trump’s administration.
El Salvador arrests prominent human rights lawyer who defends deportees
Ruth Eleonora López has defended Venezuelan immigrants deported to El Salvador by US President Trump’s administration.
bit.ly
May 19, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Ruth Eleonora López has defended Venezuelan immigrants deported to El Salvador by US President Trump’s administration.
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
A Republican who narrowly lost a North Carolina Supreme Court election ended his challenge to the results Wednesday, clearing the way for the Democratic incumbent to be sworn in six months after she won the race.
Republican concedes in N.C., ending effort to change election rules after the fact
Justice Allison Riggs’s victory — by 734 votes out of 5.5 million cast — can be certified after Jefferson Griffin ended his legal challenge to thousands of votes.
wapo.st
May 7, 2025 at 5:19 PM
A Republican who narrowly lost a North Carolina Supreme Court election ended his challenge to the results Wednesday, clearing the way for the Democratic incumbent to be sworn in six months after she won the race.
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
BUTTON BLOWUP: Have been surprised at the sheer volume of comments on this piece across @wired.com platforms—and nearly all agree. Anton Gudim's "Yes, But" series sums it up nicely. www.wired.com/story/why-ca...
May 7, 2025 at 7:52 AM
BUTTON BLOWUP: Have been surprised at the sheer volume of comments on this piece across @wired.com platforms—and nearly all agree. Anton Gudim's "Yes, But" series sums it up nicely. www.wired.com/story/why-ca...
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Study: Large SUVs Double Risk of Death for Children Under 10 - h/t The Standard
Study: Large SUVs Double Risk of Death for Children Under 10 - h/t The Standard
New research from the United Kingdom reveals the higher risk of larger vehicles for pedestrians and cyclists.
dlvr.it
May 7, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Study: Large SUVs Double Risk of Death for Children Under 10 - h/t The Standard
Reposted by Payam Ostovar
Amazingly, reaction times using screens while driving are worse than being drunk or high—no wonder 90 percent of drivers hate using touchscreens in cars.
Finally the auto industry is coming to its senses. Real buttons are sooooooo back baby!
Finally the auto industry is coming to its senses. Real buttons are sooooooo back baby!
Rejoice! Carmakers Are Embracing Physical Buttons Again
Amazingly, reaction times using screens while driving are worse than being drunk or high—no wonder 90 percent of drivers hate using touchscreens in cars. Finally the auto industry is coming to its sen...
www.wired.com
May 5, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Amazingly, reaction times using screens while driving are worse than being drunk or high—no wonder 90 percent of drivers hate using touchscreens in cars.
Finally the auto industry is coming to its senses. Real buttons are sooooooo back baby!
Finally the auto industry is coming to its senses. Real buttons are sooooooo back baby!