I have often voiced a certain skepticism about coincidences in general. But when a confluence of events — particularly political events — seems too coincidental to be just that, my skepticism turns very quickly to disbelief.

Consider:

> The U.S., in the person of Donald Trump, warns Iran that there will be serious consequences if it does not sign onto a proposed nuclear agreement.

> Russia, in the person of Vladimir Putin, makes a deal with Iran to accept the transfer of Iran’s enriched uranium.

> Israel, in the person of Benjamin Netanyahu, shocks the world by blowing the daylights out of Iran’s nuclear complex and military leadership.

> The U.S. — Trump again — issues a stronger warning to Iran.

> Russia — Putin, of course — steps in as the one person in the world best positioned to mediate.

Coincidence? Really?

*. *. *

I wonder how many people alive today have heard of “Tinker to Evers to Chance” — the legendary infielders of the Chicago Cubs baseball team in the early 1900s, who perfected the double play: “short to second to first.” I don’t go back nearly that far, but they were so famous, that play was still talked about in my family of baseball fans when I was growing up.

And that’s what I am reminded of today, when I look at this situation in the Middle East, threatening another all-out war in a region that is already treacherously unstable. I see a convergence of actions by three world leaders, perfectly aligned to bring Iran to heel in the matter of nuclear containment.

Not that that would be a bad thing, if it is the sincere intent. But it brings to mind, once again, what strange bedfellows are brought together by politics.

And, rather incongruously, today’s news on this situation also brought with it my one good laugh of the day . . . and from the Russian leadership, no less.

In speaking out against Israel’s strike on Iran and the dangers of possible escalation, a lengthy statement was issued by the Foreign Ministry, stating in part:

“Unprovoked military strikes against a sovereign UN member state, its citizens, peaceful sleeping cities, and nuclear energy infrastructure are categorically unacceptable.

”The international community cannot afford to remain indifferent to such atrocities that destroy peace and harm regional and international security.” [Nathan Hodge, RFE/RL, June 13, 2025.] [Bold emphasis is mine.]

I’m sorry . . . there certainly is nothing funny about the possibility of another war in the Middle East, or anywhere else, for that matter. But come on! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black?!! Russia criticizing another country for attacking “a sovereign UN member state, its citizens, peaceful sleeping cities . . . [and] destroy[ing] peace and harm[ing] regional and international security”??!!!

Honestly? Has Sergei Lavrov — Russia’s Foreign Minister — never heard of a place called Ukraine?

*. *. *

But back on the more serious side, Donald Trump — never to be outdone by Putin — posted on social media that he had recently spoken to the Russian leader and offered himself as broker of an agreement with Iran:

“I stated to President Putin that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and, on this, I believe that we were in agreement. President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion.” [Id.]

So, might this ill wind actually bring with it something beneficial . . . to Messrs. Trump and Putin, at least? Could this be yet another step toward their goal of full rapprochement between our two countries?

And if so, what a lucky “coincidence” it would be, for them, that Netanyahu provided them with this opportunity.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
6/13/25