US-Europe World Affairs

The Assessment article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Director and Editor in Chief.

The profound fascination of the Iranian people with American culture, political structures, and history is deeply rooted, stretching back decades—even before the Islamic Revolution. Historically, Iran was one of the closest allies of the United States in the region. However, the Russian-backed revolution 1979 altered Iran’s system, by destabilizing the country.

Yet, over the last five decades, Iranians’ fascination with the United States has only grown stronger. Today, Iranians—both young and old are more eager than ever to embrace American culture and see the U.S. as a vital partner. They see the United States rightly as a superpower. In schools, universities, they study only American English and science, in medicine they have adopted the American medical system by following guidance mainly form the FDA.

Iranian people consistently express admiration for the U.S. They respect Israel, Japan, Europe, Canada and other nations, but their aspirations remain centered on the United States.

Despite decades of hardline rule and geographical distance, the U.S system continues to remain as the gold standard in Iran across virtually every domain—from science, medicine, art and design, sports, history, economics and even political science.

The people in Iran dream of being America’s closest ally in the Middle East. And it’s precisely this potential alignment that China, Russia, and certain regional actors fear—so they actively resist any regime change that will bring a closer partnership between the United States and Iran in the region.

In this context, it is vital to look more deeply into the historical and cultural landscape of Iran. Among the countries in the Middle East, including Türkiye, Iran stands apart in its distinct pre-Islamic heritage; its people traditionally followed Mithraism and Zoroastrianism before the Arab-Islamic conquest. Even though the authoritarian Islamic regime has tried for decades to prevent, still a large number of Iranian population retain a strong cultural connection to their pre-Islamic heritage and belief, added with the exceedingly increasing number of people converting into Christianity.

Published by (1) the Israeli government recently, the Iranian people have been the most pro-American populations in the Middle East, only second to Israel. In my two decades of journalistic observation and experience, I should like to add that the Iranians are not only the most pro-American in the Middle East after Israel, but they are the most pro-American populations in the world.

Acknowledgment: Video Iranian’s support for the U.S- Israeli military operation to liberate Iran. Hamburg Germany March 2026 ©U.S. Europe World Affairs.com. (1) Announced by Prime Minister Netanyahu in the exclusive interview with the Fox News in U.S early this year. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Director and Editor in Chief. 

While in philosophical terms war should always be avoided, there are moments when decisive action is essential—to secure freedom, protect human rights, and to uphold the universal values that most of us globally share.

In recent decades, the prevailing view that war must be avoided at any cost has come to dominate much of our political and ethical discourse, often reinforced by media narratives that promote this position. Yet we should aspire to be a generation that pursues peace with conviction while recognizing that peace cannot always be preserved through restraint alone. At times, defending freedom, human dignity, and fundamental democratic values requires courage, resolve, and action.

Let us not allow history to fade into oblivion. In both World Wars, had the United States not intervened, Europe and Asia would have remained shackled by tyranny and authoritarianism. The U.S military intervention played a decisive role in liberating France, the entire Europe, and Asia by defeating fascism.

History therefore reminds us that military intervention, when undertaken in defense of freedom and against aggression and tyranny, is not merely justifiable—it is vital to protect human dignity, preserving peace, and defending the fundamental rights of humanity.

We must look beyond simplistic slogans and examine the realities behind them. Too often, nations/ governments invoke lofty ideals while pursuing economic interests—such as access to oil and other natural resources as well as political ties —thereby masking their true motivations behind the language of peace and principle. As we have seen in the case of Iran in 2026. 

While such narratives may deceive some people and even influence parts of the media– but history can never be rewritten by false presentations or political convenience. Facts endure, and truth has a way of prevailing over distortion.

It is therefore our responsibility to remain vigilant, discerning, and committed to truth.

The call for peace must never become a shield for indifference, nor a tool that enables or legitimizes oppression. Genuine peace must be founded on justice, human dignity, freedom, and the courage to speak when silence would serve injustice.

Let us stand with the United States and Israel to liberate Iranian people.

The U.S Army’s humanitarian legacy in the world is one of its most enduring sources of Goodwill. 

Since its founding, the U.S. Army has been continuously standing at the forefront of International Humanitarian Relief Operations, answering the call during the world’s most pressing crises including:

• Disaster Response – Army units, especially the National Guard, are often first on the ground after floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, providing search-and-rescue, logistics, and emergency infrastructure support;
• Engineering and Infrastructure – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designs and builds critical infrastructure worldwide, from flood control systems to emergency housing and emergency power restoration; 
• Medical and Logistics Support – Army medical units and logisticians provide critical support during international crises, often working alongside USAID and allied militaries;
• Civil Affairs Work – Army civil affairs teams conduct needs assessments and support projects ranging from clean water access to school construction, often laying the groundwork for broader development efforts led by civilian agencies.

Today, no matter in what continents or regions, the U.S. Army stands as always ready to answer any calls when crisis strike.

For centuries, the Army with its unparalleled land power, it’s highly trained soldiers, engineers, and medical personnel has carried the values of service and sacrifice far beyond the battlefields– rebuilding what disaster broke, and restoring hope where it was nearly lost.

Across the globe, the U.S. Army continues to stand at the forefront of international partnership, serving as a reliable and trusted ally to regions, nations, and communities in their most critical hours of need. This unwavering commitment reflects a great form of partnership—one built on trust, presence, and enduring friendship.

Additional news: V Corps supports disaster relief efforts in Türkiye, March 20223. U.S Army

Task Force Resolute provides Humanitarian Assistance in Afghanistan, September 2011. U.S Army 

Army Medical Logistics Command recognized for role in Afghan humanitarian mission, May 2023. U.S Army

Acknowledgments: Image-1: U.S Army’s support for disaster relief efforts in Haiti. October 2016 ©U.S Army/ Lt. Col. Stacy Tomic and Capt. Adam Grover. December 11, 2017.

 Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Director and Editor in Chief.

 

When I first moved to Tokyo in early 1990s I knew barely the rhythms of life in Japan. But soon, I discovered the people of Japan, with a remarkable grace. They were kind beyond words, with a  culture a delicate blend of tradition and openness.

Even now, long after I left Japan, that spirit stays with me. In every step I take, I feel the gentle wisdom of those years—the gratitude, the optimism, the humble strength I absorbed from the Japanese people. 

I still carry the American spirit with me, a beacon that guides my soul, no matter where I go. Yet, beneath that light, there is a subtle, deep current of Japanese culture—a beautiful sparks that reminds me to be always optimistic and yet humble at the same time.  

In my early twenties, as I lived in Tokyo, I encountered a striking presence of U.S. military life woven into the city’s pulse. To me, that was a vivid symbol—an emblem of the United States’ global reach.

Near Tokyo, there was a radiant city called Yokohama—an exquisite gem along the Pacific coast. There, I first experienced the beauty of the U.S. military culture. I saw how their discipline, their service, and their commitment to something greater than themselves left a profound mark on me—showing me a different way to see responsibility, and the shared impact across the globe.  Yokohama area and its  coastal charm attracted me always. But in that landscape, I also saw the majesty of the American bases—the U.S flags, the Air Force, Army, and in Yokosuka the Marine Corps and Navy.

I saw and felt the immense force of the United States—its reach, its power, and the boundless dreams it inspired within me as I watched those military aircrafts and helicopters soaring in the sky.  In those moments—time and again—I pressed my hand upon my heart and let the words of “The Star-Spangled Banner”  rise within me. 

……. Continue to read the article (on this site under U.S Forces Japan)

Acknowledgment: Image-1 Catherine S. Schmidt  Germany May 2026. Image 2/  Catherine S. Schmidt NASA Exhibition Tokyo mid- 1990s. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Director and Editor in Chief. 

Dear all,  this August marks our 11th anniversary. Today, our global reach extends to readers in over 150 countries. We deeply appreciate your continued support and engagement. Director and Editor in Chief. 

This is the ideal direction that will spark an extensive political and economic reform in Iran, impacting the broader Middle East with the highly positive outcomes —including peace, partnerships, and prosperity—while cultivating the regional landscape with the authentic  Freedom, Human Rights, and Democracy.  Catherine S. Schmidt, Director and Editor in Chief.

Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Director and Editor in Chief.