In a thought-provoking opinion piece from Forward, writer Dan Friedman draws on the wisdom of Thucydides and Aeschylus to reflect on what leaders like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu might do next in the face of rising tensions with Iran.

Rather than analyzing military logistics or modern geopolitics, the article zooms out—asking what ancient philosophers and dramatists would say about power, fear, and war. Thucydides’ analysis of the Peloponnesian War, for example, emphasized how fear, honor, and self-interest often drive nations into prolonged conflict. Aeschylus, known for his tragic plays, focused on cycles of revenge and the cost of unchecked aggression.

By applying these timeless frameworks to current events, the author suggests that both Israeli and American decisions may not be purely strategic, but also deeply emotional and reactive. The piece argues that understanding human nature—and how it repeats through history—may offer better predictions than political polling or military theory.

As public pressure mounts on both Trump and Netanyahu to act decisively, the article poses a difficult question: are we witnessing a carefully crafted policy or the latest chapter in humanity’s recurring drama of fear and pride?

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Read the full article from the original source:
Forward – Bombing Iran, Donald Trump is triggering a tragedy that Thucydides foretold long ago
Source: Forward, June 2025