Over the weekend, the headlines were loud: airstrikes, retaliation, military escalation. What was quieter, almost silent, was the story of the millions of people who have taken to the streets across the country in recent weeks to protest the current administration.

These protests aren’t fringe. They aren’t small. They represent a growing wave of concern about the direction our country is heading. People are raising their voices about reproductive rights, voting access, authoritarian overreach, the erosion of public trust in democratic institutions, expanded ICE raids, and the military occupation of California communities.

So it’s worth asking:

Did the bombing of Iran change the headlines, or was that the point?

We’re not here to speculate recklessly, but history teaches us that military action can serve more than one purpose. It can be a show of force. It can be a foreign policy decision. And sometimes, it can be a political tactic that pulls attention away from growing dissent at home.

This moment calls for vigilance. We must hold space for multiple truths:

That global conflict is serious.
That diplomacy must always be the first path forward.
That our attention and our outrage must not be so easily redirected.

We encourage you to stay informed on all fronts. Below are links to thoughtful, reputable coverage of the weekend’s military developments, along with a recommended episode of The Bulwark Podcast that explores the complexity of this moment from multiple viewpoints.

Listen: The Bulwark Podcast – June 23, 2025
A conversation on the strikes in Iran, public protests, and the political strategy behind the headlines.

Read More:

What we know about US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites

U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites show no sign of widespread environmental impact

US inserts itself into Israel’s war against Iran

We’ll keep watching, asking questions, and most importantly, standing up for democratic values at home and abroad.

Pay attention. Stay engaged. Speak up.