Strait of Hormuz – mackaycartoons

Thursday August 13 2026

August 13, 2026 by Graeme MacKay Leave a Comment

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 13 2026

Strait Talk: Iran’s Leverage and Canada’s Counterplay

July 10, 2026

As the U.S. faces escalating tensions with both Iran and Canada, President Trump’s strategies reveal a pattern of economic brinkmanship that risks backfiring on multiple fronts. The parallels between his military blunder in Iran and the tariff threats against Canada offer crucial lessons for policymakers and observers alike.

News: Canada’s top negotiator told U.S. counterparts Aug. 19 tariffs could halt trade talks, sources say

Iran’s resilience in the face of U.S. aggression has become a symbolic victory. Despite severe economic sanctions and military pressure, Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz gives it leverage to disrupt global supply chains, driving up inflation and trapping the U.S. in a costly conflict with no clear win in sight. Trump’s pivot back to sanctions after military strategies fizzled shows a lack of coherent objectives and exposes vulnerabilities in the U.S. approach.

August 8, 2026

In the trade war with Canada, the stakes are different but equally significant. Trump’s tariffs, set to take effect on August 19, threaten to increase U.S. inflation at a time when affordability is a critical election issue. Most Americans, if aware, oppose tariffs and have little appetite for aggression towards a longstanding ally. Just as Iran can leverage its strategic position, Canada holds critical economic cards: its exports are deeply embedded in U.S. supply chains, and retaliatory measures can exacerbate American economic pain.

Analysis: Lessons from Trump’s Iran Deal for Canada’s CUSMA Negotiators

June 18, 2026

For both Iran and Canada, the strategy is survival. Enduring short-term punishment while leveraging their positions can make the pre-conflict status quo the best escape route for Trump. In Canada’s case, targeted counter-measures can amplify U.S. inflationary pressures and make the tariffs politically untenable. Trump’s insistence on aggressive tactics without clear goals leaves him vulnerable to the very economic disruptions he seeks to impose on others.

Trump’s domestic constraints are evident. The Iran conflict has depleted military resources and raised fuel prices, and further economic coercion against Canada could alienate voters already weary of inflation and trade wars. With the November elections looming, these pressures could force Trump to reconsider his aggressive stance.

News: Trump pivots back to sanctions for Iran as other strategies to end his war fizzle

August 11 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s approach should be resolute: if Trump pushes further tariffs, Canada should respond firmly, leveraging its economic interdependence with the U.S. to press for a return to the pre-conflict status quo. Just as Iran’s resilience has shifted the narrative in its favour, Canada’s strategic patience and targeted responses can shape a more favourable outcome. In this high-stakes game, survival and strategic leverage are the keys to success.

The cartoon depicts a scene where Donald Trump is sprawled on the ground. A figure representing the Islamic regime of Iran, labeled “Strait of Hormuz,” is firmly holding one of Trump’s legs. This figure has a stern expression and is suggesting to Mark Carney, who represents Canada and stands nearby, to grab the other leg. Carney is looking on with a contemplative expression. Trump is clutching a paper that reads “August 19th Tariffs on Canada.” The cartoon highlights the leverage and strategic pressures both Iran and Canada exert on Trump amidst geopolitical tensions.

Thursday June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 18, 2026

Also published to Counterpoint. Printed in The Toronto Star.

Trump’s Impulsive Iran Misstep: A Strategic Blunder

June 16, 2026

The recent U.S.-Iran deal is a stark reminder of the consequences of leadership driven by impulse rather than strategy. This agreement, hastily reached and fraught with concessions, represents a significant strategic misstep with far-reaching implications for both regional stability and global perceptions of American strength.

Iran’s newfound control over the Strait of Hormuz is a testament to its strategic triumph. The deal allows Iran to levy fees on this vital shipping lane, reinforcing its leverage over global energy markets. This concession, highlighted in Roger Boyes’ and Bret Stephens’ critiques, signals a troubling acquiescence to Iranian demands without securing tangible limits on their nuclear ambitions or proxy activities.

Opinion: Peace in Iran will be messy and dangerous

April 9, 2026

President Trump’s decision-making process, bypassing congressional oversight and sidelining expert guidance, has led to a precarious peace. As Andrew Coyne aptly notes, this lack of consultation extends to neglecting the insights of American allies. Such unilateral action undermines collaborative security efforts and leaves allies questioning the reliability of U.S. commitments.

The economic ramifications of this agreement are undeniable. The disruption in oil markets and the ensuing instability have upended economies worldwide. Moreover, the human cost—needless deaths and the suffering of Iranian civilians under a regime now emboldened by perceived victories—cannot be ignored. Reader comments echo the sentiment that this deal prioritizes strategic concessions over humanitarian concerns.

Opinion: Trump’s Iran deal is a national humiliation

April 8, 2026

Perhaps most damaging is the erosion of America’s global reputation. Trump’s reliance on “gut feelings” over informed strategy has diminished U.S. standing, as Stephens highlights. The world watches as a superpower struggles to assert its influence, learning once again the perils of a foreign policy led by erratic impulses.

This debacle serves as a critical lesson: the need for robust guardrails around presidential power. It is imperative to implement mechanisms that ensure strategic coherence, expert consultation, and international collaboration in decision-making processes. The unchecked actions of a megalomaniac president must not dictate the course of global security.

Opinion: Iran Found Trump’s Bone Spur

April 24, 2026

As the dust settles, it is crucial that the U.S. reflects on this strategic misstep, reaffirming its commitment to principled leadership and the safeguarding of democratic processes. Only then can it hope to restore its stature and effectively navigate the complexities of global diplomacy.

Friday May 22, 2026

May 22, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 22, 2026

Cuba’s Crossroads: Hope and Hegemony

March 18, 2026

As the sun sets on Cuba’s Communist regime, a confluence of geopolitical forces heralds a new era, yet uncertainty and fear cloud the horizon. The Castros’ iron grip, sustained for decades by Soviet support and later by Russian and Venezuelan aid, is now slipping. Venezuela, once a vital supplier of oil, is under American control, leaving Cuba isolated and economically crippled. But as we anticipate the regime’s downfall, the spectre of American intervention raises profound concerns.

The recent indictment of Raúl Castro by the Trump administration is emblematic of a broader strategy that intertwines legal maneuvering with political objectives. While the charges against Castro for the 1996 shoot-down of civilian planes signal a commitment to justice, they also serve as a tool for geopolitical pressure. This move, coupled with the deployment of the USS Nimitz, suggests a willingness to employ force, echoing past actions in Venezuela.

News: Nimitz Aircraft Carrier Enters Caribbean as Trump Pressures Cuba

February 19, 2026

There is a sense of skepticism about the U.S. administration’s motives. Many highlight the irony in invoking legal arguments while frequently sidestepping international law in other arenas. Critics question the selective application of justice, citing American impunity in cases of civilian harm.

The potential for U.S. intervention in Cuba is fraught with risks. History warns us of the perils of external regime change: humanitarian crises, power vacuums, and the emergence of corrupt, self-serving local elites. The Cuban people, already enduring economic hardship, now face the prospect of displacement and further misery.

Adding to these concerns is the precedent set by Trump’s “excursion” into Iran, aimed at dismantling its nuclear capabilities. The operation has led to significant economic fallout, particularly due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. This blockade continues to disrupt global markets, highlighting the unintended consequences of unilateral military interventions.

News: Justice Dept. Charges Former Cuban President in Fatal Downing of Planes

August 2, 2006

The Trump administration’s recent track record offers little comfort. Its unilateral actions and disregard for multilateral norms threaten to erode international trust and stability. While the end of the Communist regime may seem like a cause for celebration, the alternative, an American hegemony marked by coercion and self-interest, is hardly a panacea.

As we stand at this crossroads, the hope for a peaceful transition remains, but it is tempered by the fear of what might follow. Cuba’s future should be shaped by its people, free from the shadow of external forces driven by corruption and greed. The international community must encourage a transition that prioritizes humanitarian needs and respects Cuban sovereignty, lest we witness a descent into chaos that surpasses anything experienced under the Communist regime.

Friday April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 24, 2026

Also printed in The Toronto Star. Published in The Week.

Arch of Discord: Trump’s Legacy Overshadows Priorities

October 23 2025

As the world grapples with pressing issues like the Ukraine conflict, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and a global cost-of-living surge, President Donald Trump remains fixated on his legacy. His latest endeavour—a triumphal arch in Washington, D.C.—has drawn widespread criticism for its scale and symbolism.

News: Donnyland’? Ukraine Proposes Naming Part of the Donbas in Trump’s Honor.

The proposed arch, intended to surpass Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, has faced backlash from preservationists and the public. Critics argue that it disrupts the visual harmony of the capital’s historic landscape, overshadowing monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The project, perceived as a personal monument to Trump’s ego, raises questions about its appropriateness and alignment with American values.

Despite nearly unanimous public opposition, the Commission of Fine Arts, filled with Trump loyalists, seems poised to approve the project. This highlights a troubling trend of sidelining public discourse in favour of personal agendas. Trump’s focus on grandiose projects like this arch and a new White House ballroom reflects a prioritization of personal legacy over pressing national and international challenges.

Analysis: A Landscape Architect Reviews Trump’s Proposed Triumphal Arch

In a time when leadership should be focused on diplomacy and resolving crises, this arch stands as a testament to misplaced priorities. It risks setting a precedent where monumental decisions are driven by vanity rather than the collective values and needs of the nation. As Trump pushes forward, the question remains: Is this the legacy future generations should inherit?

Source: Wikipedia.

Dare to Ignore the Past…

All this talk of Donald Trump and his arch that has stirred laughter and mockery had me thinking of another arch from a bygone era that provoked controversy, one I doubt the incurious President or his ill informed yes men would know about. Designed by Decimus Burton as a triumphal gateway commemorating Britain’s Napoleonic victories and as a grand ceremonial entrance to the royal parks, it was built between 1826 and 1830 at Hyde Park Corner and was known simply as the triumphal arch. The name shifted to the Duke of Wellington’s Arch as public and press association with Wellington’s Napoleonic leadership attached his name and political symbolism to it.

Despite some of his faults, including a notorious temper, political obstinacy and an autocratic manner, a glorious archway bearing the Duke’s name seemed warranted. In 1846, however, Matthew Cotes Wyatt’s gigantic equestrian statue of Wellington was perched atop the arch and that excess exposed how glorification can go too far: critics attacked its scale and poor fit with Burton’s design, Queen Victoria complained it blocked the view of Buckingham Palace and cartoonists mocked it in Punch.

The Duke died in 1852, and despite criticism it remained on the arch until 1882 because of public attachment, political sensitivity about slighting the duke, bureaucratic delays, and the cost and difficulty of removal. The unpopular Wyatt statue was removed from Hyde Park Corner and re‑erected at Aldershot in 1885. The move defused royal and public complaints, found an Army sponsor, and eased disposal costs. The Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, backed and helped secure the relocation. After the move to Aldershot the bronze suffered neglect, weathering and some vandal damage. It was later cleaned, repaired and treated by specialists to stabilize and protect it.

Photo Credit: Tripadvisor; Friends of Aldershot; Equestrian Statues

Wellington’s Arch caused quite a stir back in the day, and it’s a good lesson for us now. The new arch planned for the 250th anniversary looks more like a monument to Donald Trump’s ego than a celebration of independence. While he might see himself as a great leader like Wellington or Napoleon, his actions, especially ignoring environmental issues and stirring up global tensions, don’t really deserve a hero’s welcome. Just like the fuss over Wellington’s statue, this new plan should be checked out carefully to make sure it brings people together instead of just pumping up one person’s image.