Donald Trump ist nicht der erste Regierungschef, der sich zum Geburtstag pompös huldigen lässt. Die denkwürdigsten Feiern von Monroes gehauchtem Ständchen für JFK bis zum Tänzchen von Obama.

The mutual resentments that have fueled tensions between the US and Iran have simmered for nearly half a century

For millions of younger Americans, the sudden explosion of Iran onto the national political stage and consciousness may seem like a bolt from the blue.

Yet for older generations and those with deeper historical awareness, Donald Trump’s announcement on Saturday of strikes against a distant foe is more like the outcome of a collision long foretold.