The Epstein Class

 

The term "Epstein class" is a political neologism that gained prominence in early 2026 to describe a global network of wealthy, powerful, and well-connected elites who allegedly operate with impunity from legal and moral accountability. 

Origin and Usage

The moniker was popularized following the release of millions of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the U.S. Department of Justice in late 2025 and early 2026. It is primarily used by political figures to critique systemic elite privilege and the perceived "double standards" for the wealthy. 

• Key Proponents: The term has been spearheaded by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY).
• Definition: It denotes an "over-class" characterized by extreme wealth, trans-national mobility (using private islands and offshore regimes), and the use of influence to bypass democratic and legal standards.
• Political Framing:
  • Sen. Jon Ossoff has used it to attack the Trump administration, labeling it the "Epstein class ruling our country" and accusing elites of hypocrisy.
  • Rep. Ro Khanna has framed it as a bipartisan issue to unite "disaffected MAGA voters" and the "progressive left" against a corrupt establishment. 

Public Perception and Figures Mentioned

According to recent Data for Progress polling in February 2026:

• A majority of voters consider figures such as Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and Bill Gates to be part of the "Epstein class".
• Other names frequently cited in media discussions regarding the files include Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Larry Summers, and Reid Hoffman.
• The term is often associated with the concept of "pornopulence"—a lifestyle of excessive luxury used by elites to retreat from public accountability. 

Controversies and Criticism

• Antisemitism Concerns: Some commentators, such as Gabby Deutch and Seth Mandel, have argued that because Jeffrey Epstein was Jewish, the term could be used as an antisemitic dog whistle.
• Sociological Critique: Some sociologists argue against "othering" the rich with a specific moniker, suggesting that the problem is a systemic "professional-managerial class" dynamic rather than a uniquely deviant group.
• Geopolitical Use: In early 2026, the term "Epstein regime" emerged as a derogatory label used by anti-war critics and Iranian officials to delegitimize the U.S.-Israeli coalition during the 2026 U.S.-Iran war. 

What is the population of Jews in Iran and what is their relationship with the Iranian leadership?

 

The Jewish population in 

Iran

 is currently estimated to be between 9,000 and 15,000 people, making it the largest Jewish community in the Middle East outside of Israel. While some official census data suggests lower numbers around 8,000 to 9,000, other researchers and community members cite figures as high as 15,000 to 20,000. Most Iranian Jews reside in 

Tehran

, followed by 

Shiraz

 and 

Isfahan

. 

The relationship between the Jewish community and the Iranian leadership is a complex "delicate tightrope" characterized by constitutional recognition and religious freedom on one hand, and systemic discrimination, legal inequality, and forced political loyalty on the other. 

Population and Religious Life

Despite a massive exodus since the 1979 Islamic Revolution—when the population was approximately 100,000—the remaining community maintains a full Jewish way of life. 

• Institutions: There are approximately 30 active synagogues in Iran, with 20 of them located in 
  Tehran
  .
• Infrastructure: The community operates Jewish schools, kosher butcheries, restaurants, a matzah factory, and even a 100-bed capacity Jewish hospital in Tehran.
• Legal Status: Jews are one of only three recognized religious minorities (alongside Christians and Zoroastrians) permitted by the Iranian constitution to worship and form religious societies "within the limits of the law". 

Relationship with Iranian Leadership

The Iranian regime officially distinguishes between Judaism, which it recognizes as a legitimate religion, and Zionism, which it opposes. 

• Political Representation: The community is granted a single reserved seat in the Iranian parliament (the Majlis). However, critics describe this representative as a "puppet" who must frequently praise the regime and denounce Israel as a "Zionist entity".
• Forced Loyalty: In response to heightened tensions and armed conflict with Israel in 2025 and 2026, the Jewish community has been under intense pressure to demonstrate public loyalty. Official bodies, such as the Central Jewish Committee of Tehran, have issued reports pledging loyalty to the Supreme Leader and claiming they live in "complete security".
• Propaganda Use: The regime has been accused of using the Jewish community as a "diplomatic shield" and coercing them into attending pro-regime rallies or condemning Israeli military actions. 

Discrimination and Legal Challenges

While permitted to practice their faith, Jews face significant de facto and legal discrimination under Sharia law: 

• Employment Bans: Jews and other non-Muslims are prohibited from holding senior government positions, serving as judges, or acting as military commanders.
• Legal Inequality: In court, the testimony of a Jew does not carry the same weight as that of a Muslim. There are also unequal penalties for crimes based on the religion of the perpetrator and victim.
• Espionage Accusations: Members of the community are frequently vulnerable to "trumped-up" charges of spying for Israel. Following military escalations in mid-2025, more than 30 Jewish Iranians were reportedly taken prisoner on accusations of collaborating with Israeli intelligence.
• Execution: In November 2024, a Jewish man, Arvin Nathaniel Ghahremani, was executed after being convicted of killing a Muslim in what was reported as a self-defense situation during a 2022 brawl; human rights groups cited "significant flaws" in the legal case. 

Are the Marsh Arabs in Iraq Shia or Sunni?

Most Americans do not realize how much the Iraq war was a predecessor to the current Israel and US attempts to cause "regime change" in Iran. One aim of the war in Iraq was to disrupt the Islamic government leadership in Iran. One reason that did not happen was that large Shia populations in both countries worked against that objective. 

The majority of Marsh Arabs (also known as the Ma'dan) are Shia Muslims, specifically belonging to the Twelver Shi'i branch. 

Key details regarding their religious and cultural identity include:

• Affiliation: They are overwhelmingly Shia, with estimates placing the population at approximately 99.60% Shia.
• Religious Sites: Their holy cities are Karbala and Najaf, and they have a long history of association with Shia tribes in Iran.
• Syncretic Beliefs: While primarily Muslim, many Marsh Arabs maintain pre-Islamic or extra-Islamic traditions and rituals.
• Minority Groups: Small communities of Mandaeans (a non-Muslim gnostic group) have traditionally lived alongside them in the marshes, often working as specialized craftsmen.
• Historical Context: During the 1991 uprisings in Iraq, the Marsh Arabs were targeted by Saddam Hussein’s government (which was Sunni-dominated) specifically because they were perceived as a Shia stronghold and a sanctuary for Shia rebels.

Iraq's

 religious landscape is dominated by Islam, with a majority Shia population and a significant Sunni minority. These affiliations play a critical role in the current regional tensions involving the 

U.S.

, 

Israel

, and 

Iran

, as Iraq often serves as a primary battleground for their proxy conflicts. 

Main Religious Affiliations in Iraq

According to 2024–2025 estimates, approximately 95% to 98% of Iraqis are Muslim. 

• Shia Muslims: Comprise 61% to 64% of the population. They are predominantly Arab and concentrated in the south and east, including Baghdad.
• Sunni Muslims: Comprise 29% to 34% of the population. This group includes Sunni Arabs (approx. 24%) and nearly all Iraqi Kurds (approx. 15%).
• Minorities: Make up roughly 1% to 3%. This includes Christians (fewer than 150,000 remaining), Yazidis, Mandaeans, and Yarsanis. 

Impact on the U.S./Israel vs. Iran Conflict

The sectarian and ethnic divisions in Iraq directly influence the country's involvement in broader regional wars: 

• Iranian Influence via Shia Militias: Iran maintains a potent "Axis of Resistance" within Iraq, leveraging Shia paramilitary groups like Kataib Hezbollah. These groups frequently target U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria in response to U.S. support for Israel, such as the January 2024 drone strike that killed three U.S. troops.
• Strategic Dilemma for Baghdad: The Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister 
  Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani
   (a Shia), must balance its ties to Iran with its strategic partnership with the U.S.. While some factions call for the total expulsion of U.S. troops, senior religious leaders like 
  Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani
   have urged restraint to avoid drawing an Israeli military response directly onto Iraqi soil.
• Sunni and Kurdish Counterweights: Sunni Arab and Kurdish leaders generally oppose Iranian hegemony. The Kurdish region (IKR) remains a key partner for the U.S., while recent political shifts, such as electing a Sunni speaker of parliament, aim to create barriers against pro-Iranian policies.
• Minority Vulnerability: Religious minorities, particularly Christians, often view Iranian-backed influence as an existential threat to their sovereignty, as they are frequently caught in the crossfire of these larger geopolitical struggles.