Contrary to the belief of some media pundits, the Islamic world, not Israel, has inflicted the greatest damage on the United States, argues Victor Davis Hanson on today’s edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words.” Also discussed: Negotiations with Iran inevitably drag on through delay and deception, warning the prolonged standoff affects U.S. economic confidence and is shaped by uncertainty about Iran’s missile and drone arsenal, while Israel faces nearer-term risk and U.S. politics increasingly blames Israel. Nigel Farage’s Reform Party surge reflects backlash against Labour-era crime, open borders, green energy policies, and national decline. He praises blunt attacks on Los Angeles governance over homelessness, drugs, and shuttered mental institutions. He highlights a perceived judicial double standard in the White House Correspondents Dinner shooting case, then explains Hephaestus’s myths, cult sites, craftsmanship role, and why the god is portrayed as lame.