The undersea cables carry a large share of global data traffic between Europe, the Gulf, and Asia. Tehran proposes to impose a toll for submarine cables that provide internet communications. Iran also wants all management and maintenance handled exclusively by domestic companies.
I think this describes a lot of critical infrastructure. It’s the “profit” mindedness of governments and corporations to choose to consolidate infrastructure in places that might be risky but cost less. It’s like removing tornado warning systems because they cost a lot to maintain, staff, and operate. So a few people being killed and property being destroyed is “worth it” because it’s cheaper in the long run. So running cables in vulnerable areas is “worth it” because it was cost effective to do so and accept the minor risk assessment that political instability might someday affect them. Same with global energy. It was cost effective and profitable to run so many ships through Hormuz and put a substantial amount of refining capacity in a potentially unstable area. Now we pay the price thanks to an idiot president.
I think this describes a lot of critical infrastructure. It’s the “profit” mindedness of governments and corporations to choose to consolidate infrastructure in places that might be risky but cost less. It’s like removing tornado warning systems because they cost a lot to maintain, staff, and operate. So a few people being killed and property being destroyed is “worth it” because it’s cheaper in the long run. So running cables in vulnerable areas is “worth it” because it was cost effective to do so and accept the minor risk assessment that political instability might someday affect them. Same with global energy. It was cost effective and profitable to run so many ships through Hormuz and put a substantial amount of refining capacity in a potentially unstable area. Now we pay the price thanks to an idiot president.