As Middle Eastern nations align with Washington to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions, America’s fiercest debate erupts not abroad, but inside its own halls of power.
“The challenge now is ensuring that our domestic discord does not cloud that clarity.”
WTF? Are you kidding? What clarity? From who? When? We “obliterated” their nuclear capabilities last year. The dictator, who by the way unleashed Iran from President Obama’s nuclear deterrence and put them back on the path to re-enriching, told us himself. Now this? JFC, this is bullshit Michael, and you know it is. Iran is/was years away from developing deliverable weapons. They are not an immediate threat to the US or anywhere else in that capacity. This is illegal and unconstitutional, nothing more, nothing less. If you think this is where we should be going as a country, then don’t ever, EVER, bring up rule of law, constitutional order, or clarity in future posts. This piece is a complete capitulation to the whims of a madman and his desire to distract from his criminal past. And you of all people know that.
Well said, John. I totally disagree with this piece and I am not misinterpreting it. Period! Obama had this under control and there were inspections occurring until Trump eighty sixed it! He has to do everything 'his" way! Fuck that, I'll never commend this piece of shit! I'm disappointed in this piece for sure.
I absolutely agree, very well said. Trump only does things for his own gain. This is a distraction and quite possibly a financial gain as outlined in a report by Rachel Maddow. Iran was not a threat. It would have been lesser of one if Obama's treaty, for lack of better terminology, was still in place. Michael's post was a true disappointment!
John, the nuclear timeline is not the only yardstick for “immediate threat.” 9/11 did not come from a warhead. It came from extremist networks finding seams in our national security net.
Also, “obliterated” is a political claim, not a transparent, independently verified assessment. A program can be hit hard and still be rebuilt or dispersed if the know-how, personnel, and infrastructure survive.
If we care about rule of law, we should demand it from everyone and stop arguing from slogans on either side.
I grew up doing fallout drills, hiding under desks, terrified of a flash that never came. The fear is still with me.
Now I watch Congress perform outrage theater while Iran inches toward the bomb and our "leaders" trip over each other trying to score political points.
My childhood fear was real. Their cowardice is inexcusable. Do your damn job before the basement drills become necessary again.
Please. It is not outrage theater to expect a president to follow the Constitution. It is not cowardice to find Trump's actions reprehensible. Last I heard, the program was "obliterated" - we're supposed to now suddenly believe Iran is on the brink of nuclear capabilities? Credible reports show that Iran was nowhere near having a viable nuclear weapon. "Peaceful" Trump just wanted another war to distract from his involvement with Epstein and to find a reason to take over elections.
I grew up with the same fears. I simply don't believe the claims being made. Let me see some Senators who would normally be against this war look at the intelligence and say hm yes this as an actual problem, and then I'll reconsider. I haven't forgotten the bs yellow cake story that got us into Iraq. And this administration lies every time they open their mouth.
I too grew up during that time. I remember the fear I felt during the Cuban missile crisis. I now have great grandkids I fear will be involved in another forever war!!
My husband and I both have grandkids. His daughter just gave birth yesterday, and this is one of the first things I thought of as I saw this innocent, adorable baby girl coming into this world.
Micheal, you are losing credibility. You are correct in stating NOBODY wants Iran to possess a nuclear weapon. However, the means to get there is what most of us are concerned about. Why now, especially when Trump assured us that their capabilities had been permanently destroyed last June. The people that track this sort of stuff stated that Iran was at least a decade away from being able to create a bomb and the same time frame for building missiles that could reach our shores. Diplomacy, albeit slow, was working. We all know why this war began. It is simply a distraction from the Epstein files. You are starting to protect him again. Why?
It's a distraction from Epstein, yes, but also follow the money. His family and friends have and are making money on this. Gulf States paid obvious bribes and now he's doing what they wanted. Arms manufacturers will make a tidy profit. We little people, here and in Iran, get all the death and sacrifice.
Sharon makes the key point, and I encourage everyone here to read Heather Cox Richardson's substack post from last night. While we're wondering why the H*** the unqualified Kushner and Witkoff were "negotiating" peace, remember that these 2 real estate developers have their hands in the pockets of Middle East leaders and corporations, and vice versa. HCR connects the dots for us. It's all about the $$$. The broligarchs are at it again, and they could not give a rat's a** how many little girls are killed or traficked, nor how many US servicemembers lose their limbs and lives.
51 School girls died. We had a nuclear arms deal curtailing Iranian proliferation. Trump destroyed that so he could go in, “dick-wag” and claim credit for “stopping the proliferation. Today, Bibi is bombing the heart of the city. The strike was wrong. Bampot was wrong in collaborating with Israel. Another endless war that was negotiated away from necessity years ago. and was being negotiated away from necessity again. And now endless war to hide corrupt politicians’ lust for power and control over sovereign nations and to hide the Epstein files. IT WAS AN ILLEGAL STRIKE. Law is supposed to play a part here?
Now three of our service members have also died, and some are wounded. No one in this administration even tried to convince anyone this was worth killing people over. When you go to war, you accept as fact that civilians will die.
I am so disappointed in this, Mr. Cohen’s second post essentially emphasizing that precluding Iran from possessing nuclear weapons is paramount AND that we should rely on a madman’s autocratic whims to carry out the mission. (Actually, the whims of two madmen autocrats). Suddenly, Mr. Cohen has grown blinders to all the implications for the American people in allowing Mr. Trump, unfettered by any meaningful guardrails, to use the military? I am baffled and saddened by Mr. Cohen’s response to a war that will cost the lives of young soldiers and lay the groundwork for military troops at American polling places.
I am skeptical. Iran’s neighbors have direct input to this administration and continually buy their way into our president’s actions. We have also been lied to about the need to act (Bush in 9/11). Bring in Congress and give them the facts to determine the appropriate strategy.
IMHO, this has nothing to do with Iran's nuclear capabilities and has everything to do with distraction and the hope that this can be used to push emergency executive orders to allow the federal government to control elections. Every decision, every move, by this administration is to use all players as pawns to gain ultimate control. Congress has long since abdicated their role. Where's DOGE to eliminate the waste there?
I don’t see this as a mere process issue. While your characterization of Iran and neighbors may be very true, you’re ignoring some deep issues in what has happened (speaking as a layman)…apparent lack of strategic planning for post attack, timing (was there a danger to US right now; did it have to be so near a religious holiday; was it an impulse springing from difficulty with problems at home; was necessary when negotiations were arguably making progress?
I fully agree Sue, I can see the issue from both sides. My relatives in Israel certainly have their views too. Israel and Trump bombed their nuclear plants last year setting them back. Technically Iran's dependency on nuclear for energy is about 6% at most, they do have other options, natural gas being the main one. I also of friends on the ground in Tehran, they do not think this war is about nuclear capabilities. They do see a massive civil war and staggering death tolls on the horizon. At this very moment they hope Trump has a plan. Killing the Iyatollah is nog going to topple this regime. Coming in like a wrecking ball isn't the answer. They had made a deal in Geneva, stepping in the right direction. Then there is Israel, Iran has its right to defend itself, this is an illegal war. America the worlds bully is doing what it does best, and you now have the King bully on the throne. When does the bombing stop? What will happen to Israel? What other players will step in. How many more children must die? Israel's hands are already soaked in blood. Pray that this is surgical, the Regime falls and decent government steps up. I hear language such as "the administration has a few options they see fit to put on power in Iran"....wtf. should the people not elect their own. Iranians are some the most intelligent people on the planet, they'll figure it out. It is noted the Trump administration has ties with MEK an left wing Islamic cult that Iranians detest. They will not stand for them governing the country. MEK — Mojahedin-e Khalq
The Mojahedin-e Khalq (MeK), also known as the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), is an Iranian opposition group with a complex and controversial history. Just as dangerous as the current regime.
Great read this morning Michael. But I don't think that this administration can be trusted to make any military decisions about starting a war with Iran. They want shock and awe. They don't plan, they just bang, bang, shoot them up. They don't have the authority to declare war. Only Congress has that. My hope is that Congress will find some balls and reel this nutcase in.
hours before killing them. Iran had agreed to never stockpile enriched uranium. The Omani mediator said there had been “significant progress.” Then bombs started falling.
An agreement was in place - not perfect but there. Bone-spur idiot decided for himself to scuttle decades of progress so he could go to war. Simple! If the Middle East are worried about Iran & their nuclear capabilities it was on them to deter. Israel has nuclear capabilities already. This is not America’s job anymore. Future weapons will not be bombs but AI. Destabilizing our entire planet for two wanna be dictators is morally wrong.
Peter: I also disagree with Michael's POV & general tenor in this piece, however Imho you may be judging him too harshly. I wouldn't call this POV "hard" right; in fact, in another time & context this bias would register moderate, or at most just right o center. he explicitly states the validity of arguments on the left, even gives them almost equal time. but the problem with his article is: in this time & this context, to voice ANY credence of a facshist regime's stated intent is to miss the mission.
because this is no longer about right vs left. it's about grift, power, lies & destruction vs rule of law, constitutional justice, & saving lives. no matter how reasonable & rational the stated intent may seem: we can't in good faith apply it to the obvious bad faith of the actors, and thus any attempt to show support for their reasoning looks complicit. But perhaps MC just feels his own truth aligned against Iran, one of the most evil regimes ever. however Idk why he, of all people, hasn't seemed to grasp yet that the enemy of my enemy is NOT my friend: not when it comes to malignant narcissists.
Actions misalign with any honest intent to secure us against nuclear capabilities: drümpf's canceling of treaties & previous declaration of "obliteration", nutsnyahoo's ridiculously long history of bogus "2 weeks away from WMDs" warnings. Plus the suspiciously convenient timing. idk why MC Doesn't realize these things completely invalidate the official narrative, regardless of any kernels of reality is may contain. even so: he may be blinded by his own truth, but imho is still a far cry from vip pedocract.
I agree Igor, I do see it from Micheal's point of view. Iran has been calling for Israel to be wiped off the face of the earth since the islamic regime came to power. Iran is the parent of Hezbollah and Hamas. In a so called peaceful year Israel endures up 3000 missile and rocket strike attempts. The iron dome deflect them. Imagine living in those conditions year after year. Iran is dangerous, they do want America the greats Satan destroyed too. I'm Jewish so I absolutely understand generational trauma, it eventually turns to blind rage when you'd had enough. I do not believe another Israel president would be so bold as to go to war with a nation that was just at the negotiating table in Geneva. America has never interfered with Iran's civil wars in the past. If they had intervened when the Iyatollah was setting up his kingdom in Iran we would not be here. Trumps blood just and extreme ego coupled with is mirror image Netanyahu are far more dangerous than Iran's nuclear program. At this moment Russia and China and determining how to react. Meanwhile Cuba is on its knees, due to trumps actions. As a Canadian I see how cowardly my government is. We have said nothing about Cuba. Trump should send them his fake hospital ship.
If Trump had done what he should have done, consulted Congress before making the decision on his own, there would not be this “noise”. In addition, I have not been able to discern what the long range, or even short term, plan is from the US side. Iran seems to be preparing to carry on with the current regime under new leadership. How will this change the lives of the Iranian people for the better? Even if the idea to bomb Iran and remove the Ayatollah by force was sound, it looks as if tomorrow has not been considered. Another Venezuela??
Exactly. The Iranian regime isn't stupid. They have succession plans three layers deep, because they know how to plan. And there is no plan for any aftermath. Iranians are already stressed to find food and water and electricity. If we did succeed in toppling the regime (which would be a first with just air power), where's the plan to move massive amounts of aid in? Who are the good faith brokers that could help Iranians figure out how to rebuild a government that works better? I see none of that. And we sure can't be trusted as a good faith broker for anything. Is Iran going to break in three? If the Kurds in Sulimaniyyah decide to break off, does anyone think the Turks will sit idly by? There are way too many issues here, and no one has thought any of them through. "We can't let Iran have a bomb" is an overly simplistic take on a good day.
Watching Al Jazeera News is like comparing apples to oranges with msm. . The people who live and report from the region have first hand knowledge of what's really going on. I like BBC News, but they don't have the same sources on the ground.
trump told the Iranians to "go out and take your country back." Just how the fuck are they supposed to do that? Even if trump and his criminal cabinet were wiped out today, just how the fuck are we supposed to "take our country back? This "war" is just a distraction and coming preview of preventing us from voting in the mid terms. "We the people" haven't been able to topple trump. The majority GOP has the power over us, and REFUSE to do STOP him.
No one disputes that a nuclear-armed Iran is dangerous. There’s a constitutional way to go about things, and if they’re righteous there won’t be many obstacles. We also don’t dispute that a fascist oligarchy in the United States is dangerous. Donald J Trump unilaterally deciding to bomb countries to effect regime change, and making a land war using young American lives, is unsupportable. There is no support for adventurism to obscure guilt, as Republicans will see very soon. And Epstein is not going away because Trump lets the bombs fly.
Fwiw, there's no reason to assume a land war is in the works. The amount of material and troops that would need to move would require months to get in theater and would be impossible not to notice. No such movements are happening. . Rapid response teams are likely in theater, but that's not an occupying force.
Why would you even expect any of this planning to be done by the idiot in chief and his partners in crime? Troops have been sent to the general vicinity. You're too positive.
"Troops"? Really? That's your response? Understand how any modern military works and get back to me when you have something of substance to say. Sailors and airmen aren't going to do land maneuvers on Iranian soil. The people who do that are having the usual weekend activities with families. They are not there.
The problem is, that there is no plan. There has been no clear objective, and as some sort of objective emerges, we’ll know what sort of military intervention will be involved. Those members of our military enjoying weekend activities with their families today,can be called up quickly. The National Guard in many states have been placed on heightened alert. With the military’s ill-treatment of women and minorities I don’t suspect that this conflict will engender enlistments. Is a compulsory draft next? I put nothing past this rogue regime….
It will be obvious months in advance if there is an intention to move ground troops in. Months. That is not "quickly". There is zero indication of even one brigade level plan to move. When I spoke of logistics I mean what it takes to move heavy equipment and arrange for fuel and food. It's no trivial task. Then even if a nation agrees to let you use their soil to organize, what sort of force protection is required? The populace may not be friendly. Just setting up one FOB in Iran would be quite a task. Where are we going to use as a forward base to work from? Turkey? They will never agree to that. They aren't fools.
Ah, but they are. Called up and are being sent to locations near there. Not Navy. Not Airforce. Ground Army Troops. You just haven't heard it yet because they don't want you to know. Don't be fooled.
So basically you don't have the first clue what it takes to move forces in significant numbers and you have zero sources other than some suspicion based on nothing. I've been within earshot when forces were being prepared for war and I know what it sounds like. We don't have transporters. The air fields get very busy. It's unmistakable. I'm done wasting my time on your unfounded conspiracies.
I have personal knowledge of a reservist called up and sent there. The original orders were for Iran. Ended up in Italy. I don't make stuff up I can't support. And, what would make you think this asshole of a president and secretary of war had any clue about how to run a military operation?
“The challenge now is ensuring that our domestic discord does not cloud that clarity.”
WTF? Are you kidding? What clarity? From who? When? We “obliterated” their nuclear capabilities last year. The dictator, who by the way unleashed Iran from President Obama’s nuclear deterrence and put them back on the path to re-enriching, told us himself. Now this? JFC, this is bullshit Michael, and you know it is. Iran is/was years away from developing deliverable weapons. They are not an immediate threat to the US or anywhere else in that capacity. This is illegal and unconstitutional, nothing more, nothing less. If you think this is where we should be going as a country, then don’t ever, EVER, bring up rule of law, constitutional order, or clarity in future posts. This piece is a complete capitulation to the whims of a madman and his desire to distract from his criminal past. And you of all people know that.
Spot on John. Yes there was a deal before trump smashed that like he does with everything. He gets no credit from me and cannot die soon enough.
Or perhaps transform into an enlightened human being ! 🙄
I absolutely agree with you John. I am shocked that Michael has defended the unconstitutional actions of Operation Trumpstein Fury.
How long ago was it when trump was threatening to attack Greenland? How are we supposed to believe in any action taken by this government?
. . . or that he doesn’t use this as permission to attack elsewhere?
Why weren’t our allies informed?
What allies? There are none left….
Right on! Not anymore.
Well said, John. I totally disagree with this piece and I am not misinterpreting it. Period! Obama had this under control and there were inspections occurring until Trump eighty sixed it! He has to do everything 'his" way! Fuck that, I'll never commend this piece of shit! I'm disappointed in this piece for sure.
OMG Thanks ..I was getting sick reading Michael's post and I thought I can't write about this because I will start ranting . John thank You so much !
I absolutely agree, very well said. Trump only does things for his own gain. This is a distraction and quite possibly a financial gain as outlined in a report by Rachel Maddow. Iran was not a threat. It would have been lesser of one if Obama's treaty, for lack of better terminology, was still in place. Michael's post was a true disappointment!
Yes it was !
John, the nuclear timeline is not the only yardstick for “immediate threat.” 9/11 did not come from a warhead. It came from extremist networks finding seams in our national security net.
Also, “obliterated” is a political claim, not a transparent, independently verified assessment. A program can be hit hard and still be rebuilt or dispersed if the know-how, personnel, and infrastructure survive.
If we care about rule of law, we should demand it from everyone and stop arguing from slogans on either side.
And now we are starting wars WITH Israel?? WTF!!
Or FOR Israel?
Michael-
I grew up doing fallout drills, hiding under desks, terrified of a flash that never came. The fear is still with me.
Now I watch Congress perform outrage theater while Iran inches toward the bomb and our "leaders" trip over each other trying to score political points.
My childhood fear was real. Their cowardice is inexcusable. Do your damn job before the basement drills become necessary again.
-Mika
Please. It is not outrage theater to expect a president to follow the Constitution. It is not cowardice to find Trump's actions reprehensible. Last I heard, the program was "obliterated" - we're supposed to now suddenly believe Iran is on the brink of nuclear capabilities? Credible reports show that Iran was nowhere near having a viable nuclear weapon. "Peaceful" Trump just wanted another war to distract from his involvement with Epstein and to find a reason to take over elections.
I grew up with the same fears. I simply don't believe the claims being made. Let me see some Senators who would normally be against this war look at the intelligence and say hm yes this as an actual problem, and then I'll reconsider. I haven't forgotten the bs yellow cake story that got us into Iraq. And this administration lies every time they open their mouth.
I too grew up during that time. I remember the fear I felt during the Cuban missile crisis. I now have great grandkids I fear will be involved in another forever war!!
My husband and I both have grandkids. His daughter just gave birth yesterday, and this is one of the first things I thought of as I saw this innocent, adorable baby girl coming into this world.
Micheal, you are losing credibility. You are correct in stating NOBODY wants Iran to possess a nuclear weapon. However, the means to get there is what most of us are concerned about. Why now, especially when Trump assured us that their capabilities had been permanently destroyed last June. The people that track this sort of stuff stated that Iran was at least a decade away from being able to create a bomb and the same time frame for building missiles that could reach our shores. Diplomacy, albeit slow, was working. We all know why this war began. It is simply a distraction from the Epstein files. You are starting to protect him again. Why?
It's a distraction from Epstein, yes, but also follow the money. His family and friends have and are making money on this. Gulf States paid obvious bribes and now he's doing what they wanted. Arms manufacturers will make a tidy profit. We little people, here and in Iran, get all the death and sacrifice.
Sharon makes the key point, and I encourage everyone here to read Heather Cox Richardson's substack post from last night. While we're wondering why the H*** the unqualified Kushner and Witkoff were "negotiating" peace, remember that these 2 real estate developers have their hands in the pockets of Middle East leaders and corporations, and vice versa. HCR connects the dots for us. It's all about the $$$. The broligarchs are at it again, and they could not give a rat's a** how many little girls are killed or traficked, nor how many US servicemembers lose their limbs and lives.
HCR is great.
True that . Beebee and bin salmon conduct our foreign policy sometimes with an assist from vladdy.
51 School girls died. We had a nuclear arms deal curtailing Iranian proliferation. Trump destroyed that so he could go in, “dick-wag” and claim credit for “stopping the proliferation. Today, Bibi is bombing the heart of the city. The strike was wrong. Bampot was wrong in collaborating with Israel. Another endless war that was negotiated away from necessity years ago. and was being negotiated away from necessity again. And now endless war to hide corrupt politicians’ lust for power and control over sovereign nations and to hide the Epstein files. IT WAS AN ILLEGAL STRIKE. Law is supposed to play a part here?
Now three of our service members have also died, and some are wounded. No one in this administration even tried to convince anyone this was worth killing people over. When you go to war, you accept as fact that civilians will die.
It’s now 158 school girls.
I am so disappointed in this, Mr. Cohen’s second post essentially emphasizing that precluding Iran from possessing nuclear weapons is paramount AND that we should rely on a madman’s autocratic whims to carry out the mission. (Actually, the whims of two madmen autocrats). Suddenly, Mr. Cohen has grown blinders to all the implications for the American people in allowing Mr. Trump, unfettered by any meaningful guardrails, to use the military? I am baffled and saddened by Mr. Cohen’s response to a war that will cost the lives of young soldiers and lay the groundwork for military troops at American polling places.
There was a tentative deal nearly worked out but Trump didn't want a deal, he wanted bombs
I am skeptical. Iran’s neighbors have direct input to this administration and continually buy their way into our president’s actions. We have also been lied to about the need to act (Bush in 9/11). Bring in Congress and give them the facts to determine the appropriate strategy.
IMHO, this has nothing to do with Iran's nuclear capabilities and has everything to do with distraction and the hope that this can be used to push emergency executive orders to allow the federal government to control elections. Every decision, every move, by this administration is to use all players as pawns to gain ultimate control. Congress has long since abdicated their role. Where's DOGE to eliminate the waste there?
Good morning Michael,
I don’t see this as a mere process issue. While your characterization of Iran and neighbors may be very true, you’re ignoring some deep issues in what has happened (speaking as a layman)…apparent lack of strategic planning for post attack, timing (was there a danger to US right now; did it have to be so near a religious holiday; was it an impulse springing from difficulty with problems at home; was necessary when negotiations were arguably making progress?
Thank you, Sue
I fully agree Sue, I can see the issue from both sides. My relatives in Israel certainly have their views too. Israel and Trump bombed their nuclear plants last year setting them back. Technically Iran's dependency on nuclear for energy is about 6% at most, they do have other options, natural gas being the main one. I also of friends on the ground in Tehran, they do not think this war is about nuclear capabilities. They do see a massive civil war and staggering death tolls on the horizon. At this very moment they hope Trump has a plan. Killing the Iyatollah is nog going to topple this regime. Coming in like a wrecking ball isn't the answer. They had made a deal in Geneva, stepping in the right direction. Then there is Israel, Iran has its right to defend itself, this is an illegal war. America the worlds bully is doing what it does best, and you now have the King bully on the throne. When does the bombing stop? What will happen to Israel? What other players will step in. How many more children must die? Israel's hands are already soaked in blood. Pray that this is surgical, the Regime falls and decent government steps up. I hear language such as "the administration has a few options they see fit to put on power in Iran"....wtf. should the people not elect their own. Iranians are some the most intelligent people on the planet, they'll figure it out. It is noted the Trump administration has ties with MEK an left wing Islamic cult that Iranians detest. They will not stand for them governing the country. MEK — Mojahedin-e Khalq
The Mojahedin-e Khalq (MeK), also known as the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), is an Iranian opposition group with a complex and controversial history. Just as dangerous as the current regime.
Ignoring is the wrong word, diminishing would be better
Great read this morning Michael. But I don't think that this administration can be trusted to make any military decisions about starting a war with Iran. They want shock and awe. They don't plan, they just bang, bang, shoot them up. They don't have the authority to declare war. Only Congress has that. My hope is that Congress will find some balls and reel this nutcase in.
hours before killing them. Iran had agreed to never stockpile enriched uranium. The Omani mediator said there had been “significant progress.” Then bombs started falling.
An agreement was in place - not perfect but there. Bone-spur idiot decided for himself to scuttle decades of progress so he could go to war. Simple! If the Middle East are worried about Iran & their nuclear capabilities it was on them to deter. Israel has nuclear capabilities already. This is not America’s job anymore. Future weapons will not be bombs but AI. Destabilizing our entire planet for two wanna be dictators is morally wrong.
The JCPOA was working. It’s tragic that you have taken a hard right. I fear you have become a VIP member of the Pedocracy. I was a rabid fan… no more.
Peter: I also disagree with Michael's POV & general tenor in this piece, however Imho you may be judging him too harshly. I wouldn't call this POV "hard" right; in fact, in another time & context this bias would register moderate, or at most just right o center. he explicitly states the validity of arguments on the left, even gives them almost equal time. but the problem with his article is: in this time & this context, to voice ANY credence of a facshist regime's stated intent is to miss the mission.
because this is no longer about right vs left. it's about grift, power, lies & destruction vs rule of law, constitutional justice, & saving lives. no matter how reasonable & rational the stated intent may seem: we can't in good faith apply it to the obvious bad faith of the actors, and thus any attempt to show support for their reasoning looks complicit. But perhaps MC just feels his own truth aligned against Iran, one of the most evil regimes ever. however Idk why he, of all people, hasn't seemed to grasp yet that the enemy of my enemy is NOT my friend: not when it comes to malignant narcissists.
Actions misalign with any honest intent to secure us against nuclear capabilities: drümpf's canceling of treaties & previous declaration of "obliteration", nutsnyahoo's ridiculously long history of bogus "2 weeks away from WMDs" warnings. Plus the suspiciously convenient timing. idk why MC Doesn't realize these things completely invalidate the official narrative, regardless of any kernels of reality is may contain. even so: he may be blinded by his own truth, but imho is still a far cry from vip pedocract.
I agree Igor, I do see it from Micheal's point of view. Iran has been calling for Israel to be wiped off the face of the earth since the islamic regime came to power. Iran is the parent of Hezbollah and Hamas. In a so called peaceful year Israel endures up 3000 missile and rocket strike attempts. The iron dome deflect them. Imagine living in those conditions year after year. Iran is dangerous, they do want America the greats Satan destroyed too. I'm Jewish so I absolutely understand generational trauma, it eventually turns to blind rage when you'd had enough. I do not believe another Israel president would be so bold as to go to war with a nation that was just at the negotiating table in Geneva. America has never interfered with Iran's civil wars in the past. If they had intervened when the Iyatollah was setting up his kingdom in Iran we would not be here. Trumps blood just and extreme ego coupled with is mirror image Netanyahu are far more dangerous than Iran's nuclear program. At this moment Russia and China and determining how to react. Meanwhile Cuba is on its knees, due to trumps actions. As a Canadian I see how cowardly my government is. We have said nothing about Cuba. Trump should send them his fake hospital ship.
If Trump had done what he should have done, consulted Congress before making the decision on his own, there would not be this “noise”. In addition, I have not been able to discern what the long range, or even short term, plan is from the US side. Iran seems to be preparing to carry on with the current regime under new leadership. How will this change the lives of the Iranian people for the better? Even if the idea to bomb Iran and remove the Ayatollah by force was sound, it looks as if tomorrow has not been considered. Another Venezuela??
Exactly. The Iranian regime isn't stupid. They have succession plans three layers deep, because they know how to plan. And there is no plan for any aftermath. Iranians are already stressed to find food and water and electricity. If we did succeed in toppling the regime (which would be a first with just air power), where's the plan to move massive amounts of aid in? Who are the good faith brokers that could help Iranians figure out how to rebuild a government that works better? I see none of that. And we sure can't be trusted as a good faith broker for anything. Is Iran going to break in three? If the Kurds in Sulimaniyyah decide to break off, does anyone think the Turks will sit idly by? There are way too many issues here, and no one has thought any of them through. "We can't let Iran have a bomb" is an overly simplistic take on a good day.
Sure, his attention will wander, he will become bored, declare victory and invade Canada.
Watching Al Jazeera News is like comparing apples to oranges with msm. . The people who live and report from the region have first hand knowledge of what's really going on. I like BBC News, but they don't have the same sources on the ground.
trump told the Iranians to "go out and take your country back." Just how the fuck are they supposed to do that? Even if trump and his criminal cabinet were wiped out today, just how the fuck are we supposed to "take our country back? This "war" is just a distraction and coming preview of preventing us from voting in the mid terms. "We the people" haven't been able to topple trump. The majority GOP has the power over us, and REFUSE to do STOP him.
No one disputes that a nuclear-armed Iran is dangerous. There’s a constitutional way to go about things, and if they’re righteous there won’t be many obstacles. We also don’t dispute that a fascist oligarchy in the United States is dangerous. Donald J Trump unilaterally deciding to bomb countries to effect regime change, and making a land war using young American lives, is unsupportable. There is no support for adventurism to obscure guilt, as Republicans will see very soon. And Epstein is not going away because Trump lets the bombs fly.
Fwiw, there's no reason to assume a land war is in the works. The amount of material and troops that would need to move would require months to get in theater and would be impossible not to notice. No such movements are happening. . Rapid response teams are likely in theater, but that's not an occupying force.
Why would you even expect any of this planning to be done by the idiot in chief and his partners in crime? Troops have been sent to the general vicinity. You're too positive.
"Troops"? Really? That's your response? Understand how any modern military works and get back to me when you have something of substance to say. Sailors and airmen aren't going to do land maneuvers on Iranian soil. The people who do that are having the usual weekend activities with families. They are not there.
The problem is, that there is no plan. There has been no clear objective, and as some sort of objective emerges, we’ll know what sort of military intervention will be involved. Those members of our military enjoying weekend activities with their families today,can be called up quickly. The National Guard in many states have been placed on heightened alert. With the military’s ill-treatment of women and minorities I don’t suspect that this conflict will engender enlistments. Is a compulsory draft next? I put nothing past this rogue regime….
It will be obvious months in advance if there is an intention to move ground troops in. Months. That is not "quickly". There is zero indication of even one brigade level plan to move. When I spoke of logistics I mean what it takes to move heavy equipment and arrange for fuel and food. It's no trivial task. Then even if a nation agrees to let you use their soil to organize, what sort of force protection is required? The populace may not be friendly. Just setting up one FOB in Iran would be quite a task. Where are we going to use as a forward base to work from? Turkey? They will never agree to that. They aren't fools.
Ah, but they are. Called up and are being sent to locations near there. Not Navy. Not Airforce. Ground Army Troops. You just haven't heard it yet because they don't want you to know. Don't be fooled.
So basically you don't have the first clue what it takes to move forces in significant numbers and you have zero sources other than some suspicion based on nothing. I've been within earshot when forces were being prepared for war and I know what it sounds like. We don't have transporters. The air fields get very busy. It's unmistakable. I'm done wasting my time on your unfounded conspiracies.
I have personal knowledge of a reservist called up and sent there. The original orders were for Iran. Ended up in Italy. I don't make stuff up I can't support. And, what would make you think this asshole of a president and secretary of war had any clue about how to run a military operation?