81 Comments
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igor isa's avatar
2dEdited

nope, sorry Michael, no way you're selling this as a win, no matter how you spin or slice it. Iran's new regime is equally extremist & significantly angrier, arguably righteously so: his entire family being murdered along with 180+ schoolgirls & 1K+ innocent civilians. The war's result is more anti-semitism & hatred of Americans, now markedly less safe than before: even if 🍊💩🤡 squashed the intelligence report doesn't mean it isn't true, and local law-enforcement are now ill equipped to protect us because the needed knowledge might embarrass the regime. plus agencies that normally keep us safe from terrorist threat have been thoroughly decimated, so that's perfect. even if the war ended tomorrow--which is what I understand all advisors are urging drümpf now, prompting his vague & baseless declaration of "near completion"--the negative economic impact & instability in the region are not going to just poof disappear, nor will the Iranian desire for vengeance. we're gonna pay for this folly for a long time, beyond the billions in monetary cost. where is the "success" in any of that? 🧐🤬

Joanne Gatsis's avatar

Day 2 of my complete disappointment. I totally agree, Igor! 😤

Howard's avatar

Hi Igor - couldn't agree with you more

Dianne K's avatar

Malcolm Nance is livestreaming right now. He talks facts, and doesn't pander to 1 person.

Barb O's avatar

If only the average American could reason and see the truths like you do. They have short memories. not much analytical ability, and no sense of history. They will fall for the circus act.

Patricia Hollinshead's avatar

And how about Trumps buddy Putin helping Iran! WTF!!

Deb Bennett's avatar

Well put. I completely agree.

Margaret Friedenbach's avatar

I do not understand why so many are reacting to Michael's comment as if he said the war/conflict/incursion is a "win". He is presenting what trump might do. Obviously trump claiming a "win" is pure B.S. but def his style. And his B.S. and style have been sadly effective with the help of his greedy rich friends and Putin. We have to be politically savvy and quit attacking our own.

Deb Bennett's avatar

I'm definitely not attacking Michael. He has a sharp, analytical mind, and is capable of not swimming with general opinion. I appreciate that. But I don't see any scenario where these actions could be seen as a win, though I wish Netanyahu and Trump's group would get the hell out before even more destabilization and destruction happens. There's been a steady rise in antisemitism since the Gaza Strip and now more murder of civilians, long-lasting environmental destruction, economic downfalls.

Margaret Friedenbach's avatar

I don't see most of these comments as an attack on Michael but more of a denial of reality. We all hope the general public will see trump and netanyahu's war for what it is and not a win but pretending that can't happen is naive. I expect Dems will be blamed for anything that goes wrong (which is a lot) so we need to be prepared for that too. There are some comments that are accusing Michael of trying to appeal to trump though which IMO is unfair and wrong.

Deb Bennett's avatar

I agree. And,no, I don't think Michael is trying to appeal to Trump, though some are eager to see to see it that way. Yes, it's terribly unfair.

Mildred's avatar
2dEdited

I can't understand Netanyahu's or Trump's motivations anymore either, if ever. They need to end this thing, call it "mission accomplished," and mean it (not that there isn't already blowback brewing). Although, I have to admit I think both of them are about as power-hungry and crazy as the next egomaniacal, out-of-touch world leader... I don't think Netanyahu gives a fig about his own people, who will be targets even worse than before. Heaven save us from most of these politicians and their wars.

Daylily22's avatar

Trump’s “truth” changes day-to-day, sometimes hour-to-hour. I appreciate Michael’s analyses based on what was, what is, what it appears to be, and evolving to what it may become. We poked the bear seeing only its weaknesses, seeing what we wanted to see, without fully comprehending the strengths and will of the people of the country. While Trump happily promotes videos of ex-pat Iranians cheering for him, inside the country millions now support the “new” “old” regime. The future is spiraling out of Trumps control; Iran still holds a lot of cards.

The idea that Michael is cozying up to trump is only a willful misunderstanding of his thoughtful assessment of changing circumstance.

Jennifer Kass's avatar

Yeah, it could look like a win on paper; however, didn't we have intelligence yesterday that Iran is activating its sleeper cells in the US? Republicans will cheer and say the won the war (or whatever it is they are calling it today). Are the Iranians going to agree that the war is over? Or are we going to see a bomb go off in NYC in a year? Or DC? Or wherever the Iranians decide to strike.

Connie's avatar

If they decide to bomb us , they should bomb mar a lardo

Patricia Hollinshead's avatar

They are out for his blood🙏🏼

Mildred's avatar

He (Mr. Trump) needs to fly off to an undisclosed location along with all his corrupt cronies and goons, and leave us the hell alone, then Iran might not target us civilians with that crowd gone. I don't think Iranian sleeper cells in the US are likely, but I sure hope I'm right... Best to all here and Michael of course. He sure gets people thinking and discussing!

Dianne K's avatar

Iran issued a Fatwa on Trump last June, 2025. There is no expiration date on a Fatwa.

Dianne K's avatar

And what is your question?

Max's avatar

Appreciate your viewpoint Michael, I guess even the most stupid idiot will accidentally do something almost right. If the current regime stays in power we might or more than likely be in for a huge surprise attack. They can do a lot of damage with sleeper cells. We may have just opened Pandora’s box!

Joanne Gatsis's avatar

I have been a supporter to you, Michael. However, lately you disappoint. WTF?! How can this be a victory? You are telling us where your loyalties lie and it does not align with mine.

Margaret Friedenbach's avatar

He's not claiming it could be a win; he's showing how it could be perceived and asking how we will deal with a politically stronger trump under that perception. Of course, it won't be a win for the American people. The fall-out is coming to us but meanwhile if trump frames this as a "win" and anyone disagreeing is weak and unpatriotic, how will that affect the mid-terms.

Leslie's avatar

To me, bombing civilian areas including an elementary school, and killing over 100 children, will never be a 'win'. It is execrable. As is the great likelihood that retribution will be planned, by Iran, to use their global 'sleeper cells' to harm innocent civilians in the US.

Donna's avatar
2dEdited

How is this a win? We don’t even know the objectives. Trump told us 6 months ago that the US had destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities. So, if the win is that we really destroyed them now, was he lying then and should we believe him now? If the win is that we destroyed Iran’s navy and Air Force, big whoop considering it’s their drones and missiles that are attacking our bases in the Middle East. If the win is killing Khamenei, we didn’t need this war — he would have died in the near term anyway considering he was 86. And, as we know, this war seems to have only strengthened their resolve given who they replaced him with. So, what exactly is the win? And, under no circumstances is it a win when the US is far less safe than it was before we went in. He brought us to the brink of nuclear war and pulled out is not exactly the win you are trying to paint. Especially since the cells around the western world were probably activated and we have no one actually looking hard at outside threats. This whole presidency had been a cash grab so maybe that’s the win — the insiders made a fuck ton of money on defense and oil stocks while the rest of us have bitten our nails down to the quick.

Donna's avatar

I’m just leaving another comment because I asked Michael what victory meant on his live. His explanation was really good. You might want to listen to— it was probably a little more than halfway through. I don’t agree with everything he was saying but I had a better understanding of what he was saying in the piece

LORI's avatar

Your argument may have merit IF there were immediate danger to start with. This wasn't a 'strategic" move. Nor will it be a "win", no matter how the military intervention ends. This action is highly unpopular. When those elected to speak on behalf of, and work for, the people, ignore those people, there is NO OUTCOME that will result in a win. I am concerned by the tone I'm reading here.

Kate Griffith's avatar

I agree, last year they declared a win, totally destroyed their nuclear abilities, this year suddenly they are a week away from making the bomb. They've been saying that for years. I thought the goal waa regime change. Sleeper cells are quietly mobilizing. Something is going to happen.

DBella's avatar

Sorry. I don't see how this can be deemed a success. According to everything I'm reading this is a mistake and a danger to our country and the world. Maybe I'm misunderstanding you, but I'm not feeling uncomfortable with your analogy, I'm feeling shocked.

Patricia Hollinshead's avatar

Maybe we won’t be nuked in the near future, but what we have seen from the past they will retaliate. Because that’s their whole purpose! They live , eat , and breathe their religion.

CE's avatar

The missing piece of this calculus is Iran…they have lost a political/spiritual leader, they have been bombed by both the US and Israel, they have lost a thousand citizens, and if they thought that America is the “great Satan” before,they’re convinced of that now. They’ll have no intention of allowing this to go unavenged. Trump may be operating like a Manhattan property developer, but Iran will act like a wounded animal. Trump may well be unable to TACO himself out of this one. Look over your shoulders, America.

Katherine P Duncan's avatar

This sounds incredibly like playing both sides, just in case. I keep hoping, Michael. And you keep disappointing. . .

Suzie's avatar

There is no "win" here. This is a regime of liars and thieves. Irans nuclear capabilities may be crippled and their infrastructure destroyed, but if anyone calls this a victory they are fools. The entire Middle East now is questioning doing any business with the USA. They have the ability to destroy us economically and let's not forget 9/11 and how effective terrorists can be. Sadly we have more domestic terrorists operating in our country (UCE and CBP). I would not out it past the Trump/miller team to create a terrorist event here and try to say it was an Iranian attack. Or a Middle Eastern attack.

Stephen Birchett's avatar

And use it to declare a state of emergency, declare martial law and cancel the 2026 and possibly 2008 elections?

Kate Griffith's avatar

Exactly, its called a false flag event. As a Canadian I'm fully expecting that could happen and we be blamed. The narrative will be along the lines of Canada being being over run by sleeper cells. If Canadians buy into it will cause a culture war, Islamophobia, immigrant hatred. Any attack comes from Canadian territory, real or not, gives the US an excuse to go to war with us. What will the other Nato countries do in that predicament? I sound like a lunatic saying these things, until it happens. Anyone predicting and out of control mob wearing horns, flags as caps, would storm the capital, kill police officers while officials hid for there lives 5 years ago would have been called a crackpot.

Barb Smith's avatar

Too much supposition Michael using political merit to judge action that involves what must be seen by the opposition as only a great moral and intellectual fail by Trump and his supporters. Any begrudged approval of Trump's war against Iran would be the final nail in the American public's character. If we were to buy into the failed logic you present, we are truly lost to history - our souls along with it. If market reaction becomes the litmus test for American voters' response, then we are all truly doomed. Please, ditch this argument.

Barking Justice Media's avatar

The Nazis didn't just lie loudly; they built a lying machine. Goebbels controlled every channel: film, radio, schools, newspapers, and art. Not to inform. To architect reality.

The weapon wasn't volume. It was structured. Truths mixed with half-truths. Complex problems are reduced to simple enemies. Emotions were weaponized before facts could land. Hitler wrote it plainly: people fall harder for a big lie than a small one, because they can't imagine anyone constructing something that monstrous.

Here's what history never lets you forget: the propaganda didn't die at Stalingrad. It kept millions fighting a war already lost, extending the killing by years.

The lie didn't save the regime. It just raised the body count on the way down.

The machine outlived the reality. That's the warning.

-Mika The Firing Line | Barking Justice Media

Patricia Hollinshead's avatar

Did you hear that S Miller?!?!

Howard's avatar

I don't even know where to begin. There is no win here. Trump has opened a hornets nest. Let's see - 1) oil/gas spiking daily will feed inflation and erode the job market 2) we are less safe now than ever. He started a Fatwah against Americans. When will a jet get bombed or American citizens anywhere in the world get killed. 3) He lies about war crimes relating to killing all those children diminishing trust in the US - hopefully will be used to try him in the ICC. 4) Aid to Russia - spiking oil prices and relieving sections on Russia proves how much Trump is in Putins camp

Suzie's avatar

Trump can't shut this down. He declared a jihad on the entire Middle East and he is too stupid to understand that. We are in a forever war now. Republicans have dug a hole deep enough that will take generations to get

Louise Cloutier's avatar

No this war is not complete with a win for Trump ,democrats or republicans.

If people don’t think Iran won’t retaliate after this I have land in Florida to sell you!

I just listened to Hegseth do a press conference.

OMG it’s like he’s reporting a win on his favorite video game. Geez

This is far from over.

Politics will spin this to their advantage. I don’t see an end or win for the US! Or anyone!

Theresa Griffin's avatar

Michael, I totally disagree with your point of view on this. I dont think any of Trump's actions will be seen as success when history looks back on his reign. He might think it's over but what he has gotten us into is a holy war. Israel does not have US interests at heart. That is not anti-semeti, it is the truth. I cry for those parents who lost their child for mo good reason.

Now we all are less safe, traveling abroad and now at home.