A Larger Context for Trump’s Next Mid-East Move

George Rebane

Thanks to President Trump, we are again at a crossroads which gives us an opportunity to define America’s stand in the Mid-East, and a related strategy for a new crisp and clear global foreign policy, one understood by all to achieve and maintain a power balance that promotes peace and prosperity to a satisficing level.  In the following I once more outline such a policy, this time in a structured format for easy reference in subsequent examinations.

1. Overarching fact and fundamental axiom – America has been the world’s White Hat Hegemon (WHH) since the end of WW2, and has almost single-handedly created and maintained a world order that has enormously benefited all levels of humanity across the globe.
2. Driving premise – Nevertheless, America has fulfilled its WHH role in a hesitatingly reactionary manner, never sure that its latest overseas foray is something that it should undertake or of which Americans understand and approve.
3. Consequently, we should openly accept and declare that America sees itself as the world’s WHH who will use our wealth and power to consistently serve the national interests of the US and its allies. This declared role has no stipulated end date; it will continue indefinitely until the world order changes into some yet unforeseen and more benign format.
4. America seeks a balance of local power in the Mid-East in which there is to be no single regional hegemon, a position now contested for by Turkey and Iran. We will most vehemently oppose the establishment of any kind of fundamental pan-Islamist political union among the region’s nation-states.  The first plank of such a policy is that we and our allies will not condone any radical Islamist body to acquire nuclear weapons.
5. We recognize that the maintenance of such a distributed world order of general peace and prosperity will require engaging in intermittent, relatively cheap (assuming we maintain primacy in combat technologies and force levels), and brief brushfire police actions (call them wars if you must). This will necessarily require the regular sacrifices by our military that will number a small fraction of the annual casualties we willingly suffer driving cars, imbibing addictive substances, and calmly accepting the annual toll of preventable medical mistakes. Nothing comes free, most certainly not life under a global government.
6. In the current mid-east situation, we will get into a tit-for-tat (TFT) exchange with Iran – we will react forcefully to every Iranian attack on American life and limb in the region and elsewhere in the world. And we will also react with mutual benefit when Iran so acts.
7. As the WHH we will consistently practice TFT when and wherever American lives are at stake.
8. TFT has been shown – both historically and game theoretically (cf. iterated prisoners’ dilemma) - to be the most effective strategy for driving and maintaining cooperation between two contentious parties. The three characteristics of TFT are 1) never defect first, 2) when the other defects, immediately counter with at least as much force as displayed by the defector, 3) forgive immediately when the other party ceases and desists.
9. When the lives of an ally’s nationals are involved, we will openly offer them ‘WHH services’ in that we will arm, transport, and surveil for them (i.e. provide logistical, sensor, communications, command & control, etc systems). However, the afflicted/attacked ally must commit to put its own ‘boots on the ground’ and in harm’s way – America will not risk its blood and treasure for an ally not willing to first risk its own blood and treasure in its national interests.  Message to allies - as long as you’re willing to lead and bleed, then, and in concert with our own national interests, we will support your fight and have your back.

For the above outlined policy I humbly solicit contributions and criticisms before incorporating a refined version into the body of Rebane Doctrine.

Comments

[Don Bessee]

So now we know why the hard ass 52 target tweet went out, those mutha mullahs then blinked -

"Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have [...] targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture," Trump tweeted on Saturday.
" [...] those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD," the president continued in his tweet. "The USA wants no more threats!"

The New York Times reports that Trump's tweets followed American spy agencies detecting that Iranian ballistic missile units across the country had heightened their states of readiness.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-spies-detected-iranian-ballistic-161851258.html

;-)

[Don Bessee]

Jihadis in our midst in Kahns London -

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/01/05/khans-london-islamic-centre-holds-rowdy-memorial-slain-iran-general/

;-)

[Waldo'sNemesis]

,,,we have already risked blood and treasure in Afghanistan and Iraq,,,most recently the Iraqi guard stood down when the Shiite Iraqi /Iran militia attacked the embassy.
Trump just bragged he spent $2 Trillion on the military

,,,are we having fun yet?

[George Rebane]

WaldoN 1240pm - I don't think you understood this post. Give it another try after studying George Kennan's 1946 'Long Telegram'. Snark doesn't count and will be deleted.

[Waldo'sNemesis]

,,,White Hat vs. Black Hat Hedggys, what is the difference???

China is chuckling at us. The Mideast is our version of Russia's Afghanistan.

We borrow from China to blow it in the mideast.

Meanwhile Yellow Hat Hedgemon has infiltrated throughout the world, buying farm land, extracting resources, and exporting Chinese to these areas.

Why are Red Hat Rooskies,Yellow Hat Chinks, and RagHat Hedgemons doing joint military maneuvers in the mideast???

The only reason to be in sandland is to prop up the Jews. Maybe they need the Chinese Muslim solution...reeducation campus...

[Robert Cross]

"The only reason to be in sandland is to prop up the Jews."

Not the only reason.. it is also to protect the Saudis and other sunni royals and their OIL from the Shiites who, most would, most likely, be harder to do business with. Venezuela is #1 in reserves, Iran is 4th and Iraq is 5th. Is it a coincidence that these countries are/were on the enemies list? FYI, Russia is 6th and is in on the game. The US is barely on the reserves map but is the largest extractor of fossil fuels in the world. The oil companies of all nations know the writing is on the wall about climate change, as does the US Military and the rest of the world, ruminators aside. The idea is to acquire as much oil and sell it as fast as possible for as much as they can get before fossil fuels become worthless either by innovation necessity or both. It is like selling horses in the face of the automobile.

[Paul Emery]

Thank you George for the well expressed point of view, Can you in some way try to explain to me what you think Trumps view on these matters is and how it is guiding his decisions in the region?

[Waldo'sNemesis]

,,,Now that Iraq wants us out of there we are beholden to Turkey and it's thug leader and the Saudi murderers that spawned Bin Laden and the 911 bombers for places to launch our planes and drones from...

Both good customers of Trump...

I think his own financial considerations are the only long term strategy for Trump's next Mid-East move...

[Don Bessee]

I think @231 all evidence to the contrary comma boy -
---------------------------------------------------

Tru dat -

https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2020/01/05/pompeo-were-having-to-clean-up-the-obama-administrations-mess-in-iran/

;-)

[Waldo'sNemesis]

,,,from the Long Telegram,,,Given the Russian Internet psyops...and Trump asking for Russia's help in delivering his political opponents emails...and them delivering those emails I would say they are still up to their old tricks...

Replace Western Powers with Political Parties...

(e) Everything possible will be done to set major Western Powers against each other.

AntiBritish talk will be plugged among Americans, anti-American talk among British. Continentals,
including Germans, will be taught to abhor both Anglo-Saxon powers. Where suspicions exist, they
will be fanned; where not, ignited. No effort will be spared to discredit and combat all efforts which
threaten to lead to any sort of unity or cohesion among other [apparent omission] from which
Russia might be excluded. Thus, all forms of international organization not amenable to Communist
penetration and control, whether it be the Catholic [apparent omission] international economic
concerns, or the international fraternity of royalty and aristocracy, must expect to find themselves
under fire from many, and often [apparent omission].

[Don Bessee]

Its so tiresome to see the trollish set post and make claims without even understanding what just happened -

The resolution asks the Iraqi government to end the agreement under which Washington sent forces to Iraq more than four years ago to help in the fight against the Islamic State terror group.

The majority of about 180 legislators present in Parliament voted in favor of the resolution. It was backed by most Shiite members of parliament, who hold a majority of seats. Many Sunni and Kurdish legislators did not show up for the session, apparently because they oppose abolishing the deal.

But the Iraqi Parliament vote doesn't mean that the U.S. military has to leave the country immediately. It's a non-binding vote, which is seen as mostly symbolic.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/iraq-parliament-expulsion-us-troops-drone-attack

;-)

[Barry Pruett]

Is it Islamic extremism by the leaders that is driving this conflict, or is it pure power seeking by the leaders using the Islamic extremism of the population as a justification? Or both. Either way hearts and minds have to change in the Middle East. It is difficult to change hearts and minds in a gentle fashion. This policy consideration is quite important and we as a country need to have an honest debate. Not the bullshit partisanship that we see now. The constant bickering is not benefiting the American people.

[George Rebane]

PaulE 214pm - Don't claim to be an expert on Trump's thoughts, but so far, regardless of his talk, his walk basically follows what I've outlined above. Let's keep an eye on what he does and how the mullahs react.

I should have added a supporting proviso to the above. In dealing with smaller, financially strapped (by sanctions or otherwise) countries, the TFT game for them becomes very expensive very quickly. And that is another reason for such a tactic as part of an overall strategy in dealing with belligerents.

[Gregory]

Barry 329pm

"It is difficult to work in a group when you are omnipotent"
-Q (Star Trek NG)

I think the partisanship is primarily driven by the Progressive/Left-liberal wing (well, both wings and a leg) of the formerly great Democratic Party, and they have convinced themselves of their natural superiority in their callings to governing.

They need another shellacking or two. They may get it.

And they need a true existential crisis... they may get it if Zharkova is right and there's a grand solar minimum comming to an ecosystem near you. They will not survive knowing Todd J was correct and they weren't, even if Todd just blundered into the scientific truth.

[Bill Tozer]

#8 is interesting. TFT works and when behavior changes, all is forgiven. I do wonder how it works when, say, a tribal region within a country attacks an ally or us. For instance, there are 15 languages spoken and 140 different tribes and clans that comprise Libya. I ponder this as I look at Iran, Iraq, and the den of thieves known as the Middle East.
In eastern Syria near Iraqi and Kurdish borders, a conflict broke out. Our commanders on the ground reported the fighting but did not know who was fighting who or even who they were. Not the known forces/clans in the area.

Anyway, no objections to the the larger context points contained in the post. This meme did make me stop and pause. Israel will not accept Iran Revolutionary Guards in Syria, for example. Russia is trying to get a foothold in Lebanon for obvious reasons. Hamas (Brotherhood) is funded by Iran, as well as Hezbollah. I suppose the TFT works in those situations after telling the sponsoring government to put their dogs on a lease. And let’s not forget that the Kurds have their own designated terrorist group (PKK) hell bent on blowing things up and maiming folks in Turkey. Oh my.

https://www.facebook.com/PatriotPost/photos/a.82108390913/10156957402505914/?type=3&theater

[Scott O]

One of the big problems for many Americans re this issue is that they have little understanding as to how stuff works in the mid-east vs Europe or our country. There are no angels or traditional 'good guys' in the Hollywood sense. All of them only understand one rule. Might makes right.
It cracks me up when lefties drone on and on about how we should 'understand' the cultural viewpoint of other countries.
And they are correct.
The problem is the left can only follow their own truth as long as it impugns only our own country.
The World Trade Center was targeted because it was a 'cultural landmark'.
If and when we go after Iran, it will be valuable to us to target areas that will greatly dispirit and demoralize the Iranians. The aim there is to lower human casualties while speeding an end to hostilities.
Having a hard time understanding why this is a problem.

[Don Bessee]

Just sayin its a sign of the times is it not? -

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - In an apparent slip of the tongue on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Israel as a nuclear power before correcting himself with a bashful nod and an embarrassed smile.

Israel is widely believed to have an atomic arsenal but has never confirmed or denied that it has nuclear weapons, maintaining a so-called policy of ambiguity on the issue for decades.

Netanyahu stumbled at the weekly cabinet meeting while reading in Hebrew prepared remarks on a deal with Greece and Cyprus on a subsea gas pipeline.

“The significance of this project is that we are turning Israel into a nuclear power,” he said, before quickly correcting himself to say “energy power”. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-

israel-netanyahu-nuclear-idUSKBN1Z40CS?taid=5e11d33648fe97000144aa9f

The strong women keeping it going on in Nevada County protecting our victims especial the moms and kids make me proud!!

;-)

[Bill Tozer]

Democrats still delusional about Trump even after Qassem Soleimani death: Goodwin

“The notion that Trump was wrong to act, if followed to its logical conclusion, means America should play only a tit-for-tat game with terrorists everywhere and all the time. This is the same screwy thinking that demands Israel hit its enemies only as hard as the enemies hit it.

What is the point of having a superior military force if it can’t be used to defend its homeland and citizens?

The criticism also shows Dems still haven’t figured out Trump. The self-proclaimed king of counterpunching has never been content to trade glancing blows. “If you hit me, I’ll hit back, 10 times harder,” he has said.

Unfortunately, a counsel of timidity is now virtually the only voice heard on the left. Peace-through-strength advocates are as plentiful as hen’s teeth in the modern Democratic Party, and that was true even before the birth of the hate-Trump phenomenon of the last three years.

President Barack Obama’s global apology tours shattered historic norms and his attempts to appease Iran’s mad mullahs broke new ground in the worst possible way. Iran took his concessions — and stacks of American cash — and used them to foment even more mayhem against our allies, including Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Soleimani was the spearhead of this violent expansion, and it is noteworthy that both Obama and his predecessor, President George W. Bush, passed up opportunities to drone him, fearing the backlash...........

He repeated his promise that the US is not seeking regime change, but urged Iran to end its “aggression.” He also warned it would pay a heavy price for any retaliation, saying, “If Americans anywhere are threatened, we have all of those targets already fully identified, and I am ready and prepared to take whatever action is necessary.”

That is what peace through strength sounds like. Democrats and the mullahs would be wise to pay attention.“

https://nypost.com/2020/01/04/democrats-still-delusional-about-trump-even-after-qassem-soleimani-death-goodwin/

[Bill Tozer]

Let’s do the time warp again. Flashback, 2015

https://www.hudson.org/research/11436-obama-strikes-a-deal-with-qassem-suleimani

“ The (Iran nuclear) negotiations were about something else entirely—they were about what Obama has described as a new geopolitical equilibrium, which would stabilize the Middle East and allow the administration to further minimize its role in the region. The way Obama described it publicly, this new security architecture was going to balance Iran against traditional American allies, like Saudi Arabia. However, it soon became apparent that the White House wasn’t really balancing at all, but had rather chosen one team over the others, Iran. Obama made his preference for Iran and its allies clear—in Lebanon, Syria, and most obviously in Iraq where the White House ordered air strikes on ISIS positions that allowed various Iranian-backed outfits, under the leadership of Qassem Suleimani, to take Tikrit.

Obama likes Suleimani, and admires his work. As the president reportedly told a group of Arab officials in May, the Arabs “need to learn from Iran’s example.”

“”In fact, they need to take a page out of the playbook of the Qods Force — by which [Obama] meant developing their own local proxies capable of going toe-to-toe with Iran’s agents and defeating them. The president seemed to marvel at the fact that from Hezbollah to the Houthis to the Iraqi militias, Iran has such a deep bench of effective proxies willing to advance its interests. Where, he asked, are their equivalent on the Sunni side? Why, he wanted to know in particular, have the Saudis and their partners not been able to cultivate enough Yemenis to carry the burden of the fight against the Houthis? The Arabs, Obama suggested, badly need to develop a toolbox that goes beyond the brute force of direct intervention. Instead, they need to, be subtler, sneakier, more effective — well, just more like Iran.””

And it’s largely because the Arabs haven’t assembled their own version of IRGC-QF, and instead rely primarily on the United States for their security, that Obama thinks the Iranians are a much better bet. From Obama’s perspective, the Sunnis aren’t going to stop ISIS—in fact, they helped create it. However, the Iranians can do it, and plenty of other things as well. They can make sure Iraq stays stable—or the administration hopes Iran will play that role because it has no other options. Same, the White House thinks, with Syria, where Iran can manage the inevitable transition, after Assad steps aside, thanks to the Iranians, or is killed. The way Obama sees it, the Quds Force can be the administration’s boots on the ground.“

[Paul Emery]

Sp George 4:06

So you support the US military being rent a cops paid for by American taxpayers for disadvantaged countries. what if they don't want us there? Do we force them to take our "aid"?

[George Rebane]

PaulE 941am - All policy statements leave the lion's share of the countless possible contingencies uncovered, to be addressed later on an ad hoc basis. And yes, if you insist, "rent-a-cop" is what our role has been as the world's WHH since WW2. We have no problem with the principle of renting cops, even unto their living among us, patrolling our streets, and keeping us safe from the bad guys. What part of my commentary was puzzling?

[Bill Tozer]

“So you support the US military being rent a cops paid for by American taxpayers for disadvantaged countries. what if and what if and what if and what if they don't want us there? Do we force them to take our "aid"?
Posted by: Paul Emery | 06 January 2020 at 09:41 AM”

I hear ya Paul. I was pissed off to the max when US Marines where send to Haiti to pick up their trash on the streets and be their permanent garbage men. First time in history the US Marines were used for that kind of mission. They ain’t civil servants. Now I am saddened, not pissed. Time heals all wounds.

The good news is the resolution passed by the Iraqi Parliment says to boot ALL foreign fighters. Wonder if Iran will comply? Everybody out! The bad news is the interim Prime Minister does not have the legal authority to sign it.
————————————————————————.
I see we have potential disagreements going on:

Insight: “History teaches that wars begin when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.” —Ronald Reagan

For the record: “If you call the [Qasem] Soleimani strike an ‘assassination,’ you are disseminating Iranian propaganda. Soleimani was an aggressor and illegal actor who was killed in a lawful strike by the nation whose embassy he’d just attacked. That’s not an assassination, by definition.” —Matt Walsh

The BIG Lie: “The question moving forward is whether the administration has given any thought as to how to manage the fallout that comes from such a drastic action. This is the equivalent of the Iranians assassinating the U.S. secretary of defense.” —Sen. Chris Murphy

Non compos mentis: “There is nothing new about American terrorist attacks against Black and Brown people for the expansion of American imperialism.” —Colin Kaepernick on the U.S. killing Iranian terrorist leader Qasem Soleimani

Alpha jackass: “We’ll do it for half.” —"comedian" George Lopez responding to Iran’s $80 million bounty on Trump

Somebody did something? “The President of the United States is threatening to commit war crimes on Twitter.” —Ilhan Omar

And last… “Barack Obama routinely droned terrorists abroad — including American citizens — who presented far less of a threat to Americans and American interests than Soleimani. So spare me the hysterics about ‘assassination.’” —Ben Shapiro

[Paul Emery]

What if a country does not request or want our "rent-a-cops" George. Can we force them on an unwilling sovereign country?

[Walt]

Emery bitches that our troops are in the Middle East.
Then bitches when Trump says he's bringing them home.
Then Bitches they are still there "keeping the peace".

We owe China plenty. Trump can give China Frisco,& Seattle,
as payment. Right Emery? It should be just fine in your eyes.
Another DEM President gave away American territory. Not a peep from you about that can be found.

[Todd Juvinall]

I like Trump telling the Iraqis to pay us for all we have done and then we'll move out.

[Walt]

Well Emery, we can always fight the bad guys Obama style. Empty threats. Red lines that mean nothing. Use million dollar missiles to destroy a lone pickup truck. Not the heavy tank down the road from it.(someone might be in it.)

Russia did what "O" didn't have the balls to do. Destroy oil convoys making terrorists money. Somehow those oil truck drivers were "innocent" bystanders according to your boy "O".

And you wonder why Trump got elected?

[Walt]

Oh... Where is our FREE OIL Emery? Man up and tell us how much we got.

[Bill Tozer]

Well, Algeria don’t want us there and we ain’t. Kuwait sure does. We peddle security for mutual benefit, the operative word being MUTUAL. Pretty simple. Oh, I saw a post that was bitchin to high heaven that we are providing security to the Saudi Royal Family!!!! Probably true. Khashoggie!

The one point not brought up so far concerning Iran is the transition Trump made from the previous administration’s fondness of the Muslim Brotherhood (Hamas) and to being solidly in solidarity with Israel. That pissed off the Lefties and the Squad in Congress to the max. And Soros.

Bolivia didn’t want us there and we have never gone. Interesting that just quite recently, Bolivia has said some very mean things about their buddies Cuba and Venezuela and are saying some rather flattering things about the US. They got lithium flats so big you can see it from space. I hear lithium is used in making those tweeter machines and such. Colonialism!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salar_de_Uyuni

Topic was foreign policy, right?

[fish]

Posted by: Walt | 06 January 2020 at 10:45 AM

Emery bitches that our troops are in the Middle East.
Then bitches when Trump says he's bringing them home.
Then Bitches they are still there "keeping the peace".

Walt…..you really could have just stopped after, "Emery bitches….."

[Bill Tozer]

My apologies to all readers in advance of the following low grade ore. Mea Cupa.

While waiting for Dr. Rebane to address and satisfy Paul’s concerns, how about some music here in the waiting room. Hey GEORGE, pipe in a movie or something.

[Don Bessee]

In another example of why he owns the title of the pony tail of ignorance @1043 he dismisses the facts that there is an agreement between Iraq and the US on troops and the symbolic vote of the iran friendly shias has no legislative power or authority.

The Sunis and Kurds still badly want us to keep things in balance and the active air cover.

;-)

[George Rebane]

PaulE 1043am - It does look like you didn't understand my structured commentary. All other things equal, we would not force our WHH services on any unwilling ally. Please reread #9 very carefully, and then tell us all what part of "Message to allies - as long as you’re willing to lead and bleed, then, and in concert with our own national interests, we will support your fight and have your back."

[fish]

Well, regardless how this ultimately plays out I think its safe to assume….

U.S.-led coalition says it will withdraw from Iraq -letter

…that Punchy will whine about it.

http://news.trust.org/item/20200106193750-gbx3f

[Don Bessee]

Hey [email protected] 109, the sec def refuted the 'letter' circulating and said we are not. Just saw it on the tube.

;-)

[Waldo'sNemesis]

,,,You were saying... Bessee | 05 January 2020 at 03:08 PM,,,

'''But the Iraqi Parliament vote doesn't mean that the U.S. military has to leave the country immediately. It's a non-binding vote, which is seen as mostly symbolic.''' ---Bessee

[Bill Tozer]

Remember people, Trump has no friends.

https://freebeacon.com/national-security/state-department-spox-fact-checks-cnn-host-on-iran/

[Waldo'sNemesis]

,,,either way Bessee, Trump administration is run Keystone Cop style...

[fish]

Posted by: Don Bessee | 06 January 2020 at 01:23 PM

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY DON? That the media is untrustworthy!

[fish]

Posted by: Waldo'sNemesis | 06 January 2020 at 01:51 PM

,,,either way Bessee, Trump administration is run Keystone Cop style…

What makes your statement even more delightful is that it comes from such an ardent Obama fellator!

[Don Bessee]

Trolls wallowing in ignorance @127 -

At the Pentagon, Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper were asked about the letter by reporters.

"We are repositioning forces throughout the region," Esper said. "That letter is inconsistent of where we are right now."

But the confusion lingered even after the two men left the Pentagon briefing room and persisted until Milley returned to clarify further.

"That letter is a draft. It was a mistake, it was unsigned, it should not have been released ... (it was) poorly worded, implies withdrawal, that is not what's happening," Milley said.

"It's an honest mistake ... it should not have been sent," he added.

Ultimately, it became clear that the US had not ordered troops out of Iraq but had sent notice that some of its forces would be repositioned.

A US official in Baghdad told CNN that the letter was a notification about repositioning of troops from one place to another. The official said that such notifications are standard.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/06/politics/us-troops-iraq/index.html

;-)

[Waldo'sNemesis]

,,,like I said Donny,,,keystone cops,,,clueless buffoons running in circles...

[Waldo'sNemesis]

,,, whatever Oosik...

[fish]

Posted by: Waldo'sNemesis | 06 January 2020 at 03:58 PM

,,,clueless buffoons running in circles…

Nobody cares how you guys entertain yourselves at the halfway house dugsKKKi.

[Walt]

There is good reason Trump doesn't tell Congress about planned strikes against the enemy. Proggys would give them warning, then debate the need for weeks.

[Don Bessee]

Go ahead, make my day the lightning storm edition -

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — The U.S. Air Force conducted an exercise involving the launch of 52 fighter jets from a Utah air base, officials said.

Hill Air Force Base launched the F-35A Lightning II fighters over a 10-minute period around 11 a.m. Monday, The Standard-Examiner reports.

The 388th and 419th Fighter Wings conducted the combat exercise that sent the jets west to the Utah Test and Training Range to perform various missions.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/jan/6/air-force-launches-52-fighter-jets-training-exerci/

US expected to deploy 6 bombers for possible Iran operations
From CNN's Barbara Starr and Ryan Browne

The Pentagon is planning to begin the deployment of six B-52 aircraft to the British territory of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean on Monday, according to a US official. The B-52s will be available for operations against Iran if ordered, the official said.

Remember: The deployment does not signal that operations have been ordered. The Pentagon has traditionally deployed long range bombers and other aircraft as a sign of US force presence and capability.

Last year, six B-52s deployed to Qatar when tensions with Iran began rising. But this time Diego Garcia was chosen to keep the aircraft out of the range of Iranian missiles, the official said.

https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/us-iran-soleimani-tensions-intl-01-06-20/h_722dbe977eb7b811274e4d458c5e72eb

;-)

[Don Bessee]

Oh lookie! Bonus points for causing dissent amongst the axis of evil. -

Soleimani's killing ignites Russia-vs.-Iran schism in Syria

https://www.foxnews.com/world/soleimani-killing-syria-russia-iran

;-)

[Don Bessee]

Are you listening little rocket man? -

Business
Iran Now Knows Decapitation Will Be Part of Strategy Going Forward
January 6, 2020, 1:32 PM PST Bloomberg

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/video/iran-now-knows-decapitation-part-204902061.html

;-)

[Don Bessee]

The analytics say otherwise oh Dark Lord of Liberal Lament Land as you well know. LOL

;-)

[Don Bessee]

As we digest the info on those mutha mullahs attack today especially the fact they managed to miss Americans and didn't go for the bigger air base as well as how many of their rockets failed and crashed. Were they making a point going after the small bases in the suni and kurd areas (yes oh great pony tail of ignorance we are still in the fight with the kurd)?

An interesting factoid is that a refugee from the Iranian revolution is commanding a carrier on station right now. You gotta know how much he would love some pay back! -

As tensions escalate with Iran, the American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has been stationed nearby in the Arabian Sea.

Commanding the ship is Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, an Iranian-American who fled Iran during the 1979 Revolution.

As tensions between the US and Iran heat up, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman stands ready in the Middle East. And at the helm of that ship is a commander with a personal connection to the country.

Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh is an Iranian-American who spent his early childhood in Iran, before being forced to flee with his family during the 1979 revolution.

Speaking to The Virginian-Pilot in August after taking command of the ship, Hakimzadeh said what he experienced as a child inspired his line of work.

"As an 11-year-old it was a little traumatic to have life as you know it completely change like that," Hakimzadeh said. "I think it is probably a lot to do with why I decided I wanted to serve and wanted to be in this line of work."

But his "idyllic" childhood was shattered in 1979, when a revolution resulted in the overthrow of the US-backed shah and the institution of a conservative Muslim theocracy.

Hakimzadeh was 11 years old when he and his family were forced to flee the country, luckily catching a flight just as the airport was closing — which he said was very much like the film "Argo." His sister was nine and his mother was seven months pregnant.

"I love to tell people that it's a testament to our merit-based Navy that a kid at 19, 20 years old can look at these things and go, 'You know what? I want to command those one day.' And it's certainly a testament to the United States of America that a guy named Kavon Hakimzadeh can do that," he told The Virginian-Pilot.

Much of Hakimzadeh's career has been spent as a flight officer, and he has flown in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among other awards, according to the Navy.

GODS Bless the Truman and its crew! I wonder if he will chalk some farsi messages to the mutha mullahs on munitions should they be needed? Only in America!

;-)

[eri]

Thank you for sharing
https://aab-edu.net/

[Walt]

That's LIB fake news for ya'.
https://dailycaller.com/2020/01/07/msnbc-iran-missiles-us-casualties-iraq/
"MSNBC gave airtime to baseless Iranian propaganda alleging the Islamic Republic had killed 30 American military members in missile attacks Tuesday night.

Iran launched missile attacks on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops Tuesday, in retaliation for the U.S. killing notorious Iranian terrorist Qasem Soleimani. At the time this article was published, there were no known American casualties in Tuesday night’s attacks, but that didn’t stop MSNBC from giving oxygen to Iranian propaganda claiming otherwise."

[scenes]

GeorgeR:

"5. We recognize that the maintenance of such a distributed world order of general peace and prosperity will require engaging in intermittent, relatively cheap (assuming we maintain primacy in combat technologies and force levels), and brief brushfire police actions (call them wars if you must). "

I think I would expand on that as inter-state conflict can happen at levels other than moving large assets on a map. It seems to me that dealing with Iran (or anyone in the Middle East) requires thinking like Byzantium, which had a good long run. To lessen the power of a group, a ruling clique in Iran being one, you could bring a full spectrum of power. Bribery, arming dissident groups, the occasional assassination, cyber and psychological actions, driving in wedges via commercial negotiations, all are tools in a palette.

Sadly, game theory seems to break down in this messier world.

Bummer that they were allowed to get as close as they are in nuclear arms. Iran strikes me as utterly untrustable with them (as are the North Koreans). Without that problem you could simply quarantine the place and deal with the odd Adventure in Palestinian Politics as needed.

It's all made trickier by US domestic politics. Every four or eight years the situation can change unless the 'Deep State' can run a long term game. Given their hand in the ongoing soft coup, I'm afraid they can't be trusted at this point.

In the final analysis I suppose that the disagreement between this sort of thing and The Blue Mob's approach is that the latter not only overestimates the sanity of groups of foreign nationals, but also prefers 'fairness' over the interests of their countrymen. Team Blue is not made up of folks who'll watch your back.

[Todd Juvinall]

Just saw Trump's presser. More sanctions on the mullahs. They should be grateful he didn't carpet bomb those scumbags. Now we will hear the democrats screaming for war. Just watch and listen. Paul Emery should be truly happy now that Trump se-escalated. My guess is he isn't happy since he has TDS.

[Bill Tozer]

@ 6:50 pm

“Are you listening little rocket man?”

https://www.facebook.com/TakeBackThisCountry/photos/a.1032125603520777/2621237671276221/?type=3&theater

[Bill Tozer]

Odd. Now it’s the Left who is cuddling up to murderous regimes.

[Waldo'sNemesis]

,,,you have be pretty damn dumb to believe Trump lies that the rockets fired by Iran were funded by the release of Iran's funds by Obama...

The Trump lemmings must believe the only funding source for the country of Iran is Obama welfare cash...not oil or gas production considering Iran is an energy superpower...

Idiots!!!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Iran

[fish]

Posted by: Waldo'sNemesis | 08 January 2020 at 10:02 AM

,,,you have be pretty damn dumb to believe Trump lies that the rockets fired by Iran were funded by the release of Iran's funds by Obama...

Powerful words from local dingbat Douglas Keachie.......now here’s Bob with the weather!

[Don Bessee]

Speaking of the idiot @1002 -

https://www.dw.com/en/how-trumps-sanctions-are-crippling-irans-economy/a-49335908

https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Irans-Misery-Index-Jumps-As-US-Oil-Sanctions-Cripple-Economy.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/08/29/trump-sanctions-oil-industry-cripple-irans-economy-report/1132277002/

;-)

[George Rebane]

scenes 829am - "Sadly, game theory seems to break down in this messier world." Could you please expand on this a bit Mr scenes?

[Bill Tozer]

“Powerful words from local dingbat Douglas Keachie.......now here’s Bob with the weather!”

Well, let’s take a look see. Shorty before Iran killed the American contractor and wounded four American soldiers, the EC folks wanted to discuss sanctions with Iran. Iran’s reply was they wanted 150 billion in immediate loans BEFORE they would meet and chat about easing sanctions. Me thinks Iran is running low on cash, evidenced by the weekly demonstrations over the cost of rising fuel and food staples. These weekly demonstrations are not confined to Tehran, but are happening in over 100 places across Iran...for months now. In November alone, the Supreme Leader ordered the Guard to end the demonstrations by any means necessary, resulting in 1,500 civilians shot on the streets. Nice. Can you say Venezuela?

We best not kill anymore State Sponsored terrorists. The last one we killed ended up with scores of Iranians killed and hundreds injured at his funeral. Extrapolate that over a big attack, instead of the US taking out a one Ford Explorer, and the numbers become mind boggling.

This reminds me of when the SLA had a food giveaway in Oakland and mayhem ensued.

https://www.oann.com/reports-ayatollah-regime-giving-away-free-meals-to-draw-crowds-at-soleimanis-funeral/

[Waldo'sNemesis]

,,,Oosik,,,at least you didn't deny it..

[Walt]

OK Dougy,, how were those weapons paid for? Were they traded for camels, or women? Have facts that no Obamabucks were used?
Tell us O smartass.

[Bill Tozer]

Oh, the Obama deal with Iran has expired anyway. Should be an interesting debate topic tomorrow night. Kinda on topic.

“Yet few people outside Obama dead-enders believe the deal’s terms were adequate, and there is little doubt that the money Obama gave Iran and his lifting of sanctions fueled Soleimani’s expanded terrorist aggression.

Most oddly, Biden faulted Trump for not responding when Iran shot down one of our drones last June, saying it fed “Iran’s sense of impunity.” In truth, Iran’s sense of impunity was something Trump inherited from the Obama-Biden administration, and taking down Soleimani made the point that the game was over.

That, of course, is the ultimate distinction between Trump and the top Dems. While none dares say he was wrong, it’s fairly obvious that, if any of them were in the Oval Office, Soleimani would still be alive.

Chalk that up as something else they are afraid to admit.”

https://nypost.com/2020/01/07/the-giant-hole-in-dems-criticism-of-trumps-attack-on-qassem-soleimani-goodwin/

Wonder if John Kerry has heard about the Logan Act.

[Walt]

Dougy still waiting for Iran to fax him the receipts?

[fish]

Posted by: Waldo'sNemesis | 08 January 2020 at 11:47 AM

,,,Oosik,,,at least you didn't deny it..

What's to deny dugsKKKi? You clearly have no idea and everybody here knows that you have no idea.

Shouldn't you be out putting your time to more valuable use stealing childrens movies?

[Waldo’sNemesis]

,,,Wow,,,as I thought... you boys are true dimwits...How many years ago was that money sent to Iran? How old are those rockets...you rocket scientists you???

Spen Mike Lee thinks Trump is an asshole...you go Sen. Lee!!!

[fish]

Posted by: Waldo’sNemesis | 08 January 2020 at 03:14 PM

......you go Sen. Lee!!!

Yo.......Oprah’s in the Haus!

[Bill Tozer]

@ 3:14 pm

Channeling 9-time-liar Susan Rice, eh? Yeah, and Benghazi was the result of a homemade video nobody ever heard of. Lay that Iranian State News on and lay it thick.

https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/tim-graham/2020/01/08/fact-check-trump-lies-msnbc-turns-tobenghazi-liar-susan-rice

[Walt]

Yaaa,, Dougy, they got them on the cheap at the weapons flea market. Someone found a sucker with a fresh pallet of money burning a hole in the truck bed.
Kinda like the dope smoker from down the road selling you shotgun reloads. Will you trust those for home defence?

[Bill Tozer]

The larger context: Deterrence is back. Mean what you say and say what you mean.

#8 TFT has been shown – both historically and game theoretically (cf. iterated prisoners’ dilemma) - to be the most effective strategy for driving and maintaining cooperation between two contentious parties. The three characteristics of TFT are 1) never defect first, 2) when the other defects, immediately counter with at least as much force as displayed by the defector, 3) forgive immediately when the other party ceases and desists.

“Forgive immediately when the other party ceases and desists.” That is what we are witnessing today. Great speech by Trump today. Laid it out there for all (including the UN and NATO) to see.

I still believe we will be leaving Iraq when the time is right. Today is not the right time for obvious reasons.

[Bill Tozer]

Tit for tat...... Buck tweets.

The real Vox twitter is better than any parody Vox twitter

@voxdotcom
“Trump’s Iran speech seemed like a victory lap. It actually made things worse.” https://www.vox.com/2020/1/8/21056881/trump-iran-statement-iraq-standing-down?
11:12 AM - 8 Jan 2020
—————————————
Last night, Lib journos and former Obama admin fools were bloviating about how “this didn’t have to happen” and “its all Trump’s fault” while we were still waiting to hear about US casualties-

Today, we find we had no casualties, Iran wants to de-escalate, and Trump is winning
8:33 AM - 8 Jan 2020
—————————————-
Always remember, the experts and oh so smart journos on foreign policy are never, ever wrong-
They just keep extending the timeline of their predictions of imminent(!) catastrophe under Trump

“The results are not yet in!” has its limits with reasonable people
8:44 AM - 8 Jan 2020
——————————————

The “experts” were sure Trump’s trade war with China would be disastrous for our economy

They told us moving our Embassy to Jerusalem would ignite unrest

That moving troops in Syria would result in genocide

Striking Soleimani would lead us to war

There’s a pattern, folks
————————————
If someone told you a week ago that Trump would get the media and Democrats to mourn the loss of an Iranian terrorist with hundreds of American soldiers’ blood on his hands, you might have thought that was impossible-

But here we are
12:49 PM - 7 Jan 2020
———————————-

[Waldo’sNemesis]

,,,Seriously Bill, great speech??? Trump droning on at the teleprompter doing his best to read the words...

[Bill Tozer]

Thank you for your contribution Waldo’s World. Much better than parody and so very much on this post’s topic of ‘A Larger Context for Trump’s Next Mid-East Move.’

Well, I do appreciate the left over Obama mouthpieces chiming in. How about that Mike Lee? Boy, that was something. Do you know why the US froze the Iranian assets? It’s because that’s what we do to terrorist states. Using every tool at our disposal.

Remember when Obama unfroze those Iranian assets and sent the, billions of dollars? Yeah, that was awesome.

Remember when the Trump haters dissed Trump’s speech? Yeah, that was awesome.

Chuck Todd Rants: Trump ‘Ham-Handedly Tried to Politicize’ Iran Speech

https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/kyle-drennen/2020/01/08/chuck-todd-rants-trump-ham-handedly-tried-politicize-iran-speech

This is awesome, too!

Katy Tur Upset Over Trump ‘Flanked By Stern White Military Men’ During Iran Speech

https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/kyle-drennen/2020/01/08/katy-tur-upset-over-trump-flanked-stern-white-military-men-during

Petty petty. Tanks, tanks a rocket.

[Walt]

Remember Dougy, your boy "O" had a love affair with his teleprompter. Could not form a complete sentence without it.
Rumor has it he had one on each side of the bed on "date" night.

[Robert cross]

In the "Trumpler and Co. really are wagging the dog" category: Two GOP Senators, Rand Paul (R-KY) and Mike Lee (R-UT), have responded to the Whitehouse intelligence briefing on Iran by saying:

Lee: "worst briefing I've had on a military issue"

Paul: "In the briefing and in public, this administration has argued that the vote to topple Saddam Hussein in 2002 applies to military action in Iraq. That is absurd. Nobody in their right mind -- with a straight face, with an ounce of honesty -- can argue when Congress voted to go after Saddam Hussein in 2002 that (they) authorized military force against an Iranian general 18 years later."

Paul: "There was no specific information given to us of a specific attack. Generality -- stuff that you read in the newspaper. I didn't learn anything in the hearing that I hadn't seen in a newspaper already."

Lee: "At one point one of the briefers said something like, 'Don't worry, we'll consult you. Consultation isn't a constitutional declaration of war. Drive-by notification or after the fact lame briefings like the one we just received are inadequate."

Paul and Lee also announced they would support the War Powers resolution sponsored by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, which would limit the President's ability to use military force in Iran.

[Todd Juvinall]

Oh BoobieC 551, no one cares that a couple of Senators did not like the report. Just what exactly did they want to hear? They got the facts and the leadup to the terrorist demise. Anymore might jeopardize national security as those politicians leak everything. Anyway, all is good BoobieC so calm down take a chill pill and some scotch and lie down.

[George Rebane]

Waldo 523pm - Do you ever have a point?

RobertC 551pm - Do you ever get the feeling that Sens Paul and Lee go to different briefings than Sens Cotton and Graham? From the record of what really happens in the world, were I Paul or Lee, I would protest and demand that I be admitted to the other briefings so that I wouldn't have to make a fool of myself when they stick a mic in my face.

[Don Bessee]

Of course it was not the houthis who hit the Saudi refinery -

Exclusive: U.N. investigators find Yemen's Houthis did not carry out Saudi oil attack
January 8, 2020, 1:18 PM PST Reuters

"The panel notes that Abqaiq and Khurais were approached respectively from a north/northwestern and north/northeastern direction, rather than from the south, as one would expect in the case of a launch from Yemeni territory," the report said.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-u-n-investigators-yemens-211858942.html

;-)

[Don Bessee]

More virtue signaling that goes no where but will be a talking point for the socialist dems seeking reelection -

Because of a procedural dispute between the two parties, it was unclear whether Thursday's vote would be a step toward binding Trump's hands on Iran or a symbolic gesture of opposition by Democrats.

Republicans say the proposal — a special type of resolution that does not get the president's signature — does not have the force of law. Democrats say that under the 1973 War Powers Act, it would be binding if also approved by the Senate. The matter has not been definitively decided by federal courts.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-vote-thursday-curbing-trump-212702595.html

;-)

[Bill Tozer]

Well, Rand Paul is 100% consistent. No wars unless attacked, no sending troops to places they do not belong.
Paul is the same guy who threatened to hold up the spending bill because it was too expensive....including holding up funding for the money for the first responders health issues from their efforts at 9/11. The Dems went nuts over that, nuts. Raul Paul is 100% consistent, but usually gets thrown under the bus by the Dems on most every issue. Heck, he got shot at my a Bernie Bro, had his ribs busted by a Dem neighbor, his wife and kids received numerous death threats, they protected at his front door and now they love him!!! Sure sounds like Punchy swooning over Jeff Flake and John McCain and William Kristol...or Judge Nappypooh on Fox.

When asked how he was going to vote on a bill, Jeff Flake looked bewildered and asked in reply. “What is John (McCain) going to do? John said he was going to “Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran”

I am sure there is a ex-General or deep stater on CNN or Maddcow that will agree with Lee, as that’s all they have on those non-news shows. Or, read the Nation or Huff-n-Puff Farting Post to lay it on thick and heavy. You are what you eat.

What would John do? What would Bolton do? What would Hillary do?

Exhibit A & B for Petty, Petty is found @ 5:23 and 5:51 pm respectively.

What would Punchy do? What would Allah do?

[Bill Tozer]

Great speech, Hillary.

‘I Voted For Clinton’ Hashtag Trends After Iran Strike. Then Hillary Clinton’s Iran Strategy Surfaced.

“I want the Iranians to know that if I’m president, we will attack Iran,” Clinton said during an interview with Good Morning America, per Reuters. “In the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them.”

She even defended using such strong language as a way of heading off Iranian aggression: “That’s a terrible thing to say but those people who run Iran need to understand that because that perhaps will deter them from doing something that would be reckless, foolish and tragic.”

Back when she was a Senator, Clinton also took a hard line against Iran, voting, quite controversially even at the time, to “declare Iran’s 125,000-member Revolutionary Guard Corps a foreign terrorist organization,” according to the New York Times. ” That vote, the NYT added was “more hawkish than even most of the Bush administration has been willing to venture.” The outlet even cautioned that Clinton’s assertiveness towards Iran could “intensify America’s continuing confrontation” with the rogue nation.

The bill even declared that “The Revolutionary Guards are deeply involved in Iran’s nuclear program and have substantial links with Hezbollah,” essentially accusing Iran of being a state sponsor of terrorist attacks that had already occurred.

As recently as 2015, Clinton expressed concern over the Iran weapons deal, a hallmark of the Obama Administration’s foreign policy. In a lecture at Dartmouth, Clinton claimed that, “even if we do get such a deal, we will still have major problems from Iran. They are the world’s chief sponsor of terrorism.”

“They use proxies like Hezbollah to sow discord and create insurgencies to destabilize governments,” she added. “They are taking more and more control of a number of nations in the region and they pose an existential threat to Israel.”

She ultimate suggested that the United States move beyond simply negotiating with the mullahs, and work with an international community to effectively neutralize Iran’s influence in the region. The United States, she said, has “to turn our attention to working with our partners to try to reign in and prevent this continuing Iranian aggressiveness.”

Somehow, Clinton’s 2016 voters believe that she would deviate markedly from her 2008 and 2015 positions, but even her record as Secretary of State belies that idea. She, along with the Obama Administration, guided “regime change” in Libya and presided over eight years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

https://www.dailywire.com/news/i-voted-for-clinton-hashtag-trends-after-iran-strike-then-hillary-clintons-iran-strategy-surfaced?

[Don Bessee]

Lots of tools in the bag -

Exclusive– Mo Brooks: We Can Collapse Iran’s Economy Without Boots on the Ground

President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and national security strategy towards Iran ended a decades-long trend of de facto appeasement of Iranian belligerence, assessed Brooks.

“Fortunately, the United States is buffered, somewhat, because we are now a net oil exporter,” added Brooks. “We export more oil than we consume which is not the way it was 20, 30, 40 years ago.”

https://www.breitbart.com/radio/2020/01/08/mo-brooks-collapse-iran-economy-no-boots-ground/#

;-)

[Robert Cross]

George 6:17 -- Unless you happen to know about different briefings (or are you just making that up to throw shade on Paul and Lee and protect the morons whom trumpler has chosen to be his stooges) then I would say no, I don't get that feeling. I just think Rand and Lee are more honest and not bootlickers like Graham and cotton.

[George Rebane]

RobertC 800pm - I don't think there are different briefings, but listening to that particular foursome's interpretation of what went on in that briefing can surely support the tongue-in-cheek two-briefings theory. Now you and I are definitely on opposite sides of so many things, including who are the stooges in this case. I'll base my assessments with what happens in Iran and Iraq.

So far, Trump has not been guilty of anything you liberals have lied to the country about, and we have seen a humiliating response from Iran designed for home consumption. Trump doesn't want a war (contra to what you and yours are hyperventilating about), and neither does Iran. But killing their #2 has got their (and everyone's) attention, and may yet get some productive talks going. They now know that Trump doesn't toady and bullshit like Obama did - Trump talks the only language they understand. So let's let it play out.

[Don Bessee]

You were saying troll. Its your team -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gang_of_Eight_%28intelligence%29

;-)

[Bill Tozer]

It was a great speech. Somber, stayed on script, no repeating, and no improvision. Be that as it may.....

The Chicken Littles got everything wrong on Trump and Iran

“Blinded by hate, the Democrat/media industrial complex has created a daily soap opera where they predict Trump’s imminent collapse, and usually openly cheer for it.

One result is that his survival always surprises them. While some of Trump’s escapes do qualify as Houdini-esque, the bold takedown of Soleimani wasn’t one of them.

Strategically and morally, it was a no-brainer that the terror mastermind deserved to die, and the notion that Trump’s presidency would be ended because he approved the mission was wishful thinking at its most diabolical.

It’s true that if any Democrat or your average Republican were sitting in the Oval Office, Soleimani would still be strutting around the Mideast, spreading mayhem and death like an evil Johnny Appleseed. But that’s only because no other politicians on the stage have Trump’s America First convictions and the courage to act on them.

Given their druthers, politicians-as-usual choose appeasement every time. That’s how Iran, pre-Trump, paid a relatively minor price for its 40-year reign as the world’s largest state sponsor of terror.

Take House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was still regretting Soleimani’s demise Tuesday evening while Iranian rockets were falling on two bases in Iraq that house American troops.

Saying she was “closely monitoring” the attacks, she tweeted that “We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence.”

So targeting Soleimani was a “needless provocation”? She’s so full of rage, she probably wants to make his death a third article of impeachment.”

https://nypost.com/2020/01/08/the-chicken-littles-got-everything-wrong-on-trump-and-iran/

[scenes]

GeorgeR: "Trump talks the only language they understand."

That's the truth in a nutshell.

You have to simplify these things to wrap your mind around them and it seems to me that the Middle East acts on two inputs. Money and Violence. The third, Family, is not an option for the West.

[Bill Tozer]

The perverse Western mourning for Qassem Soleimani

In this upside-down moral universe, genocidal fanatics, whose dissembling enables liberals to take refuge in the fantasy of a trouble-free solution, must be negotiated with and appeased.

“Howling that Trump had provoked another world war, progressives totally ignored the fact that for the past four decades, Iran had been waging war against the West and Israel and anyone who stood in its way.

Instead, they viewed Soleimani as a murder victim to be mourned while Trump was the war criminal.

Democrats who had hailed the extra-judicial killing of Osama bin Laden in 2011 as a personal triumph for President Barack Obama now claimed absurdly that killing Soleimani was unconstitutional.

If anyone doubted the shocking moral decadence among the West’s liberal elites, this reaction has provided ample evidence. In this upside-down moral universe, genocidal fanatics, whose dissembling enables liberals to take refuge in the fantasy of a trouble-free solution, must be negotiated with and appeased.

They are never condemned for the aggression they conceal, nor is what they do considered a serious threat. The only aggressor said to threaten the peace of the world is the person who stops them in their tracks.

Such moral bankruptcy over Iran has been evident since the Islamic revolutionary regime came to power in 1979, and immediately launched its onslaught on the West and the Jewish people.

Despite Iran’s repeated global atrocities and attacks on American targets, including bombings, hostage-taking and blowing up coalition soldiers in Iraq, successive U.S. presidents from Jimmy Carter onwards flinched from holding the regime to account.

Instead, they indulged in spineless appeasement. This reached its nadir with the Obama-brokered 2015 nuclear deal, which enabled billions of dollars to be funneled into expanding Iran’s aggression while merely delaying its production of nuclear weapons.“.........

.... “President Trump could not be more clear. On our watch, Iran will not get a nuclear weapon,” said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

All decent, rational people should be cheering those words. For the first time, this evil regime has been held to account. Yet Western liberals are spitting tacks. We can see what side they’re on here, and it’s not their own.

The murderous, fanatical Iranian regime poses one of the greatest dangers to the civilized world. How shameful that Western liberals—in their terrifying moral and intellectual blindness—seem to be falling over themselves to give it victory.”

https://www.jns.org/opinion/the-perverse-western-mourning-for-qassem-soleimani/

[Bill Tozer]

Hmm. This flies in tight formation with the Rebane Doctrine.

TRUMP’S FOREIGN POLICY, THROUGH BRITISH EYES

https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2020/01/trumps-foreign-policy-through-british-eyes.php

Not isolationist, not interventionist. Got to have some skin in the game and we can work together.