Tuesday, January 7, 2020
BREAKING NEWS: MORE THAN 12 IRANIAN MISSILES LAUNCHED AT TWO U.S. BASES IN IRAQ, PENTAGON CONFIRMS
"War is the failure of diploimacy. It's the failure of statecraft. And it is the failure of humanity. We're seeing lots of failures combine tonight in horrifying ways." --Ned Price
The nuclear agreement with Iran was successful diplomacy and statecraft. This didn't have to happen.
The Pentagon stated that Iran attacked two Iraqi bases housing US forces.
Number of casualties unknown at this time.
Report: Iranian TV named "Dubai" specifically as possible arget. Rhetoric designed to cause panic and it will. Iranian state TV warning other nations in region not to assist US military.
Rand Paul breaks with Trump: "He 'got bad advice' on killing of Soleimani." --The Hill
Richard Engel: "Iran making treats of mass escalation. To attack more bases in Iraq. To unleash Hezbollah. To unleash shiite militias in Iraq. To attack Israel and Dubai. Making it clear it is ready for a widespread campaign if this escalates further with a US response."
Lawrence O'Donnell: "These threats of war crimes and mass murder by Iran make this the most dangerous night in history of American military in the Middle East and Trump has no idea what to say. White House says Trump won't make a staement tonight. He is literally speechless.
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3 comments:
Iran's response on Tuesday was clearly intended to deescalate the situation. No one was reported hurt. The bombing was symbolic. Iran will probably use the incident to further constrain or expel US forces in Iraq. However, they didn't come out with guns blazing. What Trump does in response is now the question. Iran checked on the flop. It's our turn to wager.
Trump promised disproportionate retaliation to any Iranian aggression. This is one of those rare moments where Trump's essential qualities may actually prove useful. Trump is self-involved, unethical and unstable. However, he is also a liar, a cheat, and a coward. You can imagine a scenario where Trump tucks his tail between his legs and calls the gesture a stupendous victory. Another promise broken.
I can't say for sure yet. However, there's a good chance Trump's critics were right. He doesn't have the stomach for war. Even if he did, war doesn't play well politically for Trump. That self-interest always points Trump in the opposite direction. Iran just gave him an off-ramp. I suspect he'll take it.
In which case, the entire episode was just a dangerous and impulsive diversion from impeachment.
Rand Paul has this one dead on.
Or, is Pompeo simply being set up by Trumpo to bear responsibilty for Trump's blunder?
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