32 Comments
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Tom Langdon's avatar

Bill you state that you have no idea what was responsible for this war with Iran. Really? You also write that at this point in the war China is the benefiary, receiving more oil through the straights than prior to the war. Impressive; I don't think anyone in the "know" has this kind of information. Do you think this information may have been washed through CNN before it got to you?

Angry Icebergs's avatar

Sounds as if though Mr. Bonner has his fingers crossed that the Iran incursion will be a failure...

Tom Langdon's avatar

Yes, and the rest of the legacy media.

Jimm Roberts's avatar

Iceberg,

Until our current president makes clear exactly what goal our armed intervention in Iran's affairs is supposed to achieve, then no one can measure our progress toward attaining it.

It appears to me and to others that Trump, made aware of Israel's plan to attack Iran, opted to forcefully participate in it.

In so doing, he made Israel's war with Iran a Middle Eastern war between the US and Iran, a country in whose elected prime minister the US forceably replaced nearly a half century ago, but which then nor now has never been a threat to the US.

Some consequences to date: Diminished support by John Q Citizen for Israel, 127 school children dead due to a targeting error by our Dept. of War, higher prices for any oil based product and death of innocents in nearby countries not party to the conflict and dissipating approval by US voters of DJT's heavy hand domestically and internationally.

Worse: A possible consequence of this misstep by our current president could very well be a renewed drive by the Iranians to build -- maybe even borrow -- an A-bomb just to ward off further attacks.

Angry Icebergs's avatar

... to be sure there will be unintended consequences.

Bad.... and good.

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It seems the goals are clear...

Disarm Iran.

Eliminate future threats (from the Ayatollahs) to the U.S. (and Israel).

Stop the funding of proxy terrorist groups.

Provide the peoples of Iran more liberties.

Allow Iran's oil production to increase, further easing global energy pricing.

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What remains unclear is how to implement these goals...

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Borrowing an A-bomb is a hilarious term, will they return it in good condition?

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Not sure it' as simple as "borrowing"

...transit, deployment, expertise, and the fact one nuke will only further piss off the recipient.

Israel would likely retaliate with at least a tactical nuke or three...

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Additionally, the "lender" would likely find themselves facing multiple new nuclear equipped enemies...

Jimm Roberts's avatar

You've described a real and lethal chess game.

And your goals are laudable.

Perhaps they will be embraced and articulated by our current Administration for belated debate by our Congress

Interesting that MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) is not part of your calculus

Angry Icebergs's avatar

...they are not my goals (you know peons like me don't count).

They are this Administration's goals.

By the time Congress decides to reconvene later this month and drag their sorry asses back to the chamber, the situation will likely change.

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We would all appreciate Congressional consensus rather than the Orange Man calling the shots...

However, the problem initially stems from Congress' failure to pass anything...

Jimm Roberts's avatar

Administration goals: If you say so.

Technically, the president proposes; the Congress disposes

The last Declaration of War was in 1941

Our Constitution seems honored more and more by exception; not by rule.

Jimm Roberts's avatar

If you want to read a candid assessment of our current Administration's foreign policy, then go to https://ifloz.substack.com/p/alright-mates-buckle-the-fuck-up?triedRedirect=true

James F's avatar

You said: "The US murdered Iran’s secular and religious leader in the opening hours of the fight"

I think it was the Israelis who killed him. I'm not mourning.

An Ol' LSO's avatar

Really? Splitting the difference between whether Israel or the U.S. kill them and the 150 girls? In this the world and especially the Persian world looks at it one and the same, they don't differentiate between Israel and the U.S. Why would they? It is the evil axis - Israel/U.S.

Flier's avatar

I wonder why you sign off with "Tune in tomorrow." I'm guessing it's because you hope we'll forget how repetitive you are these days.

Dennis T.'s avatar

The war cost 11 billion in the first week. I believe the Somalis living in Minnesota should foot the bill from their graft accounts.

Cartero Atómico's avatar

Why are countries like India abiding by US sanctions on Russia at the expense of their own economies? Now, daddy will let you buy Russian oil. Imagine how we would feel if Russia dictated who could buy our products. Is there any logic to these sanctions? We've invaded multiple countries just this century but no sanctions. Maybe India and Europe should just tell the US to stay out of their business.

Chris's avatar

US bases/facilities globally-800 or so. Russia is next with 13 or so. Who's the problem?Maybe if the US left everyone alone things would be a bit more peaceful. Why the name change from Dept of Defense to Dept of War? Cause we start most of them. Directly? No, but by proxy or some type of political/economic manipulation.

Angry Icebergs's avatar

Do you think other countries care about how the U.S. "feels"?

Cartero Atómico's avatar

That's not the point. Why would any country agree to comply with US sanctions at the expense of their own economies? If the shoe was on the other foot, would you be happy with our government complying with hypocritical sanctions leveled by another country even though it damaged our living standards?

Angry Icebergs's avatar

...not sure you get the point, what "we" "feel" or are "happy" with is irrelevant.

These are acts perceived as necessary for survival.

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IMO every country exploits their situation when possible.

The U.S. is no different...

It's hypercritical but nothing new.

The world is full of bully's; the U.S. just happens to be the largest.

Thank God it's our country and not an adversary...

Cartero Atómico's avatar

I understand that Might Makes Right. But what happens when our Empire ends. But it does seems to be hypocritical to throw in all the bullshit about "democracy" and God in the mix. I have more respect for the Mafia -I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse.

Angry Icebergs's avatar

I am not worried about the demise of the U.S.

Why are you?

Too much negativity from Mr. Bonner?

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Politics have always been BS hyperbole.

The U.S. is merely doing what all waring nations do, propagate.

But now aided by Ai, truth as we knew it... R.I.P.

Allan R Camrud's avatar

"But the biggest dot we have to connect is the US attack on Iran, a war that it initiated for reasons that remain obscure. Who wins and who loses from that"? If that dot is obscure all the dots are meaningless...

Cartero Atómico's avatar

I'm not worried at all about the fall of the Empire. I'm just am observer of the demise. The Romans, Brits, Spanish, etc all felt the same way. But what me worry - fast approaching $39 trillion national debt, senile old men leading the country, only 25% of military age Americans are eligible for service. But everything is fine. Jake Paul was the perfect guy to introduce Trump yesterday, a YouTube influencer who made a fortune fighting basketball players and old retired boxer - then he made the mistake of fighting a real heavy weight and got his jaw broken. Good that me an analogy for the US?

KDS's avatar

Iranian conflict decision point: Is the desired (but not guaranteed) gain (ie, removal of the largest state sponsor of global terrorism, a self-described and proven enemy of the US) worth the guaranteed short-term economic and physical pain before it’s accomplished?

An Ol' LSO's avatar

the largest state sponsor of global terrorism is the U.S. Plain and simple. The U.S. Government headed by the CIA have been at it since Korea. And, simply, all most all haven't helped any of the countries. The list of countries coming under U.S. terror is huge and continuous today. The sad truth is the world is beginning to understand there is a way to fight back. BRICS was formed to fight the U.S. terrorism. And, Trump - unfortunately - has pushed it to new levels I thought I would never see. But, as the world is noticing - the U.S. military power isn't all that powerful. Our Navy - hitting small countries and one and done battles - has shown to have more and more limits. It has run away from Iran. Scared to death. Trump says the U.S. will escort tankers through the straits and the Pentagon says "not so fast". We will when it is safe. If it is safe, then the U.S. Navy isn't needed. Canada is showing the world that U.S. market isn't necessary and others don't have to "surrender" to it. Canada, our closest neighbor and largest trade partner, has literally told Trump to take a hike. Talk about short-term pain - sure, but the long term pain coming to the U.S. is going to be horrific. The U.S. - led by Trump and his zionist masters - just can't stand it. So they do what they always do - double down - but it isn't working. And, as to the Iran War, it will be over when Iran says it is over - neither the U.S. nor Israel have any control over it. They started it and now Iran (and its allies) will finish it.

Cartero Atómico's avatar

Easy with those terrorism labels! Former wanted by the FBI ISIS headchopper Al-Jolani is now president of Syria and just had a very nice visit with Trump at the WH. Good ol' Al is now offering to fight Hezbollah along side of Israel. Perhaps the US is in the race for top terrorist state?

Tom Langdon's avatar

Your point is rhetorical I assume. But if not, the short- term economic and physical pain is simply nothing to endure however, some Americans are very soft and not getting their morning coffee is a catastrophe.

Cartero Atómico's avatar

Just remember the economic and physical pain will not be shared by our elite. Guys like Musk and Bezos made a killing during the phony COVID lockdowns. Plus , the MIC is making money hand over fist with these wars.

An Ol' LSO's avatar

Cartero, you see the World clearly and especially the elite/neocons in Washington. It is all about Money and with money comes power. Those upper elites take the Power (along with the money) and the lower ones - like almost all in Congress - just take the money. Just what America has become and us peons are just stuck.

Paul McGinn's avatar

Once again Bill, “ it could be disastrous for POTUS WHO COULD FACE MORE Epstein disclosures if committee’s are controlled by democrats (paraphrasing). How can you finish a missive with that BS. The Democrats had four years to investigate this along with the countless prosecutions. As they use to say “ COM’ON MAN”

Sluggo's avatar

Hey Jimmmm, you see this from your fellow Type-1 TDSer, Ol LSO? “the largest state sponsor of global terrorism is the U.S. Plain and simple. The U.S. Government headed by the CIA have been at it since Korea.”

Wow. He’s slamming your hero and idol, CIA man GHWB!

pete's avatar

Al Jolani who was groomed by British Inteligence.

Alice Sudmeyer's avatar

I lived this sh.. In 1990! Ali