I would change your initial assumption that this was a war of ‘choice’ to this was a war of ‘whim’. The ‘F’ team in charge has no clue about the important analysis you present. They are following the instructions of a stupid man who needs a distraction from his failing government, the tightening noose of the Epstein files, and a war emergency to call off midterm elections. The USA and the world are his victims now.
We surely are! And that is a sad situation to find ourselves in. Ammunitions low for a war with no apparent end. Thanks for this, trump.😡🤬. You are a world class moron!!
Thanks for this piece Terry. After watching the Hegseth briefing this morning I was both sickened and saddened by his cold, callous delivery. Not one thing he said made me feel safer. In fact, I feel his bravado only make our brave troops more vulnerable.
Terry, your questions regarding what to think about in terms of possible actions and consequences is spot on. If only djt and his thoughtless minions could parse a situation as ably as you, we would be in different circumstances. I shudder to posit what comes next for our country, given the lack of appropriate leadership. Keep on, Terry. We need you now more than ever.
The blind leading the blind; the pot calling the kettle black; what’s good for the goose is good for the gander; the man in the mirror; selective accountability. No one can frame this shit to make sense. How many ways can you say “stupid”?
Laid out beautifully, Terry. Thanks for educating us. It's always a pleasure to read your writing.
Lesson I'm taking from all this: Democracy works ONLY as long as people bother to educate themselves on all the issues that impact their lives, they have factually honest media sources for accurate information, candidates for office are honest and up to the task, people bother to vote thoughtfully - as if their lives depend on it -- and finally, they hold office holders strictly to account. Unfortunately, none of that is the case here.
That is very true. But I think the worst thing about this is that Americans weren’t even given a chance to figure this out for themselves. The contempt for democracy that represents is astonishing.
I mean, I was covering the White House when GWBush launched the Iraq War. That was dumb. But they were still rattled by 9/11, and Bush—a ne’er-do-well son who was rookie president in foreign policy—was out of his depth and drank the neocon Kool-Aid.
With only a peripheral knowledge of Iran, from my perspective #3 seems to be the likely outcome. Those of us who remember the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy and its ramifications. To even suggest that the religious zealots can be defeated is foolhearty. And what bigger fools do we have than the current US political morons. It doesn't take a Phd in Middle Eastern governance to predict the outcomes of this folly. To think they can outmaneuver cultures that have been in existence since civilization is outright stupidity. But thank Terry for shedding other options that may be possible.
Yes, Beatrice. The religious dimension of this is critical—much more among the people outside of Tehran and the other big cities. And killing the Supreme Leader—a terrible tyrant—probably turned many Iranians, and Iranian soldiers, against this whole effort.
I would like to know why the Military would accept these crazy orders in the first place? Why didn’t they push back? Our Military is compromised because Dumpster doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing or a plan of what’s next! We are not safe!
I fail to see how putting Israel first is making America great again. We have so many problems to solve here in our country, and this war is costing lives and money that we need here at home.
Ah, if only we had a president who had more intelligence than a rock and who took the time and effort to actually think things through instead of making everything he does a knee-jerk reaction, we wouldn't be in this ridiculous mess.
Thank you, Terry, for your insightful wisdom on this (and many other) subject(s) - if only we had a president who had an ounce of your intelligence and ability to rationalize the actions he gives two seconds of thought to before creating yet another nightmare for us Americans and the rest of thr world . . .
Great analysis. In the meantime, when our limited assets — particularly naval — are actively engaged in the Middle East, will the Chinese see an opportunity to move on Taiwan?
Thank you Mr. Moran for your well thought out possibilities of the stupidity at hand. Who knows what other possibilities may come to light as we are in day 5 of the illegality of a “war”. Find it so disingenuous by some MAGA congressional mouth pieces that seem not to be able to say that word “war” but a use of of “strategic strikes” or even having difficulties knowing what country is involved in their PedoFührer’s desire. Apparently Markwayne Mullin (R-Ok) can’t figure out what country we are currently at “war” with by saying Iraq so often. Seems any country in the Middle East starting with the letter “I” is difficult for him to square with. Maybe next he will branch out and decide to use Ireland instead.
Just finished watching the drunkard Hegseth give whatever that series of words at the Pentagon. What a waste of space in this world he is. Maybe just find him a corner bar stool somewhere and run an IV of liquor to keep at least one brain cell viable.
Am beyond nauseated just watching all these creatures in this regime and the Congressional MAGA political cult contorting into something even worse than a pretzel or not even bothering and just saying out loud that they just don’t care about anyone’s life who serves in our military. Any of the millions Americans stuck in the Middle East without a plan for removal for any of them. All the Americans under siege by a paramilitary of ICE agents who continue to use all forms of illegalities to detain, imprison, deport American citizens and even kill them while just dropping their children off at school. Just trying to live life…
All of them are up for reelection in the House of Representatives (Representatives - now that’s an oxymoron, isn’t it) how many Americans are going to be silent again and not vote? Damn I hope not… In the meantime How many Americans are going to be attending the Women’s March come this weekend or the “No Kings” protest on March 28th, or are there still some Americans still remaining silent… Again, Damn I hope not..
There are 438 Marches Happening this weekend - Find the One Closest to You
Why didn't those Warrior Ethos guys include in their planning that thousands of Americans would need to be evacuated because of Trump’s WAR?Now he's trying to catch up, pleading with commercial carriers to fly larger planes and sending military cargo aircraft.
Thanks Terry for sharing your wealth of experience, expertise, and analysis through the lens of a journalist who’s reported on events like this for years. Trump’s government is failing and he needed a distraction from the Epstein Files that were closing in on him and he chose war.
I would change your initial assumption that this was a war of ‘choice’ to this was a war of ‘whim’. The ‘F’ team in charge has no clue about the important analysis you present. They are following the instructions of a stupid man who needs a distraction from his failing government, the tightening noose of the Epstein files, and a war emergency to call off midterm elections. The USA and the world are his victims now.
We surely are! And that is a sad situation to find ourselves in. Ammunitions low for a war with no apparent end. Thanks for this, trump.😡🤬. You are a world class moron!!
Thanks for this piece Terry. After watching the Hegseth briefing this morning I was both sickened and saddened by his cold, callous delivery. Not one thing he said made me feel safer. In fact, I feel his bravado only make our brave troops more vulnerable.
A man who acts like that is almost always telling you he is scared.
Hear, hear! “Quiet death.” Did he REALLY need to say that?! If so, there must be something seriously psychologically wrong with the man!
Terry, your questions regarding what to think about in terms of possible actions and consequences is spot on. If only djt and his thoughtless minions could parse a situation as ably as you, we would be in different circumstances. I shudder to posit what comes next for our country, given the lack of appropriate leadership. Keep on, Terry. We need you now more than ever.
Thanks, Jules!
The blind leading the blind; the pot calling the kettle black; what’s good for the goose is good for the gander; the man in the mirror; selective accountability. No one can frame this shit to make sense. How many ways can you say “stupid”?
Laid out beautifully, Terry. Thanks for educating us. It's always a pleasure to read your writing.
Lesson I'm taking from all this: Democracy works ONLY as long as people bother to educate themselves on all the issues that impact their lives, they have factually honest media sources for accurate information, candidates for office are honest and up to the task, people bother to vote thoughtfully - as if their lives depend on it -- and finally, they hold office holders strictly to account. Unfortunately, none of that is the case here.
That is very true. But I think the worst thing about this is that Americans weren’t even given a chance to figure this out for themselves. The contempt for democracy that represents is astonishing.
And fair, accurate news and education are vital.
Thanks for laying out these possible scenarios. It was an amazing can of worms to open without any planning or research.
I mean, I was covering the White House when GWBush launched the Iraq War. That was dumb. But they were still rattled by 9/11, and Bush—a ne’er-do-well son who was rookie president in foreign policy—was out of his depth and drank the neocon Kool-Aid.
Important points to think about. Thank you Terry. Esp for the breakdown of ethnicities.
With only a peripheral knowledge of Iran, from my perspective #3 seems to be the likely outcome. Those of us who remember the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy and its ramifications. To even suggest that the religious zealots can be defeated is foolhearty. And what bigger fools do we have than the current US political morons. It doesn't take a Phd in Middle Eastern governance to predict the outcomes of this folly. To think they can outmaneuver cultures that have been in existence since civilization is outright stupidity. But thank Terry for shedding other options that may be possible.
Yes, Beatrice. The religious dimension of this is critical—much more among the people outside of Tehran and the other big cities. And killing the Supreme Leader—a terrible tyrant—probably turned many Iranians, and Iranian soldiers, against this whole effort.
I would like to know why the Military would accept these crazy orders in the first place? Why didn’t they push back? Our Military is compromised because Dumpster doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing or a plan of what’s next! We are not safe!
Such a refusal would need to come from the top ranks, and any officers that would push back have been removed by Trump and Hegseth.
I fail to see how putting Israel first is making America great again. We have so many problems to solve here in our country, and this war is costing lives and money that we need here at home.
Trump got taken for a ride by Bibi. Again.
Such a well written piece. Helped me see more of the big picture and I thank you.
Thanks, Carol!
Ah, if only we had a president who had more intelligence than a rock and who took the time and effort to actually think things through instead of making everything he does a knee-jerk reaction, we wouldn't be in this ridiculous mess.
Thank you, Terry, for your insightful wisdom on this (and many other) subject(s) - if only we had a president who had an ounce of your intelligence and ability to rationalize the actions he gives two seconds of thought to before creating yet another nightmare for us Americans and the rest of thr world . . .
Great analysis. In the meantime, when our limited assets — particularly naval — are actively engaged in the Middle East, will the Chinese see an opportunity to move on Taiwan?
Thank you Mr. Moran for your well thought out possibilities of the stupidity at hand. Who knows what other possibilities may come to light as we are in day 5 of the illegality of a “war”. Find it so disingenuous by some MAGA congressional mouth pieces that seem not to be able to say that word “war” but a use of of “strategic strikes” or even having difficulties knowing what country is involved in their PedoFührer’s desire. Apparently Markwayne Mullin (R-Ok) can’t figure out what country we are currently at “war” with by saying Iraq so often. Seems any country in the Middle East starting with the letter “I” is difficult for him to square with. Maybe next he will branch out and decide to use Ireland instead.
Just finished watching the drunkard Hegseth give whatever that series of words at the Pentagon. What a waste of space in this world he is. Maybe just find him a corner bar stool somewhere and run an IV of liquor to keep at least one brain cell viable.
Am beyond nauseated just watching all these creatures in this regime and the Congressional MAGA political cult contorting into something even worse than a pretzel or not even bothering and just saying out loud that they just don’t care about anyone’s life who serves in our military. Any of the millions Americans stuck in the Middle East without a plan for removal for any of them. All the Americans under siege by a paramilitary of ICE agents who continue to use all forms of illegalities to detain, imprison, deport American citizens and even kill them while just dropping their children off at school. Just trying to live life…
All of them are up for reelection in the House of Representatives (Representatives - now that’s an oxymoron, isn’t it) how many Americans are going to be silent again and not vote? Damn I hope not… In the meantime How many Americans are going to be attending the Women’s March come this weekend or the “No Kings” protest on March 28th, or are there still some Americans still remaining silent… Again, Damn I hope not..
There are 438 Marches Happening this weekend - Find the One Closest to You
https://www.womensmarch.com/newsroom/there-are-438-marches-happening-tomorrow-find-the-one-closest-to-you
Or use this site.
https://www.womensmarch.com/
IN AMERICA, WE HAVE NO KINGS.
https://www.nokings.org/
Why didn't those Warrior Ethos guys include in their planning that thousands of Americans would need to be evacuated because of Trump’s WAR?Now he's trying to catch up, pleading with commercial carriers to fly larger planes and sending military cargo aircraft.
Because they don't care what happens to them.
Thanks Terry for sharing your wealth of experience, expertise, and analysis through the lens of a journalist who’s reported on events like this for years. Trump’s government is failing and he needed a distraction from the Epstein Files that were closing in on him and he chose war.