Short War or Big Mistake
By Douglas V. Gibbs
As long as the Iran military operation remains short and wraps up by the summer, it won’t be seen as a mistake. As long as our stockpiles of weaponry to accomplish the goal in Iran remains higher and better than ever, it won’t be seen as a mistake. If we wear the Iranian military down to the point that we are able to open the Strait of Hormuz and keep it open without fears of Iranian attacks and it happens relatively soon, it won’t be seen as a mistake. If we continue to disrupt Iran’s ability to strike out at their neighbors, and reduce them to a fizzle as the Trump administration is aiming for, it won’t be seen as a mistake. If the conflict does not become a widespread quagmire like Iraq that lasts for a long time, it won’t be seen as a mistake. If we keep the number of boots on the ground and American deaths to a relatively small number, it won’t be seen as a mistake. If oil prices don’t go too far up during the conflict, it won’t be seen as a mistake. If the U.S. Economy remains strong during the conflict and sustains minimal damage, it won’t be seen as a mistake. If the war ends soon, Iran becomes relatively stable, and it hurts China’s ability to fuel its massive machine, it won’t be seen as a mistake. If any of those things falter, it might be seen as a mistake, and the Mid-Terms could be more challenging than the GOP would prefer.
The move makes sense, for nobody wants a nuclear Iran, and waiting seems to have not been an option – but few think that way. They ask:
- How long?
- How costly?
- How effective?
- How much will my pocketbook hurt as a result?
Otherwise, most Americans will be fine with it.
Time will tell.
— Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
