***. “Every war when it comes, or before it comes, is represented not as a war, but as an act of self-defense against a homicidal maniac.” [ George Orwell ]
This post is the 6th in a series examining the conduct of Donald John Trump, unfortunately president of the United States. There has been serious discussion, including a book written, a study of his speech patterns, warnings by peple from his first term – stating opinions that Trump is “unfit for office. We have yet to see serious examination of the influence of the Rasputins around him, of of foreign leaders he respects. Regardless, it is obvious Trump is THE anti-George Washington, THE anti-Abraham Lincoln. He now has America, the Middle East, the world economy embroiled in a dubious war – one for which his own first term actions laid the grounwork.
This post presents excerpts from: “NoneOf Trump’s Options In Iran look Good”. [ Ali Vaez; New York Times; 4/5/26 ]:
6] “Mr. Trump was right when he said on Wednesday that the United states has won every tactical exchange against Iran. What he did not admit to is that as commander in chief, he still managed to lose control of events.”
1]. “But the central question in this war was never whether Iran could be hurt. It was whether pain would translate into submission. So afr, it has not.”
2 ]. “Perhaps most significantly, the Iranians have managed to subdue traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, responding in the one arena where weaker nations have often found leverage against stronger ones; not by matching force with force, but by changing the terms of the contest. [NOTE: read these 3 statements again. – lost command of events; the central question; his weaker opponent changed the terms of the war. Has Trump already lost??? If control of the Strait of Hormuz was THE #1 issue – why didn’t Trump plan for this?????]
***. “In public affairs, stupidity is more dangerous than knavery.” [ Woodrow Wilson; 28th U.S. President ]
3] “..Iran…can still prolong the conflict, widen its costs, disrupt the global economy and make the exercise of American and Israel power more expensive than its architects anticipated.”
4]. “…a regime built to endure, its leadership infused with a culture of martyrdom and resistance and bereft of mercy, can continue to repress and remain in power…has enabled Iran’s leaders to recast themselves as guardians of a besieged nation, rather than its tormentors.”
5]. “Mr. Trump now has three options. He can escalate….just keep degrading Iran”s capabilities at a steady pace for a longer period of time and then walk away..disastrous for the Gulf States and the rest of the world….The final option is a deal..the only path that addresses the actual stakes..”
***. “We can pursue peaceful diplomacy with the Iranian regime while also continuing our maximum economic pressure campaign, while also defending ourselves…To say that war with Iran or nothing is just a fundamental misunderstanding of how foreign policy actually works.” [ Morgan Ortacus ]
With Justice For All 