"If they did, they would have won it already."

The US has nothing that it can use as leverage in any meaningful way to influence a strategic outcome.

Strikes and/or threats of strikes are about it.

I think we have accomplished most of Israel's objectives, though.

#29

It's a mix of contract and civilian personnel, at least at Air Force bases.

And the food is waaaaaay better than the crap they made you eat. When I'm out at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, I eat at the chow hall (now called a DFAC) all the time. It's a bit pricey. I think I paid $18 for a salad when I was there a few months ago.

...but it was a really good salad.

This ship was a Steregushchey-class frigate. It is equipped with literally the most advanced surface-to-air missile system in the Russian arsenal.

I spend a lot of time in Albania and am very familiar with this area. This has been in the works for some time. Gulf state royals are buying up lots of property in Albania. I'm glad someone is standing up against it.

About two miles south of Skazan is the Karaburun Peninsula, which is probably the most beautiful place I have ever been. If Jared had found that place, it would have been a disaster.

"Honestly, I don't know what MB means by "Trump is, economically, the most left-wing president evah."

Let's start with the COVID handouts. Admittedly, Biden did the same thing, but Trump started it. And his dismissal of independent guardrails that were intended to protect the government from having too much economic power.

And the big one-tariffs. Promised by both Bernie and Dennis Kucinich, if anyone remembers that guy.

Congress isn't exactly off the hook. Someone has to decide whether this war ends on US terms, or on the terms of the Islamic Republic.

Donny is out of his element. That's not a decision he is capable of making.

"Madbomber needs a slightly-brown Muslim in a robe and turban in his top 3 evil men list in order to feel validated. Three white boomers in suits with bad hairdos doesn't cut it."

I suppose it's a matter of perspective. Few people like Trump. Or Putin. Or Bibi. But I doubt many think they are worse than any of the Ayatollahs. Including the current one. But feel free to disagree.

"North Korea's religion is Juche, and it's a very similar religion to #MAGA"

True dat.

Trump is, economically, the most left-wing president evah. He's a modern-day Huey Long.

"Didn't we blow him up?"

Missing a limb or two, but still within this mortal coil.

"Coriolanus' three worst political leaders:"

Really?

You're saying the Ayatollah is better than these three?

I wonder if Iran shares that opinion.?

Also, no mention of Kim Jong-Un. His religion is socialism.

"NGOs and Unions are also part of the problem, you going to fix that loophole too"

Great question.

I wonder if our progressive friends would want to end Union contributions to political campaigns. I wonder if Thom Hartmann would support that?

"Tell us how much money is spend on an election cycle in Germany, compared to United States."

The difference is in Germany that politicians are not trying to buy off voters with taxpayer dollars. Which is why people like you are so against a VAT. Because it doesn't create a condition where with rich pay for the less rich.

#14

Nope. None of that. Instead, it would be like Thom Hartmann said. Politicians promising to use Paul's money to pay Peter's bills.

There is no taking money out of politics. What do you think you're progressive kin are doing when they pledge to take money from the rich to give to the less rich?

How does legislation end this war? Does it compel the US to accede to Iran's demands?

Right now that is the only thing I see that ends this war.

Literally, everything Komrade Hartmann is saying would be accomplished by big money in politics.

I'm sure Komrade Lenin made many of the same predictions in 1917.

From my vantage point as someone in the business, Iran holds all the cards. The only thing the US can do is stop Iranian ships from transiting the straits. Iran can stop all the other ships, and no one can do a thing about it.

For Trump to succeed in his goals, there are two options. He gives into Iran's demands, or he does something to create a bargaining chip he can use as leverage. In order to do that, he would have to put troops on the ground and conduct an incursion in much the same way that the west has figured Russia would conduct an incursion. Seize territory the adversary values, dig in, and negotiate. What I can't tell you is what territory this would be. I don't know what land the Islamic Republic values as much as they value achieving their goals. I don't know if it is exists.

I do know that if I were in a leadership role in the Islamic Republic, I would be demanding the removal of all US troops from the middle east, a tax on any ship transiting the straits of Hormuz, and war reparations. Maybe, just for fun, demand the US gift the republic Mar-a Lago. I think that could be done with imminent domain. Trump would have no response to that, because he's an anti-war president. Maybe the UK, or NATO, or some other coalition...but not Trump. Like another famous Donny, he appears to be out of his element.

"Forty years in the tax business; I've never even HEARD of a provision like this. Exempting him and his entire family?!? GTFOH."

Do you know, is this intended to be in perpetuity? Like in 500 years, any Trump descendant would be immune from an audit?

Heliumrat would love this.