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Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran...
Jun. 22nd, 2025 01:23 pmComes news late yesterday that the US joined Israel in bombing Iran. The Vast Left-Wing Conspiracy (tm) called and here are my thoughts. (Please send the usual amount.*)
Yes, this was an unconstitutional act by Donald Trump. The Founders were very scared of a King or other Executive deciding to unilaterally go to war and dragging the country along for the ride. Just to head off the commentariat: there was no Congressional declaration of war or authorization for use of military force and an Iranian attack was not imminent. However, since this Congress at least seems willing to hand over all governing to Trump, nothing will be done about this.
At the moment, Israel has beaten the shit out of Iran. (That's a technical military term.) Israel has also demonstrated that their spy services can operate with impunity inside Iran. The later will undoubtedly cause some sleepless nights for the Iranian leadership. So although a quick pot-shot at a US target can't be ruled out, I suspect Iran's focus in the short term will be shoring up their defenses. In the mid-to-long term, Iran can and will retaliate against the US at a time and place of their choosing. To be clear, any military target Iran chooses to hit would be fair game.
I have no idea how this will play out in Iran. The regime has many internal critics and the Supreme Leader is no spring chicken. However, generally speaking, getting bombs dropped on your head does not endear you to the bomb-dropper.
* For the sarcasm-impaired, "the usual" is my email getting flooded with requests for me to donate money urgently.
Yes, this was an unconstitutional act by Donald Trump. The Founders were very scared of a King or other Executive deciding to unilaterally go to war and dragging the country along for the ride. Just to head off the commentariat: there was no Congressional declaration of war or authorization for use of military force and an Iranian attack was not imminent. However, since this Congress at least seems willing to hand over all governing to Trump, nothing will be done about this.
At the moment, Israel has beaten the shit out of Iran. (That's a technical military term.) Israel has also demonstrated that their spy services can operate with impunity inside Iran. The later will undoubtedly cause some sleepless nights for the Iranian leadership. So although a quick pot-shot at a US target can't be ruled out, I suspect Iran's focus in the short term will be shoring up their defenses. In the mid-to-long term, Iran can and will retaliate against the US at a time and place of their choosing. To be clear, any military target Iran chooses to hit would be fair game.
I have no idea how this will play out in Iran. The regime has many internal critics and the Supreme Leader is no spring chicken. However, generally speaking, getting bombs dropped on your head does not endear you to the bomb-dropper.
* For the sarcasm-impaired, "the usual" is my email getting flooded with requests for me to donate money urgently.