Freedom of Navigation?

America imposing a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz might set a bad precedent. Red China may decide to impose their own crackdown against shipping into Taiwan or just send huge portions of their navy toward Iran to break America's line and go collect the oil they are buying. Either way it escalates the conflict and brings us closer to World War III. 

Losing to Iran?

Of course, America wants and the world would benefit from regime change in Tehran, but that laudable goal was not stated as a war aim and can't be done without bloody armed revolution by the Iranian People or troops on the ground from America and allies that no doubt would lead to hundreds of thousands deaths (at least). It sucks to think the ayatollah regime will survive this conflict and crow that they have "won", but that dreaded outcome is a real possibility. 

Not So "Swalwell"

Kompromat flatulent blowhard Eric Swalwell is not only subject to the entrapment of Red Chinese female spies but seems to have not taken "no" for an answer when forcing himself on at least one female subordinate, with additional women coming forward to allege similar improprieties. It looks like Swalwell's gubernatorial run is over in California, and his presence in the US House should be ending as well though a stay as Harvey Weinstein's cellmate may soon be in order. 

The Aggressor Wins

The party that strikes the first blow usually wins. That side might be in the wrong, but that has nothing to do with who ultimately prevails. The Maginot Line taught us static defense may be no defense at all. Oil fields and refineries are exceedingly difficult to protect and relatively easy to damage. Supertankers make great targets, and pipelines are vulnerable as well, yet the world must not be hostage to petroleum. 

Note About Loyalty

When loyalty is transactional, it is not loyalty. Of course, NATO nations have their own agendas and unique national interests, as do the United States and Israel. I do not forecast a glowing future for traditional American alliances anywhere. 

Just Declared Victory

The only paths for America and Israel to truly prevail over the Islamic Republic would have been regime change wherein the theocracy would no longer be running the country, or every bit of enriched components that could be used in a nuclear-tipped missile or bomb were destroyed or seized. Nothing akin to that has been accomplished. Trump clearly stated he wanted the mullahs overthrown, though he did not explicitly declare that as a war aim. American forces and the IDF wrought extensive destruction across Iran, but at the end of the day, an Ayatollah will still be the leader, and something of an offensive atomic capability remains in the hands of End Time madmen. 

Too Much Michigan

Hats off to the Wolverines, who were a tough team all season, They did not go undefeated but were the dominant school in men's college basketball this year. Connecticut put up a good fight, but ultimately, the boys from Ann Arbor prevailed.