Two parts. A quick strikeback that isn’t devastating like slapping a child’s hand. Then, after analysis of what damage was caused and people killed or injured, a much more devastating and calculated attack to say that it wasn’t done in anger, it was done in righteous justice.
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Interesting. I think I understand your words. Yet, I fail to see the need for a 2 part response. Maybe I’m missing something. Seems to me one big WHAM would be more in order—and sort of what President Trump indicated would be the case—or—rather—52 big WHAM’s.
>>Yet, I fail to see the need for a 2 part response
You asked for a guess. That was a wild guess.
This attack from Iran against Americans in Iraq seems to be a symbolic gesture on their part. Didn't really do anything to us. Pissed off the Iraqis. Will satisfy their hardliners.
The only thing they have is short and medium ranged missiles. That's what they're going to use. Duh. They can't move their mobile launchers into Iraq, so their range is limited. They can't fly planes because we'll shoot them down. They can't use boats because we'll sink them and blow every pier in the NAG to splinters. Along with all their coastal missiles.
Their vaunted-by-the-left cyber capabilities are evidently ineffectual against our defenses beyond limited DDOS or phishing.
They HAD to do something and they did. It is symbolic and totally ineffectual, but their wasta is now intact. Praise God the reports so far are no American casualties.
I'm convinced that their proxie networks of Iraqi Shia have been, and are being, dismantled. I'm convinced that POTUS knows what he is doing. I'm convinced that we're not necessarily going to see what we're doing to put pressure on the regime, but they are about ready to negotiate now and it won't be another JCPOA.
I'm also convinced that the Iranian people will be freed from their oppressive regime and it will be glorious.
But I worry. Do you know what I worry about? It's not World War Three. It's not terrorists in the Homeland. I worry that the next beef roast I try and cook won't be tender enough. And I worry that I haven't quite dialed in the trick to smoking a really good, juicy and tender brisket. I worry that My front lawn isn't going to really look good in the spring.
This whole shebang is in God's hands. I really don't have much to worry about. In the meantime, I pray for the troops, the White Hats, POTUS and his family, and the children.
At this present hour it appears that the Iranian missiles have not been terribly accurate. As an old negotiator (emphasis on 'old') I think I see an opening for cautiously reaching out a diplomatic hand for understanding. It may be the Iranians will remain adamant, at least an attempt was made to deescalate.
Of course it is possible that the Iranian missiles were simply faulty, that they intended to destroy life and limb. Much depends on Iran's leadership. They have to know that they cannot hope to win a full scale war with the US; if they are fanatics hoping the Twelfth Imam will pull off a miracle for them then the future looks dim.
It must be made clear to them that they do not have license to kill Americans, either by proxy or directly. Their extreme religious views may present an insurmountable hurdle. Still, I think an attempt needs to be made. DJT has stated his goal to withdraw from the ME; Iran holds the key to the success of that goal.