I will agree our past performance / history does not bode well.
On the other hand, I am hoping, maybe, we learned our lesson and are not holding back but instead letting the military really go all in on this operation.
I also have my doubts on just how engaging the Iranian people are in actually fighting for themselves.
The non rulers of Iran have many thousands of reasons for overthrowing the current regime. There are many different ethnicities who have a stake in this. If coordinated well...could work. Outcome may not be as bad as the past.
It’s different when the goal is to destroy a bellicose regime as opposed to mollifying a dangerous regime.
IMHO
Re “… letting the military really go all in on this operation...”
World War II was letting the military go all-in… Breaking the enemy’s will, determination, and capability to fight. If we’re not prepared to do those things, this could go on for a while.
The Iranian people are the big question… are they prepared and equipped to take on the IRGC and its internal security forces? My guess is probably not.
Hopefully all major military assets are already targeted… anti-aircraft, radar facilities, armor depots, airfields, communications hubs, naval installations…my guess is those are already in the process of being neutralized.
On the other hand, I am hoping, maybe, we learned our lesson and are not holding back but instead letting the military really go all in on this operation.
I don't think its a problem of holding back, its a matter of us not having the willpower to continue any long term conflict.