[nathanbedford]

My $0.02:

The US should proceed as it has, not reacting, forcing the Iranians to ever more aggressive actions violative of international norms, building a case for military action as and when it becomes necessary, a case which will carry the allies.

Meanwhile, a diplomatic posture should be to enlist at least token participation by the Japanese whose ship was attacked and by the Europeans whose oil flow, or at least price of oil, will be affected.

In any event Trump should wait until after his G-7 meeting with the Chinese dictator.

The president should maintain a posture of sober reticence to resort to arms and wait for the Iranians to give him the Pearl Harbor he needs if he is to undertake any military operation.

As and when a military strike becomes unavoidable, it should be confined to see and air elements but it should be massive and thoroughly punitive. No attempt should be made to occupy, although it might be possible to ship arms to those Iranians who might take up arms against the regime. The entire Persian Gulf should be declared an international zone requiring permission from the US led coalition to enter and making any unauthorized entry liable to attack.

[mylife]

I believe you are on the correct track.

This is all a pressure play designed to whip people up.

[867V309]

The president should maintain a posture of sober reticence to resort to arms and wait for the Iranians to give him the Pearl Harbor he needs if he is to undertake any military operation.

those days are over.

revenge is best served cold, and, I might add, without knowing WHO served it.

[RedMonqey]

Yep

[Fai Mao]

I agree with General Forrest.

PDJT should refuse to be goaded.

Let the Iranians close down the gulf before acting. Europe and China are much more dependent on that oil than the US. Let them hurt. Let them come to the realization that something has to be done. Let them beg.

[Widget Jr]

I like your $0.02 cents, agree entirely with it, and expect that what you described is pretty close to the big picture of what’s going on.

[ealgeone]

Or, very quietly, an oil platform or refinery mysteriously blows up somewhere in Iran.

Or, a mullah's house is mysteriously destroyed.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Good analysis. However, the regime is more vulnerable to economic sanction as they are felt by ordinary Iranians who - at some point - will rise against the radical Islamic leadership.

The Iranian people need to find their Washington, Adams, and/or Jefferson.

[Little Ray]

What you said.

[devane617]

WAAAYYYY too much trouble for Trump. A few missles will be all that he uses and the next day back to normal for the US. No occupation, no talk and no ground action. Over and done is a flash.

[suthener]

give him the Pearl Harbor he needs

You’re willing to sacrifice a few thousand American’s to make a case?

[laplata]

👍

[JewishRighter]

Not that it matters, but I agree with you with one small caveat: I don’t think the shooting down of a US military air asset can go unanswered. A measure-for-measure pinpoint counterstrike is necessary to draw a line against further attacks. Just my $.01

[DannyTN]

"The US should proceed as it has, not reacting, forcing the Iranians to ever more aggressive actions violative of international norms, building a case for military action as and when it becomes necessary, a case which will carry the allies."

I mostly agree. Especially if there are people initiating incidents that are not coming from the top.

However, Trump kind of said that he thought this might be a rogue actor. But then he said our nation wouldn't stand for it.

So we might do a tit for tat. Or knowing Trump a tit for

TAT.