Clarification of the above - I am hoping Trump would not step into Iran if thoroughly defeated in Yemen.
The Yemen outcome remains to be seen. US continues with bombing Yemen and I imagine gathering a ton of intelligence - while losing multiple MQ 9 Reapers doing so - I had read that 15 - 20 MQ - 9 are sent during each sortie ( not certain of that but what I read ) .
I agree with Crooke but - Believe that the "" Trial of Strength "" is or hopefully shall be
Yemen and Not Iran .
That Trump would not be so f ing stupid to take the step to Iran when for the most part has been thorougly defeated in Yemen. I am hoping.
However, US has done many many stupid things Ukraine is the recent proof - so never underestimate the pompous fools in washington with years of failed presumptions under their belt, they are still ready for more.
Regarding Trump not being a critical thinker and being intellectually insecure. This may well be true, however ...
Doug Macgregor's anecdote about the phone call he got from Trump seeking Mac's views re Ukraine suggest that Trump DOES seek out the views of people who aren't just yes men. The fact that Tulsi and Vance and Hegseth talked him out of a stupid decision that he might have initially viewed as the path of least resistance is also reason to believe that there's quite a bit more to Trump than just emotional reactions and insecurity. Frustrating in trying to assess the guy, but he's probably more complex than his public image.
Still, there is a reason in the assumption that Trump is irrational and fumbles basically with every decision he takes.. As someone far away, I can tell Trump makes difficult moves on the spur of the moment..
All the reasons Crooke gives for why Iran is so important to everything Russia and China are building toward are reasons why Russia and China can't just stand by if the the US attacks Iran.
Reviewing his biography and viewing clips of Araghchi (who has taught international relations for years) after Rome meeting, I come to a far simpler conclusion: everyone -- EVERYONE from Trump to Witkoff to Johnson, Nap, Wilkerson, Ritter, on the American team is seriously out-classed.
Never mind what weapons who has: the Iranians, and the Russians and Chinese, possess self-confidence tempered with the humility of experience.
As well, as someone explained to Nima (?) recently, in wake of the first of the Trump bombings of Houthi civilian apartment building, it is not a mere strategy for Houthis to endure, it is a weltanschauung, a way of life reinforced with religious conviction. Based on my admittedly limited interactions with Iranians, they share that weltanschauung.
Moreover, a few experiences have caused me to believe Iranians have a perception of Jews, zionists, Israel that is beyond what most US analysts have fully appreciated: in my experience, Iranians are protective of Jews as a grandparent is of grandchildren, while simultaneously understanding Jewish vulnerabilities -- the 'fatal flaws' that underlie the 'civilizational resentment' that is the real dynamic behind the "seven states in five years" agenda.
.
Clarification of the above - I am hoping Trump would not step into Iran if thoroughly defeated in Yemen.
The Yemen outcome remains to be seen. US continues with bombing Yemen and I imagine gathering a ton of intelligence - while losing multiple MQ 9 Reapers doing so - I had read that 15 - 20 MQ - 9 are sent during each sortie ( not certain of that but what I read ) .
Meanwhile Yemen remains in defiance
https://x.com/Yemenimilitary/status/1914075925953564870
The word " soon " with a picture of a US bomber
.
Thanks Mark - just listened
Cued in to the part --- Crooke: " A Trial of Strength is Coming "
https://youtu.be/eLeFlHZqLcQ?t=3102
I agree with Crooke but - Believe that the "" Trial of Strength "" is or hopefully shall be
Yemen and Not Iran .
That Trump would not be so f ing stupid to take the step to Iran when for the most part has been thorougly defeated in Yemen. I am hoping.
However, US has done many many stupid things Ukraine is the recent proof - so never underestimate the pompous fools in washington with years of failed presumptions under their belt, they are still ready for more.
.
.
...
Often equated to
The Child has to touch the hot stove...
.
Regarding Trump not being a critical thinker and being intellectually insecure. This may well be true, however ...
Doug Macgregor's anecdote about the phone call he got from Trump seeking Mac's views re Ukraine suggest that Trump DOES seek out the views of people who aren't just yes men. The fact that Tulsi and Vance and Hegseth talked him out of a stupid decision that he might have initially viewed as the path of least resistance is also reason to believe that there's quite a bit more to Trump than just emotional reactions and insecurity. Frustrating in trying to assess the guy, but he's probably more complex than his public image.
Still, there is a reason in the assumption that Trump is irrational and fumbles basically with every decision he takes.. As someone far away, I can tell Trump makes difficult moves on the spur of the moment..
YMMV, however ...
All the reasons Crooke gives for why Iran is so important to everything Russia and China are building toward are reasons why Russia and China can't just stand by if the the US attacks Iran.
YMMV indeed.
Reviewing his biography and viewing clips of Araghchi (who has taught international relations for years) after Rome meeting, I come to a far simpler conclusion: everyone -- EVERYONE from Trump to Witkoff to Johnson, Nap, Wilkerson, Ritter, on the American team is seriously out-classed.
Never mind what weapons who has: the Iranians, and the Russians and Chinese, possess self-confidence tempered with the humility of experience.
As well, as someone explained to Nima (?) recently, in wake of the first of the Trump bombings of Houthi civilian apartment building, it is not a mere strategy for Houthis to endure, it is a weltanschauung, a way of life reinforced with religious conviction. Based on my admittedly limited interactions with Iranians, they share that weltanschauung.
Moreover, a few experiences have caused me to believe Iranians have a perception of Jews, zionists, Israel that is beyond what most US analysts have fully appreciated: in my experience, Iranians are protective of Jews as a grandparent is of grandchildren, while simultaneously understanding Jewish vulnerabilities -- the 'fatal flaws' that underlie the 'civilizational resentment' that is the real dynamic behind the "seven states in five years" agenda.
Re-thinking this comment, then listening carefully to Alastair Crooke, caused a bit of embarrassment.
But then this: https://chadcrowley.substack.com/p/europes-long-suicide-the-civil-war
I think the de-souling of Europe described in Chad Crowley's essay is what the Bibi-ites ardently wish for Iran.