John Stone

“When are you going to know when it’s over?” Kilmeade (FOX) asked. “When I feel it,” Trump said. “When I feel it in my bones.” OMG - reminds me of a Yogi Berra-ism 'when u come to the 'y' in the road, take it' / Yogi

'The importance of gasoline / diesel is exaggerated' / billionaires club.

Contravening the LOAC could indeed constitute a war crime. But destroying infrastructure crucial to Iran's civilian population could really blur the line between who the domestic population consider the enemy? The suggestion of destroying Iran's desalination / power plants could easily be considered a Putin-like, war crime. But, so what ? ............arguably Trump won't have any allies to travel to and the U.N. building (for now) is on U.S. soil. Much ado about nothing, meh!

Proverbs 16:18

Indeed - history is so interesting. Walk softly but carry a big stick. The phrase emphasizes a balanced approach of subtlety and strength. It suggest that one should engage peacefully and respectfully in negotiations or interactions but also be prepared to assert power decisively The phrase can be attributed to the former US president, Theodore Roosevelt who coined the term in the late 19th century. The U.S. foreign policy before Donald Trump was characterized by focus on multilateralism, diplomacy and international cooperation. A list of the conflicts fought by the US since 1945 would include Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Gulf War, Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, ISIS. Gulf War (1990), Afghanistan and Iraq were the major conflicts where a US. President sought Congressional approval……. and for good reason, ‘it takes money to kill bad guys” Suppose it could be debated why the majority of conflicts since 1945 didn’t seek Congressional approval – the reason is that there were legalities to these struggles that enabled the President to do an end-run around Congress. ……………. Legitimately. Likely not an understatement to say Operation Epic Fury took the Nation / allies by surprise? Ya think?? No Address to the Nation No Address to Congress (no Congressional approval – potential constitutional crisis) No collaboration with allies (Israel notwithstanding) The Iran-US conflict is a major international conflict. Additional funding thru Congress is questionable. Compare Operation Epic Fury with the invasion of Afghanistan. There was massive domestic and international support Bush sought and received UN approval US and NATO forces together invaded and quickly overcame their objectives. I think we can agree that with Donald Trump's administration there is a dearth of multilateralism, diplomacy and international cooperation. to paraphrase, 'we don't need international support' / Trump May those words not come back to haunt

..............................where's Jonathan when ya need him?

A socialist is an individual suffering from an overwhelming conviction to believe what is not true and/or deeply ideological and by extension unaffordable and/or unachievable. Historically, in governance, they eventually run out of other people's money.

haha ............. the odds are against u............old man.

None so blind as those that won't see ............. carry on, trooper!

............... my mistake in believing u were a hollow drum.

The U.S. short term ops may well achieve tactical objectives, but long term stability requires skilled diplomacy, regional cooperation and domestic political legitimacy (so-called, ‘regime change) This is a big bite ……….and my faith in the U.S. head shop to achieve any of it is pessimistic. Without a balanced strategy, the risk is humanitarian crises (failed state – Israel’s desire) economic disruption (destroyed infrastructure), terrorism and a broader (regional) geopolitical escalation. Unless the nuke fuel is recovered and regular IAEA inspections (detailed in JCPOA) are allowed, op ‘Epic Fury’ will be a failure …… a failure at what political cost and human life. Yemen. As a vital sea route, the Red Sea is crucial to SA’s economy. Beginning in 2023, the Houthis in Yemen have launched attacks in the Red Sea against commercial and naval ships, resulting in vessels being diverted away (via Cape) from the region (Suez) hindering world trade and freedom of navigation. Increasingly, Northwestern Yemen (Houthis) could become a threat to SA’s economy and National Security………… and by extension Global economic stability.

The U.S. foreign policy before Donald Trump was characterized by focus on multilateralism, diplomacy and international cooperation. It prioritized economic strength, alliances and a rules based international order. The strategy was to integrate rising powers responsibly while addressing challenges like terrorism, climate change, nuke proliferation and most important to the U.S. – GLOBAL ECONOMIC INSTABILITY.

................ Steve always reminds me of mini-me................... my apologies, mini!

.................. and I'd pay the price of admission to see it, OMG! lol

Hesitate to ask his opinion on that other REMF, John McCain. lol

I'm curious, how do you think the Iran / United States excursion ends? Give us ur best shot.

............ that's just ur common sense talking ............. or are u judging the book by it's rhetoric.

.............. known a few marines ........ professionally ........... gotta wonder if you'd survive if u said that to his face. lol

Irrelevant counselor .................. I'm not beating the drums of war ............. justifying war based on a clown car's rhetoric.

ref: FWIW: Melania Trump's parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, were reported to have been sworn in as U.S. citizens after living in the United States as lawful permanent residents, and multiple reports link their naturalization to a a family-based immigration pathway commonly described as 'chain migration'. “Chain migration must end—family-based immigration overloads our system.” / Donald Trump, campaign speech. Ya think u might have missed the hypocrisy? Good for me, but not for thee?

............... would u believe me if I said I'm not surprised.

................ Trump's proposed Triumphal Arch. ....................... "I'd like it to be the biggest one of all," Trump told reporters Sunday night on Air Force One. "We're the biggest, most powerful nation." / Trump

I trust ur not riding into battle?

Within the Party, Jagmeet Singh was once hailed as a historic figure for being the first person of an ethnic minority to lead a major Canadian party. Some have suggested he was elected Leader not in spite of his cultural roots but because of his cultural roots ........ soooooooo NDP idealism............ akin to Justin? One thing is for sure, the Party strategy or Singh's own personal views managed to make him one of the biggest political failures in Canadian political history. Forging a coalition with the Left was a disastrous mistake. Tommy Douglas must be turning in his grave.

The sins of the father? Both of Melania Trumps (nee Knavs) parents were known communists in the former Yugoslavia (Slovenia). Today, it has been suggested Melania's parents live off grift ......... regularly seen at the White House and Mar-a-Lago. Anyone seen Melania's movie? FWIW: Melania Trump's parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, were reported to have been sworn in as U.S. citizens after living in the United States as lawful permanent residents, and multiple reports link their naturalization to a a family-based immigration pathway commonly described as 'chain migration'. “Chain migration must end—family-based immigration overloads our system.” / Donald Trump, campaign speech.