World War Three?

[Cow Poke]

I'll take it.

If it's true, it would be smart for Trump to allow them to save face, as it were, and point out that no additional US lives were lost, so further retaliation is not necessary.

[Mountain Man]

If it's true, it would be smart for Trump to allow them to save face, as it were, and point out that no additional US lives were lost, so further retaliation is not necessary.

Of course he knows much better than we do right now what's happening.

[Cow Poke]

Of course he knows much better than we do right now what's happening.

I've been at the hospital off and on all day with a friend having surgery -- did the Gang of Eight (or whatever) get briefed on the background?

[JimL]

Yeah, taking out the missile sites would be a reasonable and proportional response.

Killing many civilians in the process? The launching sites are strategically placed in highly populated areas.

[Cow Poke]

Killing many civilians in the process? The launching sites are strategically placed in highly populated areas.

That's true in Gaza and other places where Iran's sponsored terrorists operate, Jim, but I don't think that's true inside Iran.

[JimL]

There are many shiite supporters of Iran in Iraq, Lilpix. Plus as far as I have heard no one was killed in that protest/attack. As far as trust goes, I don't trust either Iran or the Trump administration, nor am I defending Iran. My argument is simply was Trumps directed assassination of Soleimani in the best interests of the U.S. or is he a stupid jackass that thoughtlessly shoots from the hip or did he have some other ulterior personal motive in mind.

[firstfloor]

De-escalate, reset, send Rudy.

[NorrinRadd]

Iran is now boasting that they have whooped our sorry butts and have concluded operations.

Right. There never was a "second wave" of missiles. A total of about 15 missiles were fired, only a few of which landed dangerously close to major targets, while four exploded in flight. There were no American casualties.

[firstfloor]

Iran is now boasting that they have whooped our sorry butts and have concluded operations.

If the US is quiet now, the situation may de-escalate.

[lilpixieofterror]

There are many shiite supporters of Iran in Iraq, Lilpix. Plus as far as I have heard no one was killed in that protest/attack. As far as trust goes, I don't trust either Iran or the Trump administration, nor am I defending Iran. My argument is simply was Trumps directed assassination of Soleimani in the best interests of the U.S. or is he a stupid jackass that thoughtlessly shoots from the hip or did he have some other ulterior personal motive in mind.

[Sparko]

Of course, Russia already backs Iran, which is why Russia is sure to be celebrating the fact that the Iranian people, who were protesting against their government just a week ago are now uniting in their protests against the U.S. We lose a General Mattis and we replace him with another. Iran is no different. It's not like assassinating Soleimani is going to change much militarily, but from a public relations perspective it didn't do the U.S. a whole lot of good in my opinion.

You seem to be getting dumber by the post, JimL.

[Bill the Cat]

You seem to be getting dumber by the post, JimL.

If Obumbles ever grew the stones to do what Trump did, Jimmy would be crowing from the rooftops.

[Cow Poke]

If the US is quiet now, the situation may de-escalate.

Ummmmmm.... if BOTH sides are quiet now....

[JimL]

Ummmmmm.... if BOTH sides are quiet now....

I think he means if the U.S. doesn't take this a step further, retaliate for the retaliation.

[Cow Poke]

I think he means if the U.S. doesn't take this a step further, retaliate for the retaliation.

Sure, but Iran had threatened another round of missiles - they had promised American blood... it takes BOTH sides to take a step back.