Israel vs. Iran [Diogenes]

There was an interesting story in the news the other day following the Iranian attack on Israel, discussing how "surprised and disappointed" the Iranians, Syrians, Yemenis, and their assorted allies in Hamas and Houthis and Hezbollah were. The attack failed and failed spectacularly. And this is being studied in places such as Washington DC, Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, etc., Just how did Israel pull off such an incredible defense? All know of the Iron Dome over Jerusalem and much of Israel. During the attack on Oct 7, when thousands of missiles and artillery rounds were fired, the Dome mostly did its job and while people were surprised, and pleased, it wasn't exactly unexpected. It has worked before. But the Iranian attack was a three-pronged event using slower drones, faster cruise missiles, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. This was different, not just in who was attacking, but the methodology. The success of the defense has got a lot of people thinking and planning and, frankly, worried.

Being over 29, I can recall back in my youth the days of East vs West...The Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact vs the United States and NATO. Berlin and Europe were divided. Each side had enough nukes to destroy each other several times over. Fortunately, to date the nukes have not been used. There are a lot of reasons for this, but a primary one is called Mutually Assured Destruction, commonly known as MAD. This was the subject of jokes and derision by comics and lefties for years, and yet MAD works. MAD says that you cannot achieve a successful first strike because one side cannot kill enough of the other before they strike back. Simple. So, in a the bi-polar global war scenario, this was stabilizing, and accepted by each side.

The creation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile systems (ABMs) resulted in a series of negotiations, because this was destabilized the MAD doctrine. A viable ABM system allows one side to defeat a first strike, then free it to launch a strike of their own-- and win. So both sides agreed to stop building and limited themselves to one system. The US put its ABM system around some of the missile fields; the Russians put theirs around Moscow.

Now let's consider a Regional Conflict. Over time nuclear weapons have proliferated. Pakistan, India, China, France, and Great Britian have nukes, and likely others such as South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, South Africa (maybe), and presumably, Israel. In the bipolar years, nobody gave much thought to Regional Conflicts. Why? Regional powers didn't have nukes, so why bother. But not anymore. This begs the question then -- and the reason a lot of thinkers are busy late into the night -- can a Regional Nuclear War be fought, and won?

We know now that something on the order of 300 vehicles were launched at Israel of which about 120 were ballistic missiles. Only five of these made it to Israel. The rest were shot down or experienced launch failures or crashed enroute. All the drones and cruise missiles were destroyed. Israel claims that they destroyed 99% of the attacking systems. So the math mostly tracks. The success was due to a layered defense including aircraft from Israel, the US, France, Britian, and Jordan in air defense mode (oh...and the Navy).

Israel's Ballistic Missile Defense system, the Iron Dome is centered on the Arrow 3 (also developed by the US) an exo-atmosphere intercept missile; the Arrow 2 which engages targets in the upper atmosphere (actual altitudes are classified); and for lower level targets (artillery, drones, rockets and missiles that got past the Arrow 2) they use David's Sling. (Gotta love that name!) Iron Dome and the air forces gave Israel a significant defense in depth. Formidable.

So with this background the question today is, is there a regional first strike option in play in the Middle East? Do Israel's enemies have a first strike capability? My opinion? No. Given the Iron Dome defense, the only system that can get through are ballistic missiles and even then, it is a very low probability. It would take hundreds of missiles and warheads (that they don't have) and given a 99% probability of failure, that would be the classic nuking yourself in the foot.

Now, does Israel have a first strike capability? Short answer is, again in my opinion? Yes, assuming they have nukes. The political and international ramifications aside, they could eliminate Iran, or any hostile neighbor easily. Will they do it? Probably not, but it clearly remains an option.

What does it mean for the greater world? In the bi-polar world of the Cold War (East vs West), MAD was stabilizing, and anti-missile systems would upset this stability. But in a non-bi-polar world, where nukes have proliferated, things are more unstable. Ironically (and this is the funny part), a missile defense system is a way to stabilize things. If Regional Country X knows its attack will fail, because it will lose 99% of his missiles, then it won't attack, especially if the warhead falls on its own head, or an ally.

Crazy world huh?

This logic is also a reason the Poles and Czechs were angry at Obama for cancelling the Theater Missile Defense system going into Europe.

Can MAD exist in a regional context? I think it can, but the likelihood of weapon use in oneies and twoies goes up dramatically. More so given there are other delivery options: trains, cars, airlines, etc. Better question is can MAD exist in the Middle East? Just how crazy are the muzzies? This would keep me awake at night.

Now let's flip it. Would it help if Iran had its own Iron Dome? It would certainly help the Iranians, but even with Russian support, they are years away from developing one...and in enough quantity to cover the country. (Hint: Iran is big!)

Lastly, how do you differentiate a “regional” anti-missile system from a “strategic” one? And this is at the heart of international concerns now.

Some interesting days ahead!

["Diogenes" has multiple graduate degrees with a focus on the Middle East, and an Army Intelligence Officer graduate of both the Army and USMC Command and Staff Colleges.]

Posted by: Open Blogger at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 first!

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:00 AM (CIS44)

2 Commenting present

Posted by: Skip at April 18, 2024 11:00 AM (I4wQC)

3 called em

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:01 AM (CIS44)

4 otters and corgis called

Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 11:01 AM (vtyCZ)

5 Hello!

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at April 18, 2024 11:01 AM (wQL2S)

6 Diogenes

*Crisp*
Salute.
*Ready, Two*

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:02 AM (u82oZ)

7 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:02 AM (Zz0t1)

8 There are a lot of reasons for this, but a primary one is called Mutually Assured Destruction, commonly known as MAD. This was the subject of jokes and derision by comics and lefties for years, and yet MAD works. MAD says that you cannot achieve a successful first strike because one side cannot kill enough of the other before they strike back. Simple. So, in a the bi-polar global war scenario, this was stabilizing, and accepted by each side.

I concur.

Posted by: WOPR at April 18, 2024 11:03 AM (Zz0t1)

9 Just how did Israel pull off such an incredible defense?

How? Easy. It's been foretold.

Isaiah 54:17 New King James Version
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 18, 2024 11:03 AM (aNhid)

10 Io on Juno’s 60th close fly-by of Jupiter

-
Io, Io, it's off to Jupiter we go!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:03 AM (FVME7)

11 Since Obama/Biden & Co. are so determined for Iran to have a nuke, why not just give 'em one?....be a lot cheaper.

Posted by: BignJames at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (AwYPR)

12 ["Diogenes" has multiple graduate degrees with a focus on the Middle East, and an Army Intelligence Officer graduate of both the Army and USMC Command and Staff Colleges.]

Wow I'm impressed and yes I did read the above..

Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (Akjoo)

13 ["Diogenes" has multiple graduate degrees with a focus on the Middle East, and an Army Intelligence Officer graduate of both the Army and USMC Command and Staff Colleges.]

========

Yeah, but does he have a Twitter Doctorate in Newest Media Sensation?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (GBKbO)

14 Can't grab the paper right now, but in WSJ yesterday, or day before, said Iran chose to lob slow-moving missiles specifically to study Israel's response capabilities.

If true, then I wouldn't consider this attack a failure necessarily, if they were able to gather enough info to launch a much deadlier attack in the future.

Posted by: Lizzy at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (cCVOS)

15 Bring back the Davy Crockett but add a plate to the tripod -- FRONT TOWARD ENEMY!

Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (vtyCZ)

16 *Crisp*
Salute.
*Ready, Two*
Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:02 AM (u82oZ)

Salute!

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (W/lyH)

17 Yo

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (Q4IgG)

18 Israel definitely has nukes. And all these third world countries that threaten them only continue to exist because Israel won't first strike.

Posted by: brak at April 18, 2024 11:05 AM (AR07F)

19 Yeah, but does he have a Twitter Doctorate in Newest Media Sensation?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (GBKbO)

*looks down...kicks dirt*
No.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (W/lyH)

20 Can't grab the paper right now, but in WSJ yesterday, or day before, said Iran chose to lob slow-moving missiles specifically to study Israel's response capabilities.

well and cause Biden said dont make it a big crazy attack

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (CIS44)

21 I'm not sure why Iran or any of the other muzzies would bother with ballistic missiles. It seems to me that a nuke brought to the coast off Tel Aviv in a small sub would be much easier to pull off. Granted, I have no idea what steps Israel has already taken to prevent that.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (CsUN+)

22 Don't the ~~Russians~~ Iranians love their children, too?

Posted by: Sting at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (cCVOS)

23 19 Yeah, but does he have a Twitter Doctorate in Newest Media Sensation?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (GBKbO)

*looks down...kicks dirt*
No.
Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (W/lyH)

=======

I guess you'll have to settle with actually knowing stuff and being able to write clearly and effectively on topics close to your study.

Sucks to be you!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 11:07 AM (GBKbO)

24 Don't the ~~Russians~~ Iranians love their children, too?

Posted by: Sting at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (cCVOS)

They blow up so fast.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:07 AM (Zz0t1)

25 MAD only works if your opponent is not suicidal.
Good show Diogenes.
I'll read the rest when I get back with my new computer.

Posted by: Braenyard at April 18, 2024 11:08 AM (KweMD)

26 ["Diogenes" has multiple graduate degrees with a focus on the Middle East, and an Army Intelligence Officer graduate of both the Army and USMC Command and Staff Colleges.]

========

Yeah, but does he have a Twitter Doctorate in Newest Media Sensation?

I've heard that his knowledge of bridge / container ship interactions is severely limited.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:08 AM (CsUN+)

27 Diogenes

The US Navy is claiming to have downed the most drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Not Israel.

Anyway.

The Iranian attack was supposed to be a unitary Time on Top swamp the missile defense swarm.
Yawn. We did that a lot in WWII with just artillery.

What was unusual was Brit, French, and esp.
Jordanian and Saudi air forces adding to Israel's defenses.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:08 AM (u82oZ)

28
Posted by: rickb223 at April 18, 2024 11:03 AM

You nailed it. God's protective hand. The amount of drones & rockets thrown at Israel all at once and how well it was repelled is unexplainable and unthinkable.

Posted by: Frank Barone at April 18, 2024 11:08 AM (+oR7L)

29 I have no idea what steps Israel has already taken to prevent that.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (CsUN+)

Subs of their own, and a robust patrol fleet.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 18, 2024 11:08 AM (A3700)

30 Don't the Iranians love their children, too?

Posted by: Sting at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (cCVOS)

They blow up so fast.
Posted by: Sponge

LOL. Stealing that one.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:08 AM (9yWhg)

31 What was unusual was Brit, French, and esp.
Jordanian and Saudi air forces adding to Israel's defenses.
Posted by: NaCly Dog

hmmm seems those accords by that bad orange man had some effect

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:09 AM (CIS44)

32 Just how did Israel pull off such an incredible defense?

How? Easy. It's been foretold.

Isaiah 54:17 New King James Version
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.

I concur!

Posted by: StewBurner at April 18, 2024 11:09 AM (Guh8+)

33 Can't grab the paper right now, but in WSJ yesterday, or day before, said Iran chose to lob slow-moving missiles specifically to study Israel's response capabilities.

If true, then I wouldn't consider this attack a failure necessarily, if they were able to gather enough info to launch a much deadlier attack in the future.
Posted by: Lizzy at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (cCVOS)
----
That is a possibility I've considered. Was this just a test of Israel's response capability? And Iran's attack capability? Was it *meant* to degrade Israel's defenses so that Iran can launch a more significant strike later?

"MAD" doesn't make sense in this context. The Mullahs in Iran *want* to be destroyed because they believe it will usher in a new Islamic age where chaos reigns supreme. The Israelis do NOT want to destroy Iran because they value life (though they value Israeli lives more than Iranian ones, of course).

It's a very weird situation going on in the Middle East right now...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 11:09 AM (7fElN)

34
hmmm seems those accords by that bad orange man had some effect
Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:09 AM (CIS44)

But he said pussy, so......

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:09 AM (Zz0t1)

35 Willowed on art thread but just wanted to say I don’t believe that is the work of Vemeer for a number of reasons. Would have liked to discuss them.

Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 11:10 AM (MNhXM)

36 "Diogenes" has multiple graduate degrees with a focus on the Middle East, and an Army Intelligence Officer graduate of both the Army and USMC Command and Staff Colleges.]

Impressive credentials, and yet, the guy gets his jollies by scamming senior citizens with liver spots on the golf course.

Posted by: Tuesdays Only at April 18, 2024 11:10 AM (V5BDR)

37 hmmm seems those accords by that bad orange man had some effect
Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:09 AM (CIS44)

But he said pussy, so......
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:09 AM (Zz0t1)

Speaking of Orange Man one of the sworn in Jurors asked to be removed because she can't be unbiased

Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:11 AM (Akjoo)

38
When I heard of the success rate over Israel I thought to myself that this is as big as 'The Wall' coming down. But now, just as then, I know it wouldn't be forever.

But something has definitely changed - maybe for the better. Probably only temporary.

But the tens of billions that Iran has spent on a nuclear program is almost assuredly for nothing. Take the uranium and build a power plant.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at April 18, 2024 11:11 AM (RKVpM)

39
Speaking of Orange Man one of the sworn in Jurors asked to be removed because she can't be unbiased
Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:11 AM (Akjoo)

Well, at least they were honest about it before it was too late.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:11 AM (Zz0t1)

40 Speaking of Orange Man one of the sworn in Jurors asked to be removed because she can't be unbiased
Posted by: It's me donna at A

and one was removed because he couldnt recall posting hateful things about trump and then was shown pictures of his posts.

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:11 AM (CIS44)

41 Diogenes

The US Navy is claiming to have downed the most drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Not Israel.

IF they did, then we are at war.
It's one thing to supply an ally. It's another to actively engage with/for them.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 18, 2024 11:11 AM (aNhid)

42 Speaking of Orange Man one of the sworn in Jurors asked to be removed because she can't be unbiased
Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:11 AM (Akjoo)
---
She's a Trump supporter?

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 11:12 AM (7fElN)

43 Back in olden days, shortly after the Six Day War, some commedian, Alan King I think, was making fun of the Arab defeat on Ed Sullivan. The Russians gave them everything! They gave them planes! They gave them tanks! They gave them everything except what they really needed, running shoes!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:12 AM (FVME7)

44 You can't hug your wives with nuclear harems!

Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 11:13 AM (vtyCZ)

45 Awesome. Thanks, Diogenes.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:13 AM (HnUIn)

46 19 Yeah, but does he have a Twitter Doctorate in Newest Media Sensation?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 11:04 AM (GBKbO)

*looks down...kicks dirt*
No.
Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (W/lyH)

Actual credentials but no Twitter cred? Based upon that, clearly this MUST be disinformation!

Have you at least signed an open letter calling clear and compelling evidence of a Biden selling out the country Russian interference?

I mean, without at least that, how do we know you're legit?

Posted by: Just Lily at April 18, 2024 11:13 AM (4aZAS)

47 A nice mushroom cloud rising from Tehran would be a step towards peace. Then take their oil.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at April 18, 2024 11:13 AM (GvxmN)

48 and one was removed because he couldnt recall posting hateful things about trump and then was shown pictures of his posts.
Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:11 AM (CIS44)

But he was a potential Juror... I believe this was one who was chosen ? Not sure... I'll go look

Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:13 AM (Akjoo)

49 BruceWayne

Israel continues to be the strong horse in the Middle East.

Lots of envy by inbred (Gaza 40% first cousin weddings) underachievers.

Churchill was right about Islam (Written at the end of the 19th Century in River Wars}. Nothing has changed.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:14 AM (u82oZ)

50 Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:13 AM (HnUIn)

How's the bird situation?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:14 AM (9yWhg)

51 Speaking of Orange Man one of the sworn in Jurors asked to be removed because she can't be unbiased

I'm assuming that roughly 100% of the potential jurors are anti-DJT so in the end, the jury seated will be 100% those who are anti-DJT and dishonest about it.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 18, 2024 11:14 AM (/y8xj)

52 A tempting target suite in Iran might be their oil and gas infrastructure. Especially in the northern part of the Gulf. There are huge terminals for tankers, storage tanks, pipelines, etc. that are probably within reach of the IDF (with tanker support.) A successful strike might cripple Iran's ability to sell oil and gas to fund their terror activities... assuming the US doesn't gift them more pallets of cash.

Getting to those would be "difficult" as Jorden would have to approve overflights.

However Israel does have a sliver of territory on the Gulf of Aqaba, which leads into the Persian Gulf proper.

There are ways to simulate a strike using some game software that might be interesting.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 18, 2024 11:14 AM (Q4IgG)

53 >>"Diogenes" has multiple graduate degrees with a focus on the Middle East, and an Army Intelligence Officer graduate of both the Army and USMC Command and Staff Colleges.

Impressive!

Reminds me of back when Hugh Hewitt was still tolerable, and he always asked a series of history questions when hosting a journalist to suss out how deep their knowledge was. Never heard one *not* fail spectacularly.

I ask my journalist guests a few standard questions when they first appear on the show. I almost always ask about Alger Hiss because the answer provides a baseline as to the journalist’s grasp of both modern American political history and to a crucial fault-line through it.

I also ask if they have read some basic texts on the war on terror, the most important of which is The Looming Tower by the New Yorker’s Lawrence Wright. It is almost journalistic malpractice to opine on any aspect of the West’s conflict with Islamist radicalism without having read Wright’s work, which won the Pulitzer Prize and which is the standard text. I’ll run through a few less well-known titles . . help signal to [listeners] whether the guest is worth listening to. . .

Posted by: Lizzy at April 18, 2024 11:15 AM (cCVOS)

54 Speaking of Orange Man one of the sworn in Jurors asked to be removed because she can't be unbiased

=======

Honestly, surprised she didn't say she had received death threats.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 11:15 AM (GBKbO)

55 24 Don't the Russians Iranians love their children, too?

Posted by: Sting at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (cCVOS)

They blow up so fast.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:07 AM (Zz0t1)

Daayyum. We have a winner.

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at April 18, 2024 11:15 AM (z+89e)

56 and one was removed because he couldnt recall posting hateful things about trump and then was shown pictures of his posts.
Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:11 AM (CIS44)

But he was a potential Juror... I believe this was one who was chosen ? Not sure... I'll go look
Posted by: It's me donna at

ahhhh i misread that part my bad

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:15 AM (CIS44)

57 Churchill was right about Islam (Written at the end of the 19th Century in River Wars}. Nothing has changed.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:14 AM (u82oZ)

at your throat or at your feet?

Posted by: BignJames at April 18, 2024 11:15 AM (AwYPR)

58 Bring back the Davy Crockett but add a plate to the tripod -- FRONT TOWARD ENEMY!
Posted by: andycanuck

The bullet comes out the end with the hole.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:15 AM (FVME7)

59 Anonosaurus Wrecks

Good one. The Egyptian Army in 1973 redeemed itself. Which led to peace with Israel. What a funny world.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:15 AM (u82oZ)

60 I'm assuming that roughly 100% of the potential jurors are anti-DJT so in the end, the jury seated will be 100% those who are anti-DJT and dishonest about it.
Posted by: Oddbob at April 18, 2024 11:14 AM (/y8xj)

Agreed , but this one was sworn in to be on the Jury and backed out. Great vetting

Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:15 AM (Akjoo)

61 Willowed on art thread but just wanted to say I don’t believe that is the work of Vermeer for a number of reasons. Would have liked to discuss them.
--------
Because Herman Stoffelsz van Swoll, Amsterdam (until d. 1698; his estate sale, Amsterdam, April 22, 1699, no. 25, for fl. 400) was a liar??

Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 11:16 AM (vtyCZ)

62 The US Navy is claiming to have downed the most drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Not Israel.

Anyway.

The Iranian attack was supposed to be a unitary Time on Top swamp the missile defense swarm.
Yawn. We did that a lot in WWII with just artillery.

What was unusual was Brit, French, and esp.
Jordanian and Saudi air forces adding to Israel's defenses.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:08 AM (u82oZ)
***

It's hard to get a handle on the numbers...the combined air forces (and yes, Naval Air) did account for all the drones downed outside Israel, which was essentially all of them. The ballistics were the kicker and the key to the idea of MAD in a regional sense.

Also...noting other comments so far, there is one school of thought that after the events of Oct 7, and now this, the Iranians are trying to drain the Israeli's Iron Dome munitions. They probably spent a Billion bucks worth defending against the attack...they cannot keep doing that.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:16 AM (W/lyH)

63 Bring back the Davy Crockett but add a plate to the tripod -- FRONT TOWARD ENEMY!
Posted by: andycanuck

The bullet comes out the end with the hole.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks

Make sure you don't put the sights on backwards.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:17 AM (9yWhg)

64
IF they did, then we are at war.
It's one thing to supply an ally. It's another to actively engage with/for them.
Posted by: rickb223 at April 18, 2024 11:11 AM (aNhid)

We’ve been at war since November 4, 1979.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 11:17 AM (8sMut)

65 Will they do it? Probably not, but it clearly remains an option.
-
There's a prophecy about Damascus that would suggest otherwise, at some point.

Posted by: Methos at April 18, 2024 11:17 AM (Dnobf)

66 Speaking of Orange Man one of the sworn in Jurors asked to be removed because she can't be unbiased

I'm assuming that roughly 100% of the potential jurors are anti-DJT so in the end, the jury seated will be 100% those who are anti-DJT and dishonest about it.
Posted by: Oddbob

I wouldn't be 100% sure. Trump hired a lot of people in NYC. Not all are against him.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 18, 2024 11:17 AM (aNhid)

67 How's the bird situation?

The wife and I were sitting in our sunroom this morning. It has a big Jap maple right outside the window, and when I glanced up, I noticed a robin frantically flapping its wings as if it was stuck. I went out and found that it had an old nylon string wrapped around its neck, and tangled in the tree. He was literally being hanged.

I cut the string, and pulled it out of his feathers, but he just laid there gasping. There isn't much you can do at that stage but wait and see. Fortunately, he was standing after about an hour, and has now flown away.

I feel good.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:17 AM (CsUN+)

68

Make sure you don't put the sights on backwards.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:17 AM (9yWhg)

Ain't no thing but a chicken wing.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:17 AM (Zz0t1)

69 wouldn't be 100% sure. Trump hired a lot of people in NYC. Not all are against him.
Posted by: rickb223

Jury pool is ONLY manhattan tho

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:17 AM (CIS44)

70 ["Diogenes" has multiple graduate degrees with a focus on the Middle East, and an Army Intelligence Officer graduate of both the Army and USMC Command and Staff Colleges.]

And yet, he doesn't understand the health benefits of okra and would kill okra babies in their cradles!

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at April 18, 2024 11:18 AM (w6EFb)

71 COB bench depth is ridiculous. Nice post Diogenes.

Posted by: Kratwurst at April 18, 2024 11:18 AM (nIRE6)

72 “How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property – either as a child, a wife, or a concubine – must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men.

Part one of quote from The River War
1899 by Winston Churchill.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:18 AM (u82oZ)

73 Impressive credentials, and yet, the guy gets his jollies by scamming senior citizens with liver spots on the golf course.
Posted by: Tuesdays Only at April 18, 2024 11:10 AM (V5BDR)

Hey!
Those old bastards took me for twenty bucks a couple of weeks ago! (I was having a bad game.)

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:18 AM (W/lyH)

74 In the bipolar years, nobody gave much thought to Regional Conflicts. Why? Regional powers didn't have nukes, so why bother. But not anymore.
++++
There's also been a profound shift in strategic basis for assessment.

In the bipolar world, the question was not "what is the capability" but "what is the willingness?" That the US or the USSR could blow up the world was never in question. The scale of capability was known, at least approximately. The diplomats and spies could simply focus on gaming probability that either would actually do it.

This has changed, and the Cold War approach to nuclear assessments no longer applies. With a country like Iran, the question is inverted. The willingness to use atomic weapons can be taken for granted. If they have them, they *will* use them, and probably not all that long after acquiring them. The diplomatic and intelligence question is no longer about assessing willingness, but about assessing - accurately - capability.

That's what fills me with trepidation about this recent strike. What if Iran already has them, and is debugging delivery systems and testing defenses?

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:18 AM (HnUIn)

75 >>They blow up so fast.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden

First one to make me laugh today!

Posted by: Sting at April 18, 2024 11:18 AM (cCVOS)

76
I cut the string, and pulled it out of his feathers, but he just laid there gasping. There isn't much you can do at that stage but wait and see. Fortunately, he was standing after about an hour, and has now flown away.

I feel good.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:17 AM (CsUN+)

No good deed goes unpunished.

It will come back and shit on your car windshield.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:19 AM (Zz0t1)

77 Not to be a poopypants, but....

Shouldn't Hewitt do all that shit *before* he subjects his audience to a prospective dumbass?

Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 11:19 AM (GkFGh)

78 Part II:

Thousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the faith: all know how to die but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world.

Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilisation of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilisation of ancient Rome.”

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:19 AM (u82oZ)

79

First one to make me laugh today!
Posted by: Sting at April 18, 2024 11:18 AM (cCVOS)

Happy to help.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:19 AM (Zz0t1)

80 > Trump hired a lot of people in NYC. Not all are against him.

Just most of them

Posted by: Don Black at April 18, 2024 11:19 AM (oCjPU)

81 I’m just happy that Egypt is no longer a threat from the west and Jordan from the east and Iraq and Jordan separates Israel from Iran. The logistics and potential allies for Iran are definitely not in their favor besides sucking in general.

Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 11:20 AM (MNhXM)

82 Speaking of Orange Man one of the sworn in Jurors asked to be removed because she can't be unbiased

I'm assuming that roughly 100% of the potential jurors are anti-DJT so in the end, the jury seated will be 100% those who are anti-DJT and dishonest about it.

So what you're saying is that they're selecting for the smarter, dishonest ones. I mean, how stupid do you have to be to think they won't check things like your FB account?

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:20 AM (CsUN+)

83 I don't think Russia is Trump's friend, but I imagine that Putin feels that he can coexist with Trump, because Trump is a reasonable man.

As opposed to Joey Shit-for-brains and the evil puppeteers who control him.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at April 18, 2024 11:20 AM (w6EFb)

84 80 > Trump hired a lot of people in NYC. Not all are against him.

Just most of them
Posted by: Don Black at April 18, 2024 11:19 AM (oCjPU)

It doesn't bode well when one of the Jurors to make the cut backs out because she doesn't think she can be impartial....

Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (Akjoo)

85 Information is starting to come out concerning General Milley’s conduct during on 6 January. Maybe charges can finally be brought against him. He is the most dishonest, disloyal officer to ever.

Posted by: Ron at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (AtKtr)

86 Churchill was right about Islam (Written at the end of the 19th Century in River Wars}. Nothing has changed.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:14 AM (u82oZ)

Mark Twain had a lot to say about the Muslims in "The Innocents Abroad." Little of it positive.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Nothing to Contribute to the Debate at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (xPJvm)

87 ... 120 were ballistic missiles. Only five of these made it to Israel. The rest were shot down or experienced launch failures or crashed enroute.
++++
That's a fairly important distinction. How many were shot down and how many crashed?

If only 7, for example, even had a *chance* at arriving at the destination (e.g., only 7 didn't fail on their own), then that means that over 70% of capable hardware reached its destination. If 100 launched successfully, then only 5% reached their destination.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (HnUIn)

88 And yet, he doesn't understand the health benefits of okra and would kill okra babies in their cradles!
Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at April 18, 2024 11:18 AM (w6EFb)

I think it is in the writings of Josephus where he mentions that King Herod also hated okra.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (W/lyH)

89 Interesting times

Posted by: Zeera the ungoverened at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (YoS4M)

90 {{{Miley}}}

Your Grace, our esteemed COB Diogenes is staying in his lane. Prudent. Wise. And no disparagement of okra by doing so.

Hope you two lovebirds are doing well.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (u82oZ)

91 y to the idea of MAD in a regional sense.

Also...noting other comments so far, there is one school of thought that after the events of Oct 7, and now this, the Iranians are trying to drain the Israeli's Iron Dome munitions. They probably spent a Billion bucks worth defending against the attack...they cannot keep doing that.

Ah, but at the same time, can Iran keep doing that as well?

(You know, the United States could do something like Operation Nickel Grass to resupply the Iron Dome System. But I forgot, our government is hostile to Israel and ACHES for Iran to become a superpower. Never mind.)

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (8sMut)

92 @60

>>Great vetting

At the end of the day, you can only do so much, you can't ,contrary to, The Shrub, peer into someone's soul.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at April 18, 2024 11:22 AM (oJb1g)

93 'Jury of one's peers'

Trump's jury should be 12 rich old white guys
tickets to that please

Posted by: Don Black at April 18, 2024 11:22 AM (oCjPU)

94 Trump's jury should be 12 rich old white guys
tickets to that please
Posted by: Don Black a

who ran real estate businiess in NYC own golf courses and have been president.

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:23 AM (CIS44)

95 So with this background the question today is, is there a regional first strike option in play in the Middle East? Do Israel's enemies have a first strike capability? My opinion? No.

They do not have a ballistic ability, but there are other ways.

This was everybody vs iran, Israel vs iran would have been different.

Posted by: N at April 18, 2024 11:23 AM (RjBju)

96 The only thing I'll give Bush II credit for is Stuxnet. Set the Iranians back on their heels for awhile.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:23 AM (9yWhg)

97 They probably spent a Billion bucks worth defending against the attack...they cannot keep doing that.
Posted by: Diogenes

That depends on how much The Dementia can give them of our money, doesn't it?

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 18, 2024 11:23 AM (hmWcn)

98 We should send Russia and China a thank you note for subordinating a successful test of our missile defense system.
With their help we now know that we can launch a first strike on them anytime we want and they can’t do shit!

Posted by: Dr. Claw at April 18, 2024 11:23 AM (jbnUc)

99 They do not have a ballistic ability, but there are other ways.

It's a good thing Gaza doesn't have a port through which to bring nukes. That would be really stupid.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:24 AM (CsUN+)

100 Because Herman Stoffelsz van Swoll, Amsterdam (until d. 1698; his estate sale, Amsterdam, April 22, 1699, no. 25, for fl. 400) was a liar??
Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 11:16 AM (vtyCZ)

Possibly. They don’t know who the original owner was.

Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 11:24 AM (MNhXM)

101 But in a non-bi-polar world, where nukes have proliferated, things are more unstable. Ironically (and this is the funny part), a missile defense system is a way to stabilize things.
++++
Given the end of both the meta-stable bipolar system of competing US and USSR empires, and the end of the post-USSR "Pax Americana," proliferation is only going to grow, and it makes perfect sense for it to grow. The end of the bipolar stability and the failure of the US to provide security - with more failures, coming more often and no end in sight - any country with a survival instinct and an industrial base is either going to get nukes or already has them and is shutting up about it (I suspect Japan and Korea are in this category).

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:24 AM (HnUIn)

102 83 I don't think Russia is Trump's friend, but I imagine that Putin feels that he can coexist with Trump, because Trump is a reasonable man.

As opposed to Joey Shit-for-brains and the evil puppeteers who control him.
Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at April 18, 2024 11:20 AM (w6EFb)

I think most governments around the world would prefer to deal with Trump because love him or hate him, he tells it like it is and backs it up. Note that AMLO down in Mexico is openly contemptuous of this country now. Back when Trump was president, AMLO was Trump’s bitch. Putin wouldn’t be an ally but he took Trump seriously.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 11:24 AM (8sMut)

103 These lovely ladies of the Israeli Defense Force don't operate the Iron Dome system, but they're ready to bag some Hamas assholes during the day, and make some Israeli boys very happy at night.

https://tinyurl.com/mpd3x32e

Posted by: Punji Pits are a type of at April 18, 2024 11:24 AM (JCZqz)

104 ... 120 were ballistic missiles. Only five of these made it to Israel. The rest were shot down or experienced launch failures or crashed enroute.
++++
That's a fairly important distinction. How many were shot down and how many crashed?

If only 7, for example, even had a *chance* at arriving at the destination (e.g., only 7 didn't fail on their own), then that means that over 70% of capable hardware reached its destination. If 100 launched successfully, then only 5% reached their destination.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (HnUIn)
***

Good point and we (in the public) do not know the actual numbers. One estimate had 40-50% of the missiles failing. If I had to swag a % for failures I'd pull 30% out of my butt.. But not because the missiles are necessarily bad (Iran has a ton of missile warfare experiences albeit dated) but because I suspect the missile crews are poorly trained.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:25 AM (W/lyH)

105 They do not have a ballistic ability, but there are other ways.

It's a good thing Gaza doesn't have a port through which to bring nukes. That would be really stupid.

Hamas did just invade iran with flying lawnmowers

Posted by: N at April 18, 2024 11:25 AM (RjBju)

106 I think it is in the writings of Josephus where he mentions that King Herod also hated okra.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (W/lyH)

...and we know what happened to him....

Posted by: BignJames at April 18, 2024 11:25 AM (AwYPR)

107 I think it is in the writings of Josephus where he mentions that King Herod also hated okra.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (W/lyH)

As if I needed another reason to disapprove of Herod! Did he heap okra upon the heads of the Jews?

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at April 18, 2024 11:25 AM (w6EFb)

108 Given the end of both the meta-stable bipolar system of competing US and USSR empires, and the end of the post-USSR "Pax Americana," proliferation is only going to grow, and it makes perfect sense for it to grow. The end of the bipolar stability and the failure of the US to provide security - with more failures, coming more often and no end in sight - any country with a survival instinct and an industrial base is either going to get nukes or already has them and is shutting up about it (I suspect Japan and Korea are in this category).
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:24 AM (HnUIn)

I’m of the mind of Dunnigan and Bay, that nukes are shiny ornaments. Symbols: “look what our country can produce. Fuck with us at your own risk.” Much like dreadnoughts were 100-120 years ago.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 11:26 AM (8sMut)

109 >>Shouldn't Hewitt do all that shit *before* he subjects his audience to a prospective dumbass?

The point was to pants the stupid journalists in front of his audience. They act like experts because they've read some tweets and googled some things. They need to be shamed, they need to understand their arrogance is unearned. He did this to help listeners determine who is worth reading.

This was the most spectacular fail - this guy, Zach Carter, was such a tool: https://tinyurl.com/mrxad7ju

Posted by: Lizzy at April 18, 2024 11:26 AM (cCVOS)

110 Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at April 18, 2024 11:25 AM (w6EFb)

I like Okra... My Dad grew it in his garden every year

Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:26 AM (Akjoo)

111 I wonder what the Russians did with all those old FROG-7s they used to scare NATO with back in the day.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 18, 2024 11:26 AM (cDEsv)

112 Hi Diogenes

Always interested in your take on things.
I would think that Iran's proxies taking huge casualties from Israel's IDF would begin to wonder why. Even this strike by Iran was very sterile. Did nothing to stop Israel from continuing ot wipe out Hamas and Hezbollah. At some point, the proxies are going to run out of munitions.
My guess is that the strike against Iran will take out munitions factories and military bases setting the stage for the Iranian people to take matters into their own hands.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 18, 2024 11:26 AM (t/2Uw)

113 Unlimited L's@unlimited_ls
Daily Show’s John Leguizamo has a MELTDOWN and SMASHES a piñata after admitting Donald Trump 'strategy' is winning over Latino voters
“The thing that hurts me the most is that his lazy ass strategy is actually working,”
“It looks like the Democrats are in trouble. And you might be thinking, how is this possible? Donald Trump is winning Latinos? ‘Build the Wall’ Donald Trump? ‘Mass Deportations’ Donald Trump?”

-
Let me give you a clue, dumbf*ck. It's not despite build the wall and mass deportations. It's because of build the wall and mass deportations.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:27 AM (FVME7)

114 I thought the female juror backed out or was excused because she had potentially been identified through comments made about her on-line. There are a few stories floating around this morning on the juror question. I'm giving it the 48 hour rule.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 18, 2024 11:27 AM (2NHgQ)

115 I wouldn't be 100% sure. Trump hired a lot of people in NYC. Not all are against him.

Bragg and Merchan will make sure none of those actually make it onto the jury.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 18, 2024 11:27 AM (/y8xj)

116 114 I thought the female juror backed out or was excused because she had potentially been identified through comments made about her on-line. There are a few stories floating around this morning on the juror question. I'm giving it the 48 hour rule.
Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 18, 2024 11:27 AM (2NHgQ)

She said that and she didn't think she could be impartial

Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:28 AM (Akjoo)

117 >>> Also...noting other comments so far, there is one school of thought that after the events of Oct 7, and now this, the Iranians are trying to drain the Israeli's Iron Dome munitions. They probably spent a Billion bucks worth defending against the attack...they cannot keep doing that.
Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:16 AM (W/lyH)

I would think at some point the Israelis would go, "well it looks like we're going to have to kill all of them". I think Biden's puppet masters also know that and are trying to hold them off by "helping".

Posted by: banana Dream at April 18, 2024 11:28 AM (Y6IkP)

118 You don't say. (Insty)

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE: Just the News is reporting that Holden Thorp, who oversees news, research and opinion for the Science family of journals, repeatedly told the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic that he and his peers fell short by failing to better explain to the public that science is a “work in progress” and that scientists are “opinionated” but should change their minds “when we see new data.”

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:28 AM (CsUN+)

119 Donna. Impartial or fearing for her life if she didn't crucify PDT?

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 18, 2024 11:29 AM (2NHgQ)

120 Let me give you a clue, dumbf*ck. It's not despite build the wall and mass deportations. It's because of build the wall and mass deportations.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:27 AM (FVME7)

Gimps like that are only "latino" if it serves the watermelon cult. Race don't mean shit to them if it can't be used as a weapon.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 11:29 AM (GkFGh)

121 Now let's flip it. Would it help if Iran had its own Iron Dome? It would certainly help the Iranians, but even with Russian support, they are years away from developing one...and in enough quantity to cover the country. (Hint: Iran is big!)
++++
Iran will likely never get something similar, at least not in a reasonable (strategically relevant) time period.

They don't have the technical base, and neither do Red China (who isn't interested) or Russia (who might be interested). The abandonment of Israel by the United States will likely be a false prize for Iran. When Israel realigns - and she will, because she is too small to exist without protection from a broader empire, despite being tough as nails - it will reduce Iran's odds of being able to acquire such a system. If she goes to China, China will be less inclined than ever to back Iran, doubling down on favoring the Arabs particularly with Israeli influence and the very big carrot of major missile technology. I suspect the same applies to Russia, who would back off of Iran support in favor of Israeli technical expertise and technology sharing.

Which leaves Iran only with us. The new Israel.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:29 AM (HnUIn)

122 62 Diogenes

Even with a much smaller country and less people, Israel can afford that amount of money better than Iran. Even with US help. All nations are noticing US actions and the weak US dollar. This spending will accelerate the US's inability to matter in foreign affairs.

In addition, the wider population of Iran is not with the mullahs. They are further down the road the US is now traveling.

So subornation and subversion will, and has, worked better for Israel than Iran.

Cautionary note: A deep state outpost inside the Israeli government can lead to Israel's extinction.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:29 AM (u82oZ)

123 119 Donna. Impartial or fearing for her life if she didn't crucify PDT?
Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 18, 2024 11:29 AM (2NHgQ)

Who knows ?

Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:29 AM (Akjoo)

124 I’m just happy that Egypt is no longer a threat from the west and Jordan from the east and Iraq and Jordan separates Israel from Iran. The logistics and potential allies for Iran are definitely not in their favor besides sucking in general.

Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 11:20 AM

I wouldn't count Egypt out of the threat game just yet. They can and have switched from enemy to sort of friend to Israel in the past, but they can always switch back.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at April 18, 2024 11:29 AM (QNSds)

125 Let me give you a clue, dumbf*ck. It's not despite build the wall and mass deportations. It's because of build the wall and mass deportations.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:27 AM (FVME7)

Yep.

This violation of the rule of law thing by just letting people stroll across the border when others have to bust their asses just to try to become a citizen of this country? Yeah, that’s cross cutting across different demographics.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 11:30 AM (8sMut)

126 Diogenes, I know you were Army, but did you spend any time at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:30 AM (9yWhg)

127 Wait, OUR Diogenes is that amazing? Wow. We have some seriously cool people around this joint.

Posted by: Piper at April 18, 2024 11:30 AM (ZdaMQ)

128
Even with a much smaller country and less people, Israel can afford that amount of money better than Iran. Even with US help. All nations are noticing US actions and the weak US dollar. This spending will accelerate the US's inability to matter in foreign affairs.

Not without our $

Posted by: N at April 18, 2024 11:30 AM (RjBju)

129 I believe Israel has nukes ans the missiles necessary to throw them at any regional enemy

I also believe Iran has or will have a bomb soon, but their delivery strategy might be sketchy. We're talking about a culture that wipes its ass with its hand. Iran might infiltrate a weapon by sea or land.

Disclaimer: I did not go to war college, just a short introductory course at Ft Dix NJ

Posted by: Don Black at April 18, 2024 11:31 AM (oCjPU)

130 {{{Miley}}}

Your Grace, our esteemed COB Diogenes is staying in his lane. Prudent. Wise. And no disparagement of okra by doing so.

Hope you two lovebirds are doing well.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:21 AM (u82oZ)

Salty, we are doing well, and so is Publius' Mama. She got a visit from a farmer friend of hers this morning before breakfast. He brought her a box of English peas.

Wonderful character, does his farming with a mule. Knows about EVERYTHING. Knows how to do everything. People like him are a treasure.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at April 18, 2024 11:31 AM (w6EFb)

131 Don't the Russians Iranians love their children, too?
Posted by: Sting at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (cCVOS)

---------------------

Neither give a damn about their children.

Posted by: Decaf at April 18, 2024 11:31 AM (unUNN)

132 That's what fills me with trepidation about this recent strike. What if Iran already has them, and is debugging delivery systems and testing defenses?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:18 AM (HnUIn)
----
Although everyone seems focused on Iran's capabilities of producing their own nuclear weapons, what happens if they have already purchased one or more from a state like Pakistan or North Korea? And now just need a workable delivery system?

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 11:31 AM (7fElN)

133 I wouldn't count Egypt out of the threat game just yet. They can and have switched from enemy to sort of friend to Israel in the past, but they can always switch back.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at April 18, 2024 11:29 AM (QNSds)

However, no matter how they feel about Israel, they detest Hamas.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 11:31 AM (8sMut)

134 > 120 were ballistic missiles. Only five of these made it to Israel. The rest were shot down or experienced launch failures or crashed enroute.
_____________

There are videos on X of purported Iranian missiles, not drones, crashing into populated, Iranian areas enroute to Israel. Hard to estimate the failure rate with those, but it wasn't zero.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 18, 2024 11:31 AM (Q4IgG)

135 125 Let me give you a clue, dumbf*ck. It's not despite build the wall and mass deportations. It's because of build the wall and mass deportations.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:27 AM (FVME7)

Exactly... Our Neighbors are Hispanic... Americans born and raised, and they do not take kindly to the "newcomers. "

Posted by: It's me donna at April 18, 2024 11:31 AM (Akjoo)

136 In the jury pools I've been in they question each hundred or so one at a time and they go through this figgan whole life story till they get to the judge asking, "can you be impartial?" and they answer, "yes". 6-7 hours of this crap. Like being in a group meeting from hell.

Posted by: banana Dream at April 18, 2024 11:31 AM (Y6IkP)

137 What was unusual was Brit, French, and esp.
Jordanian and Saudi air forces adding to Israel's defenses.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:08 AM (u82oZ)

What's most telling to me is not only the lineup of first responders, it's the reaction speed and coordination of the reaction participants. Diogenes can, if he so choses, run a time sequence from the first detection to deployment, but the entire defensive operation of this could only take place after A LOT of exercises, diplomatic agreements, security arrangements, intelligence gathering, and a solid table of organization. Months, if not years of work.

Whatever Iran learned, it certainly wasn't comforting.

Posted by: mrp at April 18, 2024 11:31 AM (rj6Yv)

138 Dooley?

LETS DANCE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oELWmTVR_j4

Posted by: Jimmy Carter at April 18, 2024 11:32 AM (X4yCj)

139 Nicely stated, Diogenes. Thank
You.

Posted by: nurse ratched at April 18, 2024 11:32 AM (w1l2H)

140 Good point and we (in the public) do not know the actual numbers. One estimate had 40-50% of the missiles failing. If I had to swag a % for failures I'd pull 30% out of my butt.. But not because the missiles are necessarily bad (Iran has a ton of missile warfare experiences albeit dated) but because I suspect the missile crews are poorly trained.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:25 AM

I would put the numbers at about what we saw in Iraq during Desert Storm/Shield. Iraq had about a 25-30% launch failure rate back then and Iran is most likely experiencing the same because for the most part they are using the same technology.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at April 18, 2024 11:32 AM (QNSds)

141 Nicely written, Diogenes. From a purely economic point of view Iran spent a small amount on the attack while the defenders spent enormous sums.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 18, 2024 11:32 AM (MeG8a)

142 Catch Thirty-Thr33

My personal observations, from EMP defenses testing, is the Deep State disregards nuclear weapons as totally unusable and out of sight, out of mind.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:32 AM (u82oZ)

143 This violation of the rule of law thing by just letting people stroll across the border when others have to bust their asses just to try to become a citizen of this country? Yeah, that’s cross cutting across different demographics.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 11:30 AM (8sMut)

Imagine your family comes here, sets up shop, starts to fit in and get the first few glimmers of the real American Dream... and then all the shithead criminals your parents and grandparents ran away from start walking into town and fucking up your spot, and your Betters say "shut up you're one of them aren't you"...

Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 11:32 AM (GkFGh)

144 entire defensive operation of this

Should have been "entire defensive operation of this magnitude ..."

Posted by: mrp at April 18, 2024 11:33 AM (rj6Yv)

145 So Leguizamo admits he’s not for America and citizens of Latin heritage but for illegals invading the country. I would trade him for 10 immigrants from Latin America that want to assimilate.

Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 11:33 AM (MNhXM)

146 https://tinyurl.com/mpd3x32e
Posted by: Punji Pits are a type of

Gads. Didn't read the full nic.

You're a bad, bad man, Moron Analyst/Ackbar.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:33 AM (9yWhg)

147 > Wait, OUR Diogenes is that amazing? Wow. We have some seriously cool people around this joint.

Posted by: Piper

I know, right? I met Willard Scott once.
Just sayin'.

Posted by: Don Black at April 18, 2024 11:33 AM (oCjPU)

148 118 “work in progress” and that scientists are “opinionated” but should change their minds “when we see new data.”
Posted by: Archimedes at April

You mean like it was always supposed to be up until climate change and covid?

Posted by: Piper at April 18, 2024 11:33 AM (ZdaMQ)

149 They don't have the technical base, and neither do Red China (who isn't interested) or Russia (who might be interested). The abandonment of Israel by the United States will likely be a false prize for Iran. When Israel realigns - and she will, because she is too small to exist without protection from a broader empire, despite being tough as nails - it will reduce Iran's odds of being able to acquire such a system. If she goes to China, China will be less inclined than ever to back Iran, doubling down on favoring the Arabs particularly with Israeli influence and the very big carrot of major missile technology. I suspect the same applies to Russia, who would back off of Iran support in favor of Israeli technical expertise and technology sharing.

Which leaves Iran only with us. The new Israel.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:29 AM (HnUIn)

But don’t forget: China needs oil. Iran has it. (Admittedly, so does Russia. But they want to diversify their sources.)

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 11:33 AM (8sMut)

150 Ah, but at the same time, can Iran keep doing that as well?

With a Billion dollars you can build say...100 Arrow missiles.
With a Billion dollars you can build 5000 shitty but still dangerous cruise missiles.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:33 AM (W/lyH)

151 Nice analysis, Diogenes, and congrats on becoming Cob for day!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM (tkR6S)

152 Speaking of Orange Man one of the sworn in Jurors asked to be removed because she can't be unbiased
Posted by: It's me donna at A
*
and one was removed because he couldnt recall posting hateful things about trump and then was shown pictures of his posts.
Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024

***
Almost all of the seven jurors chosen so far get their "news" from Gorgle, the Communist News Network, and PMSNBC.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM (J2vNu)

153 I’m of the mind of Dunnigan and Bay, that nukes are shiny ornaments. Symbols: “look what our country can produce. Fuck with us at your own risk.” Much like dreadnoughts were 100-120 years ago.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 11:26 AM (8sMut)
++++
Nukes are an exorbitant cost center, which is why most technically capable countries don't have them (or didn't). Maintaining an atomic arsenal is a monumentally expensive pain in the ass, and that PITA was entirely optional because of those "dreadnoughts" in the US and USSR.

Neither country's fleet of "dreadnoughts" can be trusted anymore, and many countries are probably strongly considering building - or already built - their own doomsday weapons as a result. The use will probably not be for a first strike, but for brutal retaliation.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM (HnUIn)

154 https://tinyurl.com/yc75nys5
4:38 seconds plus the rest of the long Xtweet.

Kyle Becker @kylenabecker 13h
National Guard Captain Blows Up J6 Narrative, Accuses U.S. Govt of Lying to the American People
"I'm here today to aid the subcommittee in resolving factual errors in the official record of what happened on January 6th, 2021, specifically regarding the alleged District of Columbia National Guard delayed response caused by a critical presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed Pentagon senior officials," Captain Timothy Nick testified under oath on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

"First, I want to explain my role on January 6th. I was assigned as aid to camp the personal assistant to Major General William Walker, the commanding General of DC National Guard. It was my only second day on the job. Please focus on alleged facts found in the November 16th, 2021 Department of Defense Inspector General's multidisciplinary review into the DC National Guard response and Department of Defense's role that day."

"I can say unequivocally that the Inspector General's Review is riddled with inaccuracies, misstatements, and perhaps false flags and narratives regarding how critical Pentagon [...]

Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM (vtyCZ)

155 Israel should help destabilize Iran by funding and arming the Balochi Liberation Front. They are fighting for an independent Balochistan in SE Iran (and part of Pakistan). Cause more internal chaos that the mullahs won't be able to handle

Posted by: Smell the Glove at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM (DQYe1)

156 I remember the lefty loons screaming about Reagan's "star wars" It weil NEVER work!!! Like all of their ideas. A dud.

Posted by: Minnfidel at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM (Ag7IE)

157 I think the Biden Doctrine, such as it is, is to make America everyone's regional enemy.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM (GkFGh)

158 I’m of the mind of Dunnigan and Bay, that nukes are shiny ornaments. Symbols: “look what our country can produce. Fuck with us at your own risk.” Much like dreadnoughts were 100-120 years ago.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33

That second part is the real key. Once a nation has nukes, the entire calculus on how it is handled changes. If Russia didn't have nukes, or Ukraine did....things would probably be playing out very differently over there. A similar situation (Iraq invading Kuwait) is a good example...if Iraq had nukes, we may have tread much more carefully. I think the Arab/Muslim world got much more cooperative with the Israelis because they are believed to have nukes, and the will to deliver them, and less so because the Israelis have decisively won every prior conventional engagement.

Posted by: Moron Analyst at April 18, 2024 11:35 AM (JCZqz)

159 Cause more internal chaos that the mullahs won't be able to handle
Posted by: Smell the Glove at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM (DQYe1)

Pakistan could offer to help if they renounce their claims on any of their land....

Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 11:35 AM (GkFGh)

160 New tactic of the Hamassholes.

https://shorturl.at/bdIS7

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:35 AM (FVME7)

161 In the jury pools I've been in they question each hundred or so one at a time and they go through this figgan whole life story till they get to the judge asking, "can you be impartial?" and they answer, "yes". 6-7 hours of this crap.

Like being in a group meeting from hell.
Posted by: banana Dream

"Your honor, this should have been a Teams Meeting. And ALL Teams Meetings should be an email."

Posted by: rickb223 at April 18, 2024 11:35 AM (aNhid)

162 Don't the Russians Iranians love their children, too?
Posted by: Sting at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM

No but they love fucking them. Muzzies gotta muzz.

Posted by: Minnfidel at April 18, 2024 11:35 AM (Ag7IE)

163 113 Leguizamo has probably never met a Tejano. His name might end in a Z, and he may have a Spanish accent, but he is loyal to the country his family has lived in for centuries. Usually very conservative.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 18, 2024 11:36 AM (0EOe9)

164 Although everyone seems focused on Iran's capabilities of producing their own nuclear weapons, what happens if they have already purchased one or more from a state like Pakistan or North Korea? And now just need a workable delivery system?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 11:31 AM (7fElN)
++++
They're basically equivalent. Whether home-grown or purchased is less relevant than yes or no.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:36 AM (HnUIn)

165 74
‘ What if Iran already has them, and is debugging delivery systems and testing defenses?’
If they are just testing, they can’t be very happy about the result. Any attempt to nuke Israel has a 99 percent chance of leaving a nuclear armed Israel standing.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at April 18, 2024 11:36 AM (jbnUc)

166 I think the Biden Doctrine, such as it is, is to make America everyone's ~~regional enemy~~ bitch.

FIFY

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:37 AM (CsUN+)

167 Any comments on what was posted here other than the hate for Israel?

https://simplicius76.substack.com

/p/iran-breaches-anglo-zionist-defenses

Posted by: pawn at April 18, 2024 11:37 AM (Ch4Tu)

168 I remember the lefty loons screaming about Reagan's "star wars" It weil NEVER work!!! Like all of their ideas. A dud.

Posted by: Minnfidel at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM (Ag7IE)

Aye. Didn't they dub it star wars to make fun of it? The Left is always wrong. It's their raison d'etre.

Posted by: ... at April 18, 2024 11:37 AM (lX8VI)

169 Major General William Walker, the commanding General of DC National Guard

Wow, that guy's still around? So the Nicaraguans didn't kill him after all?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:37 AM (9yWhg)

170 Given the end of both the meta-stable bipolar system of competing US and USSR empires, and the end of the post-USSR "Pax Americana," proliferation is only going to grow, and it makes perfect sense for it to grow. The end of the bipolar stability and the failure of the US to provide security - with more failures, coming more often and no end in sight - any country with a survival instinct and an industrial base is either going to get nukes or already has them and is shutting up about it (I suspect Japan and Korea are in this category).
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:24 AM (HnUIn)

Good point and I agree. Proliferation is inevitable. And I suspect...affordable for more than a few, should they go down that road.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:37 AM (W/lyH)

171 Don't the Russians Iranians love their children, too?
Posted by: Sting at April 18, 2024 11:06 AM (cCVOS)

Only to the extent they can be used as weapons against Israel.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (tkR6S)

172 Someone please wake me up when I actually give a flying f*ck what John Leguizamo has to say about anything.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (Zz0t1)

173 I think the Biden Doctrine, such as it is, is to make America everyone's regional enemy.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM

DON'T! I mean that shit's right up there in great presidential tomes. Slightly edging. The Gettysburg address. And can't I just eat my waffle.

Posted by: Minnfidel at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (Ag7IE)

174 But don’t forget: China needs oil. Iran has it. (Admittedly, so does Russia. But they want to diversify their sources.)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 11:33 AM (8sMut)
++++
True, and Red China has been courting both the Arabs and the Persians, but the Arabs receive most of the attention, effort and money. The Arabs are much, much more stable, reliable and open to negotiation than the Persians.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (HnUIn)

175 Marina Medvin 🇺🇸
@MarinaMedvin
Obama Whitehouse — Ben Rhodes nickname was “Hamas”

-
I guess the Obama White House was diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (FVME7)

176 Ukraine once had nukes but they were returned to Russia after the breakup. I'll bet they regret that.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (MeG8a)

177 I thought the Biden doctrine was ice cream before dinner.

Posted by: Ribbed at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (Ectld)

178 One thing that doesn't seem to be talked about much around here is the absolute *humiliation* Iran suffered on the world stage when their attack failed.

Remember, they come from an honor/shame culture. That's why they declared the attack was "done" so that they could save some face.

Israel needs to keep humiliating Iran every chance they get because it pushes them deeper and deeper into madness, which is where they will keep making mistakes...Also, the Arab world can continue to point and laugh at Iran, further humiliating them.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (7fElN)

179 New tactic of the Hamassholes.

I agree with a lot of the commenters. Move them to the sidewalk, and leave them to stew in their own waste. It's SanFran, so they should blend in.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (CsUN+)

180 Someone please wake me up when I actually give a flying f*ck what John Leguizamo has to say about anything.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden

maybe he can put on a dress and dance around with patrick swayze again

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (CIS44)

181 oooh. This must hurt.

Live update: Defense Ministry, IDF: NIS 29 million in cash seized by troops in Gaza ‘forfeited’ to the state.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (t/2Uw)

182 Diogenes, I know you were Army, but did you spend any time at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey?
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:30 AM (9yWhg)

Only to stop in and have a beer with a buddy of mine once. Nice place. Great golf!

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:39 AM (W/lyH)

183 Balochis? I have a theorem about them.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:39 AM (9yWhg)

184 Catch Thirty-Thr33

The offshore natural gas fields being exploited by Israel make Israel a giant in hydrocarbon reserves.

In a future hydrogen world, natural gas supplies trump oil supplies. Even today, it helps Israel a lot.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:39 AM (u82oZ)

185 > I think the Arab/Muslim world got much more cooperative with the Israelis because they are believed to have nukes, and the will to deliver them, and less so because the Israelis have decisively won every prior conventional engagement.
__________

Pakistan has nukes, but I think they'd be unlikely to provide one or two to Iran. They hate each other.

Pakistan might be inclined to sell one to an unnamed 3rd party to use. Whether on Israel or Iran is debatable.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 18, 2024 11:39 AM (Q4IgG)

186 Ukraine once had nukes but they were returned to Russia after the breakup. I'll bet they regret that.

They f***ed up. They trusted us.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:40 AM (CsUN+)

187 oooh. This must hurt.

Live update: Defense Ministry, IDF: NIS 29 million in cash seized by troops in Gaza ‘forfeited’ to the state.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (t/2Uw)
++++
I wonder currencies it was in.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:40 AM (HnUIn)

188 Well stated sir, i can't add anything from my bmds work to anything you've written. Cudos on a solid analysis and essay.

Posted by: BifBewalski at April 18, 2024 11:40 AM (MsrgL)

189
maybe he can put on a dress and dance around with patrick swayze again
Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (CIS44)

I saw that movie on a date with my girlfriend as she wanted to see it.

Horrible movie that made me really uncomfortable.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:40 AM (Zz0t1)

190 186 Ukraine once had nukes but they were returned to Russia after the breakup. I'll bet they regret that.

They f***ed up. They trusted us.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:40 AM (CsUN+)

=======

They settled with an administrative memo from one administration instead of holding out for a treaty.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 11:40 AM (GBKbO)

191 I wonder currencies it was in.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:40 AM (HnUIn)
---
untraceable quatloos...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 11:41 AM (7fElN)

192 I wonder currencies it was in.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:40 AM (HnUIn)

NIS = Israeli Shekel?

Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 11:41 AM (GkFGh)

193 I saw that movie on a date with my girlfriend as she wanted to see it.

Horrible movie that made me really uncomfortable.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden \

For all the movies you haven't seen, I cant believe that's one you have. hahah

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:41 AM (CIS44)

194 I was assigned as aid to camp
--------
I missed that. Must have been auto-transcribed by voice-typing [whatever it's called].

Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 11:41 AM (vtyCZ)

195 This brunette in polka-dot stockings appreciates Diogenes' approachable and well-written analysis:
http://tiny.cc/qdzsxz

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:42 AM (HnUIn)

196 181 I hope when the IDF troopers turned in the cash, their BN CO asked the question precinct police captains have asked forever. "Where's the rest of it?". And the boys just grin a little.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 18, 2024 11:42 AM (0EOe9)

197 At the time, it was in the best interests of everyone that Ukraine give up her nukes and everyone continue the established treaty. There were a lot of rogue actors at the time. It was very scary.

Posted by: Ribbed at April 18, 2024 11:42 AM (IHRQq)

198 New tactic of the Hamassholes.

https://shorturl.at/bdIS7

Just move the barrel off the road with a hand truck, dragging him along with it. And then leave it there.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 18, 2024 11:42 AM (/y8xj)

199 Nice analysis, Diogenes, and congrats on becoming Cob for day!
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 18, 2024 11:34 AM (tkR6S)

Thanks...it is an honor.
but Mrs D says I still have to vacuum later this morning.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:42 AM (W/lyH)

200 I cut the string, and pulled it out of his feathers, but he just laid there gasping. There isn't much you can do at that stage but wait and see. Fortunately, he was standing after about an hour, and has now flown away.

I feel good.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:17 AM (CsUN+)

No good deed goes unpunished.

It will come back and shit on your car windshield.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:19 AM (Zz0t1)

That means good luck!

Posted by: Windshield Shitters Of America Local 249 at April 18, 2024 11:43 AM (iODuv)

201 Also...noting other comments so far, there is one school of thought that after the events of Oct 7, and now this, the Iranians are trying to drain the Israeli's Iron Dome munitions. They probably spent a Billion bucks worth defending against the attack...they cannot keep doing that.
Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:16 AM (W/lyH)

------------------

In return Israel should destroy Iran's entire oil infrastructure to drain their resources.

Posted by: Decaf at April 18, 2024 11:43 AM (unUNN)

202 NIS = Israeli Shekel?
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 11:41 AM (GkFGh)
++++
Yeah, that's how the value is being described.

But I doubt all or even most of it was all in Shekels. My guess is that most of it was USD, and that a bunch those USD originated on Iran-bound pallets. Just guessing, though.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:43 AM (HnUIn)

203 maybe he can put on a dress and dance around with patrick swayze again
Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:38 AM (CIS44)

=====

I was watching that when my son was about 6 or 7, and he knew Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes were men, but refused to believe John Leguizamo wasn't actually a woman.

Posted by: Jordan61 at April 18, 2024 11:43 AM (DRSnL)

204
For all the movies you haven't seen, I cant believe that's one you have. hahah
Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 11:41 AM (CIS44)

Yeah, that one I'm not proud of......

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:44 AM (Zz0t1)

205 How's the bird situation?
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:14 AM (9yWhg)
++++
She (or he) left midday yesterday. I have my fingers crossed that the departure is permanent.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:44 AM (HnUIn)

206 We have nuclear weapons because the French do, Prime Minister. Just because we're friends now doesn't mean we'll be friends in the future.

Posted by: sir humphrey appleby at April 18, 2024 11:44 AM (vtyCZ)

207 It is cool to see that aide de camp is still a thing.

I only ever see that reference to pre-20th century warfare, but it's not like I'm steeped in the culture.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 11:44 AM (GBKbO)

208 chose to lob slow-moving missiles specifically to study Israel's response capabilities.
Posted by: Lizzy

They fired what they had, that would range Israel. There is no fast or slow. You get main engine thrust, and guidance to reach the range and aim point, then main engine cut off where Kepler takes over. The 'experts' stating this have no clue of physics, ballistics, or how this works.

Posted by: BifBewalski at April 18, 2024 11:44 AM (MsrgL)

209 Only to stop in and have a beer with a buddy of mine once. Nice place. Great golf!
Posted by: Diogenes

Apparently, Fort Ord had a nice golf course, too. That's one thing the Army kept after most of the rest of the base got BRAC'ed out of existence.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:44 AM (9yWhg)

210 It's interesting that there's no discussion of how Israel got the atomic weapons

Posted by: N at April 18, 2024 11:44 AM (RjBju)

211 This brunette in polka-dot stockings appreciates Diogenes' approachable and well-written analysis:
http://tiny.cc/qdzsxz
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:42 AM (HnUIn)

Tell her I'm available for private tutoring sessions.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:44 AM (W/lyH)

212 Hey! They're diverse, equitable, and inclusive as well.

Loyola Law School Anti-Racism Fellow Goes Off On Jewish Classmates, Calls Them "Ugly A** Little Jewish People"

https://shorturl.at/kqtXZ

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:45 AM (FVME7)

213 Also...noting other comments so far, there is one school of thought that after the events of Oct 7, and now this, the Iranians are trying to drain the Israeli's Iron Dome munitions. They probably spent a Billion bucks worth defending against the attack...they cannot keep doing that.
Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:16 AM (W/lyH)
++++
What's Israel's production capability? Have they been able to refill their arsenals after Oct. 7? Time is at least as valuable as money.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:45 AM (HnUIn)

214 Putting Iran out of the oil and gas business while Israel leverages it's own oil and gas fields in the Med would be a boss move.

The US would do everything to prohibit it.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 18, 2024 11:45 AM (Q4IgG)

215 Can't grab the paper right now, but in WSJ yesterday, or day before, said Iran chose to lob slow-moving missiles specifically to study Israel's response capabilities.

If true, then I wouldn't consider this attack a failure necessarily, if they were able to gather enough info to launch a much deadlier attack in the future.

That theory strikes me as copium for the Biden junta that was hoping for many dead Israelis to appease Allah (and Dearborn). Russia has had some success defeating defenses with that kind of pattern in Ukraine, and there have been theories that Russia's largely been beta testing stuff for Iran.

Posted by: Ian S. at April 18, 2024 11:45 AM (2ocoG)

216 This brunette in polka-dot stockings appreciates Diogenes' approachable and well-written analysis:

This is how I envision adolescent Mannix and his mom.

https://tinyurl.com/mvuc32es

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:45 AM (CsUN+)

217 and yet, the guy gets his jollies by scamming senior citizens with liver spots on the golf course

It is not clear that you understand how senior leadership works.
"Balfour" is not just a baseball umpire's call.

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at April 18, 2024 11:46 AM (zdLoL)

218 This brunette in polka-dot stockings appreciates Diogenes' approachable and well-written analysis:
http://tiny.cc/qdzsxz
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

Nice gams.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:46 AM (9yWhg)

219 US Out of North America!

RNC Research
@RNCResearch
BIDEN: "I made it clear to the Israelis — don't move on Haifa!"

Haifa is a major city *IN* Israel.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (FVME7)

220 Apparently, Fort Ord had a nice golf course, too. That's one thing the Army kept after most of the rest of the base got BRAC'ed out of existence.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:44 AM (9yWhg)

Ft Ord has/had two courses, Bayonet and Black Horse. Beautiful layout and incredible views of the Monterrey Bay. And the secret to playing there is no matter what the green looked like, or how you were sure the ball was going to break on the putt, it will always, ALWAYS break towards the Bay.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (W/lyH)

221 125
‘ What if Iran already has them, and is debugging delivery systems and testing defenses?’

Even more directly than that: illegals are competing with legals for the same resources. Driving wages down and housing costs up.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (jbnUc)

222 How much did the defense cost Israel? How much did the attack cost Iran?

Assume the defense is more expensive and there is no response against Iran then this is still a win for the Jihadis.

Of course I suspect a good deal of the cost of both the defense and attack were paid for by us anyway...

Posted by: 18-1 at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (ibTVg)

223
That means good luck!

Posted by: Windshield Shitters Of America Local 249 at April 18, 2024 11:43 AM

I told my Dad that a bird had shit on me the day before. He told me the good luck bullshit story. Then he tried to sell me a raffle ticket for his fire company fund raiser. You believe his gall?

Anyway, I won fifty bucks.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (RKVpM)

224 That theory strikes me as copium for the Biden junta that was hoping for many dead Israelis to appease Allah (and Dearborn). Russia has had some success defeating defenses with that kind of pattern in Ukraine, and there have been theories that Russia's largely been beta testing stuff for Iran.
Posted by: Ian

There's a good reason we fly p3s off china every day

Posted by: N at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (RjBju)

225 Dickey Betts is mort

Posted by: Mark1971 at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (xPl2J)

226 @RNCResearch
BIDEN: "I made it clear to the Israelis — don't move on Haifa!"

Haifa is a major city *IN* Israel.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (FVME7)
++++
Haifa. Rafa. Whatever. All foreign towns with weird names are the same, right?

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (HnUIn)

227 'Jury of one's peers'

Trump's jury should be 12 rich old white guys

Six pairs of Statler and Waldorf, thank you.

Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 18, 2024 11:48 AM (cf/0E)

228 226 @RNCResearch
BIDEN: "I made it clear to the Israelis — don't move on Haifa!"

Haifa is a major city *IN* Israel.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (FVME7)
++++
Haifa. Rafa. Whatever. All foreign towns with weird names are the same, right?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM (HnUIn)

=======

I remember when Gary Johnson became a laughing stock for not knowing what Aleppo was.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 11:48 AM (GBKbO)

229 Live update: Defense Ministry, IDF: NIS 29 million in cash seized by troops in Gaza ‘forfeited’ to the state.
--------
Prize money! Distribute it amongst the officers and men!

Posted by: zombie Jack Aubrey, R.N. at April 18, 2024 11:48 AM (vtyCZ)

230 N

Plenty of data on the French help, and the US and France supplying the needed material.

The actual doing used the US research from the 1940s, then published in the 1950s.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:49 AM (u82oZ)

231 I remember when Gary Johnson became a laughing stock for not knowing what Aleppo was.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

He didn't know that it was $20, same as in town?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:49 AM (9yWhg)

232 220 Andrews has or had nice golf courses. Had some beer machines every few holes and the dependent brats fucked that up. Sneaky little bastards coming in with a roll of quarters at night.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 18, 2024 11:49 AM (0EOe9)

233 But don’t forget: China needs oil. Iran has it. (Admittedly, so does Russia. But they want to diversify their sources.)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33
++++
True, and Red China has been courting both the Arabs and the Persians, but the Arabs receive most of the attention, effort and money. The Arabs are much, much more stable, reliable and open to negotiation than the Persians.

Posted by: Joe Mannix

The start of all this was Biden's shutting down the oil and gas industry in the US. It allowed Russia to go to war in Ukraine. It is allowing Iran to reclaim billions in order to continue it's oil exports. It's allowed the rise of Venezuela. All this is not ideological but economic. Israel's huge oil find changes the dynamic dramatically so Iran needs to shut it down. Turkey is complicit. Helped shut down an Israeli pipeline to Europe. Now Turkey is entertaining Haniyah. Turkey is also not worling in the West's best interests.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 18, 2024 11:50 AM (t/2Uw)

234 Realize you're being judged by 12 people not smart enough to get out of jury duty.

Posted by: Don't forget at April 18, 2024 11:50 AM (dg+HA)

235 Oh sad to hear about Dickey Betts; I've loved every band he's been in.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 18, 2024 11:50 AM (i9ffA)

236 Haifa is my favorite place of everywhere I've visited in Israel. Haifa is beautiful and I was treated exceedingly well there. I'd love to go back and spend a couple of weeks there.

Israelis have given me weird looks or laughed when I've said that, because Haifa is not a first-class city at all. I guess it's akin to Dutchman saying something like, "I loved Cincinnati and can't wait to go back." But it is what it is. I really enjoyed Haifa. The on-average experience I had there is matched (maybe) only by Sofia, Bulgaria. I was also treated very well in Sofia, and really enjoyed my time there.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:51 AM (HnUIn)

237 Statler: The judge is going to hold us in contempt!
Waldorf: Really?! I've been contemptuous all my life! What took him so long?!

OHHHH HOH HOH HOH HOH HOH

Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 18, 2024 11:51 AM (cf/0E)

238 > Ft Ord has/had two courses, Bayonet and Black Horse. Beautiful layout and incredible views of the Monterrey Bay.
___________

We used to live in Seaside, CA... next door to Ft Ord. Parts of it were only about a 1/4 mile from our house. I used to autocross at the airport there.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 18, 2024 11:51 AM (Q4IgG)

239 224 N

P-8s. Please keep up.
Plus satellite coverage, and the occasional FON passage, and sub ELINT.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:51 AM (u82oZ)

240 The last jury I was called to the judge asked people who couldn't serve to come up one by one. There were a couple of valid ones like "the defendant is my cousin" but most people gave BS answers like "I don't like cops". He sat each one of those people on the jury pretty clearly to punish them and I got sent home. woohoo...

Posted by: 18-1 at April 18, 2024 11:51 AM (ibTVg)

241 only by Sofia, Bulgaria. I was also treated very well in Sofia, and really enjoyed my time there.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

I would enjoy time with Sofia Vergaria.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:52 AM (9yWhg)

242 All this is not ideological but economic. Israel's huge oil find changes the dynamic dramatically so Iran needs to shut it down.

Making the US not a superpower arguably even works against their ideological goals of a globalist communist world.

Posted by: Ian S. at April 18, 2024 11:52 AM (2ocoG)

243 I would enjoy time with Sofia Vergaria.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:52 AM (9yWhg)
++++
LOL. I don't think she'd treat you as well, though!

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:52 AM (HnUIn)

244 Is that the narrative? That somehow Israel's defenses did a spectacular job shooting down all those drones and missiles?

Not that Iran basically telegraphed a half-assed low tech salvo, designed more to save face than to do any damage?

Ok then.

Posted by: BurtTC at April 18, 2024 11:53 AM (dGCAG)

245 That depends on how much The Dementia can give them of our money, doesn't it?
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 18, 2024 11:23 AM (hmWcn)

-------------------

I think we can safely stop referring to Biden as having any input into anything. We know that Obama and his people are running the show so might as well give them credit for it.

Posted by: Decaf at April 18, 2024 11:53 AM (unUNN)

246 I would enjoy time with Sofia Vergaria.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:52 AM (9yWhg)
++++
LOL. I don't think she'd treat you as well, though!
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

I could disappoint her all night.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:53 AM (9yWhg)

247 RIP Dickey Betts.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at April 18, 2024 11:53 AM (R4t5M)

248
And the secret to playing there is no matter what the green looked like, or how you were sure the ball was going to break on the putt, it will always, ALWAYS break towards the Bay.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:47 AM

I have two putting greens on my property so I can really get up close and personal. Bentgrass grows in the direction of the setting sun. That might explain the tendency.

I don't golf, but I do like the landscaping of golf courses. To look out my window and see a sand trap, putting green, brilliant red flag a hundred feet away. I never get tired of seeing it.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM (RKVpM)

249 RNC Research @RNCResearch
BIDEN: "I made it clear to the Israelis — don't move on Haifa!"

Haifa is a major city *IN* Israel.

https://tinyurl.com/4nhf6nf7
15 seconds

Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM (vtyCZ)

250 I could disappoint her all night.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus

All night!? Show off?

I'd disappoint her for maybe 5 minutes.

Posted by: Tonypete at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM (WXNFJ)

251 Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:51 AM (HnUIn)

Cincinnati has a long time top tier professional tennis tournament there . I don’t think a Dutchman has ever won it though. 😀

Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM (MNhXM)

252 I don't golf, but I do like the landscaping of golf courses. To look out my window and see a sand trap, putting green, brilliant red flag a hundred feet away. I never get tired of seeing it.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM (RKVpM)
++++
Are you the only non-golfer who bought a house on a golf course?

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM (HnUIn)

253 Haifa is gorgeous. There is a Bahai temple there with stunning gardens overlooking the Sea.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (t/2Uw)

254 Biden may not know much about geography but he does know the most popular brands of shampoo of the American tween population like the back of his hand...

Posted by: 18-1 at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (ibTVg)

255 Boeing Engineer Testifies in the Senate It’s Just a Matter of Time Before a Catastrophic Disaster

-
Well, at least it'll be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive catastrophic disaster.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (FVME7)

256 All night!? Show off?

I'd disappoint her for maybe 5 minutes.
Posted by: Tonypete at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM (WXNFJ)
++++
But for her, it would *feel* like all night. That's what he meant!

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (HnUIn)

257 Is that the narrative? That somehow Israel's defenses did a spectacular job shooting down all those drones and missiles?

Not that Iran basically telegraphed a half-assed low tech salvo, designed more to save face than to do any damage?

I think the claim that it was deliberately half-assed is copium for Kalorama. Russia's used similar tactics with Iranian drones against the Z-man. Except that it works well in Uke and not so well against Iron Dome.

Posted by: Ian S. at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (2ocoG)

258 They probably spent a Billion bucks worth defending against the attack...they cannot keep doing that.
Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:16 AM (W/lyH)

...

Pushing your opponent's defense system to the brink, even if it's financially, then changes the balance. But doesn't it push Israel towards a first strike as the least worst remaining option for them?

Posted by: TexasDan at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (z/ifB)

259 only by Sofia, Bulgaria. I was also treated very well in Sofia, and really enjoyed my time there.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

J is in Sofia right now!

Posted by: Piper at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (ZdaMQ)

260 Boeing Engineer Testifies in the Senate It’s Just a Matter of Time Before a Catastrophic Disaster ...
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (FVME7)
++++
I can guess at his meaning, but isn't this literally *always* true?

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (HnUIn)

261 All night!? Show off?

I'd disappoint her for maybe 5 minutes.
Posted by: Tonypete at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM (WXNFJ)
++++
But for her, it would *feel* like all night. That's what he meant!
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

LOL

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (9yWhg)

262 Dickey Betts Is Mort.

No more rambling for his ass.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 18, 2024 11:56 AM (cDEsv)

263 I don’t think a Dutchman has ever won it though. 😀
Posted by: polynikes

The Pennsylvania Dutch aren't big into tennis. Now beer drinking. . . .

Posted by: Tonypete at April 18, 2024 11:56 AM (WXNFJ)

264 Is that the narrative? That somehow Israel's defenses did a spectacular job shooting down all those drones and missiles?

Not that Iran basically telegraphed a half-assed low tech salvo, designed more to save face than to do any damage?

-

And coordinated the attack with the U.S. through Swiss channels.

Posted by: Moron Robbie supports women working until they're 80 years old. You go, girls! at April 18, 2024 11:56 AM (qQsNc)

265 I don't golf, but I do like the landscaping of golf courses. To look out my window and see a sand trap, putting green, brilliant red flag a hundred feet away. I never get tired of seeing it.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM (RKVpM)

Do you have a spare bedroom?
Asking for my caddie...

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 11:56 AM (W/lyH)

266 We did a cruise years ago, stops in Greece, Turkey, Israel, thru the strait to the Black Sea.
Locales visited. in order, if memory still functions
Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Ephesus, Haifa, Istanbul, Sofia, Odessa, return to Athens.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (MeG8a)

267 Paige Spiranac playing golf > Actually playing golf

Posted by: 18-1 at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (ibTVg)

268 Virginia law allows schools to pay athletes

https://tinyurl.com/22uybzye

Posted by: For the love of the game at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (dg+HA)

269 Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

The key is to give her a color wheel in off-whites, for the bedroom repainting chore. Distracting.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (u82oZ)

270 Joe Mannix, have you ever been to Prague? If so, what was your impression of it?

That place is on my bucket list.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (9yWhg)

271 181 oooh. This must hurt.

Live update: Defense Ministry, IDF: NIS 29 million in cash seized by troops in Gaza ‘forfeited’ to the state.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice)

Countdown to "Biden" post on X announcing a new program to reimburse "the Palestinians" for the illegal seizure of their funds by the IDF? We're not paying terrorists...just returning money that's rightfully theirs that we froze in accounts because they're terrorists...

Posted by: Moron Analyst at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (JCZqz)

272 Biden may not know much about ~~geography but he does know the most popular brands of shampoo of the American tween population like the back of his hand...~~ anything...

FIFY

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (CsUN+)

273 This is how I envision adolescent Mannix and his mom.

https://tinyurl.com/mvuc32es
Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024

***
That actress looks familiar, but I can't place her. Any idea?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (J2vNu)

274 RNC Research @RNCResearch
BIDEN: "I made it clear to the Israelis — don't move on Haifa!"

Haifa is a major city *IN* Israel.

https://tinyurl.com/4nhf6nf7
15 seconds
Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM (vtyCZ)

If Joe were able to muster up the capability of making whoopie with Jill, he's see her there and accuse her of cheating on him.

Posted by: BurtTC at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (dGCAG)

275 "Ft Ord has/had two courses, Bayonet and Black Horse. Beautiful layout and incredible views of the Monterrey Bay."

Nellie has a nice course too- being in the desert and all. The third green near the perimeter road os especially comfortable for sleeping.

Posted by: Marcus T at April 18, 2024 11:58 AM (VDgiz)

276 South Africa got rid of its nukes before descending into the Second World racist hell it is now. I doubt they could even run a nuke plant right now.

Posted by: pookysgirl, still a fan of nuclear energy at April 18, 2024 11:58 AM (f3/nB)

277 ... Not that Iran basically telegraphed a half-assed low tech salvo, designed more to save face than to do any damage? ...
Posted by: BurtTC at April 18, 2024 11:53 AM (dGCAG)
++++
That isn't my understanding, but I could well be wrong.

My understanding is that Iran told its allies about it (including the US), but that Israel didn't know it was coming. I think they told us so we could engage in some political face-saving by shooting some of the stuff down because there's a delicate dance going on at the moment and Iran was apparently confident (and apparently rightly) that we wouldn't tell the Israelis.

But given that they told us, I doubt this was supposed to be a major start to a bigger conflict. I think it was more about testing defenses and assessing capability.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:58 AM (HnUIn)

278 *Nellis

Posted by: Marcus T at April 18, 2024 11:58 AM (VDgiz)

279 But doesn't it push Israel towards a first strike as the least worst remaining option for them?

Posted by: TexasDan at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (z/ifB)

Yup.

If you run out of defense, then you go on offense.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 18, 2024 11:58 AM (A3700)

280 Diversity, equity, and inclusion everywhere you look!

44 Democrats Refuse to Vote in Favor of Resolution Condemning Antisemitic Chant “From the River to the Sea”

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (FVME7)

281 any country with a survival instinct and an industrial base is either going to get nukes or already has them and is shutting up about it (I suspect Japan and Korea are in this category).
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:24 AM (HnUIn)

Good point and I agree. Proliferation is inevitable. And I suspect...affordable for more than a few, should they go down that road.

Since Nukes work mostly as a deterrent, how does it make sense for a country to secretly have nukes? I suppose there is some use for a country to be coy about it (a la Israel), so that everyone else wonders "do they or don't they", but really, having nukes is much better strategically if everyone knows you have nukes.

Posted by: Meanwhile . . . . at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (ky+MF)

282 Hey! They're diverse, equitable, and inclusive as well.

Loyola Law School Anti-Racism Fellow Goes Off On Jewish Classmates, Calls Them "Ugly A** Little Jewish People"

https://shorturl.at/kqtXZ
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:45 AM (FVME7)

She'd be the recipient of every racist term I could muster up, three inches away from her face. Along with a smack upside her head. Working in Newark for many years changed me for life. I take no prisoners.

Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy now with twice the crazy at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (iODuv)

283 Yup.

If you run out of defense, then you go on offense.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 18, 2024 11:58 AM (A3700)

The best defense is a good offense.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (Zz0t1)

284 This is how I envision adolescent Mannix and his mom.

https://tinyurl.com/mvuc32es
Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024

***
That actress looks familiar, but I can't place her. Any idea?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (J2vNu)

Meryl Fenelon?

Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (MNhXM)

285 That actress looks familiar, but I can't place her. Any idea?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius

That clip is from Diary of a Wimpy Kid. She reminds me of Sarah Palin.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (9yWhg)

286 Joe Mannix, have you ever been to Prague? If so, what was your impression of it?

That place is on my bucket list.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (9yWhg)
++++
Never have, no. I've heard wonderful things, though, and even more good things about smaller villages.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (HnUIn)

287 Virginia law allows schools to pay athletes
https://tinyurl.com/22uybzye

Schools in Virginia will be able to directly pay athletes via name, image and likeness deals thanks to a state law signed Thursday morning, marking another significant step in the professionalization of college sports.

Please. As if they haven't been paid athletes forever. At least VA is being honest.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (CsUN+)

288 The best defense is a good dead motherfucker who can't wreck your day anymore.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (GkFGh)

289 All these fools fail to understand the real picture about Israel 🇮🇱 So be it. They will see.

Posted by: Plainoldtoast at April 18, 2024 12:00 PM (ytSiK)

290 "Good night
Sleep tight
Don't let the cannibals bite"

Doc Jill tucking in Retardo after his thorazine.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 18, 2024 12:00 PM (0EOe9)

291
Are you the only non-golfer who bought a house on a golf course?

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:54 AM

No, total DIY project on my own lot. SR 7200 velvet bentgrass - the variety Trump uses on some of his courses. Now illegal to sell. Incredible stuff. To walk on that green barefoot is like walking on the most luxurious carpeting ever. Incredible blade count per square foot. It's just a hobby for me.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at April 18, 2024 12:00 PM (RKVpM)

292 267 Paige Spiranac playing golf > Actually playing golf
Posted by: 18-1

Grace Charis playing golf > Paige Spiranac playing golf?
https://tinyurl.com/49328vt8

Posted by: Moron Analyst at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (JCZqz)

293 Pushing your opponent's defense system to the brink, even if it's financially, then changes the balance. But doesn't it push Israel towards a first strike as the least worst remaining option for them?
Posted by: TexasDan at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (z/ifB)

That is a very good question. And theoretically, yes, it does, particularly in the light of Netanyahu's recent comments about how Israel will do whatever it has to to survive. I would like to think it won't get that far, Others will step in to balance things, and/or Iran isn't that bright.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (W/lyH)

294 Pushing your opponent's defense system to the brink, even if it's financially, then changes the balance. But doesn't it push Israel towards a first strike as the least worst remaining option for them?
Posted by: TexasDan at April 18, 2024 11:55 AM (z/ifB)

The only first strike that could be effective could only be nuclear, and I don't think they want to go there. Look at the recent experience with Hamas - even after bombing day and night for 4 months, Hamas was still firing missiles at Israel. Also, Hamas ended up having 2 - 3 times as many missiles hidden away than the IDF had projected.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (i9ffA)

295 The best defense is a good dead motherfucker who can't wreck your day anymore.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (GkFGh)
---
I usually go with "the best defense is a dead opponent" but I like your phrasing as well.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (7fElN)

296 Since Nukes work mostly as a deterrent, how does it make sense for a country to secretly have nukes? I suppose there is some use for a country to be coy about it (a la Israel), so that everyone else wonders "do they or don't they", but really, having nukes is much better strategically if everyone knows you have nukes.
Posted by: Meanwhile . . . . at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (ky+MF)
++++
Coyness is for small countries. Bombast is for big countries.

Having "this country can nuke my ass if I move" in the "maybe" column creates a lot of strategic challenges. A firm "yes" or "no" is easier to deal with.

For a small country with big, powerful enemies, ambiguity can be very helpful.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (HnUIn)

297 Joe Mannix, have you ever been to Prague? If so, what was your impression of it?

That place is on my bucket list.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (9yWhg)
++++
Never have, no. I've heard wonderful things, though, and even more good things about smaller villages.

It is simply wonderful. I encourage the Vienna-Prague-Budapest combined 2-week trip.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (CsUN+)

298 This is how I envision adolescent Mannix and his mom.

Mannix's mom has got it goin' on.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (/y8xj)

299 That actress looks familiar, but I can't place her. Any idea?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius,

Rachel Harris. She's been in tons of stuff hangover guested on the office and million other shows

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (CIS44)

300 Let me give you a clue, dumbf*ck. It's not despite build the wall and mass deportations. It's because of build the wall and mass deportations.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 11:27 AM (FVME7)

----------------------

They're so smart that I wouldn't dare correct them.

Posted by: Decaf at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (unUNN)

301 there are other delivery options:

Camel,
goat cart,
or for us Heavy Metal 2000 fans
goat cart pulled by lizard man slaves.

Posted by: DaveA at April 18, 2024 12:02 PM (PMJuY)

302 King Harv needs to go back to babes in bikinis shooting guns.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 12:02 PM (Zz0t1)

303 That actress looks familiar, but I can't place her. Any idea?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius

I can't, but she's good looking in a mommish way. The actress, not Mannix's mom, who I've never met, but I'm sure is delightful.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 12:02 PM (CsUN+)

304 No, total DIY project on my own lot. SR 7200 velvet bentgrass - the variety Trump uses on some of his courses. Now illegal to sell. Incredible stuff. To walk on that green barefoot is like walking on the most luxurious carpeting ever. Incredible blade count per square foot. It's just a hobby for me.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at April 18, 2024 12:00 PM (RKVpM)
++++
Heh. I'm glad you do something you enjoy so much. My approach to landscaping is, "looks good enough that my neighbors don't hate me."

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 12:03 PM (HnUIn)

305 The only first strike that could be effective could only be nuclear, and I don't think they want to go there. Look at the recent experience with Hamas - even after bombing day and night for 4 months, Hamas was still firing missiles at Israel. Also, Hamas ended up having 2 - 3 times as many missiles hidden away than the IDF had projected.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (i9ffA)

Air strikes seem to have been effective in the past.

Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 12:03 PM (MNhXM)

306 292 267 Paige Spiranac playing golf > Actually playing golf
Posted by: 18-1

Grace Charis playing golf > Paige Spiranac playing golf?
https://tinyurl.com/49328vt8
Posted by: Moron Analyst at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (JCZqz)

Paige is a 10. Grace has a boy face but gets by on never wearing a bra.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at April 18, 2024 12:03 PM (KbCG3)

307 Karoline Leavitt
@kleavittnh
Little kids in Harlem to President Trump as he visits their neighborhood:
“I love you, Trump!” ♥️

https://shorturl.at/crsP9

-
Yeah, well, they ain't black.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 12:03 PM (FVME7)

308 Dr. Strangelove: Of course, the whole point of a Doomsday Machine is lost, if you *keep* it a *secret*! Why didn't you tell the world, EH?

Ambassador de Sadesky: It was to be announced at the Party Congress on Monday. As you know, the Premier loves surprises.

Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 12:03 PM (vtyCZ)

309 That actress looks familiar, but I can't place her. Any idea?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*
That clip is from Diary of a Wimpy Kid. She reminds me of Sarah Palin.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024

***
Ah -- Rachael Harris, formerly of Pushing Daisies and Happy Endings.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 18, 2024 12:04 PM (J2vNu)

310 I can't, but she's good looking in a mommish way.
Posted by: Archimedes

Like I said above, she reminded me of Sarah Palin in Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 12:04 PM (9yWhg)

311 It is simply wonderful. I encourage the Vienna-Prague-Budapest combined 2-week trip.
Posted by: Archimedes

If you like history, Malta is an amazing place to visit. Off the beaten path, not too expensive, and some very interesting sites.

Posted by: Moron Analyst at April 18, 2024 12:04 PM (JCZqz)

312 "Glow-up" is perhaps my least favorite of the Zoomer slang.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 12:04 PM (HnUIn)

313 One has to admit the Israelis really come up with cool names for their weapons systems. Iron Dome, Sling of David, Jericho and so forth.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at April 18, 2024 12:04 PM (0EOe9)

314 Which leaves Iran only with us. The new Israel.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:29 AM (HnUIn)

------------------

It leaves Iran only with the Obama regime. Never mind though, they will always have Germany.

Posted by: Decaf at April 18, 2024 12:04 PM (unUNN)

315 Asking for my caddie...

-

That brings up something interesting.

Watch the LPGA. You'd think they'd have female caddies, wouldn't you?

Posted by: Moron Robbie supports women working until they're 80 years old. You go, girls! at April 18, 2024 12:05 PM (qQsNc)

316 Is "glow-up" a reference to nuclear war?

Posted by: Moron Robbie supports women working until they're 80 years old. You go, girls! at April 18, 2024 12:05 PM (qQsNc)

317 But given that they told us, I doubt this was supposed to be a major start to a bigger conflict. I think it was more about testing defenses and assessing capability.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:58 AM (HnUIn)

Also perhaps, a bit of face-saving after the strike at the Embassy in Syria.
Israel knew it was coming...have heard through several sources that they got some good intel from very surprising sources, several of them Arab. A lot of folks don't like Iran/the Mullahs.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:05 PM (W/lyH)

318 It leaves Iran only with the Obama regime. Never mind though, they will always have Germany.
Posted by: Decaf at April 18, 2024 12:04 PM (unUNN)
++++
This may be a distinction without a difference. Our elected - or even "elected" - government is less relevant than ever.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 12:06 PM (HnUIn)

319 >Boeing Engineer Testifies in the Senate It’s Just a Matter of Time Before a Catastrophic Disaster ...

is there another kind?

Posted by: Don Black at April 18, 2024 12:06 PM (oCjPU)

320 198
‘Sir, just let go of the rebar.’
“Ow! You’re hurting my hand! OW!”
‘Sir, Are you sure you won’t comply?’
“OWW! They’re hurting me!”
(Withdraws pistol. Blows Hamasshole’s brains all over barrel)
‘Right. Who’s next?’

Posted by: Dr. Claw at April 18, 2024 12:06 PM (jbnUc)

321 312 "Glow-up" is perhaps my least favorite of the Zoomer slang.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

Skibidi rizzler fanum tax gyatt Ohio!

Posted by: Super Zoomer Meme at April 18, 2024 12:06 PM (JCZqz)

322 Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:05 PM (W/lyH)

Didn’t Jordan shot down a few drones?

Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 12:06 PM (MNhXM)

323 If you like history, Malta is an amazing place to visit. Off the beaten path, not too expensive, and some very interesting sites.

My dad was stationed there when I was 3-5, and since I attended the local Brit school, I spoke with a very post British accent. I haven't been back since, but would very much like to go.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 12:06 PM (CsUN+)

324 The only first strike that could be effective could only be nuclear, and I don't think they want to go there.

Israel's smartest move would be just to destroy Iran's economy especially its oil industry.

It would hurt all of their enemies from Iran to Joe Biden...

Posted by: 18-1 at April 18, 2024 12:07 PM (ibTVg)

325 My dad was stationed there when I was 3-5, and since I attended the local Brit school, I spoke with a very post British accent. I haven't been back since, but would very much like to go.

posh, not post.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 12:07 PM (CsUN+)

326 Is "glow-up" a reference to nuclear war?
Posted by: Moron Robbie supports women working until they're 80 years old. You go, girls! at April 18, 2024 12:05 PM (qQsNc)
++++
LOL! No. If so, that would be hilarious, like "bottled sunshine" is hilarious.

It means a makeover or similar, or an improvement in something. "I went to the salon and got a glow-up" or "I bought new furniture and gave my room a glow-up" or "I got my certification and my career got a glow-up."

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 12:07 PM (HnUIn)

327 COB bench depth is ridiculous. Nice post Diogenes.
Posted by: Kratwurst

There is a deep well of knowledge in the grey boxes. The kind that comes from both education and the wisdom gained from experience. We don't have any "experts", which is comforting. Humility is a trademark of those who stand upon a firm foundation. Appreciate the thread Mr. D. Well done as always.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * expert procrastinator at April 18, 2024 12:07 PM (q0ssf)

328 Don't get MAD. . . get The Congress of Vienna!

Posted by: RS at April 18, 2024 12:07 PM (E7m29)

329 Skibidi rizzler fanum tax gyatt Ohio!
Posted by: Super Zoomer Meme at April 18, 2024 12:06 PM (JCZqz)

And yet they balk at studying latin

Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 12:08 PM (GkFGh)

330 Heh. I'm glad you do something you enjoy so much. My approach to landscaping is, "looks good enough that my neighbors don't hate me."
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 12:03 PM (HnUIn)
---
I've been trying the "cut it down, liberally apply napalm in the hope it doesn't grow back" approach. Not sure how well it's working.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 12:08 PM (7fElN)

331 oe Mannix, have you ever been to Prague? If so, what was your impression of it?

That place is on my bucket list.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at April 18, 2024 11:57 AM (9yWhg)
++++
Never have, no. I've heard wonderful things, though, and even more good things about smaller villages.

It is simply wonderful. I encourage the Vienna-Prague-Budapest combined 2-week trip.
Posted by: Archimedes at April 18, 2024 12:01 PM (CsUN+)
***

Put it at the top of the list! A beautiful city and wonderful people. And a great irish bar in the old city called O'Shea's.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:08 PM (W/lyH)

332 The NYC Trump trial started the day with 7 jurors.
Juror #2 asked to be released after friend and relatives started asking her if she was a juror
Juror #4 was asked to appear at the judges chambers, but didn't show

Posted by: SMOD at April 18, 2024 12:08 PM (RHGPo)

333 Didn’t Jordan shot down a few drones?
Posted by: polynikes at

Damn I didnt realize Jordan was that good of a shot! You go girl!

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 12:09 PM (CIS44)

334 She'd be the recipient of every racist term I could muster up, three inches away from her face. Along with a smack upside her head. Working in Newark for many years changed me for life. I take no prisoners.
Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy now with twice the crazy

No joke, well, OK, it's a joke but also it's true, she was Loyola's Anti Racism Center Fellow for 2022-2023. Because racism is, like, bad, mmmkay?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 12:09 PM (FVME7)

335 Air strikes seem to have been effective in the past.
Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 12:03 PM (MNhXM)

Israel is not close enough to stage long range airstrikes without US support, and permission of the Saudi's to do a flyover (which they may not give) A reminder - the US officially estimated in 2022 that Iran has over 3,000 ballistic missiles in its arsenal - they only used 115 older ones in their "attack". A full strike by Iran would totally overload defenses and probably destroy most of Tel Aviv. Now, Iran doesn't do that because of Israel's nuclear deterrent, but we shouldn't forget that those missiles are there.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 18, 2024 12:09 PM (i9ffA)

336 Nice job, Diogenes

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Anti-Marxist, buy ammo at April 18, 2024 12:09 PM (xcxpd)

337 There is a deep well of knowledge in the grey boxes. The kind that comes from both education and the wisdom gained from experience. We don't have any "experts", which is comforting. Humility is a trademark of those who stand upon a firm foundation. Appreciate the thread Mr. D. Well done as always.
Posted by: Sock Monkey * expert procrastinator at April 18, 2024 12:07 PM (q0ssf)

Thank you.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:09 PM (W/lyH)

338 I know you have to be a regular COB to get enrolled in the lucrative dental plan, but what does a guest Blogger get? Two rolls of dental floss? A pack of Stim-u-dents? colored tooth picks?

Posted by: Pulp Fiction at April 18, 2024 12:09 PM (V5BDR)

339 Skibidi rizzler fanum tax gyatt Ohio!
Posted by: Super Zoomer Meme at April 18, 2024
*
And yet they balk at studying latin
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024

***
Wasn't Gyatt Earp that guy at the OK Corral . . .?

Posted by: Typical Gen Z-er at April 18, 2024 12:09 PM (J2vNu)

340 All of this fear mongering from many on here and all over about "Iran having the bomb" was bullshit.

Even if they had it there was nothing they could do with it.

Posted by: anon at April 18, 2024 12:10 PM (RqMDa)

341 ["Diogenes" has multiple graduate degrees with a focus on the Middle East, and an Army Intelligence Officer graduate of both the Army and USMC Command and Staff Colleges.]

JEEPERS !

So I guess he's no dummy !

Posted by: JT at April 18, 2024 12:10 PM (T4tVD)

342 Israel's smartest move would be just to destroy Iran's economy especially its oil industry.

It would hurt all of their enemies from Iran to Joe Biden...
Posted by: 18-1 at April 18, 2024 12:07 PM (ibTVg)
---
The downside to this is pissing off Iran's customers who rely on Iran for their own economies, thus inflaming even *more* countries into acting against Israel.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 12:10 PM (7fElN)

343 "Mannix, have you ever been to Prague?"

Been there twice. Once when it was Commie. The most depressing place on Earth.

Once after Communism.

Loved it. Great vibe and dirt cheap.

Posted by: RS at April 18, 2024 12:10 PM (E7m29)

344 "and in enough quantity to cover the country. "

And the natural instinct is to guard the "high value targets" FIRST..... which is likely to be detected, and serves as a "Shoot me first" sign on the target.

Posted by: SDN at April 18, 2024 12:11 PM (2gqBa)

345 Didn’t Jordan shot down a few drones?
Posted by: polynikes at April 18, 2024 12:06 PM (MNhXM)

I have read that they did. No idea what the breakout of who shot down what. But you know fighter pilots...all claiming to be Ace's.
;-)
Jordan also provided some key intel as well.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:11 PM (W/lyH)

346 I don't know who this Many On Here guy everyone talks about is but he sounds like a dick.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 12:11 PM (GkFGh)

347 Put it at the top of the list! A beautiful city and wonderful people. And a great irish bar in the old city called O'Shea's.
Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024

Prague is great. I have been to Vienna a few times, Prague once and never Budapest. I am probably going to go back to Prague with my friend who found out he has lung cancer. He lived there 3 years, so we would go visit old colleagues we are in touch with.

Posted by: Piper at April 18, 2024 12:11 PM (ZdaMQ)

348 I have read that they did. No idea what the breakout of who shot down what. But you know fighter pilots...all claiming to be Ace's.
;-)
Jordan also provided some key intel as well.
Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:11 PM (W/lyH)

From all the way in the PNW?

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Anti-Marxist, buy ammo at April 18, 2024 12:11 PM (xcxpd)

349 Anti-racism?

Pffft. My employer today announced a "Policy on Policies."

Not kidding. You know how they say nowadys, 'You can't make this stuff up"? Of course you could . . . but twenty years ago, people would have thought it an SNL sketch; fifty years ago, a movie parody done by Carol Burnett.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 18, 2024 12:12 PM (J2vNu)

350 pilots...all claiming to be Ace's.
;-)
Jordan also provided some key intel as well.
Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:11 PM (W/lyH)

TOP SHELF

Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 18, 2024 12:12 PM (GkFGh)

351 Israel's smartest move would be just to destroy Iran's economy especially its oil industry.

It would hurt all of their enemies from Iran to Joe Biden...
Posted by: 18-1 at April 18, 2024 12:07 PM (ibTVg)

That is actually easier to do than anyone wished to admit. Kharg Island. Almost all of Iran's petroleum exports of all kinds are processed and shipped out of Kharg Island, a huge petrochemical facility.

So why is it unlikely Israel will touch it? Because that would not just hurt Iran, it would also destroy Europe and China's economies as well, and their collapse would probably collapse the US economy as well. That's the jenga block that could bring it all down.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 18, 2024 12:12 PM (i9ffA)

352 I know you have to be a regular COB to get enrolled in the lucrative dental plan, but what does a guest Blogger get? Two rolls of dental floss? A pack of Stim-u-dents? colored tooth picks?
Posted by: Pulp Fiction at April 18, 2024 12:09 PM (V5BDR)
---
Us "Open Bloggers" get a nice glossy photo of a pack of Trident chewing gum, recommended by 4 out of 5 dentists, with a coupon for $0.10 off a pack if we buy two packs.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 12:13 PM (7fElN)

353 The US Navy is claiming to have downed the most drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Not Israel..
===
So what cost more? The attack with drones, slow missles and ballistics, or all the misses fired from ground ships and planes??? And how quickly can the defensive missiles be replenished??? Those ship based missiles don't come cheap and restocking takes how long?

Posted by: No strategos at April 18, 2024 12:13 PM (FtmW0)

354 352 I know you have to be a regular COB to get enrolled in the lucrative dental plan, but what does a guest Blogger get? Two rolls of dental floss? A pack of Stim-u-dents? colored tooth picks?
Posted by: Pulp Fiction at April 18, 2024 12:09 PM (V5BDR)
---
Us "Open Bloggers" get a nice glossy photo of a pack of Trident chewing gum, recommended by 4 out of 5 dentists, with a coupon for $0.10 off a pack if we buy two packs.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 12:13 PM (7fElN)

======

Just fyi, the coupon expired in 1972.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (GBKbO)

355 Us "Open Bloggers" get a nice glossy photo of a pack of Trident chewing gum, recommended by 4 out of 5 dentists, with a coupon for $0.10 off a pack if we buy two packs.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 12:13 PM (7fElN)

What did the 5th dentist recommend?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (Zz0t1)

356 Trump Media tells shareholders how to block their DJT stock being loaned to short sellers

Trump Media in an update to a FAQ on its website provided tips to shareholders on how to avoid their stock being loaned out for short selling.
The tips come as the share price of DJT has plunged since March 26, when the company that owns the Truth Social app began being publicly traded.
Trump Media’s biggest shareholder is Donald Trump, the former president who is set to receive the Republican presidential nomination this summer.

.. not sure exactly what use this is as "naked shorts" have been traded for years

Posted by: SMOD at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (RHGPo)

357 What did the 5th dentist recommend?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden a

This is a family blog

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (CIS44)

358 I know you have to be a regular COB to get enrolled in the lucrative dental plan, but what does a guest Blogger get? Two rolls of dental floss? A pack of Stim-u-dents? colored tooth picks?
Posted by: Pulp Fiction at April 18, 2024 12:09 PM (V5BDR)
---
Us "Open Bloggers" get a nice glossy photo of a pack of Trident chewing gum, recommended by 4 out of 5 dentists, with a coupon for $0.10 off a pack if we buy two packs.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 12:13 PM (7fElN)
***

Heh. You got a photo.
CBD promised me he'd send me his old toothbrush!

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (W/lyH)

359 Just fyi, the coupon expired in 1972.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (GBKbO)
---
That explains why the clerk at Walmart looked at me funny...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (7fElN)

360 355 What did the 5th dentist recommend?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (Zz0t1)

=======

Big Pharma branded lithium.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, fighting kaiju with Ishiro Honda at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (GBKbO)

361 Jordan also provided some key intel as well.
Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:11 PM (W/lyH)

Jordan provides intel AND bacon?!?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (Zz0t1)

362 >. All of this fear mongering from many on here and all over about "Iran having the bomb" was bullshit.

Even if they had it there was nothing they could do with it.

Posted by: anon

---

would you bet your life on that?

Posted by: Don Black at April 18, 2024 12:15 PM (oCjPU)

363 Gender Activists Refuse to Follow The Science On Child Transitions

-
Science is that global warming causes earthquakes and eclipses, not that there are only two sexes.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 12:15 PM (FVME7)

364 > The US Navy is claiming to have downed the most drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Not Israel..
___________

Wonder where the boat were that allegedly did this? Persian Gulf, Eastern Med? They'd have to be fairly close to the flight path...

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 18, 2024 12:15 PM (Q4IgG)

365 This is a family blog

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 12:14 PM (CIS44)

I thought it was a smart military blog?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 12:15 PM (Zz0t1)

366 Jordan provides intel AND bacon?!?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden

a woman of many talents

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 12:15 PM (CIS44)

367 Dickey Betts RIP

Posted by: mr tmz at April 18, 2024 12:15 PM (rJ48h)

368 > What did the 5th dentist recommend?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden a

Beech Nut

Posted by: Don Black at April 18, 2024 12:15 PM (oCjPU)

369 I thought it was a smart military blog?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden a

oh yah thats right...

Posted by: BruceWayne at April 18, 2024 12:15 PM (CIS44)

370
Thanks Diogenes. Interesting discussion.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at April 18, 2024 12:16 PM (RKVpM)

371 What did the 5th dentist recommend?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024

***
Booster shots.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 18, 2024 12:16 PM (J2vNu)

372 NOODlum.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at April 18, 2024 12:16 PM (Zz0t1)

373 One side thought: It would absolutely be in the best interests of those involved in the defense against Iran's attack to willfully obfuscate who and which systems shot down what, in order to preserve uncertainty about capabilities. As such I don't read a whole lot into the nature of the support, because it was probably intended to muddy the waters in that regard.

Posted by: Brother Tim sez Nick Saban for President! at April 18, 2024 12:17 PM (OUMaO)

374
Subs of their own, and a robust patrol fleet.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo
----------------------

Big fat German subs.

Posted by: Braenyard at April 18, 2024 12:17 PM (zAwg5)

375 ["Diogenes" has multiple graduate degrees with a focus on the Middle East, and an Army Intelligence Officer graduate of both the Army and USMC Command and Staff Colleges.]

-
And yet a Moron.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at April 18, 2024 12:17 PM (FVME7)

376 Just in:
Schumer to allow debate on Mayorkas impeachment.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 18, 2024 12:17 PM (t/2Uw)

377 Raise the cost of oil by hitting Kharg island and you might topple the despots in Europe and the US.

And Israel should be prioritizing removing Biden anyway. He is NOT going to attack Israel so anything he does can be undone by Trump anyway...

Posted by: 18-1 at April 18, 2024 12:17 PM (ibTVg)

378 Google "nood"

Posted by: andycanuck (vtyCZ) at April 18, 2024 12:18 PM (vtyCZ)

379 Israel's smartest move would be just to destroy Iran's economy especially its oil industry.

It would hurt all of their enemies from Iran to Joe Biden...
Posted by: 18-1 at April 18, 2024 12:07 PM (ibTVg)

In the back of my mind is one response Israel could do.
Launch one missile for Tehran. Non-nuclear and it descends over the heart of the city and detonates a 1000 pound explosive at an altitude of say...5000 feet.
Message sent!

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:18 PM (W/lyH)

380 RIP Dickey Betts.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at April 18, 2024 11:53 AM (R4t5M)
====================
Listening to "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed" right now, one of my all-time favorite Dickey Betts tunes

Posted by: The Frumious Follywood at April 18, 2024 12:18 PM (rlcRU)

381 The US Navy is claiming to have downed the most drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Not Israel..
___________

Wonder where the boat were that allegedly did this? Persian Gulf, Eastern Med? They'd have to be fairly close to the flight path...
Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 18, 2024 12:15 PM (Q4IgG)
***

Some missiles were fired from Yemen. I'm thinking the Navy nailed those.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:19 PM (W/lyH)

382 how does it make sense for a country to secretly have nukes? I suppose there is some use for a country to be coy about it (a la Israel), so that everyone else wonders "do they or don't they", but really, having nukes is much better strategically if everyone knows you have nukes.
Posted by: Meanwhile . . . . at April 18, 2024 11:59 AM (ky+MF)

I think having people strongly suspect you have nukes is just about the same thing.

But I don't know how you secretly have ballistic missiles.

Posted by: TexasDan at April 18, 2024 12:19 PM (z/ifB)

383
>Boeing Engineer Testifies in the Senate It’s Just a Matter of Time Before a Catastrophic Disaster ...

Stay away from Cannibal Island.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at April 18, 2024 12:19 PM (63Dwl)

384 Thanks you everyone for sitting in and participating.
Always fun to chat.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 18, 2024 12:20 PM (W/lyH)

385 I didnt realize Jordan was that good of a shot! You go girl!

You ain't jokin'. Princess Salma, the king's daughter, was in on it.

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at April 18, 2024 12:20 PM (zdLoL)

386 I saw Classic Nuking Yourself in the Foot open for Mannheim Steamroller at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap in '03.

Posted by: ShainS -- Blood-Bath-and-Beyond angel investor at April 18, 2024 12:21 PM (8skTE)

387 But I doubt all or even most of it was all in Shekels. My guess is that most of it was USD, and that a bunch those USD originated on Iran-bound pallets. Just guessing, though.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at April 18, 2024 11:43 AM (HnUIn)

------------------

My guess is UN or foreign aid money or both.

Posted by: Decaf at April 18, 2024 12:21 PM (unUNN)

388 >>> the Russians put theirs around Moscow.

If you ever wanted proof that MAD worked because Russians also loved their children.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 18, 2024 12:21 PM (50n2b)

389 Diogenes if you are still here what did you do/still do employment wise with all those degrees?

Posted by: anon at April 18, 2024 12:24 PM (RqMDa)

390 ‘Sir, just let go of the rebar.’
“Ow! You’re hurting my hand! OW!”
‘Sir, Are you sure you won’t comply?’
“OWW! They’re hurting me!”
(Withdraws pistol. Blows Hamasshole’s brains all over barrel)
‘Right. Who’s next?’
Posted by: Dr. Claw at April 18, 2024 12:06 PM (jbnUc)

I'd have just drilled holes in the barrels, just clearing the 'tards' hands, and inserted a half-stick of dynamite, and lit the fuse. "This fuse will burn for about 30 seconds. Your move, assholes."

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 18, 2024 12:25 PM (tkR6S)

391 Maybe the PTB and Diogenes will decide to do a weekly military update article.

Posted by: Braenyard at April 18, 2024 12:35 PM (zAwg5)

392 >>> detonates a 1000 pound explosive at an altitude of say...5000 feet.
Message sent!

Posted by: Diogenes
----------------------

Would that be an EMP?

Posted by: Braenyard at April 18, 2024 12:39 PM (zAwg5)

393 Iran built it's auto/vehicle industries around gas & oil consumption but now it has to contend with EVs and electrical grids to compete.

No wonder it's so stinking miserable. 😞😜

Posted by: L - If they don't with you, they'll do it to you, too at April 18, 2024 12:50 PM (sNfg5)

394 Diogenes: I truly admire your academic and real world experience, but have you taken into account that the Mad Mullahs and a lot of higher ranking Iranians are Twelvers? They honestly believe that the more chaos here on Earth, the closer the Twelfth Iman is to popping out of his well and turning the entire world into an Islamic paradise. They honestly don't care if Iran gets turned into a glass parking lot.

Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- I stand with Israel and all Jews everywhere at April 18, 2024 01:20 PM (ET1Q8)

395 340 All of this fear mongering from many on here and all over about "Iran having the bomb" was bullshit.

Even if they had it there was nothing they could do with it.
Posted by: anon at April 18, 2024 12:10 PM (RqMDa)

Just having it is enough.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 02:31 PM (nvtOt)

396 The start of all this was Biden's shutting down the oil and gas industry in the US. It allowed Russia to go to war in Ukraine. It is allowing Iran to reclaim billions in order to continue it's oil exports. It's allowed the rise of Venezuela. All this is not ideological but economic. Israel's huge oil find changes the dynamic dramatically so Iran needs to shut it down. Turkey is complicit. Helped shut down an Israeli pipeline to Europe. Now Turkey is entertaining Haniyah. Turkey is also not worling in the West's best interests.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 18, 2024 11:50 AM (t/2Uw)

Late to the party as usual, but you nailed it. The world was quieter when Trump was in officer because he was content to let the drilling happen.
On August 20, 2017, I paid $2.13 a gallon to chase the shadow. Over a dollar more this past April 8.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at April 18, 2024 02:38 PM (nvtOt)

397 Thanks, Diogenes!

Posted by: m at April 18, 2024 04:06 PM (o3SCB)

398 Diogenes
....

The Iranian attack was supposed to be a unitary Time on Top swamp the missile defense swarm.
Yawn. We did that a lot in WWII with just artillery.

What was unusual was Brit, French, and esp.
Jordanian and Saudi air forces adding to Israel's defenses.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 18, 2024 11:08 AM (u82oZ)
==
I have read elsewhere the Iranians broadcasted their intentions for the attack, and actually were in the Swiss embassy detailing when and where and what was coming. The Swiss handle our diplomatic relations in Iran. So we knew well ahead of time. This was a face saving measure, and social media post attack bears this out with misrepresented photos to show the Iranian population how glorious the mullahs were doing against the Jewish dogs of Little Satan.

Posted by: Black JEM at April 18, 2024 04:49 PM (GZYu7)

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