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On The One Hand, Iran's Economy Is imploding...On The Other Hand, The Mullahs And IRGC Are Willing To Suffer A Lot!
We Need More Hands!
Every second that goes by weakens the Iranian attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz. There are multiple projects underway to create the infrastructure to bypass the chokepoint of Hormuz, and not just pipelines that bypass it. Shale oil, fracking, horizontal drilling, vast improvements in techniques to maximize production in existing wells, reopening huge oil fields like in the North Sea, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and the Trump administration push to make America an energy exporter have all contributed to the decrease in the importance of Hormuz, and Iran's power over the world oil economy.
Guyana is becoming a serious producer, Venezuela's oil industry slide into unimportance has been stopped, even Canada is quietly producing for their customers in the Pacific. But...the Mullahs and the IRGC are willing to cause massive damage to the people and the economy of Iran to further their geopolitical goal of a religious armageddon. They will not surrender, and they will not relieve the pressure on the people...they simply don't care. Their goal is simple...survive to continue their quest for the destruction of Israel, America, and the West. But...their blockade, incomplete as it may be, is cementing their position as the enemy of the Gulf states, and it will have far-reaching consequences both diplomatically and economically for years to come. The massive American and Israeli military response to Iran has destroyed most of the military industrial capacity, has destroyed most of their missile stocks and anti-aircraft capability, and has killed a huge number of their senior leadership, which has created a massive power struggle across the Mullahcracy and the IRGC. But...American resolve has an expiration date. The United States is not in the business of colonialism, and when we tried it, we failed miserably, so "fixing" Iran is not and hopefully will not be a part of our geopolitical goals. The Mullahs and the IRGC believe that simply waiting us out will be a win. But...economic pressure, coupled with a Western naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz will gradually erode the ability of the Mullahs and the IRGC to control the Iranian people and to project power through their terrorist proxies. It will also take Iran and Hormuz off the front page, since economic warfare and boring escorting of commercial vessels is far less interesting for the hysterical media. But...President Trump is fanatical about the appearance of a deal, and perhaps he will settle for a public deal that sounds good but has no substance. But...it is entirely possible that Iran is on the brink. They do not have the foreign exchange to purchase enough gasoline to run their economy, their central planning has been destroyed, the death of Khamenei Senior has left a huge hole in the message being conveyed to the faithful. The Mullahcracy might just wither away. But...The IRGC is dug in like ticks, and getting rid of them will be a massive undertaking. Even if the Mullahs fade into nothing, the IRGC will be a danger, at least until they become a priority target of the American armed forces. Or even better: the Persian people! See my point? The perspective on the Iranian situation is complex, and there are rational arguments to be made from most sane sides. One reason stands out...we are dealing with a mindset that is completely foreign to Western culture. There is no risk/benefit calculation being made in Tehran. There is no sensitivity to civilian casualties. There is no sense of honor or respect during "negotiations." There is no cultural imperative for truth. There is one goal, and the means justifies the end to an extent that most westerners cannot comprehend. That of course supports one clear strategy...the total destruction of the Mullahs and the IRGC. Whether that happens economically or militarily remains to be seen, but there will be no end to the Iranian Problem until that occurs!Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
BOING!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at August 16, 2026 12:01 PM (MOPlc)
2
g'early afternoon, 'rons
g'early afternoon, 'rons
Posted by: AltonJackson at August 16, 2026 12:03 PM (AMvSw)
3
https://youtu.be/3iiFVpfOVr4
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at August 16, 2026 12:04 PM (MOPlc)
4
I need more toys
Posted by: what the cat drug in at August 16, 2026 12:04 PM (jrgJz)
5
Good afternoon everyone
Posted by: Skip at August 16, 2026 12:04 PM (Ia/+0)
6
There are some rumors of arms making it to the "Iranian People", and I guess there is still the non-IRGC police/military force, as well? Seems the Iranian people would be ready to do more than act as sheep to the slaughter while they protest peacefully, and maybe a lot of them are more aggressively active than I/we can see.
Hard to say ... would be nice to hear of constant IRGC deaths, rather than IRGC killing of civilian protesters.
Hard to say ... would be nice to hear of constant IRGC deaths, rather than IRGC killing of civilian protesters.
Posted by: illiniwek at August 16, 2026 12:08 PM (vbXSk)
7
But...the Mullahs and the IRGC are willing to cause massive damage to the people and the economy of Iran to further their geopolitical goal of a religious armageddon.
Their "religion" requires them to do whatever they can to bring on the gotterdammerung, even if that means destroying themselves.
Their "religion" requires them to do whatever they can to bring on the gotterdammerung, even if that means destroying themselves.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at August 16, 2026 12:10 PM (cpFbA)
8
But...The IRGC is dug in like ticks, and getting rid of them will be a massive undertaking.
We are going to need a shitload of petroleum jelly and matches.
We are going to need a shitload of petroleum jelly and matches.
Posted by: Count de Monet, folklore healing while-u-wait at August 16, 2026 12:11 PM (wVcYX)
9
>>But...the Mullahs and the IRGC are willing to cause massive damage to the people and the economy of Iran to further their geopolitical goal of a religious armageddon.
Not my circus, not my clowns. The Iranian people will either grow a pair or they won't.
How's the rest working out for the diaper heads?
Anyone hear from Hamas recently? Hezbollah? The Houthis just got their shit pushed in and went back into their holes.
Pickaxe Mountain looks more like Pickaxe festering wound. And if the goat fuckers get frisky we can always send another message from Missouri. Air mail.
Hormuz will be a distant memory in a year.
I don't remember the day that al Qaeda ceased to be a threat but I do remember like it was 5 minutes ago, because it was, that I stopped thinking about al Qaeda. Take the win. Leave the cannoli.
Not my circus, not my clowns. The Iranian people will either grow a pair or they won't.
How's the rest working out for the diaper heads?
Anyone hear from Hamas recently? Hezbollah? The Houthis just got their shit pushed in and went back into their holes.
Pickaxe Mountain looks more like Pickaxe festering wound. And if the goat fuckers get frisky we can always send another message from Missouri. Air mail.
Hormuz will be a distant memory in a year.
I don't remember the day that al Qaeda ceased to be a threat but I do remember like it was 5 minutes ago, because it was, that I stopped thinking about al Qaeda. Take the win. Leave the cannoli.
Posted by: JackStraw at August 16, 2026 12:13 PM (viF8m)
10
The Iranian public demonstrated some cunning early in the conflict with their ability to take down some of the secret police and finger IRGC high value targets.
They're not helpless.
And for God's sake, don't try to funnel arms into the country with some sketchy 3rd party like the Kurds. Because, fuck them.
They're not helpless.
And for God's sake, don't try to funnel arms into the country with some sketchy 3rd party like the Kurds. Because, fuck them.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 16, 2026 12:14 PM (2Cry5)
11
I still hope that at some point, either soon or after the midterms, Trump will launch another massive bombing spree, at least to accelerate the deterioration of Iran's economy, and maybe conquer or demolish Kharg Island.
Posted by: PG at August 16, 2026 12:14 PM (qln0f)
12
7 But...the Mullahs and the IRGC are willing to cause massive damage to the people and the economy of Iran to further their geopolitical goal of a religious armageddon.
Their "religion" requires them to do whatever they can to bring on the gotterdammerung, even if that means destroying themselves.
Posted by: Mister Scott
I think it is beyond religion at this point--it is more to the point that those in power have done such unspeakable crimes that they cannot relinquish control or be killed by their own people.
I think like for the old Soviet Union, no one believes anything anymore at the top of the regime other than survival, saving as much of their wealth as they can, and staying in power precisely because they are cornered rats.
Late stage 3rd Reich was that way too--underlings believed in the bullshit, especially the kiddies, but the elite were busy making exit plans while the regime collapsed around them.
Their "religion" requires them to do whatever they can to bring on the gotterdammerung, even if that means destroying themselves.
Posted by: Mister Scott
I think it is beyond religion at this point--it is more to the point that those in power have done such unspeakable crimes that they cannot relinquish control or be killed by their own people.
I think like for the old Soviet Union, no one believes anything anymore at the top of the regime other than survival, saving as much of their wealth as they can, and staying in power precisely because they are cornered rats.
Late stage 3rd Reich was that way too--underlings believed in the bullshit, especially the kiddies, but the elite were busy making exit plans while the regime collapsed around them.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 12:14 PM (E4rtv)
13
The far, far left is disappoint with the far, far, far left.
Former Bernie Sanders Operative Warns Radical Left Has “Overtaken” Democratic Party
Former Bernie Sanders Operative Warns Radical Left Has “Overtaken” Democratic Party
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fear Me! at August 16, 2026 12:16 PM (ndZc7)
14
The mullets: "some of you will die, others hurt, but it's a risk we're willing to take"
Posted by: man at August 16, 2026 12:16 PM (cGjQu)
15
This war is STILL going on??
It's been MONTHS?!?!
I thought I did see someone on a news show talkihg about Iranians getting arms through the CIA.
But I could have been hallucinating.
It's been MONTHS?!?!
I thought I did see someone on a news show talkihg about Iranians getting arms through the CIA.
But I could have been hallucinating.
Posted by: Stateless - keeping 15 year Ralphy happy and alive. Puppy at heart at August 16, 2026 12:17 PM (Sco7b)
16
There is one goal, and the means justifies the end to an extent that most westerners cannot comprehend.
↑ Even that statement is Western oriented. ↑
You will get more mileage from:
I take from you, good. You take from me, bad.
Where Good and Bad are expressed in terms of emotion and pragmatics, not from a moral framework.
↑ Even that statement is Western oriented. ↑
You will get more mileage from:
I take from you, good. You take from me, bad.
Where Good and Bad are expressed in terms of emotion and pragmatics, not from a moral framework.
Posted by: Community Notes at August 16, 2026 12:18 PM (a4flb)
17
I predict pain.
Treasury Secretary Bessent Says U.S. Set to Deliver “Never Seen Before” Economic Pain on Iran
Treasury Secretary Bessent Says U.S. Set to Deliver “Never Seen Before” Economic Pain on Iran
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fear Me! at August 16, 2026 12:19 PM (ndZc7)
18
I would take the guess like Nazi Germany or Soviet Russia or better Hungarian revolt , a revolt will be taken down hard and fast
Posted by: Skip at August 16, 2026 12:19 PM (Ia/+0)
19
CBD:
Did you see my comment the other day that Aldi's is selling "Frozen Ice Cubes" that are very large and clear. Something about reverse osmosis and slow-melting. $4.99 for four.
And I thought selling water in bottles was a rip off!
Did you see my comment the other day that Aldi's is selling "Frozen Ice Cubes" that are very large and clear. Something about reverse osmosis and slow-melting. $4.99 for four.
And I thought selling water in bottles was a rip off!
Posted by: IrishEi?! at August 16, 2026 12:19 PM (3ImbR)
20
Muslim Iran is a cancer to civilization. There is no negotiating with cancer. It has to be killed. Period.
Posted by: Pip McGuigin at August 16, 2026 12:20 PM (6bKx+)
21
whig, I concur. I also think in Russia, Putin's crew (he's certainly not the only problem at the top) is getting out over their skis a bit but not yet direly, but economics inside Russia can't possibly be as healthy as they claim. Wouldn't be surprised if someone pulls a Yeltsin in the next few years, if it doesn't all collapse first.
Posted by: RandomDave (if you can spare a bit, please click) at August 16, 2026 12:21 PM (aJQbY)
22
Something about reverse osmosis and slow-melting. $4.99 for four.
And I thought selling water in bottles was a rip off!
Posted by: IrishEi?! at August 16, 2026 12:19 PM (3ImbR)
I can make 12 every 60 hours, plus awesome shards from the extra around the molds. It costs me about 10 cents in electricity.
Total expenditure is about $30 for the cooler, the molds, and the plastic test tube tray to keep the molds above the bottom of the cooler.
It's easy.
And I thought selling water in bottles was a rip off!
Posted by: IrishEi?! at August 16, 2026 12:19 PM (3ImbR)
I can make 12 every 60 hours, plus awesome shards from the extra around the molds. It costs me about 10 cents in electricity.
Total expenditure is about $30 for the cooler, the molds, and the plastic test tube tray to keep the molds above the bottom of the cooler.
It's easy.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 16, 2026 12:22 PM (l4RKn)
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at August 16, 2026 12:22 PM (XE5AP)
24
11 I still hope that at some point, either soon or after the midterms, Trump will launch another massive bombing spree, at least to accelerate the deterioration of Iran's economy, and maybe conquer or demolish Kharg Island.
Posted by: PG
Not much reason to put US troops on an island so that they can be barraged by drones, missiles, etc. and you have to run a gauntlet to deliver supplies to them.
Easier to just prevent any ships from departing right now which we are doing. No ships carrying Iranian crude being able to leave Persian Gulf, no oil revenue.
Kharg is one of those targets we can hit if we want at any time but it won't hasten the end of the IRGC simply because the revenue from it is cut off anyway.
Better to cut off the Iranian islands around the Hormuz and let those troops on those islands rot from lack of supply. We did the same thing to Japanese in WWII, bypassed the strongholds but cut off the logistics for Japanese troops to be resupplied.
Posted by: PG
Not much reason to put US troops on an island so that they can be barraged by drones, missiles, etc. and you have to run a gauntlet to deliver supplies to them.
Easier to just prevent any ships from departing right now which we are doing. No ships carrying Iranian crude being able to leave Persian Gulf, no oil revenue.
Kharg is one of those targets we can hit if we want at any time but it won't hasten the end of the IRGC simply because the revenue from it is cut off anyway.
Better to cut off the Iranian islands around the Hormuz and let those troops on those islands rot from lack of supply. We did the same thing to Japanese in WWII, bypassed the strongholds but cut off the logistics for Japanese troops to be resupplied.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 12:22 PM (E4rtv)
25
This war has 30% support. It’s a dead end.
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 12:20 PM (hNsiU)
Go suck your mom's cock.
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 12:20 PM (hNsiU)
Go suck your mom's cock.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 16, 2026 12:22 PM (l4RKn)
26
> Anyone hear from Hamas recently? Hezbollah? The Houthis just got their shit pushed in and went back into their holes.
---------
Know who else we haven't heard from recently?
BLM, Antifa and the "free Palestine" nutjobs. It was supposed to be a violence filled summer, but those outfits apparently don't have access to the funds from SPLC, ActBlue and the other, leftist money laundering outfits being shutdown by the administration.
Lack of funds really puts a crimp in things, don't it?
---------
Know who else we haven't heard from recently?
BLM, Antifa and the "free Palestine" nutjobs. It was supposed to be a violence filled summer, but those outfits apparently don't have access to the funds from SPLC, ActBlue and the other, leftist money laundering outfits being shutdown by the administration.
Lack of funds really puts a crimp in things, don't it?
Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 16, 2026 12:23 PM (2Cry5)
27
Meanwhile, Trump is dropping bombs on the corrupt FBI under Wray on social media.
The sky is yellow and sun is blue and Elvis says I need to go for a walk in the park.
Jerry, Nicky Hopkins, Matt Kelly ... we was kings once.
https://tinyurl.com/3m3cacvx
The sky is yellow and sun is blue and Elvis says I need to go for a walk in the park.
Jerry, Nicky Hopkins, Matt Kelly ... we was kings once.
https://tinyurl.com/3m3cacvx
Posted by: JackStraw at August 16, 2026 12:23 PM (viF8m)
28
Afternoon everyone.
Would really love to see the Persian people rise up against the IRGC.
Kind of tough without being armed.
I do not want to see American troops on the ground in Iran, high time the countries in the region go in and take care of business.
I am excluding Israel from the countries that should have boots on the ground. To much back lash if they were involved in that sort of operation.
My 2 cents.
Would really love to see the Persian people rise up against the IRGC.
Kind of tough without being armed.
I do not want to see American troops on the ground in Iran, high time the countries in the region go in and take care of business.
I am excluding Israel from the countries that should have boots on the ground. To much back lash if they were involved in that sort of operation.
My 2 cents.
Posted by: Scuba_Dude at August 16, 2026 12:23 PM (dZE4s)
29
Article at American Thinker that Islam is a cancer to the world
Posted by: Skip at August 16, 2026 12:23 PM (Ia/+0)
30
The Browns are stating they will win six games this year. The Dolphins haven’t spoken about their prospects yet. The Commanders tell me they have improved.
Posted by: Pudinhead at August 16, 2026 12:24 PM (KGj36)
31
Wouldn't be surprised if someone pulls a Yeltsin in the next few years, if it doesn't all collapse first.
Posted by: RandomDave (if you can spare a bit, please click) at August 16, 2026 12:21 PM (aJQbY)
Putin is being careful to insulate most Russians from the mess in Ukraine. I think he still has significant support.
Posted by: RandomDave (if you can spare a bit, please click) at August 16, 2026 12:21 PM (aJQbY)
Putin is being careful to insulate most Russians from the mess in Ukraine. I think he still has significant support.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 16, 2026 12:25 PM (l4RKn)
32
It is tragic to think that Michael Brown, if he had lived, might now be a Professor at Cambridge...
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at August 16, 2026 12:25 PM (XE5AP)
33
Frozen Ice Cubes"
I bet they're right beside the Tunafish.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at August 16, 2026 12:22 PM (XE5AP)
Neat the ATM machine.
I bet they're right beside the Tunafish.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at August 16, 2026 12:22 PM (XE5AP)
Neat the ATM machine.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at August 16, 2026 12:25 PM (R5BEI)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fear Me! at August 16, 2026 12:26 PM (ndZc7)
35
There are some rumors of arms making it to the "Iranian People", and I guess there is still the non-IRGC police/military force, as well?
One would think that the tens of billions of dollars worth of military surplus left literally next door in Afghanistan a few short years ago would be in country. Why in Hell is there a CIA if a simple arms transfer is beyond their capabilities? Maybe we should get Hillary in on the deal, she was able to arrange Libya/Syria arms transfers.
And a golden opportunity for the Viktor Bout types of this world is going untouched?
Apparently Freedom really is an "Exceptional" attribute.
One would think that the tens of billions of dollars worth of military surplus left literally next door in Afghanistan a few short years ago would be in country. Why in Hell is there a CIA if a simple arms transfer is beyond their capabilities? Maybe we should get Hillary in on the deal, she was able to arrange Libya/Syria arms transfers.
And a golden opportunity for the Viktor Bout types of this world is going untouched?
Apparently Freedom really is an "Exceptional" attribute.
Posted by: Community Notes at August 16, 2026 12:27 PM (a4flb)
36
Iran's economy is so far down in the toilet that this turned into a food thread inside of 20 comments.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 16, 2026 12:28 PM (FZ29D)
37
22 whig, I concur. I also think in Russia, Putin's crew (he's certainly not the only problem at the top) is getting out over their skis a bit but not yet direly, but economics inside Russia can't possibly be as healthy as they claim. Wouldn't be surprised if someone pulls a Yeltsin in the next few years, if it doesn't all collapse first.
Posted by: RandomDave
========
We are in a phase where Russia apparently has no answers to being droned and the Ukrainians have developed their own missiles. Neither apparently are doing much with manned aircraft nowadays. The weak point for Russian military has always been their logistics and that is what the Ukrainians are focused upon. The question is whether Putin orders general mobilization because sheer manpower is the traditional Russian strength--you throw away lives for gaining territory. Very Russian. I also expect more terror against Ukrainian cities by missiles and bombs.
Curious to see if Trans Dneister lasts in such a situation--Romania seems reluctant to poke the bear but Moldova and Romania are getting tired of the bear poking them.
Posted by: RandomDave
========
We are in a phase where Russia apparently has no answers to being droned and the Ukrainians have developed their own missiles. Neither apparently are doing much with manned aircraft nowadays. The weak point for Russian military has always been their logistics and that is what the Ukrainians are focused upon. The question is whether Putin orders general mobilization because sheer manpower is the traditional Russian strength--you throw away lives for gaining territory. Very Russian. I also expect more terror against Ukrainian cities by missiles and bombs.
Curious to see if Trans Dneister lasts in such a situation--Romania seems reluctant to poke the bear but Moldova and Romania are getting tired of the bear poking them.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 12:28 PM (E4rtv)
38
The Browns are stating they will win six games this year. The Dolphins haven’t spoken about their prospects yet. The Commanders tell me they have improved.
Posted by: Pudinhead
I call those bold moves, Cotton. Let's see how they work out for them.
The Browns are stating they will win six games this year. The Dolphins haven’t spoken about their prospects yet. The Commanders tell me they have improved.
Posted by: Pudinhead
I call those bold moves, Cotton. Let's see how they work out for them.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at August 16, 2026 12:28 PM (ixS3i)
39
Trump will launch another massive bombing spree, at least to accelerate the deterioration of Iran's economy, and maybe conquer or demolish Kharg Island.
Posted by: PG at August 16, 2026 12:14 PM (qln0f)
I agree in principle, but disagree on the targets.
I think that we should go after the IRGC hammer and tongs. Anyone affiliated with them too. That is a low cost target. A-10s and Apache's and F-16s shooting cheap guns and missiles.
As for Kharg? No reason to destroy it, and maybe if the Persian people rise up they could use the almost instant revenue from that facility.
Posted by: PG at August 16, 2026 12:14 PM (qln0f)
I agree in principle, but disagree on the targets.
I think that we should go after the IRGC hammer and tongs. Anyone affiliated with them too. That is a low cost target. A-10s and Apache's and F-16s shooting cheap guns and missiles.
As for Kharg? No reason to destroy it, and maybe if the Persian people rise up they could use the almost instant revenue from that facility.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 16, 2026 12:29 PM (l4RKn)
40
Curious to see if Trans Dneister lasts in such a situation--Romania seems reluctant to poke the bear but Moldova and Romania are getting tired of the bear poking them.
Posted by: whig
They ignore the malevolent intentiobs of Cis Dneister at their peril!
Curious to see if Trans Dneister lasts in such a situation--Romania seems reluctant to poke the bear but Moldova and Romania are getting tired of the bear poking them.
Posted by: whig
They ignore the malevolent intentiobs of Cis Dneister at their peril!
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at August 16, 2026 12:30 PM (ixS3i)
41
It's easy.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 16, 2026 12:22 PM (l4RKn)
~~~~~
Aha!
I knew you were interested in them but didn't know you had invested in the equipment to make them.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 16, 2026 12:22 PM (l4RKn)
~~~~~
Aha!
I knew you were interested in them but didn't know you had invested in the equipment to make them.
Posted by: IrishEi?! at August 16, 2026 12:30 PM (3ImbR)
42
One would think that the tens of billions of dollars worth of military surplus left literally next door in Afghanistan a few short years ago would be in country. Why in Hell is there a CIA if a simple arms transfer is beyond their capabilities? Maybe we should get Hillary in on the deal, she was able to arrange Libya/Syria arms transfers.
And a golden opportunity for the Viktor Bout types of this world is going untouched?
Apparently Freedom really is an "Exceptional" attribute.
Posted by: Community Notes
=======
Taliban and Pakistan are pro IRGC for different reasons. Pakistani generals like the double game where they get paid by both sides--mullahs and the Saudis so they win with open trade with mullahs as a portal and they win Saudi money trying to woo them away. Taliban has few friends but can serve as a trade route for Chicom goods and supply while getting a taste of it. They have no love for the US either.
And a golden opportunity for the Viktor Bout types of this world is going untouched?
Apparently Freedom really is an "Exceptional" attribute.
Posted by: Community Notes
=======
Taliban and Pakistan are pro IRGC for different reasons. Pakistani generals like the double game where they get paid by both sides--mullahs and the Saudis so they win with open trade with mullahs as a portal and they win Saudi money trying to woo them away. Taliban has few friends but can serve as a trade route for Chicom goods and supply while getting a taste of it. They have no love for the US either.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 12:30 PM (E4rtv)
43
Browns, Dolphins and Commanders, had to think whete have I heard those names before?
Posted by: Skip at August 16, 2026 12:30 PM (Ia/+0)
44
Anyone hear from Hamas recently? Hezbollah? The Houthis just got their shit pushed in and went back into their holes.
Hezbollah just attacked Israel again, as I understand it, but they immediately got their shit pushed in. The IDF is very efficient at that sort of thing.
Hezbollah just attacked Israel again, as I understand it, but they immediately got their shit pushed in. The IDF is very efficient at that sort of thing.
Posted by: Ian S. at August 16, 2026 12:31 PM (QZThv)
45
They ignore the malevolent intentiobs of Cis Dneister at their peril!
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot:
=====
Heh.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot:
=====
Heh.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 12:31 PM (E4rtv)
46
Treasury Secretary Bessent Says U.S. Set to Deliver “Never Seen Before” Economic Pain on Iran
How much are they paying for burritos?
Treasury Secretary Bessent Says U.S. Set to Deliver “Never Seen Before” Economic Pain on Iran
How much are they paying for burritos?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 16, 2026 12:32 PM (Cqx++)
47
Did you see my comment the other day that Aldi's is selling "Frozen Ice Cubes" that are very large and clear.
The baleful glare from Big Marshmallows is terrible to behold!
Did you see my comment the other day that Aldi's is selling "Frozen Ice Cubes" that are very large and clear.
The baleful glare from Big Marshmallows is terrible to behold!
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at August 16, 2026 12:34 PM (ixS3i)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fear Me! at August 16, 2026 12:36 PM (ndZc7)
49
>>>It will also take Iran and Hormuz off the front page, since economic warfare and boring escorting of commercial vessels is far less interesting for the hysterical media.
Has the Navy resumed escorting commercial ships through the strait? If so, I missed it.
Project Freedom lasted only one day, I think, before it was halted due to one of the now dozen of times Iran agreed to bargain in good faith, or something like that.
Has the Navy resumed escorting commercial ships through the strait? If so, I missed it.
Project Freedom lasted only one day, I think, before it was halted due to one of the now dozen of times Iran agreed to bargain in good faith, or something like that.
Posted by: one hour sober at August 16, 2026 12:36 PM (J4Dwc)
50
The baleful glare from Big Marshmallows is terrible to behold!
Is there a convention for all the Bigs? Like where Big Otter and Big Anus and Big Marshmallow get together and cackle while rubbing their hands together like George Soros?
Is there a convention for all the Bigs? Like where Big Otter and Big Anus and Big Marshmallow get together and cackle while rubbing their hands together like George Soros?
Posted by: Ian S. at August 16, 2026 12:36 PM (QZThv)
51
***the Mullahs and the IRGC are willing to cause massive damage to the people and the economy of Iran to further their geopolitical goal
---
They are a serious, willing and committed people. The same will is necessary to defeat them. Their un-serious cohorts, also our enemy, will not wise up. We must also deal with them in a serious manner.
---
They are a serious, willing and committed people. The same will is necessary to defeat them. Their un-serious cohorts, also our enemy, will not wise up. We must also deal with them in a serious manner.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 12:37 PM (C0oZI)
52
With the benefit of 50 years hindsight, from out here in the cheap seats the “Energy Crisis” of the 1970s seems a little bit or even a lot of bit contrived.
The oil shocks, embargos, dollar devaluations really did a number on the American economy and hollowed out the middle class. Never recovered in a lot of ways. Financial arrangements, largely revolving around the US dollar as the world reserve currency and certain defense obligations with respect to the Saudis were not necessarily going to work in the long run.
Crippling our own petroleum industry , coal, gas, and oil was so stupid I can’t help but believe it was deliberate. The U.S.A. has proven reserves enough to last for hundreds of years, and that isn’t even counting Alaska. Careful Surveys were performed in the 1960s. Paired with sensible nuclear, wind, solar, hydroelectric, etc., there is absolutely no reason to GAF about the Strait of Hormuz, get right down to it. Not from an US energy perspective
It is painfully obvious our energy troubles are “self inflicted”. Fucking Congress, EPA, and saboteurs speinkled around in the various bureacracies. The “Global Warming” scam is intended to be the Kill Shot.
The oil shocks, embargos, dollar devaluations really did a number on the American economy and hollowed out the middle class. Never recovered in a lot of ways. Financial arrangements, largely revolving around the US dollar as the world reserve currency and certain defense obligations with respect to the Saudis were not necessarily going to work in the long run.
Crippling our own petroleum industry , coal, gas, and oil was so stupid I can’t help but believe it was deliberate. The U.S.A. has proven reserves enough to last for hundreds of years, and that isn’t even counting Alaska. Careful Surveys were performed in the 1960s. Paired with sensible nuclear, wind, solar, hydroelectric, etc., there is absolutely no reason to GAF about the Strait of Hormuz, get right down to it. Not from an US energy perspective
It is painfully obvious our energy troubles are “self inflicted”. Fucking Congress, EPA, and saboteurs speinkled around in the various bureacracies. The “Global Warming” scam is intended to be the Kill Shot.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 12:39 PM (oEXy7)
53
Has the Navy resumed escorting commercial ships through the strait? If so, I missed it.
Project Freedom lasted only one day, I think, before it was halted due to one of the now dozen of times Iran agreed to bargain in good faith, or something like that.
Posted by: one hour sober at August 16, 2026 12:36 PM
We did escort duty during the tanker wars in 87-88. IIRC we escorted tankers through the straits for about 12-14 months or so.
Project Freedom lasted only one day, I think, before it was halted due to one of the now dozen of times Iran agreed to bargain in good faith, or something like that.
Posted by: one hour sober at August 16, 2026 12:36 PM
We did escort duty during the tanker wars in 87-88. IIRC we escorted tankers through the straits for about 12-14 months or so.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at August 16, 2026 12:39 PM (cpFbA)
54
There are multiple projects underway to create the infrastructure to bypass the chokepoint of Hormuz, and not just pipelines that bypass it.
-
Okay, I read it all this week, and I just want to observe that it's good that production elsewhere is being pursued. It seems to me that it would be easier for Iran to hit pipelines in the region than it is to harass ships since the pipelines are stationary. And eventually, they'll rebuild enough to do that unless we're going to commit to bombing them indefinitely (though that's going to look a lot like the decade of Iraqi no fly zones).
-
Okay, I read it all this week, and I just want to observe that it's good that production elsewhere is being pursued. It seems to me that it would be easier for Iran to hit pipelines in the region than it is to harass ships since the pipelines are stationary. And eventually, they'll rebuild enough to do that unless we're going to commit to bombing them indefinitely (though that's going to look a lot like the decade of Iraqi no fly zones).
Posted by: Methos, inauthentic X-bot account at August 16, 2026 12:40 PM (vSvIl)
55
It is painfully obvious our energy troubles are “self inflicted”. Fucking Congress, EPA, and saboteurs speinkled around in the various bureacracies. The “Global Warming” scam is intended to be the Kill Shot.
Richard Nixon (yes, that one) issued a plan to have the US power grid 100% nuclear by 1990. That would have strangled the global warming panic in its crib, so of course it was quickly killed.
Richard Nixon (yes, that one) issued a plan to have the US power grid 100% nuclear by 1990. That would have strangled the global warming panic in its crib, so of course it was quickly killed.
Posted by: Ian S. at August 16, 2026 12:41 PM (QZThv)
56
I'll be out any day now.
Posted by: 12th Imam In The Well at August 16, 2026 12:41 PM (JM9I6)
57
***There is one goal, and the means justifies the end to an extent that most westerners cannot comprehend.
---
Betting that the Marines understand.
---
Betting that the Marines understand.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 12:41 PM (C0oZI)
58
Where did the Baby Shah go? Someone go drag him out of whatever casino or brothel he is holed up in and tell him to put down the coke spoon, zip his fly and get to work.
Posted by: Iranians Are Worthless and Weak at August 16, 2026 12:41 PM (/2Ls3)
59
It seems to me that it would be easier for Iran to hit pipelines in the region than it is to harass ships since the pipelines are stationary.
Yes and no - it seems like when they don't have aiming help from the Russians, the IRGC aims about as well as the Palestinians. Which is to say they pretty much don't aim and just yell "Allahu Ackbar!" as a substitute.
Yes and no - it seems like when they don't have aiming help from the Russians, the IRGC aims about as well as the Palestinians. Which is to say they pretty much don't aim and just yell "Allahu Ackbar!" as a substitute.
Posted by: Ian S. at August 16, 2026 12:42 PM (QZThv)
60
I don't remember the day that al Qaeda ceased to be a threat
-
I think that was around the time that "we" decided that they should be running Syria.
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I think that was around the time that "we" decided that they should be running Syria.
Posted by: Methos, inauthentic X-bot account at August 16, 2026 12:43 PM (vSvIl)
61
But...it is entirely possible that Iran is on the brink. They do not have the foreign exchange to purchase enough gasoline to run their economy
It has been forgotten in the era of bombs exploding, but Tehran was virtually out of water, and the water table is collapsing because they recklessly pumped all of the water out of the aquifer. Perhaps they were looking for the 13th Iman, IDK. In any case, Iran has enormous, potentially insoluble problems. The fact that they're having to import gas now is just the *chef's kiss*.
It has been forgotten in the era of bombs exploding, but Tehran was virtually out of water, and the water table is collapsing because they recklessly pumped all of the water out of the aquifer. Perhaps they were looking for the 13th Iman, IDK. In any case, Iran has enormous, potentially insoluble problems. The fact that they're having to import gas now is just the *chef's kiss*.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 12:43 PM (Riz8t)
62
> It is painfully obvious our energy troubles are “self inflicted”. Fucking Congress, EPA, and saboteurs speinkled around in the various bureacracies. The “Global Warming” scam is intended to be the Kill Shot.
Posted by: Common Tater
--
You omitted Jimmy Carter
Posted by: Common Tater
--
You omitted Jimmy Carter
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 12:43 PM (C0oZI)
63
>>We did escort duty during the tanker wars in 87-88. IIRC we escorted tankers through the straits for about 12-14 months or so.
Yes. I flew out of Masirah, Oman in support of escort duty during Operation Earnest Will in 1987.
Yes. I flew out of Masirah, Oman in support of escort duty during Operation Earnest Will in 1987.
Posted by: one hour sober at August 16, 2026 12:44 PM (J4Dwc)
64
I want audio tape of carrion men* groaning for burial.
*woman and children too. Not just Iran, Qatar too.
*woman and children too. Not just Iran, Qatar too.
Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at August 16, 2026 12:45 PM (bX16E)
65
"Not much reason to put US troops on an island so that they can be barraged by drones, missiles, etc. and you have to run a gauntlet to deliver supplies to them."
Maybe the US can do it all from the air or using only drones. Or maybe Israeli or Saudi etc. forces can be the ground troops. Even the Ukrainians should agree to such an arrangement, considering how much Russia and Iran helped each other.
Hopefully Trump can outlast the Iranian government and having something that looks like a victory to point at would help with morale (for that portion of the public that is not rooting for a US defeat).
I am not particular about what "victory" looks like, but don't like seeing that the US are losing the propaganda war. Perhaps it can't be helped: if the US had a clear and overwhelming victory, the story would be about the US brutality.
However, you can tell from many previous incidents that a certain part of the public opinion would call the US troops baby killers no matter what happened on the ground.
Maybe the US can do it all from the air or using only drones. Or maybe Israeli or Saudi etc. forces can be the ground troops. Even the Ukrainians should agree to such an arrangement, considering how much Russia and Iran helped each other.
Hopefully Trump can outlast the Iranian government and having something that looks like a victory to point at would help with morale (for that portion of the public that is not rooting for a US defeat).
I am not particular about what "victory" looks like, but don't like seeing that the US are losing the propaganda war. Perhaps it can't be helped: if the US had a clear and overwhelming victory, the story would be about the US brutality.
However, you can tell from many previous incidents that a certain part of the public opinion would call the US troops baby killers no matter what happened on the ground.
Posted by: PG at August 16, 2026 12:46 PM (qln0f)
66
Still doesn’t change the fact this war is yuuugely unpopular and we are going to get killed in November over it.
Ah, it's "we" now. Scogg, you are NOT one of us.
Ah, it's "we" now. Scogg, you are NOT one of us.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 12:46 PM (Riz8t)
67
It has been forgotten in the era of bombs exploding, but Tehran was virtually out of water, and the water table is collapsing because they recklessly pumped all of the water out of the aquifer. Perhaps they were looking for the 13th Iman, IDK.
There's only 1 Iman and she was with Captain Kirk. The mullahs are gonna be *pissed*.
There's only 1 Iman and she was with Captain Kirk. The mullahs are gonna be *pissed*.
Posted by: Ian S. at August 16, 2026 12:48 PM (QZThv)
68
However, you can tell from many previous incidents that a certain part of the public opinion would call the US troops baby killers no matter what happened on the ground.
Yup. They'd condemn the candy bombers of WWII and the Berlin Airlift.
Yup. They'd condemn the candy bombers of WWII and the Berlin Airlift.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 12:49 PM (Riz8t)
69
Two contradictory ideas can both be true at the same time:
1. We’ve already won the war
2. They haven’t given up / surrendered (and will never do so)
So what you have here is a political stalemate, not a military situation. The current status quo is likely to last a long time. Gas prices are not particularly high now and maybe the war as an idea is unpopular but it won’t drive a large number of votes in either direction. It’s old news forgotten news for most LIVs
1. We’ve already won the war
2. They haven’t given up / surrendered (and will never do so)
So what you have here is a political stalemate, not a military situation. The current status quo is likely to last a long time. Gas prices are not particularly high now and maybe the war as an idea is unpopular but it won’t drive a large number of votes in either direction. It’s old news forgotten news for most LIVs
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at August 16, 2026 12:49 PM (M+uMR)
70
>>> .... , but don't like seeing that the US are losing the propaganda war. Perhaps it can't be helped: if the US had a clear and overwhelming victory, the story would be about the US brutality.
---
You and your bunk buddies keep on talking to each other.
---
You and your bunk buddies keep on talking to each other.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 12:50 PM (C0oZI)
71
Mea Culpa. Yes, James Earl Carter, the “Nuclear expert” so conveniently positioned to end nuclear power as a going concern, for all practical purposes. I’m sure it was just a coincidence. Could happen to anyone, really.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 12:50 PM (oEXy7)
72
>>>Why in Hell is there a CIA if a simple arms transfer is beyond their capabilities?
~~~~~
More than likely they are unwilling. Lots of speculation online that the CIA is being "unhelpful" in arming the Iranian people. Ratcliffe is only one man, and the CIA is filled with dishonorable and self-serving people.
~~~~~
More than likely they are unwilling. Lots of speculation online that the CIA is being "unhelpful" in arming the Iranian people. Ratcliffe is only one man, and the CIA is filled with dishonorable and self-serving people.
Posted by: IrishEi?! at August 16, 2026 12:50 PM (3ImbR)
73
I've been thinking quite about the psychology of the IRGC - what drives them - and I believe we are pushing them into a major missile attack on everything they can hit, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. With time, they could probably get off a pretty good one time shot, although it would bring about their quick destruction as the war would go into maximum overdrive. I'll even say that I think we know exactly what we're pushing them to do.
The situation for the IRGC is intolerable at the moment. The US has finally settled into a low risk strategy that can continue indefinitely at not a great cost to us. Iran, as noted above, is being continually degraded, and while they are itching for something to fight, we aren't giving them anything easy. All of their history leads one to conclude that when they are angry and hurting, they lash out in as big a way as they can.
The only real limitation with what they can do will be how much they actually have left to fight with.
The situation for the IRGC is intolerable at the moment. The US has finally settled into a low risk strategy that can continue indefinitely at not a great cost to us. Iran, as noted above, is being continually degraded, and while they are itching for something to fight, we aren't giving them anything easy. All of their history leads one to conclude that when they are angry and hurting, they lash out in as big a way as they can.
The only real limitation with what they can do will be how much they actually have left to fight with.
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 12:51 PM (edUvp)
74
So what you have here is a political stalemate, not a military situation.
It was mentioned earlier that it would be difficult to protect a pipeline, but I think the era of drones means that it will be relatively easy to guard them, in the sense that we will have overhead munitions loitering 24/7 over Iran, and any aggressive act will result in immediate destruction of the site, and anywhere else we choose as a punishment.
It was mentioned earlier that it would be difficult to protect a pipeline, but I think the era of drones means that it will be relatively easy to guard them, in the sense that we will have overhead munitions loitering 24/7 over Iran, and any aggressive act will result in immediate destruction of the site, and anywhere else we choose as a punishment.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 12:52 PM (Riz8t)
75
So what you have here is a political stalemate, not a military situation. The current status quo is likely to last a long time.
I don't think it *can* last a long time.
Iran has no economy, no gas, and no water. At some point even if we don't just do the smart thing and start airdropping pallets of guns and ammo things are going to get sporty there.
I don't think it *can* last a long time.
Iran has no economy, no gas, and no water. At some point even if we don't just do the smart thing and start airdropping pallets of guns and ammo things are going to get sporty there.
Posted by: Ian S. at August 16, 2026 12:52 PM (QZThv)
Posted by: MkY at August 16, 2026 12:53 PM (q6tQZ)
77
I am not particular about what "victory" looks like, but don't like seeing that the US are losing the propaganda war.
Posted by: PG
=====
Trump is fighting asymmetric war, not one for public approval fortunately or he would have done a Clinton, sent a few cruise missiles to hit a camel in the butt as they said, and call it victory. Clinton was not around for 9/11 notably as GWB took the blame because Clinton did not end that miserable Bin Ladin's time on earth earlier.
Kharg Island is as useless as tits on a boar hog without tankers going there--it is an export facility. So no tankers, Kharg is a cost, not revenue for the regime. It can be wiped out in a matter of a day or so if needed but it won't cause the IRGC to fall-they have lost that revenue anyway. Same for putting US troops at Qeshm Island or other small islands around the strait of Hormuz. All they become are targets.
War has changed, the US has no need to put boots on the ground to impress people and suffer casualties when you make the entire country of Iran, an open prison for the IRGC. Same as Israel and Gaza--containment is not glorious but it works. See Soviet Union as example.
Posted by: PG
=====
Trump is fighting asymmetric war, not one for public approval fortunately or he would have done a Clinton, sent a few cruise missiles to hit a camel in the butt as they said, and call it victory. Clinton was not around for 9/11 notably as GWB took the blame because Clinton did not end that miserable Bin Ladin's time on earth earlier.
Kharg Island is as useless as tits on a boar hog without tankers going there--it is an export facility. So no tankers, Kharg is a cost, not revenue for the regime. It can be wiped out in a matter of a day or so if needed but it won't cause the IRGC to fall-they have lost that revenue anyway. Same for putting US troops at Qeshm Island or other small islands around the strait of Hormuz. All they become are targets.
War has changed, the US has no need to put boots on the ground to impress people and suffer casualties when you make the entire country of Iran, an open prison for the IRGC. Same as Israel and Gaza--containment is not glorious but it works. See Soviet Union as example.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 12:53 PM (E4rtv)
78
On the gripping hand, Baby Shah has not called for the uprising yet. I won't give up hope until that is tried and suppressed.
Posted by: toby928(c) at August 16, 2026 12:54 PM (4NO2D)
79
headin' over for a bloody. all caught up.
Posted by: cmeat at August 16, 2026 12:54 PM (Bep7s)
80
The situation for the IRGC is intolerable at the moment. The US has finally settled into a low risk strategy that can continue indefinitely at not a great cost to us. Iran, as noted above, is being continually degraded, and while they are itching for something to fight, we aren't giving them anything easy.
This sums it up neatly. The only way we are defeated is if we defeat ourselves. Unfortunately, the entire left wants exactly that.
This sums it up neatly. The only way we are defeated is if we defeat ourselves. Unfortunately, the entire left wants exactly that.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 12:54 PM (Riz8t)
81
He isn't terribly wrong CBD with that %30 support, the Marxists are not for it
Posted by: Skip at August 16, 2026 12:54 PM (Ia/+0)
82
Why in Hell is there a CIA if a simple arms transfer is beyond their capabilities?
The CIA, like the FBI, the ATF and their ME counterparts are only good at terrorizing their own civilians and bullying normal people who believe in law and order, even as their domicile is filled with gas and set on fire.
The CIA, like the FBI, the ATF and their ME counterparts are only good at terrorizing their own civilians and bullying normal people who believe in law and order, even as their domicile is filled with gas and set on fire.
Posted by: Zombie David Koresh at August 16, 2026 12:54 PM (/2Ls3)
83
The IRGC has been paying off operatives to sell oil and avoid sanctions through shell companies. One problem, these operative are keeping the money. Billions of dollars have been lost to the IRGC. One guy made off with 11 billion.
Posted by: Ben Had at August 16, 2026 12:55 PM (skcH5)
84
Trump is fighting asymmetric war, not one for public approval fortunately or he would have done a Clinton, sent a few cruise missiles to hit a camel in the butt as they said, and call it victory.
I dunno, it seemed pretty victorious to me.
*adjusts cushions*
I dunno, it seemed pretty victorious to me.
*adjusts cushions*
Posted by: The camel at August 16, 2026 12:56 PM (Riz8t)
85
It was mentioned earlier that it would be difficult to protect a pipeline, but I think the era of drones means that it will be relatively easy to guard them, in the sense that we will have overhead munitions loitering 24/7 over Iran, and any aggressive act will result in immediate destruction of the site, and anywhere else we choose as a punishment.
Posted by: Archimedes
From reports, they are burying them which makes it a helluva lot harder to hit with drones--sand and rock cover can absorb a helluva lot of punishment from what the Iranians are able to do plus it simply pisses of the Gulf nations even more to want the IRGC dead. There is no Arab street uprising for the Persians to their chagrin--turns out Arabs still hate Persians regardless of religion.
Posted by: Archimedes
From reports, they are burying them which makes it a helluva lot harder to hit with drones--sand and rock cover can absorb a helluva lot of punishment from what the Iranians are able to do plus it simply pisses of the Gulf nations even more to want the IRGC dead. There is no Arab street uprising for the Persians to their chagrin--turns out Arabs still hate Persians regardless of religion.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 12:56 PM (E4rtv)
86
One guy made off with 11 billion.
Posted by: Ben Had
No he lives his life looking over his shoulder for "No-neck" Muhammed
Posted by: Ben Had
No he lives his life looking over his shoulder for "No-neck" Muhammed
Posted by: MkY at August 16, 2026 12:56 PM (q6tQZ)
87
85 The IRGC has been paying off operatives to sell oil and avoid sanctions through shell companies. One problem, these operative are keeping the money. Billions of dollars have been lost to the IRGC. One guy made off with 11 billion.
Posted by: Ben Had
=====
No honor among thieves.
Posted by: Ben Had
=====
No honor among thieves.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 12:57 PM (E4rtv)
Posted by: Zombie George Kennan at August 16, 2026 12:57 PM (Riz8t)
89
Ain’t it “interesting” that say, oil and gas development of public lands can be halted indefinitely over a supposedly endangered “rare” cockroach, and requiring endless “Environmental Impact Statements” and lawfare.
But a politician can wipe out thousands of jobs, say construction of a pipeline, with the stroke of a pen.
Where’s the “Human Impact Statement” on that sort of thing? They seem to care more about baitfish or rodents than they do about humanity. Truth be told, of course, they don’t care too much about baitfish or vermin either, they just hate you a whole lot.
But a politician can wipe out thousands of jobs, say construction of a pipeline, with the stroke of a pen.
Where’s the “Human Impact Statement” on that sort of thing? They seem to care more about baitfish or rodents than they do about humanity. Truth be told, of course, they don’t care too much about baitfish or vermin either, they just hate you a whole lot.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 12:57 PM (oEXy7)
90
Two contradictory ideas can both be true at the same time:
1. We’ve already won the war
2. They haven’t given up / surrendered (and will never do so)
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at August 16, 2026 12:49 PM
We've taken the Marianas and their homeland is naked to our bombers.
1. We’ve already won the war
2. They haven’t given up / surrendered (and will never do so)
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at August 16, 2026 12:49 PM
We've taken the Marianas and their homeland is naked to our bombers.
Posted by: toby928(c) at August 16, 2026 12:57 PM (4NO2D)
91
We have learned recently the Eff Bee Eye abd See Eye A are not for what President Trump wants to do.
Posted by: Skip at August 16, 2026 12:58 PM (Ia/+0)
92
From reports, they are burying them which makes it a helluva lot harder to hit with drones--sand and rock cover can absorb a helluva lot of punishment from what the Iranians are able to do
Sounds like Elon is on to something with The Boring Company.
Sounds like Elon is on to something with The Boring Company.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 12:58 PM (Riz8t)
93
I think it's quite difficult to figure out how to distribute arms inside Iran without the Basj, the internal security forces, getting their hands on most of them. There's just no organized internal opposition to speak, in large part because the Iranian Regime has been quite efficient at executing anyone who expresses an interest in such a thing. You cannot distribute weapons without a network of people on the ground that you trust, and there is no evidence that such a network exists.
Two high level Israelis in the Shin Bet (iirc) were recently relieved because they were blamed for the failure of a plot to overthrow the Iranian Government quickly. There's a lot of rumors about what this plot might have been, and most sound pretty nuts. If any of those stories were true, then it was the right call to fire them.
Two high level Israelis in the Shin Bet (iirc) were recently relieved because they were blamed for the failure of a plot to overthrow the Iranian Government quickly. There's a lot of rumors about what this plot might have been, and most sound pretty nuts. If any of those stories were true, then it was the right call to fire them.
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 12:58 PM (edUvp)
94
I'm not sure a disinterested CIA is necessarily a bad thing. I'm conflicted as to whether they'd arm the IRGC or the public... if given a chance.
Or arm some other, disinterested 3rd party to further muddy the situation.
Keep them sidelined or task them with disinfo type operations that don't include weapons. Can't trust 'em.
Or arm some other, disinterested 3rd party to further muddy the situation.
Keep them sidelined or task them with disinfo type operations that don't include weapons. Can't trust 'em.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 16, 2026 12:59 PM (2Cry5)
95
Y’all are delusional if you do t think this war is a political death knell for Trump and Republicans in general. Get out of the bubble.
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 12:56 PM
I'm betting that we increase our advantage in the Senate and hold the House.
We will know in three months.
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 12:56 PM
I'm betting that we increase our advantage in the Senate and hold the House.
We will know in three months.
Posted by: toby928(c) at August 16, 2026 12:59 PM (4NO2D)
96
I've been thinking quite about the psychology of the IRGC - what drives them - and I believe we are pushing them into a major missile attack on everything they can hit, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
-
That will be the least surprising October Surprise ever.
-
That will be the least surprising October Surprise ever.
Posted by: Methos, inauthentic X-bot account at August 16, 2026 12:59 PM (vSvIl)
97
I like the idea of airdropping small parcels that contain a Glock, a couple of magazines, and a box of ammo so the oppressed masses can have a way of striking back against tyranny.
Then, after we finish with England, we can send some to the Iranians.
Then, after we finish with England, we can send some to the Iranians.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 16, 2026 01:00 PM (0vB2I)
98
Where’s the “Human Impact Statement” on that sort of thing? They seem to care more about baitfish or rodents than they do about humanity. Truth be told, of course, they don’t care too much about baitfish or vermin either, they just hate you a whole lot.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 12:57 PM (oEXy7)
This is radio clash tearing up the seven veils
This is radio clash please save us, not the whales...
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 12:57 PM (oEXy7)
This is radio clash tearing up the seven veils
This is radio clash please save us, not the whales...
Posted by: Same As It Ever Was at August 16, 2026 01:00 PM (/2Ls3)
99
whig:
Same with Pickaxe Mountain. It can be isolated without having to demolish it completely, even if that were possible.
Air supremacy is a wonderful thing.
Same with Pickaxe Mountain. It can be isolated without having to demolish it completely, even if that were possible.
Air supremacy is a wonderful thing.
Posted by: one hour sober at August 16, 2026 01:00 PM (J4Dwc)
100
Then, after we finish with England, we can send some to the Iranians.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy
Heh
Nice
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy
Heh
Nice
Posted by: MkY at August 16, 2026 01:00 PM (q6tQZ)
101
Then, after we finish with England, we can send some to the Iranians.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 16, 2026 01:00 PM
Heyoh!
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 16, 2026 01:00 PM
Heyoh!
Posted by: toby928(c) at August 16, 2026 01:01 PM (4NO2D)
102
Tehran Tim is in full force. Ghalibaf is assuring the masses that they have won the war both militarily and diplomatically. The amount of trade with all partners, even China, has fallen off over 30%.
Posted by: Ben Had at August 16, 2026 01:03 PM (skcH5)
103
Is the price of pistachios on the rise?
Posted by: toby928(c) at August 16, 2026 01:04 PM (4NO2D)
104
Same with Pickaxe Mountain. It can be isolated without having to demolish it completely, even if that were possible.
Air supremacy is a wonderful thing.
I've been thinking about that. Why couldn't we just put MOABs connected to motion sensors outside the entrances to PM. Anyone tries to enter or leave, or monkey with the bomb, and kablooie!
Air supremacy is a wonderful thing.
I've been thinking about that. Why couldn't we just put MOABs connected to motion sensors outside the entrances to PM. Anyone tries to enter or leave, or monkey with the bomb, and kablooie!
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 01:04 PM (Riz8t)
105
Y’all are delusional if you do t think this war is a political death knell for Trump and Republicans in general. Get out of the bubble.
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 12:56 PM
If folks want to vote for the Iranian nuclear program, I suppose they can do that, but I will be less sympathetic when it's used against you.
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 12:56 PM
If folks want to vote for the Iranian nuclear program, I suppose they can do that, but I will be less sympathetic when it's used against you.
Posted by: Methos, inauthentic X-bot account at August 16, 2026 01:05 PM (vSvIl)
106
Any word on Cuba?
Posted by: Pudinhead at August 16, 2026 01:06 PM (KGj36)
107
>>>when you make the entire country of Iran, an open prison for the IRGC. ... --containment is not glorious but it works. ...
Posted by: whig
---
I read the word blockade yesterday.
The old time word, siege, is so romantic.
Posted by: whig
---
I read the word blockade yesterday.
The old time word, siege, is so romantic.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 01:06 PM (C0oZI)
108
That of course supports one clear strategy...the total destruction of the Mullahs and the IRGC.
====
The Bottom Line
====
The Bottom Line
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 16, 2026 01:06 PM (JvZF+)
109
99 I've been thinking quite about the psychology of the IRGC - what drives them - and I believe we are pushing them into a major missile attack on everything they can hit, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
That will be the last thing they ever hit....
That will be the last thing they ever hit....
Posted by: It's me donna at August 16, 2026 01:06 PM (FtULh)
110
It will be fascination to find out one day what the truth was about the story of the Kurds and weapons for Iran. I have no doubt that the claim that we gave some Kurdish arms dealers weapons and they ran off with them is a false cover story, because our people would need to have been the biggest idiots in the world to just hand weapons to some shadowy middle easter arms merchants with no down payment.
Putting together fragments of stories, it seems likely that what really happened is that the US and Israel were working to put together a Kurdish force that would invade northwest Iran and link up with local Kurdish forces and cause great trouble for the IRGC. But Erdogan found about it, and pitched a behind the scenes shit fit about any attempt to create a united Kurdish Army, so Trump dropped those plans to appease him, and no other plans were ever put in its place.
This could be what Trump was alluding to when he said at the Ankara summit, "Erdogan could have joined this war, but thanks to my personal talks with him, he chose to stay out of it." That statement is hard to explain any other way, since Erdogan was never a great ally of the Iranians.
Putting together fragments of stories, it seems likely that what really happened is that the US and Israel were working to put together a Kurdish force that would invade northwest Iran and link up with local Kurdish forces and cause great trouble for the IRGC. But Erdogan found about it, and pitched a behind the scenes shit fit about any attempt to create a united Kurdish Army, so Trump dropped those plans to appease him, and no other plans were ever put in its place.
This could be what Trump was alluding to when he said at the Ankara summit, "Erdogan could have joined this war, but thanks to my personal talks with him, he chose to stay out of it." That statement is hard to explain any other way, since Erdogan was never a great ally of the Iranians.
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:08 PM (edUvp)
111
Let us remember that on July 4, 1863, The South lost the Civil War when Vicksburg surrendered. The Confederacy was now split in two; the Union now had complete logistics superiority with the Mississippi blockade removed.
There was still much unpleasantness to come.
There was still much unpleasantness to come.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 16, 2026 01:08 PM (0vB2I)
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 01:09 PM (Riz8t)
113
I read the word blockade yesterday.
The old time word, siege, is so romantic.
Posted by: Braenyard
=======
Blockade has naval connotations which is what this is primarily whereas siege is normally land based. But I get your meaning.
The old time word, siege, is so romantic.
Posted by: Braenyard
=======
Blockade has naval connotations which is what this is primarily whereas siege is normally land based. But I get your meaning.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:12 PM (E4rtv)
114
JFK famously characterized it as a “Quarantine” during his prime time October ‘62 address to the American people revealing the (Soviet) Cuban missile debacle, in lieu of using “Blockade”, because the latter has a specific legal meaning, considered an act of War by international law. So “Quarantine” it was.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:12 PM (oEXy7)
115
Afternoon all, thx CBD.
The IRGC is as CBD said, dug in like ticks. Only action against them by both us (bombing and special forces) and the Iranian people will get rid of them. The CIA, one would think, should have a strategy in a folder somewhere to help the Iranian people in such a situation. Of course success for America and/or Trump might not be in the CIA 's interests
The IRGC is as CBD said, dug in like ticks. Only action against them by both us (bombing and special forces) and the Iranian people will get rid of them. The CIA, one would think, should have a strategy in a folder somewhere to help the Iranian people in such a situation. Of course success for America and/or Trump might not be in the CIA 's interests
Posted by: Smell the Glove at August 16, 2026 01:13 PM (xCuiu)
116
Remember, this is all a massive distraction from the UAP files.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at August 16, 2026 01:13 PM (0sNs1)
117
There was still much unpleasantness to come.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 16, 2026 01:08 PM (0vB2I)
in the US Civil War, WW1, and WW2, the greatest number of casualties came in the last years of those wars, after the overall outcome was already decided.
There gets to be kind of a "fuck it, I'm all in now" attitude that sets in to both sides, and the carnage becomes epic.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 16, 2026 01:08 PM (0vB2I)
in the US Civil War, WW1, and WW2, the greatest number of casualties came in the last years of those wars, after the overall outcome was already decided.
There gets to be kind of a "fuck it, I'm all in now" attitude that sets in to both sides, and the carnage becomes epic.
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:13 PM (edUvp)
118
OT- Obama to tell the "brothers" to vote for Muslim and DSA radical El-Sayed in MI. From "Hot Air" site:
https://tinyurl.com/ypykmn3d
https://tinyurl.com/ypykmn3d
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:15 PM (y8wRt)
119
114 Let us remember that on July 4, 1863, The South lost the Civil War when Vicksburg surrendered. The Confederacy was now split in two; the Union now had complete logistics superiority with the Mississippi blockade removed.
There was still much unpleasantness to come.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy
Not really the same thing. North could have slowly strangled the South via a blockade as the South could not eat cotton like Iranians cannot eat oil but chose the the faster way of invasion.
You invade on the ground, the enemy always has its say--but at sea or in the air they have been shut up. On the ground, Iran is pretty much an open air prison with increasingly restive inmates guarded by a relatively few prison guards and the wardens are not popular.
There was still much unpleasantness to come.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy
Not really the same thing. North could have slowly strangled the South via a blockade as the South could not eat cotton like Iranians cannot eat oil but chose the the faster way of invasion.
You invade on the ground, the enemy always has its say--but at sea or in the air they have been shut up. On the ground, Iran is pretty much an open air prison with increasingly restive inmates guarded by a relatively few prison guards and the wardens are not popular.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:16 PM (E4rtv)
120
The first thing Bruce Catton seems to convey to the reader in his books on the Civil War, everyone expected it to be a short conflict. Why, those Rebs will get put down at Manassas and the boys will be home by Christmas. Well, OK, maybe not but by the Spring for sure. Well Fall at the earliest, then.
Okay, by 1862 for certain. And it just kept going and going. Year after year.
Okay, by 1862 for certain. And it just kept going and going. Year after year.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:16 PM (oEXy7)
121
OT: one of the things I like about this site is the language. The other day someone said "malarkey" and I think I used it every other sentence the rest of the day.
Up above, I think at 76, Archimedes said "loitering" and that will definitely be my word for today.
Up above, I think at 76, Archimedes said "loitering" and that will definitely be my word for today.
Posted by: Wenda at August 16, 2026 01:17 PM (NSpAF)
122
Aid from the Persian people would follow our pin-point drop of armaments. Very hard to believe we can surgically take out hostile leadership but not accurately arm friendlies. We will pay dearly for this cowardly fear of arming a new hostile regime. Any resistance will be anti-shia, and that's better than that death cult.
Posted by: Pascal at August 16, 2026 01:17 PM (IPQ9m)
123
Anyone hear from Hamas recently? Hezbollah? The Houthis just got their shit pushed in and went back into their holes.
=====
Yes, both Hamas and Hezbollah have launched recent attacks in Lebanon and Gaza.
=====
Yes, both Hamas and Hezbollah have launched recent attacks in Lebanon and Gaza.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 16, 2026 01:18 PM (JvZF+)
124
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:12 PM (oEXy7)
==================
FDR used that term, too. In 1937.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:12 PM (oEXy7)
==================
FDR used that term, too. In 1937.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at August 16, 2026 01:18 PM (XJ22o)
125
Yes, both Hamas and Hezbollah have launched recent attacks in Lebanon and Gaza.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 16, 2026 01:18 PM (JvZF+
And they both paid for it...
Yes, both Hamas and Hezbollah have launched recent attacks in Lebanon and Gaza.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 16, 2026 01:18 PM (JvZF+
And they both paid for it...
Posted by: It's me donna at August 16, 2026 01:18 PM (FtULh)
126
=======
Blockade has naval connotations which is what this is primarily whereas siege is normally land based. But I get your meaning.
Posted by: whig
---
Blowing up rail bridges and other land lines to China and parts north brings it in line with the definition.
Blockade has naval connotations which is what this is primarily whereas siege is normally land based. But I get your meaning.
Posted by: whig
---
Blowing up rail bridges and other land lines to China and parts north brings it in line with the definition.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM (C0oZI)
127
The troll is seriously wishcasting.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM (JvZF+)
128
OT: one of the things I like about this site is the language. The other day someone said "malarkey" and I think I used it every other sentence the rest of the day.
Up above, I think at 76, Archimedes said "loitering" and that will definitely be my word for today.
Posted by: Wenda
================
Be judicious about this. Once upon a time the horde was carrying on about something I couldn't figure out, and now "sybian" will forever be in my search history.
OT: one of the things I like about this site is the language. The other day someone said "malarkey" and I think I used it every other sentence the rest of the day.
Up above, I think at 76, Archimedes said "loitering" and that will definitely be my word for today.
Posted by: Wenda
================
Be judicious about this. Once upon a time the horde was carrying on about something I couldn't figure out, and now "sybian" will forever be in my search history.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM (XJ22o)
129
Posted by: Wenda at August 16, 2026 01:17 PM (NSpAF)
Everybody here is over 14 and has read actual books, so they know what "malarkey" means. It is a great word.
Everybody here is over 14 and has read actual books, so they know what "malarkey" means. It is a great word.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM (y8wRt)
130
Not really the same thing. North could have slowly strangled the South via a blockade as the South could not eat cotton like Iranians cannot eat oil but chose the the faster way of invasion."
As I know you're well aware, it was primarily Sherman who pushed for a much faster strategy to end it.
Eliminate the civilian structure that supports the armies, and you eliminate the armies. Brutal, but simple, and effective.
As I know you're well aware, it was primarily Sherman who pushed for a much faster strategy to end it.
Eliminate the civilian structure that supports the armies, and you eliminate the armies. Brutal, but simple, and effective.
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM (edUvp)
131
The CIA, one would think, should have a strategy in a folder somewhere to help the Iranian people in such a situation. Of course success for America and/or Trump might not be in the CIA 's interests
Posted by: Smell the Glove
=======
CIA has focused a lot more on soft power color revolutions that are really more coups than actual shooting ones. And I suspect that our forward bases in Gulf states do not want a running sore of Iranian civil war going on either and hordes of Persian refugees fleeing. Civil wars are easy to start, hard to get out of.
Posted by: Smell the Glove
=======
CIA has focused a lot more on soft power color revolutions that are really more coups than actual shooting ones. And I suspect that our forward bases in Gulf states do not want a running sore of Iranian civil war going on either and hordes of Persian refugees fleeing. Civil wars are easy to start, hard to get out of.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM (E4rtv)
132
OT: one of the things I like about this site is the language. The other day someone said "malarkey" and I think I used it every other sentence the rest of the day.
Up above, I think at 76, Archimedes said "loitering" and that will definitely be my word for today.
Posted by: Wenda at August 16, 2026 01:17 PM
To be fair, anything that distracts people from using the word "mephitic" is a good thing in our book.
Up above, I think at 76, Archimedes said "loitering" and that will definitely be my word for today.
Posted by: Wenda at August 16, 2026 01:17 PM
To be fair, anything that distracts people from using the word "mephitic" is a good thing in our book.
Posted by: Penguins of the World at August 16, 2026 01:20 PM (dTT28)
133
Our press - especially the financial press, like Bloomberg - is on the other side. The press didn't care about 13 Marines killed in one action in Afghanistan when Biden was POTUS, and now they care deeply about sailors who've spent nine months on an aircraft carrier that hasn't even been attacked by the IRGC. Five months in, Bloomberg is introducing the concept of a coming 'forever war' in Iran. Whether it's 'affordability', 'K-shaped economy', or some newfound concern for our troops, these Fifth Columnists will find a way to spin anything as a negative for America, just to get Trump. It's sickening.
Posted by: Darrell Harris at August 16, 2026 01:20 PM (UdoE/)
134
Everybody here is over 14 and has read actual books, so they know what "malarkey" means. It is a great word.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM (y8wRt)
One of my favorite words recently (or is it a phrase?) is "Jiggery-pokery".
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM (y8wRt)
One of my favorite words recently (or is it a phrase?) is "Jiggery-pokery".
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:21 PM (edUvp)
135
121 OT- Obama to tell the "brothers" to vote for Muslim and DSA radical El-Sayed in MI. From "Hot Air" site:
https://tinyurl.com/ypykmn3d
Posted by: FenelonSpoke
---
May he be as effective as he was last time.
https://tinyurl.com/ypykmn3d
Posted by: FenelonSpoke
---
May he be as effective as he was last time.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 01:22 PM (C0oZI)
136
Be judicious about this. Once upon a time the horde was carrying on about something I couldn't figure out, and now "sybian" will forever be in my search history.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM
'Tis true. Some things The Horde just rides with.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM
'Tis true. Some things The Horde just rides with.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at August 16, 2026 01:22 PM (0sNs1)
137
Everybody here is over 14 and has read actual books, so they know what "malarkey" means. It is a great word.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM (y8wRt)
But to be fair, Fen, no one here is over 29 either...so words like rascal and whippersnapper are right out!
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:19 PM (y8wRt)
But to be fair, Fen, no one here is over 29 either...so words like rascal and whippersnapper are right out!
Posted by: Boswell at August 16, 2026 01:22 PM (j10i6)
138
CBD, Putin will have majority support in Russia this winter even if the crops aren't harvested, men up to the age of 50 are dragged off the street to serve, and there's no heat in the apartments.
Things are going to get worse both there and in Iran, biggly. I'm
CBD, Putin will have majority support in Russia this winter even if the crops aren't harvested, men up to the age of 50 are dragged off the street to serve, and there's no heat in the apartments.
Things are going to get worse both there and in Iran, biggly. I'm
Posted by: Auspex at August 16, 2026 01:22 PM (Y8DZL)
139
But to be fair, Fen, no one here is over 29 either...so words like rascal and whippersnapper are right out!
Posted by: Boswell at August 16, 2026 01:22 PM (j10i6)
My favorite is panty waist.. My Mother always used it
Posted by: Boswell at August 16, 2026 01:22 PM (j10i6)
My favorite is panty waist.. My Mother always used it
Posted by: It's me donna at August 16, 2026 01:23 PM (FtULh)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:24 PM (y8wRt)
141
History is on the positive side of the ledger for Trump. Historically, sieges very rarely ended with the besiegers giving up and going home. For whatever that's worth.
Posted by: Gref at August 16, 2026 01:24 PM (5rh/l)
142
I saw some video on X about the aircraft carrier's supposedly dirty bathrooms.
“Ohmigod no one is cleaning my climate controlled bathroom for me!”
Yes, the soldiers in the trenches at Ypres would certainly commiserate with his hardships.
“Ohmigod no one is cleaning my climate controlled bathroom for me!”
Yes, the soldiers in the trenches at Ypres would certainly commiserate with his hardships.
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:24 PM (edUvp)
143
Everybody here is over 14
Chronologically, perhaps, but in terms of maturity, we have some real laggards. Note the nics next time there is mention of bewbs.
Chronologically, perhaps, but in terms of maturity, we have some real laggards. Note the nics next time there is mention of bewbs.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 01:24 PM (Riz8t)
144
It's got 90 million people. The UK only has 60 million. It's 15% bigger than the state of Alaska. Within living memory it was an advanced educated secular society.
Technology has changed SO MUCH since 1979, with computers, smart phones, Starlink, medicine, motor vehicles, and communication, just to name a scant few.
Is it too much to ask this once notable country to come back and join us in the modern world and enjoy YouTube, X, Lasik, MRIs, 80" flat screens, and Buc-ee's?
Technology has changed SO MUCH since 1979, with computers, smart phones, Starlink, medicine, motor vehicles, and communication, just to name a scant few.
Is it too much to ask this once notable country to come back and join us in the modern world and enjoy YouTube, X, Lasik, MRIs, 80" flat screens, and Buc-ee's?
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at August 16, 2026 01:24 PM (2Ez/1)
145
As I know you're well aware, it was primarily Sherman who pushed for a much faster strategy to end it.
Eliminate the civilian structure that supports the armies, and you eliminate the armies. Brutal, but simple, and effective.
Posted by: Tom Servo
The point is more that you do the Sherman strategy, you get a lot of people killed as he did. Plus Jefferson Davis was a dunce removing an effective commander for one that wanted to fight right then.
Attrition works if the numbers are in your favor but you get a lot of people killed on your own side and the Union spent men's lives like water that way because the politics did not favor a longer containment type war.
And why domestic politics will affect whatever military strategy is pursued even in dictatorships.
In the Iranian case, it is simply not necessary to invade just to hurry it up. The people that push that are not the same people that will have to implement such a strategy.
Eliminate the civilian structure that supports the armies, and you eliminate the armies. Brutal, but simple, and effective.
Posted by: Tom Servo
The point is more that you do the Sherman strategy, you get a lot of people killed as he did. Plus Jefferson Davis was a dunce removing an effective commander for one that wanted to fight right then.
Attrition works if the numbers are in your favor but you get a lot of people killed on your own side and the Union spent men's lives like water that way because the politics did not favor a longer containment type war.
And why domestic politics will affect whatever military strategy is pursued even in dictatorships.
In the Iranian case, it is simply not necessary to invade just to hurry it up. The people that push that are not the same people that will have to implement such a strategy.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:25 PM (E4rtv)
146
My favorite is panty waist.. My Mother always used it
Posted by: It's me donna at August 16, 2026 01:23 PM (FtULh)
Momma was tough, I see...
Posted by: It's me donna at August 16, 2026 01:23 PM (FtULh)
Momma was tough, I see...
Posted by: Boswell at August 16, 2026 01:25 PM (j10i6)
147
Reality Check at August 16, 2026 01:22 PM (hNsiU)
Are you still here? I guess your previous attempts to generate a reaction didn't work, huh.
Are you still here? I guess your previous attempts to generate a reaction didn't work, huh.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 01:26 PM (Riz8t)
148
we are going to get killed in November over it. $4+ gas doesn’t play well and you know this.
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 12:43 PM (hNsiU)
Who is we?
Your trolling is tedious.
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 12:43 PM (hNsiU)
Who is we?
Your trolling is tedious.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 16, 2026 01:26 PM (l4RKn)
149
I saw some video on X about the aircraft carrier's supposedly dirty bathrooms.
“Ohmigod no one is cleaning my climate controlled bathroom for me!”
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:24 PM
Could be an AI fake. A sailor would refer to it as a "head".
“Ohmigod no one is cleaning my climate controlled bathroom for me!”
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:24 PM
Could be an AI fake. A sailor would refer to it as a "head".
Posted by: Duncanthrax at August 16, 2026 01:27 PM (0sNs1)
150
I hate to say it, but Trump is Ahab, and a deal with the Mullahs is his white whale.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at August 16, 2026 01:27 PM (O7YUW)
151
Momma was tough, I see...
Posted by: Boswell at August 16, 2026 01:25 PM (j10i6)
Yes... She didn't suffer fools....
Posted by: Boswell at August 16, 2026 01:25 PM (j10i6)
Yes... She didn't suffer fools....
Posted by: It's me donna at August 16, 2026 01:27 PM (FtULh)
152
Posted by: Boswell
Hi, Boswell. Nice to see you. Is "rascal " an old fashioned word?
Panty waist definitely is though.
Hi, Boswell. Nice to see you. Is "rascal " an old fashioned word?
Panty waist definitely is though.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:27 PM (y8wRt)
153
In the Iranian case, it is simply not necessary to invade just to hurry it up. The people that push that are not the same people that will have to implement such a strategy.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:25 PM (E4rtv)
I agree, all we need to do is to keep them from interfering with the oil exports of their neighbors, and they can be safely contained.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:25 PM (E4rtv)
I agree, all we need to do is to keep them from interfering with the oil exports of their neighbors, and they can be safely contained.
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:27 PM (edUvp)
154
>>I've been thinking about that. Why couldn't we just put MOABs connected to motion sensors outside the entrances to PM. Anyone tries to enter or leave, or monkey with the bomb, and kablooie!
Be fun to watch, but that would be a waste of MOABs. No need. You set up an exclusion zone, say, a 20 nm circle scribed around Pickaxe. You bomb the shit out of every entry and exit point at PM, then, going forward, take out any vehicle entering or exiting the exclusion zone. Any vehicle, including food and other supply vehicles, not just those suspected of carrying HVTs such as scientists or other support workers.
It's sort of a reversal of the AD/AA military tactic.
Pretty soon, loitering drones that can put a Flying Ginsu through the roof of any vehicle violating the exclusion zone is all that would be needed.
Be fun to watch, but that would be a waste of MOABs. No need. You set up an exclusion zone, say, a 20 nm circle scribed around Pickaxe. You bomb the shit out of every entry and exit point at PM, then, going forward, take out any vehicle entering or exiting the exclusion zone. Any vehicle, including food and other supply vehicles, not just those suspected of carrying HVTs such as scientists or other support workers.
It's sort of a reversal of the AD/AA military tactic.
Pretty soon, loitering drones that can put a Flying Ginsu through the roof of any vehicle violating the exclusion zone is all that would be needed.
Posted by: one hour sober at August 16, 2026 01:27 PM (J4Dwc)
155
Now he says we have to keep bombing Iran to destroy the nuke program.
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 01:22 PM (hNsiU)
Ah...a particularly stupid troll.
Folks...remember the days when the trolls were halfway logical?
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 01:22 PM (hNsiU)
Ah...a particularly stupid troll.
Folks...remember the days when the trolls were halfway logical?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 16, 2026 01:28 PM (l4RKn)
156
I believe Trump's Strategy is to hold the course to after the mid-terms then finish the job with IDF help.
All of the Gulf States hate Iran and may also join in...
Just Spit Balling ....
All of the Gulf States hate Iran and may also join in...
Just Spit Balling ....
Posted by: Jackson K. at August 16, 2026 01:28 PM (1Fh1q)
157
Hi, Boswell. Nice to see you. Is "rascal " an old fashioned word?
Panty waist definitely is though.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:27 PM (y8wRt)
Hi Fen! The last time I heard rascal used in a conversation was my 90 year old grandmother...and she was talking about my dad...heh.
Panty waist definitely is though.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:27 PM (y8wRt)
Hi Fen! The last time I heard rascal used in a conversation was my 90 year old grandmother...and she was talking about my dad...heh.
Posted by: Boswell at August 16, 2026 01:28 PM (j10i6)
158
Of course success for America and/or Trump might not be in the CIA 's interests
Posted by: Smell the Glove
~~~~~
That's the rumor. And they might have had something to do with the disappearing weapons as well. See my #74.
Posted by: Smell the Glove
~~~~~
That's the rumor. And they might have had something to do with the disappearing weapons as well. See my #74.
Posted by: IrishEi?! at August 16, 2026 01:29 PM (3ImbR)
159
155 I hate to say it, but Trump is Ahab, and a deal with the Mullahs is his white whale.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at August 16, 2026 01:27 PM (O7YUW)
It's almost comical now that it's the Iranian's proclaiming they will never make any deal with the Evil United States. And they're demanding that all US forces stand down and leave the region as a precondition for any further talks.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at August 16, 2026 01:27 PM (O7YUW)
It's almost comical now that it's the Iranian's proclaiming they will never make any deal with the Evil United States. And they're demanding that all US forces stand down and leave the region as a precondition for any further talks.
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:29 PM (edUvp)
160
I've been thinking about that. Why couldn't we just put MOABs connected to motion sensors outside the entrances to PM. Anyone tries to enter or leave, or monkey with the bomb, and kablooie!
Be fun to watch, but that would be a waste of MOABs.
Anything that gets a MOAB to go boom is not a waste.
Be fun to watch, but that would be a waste of MOABs.
Anything that gets a MOAB to go boom is not a waste.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 01:29 PM (Riz8t)
161
>>>Bloomberg is introducing the concept of a coming 'forever war' in Iran. Whether it's 'affordability', 'K-shaped economy', or some newfound concern for our troops, these Fifth Columnists will find a way to spin anything as a negative for America, just to get Trump. It's sickening.
Posted by: Darrell Harris
---
Bloomberg is a POS.
Last week, on the same day, two postings; 1. Trump, oil exports higher than ever before, 2. America is on the precipice of disaster, oil reserves are at an all time low (no mention of production).
Posted by: Darrell Harris
---
Bloomberg is a POS.
Last week, on the same day, two postings; 1. Trump, oil exports higher than ever before, 2. America is on the precipice of disaster, oil reserves are at an all time low (no mention of production).
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 01:30 PM (C0oZI)
162
"Note the nics next time there is mention of bewbs.
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 01:24 PM"
You know about the cup sizes?
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 01:24 PM"
You know about the cup sizes?
Posted by: Frank Costanza at August 16, 2026 01:31 PM (2Ez/1)
163
FDR used that term, too. In 1937.
——
Yes, very good point. During the “Neutrality” years. FDR a bit later famously cautioned all the belligerents to avoid bombing any civilians, as that would be really bad.
——
Yes, very good point. During the “Neutrality” years. FDR a bit later famously cautioned all the belligerents to avoid bombing any civilians, as that would be really bad.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:31 PM (oEXy7)
164
155 I hate to say it, but Trump is Ahab, and a deal with the Mullahs is his white whale.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant
========
If that was the case, he would have already done a deal and declared victory. If you see nothing else about Trump's past history, he is determined and has a lot of longer range plans than most of us commentators that like to pick at him do. Does he make mistakes, sure, but he learns from them unlike some.
The point is not to do the deal if you don't need to but not to forestall any deal at all. Unconditional surrender sounds purty but in reality, you get a helluva lot of your people killed to try to achieve it.
And then historians and people will question whether you really had to do those awful things to win. See WWII, Cromwell in Ireland, etc.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant
========
If that was the case, he would have already done a deal and declared victory. If you see nothing else about Trump's past history, he is determined and has a lot of longer range plans than most of us commentators that like to pick at him do. Does he make mistakes, sure, but he learns from them unlike some.
The point is not to do the deal if you don't need to but not to forestall any deal at all. Unconditional surrender sounds purty but in reality, you get a helluva lot of your people killed to try to achieve it.
And then historians and people will question whether you really had to do those awful things to win. See WWII, Cromwell in Ireland, etc.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:32 PM (E4rtv)
165
Putting aide general inflation driven by energy prices. MAGA on the other hand feels it with every $100+ fill up.
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 01:29 PM (hNsiU)
oh please. I have a Toyota Tacoma, I drive a good bit, and my fill up is about $40 per week. (I get about 340 miles per tank, I think)
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 01:29 PM (hNsiU)
oh please. I have a Toyota Tacoma, I drive a good bit, and my fill up is about $40 per week. (I get about 340 miles per tank, I think)
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:32 PM (edUvp)
166
I think many of us can agree that the Dems should not be helping to sustain the IRGC.
Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at August 16, 2026 01:32 PM (4TZFL)
167
It's not Trump's fault that he wants to make a deal either, that's what he's got a long history of doing and fairly successfully a lot of the time. It's his go-to strategy. He assumes that people are rational and want to get the best deal possible for themselves and their people.
Problem is, the Mullahs aren't rational, as CBD aptly pointed out. That's why I used the Ahab/White Whale imagery.
Problem is, the Mullahs aren't rational, as CBD aptly pointed out. That's why I used the Ahab/White Whale imagery.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at August 16, 2026 01:32 PM (O7YUW)
168
I see the 'walls are closing in' folks are still busy desperately gaslighting.
Posted by: Anna Puma at August 16, 2026 01:32 PM (6fOlW)
169
Reality Check = It's Go Time Donald
Posted by: one hour sober at August 16, 2026 01:33 PM (J4Dwc)
170
full sized trucks that get 13 mpg and live out in the boonies causing them to drive 20,30,50 miles a day.
Democrats in the city who take public transportation or drive EVs are somewhat inoculated from gas prices. Putting aide general inflation driven by energy prices. MAGA on the other hand feels it with every $100+ fill up.
Posted by: Reality Check
----
Remember those Biden effigy post-its? I did that.
Yeah,
Democrats in the city who take public transportation or drive EVs are somewhat inoculated from gas prices. Putting aide general inflation driven by energy prices. MAGA on the other hand feels it with every $100+ fill up.
Posted by: Reality Check
----
Remember those Biden effigy post-its? I did that.
Yeah,
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 01:33 PM (C0oZI)
171
166 Democrats in the city who take public transportation or drive EVs are somewhat inoculated from gas prices. Putting aide general inflation driven by energy prices. MAGA on the other hand feels it with every $100+ fill up.
Posted by: Reality Check
Put down the bong and cap the Valu-rite.
And please stay out of the subway.
Posted by: Reality Check
Put down the bong and cap the Valu-rite.
And please stay out of the subway.
Posted by: Auspex at August 16, 2026 01:33 PM (Y8DZL)
172
The point is not to do the deal if you don't need to but not to forestall any deal at all. Unconditional surrender sounds purty but in reality, you get a helluva lot of your people killed to try to achieve it.
And then historians and people will question whether you really had to do those awful things to win. See WWII, Cromwell in Ireland, etc.
Soooo...you're saying the Iranians should be allowed to keep Zombie Hirohito as an emperor?
And then historians and people will question whether you really had to do those awful things to win. See WWII, Cromwell in Ireland, etc.
Soooo...you're saying the Iranians should be allowed to keep Zombie Hirohito as an emperor?
Posted by: Archimedes at August 16, 2026 01:33 PM (Riz8t)
173
"You and your bunk buddies keep on talking to each other."
Unfortunately, I don't only follow US news sources. The vast majority of journalists, politicians, and even normal people outside the US are rooting for Trump to lose.
This is the power of propaganda. Few countries have the equivalent of Fox News or NY Post, sometimes willing to go against the grain.
People don't care that Iran is getting nuclear weapons, because everything bad will be Trump's fault. The press is occasionally showing inspiring pictures of the Iranian flag and beautiful places in Iran that the Americans are bombing.
Propaganda says that Trump is being unreasonable and stupid, while Netanyahu is the root of all evil, so people will be happy when both get their comeuppance.
On the other hand, normal people are more easily persuaded by a ruthless winner than by a loser who makes excuses for his failure. Trump's propaganda could overcome the enemy propaganda, but he needs a convincing victory to work with.
Unfortunately, I don't only follow US news sources. The vast majority of journalists, politicians, and even normal people outside the US are rooting for Trump to lose.
This is the power of propaganda. Few countries have the equivalent of Fox News or NY Post, sometimes willing to go against the grain.
People don't care that Iran is getting nuclear weapons, because everything bad will be Trump's fault. The press is occasionally showing inspiring pictures of the Iranian flag and beautiful places in Iran that the Americans are bombing.
Propaganda says that Trump is being unreasonable and stupid, while Netanyahu is the root of all evil, so people will be happy when both get their comeuppance.
On the other hand, normal people are more easily persuaded by a ruthless winner than by a loser who makes excuses for his failure. Trump's propaganda could overcome the enemy propaganda, but he needs a convincing victory to work with.
Posted by: PG at August 16, 2026 01:33 PM (qln0f)
174
Bloomberg is simply mouthing what China/Democrats/Globo Homo tells that little shit to mouth. And he has his puppets do it. Same as Widow Steve Jobs and the Atlantic. Both are propaganda outlets, not news organizations.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:34 PM (E4rtv)
175
Nice to see you. Is "rascal " an old fashioned word?
——
“Scalawag” has fallen out of wide usage. Could it be time for a resurgence? I’m also partial to “Scrofulous”.
——
“Scalawag” has fallen out of wide usage. Could it be time for a resurgence? I’m also partial to “Scrofulous”.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:34 PM (oEXy7)
176
I think many of us can agree that the Dems should not be helping to sustain the IRGC.
Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at August 16, 2026 01:32 PM
But Trump !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at August 16, 2026 01:32 PM
But Trump !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: (D)emocrats & the MSM at August 16, 2026 01:34 PM (0sNs1)
177
Posted by: Reality Check likes it in the ass at August 16, 2026 01:29 PM (hNsiU)
I didn't understand that pilots.
I didn't understand that pilots.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:35 PM (JrHfD)
178
The problem is that there are some groups like North Korea that DO NOT CARE how badly their economy tanks. Why would they care if the peasants starve?
Like North Korea, they PREFER ruling a country of peasants living in the stone age.
Like North Korea, they PREFER ruling a country of peasants living in the stone age.
Posted by: DudeAbiding at August 16, 2026 01:35 PM (setIA)
179
The nuclear program that Trump assured us all was destroyed in 2025?
How do people still fall for this shit?
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 01:18 PM (hNsiU)
No, the one Iranian media is still bragging about.
Retard.
How do people still fall for this shit?
Posted by: Reality Check at August 16, 2026 01:18 PM (hNsiU)
No, the one Iranian media is still bragging about.
Retard.
Posted by: Methos, inauthentic X-bot account at August 16, 2026 01:35 PM (vSvIl)
180
The military wins the battle.
The economy wins the war.
The economy wins the war.
Posted by: Pentagon 101 at August 16, 2026 01:35 PM (2Ez/1)
181
179- Post not pilots .
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:35 PM (JrHfD)
182
177 Nice to see you. Is "rascal " an old fashioned word?
——
“Scalawag” has fallen out of wide usage. Could it be time for a resurgence? I’m also partial to “Scrofulous”.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:34 PM (oEXy7)
Please use me once in a while! Please!
——
“Scalawag” has fallen out of wide usage. Could it be time for a resurgence? I’m also partial to “Scrofulous”.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:34 PM (oEXy7)
Please use me once in a while! Please!
Posted by: rapscallion, the word. at August 16, 2026 01:36 PM (5rh/l)
183
Not to minimize the problem but higher gas have been priced in and the economy seems to be absorbing it for now with nothing like the inflation of the Biden era.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 16, 2026 01:36 PM (JvZF+)
Posted by: Duncanthrax at August 16, 2026 01:37 PM (0sNs1)
185
“Scalawag” has fallen out of wide usage. Could it be time for a resurgence? I’m also partial to “Scrofulous”.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:34 PM (oEXy7)
----------
"Skullduggery" is ripe for a comeback.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:34 PM (oEXy7)
----------
"Skullduggery" is ripe for a comeback.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at August 16, 2026 01:37 PM (amcLV)
186
Will no one rid is of this troublesome troll ?
Posted by: It's me donna at August 16, 2026 01:37 PM (FtULh)
187
full sized trucks that get 13 mpg and live out in the boonies causing them to drive 20,30,50 miles a day.
——
It ain’t 1972 any longer, Gus. Even large pickups - those guys need those trucks, they aren’t drugstore Cowboys - get 25 mpg highway mileage. The wonders of fuel injection, electronic ignition and engine controls.
——
It ain’t 1972 any longer, Gus. Even large pickups - those guys need those trucks, they aren’t drugstore Cowboys - get 25 mpg highway mileage. The wonders of fuel injection, electronic ignition and engine controls.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:37 PM (oEXy7)
188
Soooo...you're saying the Iranians should be allowed to keep Zombie Hirohito as an emperor?
Posted by: Archimedes
=======
If it forestalled an invasion costing millions of lives, but allowed clear US goals to be achieved yep. Same reason WWI was ended.
Devil is always in the details but unconditional surrender prolongs wars always and costs casualties of good people. In each case, it has to be determined whether the gain is worth the cost.
And people will differ about that long after the event happened. Like did we really have to nuke Japan to end the war.
Posted by: Archimedes
=======
If it forestalled an invasion costing millions of lives, but allowed clear US goals to be achieved yep. Same reason WWI was ended.
Devil is always in the details but unconditional surrender prolongs wars always and costs casualties of good people. In each case, it has to be determined whether the gain is worth the cost.
And people will differ about that long after the event happened. Like did we really have to nuke Japan to end the war.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:38 PM (E4rtv)
189
A rake is more than a garden implement.
Posted by: Anna Puma at August 16, 2026 01:38 PM (6fOlW)
190
163 >>>Bloomberg is introducing the concept of a coming 'forever war' in Iran. Whether it's 'affordability', 'K-shaped economy', or some newfound concern for our troops, these Fifth Columnists will find a way to spin anything as a negative for America, just to get Trump. It's sickening.
Posted by: Darrell Harris
---
Bloomberg is a POS.
Last week, on the same day, two postings; 1. Trump, oil exports higher than ever before, 2. America is on the precipice of disaster, oil reserves are at an all time low (no mention of production).
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 01:30 PM (C0oZI)
Unfortunately, it's even worse than that. This quarter's corporate earnings reports are at least 20% better than last year (on average - and it's not just AI), and yet they say on the same day that the economy sucks and Republicans should lose their majority. Meanwhile they have Dems on all the time to trash Trump, and they are allowed to talk smack about how awful the economy is, yet they are NEVER asked what their solution to the supposed problem is. That's because they have none, but the media's job is simply to get the Dems over the line.
Posted by: Darrell Harris
---
Bloomberg is a POS.
Last week, on the same day, two postings; 1. Trump, oil exports higher than ever before, 2. America is on the precipice of disaster, oil reserves are at an all time low (no mention of production).
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 01:30 PM (C0oZI)
Unfortunately, it's even worse than that. This quarter's corporate earnings reports are at least 20% better than last year (on average - and it's not just AI), and yet they say on the same day that the economy sucks and Republicans should lose their majority. Meanwhile they have Dems on all the time to trash Trump, and they are allowed to talk smack about how awful the economy is, yet they are NEVER asked what their solution to the supposed problem is. That's because they have none, but the media's job is simply to get the Dems over the line.
Posted by: Darrell Harris at August 16, 2026 01:39 PM (UdoE/)
191
186 Will no one rid is of this troublesome troll ?
Posted by: It's me donna
I suspect that people know who and CBD probably knows where but with VPN hopping, hard to do. You want trolls eliminated, you have to go to formal registration, no sock puppets, etc. Probably paid subscription as well as then the multiple vpn and burner accounts start making a troll's fun expensive.
Most quit at that game quickly.
Posted by: It's me donna
I suspect that people know who and CBD probably knows where but with VPN hopping, hard to do. You want trolls eliminated, you have to go to formal registration, no sock puppets, etc. Probably paid subscription as well as then the multiple vpn and burner accounts start making a troll's fun expensive.
Most quit at that game quickly.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:40 PM (E4rtv)
192
Mealy mouthed is a good word too.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 16, 2026 01:40 PM (JrHfD)
193
Hey. We're sitting right here.
Posted by: Tomfoolery and Monkeyshines at August 16, 2026 01:40 PM (2Ez/1)
194
A rake is more than a garden implement.
Posted by: Anna Puma at August 16, 2026 01:38 PM (6fOlW)
====
Mom always said I combed my hair with one.
Posted by: Anna Puma at August 16, 2026 01:38 PM (6fOlW)
====
Mom always said I combed my hair with one.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 16, 2026 01:41 PM (JvZF+)
195
And people will differ about that long after the event happened. Like did we really have to nuke Japan to end the war.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:38 PM
Fortunately, we here as AoSHQ Commenters don't argue over trivial don't-matter-anymore things like that.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:38 PM
Fortunately, we here as AoSHQ Commenters don't argue over trivial don't-matter-anymore things like that.
Posted by: Mary Ann, Trebuchets, Longbows, and .45 ACP at August 16, 2026 01:42 PM (0sNs1)
196
It's almost comical now that it's the Iranian's proclaiming they will never make any deal with the Evil United States. And they're demanding that all US forces stand down and leave the region as a precondition for any further talks.
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:29 PM (edUvp)
And note (not so much you Tom, but others in the thread), that every single time Iran releases a list of demands, one of them is an acknowledgement of their so-called "right to enrich" which is to say, build nuclear weapons.
Posted by: Tom Servo at August 16, 2026 01:29 PM (edUvp)
And note (not so much you Tom, but others in the thread), that every single time Iran releases a list of demands, one of them is an acknowledgement of their so-called "right to enrich" which is to say, build nuclear weapons.
Posted by: Methos, inauthentic X-bot account at August 16, 2026 01:42 PM (vSvIl)
197
>>On the other hand, normal people are more easily persuaded by a ruthless winner than by a loser who makes excuses for his failure. Trump's propaganda could overcome the enemy propaganda, but he needs a convincing victory to work with.
Remind me, who is presidenting right now?
I was told there was no way Trump could win a 2nd term cause the media had everyone brainwashed that he was a corrupt Russian asset.
Apparently, I was told wrong.
Remind me, who is presidenting right now?
I was told there was no way Trump could win a 2nd term cause the media had everyone brainwashed that he was a corrupt Russian asset.
Apparently, I was told wrong.
Posted by: JackStraw at August 16, 2026 01:43 PM (viF8m)
198
187 full sized trucks that get 13 mpg and live out in the boonies causing them to drive 20,30,50 miles a day.
——
It ain’t 1972 any longer, Gus. Even large pickups - those guys need those trucks, they aren’t drugstore Cowboys - get 25 mpg highway mileage. The wonders of fuel injection, electronic ignition and engine controls.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:37 PM (oEXy7)
If you've got a regular car that holds 20 gallons of gas (and that's a biggish tank) and gas has gone up from $3 to $4 on average, that's an extra $20 a refill. Does that really make such a huge difference in the average person's life that you have to make a choice between food, shelter and fuel?
——
It ain’t 1972 any longer, Gus. Even large pickups - those guys need those trucks, they aren’t drugstore Cowboys - get 25 mpg highway mileage. The wonders of fuel injection, electronic ignition and engine controls.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:37 PM (oEXy7)
If you've got a regular car that holds 20 gallons of gas (and that's a biggish tank) and gas has gone up from $3 to $4 on average, that's an extra $20 a refill. Does that really make such a huge difference in the average person's life that you have to make a choice between food, shelter and fuel?
Posted by: Darrell Harris at August 16, 2026 01:43 PM (UdoE/)
199
Iran is built on the remains of the Safavid Empire. Only ~50% of the population is Persian, with the rest being Kurds, Arabs, Azeris, Baluchis, and Turkman.
Trump needs to declare the dissolution of the Iranian Empire and that the conquered people are now free. Then invite Iran's neighbors with the same ethnicities to come in and protect the newly free people.
The IRGC is staffed almost entirely with native Persians. They won't be able to handle a general revolt by the conquered people.
Trump needs to declare the dissolution of the Iranian Empire and that the conquered people are now free. Then invite Iran's neighbors with the same ethnicities to come in and protect the newly free people.
The IRGC is staffed almost entirely with native Persians. They won't be able to handle a general revolt by the conquered people.
Posted by: Pluskat's Dog at August 16, 2026 01:43 PM (lps5p)
200
Fortunately, we here as AoSHQ Commenters don't argue over trivial don't-matter-anymore things like that.
Posted by: Mary Ann, Trebuchets, Longbows, and .45 ACP at August 16, 2026 01:42 PM (0sNs1)
=====
My pettiness shall be bested by no one. NO ONE!
Posted by: Mary Ann, Trebuchets, Longbows, and .45 ACP at August 16, 2026 01:42 PM (0sNs1)
=====
My pettiness shall be bested by no one. NO ONE!
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 16, 2026 01:43 PM (JvZF+)
201
183 Not to minimize the problem but higher gas have been priced in and the economy seems to be absorbing it for now with nothing like the inflation of the Biden era.
Posted by: San Franpsycho
Because US is not shipping the dollars abroad in return for oil. We are exporting actually and those jobs and the oil revenue are going to US based oil companies and royalty recipients. So it changes the internal distribution of who gets what but does not have the disadvantage of sending US dollars abroad to increase consumption by the other oil exporters.
Posted by: San Franpsycho
Because US is not shipping the dollars abroad in return for oil. We are exporting actually and those jobs and the oil revenue are going to US based oil companies and royalty recipients. So it changes the internal distribution of who gets what but does not have the disadvantage of sending US dollars abroad to increase consumption by the other oil exporters.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:44 PM (E4rtv)
202
One reason stands out...we are dealing with a mindset that is completely foreign to Western culture
They’re godless heathens.
They’re godless heathens.
Posted by: Eromero at August 16, 2026 01:44 PM (rmSWX)
203
The problem is that there are some groups like North Korea that DO NOT CARE how badly their economy tanks. Why would they care if the peasants starve?
Posted by: DudeAbiding
===============
North Korea is my standing example of the discrediting of the aphorism that That which can't go on, won't go on.
The problem is that there are some groups like North Korea that DO NOT CARE how badly their economy tanks. Why would they care if the peasants starve?
Posted by: DudeAbiding
===============
North Korea is my standing example of the discrediting of the aphorism that That which can't go on, won't go on.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at August 16, 2026 01:44 PM (XJ22o)
204
Only the best pilots understand helicopters.
Posted by: Duncanthrax
They don't understand them either. They can fly them.
Son, when in helicopter school, said there was still a lot of discussion about HOW they flew.
Posted by: Duncanthrax
They don't understand them either. They can fly them.
Son, when in helicopter school, said there was still a lot of discussion about HOW they flew.
Posted by: MkY at August 16, 2026 01:44 PM (q6tQZ)
205
Trump needs to declare the dissolution of the Iranian Empire and that the conquered people are now free. Then invite Iran's neighbors with the same ethnicities to come in and protect the newly free people.
The IRGC is staffed almost entirely with native Persians. They won't be able to handle a general revolt by the conquered people.
Posted by: Pluskat's Dog
Considering how all the Middle Eastern nations are made up of large numbers of religious or ethnic minorities, that would be as popular as the plague over there by country rulers. Trump has to listen to those GCC folks because that is where our bases to attack Iran are.
Trump needs to declare the dissolution of the Iranian Empire and that the conquered people are now free. Then invite Iran's neighbors with the same ethnicities to come in and protect the newly free people.
The IRGC is staffed almost entirely with native Persians. They won't be able to handle a general revolt by the conquered people.
Posted by: Pluskat's Dog
Considering how all the Middle Eastern nations are made up of large numbers of religious or ethnic minorities, that would be as popular as the plague over there by country rulers. Trump has to listen to those GCC folks because that is where our bases to attack Iran are.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:45 PM (E4rtv)
206
What do we have in the mothball navy for destroyers, destroyer escorts, and frigates (DD, DE, and FF)? Not the missile ships, but ones with plenty of old fashioned guns?
Let's see if Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, Kuwait, or Iraq would like to buy a few they can upgrade for tanker escort duties. They're selling the oil, so they can pull escort duty.
Let's see if Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, Kuwait, or Iraq would like to buy a few they can upgrade for tanker escort duties. They're selling the oil, so they can pull escort duty.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at August 16, 2026 01:46 PM (qx7Zg)
207
>>>And then historians and people will question whether you really had to do those awful things to win. See WWII, Cromwell in Ireland, etc.
Posted by: whig
---
People forget; Trump said his #1 goal in no nuclear in Iran.
Also said; I don't care who runs the country.
Posted by: whig
---
People forget; Trump said his #1 goal in no nuclear in Iran.
Also said; I don't care who runs the country.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 01:46 PM (C0oZI)
208
It ain’t 1972 any longer, Gus. Even large pickups - those guys need those trucks, they aren’t drugstore Cowboys - get 25 mpg highway mileage. The wonders of fuel injection, electronic ignition and engine controls.
Posted by: Common Tater
I gots an '02 S-10. 16mpg is about all she can do.
So what?
Posted by: Common Tater
I gots an '02 S-10. 16mpg is about all she can do.
So what?
Posted by: MkY at August 16, 2026 01:46 PM (q6tQZ)
209
North Korea is my standing example of the discrediting of the aphorism that That which can't go on, won't go on.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia
Carter forestalled us bombing the Norks into oblivion for having nukes. And Norks are a Chinese client state. Kim stays in power as long as he is useful as a threat to US on behalf of China. So China sustains Nork while the people die there.
North Korea is my standing example of the discrediting of the aphorism that That which can't go on, won't go on.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia
Carter forestalled us bombing the Norks into oblivion for having nukes. And Norks are a Chinese client state. Kim stays in power as long as he is useful as a threat to US on behalf of China. So China sustains Nork while the people die there.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:47 PM (E4rtv)
210
Let's see if Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, Kuwait, or Iraq would like to buy a few they can upgrade for tanker escort duties. They're selling the oil, so they can pull escort duty.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf
---
Saudis don't work. They pay other people to work.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf
---
Saudis don't work. They pay other people to work.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 01:47 PM (C0oZI)
211
>>North Korea is my standing example of the discrediting of the aphorism that That which can't go on, won't go on.
The only reason North Korea exists in its current state is because its China's useful idiot. If that ceases to be the case so will that fat toad in Pyongyang.
The only reason North Korea exists in its current state is because its China's useful idiot. If that ceases to be the case so will that fat toad in Pyongyang.
Posted by: JackStraw at August 16, 2026 01:47 PM (viF8m)
212
The war hasn't hit home yet. If anybody wants war, I know how to make war, and it will not be pretty. I don't fight for some political entity, I will fight for western civilization. I pray we don't get to that breaking point.
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at August 16, 2026 01:49 PM (tvdD1)
213
Pshaw! Pull up on the stick, the houses get smaller. Push down on the stick, the houses get bigger. How tough can it be, really?
Posted by: Common Tater at August 16, 2026 01:49 PM (oEXy7)
214
We're working on Minority Report.
Posted by: Ginger, Catapults, Crossbows, and 115 gr 9mm FMJ at August 16, 2026 01:49 PM (0sNs1)
215
People forget; Trump said his #1 goal in no nuclear in Iran.
Also said; I don't care who runs the country.
Posted by: Braenyard
========
The Peace Conference at Versailles after WWI was a perfect example of people that were trying to win the peace that all had different ideas how to do it. Same goes for coalition war--and like it or not, we require the Gulf States. even the Euros to some extent, to buy in to whatever we do because that is where our bases are.
Also said; I don't care who runs the country.
Posted by: Braenyard
========
The Peace Conference at Versailles after WWI was a perfect example of people that were trying to win the peace that all had different ideas how to do it. Same goes for coalition war--and like it or not, we require the Gulf States. even the Euros to some extent, to buy in to whatever we do because that is where our bases are.
Posted by: whig at August 16, 2026 01:50 PM (E4rtv)
216
those guys need those trucks, they aren’t drugstore Cowboys - get 25 mpg highway mileage.
---
Ya, no. Work trucks don't get mileage.
---
Ya, no. Work trucks don't get mileage.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 16, 2026 01:50 PM (C0oZI)
217
Pshaw! Pull up on the stick, the houses get smaller. Push down on the stick, the houses get bigger. How tough can it be, really?
Posted by: Common Tater
Well...that's the collective, but I get where you're coming from
Posted by: Common Tater
Well...that's the collective, but I get where you're coming from
Posted by: MkY at August 16, 2026 01:50 PM (q6tQZ)
218
My local Royal Farms has a gas pump with the Trump Did That sticker.
The trucks around here are mostly diesel and that is 5.50$ and DEF is 6$. Harvest season is coming up.
I was and still am not in sync with this war. Trump has better uses for his political capital. A long blockade can work if Iranian drones can be controlled.
Long term, Iran will become Cuba or Venezuela until a Democrat gets elected and then a Marshall plan will be implemented .
The trucks around here are mostly diesel and that is 5.50$ and DEF is 6$. Harvest season is coming up.
I was and still am not in sync with this war. Trump has better uses for his political capital. A long blockade can work if Iranian drones can be controlled.
Long term, Iran will become Cuba or Venezuela until a Democrat gets elected and then a Marshall plan will be implemented .
Posted by: Accomack at August 16, 2026 01:51 PM (nLdZ2)
219
What do we have in the mothball navy for destroyers, destroyer escorts, and frigates (DD, DE, and FF)? Not the missile ships, but ones with plenty of old fashioned guns?
Let's see if Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, Kuwait, or Iraq would like to buy a few they can upgrade for tanker escort duties. They're selling the oil, so they can pull escort duty.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at August 16, 2026 01:46 PM (qx7Zg)
=====
It looks like the trend for current naval architecture is moving towards hulls capable of generating enormous amounts of energy for weapons (rail guns and the sort) and electronic surveillance. The Zumwalts were ahead of their time.
Let's see if Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, Kuwait, or Iraq would like to buy a few they can upgrade for tanker escort duties. They're selling the oil, so they can pull escort duty.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at August 16, 2026 01:46 PM (qx7Zg)
=====
It looks like the trend for current naval architecture is moving towards hulls capable of generating enormous amounts of energy for weapons (rail guns and the sort) and electronic surveillance. The Zumwalts were ahead of their time.
Posted by: mrp at August 16, 2026 01:51 PM (rj6Yv)
Posted by: Jerry Pournelle and Larry Niven at August 16, 2026 01:51 PM (0sNs1)
221
"Remind me, who is presidenting right now?
I was told there was no way Trump could win a 2nd term cause the media had everyone brainwashed that he was a corrupt Russian asset.
Apparently, I was told wrong."
Obviously, I hope Trump knows best. Again, so far he has consistently surpassed my expectations.
Still, I wouldn't be surprised if Trump resumes bombing at some point or uses even more drastic measures.
I think he is just as aware of the necessity to keep winning as I am.
The opposing propaganda is relentless and it is easy to brainwash people into forgetting what Trump has done already, which is a lot.
He is up against a lot of forces. Few others want the US to win or to get stronger than they are.
I was told there was no way Trump could win a 2nd term cause the media had everyone brainwashed that he was a corrupt Russian asset.
Apparently, I was told wrong."
Obviously, I hope Trump knows best. Again, so far he has consistently surpassed my expectations.
Still, I wouldn't be surprised if Trump resumes bombing at some point or uses even more drastic measures.
I think he is just as aware of the necessity to keep winning as I am.
The opposing propaganda is relentless and it is easy to brainwash people into forgetting what Trump has done already, which is a lot.
He is up against a lot of forces. Few others want the US to win or to get stronger than they are.
Posted by: PG at August 16, 2026 01:51 PM (qln0f)
222
Airplanes fly through the wind, helicopters beat the hell out of the wind.
Posted by: one hour sober at August 16, 2026 01:51 PM (J4Dwc)
223
Airplanes fly through the wind, helicopters beat the hell out of the wind.
Posted by: one hour sober at August 16, 2026 01:51 PM
If "wind" is what the kids are calling it these days, does that mean that incel = helicopter?
Posted by: one hour sober at August 16, 2026 01:51 PM
If "wind" is what the kids are calling it these days, does that mean that incel = helicopter?
Posted by: Duncanthrax at August 16, 2026 01:54 PM (0sNs1)
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