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Trump Renews Strikes on Iran After Iran Attacks Three Tankers in the Strait; Announces the Ceasefire Is Over, and He's Not Interested in Talking Any Further to Iranian "Scum"
Of course I understand why Trump wants a "deal" -- the midterms are approaching and the never-ending pseudowar with Iran hurts the economy and his chances.
Also, the war with Iran can be postponed and rescheduled for a more convenient time. The midterms can't be. But here's the trouble, as I've said over and over: Iran knows Trump is desperate for a "deal" -- pathetically desperate, I'd say -- and so they believe he will ignore any and all the violations of the "deal" they never really agreed to. And barely even pretended to agree to. In other words, they are counting on Trump to just let them go back to war with the world, as long as he can pretend to the public he's got a "deal." Well, Trump was downplaying Iran's serious, serial violations of the fake "deal." But then they want too far, and attacked ships again, and Trump could no longer cover up for them. He could not longer pretend he had a "deal."Iran flouted the MOU -- the memorandum of understanding that the ceasefire is predicated upon-- from the beginning. They were to keep the strait open, and stop extorting "tolls" from ships passing through. (Which they immediately used to buy weapons.) Trump and the allies attempted to softly tiptoe around Iran's clear violation of the terms of the ceasefire by creating a safe route through the strait without paying the illegal "tolls." Iran shot up three ships using this route, determined to force them into paying "tolls," and absolutely violating the most basic provisions of the MOU.
Amit Segal
@AmitSegal It seems we'll have to slip a page and a half into Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's coffin on its funeral procession, after Trump declared in a press conference this morning that, in his opinion, "the memorandum of understanding...is dead." RIP. It was only 21 days old. The causes of death of the two are the same: Iranian hubris. The supreme leader believed the Israeli and American threats were empty and was buried, and his successor believed the U.S. was so desperate that the MoU could survive Iran's numerous violations. Until they pushed too far. The fatal sequence began on Monday, when Iranian missiles struck two tankers--one carrying Qatari gas off the Omani coast, the other a Saudi-flagged oil carrier inside the Strait of Hormuz itself. On Tuesday, a drone went after a third. The vessels' offense: transiting the strait without Tehran's blessing. The U.S. answered last night, first revoking the waiver that allowed Iranian oil to be sold around the world, then striking more than 70 military targets around the strait. By this morning, Iran's armed forces claimed to have hit 85 U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. Despite the dramatic declaration, don't expect the status quo to change significantly. The midterms have not been rescheduled, the global economy has not outgrown the strait, and Trump does not believe returning to war will net him the results he wants in the time he wants it. The statement was less a policy shift than a confirmation that the contemporary Middle East is defined by a single word: uncertainty. It joins a long list of such confirmations--the sudden end of the war, the sudden announcement of the MoU, the sudden outbreak of the war in the first place. Even as I write this, a miraculous resurrection of the agreement is only one Truth Social post away. One can hardly stay aloof while watching the fate of a region swing this violently, but at this point, "surprise" is no longer the accurate word. As far as I'm concerned, this is a return to April's status quo: no peace and no war. For Israel, that is the second-favorite position on the board--the favorite, a war actively grinding the regime down, is over for now. But a pause is not a rewind. With the oil waiver revoked and the sanctions back on, Tehran is frozen in its beaten position, with no hope of unfrozen assets bridging its fatal liquidity gap. Jerusalem can wait, hoping the regime buckles under its own internal pressures. And while it waits, it can keep dismembering the proxies, whose patron is in no condition to come to their aid. As for the strait, during the war, Iran set up a toll booth. In response, the Gulf states and the Americans quietly paved a bypass, routing traffic along the Omani side of the waterway and slipping millions of barrels of oil past the barrier. If the diplomacy is dead, expect the U.S. to double down on the Omani lane--and Iran to do everything it can to force traffic back through the booth. This week, Iranian media reported that the UAE had proposed a plan to the International Maritime Organization to manage the strait--a plan backed by eight unnamed Emirati "allies" and promptly rejected by Tehran, which claimed it lacked "legal basis" and exceeded the IMO Council's technical mandate. No details of the plan have surfaced, and no regional or Western outlet has confirmed it exists. But the same regime-affiliated outlets followed up with a statement from an "informed" source: all transit through the strait must be in accordance with Iranian arrangements. Tehran has likewise objected to a recent Omani proposal under which shipping companies would voluntarily pay fees to use the strait. Now that Iran no longer has to pretend to abide by the MoU, expect no more empty overtures toward joint management. Expect declarations to the effect that sailing the strait will be like driving through Tehran: on Iranian roads, under Iranian rules. The U.S. will respond to this morning's attacks, but Iran priced that in the moment it launched. This isn't brinkmanship built on a bet that Washington won't shoot back. It's Tehran's strategy from the war: pit America's economic tolerance against Iran's pain tolerance, and wait for Washington to conclude that paying the toll is cheaper than the drama of collecting it. To Tehran's credit, that bet has paid off before, but this time they may have overplayed their hand.
Mark Halperin
@MarkHalperin Donald Trump in Turkey about the Iranians: "They're scum. They're sick people. They're led by sick people, and they're vicious, violent people. Far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them. They're liars ... there's something wrong with them. They're cuckoo. As far as I'm concerned, it's over."
President Trump said the U.S. would probably hit Iran with a deluge of strikes again Wednesday evening.
— CBS News (@CBSNews) July 8, 2026
"I'll give them a little warning, we're going to hit them hard again tonight," he said, adding that the U.S. hit Iran "hard last night" after Iran launched "a couple of drones… pic.twitter.com/YZUTCxbAX9
Trump says the ceasefire between U.S. and Iran is over.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 8, 2026
"To me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them anymore; they're scum", the U.S. president says.
Live updates: https://t.co/l9KwsXPz0p pic.twitter.com/mqfE5qKOHe
Raylan GivensI imagine Trump will announce a new "deal" within 24 hours. He's making himself look absolutely ridiculous. If that sounds absurd-- well, he just reconciled with... Michael Cohen. Ed Morrissey:
@JewishWarrior13 2h ⭕ I can't overstate the strategic damage the Iran MOU caused the US. The sentiment in Israel and the region is very low trust in the US; they believe Trump will change his mind again, and they will not run to stand with the US after paying a high price during the war. Saudi Arabia will still get closer to Iran, and others will look for deals with Iran too. They no longer perceive the US as the strong partner that they can rely on. This flip-flopping needs to end; otherwise, it will get worse from here.
Trump also threatened to capture Kharg Island, and said that Iran wouldn't be able to prevent it. That would effectively seize their entire oil-export system, and Trump has been talking about that strategy for nearly 40 years. That would require boots on the ground, of course, and that would create even more complications here at home for Trump. Is this a pose for leverage, or has Trump decided that talks with "cuckoo" terrorists are truly a waste of time? I'm not sure which way to bet.As I've said from the beginning: You just can't win a war without a ground component. Airpower theorists have been promising a Victory from the Skies since World War Two and they still cannot deliver. Trump -- and most Republicans -- are confused on their foreign policy imperatives. Do you want peace at almost any price, and do you want a guarantee of "no boots on the ground, ever"? Okay, that's possible. But do you also want to use American might to punish and knock out hostile foreign terror-states? That's also possible. But you can't have both of these things at the same time. You can't have minimum investment in an armed conflict and also maximal results. What we are willing to do must be brought into some kind of close alignment with what we want to accomplish -- or, vice versa, what we want to accomplish has to be reduced to better align with what we're willing to do. We want to accomplish major things, but with a minor commitment. Won't work. Never has.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
first or so
Posted by: gnats local 678 at July 08, 2026 12:09 PM (CWTWj)
2
none of this would be happening if elon hadn't helped trump steal the election
Posted by: gnats local 678 at July 08, 2026 12:10 PM (CWTWj)
3
SPONGE!!!
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 08, 2026 12:11 PM (bFu5X)
4
I'll nood
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 08, 2026 12:11 PM (wOO3z)
5
nood'd
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 08, 2026 12:12 PM (wOO3z)
6
Nice that he just now figured out that they are not rational actors, and that they always lie. Bravo, Mr. President!
Now go and kill a whole bunch of them!
Now go and kill a whole bunch of them!
Posted by: Brewingfrog at July 08, 2026 12:12 PM (9nwRs)
7
Gotta say I think this was his plan from the get go. Give them everything they wanted and step back and watch them screw it up. This way Trump's conscious is clean because there are going to be a whole bunch of civilian casualties going forward.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at July 08, 2026 12:13 PM (0N4FZ)
8
KHARG!!!!!
KHARG!!!!!
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at July 08, 2026 12:13 PM (ixS3i)
9
So close to pride month!
Posted by: Uncledave at July 08, 2026 12:14 PM (E+1ea)
10
Pride month goeth before the Fall
Pride month goeth before the Fall
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at July 08, 2026 12:14 PM (ixS3i)
11
Pick a neighborhood the IRGC leadership live in.
Bomb it.
Then go quite and send more ships through.
Any time another ship is struck bomb another elite neighborhood.
Iran is stubborn so it might take 3 strikes, but it won't take more then that
Bomb it.
Then go quite and send more ships through.
Any time another ship is struck bomb another elite neighborhood.
Iran is stubborn so it might take 3 strikes, but it won't take more then that
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 12:15 PM (sKqQm)
12
The goatrapers were given every opportunity and then some. Typical.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 08, 2026 12:15 PM (wOO3z)
13
We beat Japan without boots on the ground in Japan.
Posted by: davidt at July 08, 2026 12:15 PM (Q+gd/)
14
Linebacker III:Make The Rubble And Weird Beards Bounce.
I would even settle for Dresden II: Muslim BBQ.
Time to stop playing around.
I would even settle for Dresden II: Muslim BBQ.
Time to stop playing around.
Posted by: Old Iron Pants at July 08, 2026 12:15 PM (e2lsi)
15
I would even settle for Dresden II: Muslim BBQ.
You know the humanitarian thing to do would be provide Haitians with free flight to Iran afterwards.
You know the humanitarian thing to do would be provide Haitians with free flight to Iran afterwards.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 12:16 PM (sKqQm)
16
For Iran to win, they only need to resist. Trump has to actually win.
This is extremely asymmetrical and creating asymmetrical advantages is a commie super power.
This is extremely asymmetrical and creating asymmetrical advantages is a commie super power.
Posted by: Accomack at July 08, 2026 12:16 PM (V2c8+)
17
I'd like to see the Ji-Hawg ammo make an appearance.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 08, 2026 12:17 PM (wOO3z)
18
But you can't have both of these things at the same time.
Old greek homos and gladiator movies?
Old greek homos and gladiator movies?
Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 08, 2026 12:17 PM (Zi/KP)
19
Trump got over confidant in my opinion.
Posted by: Max Power at July 08, 2026 12:17 PM (SwyyQ)
20
Willowed, a different kind of drone strike, the economic kind:
Apparently a bar near Madison square garden, despite the World Cup and the busy 4th of July weekend, had almost no customers because the Taylor swift wedding blocked off all the surrounding streets for security. The bar is asking her team, the mayor, the garden, anyone they can to make it right for the revenue they lost from the wedding spectacle, and no one is responding. Story at Breitbart.
Taylor and her team were willing to conspicuously donate money in a massive PR offensive attack before her wedding, to keep the socialists off her back. But she and her team are ignoring a business her wedding shenanigans actually hurt. Not a good look.
Apparently a bar near Madison square garden, despite the World Cup and the busy 4th of July weekend, had almost no customers because the Taylor swift wedding blocked off all the surrounding streets for security. The bar is asking her team, the mayor, the garden, anyone they can to make it right for the revenue they lost from the wedding spectacle, and no one is responding. Story at Breitbart.
Taylor and her team were willing to conspicuously donate money in a massive PR offensive attack before her wedding, to keep the socialists off her back. But she and her team are ignoring a business her wedding shenanigans actually hurt. Not a good look.
Posted by: LizLem at July 08, 2026 12:19 PM (gWBY1)
21
Hmm. Ok. let's look at what Iran has left, two major assets - the Strait that they can block at will, and Hezbollah that they can manipulate into causing chaos. Big mistake on Trump's part to not take care of the former moths ago when the Military had solid plans to do it, but "At the request of Phakistan" it was called off. And second mistake is to put pressure on Israel to stop its elimination of Hezbos. Thanks to Rubio's efforts, Israel and Lebanon signed an understanding that allows Israel to continue dealing with Hezbos with Lebanons blessing.
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 12:19 PM (GD0B3)
22
So close to Pride Month?
Posted by: CTHillary, dead but dreaming at July 08, 2026 12:19 PM (GMWTj)
Posted by: Don Black is a bit off today at July 08, 2026 12:19 PM (ZxPkt)
24
Lots of small islands in the gulf there.
Do any have runways?
Do any have runways?
Posted by: MkY at July 08, 2026 12:20 PM (q6tQZ)
25
We need to destroy Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, Democrats and RINO’s. Gas will be 10$/gal long before then.
Posted by: Accomack at July 08, 2026 12:20 PM (A44Mw)
26
maybe the iranian rulers wanted to think it was like the old days: make a deal, break it, hope the americans will say "well we made a deal and we're not going to be the ones to break it. i learned that lesson on my swift boat in cambodia."
Posted by: gnats local 678 at July 08, 2026 12:20 PM (CWTWj)
27
The Iranians are incapable of negotiating in good faith and are not rational actors. Overwhelming force is all they understand, so the only options remaining are either targeting the mosques and hospitals where the leadership is hiding, or boots on the ground. I don’t think the American people will stomach either of these options, nor do I think Trump will go for either option. Trump, with the midterms looming, has the weaker hand with those options off the table. I hope he can find another rabbit to pull out of his hat.
Posted by: Open Channel D at July 08, 2026 12:20 PM (gYnrv)
28
‘The Odyssey’ Star John Leguizamo Claims Europe Stole ‘500,000 Tons of Gold’ from ‘Latin People’
Correction, midwit (ignoring your gross overestimate of the amounts involved) -- 'Latin People' stole [ lotsa ] gold from 'Indigenous People'
‘The Odyssey’ Star John Leguizamo Claims Europe Stole ‘500,000 Tons of Gold’ from ‘Latin People’
Correction, midwit (ignoring your gross overestimate of the amounts involved) -- 'Latin People' stole [ lotsa ] gold from 'Indigenous People'
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at July 08, 2026 12:20 PM (ixS3i)
29
Lebanon has backed off their deal with Israel.
Posted by: Accomack at July 08, 2026 12:21 PM (c71FC)
30
We beat Japan without boots on the ground in Japan.
Posted by: davidt at July 08, 2026 12:15 PM
We had plans to invade japan in late 1945, operation downfall and we would have invaded if the atomic bomb had not been built. The US Army was already pulling troops from Europe to send them back to the states to refit for the invasion when we dropped the bombs.
Posted by: davidt at July 08, 2026 12:15 PM
We had plans to invade japan in late 1945, operation downfall and we would have invaded if the atomic bomb had not been built. The US Army was already pulling troops from Europe to send them back to the states to refit for the invasion when we dropped the bombs.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at July 08, 2026 12:21 PM (0N4FZ)
31
As for the strait, during the war, Iran set up a toll booth.
Trump went back for a shitload of dimes.... and then loaded them into his shotgun.
As for the strait, during the war, Iran set up a toll booth.
Trump went back for a shitload of dimes.... and then loaded them into his shotgun.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 08, 2026 12:21 PM (y9nCu)
32
Afternoon Ace.
Everyone, including Trump I'm sure, realized that the mullahs and IRGC will have to be eradicated if you want peace with Iran. The combination of religious ideology and corruption can't be negotiated with. Trump gave them and the Iranian people opportunities but they decided to try and hold on
Everyone, including Trump I'm sure, realized that the mullahs and IRGC will have to be eradicated if you want peace with Iran. The combination of religious ideology and corruption can't be negotiated with. Trump gave them and the Iranian people opportunities but they decided to try and hold on
Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 08, 2026 12:21 PM (rStkT)
33
But then they want too far, and attacked ships again, and Trump could no longer cover up for them. He could not longer pretend he had a "deal."
---
I am also guilty of wanting too far...and loving too hard, as well.
---
I am also guilty of wanting too far...and loving too hard, as well.
Posted by: Cray Cray at July 08, 2026 12:22 PM (RmciC)
34
I've opined on this too many times. I await the next thread.
Posted by: Don Black is a bit off today at July 08, 2026 12:22 PM (ZxPkt)
35
Again, there are only two options, obliteration or occupation, that's it.
There is no third way with Iran.
There is no third way with Iran.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at July 08, 2026 12:23 PM (XV/Pl)
36
I saw Three Tankers open for White Witch in Tampa in '75.
Posted by: CTHillary, dead but dreaming at July 08, 2026 12:24 PM (GMWTj)
37
I thought that PDJT was doing his darndest to wrap up Iran in order to have the 250th to be as perfect and distraction free as possible. If that is the case, maybe we can take the gloves off on round two.
Posted by: Cray Cray at July 08, 2026 12:24 PM (RmciC)
38
This is all just a distraction from The Epstein files.
Posted by: nurse ratched. at July 08, 2026 12:24 PM (W2Pud)
39
I dunno, I keep being assured that Iran's economy is almost completely destroyed, their inflation is the highest since prehistoric times, they are desperate and very desperate, and even their goats aren't free on Saturday because they have to wash their hair.
Yet ... Iran isn't acting like this at all. To the contrary, they are deliberately stirring up trouble like a bully who knows he's the baddest on the block. A regime or country on the balls of its ass doesn't act like this. Not when all it has to do is abide by the MOU for the time being and drag it out forever.
I continue to believe, as I have since the jump, that the news reports coming out of Iran -- both positive and negative -- are totally unreliable. You can wipe your ass with them. They might be more bogus than the 550th Ukrainian offensive.
I believe none of it. Because of that, I can't really determine how well the Iran war is going.
Yet ... Iran isn't acting like this at all. To the contrary, they are deliberately stirring up trouble like a bully who knows he's the baddest on the block. A regime or country on the balls of its ass doesn't act like this. Not when all it has to do is abide by the MOU for the time being and drag it out forever.
I continue to believe, as I have since the jump, that the news reports coming out of Iran -- both positive and negative -- are totally unreliable. You can wipe your ass with them. They might be more bogus than the 550th Ukrainian offensive.
I believe none of it. Because of that, I can't really determine how well the Iran war is going.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 12:24 PM (iFTx/)
40
Trump is the Ultimate Boomer, and that means he has all the virtues and all the vices of his generation.
He loves America. He loves capitalism. He loves the American military.
He believes in the proposition nation, he's a girldad who loves to promote girlbosses, and he doesn't understand the realities of modern politics.
The midterms are toast now. The 2028 Presidential election is the last stand of the true American nation. If the Democrats win, they'll bring in 10 million foreigners per year and pay them to get pregnant and give birth in America.
He loves America. He loves capitalism. He loves the American military.
He believes in the proposition nation, he's a girldad who loves to promote girlbosses, and he doesn't understand the realities of modern politics.
The midterms are toast now. The 2028 Presidential election is the last stand of the true American nation. If the Democrats win, they'll bring in 10 million foreigners per year and pay them to get pregnant and give birth in America.
Posted by: Vick King at July 08, 2026 12:25 PM (7Vy/d)
41
We had plans to invade japan in late 1945, operation downfall and we would have invaded if the atomic bomb had not been built. The US Army was already pulling troops from Europe to send them back to the states to refit for the invasion when we dropped the bombs.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at July 08, 2026 12:21 PM
We also largely destroyed their army with boots on a lot of other patches of nearby ground.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at July 08, 2026 12:21 PM
We also largely destroyed their army with boots on a lot of other patches of nearby ground.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 08, 2026 12:25 PM (bFu5X)
42
Where is the shrimp dick Shah Wahteverhisname is?
Tell him to get off his ass and go home and die like man.
Like A Man!
Tell him to get off his ass and go home and die like man.
Like A Man!
Posted by: Don Corleone at July 08, 2026 12:25 PM (e2lsi)
43
So the MOU came to its expected conclusion. No billions of palletized US currency, no rebuilding of Iranian military capability, or other worse-case scenarios came to pass. I welcome the resumption of hostilities and expect Iran has pissed off enough of her neighbors at this point that we just need to sell them the munitions needed to keep the 7th imam in his cave..
Posted by: Joe Kidd at July 08, 2026 12:25 PM (nbLIj)
44
When IRAN of all places is looking as a more stable negotiating partner to its immediate neighbors than the United States...That's a problem.
As many others have pointed out, Iran needs to OBLITERATED.
Not down to the last man, woman, or child, but enough so that they look up at Afghanistan as a highly technological civilization.
As many others have pointed out, Iran needs to OBLITERATED.
Not down to the last man, woman, or child, but enough so that they look up at Afghanistan as a highly technological civilization.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 08, 2026 12:26 PM (FZ29D)
Posted by: Auspex at July 08, 2026 12:26 PM (Y8DZL)
46
This is all just a distraction from The Epstein files.
Posted by: nurse ratched. at July 08, 2026 12:24 PM
You're not supposed to notice that!
Posted by: nurse ratched. at July 08, 2026 12:24 PM
You're not supposed to notice that!
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 08, 2026 12:26 PM (bFu5X)
47
If I understand correctly, Trump's end result promised: 1) Iran does not get nuclear weapons (for as long as possible) 2) Iran stops killing our citizens thru proxies. What else did Trump say he would do?
Did he encourage regime change? Did he promise regime change?
Why are there MOU violations? Who is in charge in Iran? Are they the negotiators?
Did he encourage regime change? Did he promise regime change?
Why are there MOU violations? Who is in charge in Iran? Are they the negotiators?
Posted by: actually inside the beltway at July 08, 2026 12:27 PM (7Pnfz)
48
The problem with Iran is muslims, not Persians. So bomb every last muslim mosque on a Friday, to kill the most goatrapers you can. Bomb the homes of all known members of the regime, and of all identifiable civil servants. Flatten all IRGC bases, and any Basij concentrations that can be found. Kill enough Iranian musloids, and the Persians can rise up and take over, and kill those remaining.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 08, 2026 12:27 PM (1z8ji)
49
Well, he's right about them being scum and that you can't negotiate with them...
Posted by: Formerly Virginian at July 08, 2026 12:27 PM (XHO5P)
50
I'm not surprised by any of this, in fact predicted most of it. Trump is only navigating the political reality of the midterms here. That is no small task BTW. After the midterms, regardless of how it goes, I do expect what remains of Iran will be dealt with harshly. Unless Bessent believes that the Iranains can be financially choked to death before the 28 elections.
Posted by: Black JEM at July 08, 2026 12:27 PM (GZYu7)
51
The current average price of oil is mid $70s.
There is what is posted on X, and all the eXperts saying Trump lost, the Trump dum-dum, Trump fail-man, ha-ha Trump stupid, TACO Trump, etc.
And there is the reality of the oil prices.
The world has moved on no matter how many pixels are posted.
The Strait is closed!
Nobody cares.
The Iran mullahs are still in power!
Nobody cares.
There is what is posted on X, and all the eXperts saying Trump lost, the Trump dum-dum, Trump fail-man, ha-ha Trump stupid, TACO Trump, etc.
And there is the reality of the oil prices.
The world has moved on no matter how many pixels are posted.
The Strait is closed!
Nobody cares.
The Iran mullahs are still in power!
Nobody cares.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 12:28 PM (3cUTc)
52
Remember that Trump wanted to force the Strait open but was dissuaded by the Arab states. Likely the GCC has less belief that an enduring peace can be secured by an easy deal now.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:28 PM (okun6)
53
Funny thing is if Iran thinks Trump is scared of November, they should be even more worried about November.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:28 PM (iSDSm)
54
Iran and Egypt getting upset at having to play their World Cup match during pride month, at the pride month night at the stadium in Seattle, is still a sign to me that god has a sense of humor.
Also ironic, the gay cruise ship getting turned away at a port at an Islamic country, because the country didn't want their gay shenanigans to "pollute" their shores.
But yes, rainbow mafia, go all in on Palestine, and letting islamists build themselves a theocracy in the US. It will end so well for you.
Also ironic, the gay cruise ship getting turned away at a port at an Islamic country, because the country didn't want their gay shenanigans to "pollute" their shores.
But yes, rainbow mafia, go all in on Palestine, and letting islamists build themselves a theocracy in the US. It will end so well for you.
Posted by: LizLem at July 08, 2026 12:28 PM (gWBY1)
55
16 For Iran to win, they only need to resist. Trump has to actually win.
This is extremely asymmetrical and creating asymmetrical advantages is a commie super power.
Posted by: Accomack
======
Not really. You seem to assume regime change is what is necessary. Trump can do containment plus whack a mole a lot longer than Iran can stay solvent and feed its people.
This is extremely asymmetrical and creating asymmetrical advantages is a commie super power.
Posted by: Accomack
======
Not really. You seem to assume regime change is what is necessary. Trump can do containment plus whack a mole a lot longer than Iran can stay solvent and feed its people.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:28 PM (E4rtv)
56
Welp that's it I guess.
We armchair QB stuff to death around here, little it cool off and then armchair QB some more.. experts we are and all that jazz.
Can we just agree that Trump is gonna Trump so why try and figure out what He is doing - just await the results.
Goodness Horde, you are gonna give yourselves ulcers.
See ya next thread.
We armchair QB stuff to death around here, little it cool off and then armchair QB some more.. experts we are and all that jazz.
Can we just agree that Trump is gonna Trump so why try and figure out what He is doing - just await the results.
Goodness Horde, you are gonna give yourselves ulcers.
See ya next thread.
Posted by: NALNAMSAM at July 08, 2026 12:29 PM (VkY89)
57
Jerusalem can wait, hoping the regime buckles under its own internal pressures. And while it waits, it can keep dismembering the proxies, whose patron is in no condition to come to their aid.
---
Definition, waiting: Blowing them to shit or A message from Benjamin.
---
Definition, waiting: Blowing them to shit or A message from Benjamin.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 12:29 PM (xHEjv)
58
The approach I’ve always preferred is strangle them with the naval blockade and occasionally pound the shit out of them from the air… and never even pretend to negotiate. We could do this indefinitely with tiny risk to our military forces. Will it force regime change? No… but it keeps them impotent and slowly wears them down
Oh and occasionally demolish a power plant or bridge. If they wanna live in the Stone Age, okay
Oh and occasionally demolish a power plant or bridge. If they wanna live in the Stone Age, okay
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at July 08, 2026 12:30 PM (yz/88)
59
The midterms are toast now. The 2028 Presidential election is the last stand of the true American nation. If the Democrats win, they'll bring in 10 million foreigners per year and pay them to get pregnant and give birth in America.
Posted by: Vick King at July 08, 2026 12:25 PM (7Vy/d)
==
Very silly take. And pretty wrong. Relax people.
Posted by: Vick King at July 08, 2026 12:25 PM (7Vy/d)
==
Very silly take. And pretty wrong. Relax people.
Posted by: Black JEM at July 08, 2026 12:30 PM (GZYu7)
60
Lots of small islands in the gulf there.
Do any have runways?
Posted by: MkY
They can be built in short order.
Do any have runways?
Posted by: MkY
They can be built in short order.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 08, 2026 12:30 PM (wOO3z)
61
Iran is stubborn so it might take 3 strikes, but it won't take more then that
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 12:15 PM (sKqQm)
They murdered 40,000 Iranians without any hesitation. They don't care about their families...they care about bringing the apocalypse.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 12:15 PM (sKqQm)
They murdered 40,000 Iranians without any hesitation. They don't care about their families...they care about bringing the apocalypse.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 08, 2026 12:31 PM (l4RKn)
62
‘The Odyssey’ Star John Leguizamo Claims Europe Stole ‘500,000 Tons of Gold’ from ‘Latin People’
(goose meme)
What country did "Latin People" come from?
WHAT COUNTRY DID LATIN PEOPLE COME FROM, JOHN?
(goose meme)
What country did "Latin People" come from?
WHAT COUNTRY DID LATIN PEOPLE COME FROM, JOHN?
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:31 PM (2ocoG)
63
I see this is the thread for setting your hair on fire, covering yourself in sack-cloth and ashes, and wailing that all is lost.
To this I say: Vitamin D supplements help with emotional regulation.
To this I say: Vitamin D supplements help with emotional regulation.
Posted by: FeatherBlade at July 08, 2026 12:31 PM (vJrRc)
64
I don't think Trump looks "ridiculous" or anything, here.
Is it frustrating dealing with bad actors who don't negotiate in good faith? Sure. Did we have to give it the old college try? Yes.
If anything, Trump is used to dealing with people that even if they're "bad," a good enough "deal" gets him most of what he wants and some of what they want and everyone goes home. The IRGC ain't that. They're batshit insane religious fanatics and have spent 47 years never having to deal with anything resembling consequences for being a warlike tribe of retards destabilizing an entire region.
Is it frustrating dealing with bad actors who don't negotiate in good faith? Sure. Did we have to give it the old college try? Yes.
If anything, Trump is used to dealing with people that even if they're "bad," a good enough "deal" gets him most of what he wants and some of what they want and everyone goes home. The IRGC ain't that. They're batshit insane religious fanatics and have spent 47 years never having to deal with anything resembling consequences for being a warlike tribe of retards destabilizing an entire region.
Posted by: ballistic at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (oqH4h)
65
Every time l hear about Iran charging a toll in the Strait of Hormuz I think of the Count Basie scene from Blazing Saddles. Except on water
Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (rStkT)
66
Not really. You seem to assume regime change is what is necessary. Trump can do containment plus whack a mole a lot longer than Iran can stay solvent and feed its people.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:28 PM (E4rtv)
----
Does Iran really care about feeding its people? Fanatical death cultists have different priorities.
Look at the Gazans. Do THEY care about feeding their people?
They'll let them all starve to death, just so they can blame it on the Jews.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:28 PM (E4rtv)
----
Does Iran really care about feeding its people? Fanatical death cultists have different priorities.
Look at the Gazans. Do THEY care about feeding their people?
They'll let them all starve to death, just so they can blame it on the Jews.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (FZ29D)
67
But do you also want to use American might to punish and knock out hostile foreign terror-states?
=====
Not just any foreign terror-states. Terror-states that are engaged in hostilities against the United States for 47 years.
=====
Not just any foreign terror-states. Terror-states that are engaged in hostilities against the United States for 47 years.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (RIvkX)
68
39 I dunno, I keep being assured that Iran's economy is almost completely destroyed, their inflation is the highest since prehistoric times, they are desperate and very desperate, and even their goats aren't free on Saturday because they have to wash their hair.
Yet ... Iran isn't acting like this at all. To the contrary, they are deliberately stirring up trouble like a bully who knows he's the baddest on the block. A regime or country on the balls of its ass doesn't act like this. Not when all it has to do is abide by the MOU for the time being and drag it out forever.
I continue to believe, as I have since the jump, that the news reports coming out of Iran -- both positive and negative -- are totally unreliable. You can wipe your ass with them. They might be more bogus than the 550th Ukrainian offensive.
I believe none of it. Because of that, I can't really determine how well the Iran war is going.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 12:24 PM (iFTx/)
The Iranian people and Iranian government are in different situations. The brunt of the pain is felt by the general population, the standard of living of the rulers is not much impacted.
Yet ... Iran isn't acting like this at all. To the contrary, they are deliberately stirring up trouble like a bully who knows he's the baddest on the block. A regime or country on the balls of its ass doesn't act like this. Not when all it has to do is abide by the MOU for the time being and drag it out forever.
I continue to believe, as I have since the jump, that the news reports coming out of Iran -- both positive and negative -- are totally unreliable. You can wipe your ass with them. They might be more bogus than the 550th Ukrainian offensive.
I believe none of it. Because of that, I can't really determine how well the Iran war is going.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 12:24 PM (iFTx/)
The Iranian people and Iranian government are in different situations. The brunt of the pain is felt by the general population, the standard of living of the rulers is not much impacted.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (okun6)
69
Very silly take. And pretty wrong. Relax people.
Commenters we've never seen before telling us to surrender peaceably to the Dems because all is lost anyway? That never happens.
Commenters we've never seen before telling us to surrender peaceably to the Dems because all is lost anyway? That never happens.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (2ocoG)
70
If the diplomacy is dead, expect the U.S. to double down on the Omani lane--and Iran to do everything it can to force traffic back through the booth.
---
Do not forsake me oh, my darlin
I do not know what fate awaits me
I only know I must be brave
For I must face a man who hates me
Or lie a coward in my grave
---
Do not forsake me oh, my darlin
I do not know what fate awaits me
I only know I must be brave
For I must face a man who hates me
Or lie a coward in my grave
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (xHEjv)
71
51 The current average price of oil is mid $70s.
There is what is posted on X, and all the eXperts saying Trump lost, the Trump dum-dum, Trump fail-man, ha-ha Trump stupid, TACO Trump, etc.
And there is the reality of the oil prices.
The world has moved on no matter how many pixels are posted.
The Strait is closed!
Nobody cares.
The Iran mullahs are still in power!
Nobody cares.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice
=======
Yes, the problem with too many people is that they lack patience. The facts are that Iran does not possess a working military anymore--it has essentially become a geographic locale of pirates. It cannot invade anymore, project its forces beyond sending drones and missiles, and protect its own airspace from decapitation strikes and degradation of its assets.
And it cannot shut the straits no matter how hard they try anymore. All they can do is be blown up, die, and marginally affect the price of oil.
Like Albania, they have few friends without being able to sell their oil, and have pissed off most of their neighbors except perhaps Pakistan and Afghanistan, neither of which can help them much without repercussions against both of those weak governments.
There is what is posted on X, and all the eXperts saying Trump lost, the Trump dum-dum, Trump fail-man, ha-ha Trump stupid, TACO Trump, etc.
And there is the reality of the oil prices.
The world has moved on no matter how many pixels are posted.
The Strait is closed!
Nobody cares.
The Iran mullahs are still in power!
Nobody cares.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice
=======
Yes, the problem with too many people is that they lack patience. The facts are that Iran does not possess a working military anymore--it has essentially become a geographic locale of pirates. It cannot invade anymore, project its forces beyond sending drones and missiles, and protect its own airspace from decapitation strikes and degradation of its assets.
And it cannot shut the straits no matter how hard they try anymore. All they can do is be blown up, die, and marginally affect the price of oil.
Like Albania, they have few friends without being able to sell their oil, and have pissed off most of their neighbors except perhaps Pakistan and Afghanistan, neither of which can help them much without repercussions against both of those weak governments.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (E4rtv)
72
Mark Halperin @MarkHalperin
Donald Trump in Turkey about the Iranians: "They're scum. They're sick people. They're led by sick people, and they're vicious, violent people. Far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them. They're liars ... there's something wrong with them. They're cuckoo. As far as I'm concerned, it's over."
-
Exact same thing can be said of Turkey.
Donald Trump in Turkey about the Iranians: "They're scum. They're sick people. They're led by sick people, and they're vicious, violent people. Far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them. They're liars ... there's something wrong with them. They're cuckoo. As far as I'm concerned, it's over."
-
Exact same thing can be said of Turkey.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at July 08, 2026 12:33 PM (lgmVC)
73
I'd feel better if Trump wasn't in Turkey.... Don't trust them
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:33 PM (FtULh)
74
We could do this indefinitely with tiny risk to our military forces. Will it force regime change? No… but it keeps them impotent and slowly wears them down
Oh and occasionally demolish a power plant or bridge. If they wanna live in the Stone Age, okay
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at July 08, 2026 12:30 PM (yz/8
No we can't.
Not because we can't do it militarily - of course we can - but because the American people won't tolerate indefinite strikes with no fixed goal.
Oh and occasionally demolish a power plant or bridge. If they wanna live in the Stone Age, okay
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at July 08, 2026 12:30 PM (yz/8
No we can't.
Not because we can't do it militarily - of course we can - but because the American people won't tolerate indefinite strikes with no fixed goal.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:34 PM (xA5g+)
75
Any new one-syllable nics want to chime in and tell me what to think?
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:34 PM (iSDSm)
76
You can't make deals with psychopathic religious death cultists?
Gee. Who'da thunk it?
Literally everyone other than the administration the moment the "deal" happened.
Gee. Who'da thunk it?
Literally everyone other than the administration the moment the "deal" happened.
Posted by: Defenestratus at July 08, 2026 12:34 PM (Z7Ffb)
77
> Trump also threatened to capture Kharg Island, and said that Iran wouldn't be able to prevent it.
you don't need boots on the ground to keep Iran from using Kharg. Just bomb the generators. No juice, no oil gets pumped.
They'll fix and bring in new ones. Bomb those.
Electrical cables form the mainland? Bomb what they're hooked up to
bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran.
you don't need boots on the ground to keep Iran from using Kharg. Just bomb the generators. No juice, no oil gets pumped.
They'll fix and bring in new ones. Bomb those.
Electrical cables form the mainland? Bomb what they're hooked up to
bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran.
Posted by: comradearthur at July 08, 2026 12:34 PM (9+e8q)
78
Airpower theorists have been promising Victory from the Skies since World War Two and they still cannot deliver.
Eh, Japan is a pretty good example, though it might have been the last. And required killing thousands of civilian non-combatants - women and children. At the time of the Tokyo firebombings it was suggested this was the largest number of human beings killed in one fell swoop during a war or somesuch.
Everyone likes to portray Gen. Curtis LeMay as a crazy cigar smoking lunatic ala Dr. Strangelove but he was quite rational and competent.
Bomber losses were horrific to say the least in the ETO, his point was if the targets are not destroyed, they will have to keep going back again and again.
Nobody was too keen on flying B-29s at low altitude, but they had discovered a thing called the slipstream at 30,000 feet throwing off their aim considerably.
I wonder sometimes if modern precision bombing could have altered the war. Take out Berchtesgarden or key meeting points, cut off the head of the snake. Wiping out Dresden and Hamburg didn’t help anything really. The raids on Schweinfurt ball bearing plants and Romanian oil plants didn’t do much either
Eh, Japan is a pretty good example, though it might have been the last. And required killing thousands of civilian non-combatants - women and children. At the time of the Tokyo firebombings it was suggested this was the largest number of human beings killed in one fell swoop during a war or somesuch.
Everyone likes to portray Gen. Curtis LeMay as a crazy cigar smoking lunatic ala Dr. Strangelove but he was quite rational and competent.
Bomber losses were horrific to say the least in the ETO, his point was if the targets are not destroyed, they will have to keep going back again and again.
Nobody was too keen on flying B-29s at low altitude, but they had discovered a thing called the slipstream at 30,000 feet throwing off their aim considerably.
I wonder sometimes if modern precision bombing could have altered the war. Take out Berchtesgarden or key meeting points, cut off the head of the snake. Wiping out Dresden and Hamburg didn’t help anything really. The raids on Schweinfurt ball bearing plants and Romanian oil plants didn’t do much either
Posted by: Common Tater at July 08, 2026 12:34 PM (r9v6V)
79
I'd feel better if Trump would get his ass out of Turkey. Mucho danger there.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 08, 2026 12:34 PM (wOO3z)
80
74 We could do this indefinitely with tiny risk to our military forces. Will it force regime change? No… but it keeps them impotent and slowly wears them down
Oh and occasionally demolish a power plant or bridge. If they wanna live in the Stone Age, okay
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at July 08, 2026 12:30 PM (yz/8
No we can't.
Not because we can't do it militarily - of course we can - but because the American people won't tolerate indefinite strikes with no fixed goal.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:34 PM (xA5g+)
And yet we're 19 years into airstrikes in Somalia.
Oh and occasionally demolish a power plant or bridge. If they wanna live in the Stone Age, okay
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at July 08, 2026 12:30 PM (yz/8
No we can't.
Not because we can't do it militarily - of course we can - but because the American people won't tolerate indefinite strikes with no fixed goal.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:34 PM (xA5g+)
And yet we're 19 years into airstrikes in Somalia.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:35 PM (okun6)
81
Ids it just me or do we seem to have a bunch of new posters today ?
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:35 PM (FtULh)
82
This is giving me the agita. Maybe there's a strategy, maybe there isn't. And while PDT has done a lot of good stuff as President this just doesn't look good and people have very VERY short (and highly selective) memories. I don't like it but I'm not going to rend my garments and put ashes on my head while sitting in the center of town, just yet.
Posted by: Maybe later though at July 08, 2026 12:35 PM (TbWk/)
83
Morning.
Take Kharg. Fuck it.
Iranians won't replace their government. Not until they get some reformer less willing to shoot people. A Muzzie Gorbachev, if you will. Until that happens the regime isn't going anywhere. Take Kharg, put some rocket launchers on it and aim them at Tehran. Fuck it. Fuck it fuck it fuck it. Fuck it all and fuckin' no regrets.
Take Kharg. Fuck it.
Iranians won't replace their government. Not until they get some reformer less willing to shoot people. A Muzzie Gorbachev, if you will. Until that happens the regime isn't going anywhere. Take Kharg, put some rocket launchers on it and aim them at Tehran. Fuck it. Fuck it fuck it fuck it. Fuck it all and fuckin' no regrets.
Posted by: Robert at July 08, 2026 12:35 PM (dpXJq)
Posted by: Rev Dr E Buzz PhD Esq at July 08, 2026 12:36 PM (et1vG)
85
Also, fuck John Thune. Resign.
Posted by: Robert at July 08, 2026 12:36 PM (dpXJq)
86
I disagree that you can't win the war with airpower alone. But you have to have someone who can enforce your eventual agreement. And that requires your forces (or an allied force - like the Iranian rebels) on the ground. But, with a real strategic program of pummeling everything you can absolutely win.
The problem is that Trump pulled his punch. Like spanking your kid with 3 strokes after promising 10, and saying "I think you've learned your lesson." Because every time after that, the kid knows he's getting 3 strokes when you tell him he will receive 10 for some violation.
The other problem is that Trump is dealing as a business man. He seeks profit (no, not the idea of more money, but some advantage) from every "deal" he makes. Which is fine when you're making deals around the edges or with someone who just thinks you're a competitor. But it is a very bad concept when dealing with an actual enemy who is working toward wiping your country off the face of the earth, if they can manage it.
He should have stuck to "regime change at the Iranian people's behest" as the goal of all of these actions.
The problem is that Trump pulled his punch. Like spanking your kid with 3 strokes after promising 10, and saying "I think you've learned your lesson." Because every time after that, the kid knows he's getting 3 strokes when you tell him he will receive 10 for some violation.
The other problem is that Trump is dealing as a business man. He seeks profit (no, not the idea of more money, but some advantage) from every "deal" he makes. Which is fine when you're making deals around the edges or with someone who just thinks you're a competitor. But it is a very bad concept when dealing with an actual enemy who is working toward wiping your country off the face of the earth, if they can manage it.
He should have stuck to "regime change at the Iranian people's behest" as the goal of all of these actions.
Posted by: GWB at July 08, 2026 12:36 PM (kU0PQ)
87
And yet we're 19 years into airstrikes in Somalia.
To be fair, those planes should be redirected to strike Minneapolis.
To be fair, those planes should be redirected to strike Minneapolis.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:36 PM (2ocoG)
88
Gotta say I think this was his plan from the get go. Give them everything they wanted and step back and watch them screw it up. This way Trump's conscious is clean because there are going to be a whole bunch of civilian casualties going forward.
--
Early on, I saw some folks saying Trump did not want a deal.
It was from anti-Trump folks, the gist was that he was going to make outrageous demands, lie and all that so he could blame the Iranians; that the Iranians were the honest dealers.
I saw it the other way:
Trump always knew a deal would never happen.
But, by constantly dangling a "deal" 1) the world would get bored and 2) he'd be free to show he did all he could to end the war.
Even folks here had been berating Trump, for the deal, for wanting a deal, for even talking about a deal--citing his own words.
Trump never needed a deal--Iran did.
Trump only needed time. And that's how I read between the lines of everything he and the rest of his Admin said.
--
Early on, I saw some folks saying Trump did not want a deal.
It was from anti-Trump folks, the gist was that he was going to make outrageous demands, lie and all that so he could blame the Iranians; that the Iranians were the honest dealers.
I saw it the other way:
Trump always knew a deal would never happen.
But, by constantly dangling a "deal" 1) the world would get bored and 2) he'd be free to show he did all he could to end the war.
Even folks here had been berating Trump, for the deal, for wanting a deal, for even talking about a deal--citing his own words.
Trump never needed a deal--Iran did.
Trump only needed time. And that's how I read between the lines of everything he and the rest of his Admin said.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 12:36 PM (3cUTc)
89
>>> The midterms are toast now.
Now? Not before? Supposedly there is hope to squeak by and keep the house and senate, we will see.
If Trump puts American boots on the ground, for sure the midterms are toast, and I think he knows it. That is a line that ace points out we probably needed to cross to win this decisively. But that's not a line Trump was willing to cross at the time, or that most of his supporters will accept.
How did we have a massive amount of drone precision strikes taking out a new Iranian leader every day, and now nothing? I keep waiting to hear news the new gay mullah has been killed. Nothing.
Now? Not before? Supposedly there is hope to squeak by and keep the house and senate, we will see.
If Trump puts American boots on the ground, for sure the midterms are toast, and I think he knows it. That is a line that ace points out we probably needed to cross to win this decisively. But that's not a line Trump was willing to cross at the time, or that most of his supporters will accept.
How did we have a massive amount of drone precision strikes taking out a new Iranian leader every day, and now nothing? I keep waiting to hear news the new gay mullah has been killed. Nothing.
Posted by: LizLem at July 08, 2026 12:36 PM (gWBY1)
90
You can't make deals with psychopathic religious death cultists?
-------
Isn't this too the story of The Left?
-------
Isn't this too the story of The Left?
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:37 PM (iSDSm)
91
"Commenters we've never seen before telling us to surrender peaceably to the Dems because all is lost anyway? That never happens."
Please quote where I said surrender peaceably?
The simple fact is that the most unpopular thing the Republican Party can do with normie voters, independents, and moderates is wage foreign wars. It's an absolute gift to the Democrats to wage foreign wars. It's just giving away elections.
The Democrats absolutely love it when Republicans wage war, it gives them electoral wins.
Please quote where I said surrender peaceably?
The simple fact is that the most unpopular thing the Republican Party can do with normie voters, independents, and moderates is wage foreign wars. It's an absolute gift to the Democrats to wage foreign wars. It's just giving away elections.
The Democrats absolutely love it when Republicans wage war, it gives them electoral wins.
Posted by: Vick King at July 08, 2026 12:37 PM (7Vy/d)
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:37 PM (FtULh)
93
Ids it just me or do we seem to have a bunch of new posters today ?
We 100% do, especially on this thread. The paid Soros/Singham ops are real.
We 100% do, especially on this thread. The paid Soros/Singham ops are real.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:37 PM (2ocoG)
94
R's will hold Senate and House and deserve neither.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:37 PM (iSDSm)
95
87 And yet we're 19 years into airstrikes in Somalia.
To be fair, those planes should be redirected to strike Minneapolis.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:36 PM (2ocoG)
Which is more Somalian that Somalia itself at this point.
To be fair, those planes should be redirected to strike Minneapolis.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:36 PM (2ocoG)
Which is more Somalian that Somalia itself at this point.
Posted by: Bananas and rice and fraud oh my at July 08, 2026 12:37 PM (TbWk/)
96
The Iranian people and Iranian government are in different situations. The brunt of the pain is felt by the general population, the standard of living of the rulers is not much impacted.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (okun6)
-----
Then we should, how you say, impact them.
--Paolo
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (okun6)
-----
Then we should, how you say, impact them.
--Paolo
Posted by: ballistic at July 08, 2026 12:37 PM (oqH4h)
97
Half the oil refinery capacity in Russia is approaching shut down due to defeated Ukrainian drones falling out of the sky, a collapsed harvest yield there and in Iran because the tractors can't roll means at least food shortages by midterms.
Famine is now not outside the realm for them now if things keep going the way they are.
Half the oil refinery capacity in Russia is approaching shut down due to defeated Ukrainian drones falling out of the sky, a collapsed harvest yield there and in Iran because the tractors can't roll means at least food shortages by midterms.
Famine is now not outside the realm for them now if things keep going the way they are.
Posted by: Auspex at July 08, 2026 12:37 PM (Y8DZL)
98
And yet we're 19 years into airstrikes in Somalia.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:35 PM (okun6)
And how many times in the past 90 days has the President publicly altered America's official position re: Somalia?
These scenarios are not comparable.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:35 PM (okun6)
And how many times in the past 90 days has the President publicly altered America's official position re: Somalia?
These scenarios are not comparable.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (xA5g+)
99
Commenters we've never seen before telling us to surrender peaceably to the Dems because all is lost anyway? That never happens.
Posted by: Ian S.
=====
Faggot groypers and DSA demoralization trolls.
The truth is once massive US bloodshed is off the table, the rest of it consists of the natterings of our pundit class that loathes Trump and wants a resolution immediately. Most of them never served and particularly in point of the spear units and think themselves too precious to risk a pinky.
Yet are all in on stupid ideas like we have to send troops in to topple the regime which is a patently stupid idea that simply would never fly politically absent something like a nuclear strike on the US.
If we could contain the Soviet Union without a nuclear war for decades, then we can certainly keep Iran in the box as it is more a threat to its immediate neighbors than us but trying to reconstruct armed forces sufficient to project power is a no go as they can and will be destroyed.
Regime change is going to have to be organic when the Iranians have had enough and are willing to kill enough of these assholes IRGC in the streets to end the regime.
Posted by: Ian S.
=====
Faggot groypers and DSA demoralization trolls.
The truth is once massive US bloodshed is off the table, the rest of it consists of the natterings of our pundit class that loathes Trump and wants a resolution immediately. Most of them never served and particularly in point of the spear units and think themselves too precious to risk a pinky.
Yet are all in on stupid ideas like we have to send troops in to topple the regime which is a patently stupid idea that simply would never fly politically absent something like a nuclear strike on the US.
If we could contain the Soviet Union without a nuclear war for decades, then we can certainly keep Iran in the box as it is more a threat to its immediate neighbors than us but trying to reconstruct armed forces sufficient to project power is a no go as they can and will be destroyed.
Regime change is going to have to be organic when the Iranians have had enough and are willing to kill enough of these assholes IRGC in the streets to end the regime.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (E4rtv)
100
The midterms are toast now. The 2028 Presidential election is the last stand of the true American nation. If the Democrats win, they'll bring in 10 million foreigners per year and pay them to get pregnant and give birth in America.
Posted by: Vick King at July 08, 2026 12:25 PM (7Vy/d)
==
Very silly take. And pretty wrong. Relax people.
Posted by: Black JEM at July 08, 2026 12:30 PM (GZYu7)
He probably read Hinderaker's piece on Powerline today. Hinderaker is the Jim Cramer of Jean Dixons...
Posted by: Vick King at July 08, 2026 12:25 PM (7Vy/d)
==
Very silly take. And pretty wrong. Relax people.
Posted by: Black JEM at July 08, 2026 12:30 PM (GZYu7)
He probably read Hinderaker's piece on Powerline today. Hinderaker is the Jim Cramer of Jean Dixons...
Posted by: Joe Kidd at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (nbLIj)
101
94 R's will hold Senate and House and deserve neither.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:37 PM (iSDSm)
I agree...To both parts
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:37 PM (iSDSm)
I agree...To both parts
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (FtULh)
102
Iran has excellent timing, blowing up boats while Trump is in Turkey, not our best ally. So, Trump sits in the belly of the beast, takes a gaff and rams it through. Recep, let's have a talk after launch,er, lunch.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (xHEjv)
103
Giulio Douhet is the Italian airpower theorist who famously promised victory "from the skies." His key work, "The Command of the Air" was published in 1921.
Posted by: Tom Locker at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (RvQwm)
104
This won't surprise anyone here, but I don't fault Trump for trying, trying, and trying again - even at a high cost to himself - to get these idiots to face reality and save their people and country. But their "leaders" fundamentally see the world and even life itself very differently, so common ground is almost non-existent.
Posted by: LASue at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (lCppi)
105
But here's the trouble, as I've said over and over: Iran knows Trump is desperate for a "deal" -- pathetically desperate, I'd say -- and so they believe he will ignore any and all the violations of the "deal" they never really agreed to. And barely even pretended to agree to.
======
I was assured that Trump was so desperate for a deal that he agreed to give Iran $300 billion just to sign a meaningless MOU that they were going to violate anyway.
No one involved has said that Iran has received any money. At all.
The $12 billion in frozen funds? Still frozen. Used as a carrot to get Iran to act like a normal country, and they couldn't do it.
The oil sales? Well, most of their tankers are still at sea and suddenly can't sell to anyone who wants to be part of the global banking system. So, they get $30 a barrel from China again (assuming they even get to China) without the ability to refill their tankers because we'll just take them like we took their shadow fleet during the blockade.
What if the MOU was fake, everyone knew it was fake, and it was just diplomatic pablum to get oil markets to calm down and the Gulf States an opportunity to realize how Iran won't play nice.
======
I was assured that Trump was so desperate for a deal that he agreed to give Iran $300 billion just to sign a meaningless MOU that they were going to violate anyway.
No one involved has said that Iran has received any money. At all.
The $12 billion in frozen funds? Still frozen. Used as a carrot to get Iran to act like a normal country, and they couldn't do it.
The oil sales? Well, most of their tankers are still at sea and suddenly can't sell to anyone who wants to be part of the global banking system. So, they get $30 a barrel from China again (assuming they even get to China) without the ability to refill their tankers because we'll just take them like we took their shadow fleet during the blockade.
What if the MOU was fake, everyone knew it was fake, and it was just diplomatic pablum to get oil markets to calm down and the Gulf States an opportunity to realize how Iran won't play nice.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (GKDy+)
106
I’ve said many times that pausing combat operations was a mistake- and this was provably. The IRGC’s history is as an ideological belligerent who will not stop until their goals are met. Pausing operations simply gave them a chance to rearm and launch a PR campaign with the help of their Chinese benefactors.
But Iran went too far. They wounded the president’s ego and made him look bad. I guess that vanity is the demarcation point.
YMMV.
But Iran went too far. They wounded the president’s ego and made him look bad. I guess that vanity is the demarcation point.
YMMV.
Posted by: Marcus T at July 08, 2026 12:39 PM (oIl0H)
107
Iran is old news. Renewed strikes will be out of the front page in a day.
I remember when Goode and Pretti getting murdered was going to end the Republican's chances in the midterms.
I remember when Goode and Pretti getting murdered was going to end the Republican's chances in the midterms.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:39 PM (GKDy+)
108
98 And yet we're 19 years into airstrikes in Somalia.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:35 PM (okun6)
And how many times in the past 90 days has the President publicly altered America's official position re: Somalia?
These scenarios are not comparable.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (xA5g+)
The difference is media attention. Over time Iran will be as about as interesting as Ukraine.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:35 PM (okun6)
And how many times in the past 90 days has the President publicly altered America's official position re: Somalia?
These scenarios are not comparable.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (xA5g+)
The difference is media attention. Over time Iran will be as about as interesting as Ukraine.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:39 PM (okun6)
109
The Iranian people and Iranian government are in different situations. The brunt of the pain is felt by the general population, the standard of living of the rulers is not much impacted.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (okun6)
---------
Agreed. So how do we get the rulers and IRGC leadership to feel the pain.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:32 PM (okun6)
---------
Agreed. So how do we get the rulers and IRGC leadership to feel the pain.
Posted by: WisRich at July 08, 2026 12:39 PM (G0vdT)
110
This is … umm … 'kinda-sorta' good(-ish). Trump should NEVER have STOPPED the campaign. Imagine if we'd said "Well, that's done" after the Normandy landings. Or "No, the A-bomb is much too terrible to use on Japan!". What then … ? What would today's world look like?
In the beginning, I was a strong Trump supporter. No more. I'm still happy he's President, but I no longer trust his judgement. I do NOT want another 'Bidet' in the Big Boy Chair. Finish it this time, Donald!
In the beginning, I was a strong Trump supporter. No more. I'm still happy he's President, but I no longer trust his judgement. I do NOT want another 'Bidet' in the Big Boy Chair. Finish it this time, Donald!
Posted by: Dr_No at July 08, 2026 12:40 PM (ayRl+)
111
All you folks buying gasoline to set your hair on fire are just gonna drive up the price at the pump.
Posted by: Bulg at July 08, 2026 12:40 PM (77rzZ)
112
The simple fact is that the most unpopular thing the Republican Party can do with normie voters, independents, and moderates is wage foreign wars not pass the SAVE Act. It's an absolute gift to the Democrats
--------
Americans don't give a shit if we bomb shithole countries. Every president does it. We just don't want to see lots of soldiers getting injured and killed.
--------
Americans don't give a shit if we bomb shithole countries. Every president does it. We just don't want to see lots of soldiers getting injured and killed.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:40 PM (iSDSm)
113
The Democrats absolutely love it when Republicans wage war, it gives them electoral wins.
Posted by: Vick King
=======
Bullshit, e.g. 2002 elections and Bush's popularity after wins in Iraq war soared to 90 percent approval. Wars only cost political power if and when body bags and economic unrest comes into play. Neither are particularly true in this case.
So go away and learn some history. Including political history.
Posted by: Vick King
=======
Bullshit, e.g. 2002 elections and Bush's popularity after wins in Iraq war soared to 90 percent approval. Wars only cost political power if and when body bags and economic unrest comes into play. Neither are particularly true in this case.
So go away and learn some history. Including political history.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:40 PM (E4rtv)
114
>>> 56 Welp that's it I guess.
We armchair QB stuff to death around here, little it cool off and then armchair QB some more.. experts we are and all that jazz.
Can we just agree that Trump is gonna Trump so why try and figure out what He is doing - just await the results.
Goodness Horde, you are gonna give yourselves ulcers.
See ya next thread.
Posted by: NALNAMSAM at July 08, 2026 12:29 PM (VkY89)
I didn't get a HairOnFire from that guy!!!
We armchair QB stuff to death around here, little it cool off and then armchair QB some more.. experts we are and all that jazz.
Can we just agree that Trump is gonna Trump so why try and figure out what He is doing - just await the results.
Goodness Horde, you are gonna give yourselves ulcers.
See ya next thread.
Posted by: NALNAMSAM at July 08, 2026 12:29 PM (VkY89)
I didn't get a HairOnFire from that guy!!!
Posted by: Governor LePetomaine at July 08, 2026 12:40 PM (R+iUD)
115
No billions of palletized US currency
I read they didn’t want dollars. Imagine that. Swiss francs, Euro, and Gold bullion. Wonder where the JEF got the latter.
Have they inventoried Ft. Knox yet? Hm. I also recall reading in 2016 the very first stop for the incoming Treas. secretary was .. Ft. Knox.
I read they didn’t want dollars. Imagine that. Swiss francs, Euro, and Gold bullion. Wonder where the JEF got the latter.
Have they inventoried Ft. Knox yet? Hm. I also recall reading in 2016 the very first stop for the incoming Treas. secretary was .. Ft. Knox.
Posted by: Common Tater at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (r9v6V)
116
We also largely destroyed their army with boots on a lot of other patches of nearby ground.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState
Boots on the islands. Many islands.
We also largely destroyed their army with boots on a lot of other patches of nearby ground.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState
Boots on the islands. Many islands.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (Cqx++)
117
For a "smart" Military blog we don't seem so smart... We're all over the place
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (FtULh)
118
I would even settle for Dresden II: Muslim BBQ./i]
European countries did extract resources from the new world, but of course that's mostly because the natives were too primitive to do so themselves.
But let's have fun with this. Determine every unit of value Britain extracted from the current lands of the US and send them a build adjusted for inflation and 250 years of interest. I mean colonialism is wrong isn't Euroniks? So pay up.
European countries did extract resources from the new world, but of course that's mostly because the natives were too primitive to do so themselves.
But let's have fun with this. Determine every unit of value Britain extracted from the current lands of the US and send them a build adjusted for inflation and 250 years of interest. I mean colonialism is wrong isn't Euroniks? So pay up.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (sKqQm)
119
109
The difference is media attention. Over time Iran will be as about as interesting as Ukraine.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:39 PM (okun6)
======
I think it became that 2 months ago.
How many narratives have swamped out Iran news in the past 8 weeks?
Redistricting, Platner, DHS funding, Platner, the World Cup, Platner, July 4th, Platner...I could go on.
The difference is media attention. Over time Iran will be as about as interesting as Ukraine.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:39 PM (okun6)
======
I think it became that 2 months ago.
How many narratives have swamped out Iran news in the past 8 weeks?
Redistricting, Platner, DHS funding, Platner, the World Cup, Platner, July 4th, Platner...I could go on.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (GKDy+)
120
Not because we can't do it militarily - of course we can - but because the American people won't tolerate indefinite strikes with no fixed goal.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:34 PM (xA5g+)
==
It's a fair complaint. But in that scenario, how does it really impact the voters here, and how does any political power in the US stop Trump from doing it. Iran had completely fallen off the front pages, and the back pages. Oil will spike a bit and then it will fall even lower. And Iran will fall even further off the pages. Iran is praying for something to stop Trump in the midterms. Nothing that can happen in the midterms will stop him. The GOP is not losing the Senate. The House will be super close. Oil prices will continue to fall.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:34 PM (xA5g+)
==
It's a fair complaint. But in that scenario, how does it really impact the voters here, and how does any political power in the US stop Trump from doing it. Iran had completely fallen off the front pages, and the back pages. Oil will spike a bit and then it will fall even lower. And Iran will fall even further off the pages. Iran is praying for something to stop Trump in the midterms. Nothing that can happen in the midterms will stop him. The GOP is not losing the Senate. The House will be super close. Oil prices will continue to fall.
Posted by: Black JEM at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (GZYu7)
121
My first instinct is to airdrop a shitload of hardcore porn on every mosque, just as a big "fuck you". Mix in some Liberator resistance kits (Glock 19 and 4 mags, a box of 9mm, and a 1/2 lb block of C4 with a modern Where Eagles Dare style detonator). Don't send them through the Kurds or any other mohammedan organized group, that was dumb, and I suspect that had a lot to do with the Ivy League poofters at CIA getting a case of the vapors over the idea of the average blue-collar Persian being armed.
My first instinct is to airdrop a shitload of hardcore porn on every mosque, just as a big "fuck you". Mix in some Liberator resistance kits (Glock 19 and 4 mags, a box of 9mm, and a 1/2 lb block of C4 with a modern Where Eagles Dare style detonator). Don't send them through the Kurds or any other mohammedan organized group, that was dumb, and I suspect that had a lot to do with the Ivy League poofters at CIA getting a case of the vapors over the idea of the average blue-collar Persian being armed.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (y9nCu)
122
Of course there will be more "agreements" and, of course, more Iranian violations. What is important id that PDJT follow each transgression with missiles and IRGC leadership deaths. Don't go hog-wild, but be Pavlovian. Teach them the hard way, which is the only education they are capable of learning from.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (bydDj)
123
The difference is media attention. Over time Iran will be as about as interesting as Ukraine.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:39 PM (okun6)
Standing athwart the time between then and now are the midterms.
Whether or not they should be a factor, they are a factor.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:39 PM (okun6)
Standing athwart the time between then and now are the midterms.
Whether or not they should be a factor, they are a factor.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:42 PM (xA5g+)
124
In the beginning, I was a strong Trump supporter. No more. I'm still happy he's President, but I no longer trust his judgement. I do NOT want another 'Bidet' in the Big Boy Chair. Finish it this time, Donald!
Posted by: Dr_No
======
He ain't running for another term but for posterity. Explain again what you consider suitable war terms and how to go about doing just that.
Posted by: Dr_No
======
He ain't running for another term but for posterity. Explain again what you consider suitable war terms and how to go about doing just that.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:42 PM (E4rtv)
Posted by: Marcus T at July 08, 2026 12:42 PM (oIl0H)
126
"Japan is a pretty good example, though it might have been the last"
Japan is an island with no natural resources, and the military situation was completely different. They had no air defenses, and no allies.
Iran has secure supply lines throughout Asia which can't be interdicted without unacceptable losses.
Japan is an island with no natural resources, and the military situation was completely different. They had no air defenses, and no allies.
Iran has secure supply lines throughout Asia which can't be interdicted without unacceptable losses.
Posted by: Vick King at July 08, 2026 12:42 PM (7Vy/d)
127
116
We also largely destroyed their army with boots on a lot of other patches of nearby ground.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState
Boots on the islands. Many islands.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (Cqx++)
=====
We have military assets in theater that can launch an amphibious assault on Kharg Island as of about a week ago.
Taking Kharg Island and stealing all of their oil won't quite be the same thing as sending a few hundred thousand young men to occupy Baghdad.
We also largely destroyed their army with boots on a lot of other patches of nearby ground.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState
Boots on the islands. Many islands.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (Cqx++)
=====
We have military assets in theater that can launch an amphibious assault on Kharg Island as of about a week ago.
Taking Kharg Island and stealing all of their oil won't quite be the same thing as sending a few hundred thousand young men to occupy Baghdad.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:43 PM (GKDy+)
128
For a "smart" Military blog we don't seem so smart... We're all over the place
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (FtULh)
Let me let you in on a little secret.......
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (FtULh)
Let me let you in on a little secret.......
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:43 PM (iSDSm)
129
There is one aerial component that ended a war without a final boots on the ground component. I'm sure everyone can guess that one. Not advocating. Just sayin'. Otherwise, we can bomb until there are no more bombs, and the Iranians will still be there.
If Trump is totally off his rocker...
If Trump is totally off his rocker...
Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at July 08, 2026 12:43 PM (QaH55)
130
122 Of course there will be more "agreements" and, of course, more Iranian violations. What is important id that PDJT follow each transgression with missiles and IRGC leadership deaths. Don't go hog-wild, but be Pavlovian. Teach them the hard way, which is the only education they are capable of learning from.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (bydDj)
======
The MOU ceasefire was fake because of all the destruction that happened during it.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (bydDj)
======
The MOU ceasefire was fake because of all the destruction that happened during it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:43 PM (GKDy+)
131
What if the MOU was fake, everyone knew it was fake, and it was just diplomatic pablum to get oil markets to calm down and the Gulf States an opportunity to realize how Iran won't play nice.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM
Exactly. Trump had to appear to be making a reasonable deal, because the matriarchy that runs Europe (and too much of the US) these days demands it. He's now firmly demonstrated that a deal won't work and it's not because he didn't bend over backwards.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM
Exactly. Trump had to appear to be making a reasonable deal, because the matriarchy that runs Europe (and too much of the US) these days demands it. He's now firmly demonstrated that a deal won't work and it's not because he didn't bend over backwards.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:43 PM (2ocoG)
132
107 Iran is old news. Renewed strikes will be out of the front page in a day.
I remember when Goode and Pretti getting murdered was going to end the Republican's chances in the midterms.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:39 PM (GKDy+)
Goode was a much cleaner shoot than Pretti IMHO. The imminent danger to officers was objectively verifiable by going to the replay. The Pretti thing was way more chaotic and harder to discern the imminent danger to the officers, which is probably why (at least it seemed to me) the left was able to make stronger arguments and keep it in the news a little longer. YMMV...
I remember when Goode and Pretti getting murdered was going to end the Republican's chances in the midterms.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:39 PM (GKDy+)
Goode was a much cleaner shoot than Pretti IMHO. The imminent danger to officers was objectively verifiable by going to the replay. The Pretti thing was way more chaotic and harder to discern the imminent danger to the officers, which is probably why (at least it seemed to me) the left was able to make stronger arguments and keep it in the news a little longer. YMMV...
Posted by: Since we're armchair quarterbacking anyway at July 08, 2026 12:44 PM (TbWk/)
133
124 In the beginning, I was a strong Trump supporter. No more. I'm still happy he's President, but I no longer trust his judgement. I do NOT want another 'Bidet' in the Big Boy Chair. Finish it this time, Donald!
Posted by: Dr_No
======
He ain't running for another term but for posterity. Explain again what you consider suitable war terms and how to go about doing just that.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:42 PM (E4rtv)
=====
How many dead Iranian civilians?
Posted by: Dr_No
======
He ain't running for another term but for posterity. Explain again what you consider suitable war terms and how to go about doing just that.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:42 PM (E4rtv)
=====
How many dead Iranian civilians?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:44 PM (GKDy+)
134
Ids it just me or do we seem to have a bunch of new posters today ?
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:35 PM (FtULh)
Yep, they're so predictable and so wrong, like Jim Cramer or Al Gore.
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:35 PM (FtULh)
Yep, they're so predictable and so wrong, like Jim Cramer or Al Gore.
Posted by: LASue at July 08, 2026 12:44 PM (lCppi)
135
How many narratives have swamped out Iran news in the past 8 weeks?
Redistricting, Platner, DHS funding, Platner, the World Cup, Platner, July 4th, Platner...I could go on.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (GKDy+)
This is a fair point, but Iran's been quieter than it was in the beginning. If strikes continue to escalate, I'd imagine Iran gets top billing again - if only because the left believes it can hurt Trump with it.
Redistricting, Platner, DHS funding, Platner, the World Cup, Platner, July 4th, Platner...I could go on.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (GKDy+)
This is a fair point, but Iran's been quieter than it was in the beginning. If strikes continue to escalate, I'd imagine Iran gets top billing again - if only because the left believes it can hurt Trump with it.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:45 PM (xA5g+)
136
Just finish it for God's sakes
Stop trying to get some stupid "deal" with Armageddon savages.
Blow the fuck out of them and call it a day
Sorry Iranian people...
Stop trying to get some stupid "deal" with Armageddon savages.
Blow the fuck out of them and call it a day
Sorry Iranian people...
Posted by: Melodicmetal at July 08, 2026 12:45 PM (JzDV9)
137
113
As a precautionary measure, Alito should resign now. Trump may not be able to get a replacement confirmed if the GOP loses the Senate.
The same is true of any other Trump appointed official who 1) was confirmed by the Senate and 2) was contemplating resigning after the midterms anyway.
Do it NOW.
As a precautionary measure, Alito should resign now. Trump may not be able to get a replacement confirmed if the GOP loses the Senate.
The same is true of any other Trump appointed official who 1) was confirmed by the Senate and 2) was contemplating resigning after the midterms anyway.
Do it NOW.
Posted by: mnw at July 08, 2026 12:45 PM (RCjYY)
138
Lies to promote destruction of the infidels are sacred in Islam. Pretty stupid to trust any of them. Have at it Mr. President.
Posted by: night lifted at July 08, 2026 12:45 PM (kJmLc)
139
==
Very silly take. And pretty wrong. Relax people.
Posted by: Black JEM
---
Heh, there's a lot of hair on fire. We've destroyed their country, cut off their money supply. They only survive because we allow humanitarian aid from Russia. China wants cash and they don't have any. And we've lost 5 or 7 personnel. That's less than if we weren't there at all.
Our biggest adversary is the Media and people who believe it.
Very silly take. And pretty wrong. Relax people.
Posted by: Black JEM
---
Heh, there's a lot of hair on fire. We've destroyed their country, cut off their money supply. They only survive because we allow humanitarian aid from Russia. China wants cash and they don't have any. And we've lost 5 or 7 personnel. That's less than if we weren't there at all.
Our biggest adversary is the Media and people who believe it.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 12:45 PM (xHEjv)
140
Hell, this Smart Boob Blog can’t even agree on the hawtness level of various females.
Posted by: Bulg at July 08, 2026 12:46 PM (77rzZ)
141
For a "smart" Military blog we don't seem so smart... We're all over the place
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (FtULh)
A) We're Morons
B) Unanimity/groupthink is not an indicator of smartness.
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (FtULh)
A) We're Morons
B) Unanimity/groupthink is not an indicator of smartness.
Posted by: Just so that's cleared up at July 08, 2026 12:46 PM (TbWk/)
142
Imagine if we'd said … “No, the A-bomb is much too terrible to use”
——-
There was a school of thought that posited that. It did not gain very much traction. Some wanted a “demonstration”, setting one off in an unpopulated location. (What it was a dud??)
Politically speaking, there was no question it would be used, just as soon as it was ready. Intended for Berlin, deployed on Hiroshima, they should have cranked them out on the Kremlin too. Would have prevented much grief around the world the last 80 years, jeeze louise
——-
There was a school of thought that posited that. It did not gain very much traction. Some wanted a “demonstration”, setting one off in an unpopulated location. (What it was a dud??)
Politically speaking, there was no question it would be used, just as soon as it was ready. Intended for Berlin, deployed on Hiroshima, they should have cranked them out on the Kremlin too. Would have prevented much grief around the world the last 80 years, jeeze louise
Posted by: Common Tater at July 08, 2026 12:46 PM (r9v6V)
143
We had plans to invade japan in late 1945, operation downfall and we would have invaded if the atomic bomb had not been built. The US Army was already pulling troops from Europe to send them back to the states to refit for the invasion when we dropped the bombs.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at July 08, 2026 12:21 PM (0N4FZ)
Well then? Why wait for them to get the bomb, too?
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at July 08, 2026 12:21 PM (0N4FZ)
Well then? Why wait for them to get the bomb, too?
Posted by: night lifted at July 08, 2026 12:46 PM (kJmLc)
144
I'm reading more leftwing takes on Platner and I have to laugh:
1) Hey how come all these news sources I trust print exactly the same story with the same quotes at the same time in lockstep?!?
2) But but Trump is worse!
3) #ImwithPlatner - screw lying Jewish b*tches
4) We all knew Platner was a Republican plant I mean look at him...he's obviously a Republican
5) All men are like this which is why only women should be allowed to run for office!
1) Hey how come all these news sources I trust print exactly the same story with the same quotes at the same time in lockstep?!?
2) But but Trump is worse!
3) #ImwithPlatner - screw lying Jewish b*tches
4) We all knew Platner was a Republican plant I mean look at him...he's obviously a Republican
5) All men are like this which is why only women should be allowed to run for office!
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 12:46 PM (sKqQm)
145
131 What if the MOU was fake, everyone knew it was fake, and it was just diplomatic pablum to get oil markets to calm down and the Gulf States an opportunity to realize how Iran won't play nice.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM
Exactly. Trump had to appear to be making a reasonable deal, because the matriarchy that runs Europe (and too much of the US) these days demands it. He's now firmly demonstrated that a deal won't work and it's not because he didn't bend over backwards.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:43 PM (2ocoG)
=======
"50% of the oil out of Hormuz has been redirected, US exports are up bigly, and Venezuelan exports are doing the same thing while demand destruction has already had its effect in Asia. Dear lord, people, you need to calm down."
-2 months ago
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM
Exactly. Trump had to appear to be making a reasonable deal, because the matriarchy that runs Europe (and too much of the US) these days demands it. He's now firmly demonstrated that a deal won't work and it's not because he didn't bend over backwards.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:43 PM (2ocoG)
=======
"50% of the oil out of Hormuz has been redirected, US exports are up bigly, and Venezuelan exports are doing the same thing while demand destruction has already had its effect in Asia. Dear lord, people, you need to calm down."
-2 months ago
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:46 PM (GKDy+)
146
I'll disagree with one thing up there. Taking Kharg Island doesn't require boots on the ground. It just requires no people on the island. Somebody lands, drone strike.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 12:47 PM (n5tGW)
147
135 This is a fair point, but Iran's been quieter than it was in the beginning. If strikes continue to escalate, I'd imagine Iran gets top billing again - if only because the left believes it can hurt Trump with it.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:45 PM (xA5g+)
=======
There was a day a week or so ago where Iran hit two tankers with drones. It didn't even slow down traffic in the strait at the time, much less last more than a few hours in the news cycle.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:45 PM (xA5g+)
=======
There was a day a week or so ago where Iran hit two tankers with drones. It didn't even slow down traffic in the strait at the time, much less last more than a few hours in the news cycle.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:47 PM (GKDy+)
148
The same is true of any other Trump appointed official who 1) was confirmed by the Senate and 2) was contemplating resigning after the midterms anyway.
Do it NOW.
Posted by: mnw at July 08, 2026 12:45 PM (RCjYY)
The only candidate Trump could get through now with the makeup of the Senate is a candidate to the left of Amy C. Barrett.. There are at least 4 maybe 5 republicans who will vote down anyone more Conservative
The same is true of any other Trump appointed official who 1) was confirmed by the Senate and 2) was contemplating resigning after the midterms anyway.
Do it NOW.
Posted by: mnw at July 08, 2026 12:45 PM (RCjYY)
The only candidate Trump could get through now with the makeup of the Senate is a candidate to the left of Amy C. Barrett.. There are at least 4 maybe 5 republicans who will vote down anyone more Conservative
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:47 PM (FtULh)
149
Remember when we were definitely going to lose because of gas prices.
Before that it was eggs and then general groceries.
If you pay attention (and I don't recommend doing that), every month or so there is a new meme about why we will lose. Real people buy into it because it's easy to latch on to woe, and they help keep it going after the initial "push".
Remember when we were definitely going to lose because of gas prices.
Before that it was eggs and then general groceries.
If you pay attention (and I don't recommend doing that), every month or so there is a new meme about why we will lose. Real people buy into it because it's easy to latch on to woe, and they help keep it going after the initial "push".
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:48 PM (iSDSm)
150
Hell, this Smart Boob Blog can’t even agree on the hawtness level of various females.
Point of order: the blog itself has a reasonable consensus, it's just Elric likes to troll and/or really needs his glasses prescription adjusted.
Point of order: the blog itself has a reasonable consensus, it's just Elric likes to troll and/or really needs his glasses prescription adjusted.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:48 PM (2ocoG)
151
104 This won't surprise anyone here, but I don't fault Trump for trying, trying, and trying again - even at a high cost to himself - to get these idiots to face reality and save their people and country. But their "leaders" fundamentally see the world and even life itself very differently, so common ground is almost non-existent.
Posted by: LASue
---
Right, he doesn't want to be the man who killed a civilization.
Posted by: LASue
---
Right, he doesn't want to be the man who killed a civilization.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 12:48 PM (xHEjv)
152
I'm just going to add the following opinion and assume someone knows better and will call me a clueless simpleton because A. not a veteran B. Don't live in DC or the Northeast C. Not a college gradiatorian D. All of the above
"_________________________________________"
I also look forward to reading Kurt Schlichter's resume and latest Kelly Turnbull book commercial on this issue.
"_________________________________________"
I also look forward to reading Kurt Schlichter's resume and latest Kelly Turnbull book commercial on this issue.
Posted by: sifty boones at July 08, 2026 12:48 PM (dI9Uf)
153
Trump was just trying to keep oil prices low till after the midterms. He needs to try and keep the House and the Senate.
I understand why and what he is doing.
I understand why and what he is doing.
Posted by: redridinghood at July 08, 2026 12:48 PM (NpAcC)
154
>>> The Democrats absolutely love it when Republicans wage war, it gives them electoral wins.
Desert storm was a success, bush lost reelection because he broke his promise on no new taxes. It truly was the economy, stupid.
If Trump can get this Iran mess sorted out by fall, but more importantly if our oil prices plummet, and Americans find things more affordable, republicans have a good shot at surviving midterms.
Especially with the new certified electoral maps favoring GOP. And if voting fraud can get cleaned up. I have a feeling Thune is in power to thwart the SAVE act. But if that magically passes it will also help.
Desert storm was a success, bush lost reelection because he broke his promise on no new taxes. It truly was the economy, stupid.
If Trump can get this Iran mess sorted out by fall, but more importantly if our oil prices plummet, and Americans find things more affordable, republicans have a good shot at surviving midterms.
Especially with the new certified electoral maps favoring GOP. And if voting fraud can get cleaned up. I have a feeling Thune is in power to thwart the SAVE act. But if that magically passes it will also help.
Posted by: LizLem at July 08, 2026 12:48 PM (gWBY1)
155
What if the MOU was fake, everyone knew it was fake, and it was just diplomatic pablum to get oil markets to calm down and the Gulf States an opportunity to realize how Iran won't play nice.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (GKDy+)
==
It was theater, mostly for the middle east countries not wanting to have the shooting continue. For the reasons you noted. Iran keeps doing stupid stuff. There is a deal to be welcomed into the 21st century, but it seems like they won't take it, and they keep burning their lifelines with the only people who can really convince Trump to take it easy.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:38 PM (GKDy+)
==
It was theater, mostly for the middle east countries not wanting to have the shooting continue. For the reasons you noted. Iran keeps doing stupid stuff. There is a deal to be welcomed into the 21st century, but it seems like they won't take it, and they keep burning their lifelines with the only people who can really convince Trump to take it easy.
Posted by: Black JEM at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (GZYu7)
156
A) We're Morons
B) Unanimity/groupthink is not an indicator of smartness.
Posted by: Just so that's cleared up at July 08, 2026 12:46 PM (TbWk/)
Hysterics isn't a sign of "smartness" either...
B) Unanimity/groupthink is not an indicator of smartness.
Posted by: Just so that's cleared up at July 08, 2026 12:46 PM (TbWk/)
Hysterics isn't a sign of "smartness" either...
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (FtULh)
157
So now he can play his card that he tried to make peace, showed the world how hard he tried, just as Iran showed the world what scum they are, he can finish them off.
But if he doesn't finish them off, and goes back to a ceasefire and discussions of another deal, there's no coming back from that at least in the short term, mid-term wise.
But if he doesn't finish them off, and goes back to a ceasefire and discussions of another deal, there's no coming back from that at least in the short term, mid-term wise.
Posted by: Ordinary American at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (fZiTB)
158
“I was a strong Trump supporter. No more. I'm still happy he's President, but I no longer trust his judgement.”
——-
Your Concern Has Been:
[X] Noted
[ ] Not Noted
——-
Your Concern Has Been:
[X] Noted
[ ] Not Noted
Posted by: Common Tater at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (r9v6V)
159
Hysterics isn't a sign of "smartness" either...
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (FtULh)
Whoa, calm down now.
Hysterics isn't a sign of "smartness" either...
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (FtULh)
Whoa, calm down now.
Posted by: Kidding! *Runs away* at July 08, 2026 12:50 PM (TbWk/)
160
155 It was theater, mostly for the middle east countries not wanting to have the shooting continue. For the reasons you noted. Iran keeps doing stupid stuff. There is a deal to be welcomed into the 21st century, but it seems like they won't take it, and they keep burning their lifelines with the only people who can really convince Trump to take it easy.
Posted by: Black JEM at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (GZYu7)
=======
People have real trouble negotiating the difference between diplomatic language and political language.
And the diplomatic language around talks was always just fake theater.
Posted by: Black JEM at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (GZYu7)
=======
People have real trouble negotiating the difference between diplomatic language and political language.
And the diplomatic language around talks was always just fake theater.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:50 PM (GKDy+)
161
"Bullshit, e.g. 2002 elections and Bush's popularity after wins in Iraq war soared to 90 percent approval. "
The Iraq War began in March 2003, what on earth does the 2002 elections have to do with anything?
The 2004 elections gave W a second term, and increased the House margin.
Then Iraq went bad in 05 and 06 and the Democrats won the House, the Senate, and a majority of state governorships.
"Wars only cost political power if and when body bags and economic unrest comes into play. Neither are particularly true in this case."
Have you not filled up your gas tank recently?
"So go away and learn some history. Including political history."
lol
The Iraq War began in March 2003, what on earth does the 2002 elections have to do with anything?
The 2004 elections gave W a second term, and increased the House margin.
Then Iraq went bad in 05 and 06 and the Democrats won the House, the Senate, and a majority of state governorships.
"Wars only cost political power if and when body bags and economic unrest comes into play. Neither are particularly true in this case."
Have you not filled up your gas tank recently?
"So go away and learn some history. Including political history."
lol
Posted by: Vick King at July 08, 2026 12:50 PM (7Vy/d)
162
You have been extremely good at reading Trump's mind so far, and predicting his future moves.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:50 PM (rbvCR)
163
Whoa, calm down now.
Posted by: Kidding! *Runs away* at July 08, 2026 12:50 PM (TbWk/)
LOL.... You better...
Whoa, calm down now.
Posted by: Kidding! *Runs away* at July 08, 2026 12:50 PM (TbWk/)
LOL.... You better...
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:50 PM (FtULh)
164
People you know the Dems are in deep trouble over Trump's way of dealing with Iran.
LOOK AT THE TROLL COUNT AT THIS ONE THREAD.
hahahahahahah
LOOK AT THE TROLL COUNT AT THIS ONE THREAD.
hahahahahahah
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 12:51 PM (xHEjv)
165
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary to nuke some ayatollahs,,,
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at July 08, 2026 12:51 PM (WeQvm)
166
140 Hell, this Smart Boob Blog can’t even agree on the hawtness level of various females.
Posted by: Bulg at July 08, 2026 12:46 PM (77rzZ)
Surely we can at least agree that bewbs are great! Btw, what's a Smart Boob?
Posted by: Bulg at July 08, 2026 12:46 PM (77rzZ)
Surely we can at least agree that bewbs are great! Btw, what's a Smart Boob?
Posted by: Polka will never die at July 08, 2026 12:51 PM (LdoNM)
167
I'm concerned that Alito may be the GOP's Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Posted by: mnw at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (RCjYY)
168
Hell, this Smart Boob Blog can’t even agree on the hawtness level of various females.
Point of order: the blog itself has a reasonable consensus, it's just Elric likes to troll and/or really needs his glasses prescription adjusted.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:48 PM (2ocoG)
But most of us know not to look at the Admiral Ackbar photos for beautiful women.
Point of order: the blog itself has a reasonable consensus, it's just Elric likes to troll and/or really needs his glasses prescription adjusted.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:48 PM (2ocoG)
But most of us know not to look at the Admiral Ackbar photos for beautiful women.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (qx7Zg)
169
I was recently told that Iran is far stronger than the US because it is unified and unified cultures are far stronger than us.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (rbvCR)
170
and in the meantime we're pissing off the people in the Middle East we don't want to piss off like all Iran's neighbors who we work with. They're at the point of saying fuck it all and working with Iran so they don't get shelled nightly.
Posted by: Jaimo at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (2noDb)
171
The shit eaters always come for these threads.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (wOO3z)
172
drat
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (rbvCR)
173
Completely OT but I made these croissants and...why? I can't eat them all.
And they're Pillsbury croissants out of the little can. They're okay, I guess.
I hate to say this but...I think I need a wife.
And they're Pillsbury croissants out of the little can. They're okay, I guess.
I hate to say this but...I think I need a wife.
Posted by: Robert at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (dpXJq)
174
But most of us know not to look at the Admiral Ackbar photos for beautiful women.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (qx7Zg)
I did..... Once...
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (qx7Zg)
I did..... Once...
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (FtULh)
175
This does not sound good at all..
"REPORTER: “There's speculation that you're leaving Ankara not in the new Air Force One because of security concerns involving Iran. You've spoken today twice about them possibly assassinating you.”
TRUMP: “I'm number one on the kill list for Iran”"
Should have finished those fksrs off in April. Now they had time to crawl out, pay off MEx cartels, and other terrorists to enter US and try to assassinate political leaders.
They should trash that Qatari rtojan horse, dump it in the Pacific.
"REPORTER: “There's speculation that you're leaving Ankara not in the new Air Force One because of security concerns involving Iran. You've spoken today twice about them possibly assassinating you.”
TRUMP: “I'm number one on the kill list for Iran”"
Should have finished those fksrs off in April. Now they had time to crawl out, pay off MEx cartels, and other terrorists to enter US and try to assassinate political leaders.
They should trash that Qatari rtojan horse, dump it in the Pacific.
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (GD0B3)
176
I was recently told that Iran is far stronger than the US because it is unified and unified cultures are far stronger than us.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (rbvCR)
I thought Diversity was our Strength?!
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (rbvCR)
I thought Diversity was our Strength?!
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (xA5g+)
177
People vote for a leader. They want to see strength. Going after Iran in the first place is a show of leadership and strength because the expected pussy thing to do would be to not open the can of worms in an election year.
Doesn't mean I agree with it, or even that I think it's been amazingly well waged, or that it's how I would do it, but it is leadership.
Doesn't mean I agree with it, or even that I think it's been amazingly well waged, or that it's how I would do it, but it is leadership.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:53 PM (iSDSm)
178
164 People you know the Dems are in deep trouble over Trump's way of dealing with Iran.
LOOK AT THE TROLL COUNT AT THIS ONE THREAD.
hahahahahahah
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 12:51 PM (xHEjv)
=======
The only way renewed Iranian action becomes an actual election/domestic issue is if gas spikes again (won't we're past peak demand in the US, plus our exports have crashed while we're actually increasing production) or boots on the ground. Not on Kharg Island, but in Tehran.
We'll have news about how Trump is icky for that one way he looked at someone while he ordered extra ice cream soon enough.
LOOK AT THE TROLL COUNT AT THIS ONE THREAD.
hahahahahahah
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 12:51 PM (xHEjv)
=======
The only way renewed Iranian action becomes an actual election/domestic issue is if gas spikes again (won't we're past peak demand in the US, plus our exports have crashed while we're actually increasing production) or boots on the ground. Not on Kharg Island, but in Tehran.
We'll have news about how Trump is icky for that one way he looked at someone while he ordered extra ice cream soon enough.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:53 PM (GKDy+)
179
Completely OT but I made these croissants and...why? I can't eat them all.
And they're Pillsbury croissants out of the little can. They're okay, I guess.
I hate to say this but...I think I need a wife.
Posted by: Robert at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (dpXJq)
I made cherry jam last night and it didn't set, so I recooked it this morning and it seems better. You want to trade some croissants for some jam?
And they're Pillsbury croissants out of the little can. They're okay, I guess.
I hate to say this but...I think I need a wife.
Posted by: Robert at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (dpXJq)
I made cherry jam last night and it didn't set, so I recooked it this morning and it seems better. You want to trade some croissants for some jam?
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (rbvCR)
180
Dumb question. Why is the Strait of Hormuz such a 'big fucking deal' if you aren't Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar or the UAE (and they have a little of coastline past the strait, but looks like the terrain is rough)? Seems like an opportunity for an alternative; wasn't there some chatter about a pipeline across Saudi Arabia?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (R+iUD)
181
When Trump posted that he is switching planes, it was obvious something is up.
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (GD0B3)
182
How did an old commie wench like Buzzy Ginsburg get confirmed anyhow? Oh that’s right, the fucking Senate voted 99-0 or something like that.
“She’s fully qualified!” everyone was admonished. LOL
“She’s fully qualified!” everyone was admonished. LOL
Posted by: Common Tater at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (r9v6V)
183
But most of us know not to look at the Admiral Ackbar photos for beautiful women.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (qx7Zg)
I tell myself not to open those links. I tell myself over and over and over again but that little voice that says, Fuck it, you've seen worse," wins every single time.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (qx7Zg)
I tell myself not to open those links. I tell myself over and over and over again but that little voice that says, Fuck it, you've seen worse," wins every single time.
Posted by: Robert at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (dpXJq)
184
I said all of that about boots on the ground and such when this began.
I said it all again when the uprising never happened because the Kurds kept the weapons.
I said it yet again when the MOU was announced.
And I repeated it once more when the Iranian violations and rhetoric began and they walked out of Vance.
For that matter, I said it back during Iraq and Afghanistan.
Copybook Headings.
Every single time.
I said it all again when the uprising never happened because the Kurds kept the weapons.
I said it yet again when the MOU was announced.
And I repeated it once more when the Iranian violations and rhetoric began and they walked out of Vance.
For that matter, I said it back during Iraq and Afghanistan.
Copybook Headings.
Every single time.
Posted by: Sam at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (7jMef)
185
@ 133 124 In the beginning, I was a strong Trump supporter. No more. I'm still happy he's President, but I no longer trust his judgement. I do NOT want another 'Bidet' in the Big Boy Chair. Finish it this time, Donald!
Posted by: Dr_No
======
(a) He ain't running for another term but for posterity. Explain again what you consider suitable war terms and how to go about doing just that.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:42 PM (E4rtv)
=====
(b)How many dead Iranian civilians?
_________________________________
(a) Suitable war terms? Win. Preferably with air power alone, but that's never done it in any war we've been in. At some point, we will have 'boots on the ground'. Ideally? I'd love to see us send in RoboTroops - a/k/a 'Terminator' - but that's not gonna happen. We'll eventually have 'bags under flags' … again. I hate that.
(b) How many dead Japanese civilians were there? How many in Dresden? The question is moot.
Posted by: Dr_No
======
(a) He ain't running for another term but for posterity. Explain again what you consider suitable war terms and how to go about doing just that.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:42 PM (E4rtv)
=====
(b)How many dead Iranian civilians?
_________________________________
(a) Suitable war terms? Win. Preferably with air power alone, but that's never done it in any war we've been in. At some point, we will have 'boots on the ground'. Ideally? I'd love to see us send in RoboTroops - a/k/a 'Terminator' - but that's not gonna happen. We'll eventually have 'bags under flags' … again. I hate that.
(b) How many dead Japanese civilians were there? How many in Dresden? The question is moot.
Posted by: Dr_No at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (ayRl+)
186
People in aggregate only care about overseas conflicts when there is a cost at least near to them.
If Trump were to institute the draft, get a thousand or more soldiers killed, or raise taxes people would vote D. The gas price thing potentially would hit the same vibe as a tax increase but it isn't certain.
And as an example of this look at the Libyan campaign. Since it didn't trigger any of those no one cared we had Mummar sodomized to death and replaced his regime with Al Qaeda.
If Trump were to institute the draft, get a thousand or more soldiers killed, or raise taxes people would vote D. The gas price thing potentially would hit the same vibe as a tax increase but it isn't certain.
And as an example of this look at the Libyan campaign. Since it didn't trigger any of those no one cared we had Mummar sodomized to death and replaced his regime with Al Qaeda.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 12:55 PM (sKqQm)
187
People you know the Dems are in deep trouble over Trump's way of dealing with Iran.
LOOK AT THE TROLL COUNT AT THIS ONE THREAD.
hahahahahahah
Right? It's the troll Olympics.
LOOK AT THE TROLL COUNT AT THIS ONE THREAD.
hahahahahahah
Right? It's the troll Olympics.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:55 PM (2ocoG)
188
170 and in the meantime we're pissing off the people in the Middle East we don't want to piss off like all Iran's neighbors who we work with. They're at the point of saying fuck it all and working with Iran so they don't get shelled nightly.
Posted by: Jaimo at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (2noDb)
======
wut?
Iran's neighbors are entirely blaming Iran for the renewed action because Iran was doing things not outlined in the MOU like attacking ships or trying to enforce tolls.
https://x.com/alexplitsas/status/
2074635706534633742
"Regional mediators told me that Iran was trying to impose its interpretation of the MOU which included its control over the Strait of Hormuz before negotiations were paused for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral. Iran’s attacks on shipping is part of that and a violation of the MOU"
Posted by: Jaimo at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (2noDb)
======
wut?
Iran's neighbors are entirely blaming Iran for the renewed action because Iran was doing things not outlined in the MOU like attacking ships or trying to enforce tolls.
https://x.com/alexplitsas/status/
2074635706534633742
"Regional mediators told me that Iran was trying to impose its interpretation of the MOU which included its control over the Strait of Hormuz before negotiations were paused for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral. Iran’s attacks on shipping is part of that and a violation of the MOU"
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:55 PM (GKDy+)
189
Biggest (political ) loser in this is Vance
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at July 08, 2026 12:55 PM (k8boH)
190
I thought Diversity was our Strength?!
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (xA5g+)
"Unity and strength are forged by death squads"
Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (xA5g+)
"Unity and strength are forged by death squads"
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:55 PM (rbvCR)
191
I'm concerned that Alito may be the GOP's Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Posted by: mnw at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (RCjYY)
****
RBG died at 87 yrs.
Alito is 76.
Posted by: mnw at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (RCjYY)
****
RBG died at 87 yrs.
Alito is 76.
Posted by: redridinghood at July 08, 2026 12:55 PM (NpAcC)
192
Hysterics isn't a sign of "smartness" either...
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (FtULh)
That's hysterical.
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (FtULh)
That's hysterical.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:55 PM (iSDSm)
193
169 I was recently told that Iran is far stronger than the US because it is unified and unified cultures are far stronger than us.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (rbvCR)
Iran is pretty mixed
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (rbvCR)
Iran is pretty mixed
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:55 PM (okun6)
194
Gas prices and Europeons be damned, dead Iranians can't blow up Marine barracks or shoot up malls.
Posted by: sifty boones at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (dI9Uf)
195
huh...
"REPORTER: “Last month you said Iranian leaders were very rational people, nice to deal with, strong and smart. Today you said they're scum, sick people, and being led by sick people. What changed?”
TRUMP: “I got to know them”"
Getting to know you ....
"REPORTER: “Last month you said Iranian leaders were very rational people, nice to deal with, strong and smart. Today you said they're scum, sick people, and being led by sick people. What changed?”
TRUMP: “I got to know them”"
Getting to know you ....
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (GD0B3)
196
I made cherry jam last night and it didn't set, so I recooked it this morning and it seems better. You want to trade some croissants for some jam?
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (rbvCR)
Is it hard to make? I bought cherries yesterday.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (rbvCR)
Is it hard to make? I bought cherries yesterday.
Posted by: Robert at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (dpXJq)
197
140 Hell, this Smart Boob Blog can’t even agree on the hawtness level of various females.
Posted by: Bulg
Dude, the Greta Thunburg thing is over by popular acclaim.
Posted by: Bulg
Dude, the Greta Thunburg thing is over by popular acclaim.
Posted by: Auspex at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (Y8DZL)
198
It's far less about the midterms than it is about creating a failed state of 90 million people in the middle of jihad territory.
Careful what you ask for.
Careful what you ask for.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (viF8m)
199
I think the Kharg Island talk is the wrong starting position. Take Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunb and Siri first. These are all sparsely populated islands controlled by Iran in the gulf. A couple have air fields, and military facilities on them. Iran uses them to monitor Gulf ship traffic headed towards the straits of Hormuz. The UAE claims them as their soveriegn territory as well, but Iran has boots on the ground.
It would not be hard to take them. They are all basically flat. There's no trees, its desert scrub, so nowhere for Iranians to hide. Impossible for the Iranians to reinforce.
Taking them would deny Iran eyes on the southern approach to Hormuz from in the gulf. Abu Musa is only 60km off the coast of UAE. Tunb is 80km and right in the middle of the gulf. Taking them would make it much harder to attack shipping in Hormuz because it would make ships hard for Iran to find until they enter the straits themselves.
It would not be hard to take them. They are all basically flat. There's no trees, its desert scrub, so nowhere for Iranians to hide. Impossible for the Iranians to reinforce.
Taking them would deny Iran eyes on the southern approach to Hormuz from in the gulf. Abu Musa is only 60km off the coast of UAE. Tunb is 80km and right in the middle of the gulf. Taking them would make it much harder to attack shipping in Hormuz because it would make ships hard for Iran to find until they enter the straits themselves.
Posted by: P.mo. at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (6Cx+M)
200
FAFO World Troll Cup
Posted by: Bulg at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (77rzZ)
201
Trump went back for a shitload of dimes.... and then loaded them into his shotgun.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur
Best dollar eighty I ever spent. - Emilio Estevez as William Bonney
Posted by: IllTemperedCur
Best dollar eighty I ever spent. - Emilio Estevez as William Bonney
Posted by: Stu Podaso at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (QSm5e)
202
>>> For a "smart" Military blog we don't seem so smart... We're all over the place
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (FtULh)
It's a messy topic, it's ok if responses are messy too. I always saw that as a feature of the blog, not a bug, actually. We don't have a hivemind that if someone betrays the Borg, they must be purged. I like the differing opinions here and the fiestiness.
One of my points of pride in defending Trump to the haters was his first term, he started zero new wars. That talking point is long gone for him. I truly hope this was done because Iran was close to actually having a bomb and becoming the North Korea of the desert, and we had to step in now. But it might be years before we know the real truth of why Iran, and why now.
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (FtULh)
It's a messy topic, it's ok if responses are messy too. I always saw that as a feature of the blog, not a bug, actually. We don't have a hivemind that if someone betrays the Borg, they must be purged. I like the differing opinions here and the fiestiness.
One of my points of pride in defending Trump to the haters was his first term, he started zero new wars. That talking point is long gone for him. I truly hope this was done because Iran was close to actually having a bomb and becoming the North Korea of the desert, and we had to step in now. But it might be years before we know the real truth of why Iran, and why now.
Posted by: LizLem at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (gWBY1)
203
"REPORTER: “Last month you said Iranian leaders were very rational people, nice to deal with, strong and smart. Today you said they're scum, sick people, and being led by sick people. What changed?”
TRUMP: “I got to know them”"
Getting to know you ....
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (GD0B3)
OMG... Vintage Trump
TRUMP: “I got to know them”"
Getting to know you ....
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (GD0B3)
OMG... Vintage Trump
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (FtULh)
204
180 Dumb question. Why is the Strait of Hormuz such a 'big fucking deal' if you aren't Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar or the UAE (and they have a little of coastline past the strait, but looks like the terrain is rough)? Seems like an opportunity for an alternative; wasn't there some chatter about a pipeline across Saudi Arabia?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
=======
Saudis turned on their pipeline to the Red Sea and are using it. UAE is building pipelines too I think.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
=======
Saudis turned on their pipeline to the Red Sea and are using it. UAE is building pipelines too I think.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (E4rtv)
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (sKqQm)
206
Democrats *can't* run on cheap energy. Hello...???
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (iSDSm)
207
180 Dumb question. Why is the Strait of Hormuz such a 'big fucking deal' if you aren't Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar or the UAE (and they have a little of coastline past the strait, but looks like the terrain is rough)? Seems like an opportunity for an alternative; wasn't there some chatter about a pipeline across Saudi Arabia?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (R+iUD)
There are existing pipelines that aren't sufficient to re-route everything and they're working on additional pipelines.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (R+iUD)
There are existing pipelines that aren't sufficient to re-route everything and they're working on additional pipelines.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (okun6)
208
204 180 Dumb question. Why is the Strait of Hormuz such a 'big fucking deal' if you aren't Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar or the UAE (and they have a little of coastline past the strait, but looks like the terrain is rough)? Seems like an opportunity for an alternative; wasn't there some chatter about a pipeline across Saudi Arabia?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
=======
Saudis turned on their pipeline to the Red Sea and are using it. UAE is building pipelines too I think.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (E4rtv)
=======
Iraq expanded their pipeline as well.
UAE started a pipeline in April, should be done by early 2027.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
=======
Saudis turned on their pipeline to the Red Sea and are using it. UAE is building pipelines too I think.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (E4rtv)
=======
Iraq expanded their pipeline as well.
UAE started a pipeline in April, should be done by early 2027.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (GKDy+)
209
Iran is unified? News to the Kurds, Baluchis and Arabs
Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (rStkT)
210
Biggest (political ) loser in this is Vance
Posted by: vmom
He will be the nominee no matter what.
Posted by: vmom
He will be the nominee no matter what.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (diia5)
211
There is a Saudi pipeline that already goes to the Red Sea. It doesn't currently replace the volume of the strait. They need to build another one.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (n5tGW)
212
Posted by: LizLem at July 08, 2026 12:56 PM (gWBY1)
I was trying to bring a little levity... I didn't succeed.. LOL
I was trying to bring a little levity... I didn't succeed.. LOL
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (FtULh)
213
What if the MOU was fake, everyone knew it was fake, and it was just diplomatic pablum to get oil markets to calm down and the Gulf States an opportunity to realize how Iran won't play nice.
--
Trump got what he really needed out of that MOU.
Prior to the deal, idk, something like a hundred or more tankers were stuck on the wrong side of Iran.
During the ceasefire*, many or most of them, were let through.
Now they can re-enter the global supply chain.
The 7 million barrels per day Saudi is pumping now though their East-West pipeline.
And the UAE North-South pipeline of 2 million per day inches closer to completion and online in early 2027.
That's what Trump really needed--those boats back on supply runs.
And that's why oil prices haven't spiked, even though the Strait is close. Again. For the 37th time.
But Trump is aa dum-dum who don't know nothing and always keeps winning despite being so stupid.
* not including the 30 or so ships Trump revealed they helped sneak through the blockade during the war.
--
Trump got what he really needed out of that MOU.
Prior to the deal, idk, something like a hundred or more tankers were stuck on the wrong side of Iran.
During the ceasefire*, many or most of them, were let through.
Now they can re-enter the global supply chain.
The 7 million barrels per day Saudi is pumping now though their East-West pipeline.
And the UAE North-South pipeline of 2 million per day inches closer to completion and online in early 2027.
That's what Trump really needed--those boats back on supply runs.
And that's why oil prices haven't spiked, even though the Strait is close. Again. For the 37th time.
But Trump is aa dum-dum who don't know nothing and always keeps winning despite being so stupid.
* not including the 30 or so ships Trump revealed they helped sneak through the blockade during the war.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (3cUTc)
214
Yet ... Iran isn't acting like this at all. To the contrary, they are deliberately stirring up trouble like a bully who knows he's the baddest on the block. A regime or country on the balls of its ass doesn't act like this. Not when all it has to do is abide by the MOU for the time being and drag it out forever.
I continue to believe, as I have since the jump, that the news reports coming out of Iran -- both positive and negative -- are totally unreliable. You can wipe your ass with them. They might be more bogus than the 550th Ukrainian offensive.
I believe none of it. Because of that, I can't really determine how well the Iran war is going.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 12:24 PM
Both german and japan acted exactly like iran is acting now. The both thought if they could tough it out and cause enough causalities to the allies then we would quit. japan was training school girls how to use sharpened bamboo spears to kill the GI's. germany was hanging people for defeatism during the siege of berlin.
You can't negotiate with people like that, you have to literally kick the ever loving $hit out of them and then shove their face into the dirt.
I continue to believe, as I have since the jump, that the news reports coming out of Iran -- both positive and negative -- are totally unreliable. You can wipe your ass with them. They might be more bogus than the 550th Ukrainian offensive.
I believe none of it. Because of that, I can't really determine how well the Iran war is going.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 12:24 PM
Both german and japan acted exactly like iran is acting now. The both thought if they could tough it out and cause enough causalities to the allies then we would quit. japan was training school girls how to use sharpened bamboo spears to kill the GI's. germany was hanging people for defeatism during the siege of berlin.
You can't negotiate with people like that, you have to literally kick the ever loving $hit out of them and then shove their face into the dirt.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (0N4FZ)
215
At this point I’m willing to airlift cash to Iran like Obama did to just stop from losing any more credibility
Iran knows they basically have a checkmate, Trump cares most about cheap gas and not having an unpopular ground war, so they are just running it in his face
I think we just go in there and take out the regime done to every single parliament and military leader and then leave
Iran knows they basically have a checkmate, Trump cares most about cheap gas and not having an unpopular ground war, so they are just running it in his face
I think we just go in there and take out the regime done to every single parliament and military leader and then leave
Posted by: Maroon at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (wPhJl)
216
we're pissing off the people in the Middle East we don't want to piss off like all Iran's neighbors who we work with.
Iran's neighbors all hate them. Many already have for a long time (Saudi, Kurds, Iraq), and others joined up when Iran bombed them instead of Israel.
Iran's neighbors all hate them. Many already have for a long time (Saudi, Kurds, Iraq), and others joined up when Iran bombed them instead of Israel.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (2ocoG)
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (iSDSm)
218
But if he doesn't finish them off, and goes back to a ceasefire and discussions of another deal, there's no coming back from that at least in the short term, mid-term wise.
Posted by: Ordinary American at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (fZiTB)
That’s exactly how several other Presidents got trapped into Forever Wars. A situation exlsts which cannot be ignored, but for political reasons they’re unwilling to do what is needed to end it.
So the war drags on and on and on.
The biggest irony is that in trying to protect the midterms from the impact of the war, Trump is guaranteeing that the war will be fought during the midterms.
Posted by: Ordinary American at July 08, 2026 12:49 PM (fZiTB)
That’s exactly how several other Presidents got trapped into Forever Wars. A situation exlsts which cannot be ignored, but for political reasons they’re unwilling to do what is needed to end it.
So the war drags on and on and on.
The biggest irony is that in trying to protect the midterms from the impact of the war, Trump is guaranteeing that the war will be fought during the midterms.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (VbqNm)
219
Seems like an opportunity for an alternative; wasn't there some chatter about a pipeline across Saudi Arabia?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
__________
There are pipelines being built. It's like body revascularizing when a major blood vessel is blocked. A canal across the base of the peninsula could also be built.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
__________
There are pipelines being built. It's like body revascularizing when a major blood vessel is blocked. A canal across the base of the peninsula could also be built.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (XvL8K)
220
Hell, this Smart Boob Blog can’t even agree on the hawtness level of various females.
Posted by: Bulg
Reasonable differences of opinion help! That way we're not all fighting over the same two or three women.
Posted by: Bulg
Reasonable differences of opinion help! That way we're not all fighting over the same two or three women.
Posted by: mikeski at July 08, 2026 12:59 PM (VHUov)
221
For a "smart" Military blog we don't seem so smart... We're all over the place
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (FtULh)
=====
I've been clear and consistent throughout.
The Iranians must surrender. The regime must go.
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 12:41 PM (FtULh)
=====
I've been clear and consistent throughout.
The Iranians must surrender. The regime must go.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 08, 2026 12:59 PM (RIvkX)
222
In addition to my "bomb the IRGC where they live" strategy I'll also offer my Yemen/Somalia strategy...
Unmothball some battleships. Give them air cover. Have them sail up and down the coast and destroy every port city a raider ship comes out of, the nearest village for every drone launch point.
Either they'll stop, or they'll have no facilities to launch attacks from.
Unmothball some battleships. Give them air cover. Have them sail up and down the coast and destroy every port city a raider ship comes out of, the nearest village for every drone launch point.
Either they'll stop, or they'll have no facilities to launch attacks from.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 12:59 PM (sKqQm)
223
211 There is a Saudi pipeline that already goes to the Red Sea. It doesn't currently replace the volume of the strait. They need to build another one.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (n5tGW)
=======
It replaced roughly 6.5 million barrels per day pretty much instantly. About a third of the traffic lost in the strait.
Plus, other paths brought it up to about 9.8 million.
So, half of the strait traffic in oil was redirected literally within days. All while exports from other oil producers (us, Norway, Venezuela) grew and demand destruction happened fast in Asia, especially Chinese plastics. Oh, and UAE left OPEC+ because they wanted to pump more. OPEC+ is now allowing its member nations to pump more as well.
We were at equilibrium in weeks, at most, which was why we never got that $200 barrel oil we were promised by Qatar.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (n5tGW)
=======
It replaced roughly 6.5 million barrels per day pretty much instantly. About a third of the traffic lost in the strait.
Plus, other paths brought it up to about 9.8 million.
So, half of the strait traffic in oil was redirected literally within days. All while exports from other oil producers (us, Norway, Venezuela) grew and demand destruction happened fast in Asia, especially Chinese plastics. Oh, and UAE left OPEC+ because they wanted to pump more. OPEC+ is now allowing its member nations to pump more as well.
We were at equilibrium in weeks, at most, which was why we never got that $200 barrel oil we were promised by Qatar.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:00 PM (GKDy+)
224
Hell, this Smart Boob Blog can’t even agree on the hawtness level of various females.
Point of order: the blog itself has a reasonable consensus, it's just Elric likes to troll and/or really needs his glasses prescription adjusted.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:48 PM (2ocoG)
_____
The blog, with a few exceptions, has the same ability to judge female physical attractiveness as Mister Magoo
Point of order: the blog itself has a reasonable consensus, it's just Elric likes to troll and/or really needs his glasses prescription adjusted.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 12:48 PM (2ocoG)
_____
The blog, with a few exceptions, has the same ability to judge female physical attractiveness as Mister Magoo
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 01:00 PM (iFTx/)
225
The best part is how the reporters walk right into it. Hahahahaha ha
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 01:00 PM (iSDSm)
226
>>> Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (E4rtv)
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (okun6)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (GKDy+)
Thanks! It's like we, and other countries too, can do more than one thing at a time. Weird.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (okun6)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 12:57 PM (GKDy+)
Thanks! It's like we, and other countries too, can do more than one thing at a time. Weird.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (R+iUD)
227
Vance was handed a turd and a 47yo can of Turtle Wax and told to polish it up like a Faberge egg.
He'll be fine.
He'll be fine.
Posted by: sifty boones at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (4NDfK)
228
214 Both german and japan acted exactly like iran is acting now. The both thought if they could tough it out and cause enough causalities to the allies then we would quit. japan was training school girls how to use sharpened bamboo spears to kill the GI's. germany was hanging people for defeatism during the siege of berlin.
You can't negotiate with people like that, you have to literally kick the ever loving $hit out of them and then shove their face into the dirt.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (0N4FZ)
=======
Women in the 40s voted like men today.
Women today do not vote like women in the 40s.
You can't negotiate with people like that, you have to literally kick the ever loving $hit out of them and then shove their face into the dirt.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (0N4FZ)
=======
Women in the 40s voted like men today.
Women today do not vote like women in the 40s.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (GKDy+)
229
I'm going to have a great lunch, and it won't taste any better or worse depending upon what Trump is saying about Iran at the time I begin to dine.
Relax people.
Relax people.
Posted by: Crusader at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (TN0g+)
230
The blog, with a few exceptions, has the same ability to judge female physical attractiveness as Mister Magoo
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 01:00 PM (iFTx/)
Lupita looks like Mr. Magoo with hair.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 01:00 PM (iFTx/)
Lupita looks like Mr. Magoo with hair.
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (GD0B3)
231
As a precautionary measure, Alito should resign now. Trump may not be able to get a replacement confirmed if the GOP loses the Senate.
The same is true of any other Trump appointed official who 1) was confirmed by the Senate and 2) was contemplating resigning after the midterms anyway.
Do it NOW.
---
We're going to gain seats in the Senate.
While getting rid of Cornyn and Cassidy.
And Collins will be on her final term, she'll play ball like she always does.
The same is true of any other Trump appointed official who 1) was confirmed by the Senate and 2) was contemplating resigning after the midterms anyway.
Do it NOW.
---
We're going to gain seats in the Senate.
While getting rid of Cornyn and Cassidy.
And Collins will be on her final term, she'll play ball like she always does.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (3cUTc)
232
Who is paying the new batch of trolls to post here? USAID money dried up.
And if you're trolling here for free...Godspeed and bless your little hearts.
And if you're trolling here for free...Godspeed and bless your little hearts.
Posted by: LizLem at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (gWBY1)
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 01:02 PM (GD0B3)
234
"REPORTER: “Last month you said Iranian leaders were very rational people, nice to deal with, strong and smart. Today you said they're scum, sick people, and being led by sick people. What changed?”
TRUMP: “I got to know them”"
Beautiful! That is classic The Donald.
TRUMP: “I got to know them”"
Beautiful! That is classic The Donald.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 01:02 PM (2ocoG)
235
One of my points of pride in defending Trump to the haters was his first term, he started zero new wars. That talking point is long gone for him. I truly hope this was done because Iran was close to actually having a bomb and becoming the North Korea of the desert, and we had to step in now. But it might be years before we know the real truth of why Iran, and why now.
Posted by: LizLem
======
Iranians told us so in our negotiations and we could see the Iranians trying to dig out the enriched uranium from the strikes last year and that is separate from any Israeli situation analysis of Iran's nuke program who knew more about the situation than any of us do.
Statement against interest by the Iranians that they had enough to make twelve bombs or so directly to US emissaries in negotiations.
And you might have forgotten air strikes against ISIS in his first term and killing the IRGC Soleimani among other US actions along with continuing to occupy and protect the Afghani government from the Taliban.
Iran was and is a menace to others via drones and missiles, and to a minor degree with terrorism and mining the Straits. We no longer depend on the Straits for our oil due to Trump.
Posted by: LizLem
======
Iranians told us so in our negotiations and we could see the Iranians trying to dig out the enriched uranium from the strikes last year and that is separate from any Israeli situation analysis of Iran's nuke program who knew more about the situation than any of us do.
Statement against interest by the Iranians that they had enough to make twelve bombs or so directly to US emissaries in negotiations.
And you might have forgotten air strikes against ISIS in his first term and killing the IRGC Soleimani among other US actions along with continuing to occupy and protect the Afghani government from the Taliban.
Iran was and is a menace to others via drones and missiles, and to a minor degree with terrorism and mining the Straits. We no longer depend on the Straits for our oil due to Trump.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 01:02 PM (E4rtv)
236
Dumb question. Why is the Strait of Hormuz such a 'big fucking deal' if you aren't Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar or the UAE (and they have a little of coastline past the strait, but looks like the terrain is rough)? Seems like an opportunity for an alternative; wasn't there some chatter about a pipeline across Saudi Arabia?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (R+iUD)
1) oil is an international price at the moment, it is all done through futures trading, and then finding the oil to satisfy the purchases. While raking off the difference of course (unlike say, coal or Tungsten that don't really have a big futures market)
2) a fair amount of oil exited through the straits, and any disruption caused a panic in the price of oil
3) Europe and Asia mostly got oil via the straits so when it gets blocked they feel it worse.
4) The USN mostly guaranteed the straits and the Iran embargo, so we get called when there is a problem.
add to this
4) Iran was selling discounted oil by running the embargo, and China was getting it cheap and reselling it for a profit
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (R+iUD)
1) oil is an international price at the moment, it is all done through futures trading, and then finding the oil to satisfy the purchases. While raking off the difference of course (unlike say, coal or Tungsten that don't really have a big futures market)
2) a fair amount of oil exited through the straits, and any disruption caused a panic in the price of oil
3) Europe and Asia mostly got oil via the straits so when it gets blocked they feel it worse.
4) The USN mostly guaranteed the straits and the Iran embargo, so we get called when there is a problem.
add to this
4) Iran was selling discounted oil by running the embargo, and China was getting it cheap and reselling it for a profit
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:02 PM (rbvCR)
237
Kinda amazing to me after 47 years it takes this war for the idiots in the middle east to say hey, we need more pipelines. Maybe they believed the muzzies don't attack muzzies thing, which is also idiocy.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:02 PM (n5tGW)
238
Sub $4 gas was nice to have for a couple of weeks.
Posted by: Facts at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Tpp9k)
239
234 "REPORTER: “Last month you said Iranian leaders were very rational people, nice to deal with, strong and smart. Today you said they're scum, sick people, and being led by sick people. What changed?”
TRUMP: “I got to know them”"
Beautiful! That is classic The Donald.
Posted by: Ian S.
========
And wise leaders change their minds, stupid ones adopt inflexible attitudes.
TRUMP: “I got to know them”"
Beautiful! That is classic The Donald.
Posted by: Ian S.
========
And wise leaders change their minds, stupid ones adopt inflexible attitudes.
Posted by: whig at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (E4rtv)
240
If one wants Boots on the ground, another country needs to step up!
Iran doesn’t merit a single dead Oklahoma grenadier.
The Air Force and Navy own this war.
Trump won’t commit attacks against civilian Iranian targets to avoid genocide charges.
Iran doesn’t merit a single dead Oklahoma grenadier.
The Air Force and Navy own this war.
Trump won’t commit attacks against civilian Iranian targets to avoid genocide charges.
Posted by: Goatweed at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (jK3NL)
241
However, the Gulf states are still vulnerable to attacks on critical things like generators, port facilities and even worse, to desalination plants which could kill massive amounts of their citizens
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (rbvCR)
242
Who is paying the new batch of trolls to post here? USAID money dried up.
Alex Soros and Neville Singham have stepped up.
Alex Soros and Neville Singham have stepped up.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (2ocoG)
243
231 We're going to gain seats in the Senate.
While getting rid of Cornyn and Cassidy.
And Collins will be on her final term, she'll play ball like she always does.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (3cUTc)
=======
We're also getting rid of Mitch and Ernst (she's low-key an issue, and everyone seems to have forgotten her trying to sabotage Hegseth). And Tillis as well.
Even if we lose NC and gain nothing else, that's 52 GOP with five of the six worst GOP senators gone (Murkwoski remains until the curse that keeps her alive is broken, I guess).
While getting rid of Cornyn and Cassidy.
And Collins will be on her final term, she'll play ball like she always does.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (3cUTc)
=======
We're also getting rid of Mitch and Ernst (she's low-key an issue, and everyone seems to have forgotten her trying to sabotage Hegseth). And Tillis as well.
Even if we lose NC and gain nothing else, that's 52 GOP with five of the six worst GOP senators gone (Murkwoski remains until the curse that keeps her alive is broken, I guess).
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (GKDy+)
244
Which will collapse first?
Place your bets:
1. The former Pfizer HQ in Manhattan
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Place your bets:
1. The former Pfizer HQ in Manhattan
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
245
>>> Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (n5tGW)
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (3cUTc)
Thanks to you guys too.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 12:58 PM (3cUTc)
Thanks to you guys too.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (R+iUD)
246
and you know what I think is a very understated but big part of Trump putting so much effort into giving Iran a deal?
Rand Paul.
That guy has been all over X praising Trump.
On a lot of topics besides Iran.
Rand Paul.
That guy has been all over X praising Trump.
On a lot of topics besides Iran.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (3cUTc)
247
Mr. Magoo nailed Mrs Howell from Gilligan's Island. He had some skills
Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (rStkT)
248
Donna, no worries! I did chuckle. Hugs all around.
Posted by: LizLem at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (gWBY1)
249
237 Kinda amazing to me after 47 years it takes this war for the idiots in the middle east to say hey, we need more pipelines. Maybe they believed the muzzies don't attack muzzies thing, which is also idiocy.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:02 PM (n5tGW)
The pipelines they have are decades old and had been mostly unused. So they were kind of hedging their bets.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:02 PM (n5tGW)
The pipelines they have are decades old and had been mostly unused. So they were kind of hedging their bets.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (okun6)
250
The Iranian "mourners" at the recent funeral spent most of their time calling for Death to America and for the murder of Pres. Trump, Laura Loomer (!), Ben Shapiro and a few other Americans who I don't even know.
Ridiculous, chilling and sickening stuff.
Ridiculous, chilling and sickening stuff.
Posted by: LASue at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (lCppi)
251
246 and you know what I think is a very understated but big part of Trump putting so much effort into giving Iran a deal?
Rand Paul.
That guy has been all over X praising Trump.
On a lot of topics besides Iran.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (3cUTc)
=====
Paul saw what happened to Massie.
Rand Paul.
That guy has been all over X praising Trump.
On a lot of topics besides Iran.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (3cUTc)
=====
Paul saw what happened to Massie.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (GKDy+)
252
Bomb the hell out of the funeral procession. That will send a message.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (kA40k)
253
Trump won’t commit attacks against civilian Iranian targets to avoid genocide charges.
Worked for Clinton. Both of them.
Worked for Clinton. Both of them.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (sKqQm)
254
Guess we keep killing until we find someone willing to take power and keep the peace.
Alternatively, kill until Muslim assholes are deposed and Persia rises again.
Alternatively, kill until Muslim assholes are deposed and Persia rises again.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (xcxpd)
255
Trump should now describe every visit to a blue hive as "Getting to know" the people in charge there.
Posted by: sifty boones at July 08, 2026 01:05 PM (4NDfK)
256
The blog, with a few exceptions, has the same ability to judge female physical attractiveness as Mister Magoo
-----
Its a men thing that most men won't speak frankly about their real taste in women. I remember in the early '90s when Pamela Anderson was at her peak that most guys would pretend they were more into Jennifer Aniston. They reasoned to themselves (and sometimes outloud) "Jennifer seems nice", being silly enough to think Jennifer might give them the time of day were they to meet. Your odds with peak-era-Pamela were roughly the same as Jennifer Aniston, but guys just wouldn't admit that Pamela was molten-lava hot and that Jennifer wasn't.
-----
Its a men thing that most men won't speak frankly about their real taste in women. I remember in the early '90s when Pamela Anderson was at her peak that most guys would pretend they were more into Jennifer Aniston. They reasoned to themselves (and sometimes outloud) "Jennifer seems nice", being silly enough to think Jennifer might give them the time of day were they to meet. Your odds with peak-era-Pamela were roughly the same as Jennifer Aniston, but guys just wouldn't admit that Pamela was molten-lava hot and that Jennifer wasn't.
Posted by: Crusader at July 08, 2026 01:05 PM (TN0g+)
257
Seems like an opportunity for an alternative; wasn't there some chatter about a pipeline across Saudi Arabia?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (R+iUD)
That takes years to build. Long term yes absolutely there should be alternatives. Short term we’re stuck with what we have.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 12:54 PM (R+iUD)
That takes years to build. Long term yes absolutely there should be alternatives. Short term we’re stuck with what we have.
Posted by: Facts at July 08, 2026 01:05 PM (Tpp9k)
258
As I've said from the beginning: You just can't win a war without a ground component.
Concur Ace.
In many ways this is like Gaza and Israel. (and perhaps historically like Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan) there will be no end until the enemy is not just beaten, but conquered. Absolute total victory. But do we have the National Will to do that?
Concur Ace.
In many ways this is like Gaza and Israel. (and perhaps historically like Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan) there will be no end until the enemy is not just beaten, but conquered. Absolute total victory. But do we have the National Will to do that?
Posted by: Diogenes at July 08, 2026 01:05 PM (2WIwB)
259
The Iranian "mourners" at the recent funeral spent most of their time calling for Death to America and for the murder of Pres. Trump, Laura Loomer (!), Ben Shapiro and a few other Americans who I don't even know.
---------
Hollywood was there?
---------
Hollywood was there?
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 01:05 PM (iSDSm)
260
What would "finishing the job" in Iran look like? Will more air strikes alone be enough, since a full scale invasion is out of the question?
Posted by: Josephistan at July 08, 2026 01:05 PM (y9ksN)
261
247 Mr. Magoo nailed Mrs Howell from Gilligan's Island. He had some skills
Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (rStkT)
and she was really something before electricity
Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (rStkT)
and she was really something before electricity
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:05 PM (xcxpd)
262
254 Guess we keep killing until we find someone willing to take power and keep the peace.
Alternatively, kill until Muslim assholes are deposed and Persia rises again.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (xcxpd)
======
Iran now has the GDP equivalent of Uganda.
Their people are most likely starving at this point. 25% of their imports were food and 50% of their food was imported.
Their ability to project power in the region is massively reduced to blindly flying GPS guided drones and hoping they hit something.
They can't trade oil...again.
We're getting close to the point where we can ignore Iran and the region moves on without them.
Alternatively, kill until Muslim assholes are deposed and Persia rises again.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (xcxpd)
======
Iran now has the GDP equivalent of Uganda.
Their people are most likely starving at this point. 25% of their imports were food and 50% of their food was imported.
Their ability to project power in the region is massively reduced to blindly flying GPS guided drones and hoping they hit something.
They can't trade oil...again.
We're getting close to the point where we can ignore Iran and the region moves on without them.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (GKDy+)
263
>>I've been clear and consistent throughout.
>>The Iranians must surrender. The regime must go.
And then what? Are you prepared to "run" Iran like we did in Iraq?
Bombing Iran into submission isn't the issue. It's what comes next and there is always a next.
We didn't do a regime change in Venezuela. The person now running the country was pretty much running it prior to taking out Maduro. Nobody even mentions the place anymore. But if Trump takes down the Iranian government somebody has to run the place.
Regime change in the Middle East has a long history and none of it is good. Sometimes there are no easy answers, just less bad ones.
>>The Iranians must surrender. The regime must go.
And then what? Are you prepared to "run" Iran like we did in Iraq?
Bombing Iran into submission isn't the issue. It's what comes next and there is always a next.
We didn't do a regime change in Venezuela. The person now running the country was pretty much running it prior to taking out Maduro. Nobody even mentions the place anymore. But if Trump takes down the Iranian government somebody has to run the place.
Regime change in the Middle East has a long history and none of it is good. Sometimes there are no easy answers, just less bad ones.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (viF8m)
264
Lots of good answers.
I am dissapoint in those of You People who question the Smartness of this Smart Military Blog.
I am dissapoint in those of You People who question the Smartness of this Smart Military Blog.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (R+iUD)
265
Even if we lose NC and gain nothing else, that's 52 GOP with five of the six worst GOP senators gone (Murkwoski remains until the curse that keeps her alive is broken, I guess).
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (GKDy+)
What is her secret power that keeps her in office, other than her pact with you-know-who...
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (GKDy+)
What is her secret power that keeps her in office, other than her pact with you-know-who...
Posted by: LASue at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (lCppi)
266
I don't mind the trolls … I mind their lack of creativity and insight. They're asshats.
Posted by: Dr_No at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (ayRl+)
267
Which will collapse first?
Place your bets:
1. The former Pfizer HQ in Manhattan
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
----------
I think #4 is already a pile of rubble.
Place your bets:
1. The former Pfizer HQ in Manhattan
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
----------
I think #4 is already a pile of rubble.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (amcLV)
268
>>Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete 3: The Fleshlight Chronicles at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (L0StK)
This Fucking Guy
This Fucking Guy
Posted by: garrett at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (5MUB0)
269
1. The former Pfizer HQ in Manhattan
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
====
Madonna's boobs are eternal.
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
====
Madonna's boobs are eternal.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (RIvkX)
270
265 Even if we lose NC and gain nothing else, that's 52 GOP with five of the six worst GOP senators gone (Murkwoski remains until the curse that keeps her alive is broken, I guess).
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (GKDy+)
What is her secret power that keeps her in office, other than her pact with you-know-who...
Posted by: LASue at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (lCppi)
=======
Her last name and ability to convince the squishy GOP in the state legislature to pass laws that benefit her alone.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (GKDy+)
What is her secret power that keeps her in office, other than her pact with you-know-who...
Posted by: LASue at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (lCppi)
=======
Her last name and ability to convince the squishy GOP in the state legislature to pass laws that benefit her alone.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (GKDy+)
271
But it might be years before we know the real truth of why Iran, and why now.
The only thing stupider than starting an unnecessary war is not starting a necessary one.
The only thing stupider than starting an unnecessary war is not starting a necessary one.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (2ocoG)
272
viF8m)
199 I think the Kharg Island talk is the wrong starting position. Take Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunb and Siri first. These are all sparsely populated islands controlled by Iran in the gulf. A couple have air fields, and military facilities on them. Iran uses them to monitor Gulf ship traffic headed towards the straits of Hormuz. The UAE claims them as their soveriegn territory as well, but Iran has boots on the ground.“
Agree completely, add Qeshm and I’ve been advocating for that for months. And we know CENTCOM has prepared for it, that’s why amphibious troops were moved to the area.
Kharg is financially and politically important, but it has little strategic value and could be costly to hold. These other islands have incredible strategic value; whoever controls them controls traffic through the straits.
199 I think the Kharg Island talk is the wrong starting position. Take Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunb and Siri first. These are all sparsely populated islands controlled by Iran in the gulf. A couple have air fields, and military facilities on them. Iran uses them to monitor Gulf ship traffic headed towards the straits of Hormuz. The UAE claims them as their soveriegn territory as well, but Iran has boots on the ground.“
Agree completely, add Qeshm and I’ve been advocating for that for months. And we know CENTCOM has prepared for it, that’s why amphibious troops were moved to the area.
Kharg is financially and politically important, but it has little strategic value and could be costly to hold. These other islands have incredible strategic value; whoever controls them controls traffic through the straits.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (VbqNm)
273
I am dissapoint in those of You People who question the Smartness of this Smart Military Blog.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (R+iUD)
I was trying to lighten the mood but it seems to have had the opposite effect...
I am dissapoint in those of You People who question the Smartness of this Smart Military Blog.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (R+iUD)
I was trying to lighten the mood but it seems to have had the opposite effect...
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (6D0Sm)
274
men thing that most men won't speak frankly about their real taste in women. I remember in the early '90s when Pamela Anderson was at her peak that most guys would pretend they were more into Jennifer Aniston.
—
Pamela Anderson pre plastic was perfection. Once she went plastic she was rather gross.
—
Pamela Anderson pre plastic was perfection. Once she went plastic she was rather gross.
Posted by: Facts at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (Tpp9k)
275
Yeah, I think the saline and plastic will outlast them all.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (n5tGW)
276
What's Iran's "pain threshold"?
Dropping every bridge within 200 miles of Tehran?
Destroying every power plant within 200 miles of Tehran?
Destroying every water treatment plant, every water pumping station, and every reservoir dam within 500 miles of Tehran.
That's the "warning shot".
Dropping every bridge within 200 miles of Tehran?
Destroying every power plant within 200 miles of Tehran?
Destroying every water treatment plant, every water pumping station, and every reservoir dam within 500 miles of Tehran.
That's the "warning shot".
Posted by: mrp at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (rj6Yv)
277
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
----------
I think #4 is already a pile of rubble.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea
Tube socks filled with nickels.
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
----------
I think #4 is already a pile of rubble.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea
Tube socks filled with nickels.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 08, 2026 01:08 PM (wOO3z)
Posted by: sifty boones at July 08, 2026 01:08 PM (4NDfK)
279
LOL. The onanist is back to flaunt evading his CBD-given ban. That's going to go over well in New Jersey.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 01:08 PM (2ocoG)
280
>>> Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete 3: The Fleshlight Chronicles at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (L0StK)
LOL
Faggot.
LOL
Faggot.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:08 PM (R+iUD)
Posted by: Ted Torgerson at July 08, 2026 01:08 PM (wGerL)
282
276 What's Iran's "pain threshold"?
Dropping every bridge within 200 miles of Tehran?
Destroying every power plant within 200 miles of Tehran?
Destroying every water treatment plant, every water pumping station, and every reservoir dam within 500 miles of Tehran.
That's the "warning shot".
Posted by: mrp at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (rj6Yv)
========
Their people are literally starving at this point.
Time to get the unruly mobs to do what they do best: throwing themselves at a regime at killing people.
Maybe then the son of the shah can come in as a figurehead governing figure who ends up grasping power with both hands and becomes a dictator.
Dropping every bridge within 200 miles of Tehran?
Destroying every power plant within 200 miles of Tehran?
Destroying every water treatment plant, every water pumping station, and every reservoir dam within 500 miles of Tehran.
That's the "warning shot".
Posted by: mrp at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (rj6Yv)
========
Their people are literally starving at this point.
Time to get the unruly mobs to do what they do best: throwing themselves at a regime at killing people.
Maybe then the son of the shah can come in as a figurehead governing figure who ends up grasping power with both hands and becomes a dictator.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:08 PM (GKDy+)
283
The point of war is to inflict enough pain on your enemy to get them to agree to your terms.
In this case our terms are actually pretty minor - stop attack shipping in the Gulf and stop funding Islamist groups.
But we have been very, very measured in the pain we've inflicted. Amusingly enough to get the civilian government eager to accept our terms, but not the IRGC which has the weapons.
So the answer should be obvious - target them and start inflicting pain. And no killing their grunts doesn't count they are perfectly willing to send their military forces to meet Allah...
In this case our terms are actually pretty minor - stop attack shipping in the Gulf and stop funding Islamist groups.
But we have been very, very measured in the pain we've inflicted. Amusingly enough to get the civilian government eager to accept our terms, but not the IRGC which has the weapons.
So the answer should be obvious - target them and start inflicting pain. And no killing their grunts doesn't count they are perfectly willing to send their military forces to meet Allah...
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:09 PM (sKqQm)
284
>>Pamela was molten-lava ho
On Tool Time with Tim Taylor...sure.
Once she started with the plastic surgery, it was over.
On Tool Time with Tim Taylor...sure.
Once she started with the plastic surgery, it was over.
Posted by: garrett at July 08, 2026 01:09 PM (5MUB0)
285
Get this. The guy who guaranteed in late 2016 that Trump was fooling all his supporters and would lose badly to Hillary - and then skipped out after he won with nary a word - wants an APOLOGY
Classic. Seriously dude, there is something wrong with you.
Classic. Seriously dude, there is something wrong with you.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 01:09 PM (iSDSm)
286
>>>
I was trying to lighten the mood but it seems to have had the opposite effect...
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (6D0Sm)
Heh, I was only thinking about the various responses about pipelines and re-routing and such.
I was trying to lighten the mood but it seems to have had the opposite effect...
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 01:07 PM (6D0Sm)
Heh, I was only thinking about the various responses about pipelines and re-routing and such.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:10 PM (R+iUD)
287
What is her secret power that keeps her in office, other than her pact with you-know-who...
Posted by: LASue at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (lCppi)
------------
Well, you have a druid collect mistletoe at midnight during the dark of the moon using a gold sickle...
Posted by: LASue at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (lCppi)
------------
Well, you have a druid collect mistletoe at midnight during the dark of the moon using a gold sickle...
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at July 08, 2026 01:10 PM (amcLV)
288
I never thought Madonna was physically attractive, ever. Good voice, back in the day, but to look at? Ugh.
Posted by: Bulg at July 08, 2026 01:10 PM (77rzZ)
289
Which will collapse first?
Place your bets:
1. The former Pfizer HQ in Manhattan
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
I'm going with #1 - after some wag puts up huge advertisements for Viagra on the side of the building.
Place your bets:
1. The former Pfizer HQ in Manhattan
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
I'm going with #1 - after some wag puts up huge advertisements for Viagra on the side of the building.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 08, 2026 01:10 PM (qx7Zg)
290
I liked Debra, the other Tool Time chick.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 08, 2026 01:10 PM (wOO3z)
291
Well this sucks
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (4q1xH)
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
293
1. The former Pfizer HQ in Manhattan
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
#3...but hasn't that already happened?
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
#3...but hasn't that already happened?
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
294
I remember people saying the MOU was surrender because it instantly gave Iran $300 billion.
Did that not happen?
Did that not happen?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (GKDy+)
295
The Iranian "mourners" at the recent funeral spent most of their time calling for Death to America and for the murder of Pres. Trump, Laura Loomer (!), Ben Shapiro and a few other Americans who I don't even know.
Ridiculous, chilling and sickening stuff.
Posted by: LASue at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (lCppi)
The Mullahs and their secret police would never stoop to the Stalinist tactic of rounding up mourners and executing the ones that were not sufficiently performative.
Why, (yes I am being sarcastic here) setting up spectacles for international media consumption to damage morale is far outside their simple, pastoralist mindset. They have never once (I am really being sarcastic here I am afraid) put out a propaganda video proving that everyone loves the IRGC regime and its mighty weapons of mass destruction.
Ridiculous, chilling and sickening stuff.
Posted by: LASue at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (lCppi)
The Mullahs and their secret police would never stoop to the Stalinist tactic of rounding up mourners and executing the ones that were not sufficiently performative.
Why, (yes I am being sarcastic here) setting up spectacles for international media consumption to damage morale is far outside their simple, pastoralist mindset. They have never once (I am really being sarcastic here I am afraid) put out a propaganda video proving that everyone loves the IRGC regime and its mighty weapons of mass destruction.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (rbvCR)
296
One thing I hope we learned in this war is we need millions of very cheap drones.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
297
"We want to accomplish major things, but with a minor commitment. Won't work. Never has."
_______
This is the kind of observation that should have been made in February, before the war began. This war was a mistake from the start. What took you so long to realize it?
_______
This is the kind of observation that should have been made in February, before the war began. This war was a mistake from the start. What took you so long to realize it?
Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (Al4+r)
298
293 1. The former Pfizer HQ in Manhattan
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
#3...but hasn't that already happened?
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
=======
They're hiring a researcher, and I don't think anyone has actually quit the campaign.
2. The Iranian regime
3. Graham Platner's campaign
4. Madonna's boob job
Posted by: zombie at July 08, 2026 01:03 PM (Av6i5)
#3...but hasn't that already happened?
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
=======
They're hiring a researcher, and I don't think anyone has actually quit the campaign.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (GKDy+)
299
Regime change in the Middle East has a long history and none of it is good. Sometimes there are no easy answers, just less bad ones.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (viF8m)
We can meet our goal of taking control of the straits without regime change. (As detailed in posts above) Once Iran has no more ability to threaten the straits, then the government becomes just an annoyance, not a threat to the world’s economic system.
Also we must finish the job of ending their missile threat against their neighbors, a job we started but quit before it was over.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (viF8m)
We can meet our goal of taking control of the straits without regime change. (As detailed in posts above) Once Iran has no more ability to threaten the straits, then the government becomes just an annoyance, not a threat to the world’s economic system.
Also we must finish the job of ending their missile threat against their neighbors, a job we started but quit before it was over.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 08, 2026 01:12 PM (VbqNm)
300
I never thought Madonna was physically attractive, ever. Good voice, back in the day, but to look at?
She was never what I'd call hot, but early on she was a pretty cute girl next door type. That didn't last long though.
She was never what I'd call hot, but early on she was a pretty cute girl next door type. That didn't last long though.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 01:12 PM (2ocoG)
301
Guess we keep killing until we find someone willing to take power and keep the peace.
Alternatively, kill until Muslim assholes are deposed and Persia rises again.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (xcxpd)
======
Iran now has the GDP equivalent of Uganda.
Their people are most likely starving at this point. 25% of their imports were food and 50% of their food was imported.
Their ability to project power in the region is massively reduced to blindly flying GPS guided drones and hoping they hit something.
They can't trade oil...again.
We're getting close to the point where we can ignore Iran and the region moves on without them.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (GKDy+)
all granted but geography is eternal. Persia is too large and close too too much to be ignored. Power will be taken, but someone or something. Hell at this point, I'd let Iraq govern Persia. (The Saudis would amuse me but they'd kick off a bloodbath that would probably light the world on fire. I'm not saying 'no' just....be aware how much Shia and Shiite hate each other)
Alternatively, kill until Muslim assholes are deposed and Persia rises again.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:04 PM (xcxpd)
======
Iran now has the GDP equivalent of Uganda.
Their people are most likely starving at this point. 25% of their imports were food and 50% of their food was imported.
Their ability to project power in the region is massively reduced to blindly flying GPS guided drones and hoping they hit something.
They can't trade oil...again.
We're getting close to the point where we can ignore Iran and the region moves on without them.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:06 PM (GKDy+)
all granted but geography is eternal. Persia is too large and close too too much to be ignored. Power will be taken, but someone or something. Hell at this point, I'd let Iraq govern Persia. (The Saudis would amuse me but they'd kick off a bloodbath that would probably light the world on fire. I'm not saying 'no' just....be aware how much Shia and Shiite hate each other)
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:12 PM (xcxpd)
302
Mrs. Sifty met Parmela Anderson when she was the standby on a pilot Pam did.
Looked like 10 miles of bad road before hair and makeup got to her.
Unless you have a support crew of product wizards, you'll find just as good at the Palomino on AC/DC Tribute night.
Looked like 10 miles of bad road before hair and makeup got to her.
Unless you have a support crew of product wizards, you'll find just as good at the Palomino on AC/DC Tribute night.
Posted by: sifty boones at July 08, 2026 01:12 PM (4NDfK)
303
>> I never thought Madonna was physically attractive, ever. Good voice, back in the day, but to look at?
There is a reason she would hang out with Sandra Bernhard
There is a reason she would hang out with Sandra Bernhard
Posted by: garrett at July 08, 2026 01:12 PM (5MUB0)
304
296 One thing I hope we learned in this war is we need millions of very cheap drones.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
Yes
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
Yes
Posted by: It's me donna at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (6D0Sm)
305
299 We can meet our goal of taking control of the straits without regime change. (As detailed in posts above) Once Iran has no more ability to threaten the straits, then the government becomes just an annoyance, not a threat to the world’s economic system.
Also we must finish the job of ending their missile threat against their neighbors, a job we started but quit before it was over.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 08, 2026 01:12 PM (VbqNm)
=======
Our goal wasn't the strait.
Our goal was ending their nuclear program and getting Iran to stop funding terrorist proxies. To get it to operate like a normal country.
It's what Rubio, Hegseth, and Trump said in the opening.
Also we must finish the job of ending their missile threat against their neighbors, a job we started but quit before it was over.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 08, 2026 01:12 PM (VbqNm)
=======
Our goal wasn't the strait.
Our goal was ending their nuclear program and getting Iran to stop funding terrorist proxies. To get it to operate like a normal country.
It's what Rubio, Hegseth, and Trump said in the opening.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (GKDy+)
306
#3...but hasn't that already happened?
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
Nah, he is staying on. Reasonable for him I think. If he bows out he is labeled a rapist and his political career is dead.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
Nah, he is staying on. Reasonable for him I think. If he bows out he is labeled a rapist and his political career is dead.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (rbvCR)
307
296 One thing I hope we learned in this war is we need millions of very cheap drones.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk
___________
I see that we've reached the "okay this war was a dumb idea but let's call it a learning experience" stage.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk
___________
I see that we've reached the "okay this war was a dumb idea but let's call it a learning experience" stage.
Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (Al4+r)
308
So many Republican pundits and commenters who are smarter than Trump and know more about the situation than he does. So very many.
Pathetically desperate, indeed.
I'll take my chances with the orange guy, thanks.
Pathetically desperate, indeed.
I'll take my chances with the orange guy, thanks.
Posted by: tsj017 at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (xqi/r)
Posted by: megamaid at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (oY6Yp)
310
I remember people saying the MOU was surrender because it instantly gave Iran $300 billion.
Did that not happen?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (GKDy+)
And people are running around in their "see, I told you so" shirts as if it wasn't a shared premise that Iran would test our patience with MOU violations. Duh.
The question was always whether Trump was willing to do anything about it. That question is answered.
Did that not happen?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (GKDy+)
And people are running around in their "see, I told you so" shirts as if it wasn't a shared premise that Iran would test our patience with MOU violations. Duh.
The question was always whether Trump was willing to do anything about it. That question is answered.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (dK+Kv)
311
296 One thing I hope we learned in this war is we need millions of very cheap drones.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
Yes. The Uke war and now Iran has demonstrated drone warfare is going to be big.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
Yes. The Uke war and now Iran has demonstrated drone warfare is going to be big.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (xcxpd)
312
Lucky Star Madonna was a fucking smokeshow come on
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (iSDSm)
313
What's Iran's "pain threshold"?
Posted by: mrp
________
I don't think it's Iran's pain threshold. It's primarily the IRGC's threshold, and they know they're broke and likely dead if there's regime change.
Posted by: mrp
________
I don't think it's Iran's pain threshold. It's primarily the IRGC's threshold, and they know they're broke and likely dead if there's regime change.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (XvL8K)
314
One thing I hope we learned in this war is we need millions of very cheap drones.
We have multiple companies making them domestically now. I think all of them are being funded by a16z (Andreesen-Horowitz).
We have multiple companies making them domestically now. I think all of them are being funded by a16z (Andreesen-Horowitz).
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (2ocoG)
315
183 But most of us know not to look at the Admiral Ackbar photos for beautiful women.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (qx7Zg)
I tell myself not to open those links. I tell myself over and over and over again but that little voice that says, Fuck it, you've seen worse," wins every single time.
Posted by: Robert
---
Blast them to your liberal friends.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 08, 2026 12:52 PM (qx7Zg)
I tell myself not to open those links. I tell myself over and over and over again but that little voice that says, Fuck it, you've seen worse," wins every single time.
Posted by: Robert
---
Blast them to your liberal friends.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 01:14 PM (xHEjv)
316
One thing I hope we learned in this war is we need millions of very cheap drones.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
----------
The state of Massachusetts is at your disposal.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
----------
The state of Massachusetts is at your disposal.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at July 08, 2026 01:14 PM (amcLV)
317
The blog, with a few exceptions, has the same ability to judge female physical attractiveness as Mister Magoo
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 01:00 PM (iFTx/)
Lupita looks like Mr. Magoo with hair.
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (GD0B3)
_______
See? It's like you guys are Mister Magoo looking in the mirror and seeing yourselves. The Blade, he is sad. He expects more from a Smart Military and Big Boob Blog.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 01:00 PM (iFTx/)
Lupita looks like Mr. Magoo with hair.
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 01:01 PM (GD0B3)
_______
See? It's like you guys are Mister Magoo looking in the mirror and seeing yourselves. The Blade, he is sad. He expects more from a Smart Military and Big Boob Blog.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at July 08, 2026 01:14 PM (iFTx/)
318
Lucky Star Madonna was a fucking smokeshow come on
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (iSDSm)
That was her front hole smoking from overuse.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (iSDSm)
That was her front hole smoking from overuse.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:14 PM (dK+Kv)
319
BTW, here will be the most senior GOP Senators, in order, in 2027:
Grassley
Collins
Crapo
Murkowski
Graham
Thune
Barrasso
Wicker
Risch
Grassley
Collins
Crapo
Murkowski
Graham
Thune
Barrasso
Wicker
Risch
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 01:14 PM (3cUTc)
320
One thing I hope we learned in this war is we need millions of very cheap drones.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
----------
The state of Massachusetts is at your disposal.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at July 08, 2026 01:14 PM (amcLV)
lol
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
----------
The state of Massachusetts is at your disposal.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at July 08, 2026 01:14 PM (amcLV)
lol
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:14 PM (dK+Kv)
321
301 all granted but geography is eternal. Persia is too large and close too too much to be ignored. Power will be taken, but someone or something. Hell at this point, I'd let Iraq govern Persia. (The Saudis would amuse me but they'd kick off a bloodbath that would probably light the world on fire. I'm not saying 'no' just....be aware how much Shia and Shiite hate each other)
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:12 PM (xcxpd)
======
As you said, we'll eventually get to the guy more concerned with getting peed on by Saudi hookers than funding terrorism.
It's just that every bomb dropped, every word spoken, every rumor of agreement has been evidence that nothing will ever change to some people.
"Don't our government officials know that the heads of the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism are untrustworthy?"
Why, yes, they do know that. And the administration has been focused on weakening them on multiple fronts until even if they want to continue to be asses, they don't have the ability to be asses.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:12 PM (xcxpd)
======
As you said, we'll eventually get to the guy more concerned with getting peed on by Saudi hookers than funding terrorism.
It's just that every bomb dropped, every word spoken, every rumor of agreement has been evidence that nothing will ever change to some people.
"Don't our government officials know that the heads of the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism are untrustworthy?"
Why, yes, they do know that. And the administration has been focused on weakening them on multiple fronts until even if they want to continue to be asses, they don't have the ability to be asses.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (GKDy+)
322
Lita Ford > Madonna
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (xcxpd)
323
>>> Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (Al4+r)
Interesting new nic, faggot.
Interesting new nic, faggot.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (R+iUD)
324
@263 all choices in the Middle East are bad. Choose the least bad one nearest your goals
Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (rStkT)
325
One thing I hope we learned in this war is we need millions of very cheap drones.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
There is a company that is proposing to make them with the same technique that they make Igloo coolers. I think they say the frame itself would cost under $100, but the avionics and payload would be more.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (n5tGW)
There is a company that is proposing to make them with the same technique that they make Igloo coolers. I think they say the frame itself would cost under $100, but the avionics and payload would be more.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (rbvCR)
326
If I was the Iranians I would see the situation as we own the dirt, have excellent Strait of Hormuz beachfront property, and that the US doesn't have the balls to invade and effect a regime change.
I would also note that the last time a massive bombing campaign was used to get somebody to the negotiation table was in North Vietnam. The lasting result of that is North Vietnam won the war and the US got stuck with Hanoi Jane.
They are never going to negotiate a settlement.
All they're going to do is buy time until Trump is out of office and go from there. If the Democrats get power the odds of a US capitulation deal is high and we're back to square one.
Which leaves us limping along with fake negotiations, or going balls to the wall by blockading them and bombing their infrastructure until they come to their senses or a revolution takes out the mullahs and the IRGC.
Still, bombing the hell out of them was the right choice even with all these challenges. Having a nuclear Iran is simply unthinkable.
I would also note that the last time a massive bombing campaign was used to get somebody to the negotiation table was in North Vietnam. The lasting result of that is North Vietnam won the war and the US got stuck with Hanoi Jane.
They are never going to negotiate a settlement.
All they're going to do is buy time until Trump is out of office and go from there. If the Democrats get power the odds of a US capitulation deal is high and we're back to square one.
Which leaves us limping along with fake negotiations, or going balls to the wall by blockading them and bombing their infrastructure until they come to their senses or a revolution takes out the mullahs and the IRGC.
Still, bombing the hell out of them was the right choice even with all these challenges. Having a nuclear Iran is simply unthinkable.
Posted by: Alteria Pilgram - My President has convictions. at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (/eAef)
327
243 TJM
You realize that's a best case scenario, right?
It's gratifying to see you're no longer so invested in NC.
You realize that's a best case scenario, right?
It's gratifying to see you're no longer so invested in NC.
Posted by: mnw at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (RCjYY)
328
________
I don't think it's Iran's pain threshold. It's primarily the IRGC's threshold, and they know they're broke and likely dead if there's regime change.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba
---
They know they are dead men, they're going for the virgins.
I don't think it's Iran's pain threshold. It's primarily the IRGC's threshold, and they know they're broke and likely dead if there's regime change.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba
---
They know they are dead men, they're going for the virgins.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (xHEjv)
329
Our goal wasn't the strait.
It's what Rubio, Hegseth, and Trump said in the opening.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
_______
Of course it wasn't, because we already had it. Then we gave it to Iran because Trump was blinded by the success in Venezuela and thought that Iran would just roll over after a weekend of bombing.
It's okay to admit that this war was terribly planned. No need to do the Pee-Wee Herman "I meant to do that" bit.
It's what Rubio, Hegseth, and Trump said in the opening.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
_______
Of course it wasn't, because we already had it. Then we gave it to Iran because Trump was blinded by the success in Venezuela and thought that Iran would just roll over after a weekend of bombing.
It's okay to admit that this war was terribly planned. No need to do the Pee-Wee Herman "I meant to do that" bit.
Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (Al4+r)
330
>>> Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (Al4+r)
Interesting new nic, faggot.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (R+iUD)
Reason #232 why 'ettes are the best.
Interesting new nic, faggot.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (R+iUD)
Reason #232 why 'ettes are the best.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (dK+Kv)
331
310 And people are running around in their "see, I told you so" shirts as if it wasn't a shared premise that Iran would test our patience with MOU violations. Duh.
The question was always whether Trump was willing to do anything about it. That question is answered.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (dK+Kv)
========
Iran kept throwing fits because we wouldn't unfreeze their assets ($12 billion, which I was assured they'd get instant access to again once the MOU was signed). It shouldn't have mattered that they were threatening and blindly launching GPS guided drones at third-party assets in the strait that they don't control.
The question was always whether Trump was willing to do anything about it. That question is answered.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (dK+Kv)
========
Iran kept throwing fits because we wouldn't unfreeze their assets ($12 billion, which I was assured they'd get instant access to again once the MOU was signed). It shouldn't have mattered that they were threatening and blindly launching GPS guided drones at third-party assets in the strait that they don't control.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (GKDy+)
332
I for one welcome the new posters and their interesting takes on current events.
"Let a hundred flowers bloom, let a thousand schools of thoughts contend".
I for one welcome the new posters and their interesting takes on current events.
"Let a hundred flowers bloom, let a thousand schools of thoughts contend".
Posted by: Auspex at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (Y8DZL)
333
I don't think it's Iran's pain threshold. It's primarily the IRGC's threshold, and they know they're broke and likely dead if there's regime change.
Yup. IRGC is the prize now. They can't even produce a gay mullah in public and people have noticed.
Yup. IRGC is the prize now. They can't even produce a gay mullah in public and people have noticed.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (2ocoG)
334
@ 292 Christina Applegate > Pamela Anderson
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
___________________________________________
Oh my. Does NO ONE remember how hot Suzanne Summers was … ?
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
___________________________________________
Oh my. Does NO ONE remember how hot Suzanne Summers was … ?
Posted by: Dr_No at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (ayRl+)
335
I don't mind the trolls … I mind their lack of creativity and insight. They're asshats.
Posted by: Dr_No
They add nothing. It's just shithouse TDS. Any one of us can come of with contrary positions to any given topic using actual facts and reason. Feh.
Posted by: Dr_No
They add nothing. It's just shithouse TDS. Any one of us can come of with contrary positions to any given topic using actual facts and reason. Feh.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (diia5)
Posted by: sifty boones at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (4NDfK)
337
OH NO ISRAEL DOESN'T TRUST US ANYMORE!
THEY PROBABLY WILL RUN TO BE ALLIED WITH FRANCE AND THE UK NOW.
Dude, nothing I hate seeing more than Israeli drum-beaters who got us into the major conflict trying to claim that WOW WE BETTER DO WHAT THEY SAY.
I'm very pro-Israel but this entire operation was very high risk, and the downside to America was MUCH higher than to Israel.
We should not have done this operation in the first place. Israel should have done the decapitation strike all by itself.
China is of course loving as we burn through our oil reserves and all of our missile and ammo stocks to fight a 3rd rate power....who we handed leverage to.
Did Trump and Israel not NOTICE the strait of Hormuz is kind of important?
THEY PROBABLY WILL RUN TO BE ALLIED WITH FRANCE AND THE UK NOW.
Dude, nothing I hate seeing more than Israeli drum-beaters who got us into the major conflict trying to claim that WOW WE BETTER DO WHAT THEY SAY.
I'm very pro-Israel but this entire operation was very high risk, and the downside to America was MUCH higher than to Israel.
We should not have done this operation in the first place. Israel should have done the decapitation strike all by itself.
China is of course loving as we burn through our oil reserves and all of our missile and ammo stocks to fight a 3rd rate power....who we handed leverage to.
Did Trump and Israel not NOTICE the strait of Hormuz is kind of important?
Posted by: Harun at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (IuIym)
338
324 @263 all choices in the Middle East are bad. Choose the least bad one nearest your goals
Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (rStkT)
=======
Dictator who wants to oppress his people > state sponsor of terrorism.
Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (rStkT)
=======
Dictator who wants to oppress his people > state sponsor of terrorism.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (GKDy+)
339
330 >>> Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (Al4+r)
Interesting new nic, faggot.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (R+iUD)
Reason #232 why 'ettes are the best.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (dK+Kv)
+1
Interesting new nic, faggot.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (R+iUD)
Reason #232 why 'ettes are the best.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (dK+Kv)
+1
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (xcxpd)
340
That was her front hole smoking from overuse.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:14 PM (dK+Kv)
You like what you like. I like what I like.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:14 PM (dK+Kv)
You like what you like. I like what I like.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (iSDSm)
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (2ocoG)
342
294 I remember people saying the MOU was surrender because it instantly gave Iran $300 billion.
Did that not happen?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (GKDy+)
It turned out not to be surrender because to both sides, it was just a piece of toilet paper that they both planned on wiping their asses with in a couple of weeks.
And one lesson - never pay attention to anything Trump posts on social media. All he does there is channel some drunk on a barstool shouting at passersby, down to the part where a day later, he has no memory at all of what he said.
294 I remember people saying the MOU was surrender because it instantly gave Iran $300 billion.
Did that not happen?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (GKDy+)
It turned out not to be surrender because to both sides, it was just a piece of toilet paper that they both planned on wiping their asses with in a couple of weeks.
And one lesson - never pay attention to anything Trump posts on social media. All he does there is channel some drunk on a barstool shouting at passersby, down to the part where a day later, he has no memory at all of what he said.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (VbqNm)
343
>>>In many ways this is like Gaza and Israel. (and perhaps historically like Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan) there will be no end until the enemy is not just beaten, but conquered. Absolute total victory. But do we have the National Will to do that?
Posted by: Diogenes
--
What do we suffer by waiting? Nothing.
What do they suffer by us waiting. Everything.
Posted by: Diogenes
--
What do we suffer by waiting? Nothing.
What do they suffer by us waiting. Everything.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (xHEjv)
344
329 Our goal wasn't the strait.
It's what Rubio, Hegseth, and Trump said in the opening.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
_______
Of course it wasn't, because we already had it. Then we gave it to Iran because Trump was blinded by the success in Venezuela and thought that Iran would just roll over after a weekend of bombing.
It's okay to admit that this war was terribly planned. No need to do the Pee-Wee Herman "I meant to do that" bit.
Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (Al4+r)
Iran has always been understood as being able to threaten the strait. The pipelines were built because of what they did last time in the 1980s.
It's what Rubio, Hegseth, and Trump said in the opening.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
_______
Of course it wasn't, because we already had it. Then we gave it to Iran because Trump was blinded by the success in Venezuela and thought that Iran would just roll over after a weekend of bombing.
It's okay to admit that this war was terribly planned. No need to do the Pee-Wee Herman "I meant to do that" bit.
Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (Al4+r)
Iran has always been understood as being able to threaten the strait. The pipelines were built because of what they did last time in the 1980s.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (okun6)
345
Wanna know something funny?
Trump striking Iran sucks all the oxygen out of the news cycle.
A news cycle that needed a massive, uninterrupted building pressure campaign to force Platner to withdraw before Monday.
LOL
Trump striking Iran sucks all the oxygen out of the news cycle.
A news cycle that needed a massive, uninterrupted building pressure campaign to force Platner to withdraw before Monday.
LOL
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (3cUTc)
346
334 @ 292 Christina Applegate > Pamela Anderson
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
___________________________________________
Oh my. Does NO ONE remember how hot Suzanne Summers was … ?
Posted by: Dr_No at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (ayRl+)
A bit of a butterface but she had that aerobics body that I dig.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
___________________________________________
Oh my. Does NO ONE remember how hot Suzanne Summers was … ?
Posted by: Dr_No at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (ayRl+)
A bit of a butterface but she had that aerobics body that I dig.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (xcxpd)
347
You like what you like. I like what I like.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (iSDSm)
I did not disclaim anything.
Posted by: ... at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (iSDSm)
I did not disclaim anything.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (dK+Kv)
348
At the request of Phakistan...
"Pakistan Foreign Ministry: All sides must uphold their commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)."
Sure, let's !
"Pakistan Foreign Ministry: All sides must uphold their commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)."
Sure, let's !
Posted by: runner at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (GD0B3)
349
Why be a JV rapist? Go full varsity letterman rapist.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (wOO3z)
350
>>Lucky Star Madonna was a fucking smokeshow come on
1983.
The Swimsuit Issue that year featured Chryl Tiegs, Elle Macpherson, and Kathy Ireland, maybe...
Paulina Poritzkova was in 84, I think??
Either way...that slag Madonna didn't even rate back then.
1983.
The Swimsuit Issue that year featured Chryl Tiegs, Elle Macpherson, and Kathy Ireland, maybe...
Paulina Poritzkova was in 84, I think??
Either way...that slag Madonna didn't even rate back then.
Posted by: garrett at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (5MUB0)
351
That was her front hole smoking from overuse.
Circa "Lucky Star" like ellipsis said it wasn't yet overused.
Circa "Lucky Star" like ellipsis said it wasn't yet overused.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (2ocoG)
352
Yes. The Uke war and now Iran has demonstrated drone warfare is going to be big.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (xcxpd)
I think drone countermeasures are going to be even bigger.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (xcxpd)
I think drone countermeasures are going to be even bigger.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (rbvCR)
353
Christina Applegate > Pamela Anderson
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
___________________________________________
Oh my. Does NO ONE remember how hot Suzanne Summers was … ?
----
Peak Barbara Eden and peak Linda Carter would be contenders as well.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 08, 2026 01:11 PM (sKqQm)
___________________________________________
Oh my. Does NO ONE remember how hot Suzanne Summers was … ?
----
Peak Barbara Eden and peak Linda Carter would be contenders as well.
Posted by: Crusader at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (TN0g+)
354
327 243 TJM
You realize that's a best case scenario, right?
It's gratifying to see you're no longer so invested in NC.
Posted by: mnw at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (RCjYY)
========
I've been consistent.
Cooper should be considered the underdog because of registration changes (look at NC senate polling from 2020 for a quick comparison to polling now, by the way, Cunningham was going to run away with the race in June). As well as other issues (his record during Helene, letting criminals out leading to Ilyiana's death).
To go worse than 52, the GOP would have to lose TX, OH, AK, or IA. And those aren't happening.
52 is actually a worst case scenario.
Best case would probably be 55. Holding NC and gaining MI and GA. But there's going to be precious little change overall. The important thing is reducing the terrible mix within the GOP senate caucus.
You realize that's a best case scenario, right?
It's gratifying to see you're no longer so invested in NC.
Posted by: mnw at July 08, 2026 01:15 PM (RCjYY)
========
I've been consistent.
Cooper should be considered the underdog because of registration changes (look at NC senate polling from 2020 for a quick comparison to polling now, by the way, Cunningham was going to run away with the race in June). As well as other issues (his record during Helene, letting criminals out leading to Ilyiana's death).
To go worse than 52, the GOP would have to lose TX, OH, AK, or IA. And those aren't happening.
52 is actually a worst case scenario.
Best case would probably be 55. Holding NC and gaining MI and GA. But there's going to be precious little change overall. The important thing is reducing the terrible mix within the GOP senate caucus.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (GKDy+)
355
Now, we can't exactly undo our operation so we're kind of stuck to this tar baby.
What does taking Kharg island do?
1) oil prices surge. You have not solved the Hormuz problem. You just took Kharg island which is the same as our blockade was doing without ground troop.s
I'd suggest you need to take the strait of hormuz.
That is not easy.
Look at the geography.
That's the strategic thinking they needed to do BEFORE ordering this op.
Also, they needed to top up all of our reserves BEFORE ordering this op.
We did neither. Trump majorly failed here. I'm sorry.
What does taking Kharg island do?
1) oil prices surge. You have not solved the Hormuz problem. You just took Kharg island which is the same as our blockade was doing without ground troop.s
I'd suggest you need to take the strait of hormuz.
That is not easy.
Look at the geography.
That's the strategic thinking they needed to do BEFORE ordering this op.
Also, they needed to top up all of our reserves BEFORE ordering this op.
We did neither. Trump majorly failed here. I'm sorry.
Posted by: Harun at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (IuIym)
356
And one lesson - never pay attention to anything Trump posts on social media. All he does there is channel some drunk on a barstool shouting at passersby, down to the part where a day later, he has no memory at all of what he said.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (VbqNm)
Yes, but do pay attention to what he DOES.
Been saying that since 2015.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (VbqNm)
Yes, but do pay attention to what he DOES.
Been saying that since 2015.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:20 PM (xcxpd)
357
>>>And one lesson - never pay attention to anything Trump posts on social media. All he does there is channel some drunk on a barstool shouting at passersby, down to the part where a day later, he has no memory at all of what he said.
Posted by: Tom Servo
---
No reason to be upset.
Posted by: Tom Servo
---
No reason to be upset.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at July 08, 2026 01:20 PM (xHEjv)
358
I'm very pro-Israel but this entire operation was very high risk, and the downside to America was MUCH higher than to Israel.
We should not have done this operation in the first place. Israel should have done the decapitation strike all by itself.
China is of course loving as we burn through our oil reserves and all of our missile and ammo stocks to fight a 3rd rate power....who we handed leverage to.
Did Trump and Israel not NOTICE the strait of Hormuz is kind of important?
Posted by: Harun at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (IuIym)
What's the risk? A temporary increase in oil prices? This is far less than the natural gas pain Europe has felt over Ukraine.
Hormuz has been understood for decades, which is why it was half-neutralized before the war began and in a few years shall be fully irrelevant.
I'm very pro-Israel but this entire operation was very high risk, and the downside to America was MUCH higher than to Israel.
We should not have done this operation in the first place. Israel should have done the decapitation strike all by itself.
China is of course loving as we burn through our oil reserves and all of our missile and ammo stocks to fight a 3rd rate power....who we handed leverage to.
Did Trump and Israel not NOTICE the strait of Hormuz is kind of important?
Posted by: Harun at July 08, 2026 01:17 PM (IuIym)
What's the risk? A temporary increase in oil prices? This is far less than the natural gas pain Europe has felt over Ukraine.
Hormuz has been understood for decades, which is why it was half-neutralized before the war began and in a few years shall be fully irrelevant.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 01:20 PM (okun6)
359
The Swimsuit Issue that year featured Chryl Tiegs, Elle Macpherson, and Kathy Ireland, maybe...
That issue was incredible.
That issue was incredible.
Posted by: Ian S. at July 08, 2026 01:20 PM (2ocoG)
Posted by: sifty boones at July 08, 2026 01:20 PM (4NDfK)
361
Iran has always been understood as being able to threaten the strait. The pipelines were built because of what they did last time in the 1980s.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy
____
Ah, so we knew that they would close it and we let them? Maybe because we wanted to? But then Trump tweeted "Open the fuckin Strait.... Praise be to Allah," so he seemed to want it open. Ah, I see, that was 5D chess, Art of the Deal.
If you haven't gotten off Trump's dick at this point, you never will.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy
____
Ah, so we knew that they would close it and we let them? Maybe because we wanted to? But then Trump tweeted "Open the fuckin Strait.... Praise be to Allah," so he seemed to want it open. Ah, I see, that was 5D chess, Art of the Deal.
If you haven't gotten off Trump's dick at this point, you never will.
Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:21 PM (Al4+r)
362
Blade free NOOD ALERT
Posted by: Max Power at July 08, 2026 01:21 PM (SwyyQ)
363
>>We can meet our goal of taking control of the straits without regime change. (As detailed in posts above) Once Iran has no more ability to threaten the straits, then the government becomes just an annoyance, not a threat to the world’s economic system.
You can't defeat an ideology with bombs and bullets. History is pretty clear on this. We are currently fighting a communist insurgency in our own country long after the Soviet Union fell.
China is a far bigger threat to the world's economic system, particularly ours, than Iran will ever be. We are fighting various forms of warfare with them on a daily basis. Dropping bombs on Iran until the place is rubble is a temporary solution to the underlying problem of an ideology that praises death over life.
Anyone who believes that simply bombing the current regime into submission is going to permanently end radical Islam is kidding themselves.
You can't defeat an ideology with bombs and bullets. History is pretty clear on this. We are currently fighting a communist insurgency in our own country long after the Soviet Union fell.
China is a far bigger threat to the world's economic system, particularly ours, than Iran will ever be. We are fighting various forms of warfare with them on a daily basis. Dropping bombs on Iran until the place is rubble is a temporary solution to the underlying problem of an ideology that praises death over life.
Anyone who believes that simply bombing the current regime into submission is going to permanently end radical Islam is kidding themselves.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 08, 2026 01:21 PM (viF8m)
364
I think I'd put the blockade back on.
I also think I'd start hitting Iranian infrastructure harder if they keep fighting.
They import food. There are two ports on the Caspian where they get food from Russia.
Blow that shit up.
I also think I'd start hitting Iranian infrastructure harder if they keep fighting.
They import food. There are two ports on the Caspian where they get food from Russia.
Blow that shit up.
Posted by: Harun at July 08, 2026 01:21 PM (IuIym)
365
329 Of course it wasn't, because we already had it. Then we gave it to Iran because Trump was blinded by the success in Venezuela and thought that Iran would just roll over after a weekend of bombing.
It's okay to admit that this war was terribly planned. No need to do the Pee-Wee Herman "I meant to do that" bit.
Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (Al4+r)
========
Perhaps they thought Iran would roll over.
But that doesn't mean that things have gone poorly.
The most successful air campaign in American military history. A complete blockade of Iranian trade that reduced their GDP by 50% in months, and got their inflation rate to 25% per week.
"Oh, but Americans paid $1.50 more per gallon of gas for a couple of months. It's the greatest military defeat in American history."
It's okay to admit that this war was terribly planned. No need to do the Pee-Wee Herman "I meant to do that" bit.
Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:16 PM (Al4+r)
========
Perhaps they thought Iran would roll over.
But that doesn't mean that things have gone poorly.
The most successful air campaign in American military history. A complete blockade of Iranian trade that reduced their GDP by 50% in months, and got their inflation rate to 25% per week.
"Oh, but Americans paid $1.50 more per gallon of gas for a couple of months. It's the greatest military defeat in American history."
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:21 PM (GKDy+)
366
>>> 352 Yes. The Uke war and now Iran has demonstrated drone warfare is going to be big.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (xcxpd)
I think drone countermeasures are going to be even bigger.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (rbvCR)
I haven't seen much of anything for countermeasures... yet. However I seriusly doubt anyone is ignoring the Keeev vs OMG Russia fight.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (xcxpd)
I think drone countermeasures are going to be even bigger.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (rbvCR)
I haven't seen much of anything for countermeasures... yet. However I seriusly doubt anyone is ignoring the Keeev vs OMG Russia fight.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:22 PM (R+iUD)
367
>>That issue was incredible.
First time I saw Elle, it was all over for me.
I still believe the doctor that claims to have solved her sex addiction should have been hunted down and killed by ALL the international intel agencies.
First time I saw Elle, it was all over for me.
I still believe the doctor that claims to have solved her sex addiction should have been hunted down and killed by ALL the international intel agencies.
Posted by: garrett at July 08, 2026 01:22 PM (5MUB0)
368
352 Yes. The Uke war and now Iran has demonstrated drone warfare is going to be big.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (xcxpd)
I think drone countermeasures are going to be even bigger.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (rbvCR)
I hope that, but EW has not being doing the job. Super high tech lasers and microwaves are probably not the solution. As much as I like lasers.
And as much as shotguns solve problems, it is not a scalable solution.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:13 PM (xcxpd)
I think drone countermeasures are going to be even bigger.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (rbvCR)
I hope that, but EW has not being doing the job. Super high tech lasers and microwaves are probably not the solution. As much as I like lasers.
And as much as shotguns solve problems, it is not a scalable solution.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at July 08, 2026 01:22 PM (xcxpd)
369
Airpower theorists have been promising a Victory from the Skies since World War Two and they still cannot deliver.
That's just because the right people haven't been in charge.
That's just because the right people haven't been in charge.
Posted by: zombie Curtis LeMay at July 08, 2026 01:22 PM (0sNs1)
370
342 It turned out not to be surrender because to both sides, it was just a piece of toilet paper that they both planned on wiping their asses with in a couple of weeks.
And one lesson - never pay attention to anything Trump posts on social media. All he does there is channel some drunk on a barstool shouting at passersby, down to the part where a day later, he has no memory at all of what he said.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (VbqNm)
======
I was saying that it did little at the time.
That Iran wasn't going to get anything unless they abided by the MOU (which they didn't).
It was performative diplomatic theater, all while the real effects of Iran having no trade for several months got no better because it takes weeks for grain to arrive from Brazil or oil to arrive in China.
And one lesson - never pay attention to anything Trump posts on social media. All he does there is channel some drunk on a barstool shouting at passersby, down to the part where a day later, he has no memory at all of what he said.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (VbqNm)
======
I was saying that it did little at the time.
That Iran wasn't going to get anything unless they abided by the MOU (which they didn't).
It was performative diplomatic theater, all while the real effects of Iran having no trade for several months got no better because it takes weeks for grain to arrive from Brazil or oil to arrive in China.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at July 08, 2026 01:23 PM (GKDy+)
371
Madonna was better looking than Cindy Lauper
Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 08, 2026 01:23 PM (rStkT)
372
>>> Posted by: Harun at July 08, 2026 01:19 PM (IuIym)
Oh ffs, go look upthread. How many countries are affected by shenanigans in the Strait of Hormuz?
Oh ffs, go look upthread. How many countries are affected by shenanigans in the Strait of Hormuz?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 08, 2026 01:23 PM (R+iUD)
373
A news cycle that needed a massive, uninterrupted building pressure campaign to force Platner to withdraw before Monday.
LOL
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (3cUTc)
Damnit. And here I was fixing to cry hot salty tears of shame over the humiliation that Trump was giving me by reversing his claim that he didn't want to restart aggression against a nation that I insisted that he had to destroy in the first place.
LOL
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 08, 2026 01:18 PM (3cUTc)
Damnit. And here I was fixing to cry hot salty tears of shame over the humiliation that Trump was giving me by reversing his claim that he didn't want to restart aggression against a nation that I insisted that he had to destroy in the first place.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 08, 2026 01:23 PM (rbvCR)
374
361 Iran has always been understood as being able to threaten the strait. The pipelines were built because of what they did last time in the 1980s.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy
____
Ah, so we knew that they would close it and we let them? Maybe because we wanted to? But then Trump tweeted "Open the fuckin Strait.... Praise be to Allah," so he seemed to want it open. Ah, I see, that was 5D chess, Art of the Deal.
If you haven't gotten off Trump's dick at this point, you never will.
Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:21 PM (Al4+r)
Anyone in the region can "close the strait" by lobbing a few missiles. It was a known cost going in and has been in planning for decades.
You're either too stupid to comprehend this or too blinded by your hatred to deal with anything regarding trump.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy
____
Ah, so we knew that they would close it and we let them? Maybe because we wanted to? But then Trump tweeted "Open the fuckin Strait.... Praise be to Allah," so he seemed to want it open. Ah, I see, that was 5D chess, Art of the Deal.
If you haven't gotten off Trump's dick at this point, you never will.
Posted by: Junior Varsity Rapist at July 08, 2026 01:21 PM (Al4+r)
Anyone in the region can "close the strait" by lobbing a few missiles. It was a known cost going in and has been in planning for decades.
You're either too stupid to comprehend this or too blinded by your hatred to deal with anything regarding trump.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at July 08, 2026 01:24 PM (okun6)
375
"What's the risk? A temporary increase in oil prices? This is far less than the natural gas pain Europe has felt over Ukraine."
Do you know any young people? I have employees who bitch incessantly about the price of gas. Do not underestimate this! Trump knows because he wanted the MOU to work.
"Hormuz has been understood for decades, which is why it was half-neutralized before the war began and in a few years shall be fully irrelevant."
Even half neutralized, it still caused massive price spikes in oil and gas. Iran has also hit the pipelines that go around it. I do agree the one silver lining to this war, is probably more pipelines get built.
But that is in 2-3 years time, not now.
Do you know any young people? I have employees who bitch incessantly about the price of gas. Do not underestimate this! Trump knows because he wanted the MOU to work.
"Hormuz has been understood for decades, which is why it was half-neutralized before the war began and in a few years shall be fully irrelevant."
Even half neutralized, it still caused massive price spikes in oil and gas. Iran has also hit the pipelines that go around it. I do agree the one silver lining to this war, is probably more pipelines get built.
But that is in 2-3 years time, not now.
Posted by: Harun at July 08, 2026 01:24 PM (IuIym)
376
Airpower theorists have been promising a Victory from the Skies since World War Two and they still cannot deliver.
That's just because the right people haven't been in charge.
Posted by: zombie Curtis LeMay
Hanoi Jane would agree.
That's just because the right people haven't been in charge.
Posted by: zombie Curtis LeMay
Hanoi Jane would agree.
Posted by: Alteria Pilgram - My President has convictions. at July 08, 2026 01:24 PM (/eAef)
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