
QuoteDefeat in the present confrontation with Iran will be of an entirely different character. It can neither be repaired nor ignored. There will be no return to the status quo ante, no ultimate American triumph that will undo or overcome the harm done. The Strait of Hormuz will not be "open," as it once was. With control of the strait, Iran emerges as the key player in the region and one of the key players in the world. The roles of China and Russia, as Iran's allies, are strengthened; the role of the United States, substantially diminished.
QuoteIran experts have noted, the regime in Tehran currently stands to emerge from the crisis much stronger than it was before the war, having not only retained its potential nuclear capacity but also gained control of an even more effective weapon: the ability to hold the global energy market hostage. When the Iranians talk of "reopening" the strait, they still mean to keep the strait under their control. Iran will be able not only to demand tolls for passage, but to limit transit to those nations with which it has good relations. If a nation behaves in a way that Iran's rulers don't like, they will be able to exact punishment merely by slowing, or even threatening to slow, the flow of that nation's cargo ships in and out of the strait.
Quote from: K-Dog on May 10, 2026, 07:50 PMIn the case of Iran, a half dozen tactical nukes might count as their single big nuke. Each with in an escort of a dozen decoys. That way peace can be kept when the outlaws come to town.


QuoteAn armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.


Quote from: RE on May 10, 2026, 12:03 AM"But I need you to hear me clearly: this is not another COVID-19."
Famous Last Words. 😷😬🤨
RE
Quoteif those people do get word that the missiles are en route, they'll most likely jump in their planes and fly as far from major cities as possible. It's hard to argue with either of these premises.

