It is alarming. I think most importantly, don't get fearful. Get alert. Get more ready, more independent. Create a more redundant support network. You need to not just survive disruption, but let it be structured so that no single disruption is existential. My little bit of creating redundancy (and we have a very small place) is I moved our kitchen into half of our lounge, and created a small third bedroom, with bunks for the grandkids. Optionality now built in :)
I would argue that we are much further away from the prospect of nuclear weapons being brought into play with Iran's nuclear aspirations being at the very least postponed if not actually thwarted.
Iran has been at war with the US (and the western world in general) for decades. The threat should have been removed years ago. Instead they were appeased and tolerated all while they were building up an arsenal of conventional weapons and rapidly developing nuclear weapons themselves. Not to mention sponsoring terrorism worldwide.
Polite diplomatic dialog has not worked. Sanctions have not worked. Now we will see if direct engagement will solve the problem. At the very least, it has been a pretty clear demonstration to the other players that they are not presently up to being able to go toe to toe with the current military power of the US.
As awful as war is, it has its place. It is a bad assumption to think that everyone can be reasoned with in a civilized manner. When it does have to be used, it needs to be brought to bear quickly and decisively and not just half heartedly as has been done many times in the past.
It is alarming. I think most importantly, don't get fearful. Get alert. Get more ready, more independent. Create a more redundant support network. You need to not just survive disruption, but let it be structured so that no single disruption is existential. My little bit of creating redundancy (and we have a very small place) is I moved our kitchen into half of our lounge, and created a small third bedroom, with bunks for the grandkids. Optionality now built in :)
That may seem like something small for now, but it may be a HUGE deal later on!
I would argue that we are much further away from the prospect of nuclear weapons being brought into play with Iran's nuclear aspirations being at the very least postponed if not actually thwarted.
Iran has been at war with the US (and the western world in general) for decades. The threat should have been removed years ago. Instead they were appeased and tolerated all while they were building up an arsenal of conventional weapons and rapidly developing nuclear weapons themselves. Not to mention sponsoring terrorism worldwide.
Polite diplomatic dialog has not worked. Sanctions have not worked. Now we will see if direct engagement will solve the problem. At the very least, it has been a pretty clear demonstration to the other players that they are not presently up to being able to go toe to toe with the current military power of the US.
As awful as war is, it has its place. It is a bad assumption to think that everyone can be reasoned with in a civilized manner. When it does have to be used, it needs to be brought to bear quickly and decisively and not just half heartedly as has been done many times in the past.
Trump might not know anything about Khan, but I'll betcha those manipulating him sure do.
Yes.
Yes they do.