The news out of Iraq is disturbing, if not unexpected. Pray for the safety of our people and our allies.
Also, be very cautious about reacting to the news of the moment. We will know more tomorrow and even more next week. This could be a relatively empty show of force by Iran’s leaders for the benefit of domestic concerns. It could be the beginning of a full-scale attack (unlikely). It could be a hasty reaction with no clear strategic direction. It could be a lot of things. Time will tell. Right now, prayers and sober, thoughtful consideration is the order of the day.
Iran chose the least response possible. They turned some sand into glass, maybe damaged a building or two.
Hopefully this is it, but now Iran knows that the US is not kidding about retaliation.
If this is the case, Trump wins again.
I highly doubt this is it. In the past, Iran has been both patient and asymmetrical in their responses.
Now that the Mullahcracy has been warned that we can put the Fickle Finger of Fate on their nose if we want to, I suspect that the response will be muted. But we’ll see.
The Mullahs in Iran know they will be dead if they get full blown war with U.S.
If they care about not being dead, this will probably be the overt end. They may still fund and sponsor terrorism.
If they don’t care about being dead, and want their ficticious 72 virgins, that will really be demonic hellfire in eternity, then we are just getting started. Evil on this level has to be eliminated for peace to exist.
The dangerous part of the Shia strain of Islam is that the hardcore adherents believe they are destined to kick off a global apocalypse they may well not personally survive, but they believe they will win. I have seen precious little that suggests the Mad Mullahs aren’t those hardcore adherents they profess to be.
I expect the next Iranian move to be in the Persian Gulf/Arabian Sea, just as soon as they can get their assets (submarines) in place. That won’t be the end, no matter what that is or what our responses are.
Phrase of the day: “Immanentize the eschaton.”
Once used by a conservative commentator to chastise lawmakers who thought they could bring about heaven on Earth, now more appropriate for conservative evangelicals who think they can rearrange the Middle East to help Jesus return.
So let’s talk about the Packers, Jiffy!! That’s as close to the topic as your moronic flapjaw above.
What, you think bringing back Christ isn’t on the mind of the secretary of state?
Iranian escalation on the water would be short lived. The sub pens (and airfields) at Bandar Abbas and on Qushm Island would cease to exist along with any other Gulf water access large enough to launch anything bigger than a kayak. Then 5th Fleet would go hunting Iranians stranded on/in the water. Aside from exporting terrorism through proxies, Iran’s military is not built to project power, nor is it particularly advanced as a defensive force. Their geography itself is a large and effective component of their national defense.
The U.S. military on the other hand is all about the projection of force and particularly about bringing force multipliers to bear as needed. Disproportionate asymmetrical escalation is what we can do better than anyone else. What’s new here is our willingness to use it.
The Iranians have finally found Trump’s red line in the sand. The Russians will have a quiet but influential role in how things unfold with Iran, just as they did in muting Saddam’s responses in Gulf 1 and Gulf 2. The Russians (and others) are likely to counsel Iran not to further test Trump’s short term resolve. There’s just no upside for them in further military exchanges.
Jjf,
Stop it with the Christian heresy. No one controls Christ’s return on earth. Christ is in control.
Your comment is very offensive and awful.
jjf, what a moronic statement. And it is offensive besides being ignorant.
It must be very painful to be a liberal. A liberal has to follow the liberal playbook and the playbook says that if you want to be a liberal, you cannot say anything good about President Trump. If you break this rule, you are kicked out out of the liberal and shunned until you mend your ways.
And liberals wonder why sensible Christians rarely line up with liberals?
Liberalism is totally hostile toward Christianity in practice.
If anyone doubts President Trump will win another term and the Dems lose the House, look all that sound bites from the Dems and their hatred for Trump
These are perfect sound bites for GOP and Trump for campaign commercials.
This killing of the biggest terrorist has left the Democrats exposed to just how hostile liberals are to America, and everything that is good and right.
Liberals are pro-terrorist.
Pro-radical Muslim.
Anti-Christian.
Anti-American.
That says it all when it comes to mental illness of today’s liberals.
And you can add the following Kevin:
Pro illegal immigration
Anti-minority
Pro-welfare
Anti-healthcare
Anti-job
Thanks for clearing that up for me, guys. Based on your criteria I obviously am not a liberal. I don’t meet a single one of your requirements. Not one. So in spite of all the accusations, insults, and falsehoods you guys have put out there, I’m not a liberal.
Bahahaha
Nord,
Then admit this terrorist elimination by Trump was a good thing….
And I will say, “Yes, you are not a liberal on this issue.”
Can you do that?
I don’t think you can, openly.
I cheered Obama when he took out bin laden.
Sorry, but the Conservation of Conservatives has a policy: No one named Le Roi is allowed.
Sorry.
Hey, you two made up the criteria, were you wrong? Committed mistakes? Wow, what an amazing disclosure!
Nord,
Was killing Soleimani a good thing?
Or do you openly detest eliminating evil?
Simple, simple, questions.
I believe that the world is better off with Soleimani not in it. I believe the world would be better off with a lot of individuals in it.
My only question is, what law allows the President to take the action he did?
not in it
Pat,
We are at war with terrorists. War Powers Act.
Can you say it? “Well done Mr.Trump”
Article 2 of the Constitution.
Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. Should the Trump take him out?
Pat,
What terrorist acts has Russia done to kill U.S. citizens?
Missed your “Well Done, President Trump.”….can you say it?
If not, don’t pretend like you care about stopping terrorism elsewhere.
There is a law, passed in 2001, which allows the President to take out any individuals who facilitated the 9/11 attacks. So happens that Salamiman arranged transportation of some of the 9/11 attackers from Egypt over to Afghanistan.
BadaBingBadaBangBadaBoom!
Kevin,
Russia is arming the Taliban in Afghanistan, and U.S. soldiers are dying as a result.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43500299
Tell me “Well done Mr. Trump” first.
Then we will know whether you are serious about taking out other terrorists.
I personally think you find killing terrorists detestable and view America as evil for killing this Iranian butcher. If that is case, you don’t care about eliminating other terrorists.
The 9/11 commission stated, “We have found no evidence that Iran or Hezbollah was aware of the planning for what later became the 9/11 attack,” and it noted: “At the time of their travel through Iran, the al Qaeda operatives themselves were probably not aware of the specific details of their operation.” The commission report does not include any mention of Soleimani.”
Where did you get your information Dad?
Kevin,
Sounds like your more interested in building support for Trump than addressing terrorism.
Awful. Just awful.
And Pat, you sound like an apologist for terrorists.
Mar,
No. I hate terrorists. Is Putin a terrorist? I think he is.
Pat,
If you hate terrorists, is Soleimani being dead a good thing?
Why do you liberals dodge such a Simple question ?
Kevin,
You must have missed my first posting. I clearly said, “I believe that the world is better off with Soleimani not in it.”
Please join me in stating that Putin is a terrorist.
Pat,
If we are going to play weakness against evil, I can easily take your tepid, morally weak position as well.
“The world would be a better place without Putin in it.”
I asked if Trump did a good thing?
Kevin,
What was weak about me saying, “I believe that the world is better off with Soleimani not in it.” He would have to be dead not to be in it anymore, wouldn’t he? Isn’t that the same as saying that him being dead is a good thing?
Are you in favor of taking Putin out if he is on foreign soil? He supplied the missile to Iran that took down the Ukraine airliner.
Here ya go, Patsy: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authorization_for_Use_of_Military_Force_Against_Terrorists
As to your commentary on the matter:
1)<i>The 9/11 commission stated, “We have found no evidence that Iran or Hezbollah was aware of the planning for what later became the 9/11 attack…</i>
Makes no difference. Absence of evidence……NOT evidence of absence. In addition: <i> In an email, [Pence spokes] told us that was highlighted in an April 2019 fact sheet on the State Department’s designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including the Quds Force, as a terrorist organization. “The IRGC, with the support of the Iranian government, has engaged in terrorist activity since its inception 40 years ago,” the fact sheet stated. The document then said Iran “harbors terrorists within its own borders, thereby facilitating their activities.”</i>
2) <i>“At the time of their travel through Iran, the al Qaeda operatives themselves were probably not aware of the specific details of their operation.”</i>
What the AQ terrorists knew is irrelevant; their travel was facilitated by Soleimani–THAT is relevant.
3)<i>The commission report does not include any mention of Soleimani.”</i>
So what? Cast of 1,000’s made 9/11 happen and damn few of them were putting up their names in lights for the Commission to note.
Dud,
So what?
Dud,
Is Putin a terrorist?
Pat,
I support taking out Putin’s #2 and#3 like we did with Iran to send him a message, IF THEY ARE ACTING AS BADLY AS IRAN’S UNDERLYINGS.
You are weak.
Can’t even say a “Well done” to Donald Trump?
How petty.
Kevin,
Putin’s weapons support Iran’s underlings.
So you support Putin. How extraordinarily sad. But not surprising.
Pat,
Where did I say that? If Soleimani is perceived as Putin’s bitch in your opinion, great, we took him out.
I’m totally enthusiastic about it.
We have to arm teist you to get a tepid approval.
You are the one acting badly here.
I am for taking out terrorist generals no matter who they work for.
“ I am for taking out terrorist generals no matter who they work for.”
But not their leaders.
Pat, there are international laws about taking out heads of state. There are no laws about taking out enemy combatants.
So taking out Heinrich Himmler would have been ok, but you’d leave Hitler safe and sound.
So, then Germany would have every right to take out Roosevelt.
Why didnt Obama take out Kim from North Korea. A very bad guy.
“ Why didnt Obama take out Kim from North Korea. A very bad guy.”
You’d have to ask Obama. I know Trump has threatened Kim.
Bush attempted to kill Sadam Hussein but failed.
US attempted to assassinate Castro.
As far as Germany taking out Roosevelt, I’m sure they would have if they could have. Heck, what would they have to lose if they did?
Pat,
If their leaders, are enemy combatants, yes, I support taking them out.
If Putin is in Iraq, organizing killing of Americans and burning the embassy, green light.
You would not act because you cannot even cheer Trump taking out Soleimani.
Don’t be a coward like Nord, you can praise Trump for doing a great thing here.
Is Putin an enemy combatant?
If he acts,like Soleimani, yes!
Can you just say “Well DONE, Mr. PRESIDENT”?
Putin supplies weapons to Iran and it’s proxies which kills Americans. He has the deaths of Americans on his hands, and you defend him.
Awful. Just awful.
Pat,
I’m not defending him.
You are the one tepid about eliminating terrorists.
How so
Pat,
You cannot cheer Trump openly for taking decisive, positive action for getting rid of this terrorist.
Good people in Middle East cheered his death, but our Anti-American liberal media fails to report these victims of Soleimani’s tyranny cheering this!
You have little sympathy to the victims with your tepid response.
Kevin,
I’m all for the elimination of terrorism in the world. I’m for the elimination of the arming of terrorists. Those who provide arms to terrorists are as guilty of terrorism as those who directly use those arms. As far as Soleimani is concerned I stand by my statement, “I believe that the world is better off with Soleimani not in it.”
Don’t be weak. Join me in calling out Putin as a sponsor of terrorism.
Pat,
I’ve said Putin was a sponsor of terror.
Saying the world is “better off” this terrorist is dead is tepid. Congratulating the leader responsible for job well done is real support.
It’s like me just saying world is ” better off” without bin laden when Obama took him out. I went further and cheered and congratulated Obama for having courage to do it.
Why can’t you do the same? Partisan hate?
This issue should transcend party lines, but I fear the anti-American liberal tribe is too far gone from civil society seeing their vitriol against Trump.
Kevin,
I guess I’ll give the same response that Trump did in addressing the killing of Bin Laden.
Stop congratulating Obama for killing Bin Laden. The Navy Seals killed Bin Laden. #debate
https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/260549166776852480?s=21
And, I have a tendency to agree with this opinion piece when comparing the two actions.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bostonglobe.com/2020/01/09/opinion/comparing-trumps-assassination-soleimani-obamas-killing-bin-laden/%3foutputType=amp
Kevin,
I guess I’ll give the same response that Trump did in addressing the killing of Bin Laden.
“Stop congratulating Obama for killing Bin Laden. The Navy Seals killed Bin Laden. “
Pat,
…and Trump was WRONG for saying that!
Pat, you should have stopped at the first link.
The other link from Boston is from another Trump Derangement Syndrome sufferer who is is desperate need of institutatualization and a heavy dose of Haldol 3 times a day.
Mar,
Thanks for you opinion.
Along with Brookings, the NYT, and ProPublica? Be serious.
The US passed on calling Putin a sponsor of terrorism in 2018. There’s a reason for that. But the maniacal (D) focus on “Russia Bad” doesn’t stop. no matter.
Irony, as Putin has been making pro-family, pro-Christian noises over the last few years, but the Professional Lefties don’t like that “pro-Christian” stuff–so let’s call him a “terrorist sponsor.” After all Christians = Terrorists for the Left.
But Patsy, I ‘m sure you have irrefutable evidence that Putin “sponsors terrorism.” Feel free to bring it here. We’ll wait.
Sorry Dud, it’s been stated by Mar that a person doesn’t have to prove what they say. What is said has to be proven wrong by the “lazy” person who questions the factual accuracy of the said statement.
“ Irony, as Putin has been making pro-family, pro-Christian noises over the last few years, but the Professional Lefties don’t like that “pro-Christian” stuff”
Sounds like you’re the perfect fit for an export to Russia, comrade.
Pat,
You are unbelievable.
Don’t pretend you are tough on terror when you cannot even feign a congratulations to Trump taking out Soleimani.
Kevin,
You’re hilarious. Believing that idol worship defines a persons fortitude toward terrorism
Unbelievable. Just unbelievable.
Pat,
Wasn’t asking you for worship, your vote, or a campaign donation…just a mediocre compliment for doing right thing on this issue.
It is awful you equate a minor compliment requesr with “idol worship”…it speaks to your cult derangement on Trump.
Hey k, did you see this? A publicly owned utility can save millions, AND reduce air pollution. Amazing, no? And they didn’t even ask you for permission.
https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/environment/xcel-plan-to-idle-coal-plants-could-save-millions-slash/article_2c71e2f1-2993-5240-8cef-13e178c3d7f8.html
Pat:
Keep up the good work.
Kevin,
I don’t understand why a “minor compliment” is so important to you. Is it a need you have to justify a conclusion you’ve already made for yourself. Or do you need it to bolster your ego?
Pat,
Just would be nice to see Americans hate the terrorists more openly than their president…but I guess my standards are too high for Trump haters.
“I guess my standards are too high for Trump haters.”
Ya, that’s it.
You have a military age child don’t you? Have they enlisted yet?
Not for 6 years yet…and he is considering the possibility.
You have said worse things about Trump, with more venom, than you have about despicable terrorist Soleimani. Just would be nice, as an American, if you could show more contempt to the terrorist than your President.
I managed to do that with Obama.
You have a daughter that is of military age, or am I wrong?
“ You have said worse things about Trump”
Such as??
Pat,
I consider women to be of “military age” ONLY when they are of correct age and want to go into military. My oldest daughter has no interest in doing that, so it is a moot point.
Unless you are advocating a draft for women, which is an awful idea.
No, I’m not advocating a draft for anyone. And she definitely shouldn’t enter the military if she doesn’t want to. I just thought that maybe she would as she comes from such a patriotic family.
Le Roi, your strive stated it was possible that they could save money and reduce carbon emmissions.
Just a theory.
If it works, great, but if it doesn’t, the rate payers are going to be screwed.
Pat,
I think it is unpatriotic to encourage women to military if they don’t want to…if you are making this about patriotism. Men should be the protector of life, family, and country as moral duty. Women who really want to do that, have at it.. but they should not be ground combat at any time. Women should not be in any roll where enemy can capture, torture, and rape.
Point out any kind word you have ever said about Trump.
“ Women should not be in any roll where enemy can capture, torture, and rape.”
But they fly drones from a safe place and take out terrorists.
“Point out any kind word you have ever said about Trump.”
I gave him credit for being an extraordinary good liar.
So you confirm that nothing you say can be taken seriously. We knew that; it was nice of you to put it in writing for us.
LeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeRoy………the use of the word “could” sorta sets up an article that also quotes “Union of Concerned Scientists” (which may actually have one or two scientists on its roster) and the Sierra Club.
All depends on the batteries.
Dud,
When you say, “We knew that“, are you referring to “we” being you and the voices in your head?
Mar says a person doesn’t have to prove what they say. He says it’s up to others to prove him wrong. Calls them lazy if they don’t.
Sorry, I’m only playing by the rules established by Mar. You don’t like it, take it up with him.
Pat,
I hardly call that a Trump compliment.
Your contempt is showing for the President. You show less contempt for dead terrorist, that is the problem.
@ Kevin S,:
With the Internet the way it is nowadays, hard to tell what is serious and what isn’t. Like the memes I saw with young men threatening to speed up their gender reassignment surgery as a “FU” to Trump’s draft for WWIII. In MASH TV show Klinger wore dresses in his attempts to get sent back home. Now there seems to be socially accepted surgical alternatives for those unwilling to serve.
In the meantime Iran has shown itself not ready for prime time – can’t fire without hitting a civilian airliner. Imagine if they launched a nuclear warhead – it would probably land on themselves.
Cool, I set the rules here.
As far as Selective Service, women should sign up for the, if only for fairness.
Mark,
Men should only get a pass on a draft if they actually eliminate their “manhood”.
That is true crazy town. Klinger cross dressing is not enough.
Pat:
k told me long ago that he didn’t enlist because of his wife. I wish that excuse would have worked for the 58000+ that died in Viet Nam.
“ Men should only get a pass on a draft if they actually eliminate their “manhood”.”
Yes, Kevin didn’t serve because, he said, his wife wouldn’t let him:. I guess that’s more honest than saying that he had bone spurs.
Kevin said, “ I hardly call that a Trump compliment.”
I think it’s an appropriate compliment. There are a minority of the population that believe every word he says. I think that’s brilliant on his part if he’s able to fool that many people into believing his bullshit. I highly doubt hat you’d be one of those that are that stupid.
Oh, as far as Soleimani goes, I didn’t hear of him up for until a few says ago. So all I know about him is that he was a terrible person that this world is better without. Call that praise for him being gone if you will. I assume you feel the same way.
Pat,
Your contempt is more eloquent for President than dead terrorist.
That makes us a less civil society and nation.
Nord,
I listen to my wife. What does that have to do with anything?
There is no draft, so listening to your wife on subject is just smart.
You like to ignore your wife? Awful. Just awful.
Kevin,
When did you first hear of Soleimani?
“ listening to your wife on subject is just smart.”
I agree. That gives you an easy out. I think all the gold star wife’s would agree with you. Better than saying you had bone spurs.
Pat,
We have a volunteer military currently. You and Nord are being ridiculous.
k:
I listen to my wife all the time. I even pay attention to her. But I wasn’t married when the Selective Service wrote me a letter in 1970, so I didn’t have that as my excuse. Nor did I have bone spurs, or “other priorities”.
If you are patriotic as you claim, you would have enlisted and served, just like you want others to do (but not your kids). But you didn’t, and had an excuse why you couldn’t. Back in the day, folks like you, trump, and cheney were called chicken hawks. And it still applies.
mar:
For a guy as highly educated as yourself, you should be able to write a sentence that makes sense. But you can’t.
And are you claiming to know more than the BoD and management of the utility? Or just putting your ignorance on full display?
So, Le Roi, did you serve in the military?
Why do you liberals keep diverting topic to me?
I only asked either of you to compliment Trump for his leadership in taking out an awful terrorist…instead of just being a fair person, you savage me instead
Awful. Just awful.
Your tribe is awful as well.
>For a guy as highly educated as yourself, you should be able to write a sentence that makes sense. But you can’t
That’s ironic considering the handful of times I’ve pointed out your atrocious spelling and grammar in the past couple weeks. I thought you had learned your lesson, my mistake.