We are at ‘war’ – or ‘major combat operations’ – or ‘limited operation’. We are attempting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon (an effort that we were told several months ago was not going to be possible following our previous 12 day attack on Iran). Or we are determined to get regime change in Iran so that they stop repressing their people. Or so they no longer have a ballistic missile capability. Or so that they stop funding their proxies. Or so that they stop targeting US interests. Or so that they stop trying to kill President Trump – he actually said this in an interview with Fox “News”.

President Trump asserts that the war will continue until there is an unconditional surrender. That is not going to happen. A good twenty percent of the country are as fanatical as their leadership – that’s 18 million people willing to martyr themselves for their country, missiles or not. The country is a Muslim theocracy, and giving in to the US is not in the cards.

So what will the US get from this effort? Well, we will get inflation. Energy prices are rising after less than a week. The most dramatic increases are in diesel – the fuel used for all of our shipping – more than 20% and it could go higher. That’s our groceries getting more expensive, our airfares rising, our supply chains getting pricier. Farmers are hit hard. Shippers like UPS and FedEx will be hit hard (as their contract rates are fixed, and don’t account for energy price shocks). It’s great news for Russia – they can get more money for their oil, which finances their own war. Perhaps that’s why Russia is helping Iran target our assets in the Middle East. We also get a weakened military – as we are burning through our weapons stockpiles – not to defend the homeland, but to help the President feel less insecure. A few older fanatics are dead – replaced by younger fanatics.

Six US casualties have been reported thus far. But the President has indicated US ships might ‘escort’ ships through the Strait of Hormuz – a 104 mile chasm within a 24-60 mile narrows. Sounds like a dangerous situation, likely to result in more casualties for the sitting ducks assigned to that mission. Right now shipping has come to a halt – that’s 20% of the world’s oil stuck in limbo. That is also a third of the world’s urea (used to create fertilizer for crops). A strait littered with attacked ships means a longer term catastrophe.

And how long will this escapade go on? The President can’t say – he doesn’t know. Frankly, I doubt that there is a plan. And Congress, led by the President’s political party, sees no need to assert their authority over wars (I’m really not sure why they collect their salaries if they don’t intend to do their jobs). The American people don’t support the war. Wait – we aren’t at war, because the Congress has not declared war. So, nothing to worry about…

And the national disgrace continues…