That the current war against Iran serves Israel's interests is beyond dispute. And the disappearance of the Ayatollah regime is, of course, also in the interest of the West and the US. But the current American administration does not exactly give the impression of knowing what it is doing. No, Israel did not drag the US into this—perhaps another, less impulsive, American President would ultimately have made the same assessment. But then a well-considered one, possibly with other means—massive support for the Iranian opposition, for example—and above all with the consent of the home front and allies. But then again, Trump and allies...
And it’s been well reported that Saudi was continually asking the Americans to strike Iran. With Iran having turned on the Gulf States, Iran is ‘making the case’ even stronger that they need to be dealt with, before they become ‘beyond’ being able to handle.
Should have bombed Iran back to the time of Xerxes in 1979. Seems Jimmy Carter was a really bad president and Reagan after though a little better was mostly guided by a cabinet that worshipped the god of oil strategy and didn’t have the balls or intelligence to see where this policy would land. Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal is formidable and effective and the theology at the core of The Islamic Rebublic is an apocalyptic nightmare in early stage of fulfilment. So maybe the Mahdi will appear the 12th Imam will unoccultate and Issa will come to lead the army of the righteous to kill all us kafrs. Or maybe the great game of Whack-a-Mullah will go on long enough for the Iranian people to overthrow the theocracy only G-d knows. BTW I find it hysterical that anyone could believe that the President could be manipulated in this way, ridiculous. As always keep fighting for the truth and a peaceful future.
Everything you say is true which is why an ambiguous outcome is NOT AN OPTION. We must win this. The fact of the matter is that the Democratic party which must on some level know this, doesnt care and simply sees an opportunity to hurt Trump. They can never be forgiven. Their false attacks put ever more pressure on an already mercurial president who is doing the right thing but must see it through. This is a once in a century opportunity.
And hatred of Israel has always been hatred of Jews. The haters just used to do a better job of disguising it.
It’s actually hysterical to hear people claim Israel 'dragged' the U.S. into any conflict when only 37% of American Jews even identify as Zionists (personally disgusted by this).
Thats a misleading statistic. Most people including Jews have been tricked into believing that "Zionism" means the maximum expansionist ideology of an extreme minority of Israelis. If the question is asked "Do you believe Israel should be eliminated and replaced with a Muslim state, very few of these Jews would say yes.
Seriously, thank you and good for you for pushing back-you’re probably right. The definition of “Zionist” used in my original question was tied more to Israeli government policies, which skews the result. Using that same source, the broader connection of American Jews to Israel is over 90%.
Excellent essay, as usual. Sadly, no matter what explanations are given, NO MATTER WHAT--Israel/Jews will be blamed. No matter how irrational (as always in history), this has always been and always will be what happens: Israel/Jews will be blamed.
Without US assistance, and Israel going alone, it would be exponentially worse, because the only way Israel could ultimately stop Iran in that case would be with nuclear weapons.
Well, it may come to that, since Trump announced he wants to stop the bombing and make a deal with the Iranian regime. How far back do you think this war has put Iran's missile-making and nuclear enrichment? 6 months? 12?
Another excellent article, Joshua. The notion that Israel somehow “dragged” the United States into war with Iran is so absurd that it collapses under the slightest scrutiny. Anyone who understands American power—or simply looks at who the current president is—knows that no country drags the United States anywhere. Especially not under Donald Trump. Iran has been given countless opportunities over the years to curb its missile program and regional aggression, and the idea that Washington would act against its own strategic interests simply because Israel asked is detached from reality.
What we’re really seeing is the resurfacing of a very old trope: the claim that Jews manipulate great powers into fighting their wars. As the article explains, this accusation has appeared in different forms for generations, and today it’s simply repackaged for the social-media age. The same narrative now sits alongside other recycled claims—genocide, colonialism, dual loyalty—repeated so often that many people start believing them. The sad truth is that some people want to believe these things. All we can do is keep pushing back with facts and hope that common sense still exists in the broader public.
Wonderful essay, Joshua. I read about five articles in the same paper this morning, all contrary to one another. It's hard to know what is true and what isn't. So now Trump says Iran wants to make a deal (which I didn't believe when I read it this morning), and Tehran calls it 'fake news.' In June, Trump gave the direction for Israel to stand down in Iran. Now, he's advised them to stop attacks on energy sites. That doesn't sound like Israel is giving orders to Trump, but it has no effect on those who repeatedly blame Israel for the US involvement. I've stopped believing the 'experts' in the MSM, social media for sure, and news sites. What I'm watching is what action is taking place and what the next move may be. Too much noise gets in the way and inundates us with a multitude of opinions. Actions have always spoken louder and never more so than now.
Do not forget Europe and Asia in your analysis. Iran’s missiles can hit both Asia and Europe, with hypersonic and ICBM’s being build in Iran for an escalation of Iran’s Holy War in The Middle East on The West. This is the reality: Iran was just months away from Nuclear and ICBM capability. Israel might well be a useful publicity scapegoat for disgusting Far Right politicians and Propaganda here in Europe. But the Military facts remain: Iran was lethal to Europe, and probably Genocidal in its intentions towards Jews and Christians.
I disagree with the premise of the headline for this article. When I read elsewhere that Trump said that his intel told him that Iran was within weeks of being able to assemble any nuclear weapons then the joint operations by the US and Israel were in both countries interests to counter that possibility. The IAF and the US Air Force utilizing the B-2 bombers out of Whiteman AFB in Missouri became an imperative. The Mad Mullahs need to GO and the sooner the better!
If only. Trump is proclaiming he's negotuating with them right now, and clearly plans to leave them in place. So Israel will be forced to send the warplanes back over there six months from now, after surreptitious resumption of nuclear enrichment and missile manufacture. And the torture and murder of the Iranian citizenry by the IRGC will continue.
You're making assumptions about what Trump is doing from afar. If there are negotiations going on I don't believe they'll be as feckless as Jimmy Carter's floundering efforts by a long shot.
Praise the Lord ‼️🇮🇱🇺🇸😺🦋This is a JUST War and the WORLD should be THANKFUL that the IDF🇮🇱and the 🇺🇸 are destroying this country’s DEMONIC and HORRIFIC people—the people of IRAN are certainly celebrating 🙌🇮🇱🇺🇸💥💥💥🙏😺
It's totally perverse that scum like Scott Ritter are calling Israel the problem, in fact that degenerate referred to Israel as a cancer which needs to cease existing. He called on Iran to strike Israel's desalination plants in order to end Israel. So, according to such demented demons, the only free, western and stable country in the Middle East is the problem, not the world's largest sponsor of terror. These are the kinds of perverted, Jew-hating sickos who are being invited on podcasts to give their "analysis" about the Middle East. And they may be influencing many. We still have so many people like this working inside our government.
Great analysis, Josh. The critics think this is checkers and Israel is pulling the strings of the big bad puppet.
But, as you point out, it’s chess. And, Trump is using Israel, not as its pawn, but as its rook, the 3rd most powerful piece on the board.
Lastly, let’s hope that the Iranian people can rise up to overthrow the King, the Ayatollah and the regime. They need to be more than just pawns.
That the current war against Iran serves Israel's interests is beyond dispute. And the disappearance of the Ayatollah regime is, of course, also in the interest of the West and the US. But the current American administration does not exactly give the impression of knowing what it is doing. No, Israel did not drag the US into this—perhaps another, less impulsive, American President would ultimately have made the same assessment. But then a well-considered one, possibly with other means—massive support for the Iranian opposition, for example—and above all with the consent of the home front and allies. But then again, Trump and allies...
You give me the impression that you get most of your news from leftish, anti-Trump sources. You certainly sound like them.
Yeah, Sun Tzu and Von Clauzewitz are rather left wing.
I know one thing for sure: Mr. Trump didn't bother to inform or convince even his own supporters.
Thanks for proving my point.
And it’s been well reported that Saudi was continually asking the Americans to strike Iran. With Iran having turned on the Gulf States, Iran is ‘making the case’ even stronger that they need to be dealt with, before they become ‘beyond’ being able to handle.
Great point, that Israel, the rook, is the 3rd most powerful player.
Should have bombed Iran back to the time of Xerxes in 1979. Seems Jimmy Carter was a really bad president and Reagan after though a little better was mostly guided by a cabinet that worshipped the god of oil strategy and didn’t have the balls or intelligence to see where this policy would land. Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal is formidable and effective and the theology at the core of The Islamic Rebublic is an apocalyptic nightmare in early stage of fulfilment. So maybe the Mahdi will appear the 12th Imam will unoccultate and Issa will come to lead the army of the righteous to kill all us kafrs. Or maybe the great game of Whack-a-Mullah will go on long enough for the Iranian people to overthrow the theocracy only G-d knows. BTW I find it hysterical that anyone could believe that the President could be manipulated in this way, ridiculous. As always keep fighting for the truth and a peaceful future.
Everything you say is true which is why an ambiguous outcome is NOT AN OPTION. We must win this. The fact of the matter is that the Democratic party which must on some level know this, doesnt care and simply sees an opportunity to hurt Trump. They can never be forgiven. Their false attacks put ever more pressure on an already mercurial president who is doing the right thing but must see it through. This is a once in a century opportunity.
And hatred of Israel has always been hatred of Jews. The haters just used to do a better job of disguising it.
It’s actually hysterical to hear people claim Israel 'dragged' the U.S. into any conflict when only 37% of American Jews even identify as Zionists (personally disgusted by this).
Thats a misleading statistic. Most people including Jews have been tricked into believing that "Zionism" means the maximum expansionist ideology of an extreme minority of Israelis. If the question is asked "Do you believe Israel should be eliminated and replaced with a Muslim state, very few of these Jews would say yes.
Seriously, thank you and good for you for pushing back-you’re probably right. The definition of “Zionist” used in my original question was tied more to Israeli government policies, which skews the result. Using that same source, the broader connection of American Jews to Israel is over 90%.
@Joshua, another great summary .. and so true. Time the USA mainstream media published your content.
GOD BLESS ISRAEL AND ITS PEOPLE
Excellent essay, as usual. Sadly, no matter what explanations are given, NO MATTER WHAT--Israel/Jews will be blamed. No matter how irrational (as always in history), this has always been and always will be what happens: Israel/Jews will be blamed.
Excellent analysis, thanks!
Without US assistance, and Israel going alone, it would be exponentially worse, because the only way Israel could ultimately stop Iran in that case would be with nuclear weapons.
Well, it may come to that, since Trump announced he wants to stop the bombing and make a deal with the Iranian regime. How far back do you think this war has put Iran's missile-making and nuclear enrichment? 6 months? 12?
3-5 years. Which would arguably be fatal for Israel if a Democrat/Communist is in the White House.
Another excellent article, Joshua. The notion that Israel somehow “dragged” the United States into war with Iran is so absurd that it collapses under the slightest scrutiny. Anyone who understands American power—or simply looks at who the current president is—knows that no country drags the United States anywhere. Especially not under Donald Trump. Iran has been given countless opportunities over the years to curb its missile program and regional aggression, and the idea that Washington would act against its own strategic interests simply because Israel asked is detached from reality.
What we’re really seeing is the resurfacing of a very old trope: the claim that Jews manipulate great powers into fighting their wars. As the article explains, this accusation has appeared in different forms for generations, and today it’s simply repackaged for the social-media age. The same narrative now sits alongside other recycled claims—genocide, colonialism, dual loyalty—repeated so often that many people start believing them. The sad truth is that some people want to believe these things. All we can do is keep pushing back with facts and hope that common sense still exists in the broader public.
Wonderful essay, Joshua. I read about five articles in the same paper this morning, all contrary to one another. It's hard to know what is true and what isn't. So now Trump says Iran wants to make a deal (which I didn't believe when I read it this morning), and Tehran calls it 'fake news.' In June, Trump gave the direction for Israel to stand down in Iran. Now, he's advised them to stop attacks on energy sites. That doesn't sound like Israel is giving orders to Trump, but it has no effect on those who repeatedly blame Israel for the US involvement. I've stopped believing the 'experts' in the MSM, social media for sure, and news sites. What I'm watching is what action is taking place and what the next move may be. Too much noise gets in the way and inundates us with a multitude of opinions. Actions have always spoken louder and never more so than now.
Do not forget Europe and Asia in your analysis. Iran’s missiles can hit both Asia and Europe, with hypersonic and ICBM’s being build in Iran for an escalation of Iran’s Holy War in The Middle East on The West. This is the reality: Iran was just months away from Nuclear and ICBM capability. Israel might well be a useful publicity scapegoat for disgusting Far Right politicians and Propaganda here in Europe. But the Military facts remain: Iran was lethal to Europe, and probably Genocidal in its intentions towards Jews and Christians.
I disagree with the premise of the headline for this article. When I read elsewhere that Trump said that his intel told him that Iran was within weeks of being able to assemble any nuclear weapons then the joint operations by the US and Israel were in both countries interests to counter that possibility. The IAF and the US Air Force utilizing the B-2 bombers out of Whiteman AFB in Missouri became an imperative. The Mad Mullahs need to GO and the sooner the better!
"The mad mullahs need to GO..."
If only. Trump is proclaiming he's negotuating with them right now, and clearly plans to leave them in place. So Israel will be forced to send the warplanes back over there six months from now, after surreptitious resumption of nuclear enrichment and missile manufacture. And the torture and murder of the Iranian citizenry by the IRGC will continue.
You're making assumptions about what Trump is doing from afar. If there are negotiations going on I don't believe they'll be as feckless as Jimmy Carter's floundering efforts by a long shot.
I hear you. But what if they're as feckless as what he accomplished with Hamas? Iran has China to resupply it, like Hamas has Qatar.
Praise the Lord ‼️🇮🇱🇺🇸😺🦋This is a JUST War and the WORLD should be THANKFUL that the IDF🇮🇱and the 🇺🇸 are destroying this country’s DEMONIC and HORRIFIC people—the people of IRAN are certainly celebrating 🙌🇮🇱🇺🇸💥💥💥🙏😺
Nice try, Schlomo.
You have your own country to go be gay in now
It's totally perverse that scum like Scott Ritter are calling Israel the problem, in fact that degenerate referred to Israel as a cancer which needs to cease existing. He called on Iran to strike Israel's desalination plants in order to end Israel. So, according to such demented demons, the only free, western and stable country in the Middle East is the problem, not the world's largest sponsor of terror. These are the kinds of perverted, Jew-hating sickos who are being invited on podcasts to give their "analysis" about the Middle East. And they may be influencing many. We still have so many people like this working inside our government.