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Debra Bradley's avatar

My beautiful daughter is on one of those ships in the Middle East right now! My heart aches for what may come and I pray that stronger minds and hearts prevail. Where is Congress? We need checks and balances here- it is Congress's constitutional role to declare war, not a single individual. Pray for all our brave and dedicated service members please. Their lives should not be at risk needlessly for a war that is not ours.

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Donald Hodgins's avatar

Donald Trump -vs- my Ex-wife-----These two individuals share a weakness. Both Trump and my Ex will follow the advice of the last person they spoke to. Unable to formulate any position of their own, they adopt the thinking of either Netanyahu or a strange mother-in-law. Yelling into a canyon will produce an echo, speaking to either of the previous two will leave you feeling somewhat empty. This country has a leader who struggles finding Monty Hall's door #3, because both of his first two selections were terrible. Whether he admitted it or not, Mr. Trump has already made up his mind when it comes to the idea of a conflict with Iran. I had always been under the assumption that in order for that to happen the man requires congressional approval, first. But we really don't have a President, he is more in the line of a parasitic monarch.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Everything Trump has said about Iran so far is complete bullshit.

When it happened, Rubio said it was a complete surprise.

Appeared at G7 as Putin's agent. Takes credit for Israel's success in Iran... the entire story is fabricated. Never had a conversation about assassination. During his middle east trip, he took multiple tributes -- and sold out Israel by granting Syria a get out of war card, at a time when Israel was protecting the Druze. Did a "deal" with the Houthis, who immediately sent missiles into Israel. His vision for Gaza is another Trump resort.

Reverse Robin Hood. Robs from the poor -- takes all he can get.

Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis are proxies for Iran. Sure looks like retribution is involved.

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hw's avatar

Apart from the insanity of engaging in yet another Middle East war/"regime change" debacle, an unintended consequence will be the proliferation of nuclear weapons across the world.

Countries ill conclude that possessing nuclear weapons will be the only way to protect against unilateral war by nuclear powers.

Trump's greatest fear has always been nuclear weapons, he's obsessively spoken about it...because of his ignorance and unchallenged ability to be manipulated, Trump is ushering in what he most fears.

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Kiwiwriter47's avatar

If this war does not end in blinding nuclear flashes, it will be a ghastly Vietnam-style defeat for the Bloated Yam, Poltroon Pete, and the dog-killer, as they find themselves in the same mess as Johnson and MacNamara back in the 1960s.

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Leu2500's avatar

I wondered who the Stephen Miller of Israel-Iran was. Thanks for naming him.

I called my Congress Critters this AM, told them I was against getting involved & reminding them that Congress is who declares war. Of course, who are we kidding? We won’t even get the AUMF that we had after 9/11.

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mary kettley's avatar

Thank you, Fred, for giving this necessary background. As I was reading your article, I wondered about CENTCOM's General Kurilla. I found a fascinating article from "Responsible Statecraft" (RS) published by the nonprofit Quincy Institute. RS notes the Kurilla is Israel's favorite General, but he's also retiring from the Army this summer. RS also notes the coincidence of this retirement and the decision to show force toward Iran now. SEE-- June 17, 2025 article at https://responsiblestatecraft.org/kurilla-israel-iran/.

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Doreen Frances's avatar

My heart is so heavy right now.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

My wife and I watch Persian (don't call them Iranian) TV. They are hoping that there will be an internal uprising to kick out the mullahs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pBUbT3T3Bk

There are competing versions -- one by the prince in exile.

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Donna's avatar

As always, thank you Fred. I appreciate your insights & knowledge.

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Fred Wellman's avatar

Thank you!

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Donna McKeever's avatar

Thank you dear Fred for your service and undying dedication to America. Your knowledge of war is very informative and appreciated. I’m all in with every single thing you’ve said and believe we must not go into another unnecessary and unending war. Praying for those still in uniform and our country. 🙏💙🇺🇸

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Fred Wellman's avatar

Thank you

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Margaret Redus's avatar

💙💙💙

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