The Coming Conflagration

As I read this post at the Atlantic about the ratcheting up of tensions in the Middle East, I could only wonder if, should Saudi Arabia go to war with Iran, would we enter the conflict on the side of Saudi Arabia?

The situation strikes me as something like a movie about a battle between the Mafia and vampires. The only one to root for is the popcorn vendor.

3 comments… add one
  • Bob Sykes Link

    The question is, Can the US stay out of such a war? And the answer is, No. we have 20,000 to 30,000 ground troops in the region, a huge naval base in Bahrain, airbases all over the place and a large naval flotilla in the Gulf, usually, but not today, including a carrier strike group. Someone will hit those forces either preemptively or as a false flag operation to force our hand. Even if that doesn’t happen, our alliance system will drag us in, just as it is intended to.

    Our bigger problem is that we are seriously overextended and lack the reserves for a major war. A Persian Gulf war would be hazardous in the extreme for us, especially since Iran would likely get modern Russian and possibly Chinese weapon systems (but no troops). Our difficulties there might also inspire wars in other regions, like Korea.

    Moreover, we are not in control of the situation. Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Hezbollah and others might pull the trigger all on their own, judging now is the right time. The Israelis’ obsession with Hezbollah is especially dangerous.

  • walt moffett Link

    We did ask the Saudi’s to pick up the ball in the Middle East, so not surprising. Nor would it be surprising if we decide to get in the middle of it because everyone knows it will be short, vicious but victorious war the end result of which will be stable liberal democracies in the cradle of humanity (Dramamine and noseplugs optional).

    On the plus side, oil prices will go up making the Greens happy and the butchers bill might lead to a wholesale change in the Congress and White House.

  • Gray Shambler Link

    If I had any real money I’d be buying General Dynamics, Big war with daddy warbucks supplying the moneyed side. MAGA!

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