Combat In The Gulf: What's Different THIS Time

Some observations in the midst of the America/Israel operations in Iraq:

1) What's the point of looking back? Yet, if we never looked back there would be no history books and what, after all, might we ever learn? I'm one of those who happened to be alive 47 years ago when radical Islamists took Americans hostage and seized control of the country. Our then president (Jimmy Carter) pretty much stood by and allowed all this to happen. The Shah of Iran was forced into exile and a militant theocracy took over. This helped to usher in the era of  "death to America" and worldwide Islamic-fueled terrorism.

2) Yes, there have been gulf wars since then and efforts to control or at least mitigate radical Islam and its rogue governments but no president has been willing to even attempt to overthrow such a regime and the region remained a simmering powder keg which periodically erupted. 

3) Most notable was the Gulf War of 1991 where we daringly and decisively liberated Kuwait and had the opportunity move on into Iraq. But we were part of a multi-state offensive at the time and the "remaking of the region by force" was not on the table, as the Bush I administration sought to avoid a long-term entanglement. 

4) In 2003 under Bush II, we did move on Iraq and overthrew the Saddam  Husseim regime. Unfortunately, this did lead to the feared prolonged conflict which took a heavy toll, created chaos, destabilized the region and quickly dispelled notions of "nation building" or creating a democracy where none had existed.

So much for history.

What's different now? What sets the current operation apart?

To begin with, this is not a multi-nation coalition of mostly western allies. Instead, it is a strategic bilateral effort launched by the United States and a dramatically strengthened and hugely capable Israel. 

Second, the move boldly and specifically sought the elimination of the nation's virulent Supreme Leader and the decapitation of the ruling regime. Astoundingly, that goal has already been accomplished. Clearly, this is a controlled and targeted onslaught designed to take advatage of a unique opportunity.

Third, thanks to many smart moves by President Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff and others, we have new, valuable Arab state allies in the region. These more moderate Arab states are well positioned to help us stabilize the area once again and move forward as the conflict subsides.

Fourth, in its dying days, what's left of the Iran regime has foolishly attacked its Arab neighbors. Now, those same countries are preparing to respond militarily in attacks coordinated with the US. This is a game changer!

Finally, as in Venezuela, President Trump is not set on nation building in Iran, nor do we necessarily seek to impose democracy or any other form of government. Trump, above all, is pragmatic, flexible and adaptable -- which is to say he's diplomatically nimble. What he seeks is a ruling entity that will be in America's interests economically -- people we can do business with in a reasonable, productive and hopefully friendly (but at least cordial) manner. That's what we're talking about when we say America First!

This is not to minimize the danger(s) which might lie ahead. There is no certainty and things can change in an instant. But Trump, in his second term, has already amassed numerous diplomatic successes. In many ways, he's remaking the map of the world and seems destined to emerge as the most consequential president the past 70 years. Formidablé!