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#1

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by The Minsky Moment - Today at 05:24:21 PM

I am sorry but there are American naval forces launching strikes against Iran aren't they? It would be irresponsible not to cripple the enemy's navy to the best of their abilities. It's a stupid war with a strategic disaster written all over it, but that doesn't mean they are forced to wage it in a stupid way on the tactical level.

There are bigger stakes than what second echelon mullah and their grandkids we happen to slaughter with an airstrike, or what hapless toy size frigate we send to the bottom with all its crew.  "Smart" tactics that make the US look like a monstrous bully and inspire disgust and hate around the world are not a net positive for US national security and influence.

December 7 1941 was the day that lives in infamy because while negotiations were ongoing to resolve a dispute involving sanctions and concerns of aggressive acts towards third countries, Japan launched an unprovoked surprise attack with no declaration of war.  Americans then and since were outraged by such perfidy to the degree that the offending nation was made the recipient of the only atomic bomb ever used in warfare.  What sort of day then is February 28, 2026?  Not one that makes me particularly proud of my country's conduct.

#2

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by garbon - Today at 05:08:42 PM

I am sorry but there are American naval forces launching strikes against Iran aren't they? It would be irresponsible not to cripple the enemy's navy to the best of their abilities. It's a stupid war with a strategic disaster written all over it, but that doesn't mean they are forced to wage it in a stupid way on the tactical level.

The United States has not declared war on Iran.  We are more in the Putinesque sphere of some sort of special presidential operation involving a lot of US military power.

It looks like the key difference would be that president didn't seek authorisation to use force. After all, the US hasn't actually formally declared war since...WW2?

#3

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by crazy canuck - Today at 05:05:58 PM

I am sorry but there are American naval forces launching strikes against Iran aren't they? It would be irresponsible not to cripple the enemy's navy to the best of their abilities. It's a stupid war with a strategic disaster written all over it, but that doesn't mean they are forced to wage it in a stupid way on the tactical level.

The United States has not declared war on Iran.  We are more in the Putinesque sphere of some sort of special presidential operation involving a lot of US military power.

#4

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by Baron von Schtinkenbutt - Today at 04:45:20 PM

Pictures of the ship clearly show a gun on it (and it had much more armament potential than that).

There's a claim going around that one of the conditions for Exercise MILAN (which is what the Iranian ship was participating in) was that all participating ships be in "peace protocol" (whatever that means), and the Iranian ambassador to India claims that Dena wasn't carrying live ammunition.  Information is scant, though.  This is the best I have found so far.

#5

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by saskganesh - Today at 04:07:01 PM

"The western hemisphere is absolutely critical for U.S. security"

Ask her to find it on a map.

#6

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by Tonitrus - Today at 03:59:21 PM

Apparently Sri Lanka helped evacuate a second Iranian ship/crew out that way...haven't found info on that one yet.

The second/evacuated ship is apparently an Iranian navy unarmed supply ship (which had been dispatched to resupply the sunken ship). 

#7

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by Tamas - Today at 03:52:45 PM

I am sorry but there are American naval forces launching strikes against Iran aren't they? It would be irresponsible not to cripple the enemy's navy to the best of their abilities. It's a stupid war with a strategic disaster written all over it, but that doesn't mean they are forced to wage it in a stupid way on the tactical level.

#8

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by Tonitrus - Today at 03:49:48 PM

So apparently that ship we sunk was an unarmed vessel

Pictures of the ship clearly show a gun on it (and it had much more armament potential than that). 

I still think sinking it was likely more of a stunt...but if it were to be clearly sailing from Sri Lanka back towards Iran (I don't know this, just "if"), it would be a fair target...as I think our ships would be in the way.

Apparently Sri Lanka helped evacuate a second Iranian ship/crew out that way...haven't found info on that one yet.

#9

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by crazy canuck - Today at 03:41:19 PM

Maybe his shriveled brain has convinced him he's in a really weird version of Apprentice.

More like he cannot comprehend that the Iranians didn't immediately give up.

#10

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by crazy canuck - Today at 03:39:11 PM

So apparently that ship we sunk was an unarmed vessel involved in a joint exercise at the invitation of the Indian government. At least according the Indian Foreign Secretary.

What a bunch of fucking bullshit. What a disgrace to our military.

But But this is a conventional war