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#11

Off the Record / Re: The Israel-Iran War ?

Last post by HisMajestyBOB - June 21, 2025, 10:03:18 PM

I'm actually thinking that's about it for US involvement. Trump blew some stuff up, Iran will shoot a few missiles at our bases, both sides will claim victory. Trump doesn't want to get pulled into a war, and Iran doesn't want the US to get pulled in either.

But maybe I'm just being optimistic.

#12

Off the Record / Re: Star Wars Megathread

Last post by HVC - June 21, 2025, 09:50:00 PM

That's a good point. They slotted into the lore without breaking anything. No extra force babies or other stupidity for no reason.

#13

Off the Record / Re: The Israel-Iran War ?

Last post by HVC - June 21, 2025, 09:48:48 PM

I don't know, hit squad seems bit more of a petulant response then one I assume they'd want to make. show of force it doesn't scream. That being said I wouldn't be on an American flight for a while. A Middle East base attack or a drone swarm like Jacob said would make more sense. Assuming they have the capability to do either. If not then I guess terrorism make more sense.

#14

Off the Record / Re: Star Wars Megathread

Last post by Bauer - June 21, 2025, 09:42:30 PM

The thing I liked about rogue one is how seamlessly it integrated into the original storyline, preserved the feel of it, while also telling a different kind of (more adult) story.  It's really rare to see that achieved.  Although sure from a standalone perspective it follows a very generic kind of formula.

Plus they actually put some thought into the space battle - any thought at all is improvement over most movies - and gave the fans the Vader scene we know we all wanted.

#15

Off the Record / Re: The Israel-Iran War ?

Last post by Razgovory - June 21, 2025, 09:39:49 PM

So now the question is how far is this going to go?

My guess is: quite a bit farther.

Open questions in my mind:

• Absent a strong Iranian response, how far is Israel going to go?
• Absent a strong Iranian response, how far is the US going to go?
• How easy is it for Iran to strike at American military bases?

I suppose it's possible the Iranian regime will totter and fall in response to this bombing campaign, but personally I wouldn't bet on it.

This leaves me thinking that Iran will feel the need to retaliate at least semi-proportionally. If they are powerless to do so now - and it seems like they may be - it only means they'll bide their time.

My guess is we'll see Iranian-sponsored attempts at major terrorist attacks against US and Israeli targets in the not too distant future. I expect they'll have an easier time against US targets.

I think the Iranians have to respond with as much power as they can.  Failure to respond with sufficient strength left them open to attack from Israel last time.  If they don't fight back they probably won't be able to do so in the future.  For one thing their ability to strike back is being serious degraded right now.  Second, a good part of their legitimacy is based on opposing the US and Israel.  They can't just let this go on without losing their legitimacy.  I imagine they will hit US bases in the Gulf, but beyond that who knows?  We've pushed them into a corner, they are running out of things to lose.

The Iranians hallmark is terrorism, but setting up truck bombs in third countries could provoke a violent response.  Still, I wouldn't want to be in Trump tower Istanbul anytime soon.  One possibility is send commandos to attack to kill patrons of his golf club in Dubai.  Brutal, but it sends a message.

#16

Off the Record / Re: Star Wars Megathread

Last post by viper37 - June 21, 2025, 09:37:50 PM

Imho, Rogue One isn't that great. Kickass third act, not much else really. It just happens to be head and shoulders the best of the Disney movies. I always found the characters rather unmemorable and the drama a bit facile - which is weird given that it went on to spawn Andor, which features some of the best characterization of the entire saga. But it has a recognizable dramatic arc, delivers on the pew-pew in a way that makes dramatic sense... that's how movies are supposed to work,

It lacks originality.  There is nothing, character-wise, we have not seen before.

The suicide mission feels very WWII-esque.

But it does deliver.

#17

Off the Record / Re: [Canada] Canadian Politics...

Last post by Grey Fox - June 21, 2025, 09:34:07 PM

Let's not forget that there's also the fact that after a while it's better to invest in real estate than to continue being a SMB.

#18

Off the Record / Re: [Canada] Canadian Politics...

Last post by viper37 - June 21, 2025, 09:30:58 PM

Yeah, that too.  We let oligopolies form in a lot of crucial sectors.

The government seems to have abandoned the idea of convincing another grocery chain of implanting itself in Canada.

And retail stores are in trouble worldwide. They totally under invested in e-commerce and got passed by Amazon and now Wal-Mart.

#19

Off the Record / Re: The Israel-Iran War ?

Last post by Jacob - June 21, 2025, 09:30:31 PM

One more off topic post from you in this thread Raz and you're getting a ban.

#20

Off the Record / Re: The Israel-Iran War ?

Last post by Razgovory - June 21, 2025, 09:26:42 PM

I still believe the Morgenthau plan would have been better. 

No Mercy for Fascists!*

*Arabs are incapable of fascism.

What?

You wouldn't suggest a Morgenthau plan for Gaza...

Get help dude.

I'm asking for help!  Why are is famine acceptable for one ethnicity and not another!  I don't understand!