Ancient historian thoughts on Iran mess.
One thing that always struck me about the Hellenistic kingdoms is how quickly they surrender. These are kings who build up their whole self-definition about being good at war, but they quit as soon as they lose a battle.
The American position is suitably strong that if all we could manage is an endless succession of C+ presidents, we'd be able to retain our position of global leadership.
Which is why, looking forward, I think there is a distressingly high chance we throw it all away.
But at a baseline level, the US strategic position remains *really strong* - the US economy is very big, highly productive and very advanced. The United States is very large and has a massive, highly educated population.
We just need to stop the self-inflicted wound of electing this same idiot.
You really can understand this administration by assuming they're all rapists and domestic abusers acting out those tendencies in policy.
Pete had a hard day at work, he got shut down by Iran for the 'big contract' so now he's going to go home and (try to) beat his European wife.
Thread worth reading in full.
The good news and bad news from the American perspective is that we can absolutely turn this around - another American century (in partnership with a free EU) is an option.
We just need to make good political decisions. And that's what has proved so challenging.