Israel and Iran

This time it just feels different.

To many Americans the bombing of Iranian potential nuclear facilities by Israeli forces and Iran in turn firing missiles at Israel seems abstract. I mean it's over 5,500 miles between Boston and Israel and in most people's minds there's always fighting in the Middle East. This time it just feels different though.

You get the feeling that President Trump surprised many by offering Iran a deal but that offer also came with a 60-day window. Israel knew what that window was and when it ended without a deal Trump was able to say in good conscience "Well I tried." Meanwhile Bibi Netanyahu ordered well planned out surgical strikes to take out Iran's nuclear facilities plus military and scientific leadership as soon as that window closed.

Of course that led to Iran returning fire in the form of ballistic missiles and much of Israel spending the night in bomb shelters. But now I wonder if the ayatollahs bluff has been called and they know that Israel isn't going to turn the other cheek anymore. So was it a face saving reprisal and then nothing more? I don't know. But those in charge in Iran may be wise to think twice about their next move.

President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have made it perfectly clear that the US was not involved in these strikes but if Iran moves to bring America into this fray by targeting US military personnel that the response will be a shock and awe Iran has never seen. The Iranians know that Trump will do it too. And I'm guessing Pete Hesgeth and the military have already drawn up plans and may be hoping to get the chance to execute them.

Also guessing the both Russia and China have been alerted that the US had nothing to do with the strikes but if Iran makes a move against us that it would be best if those countries just stayed on the sideline for this one.

Supposedly Iran was caught off guard because they have become so used to pushing the envelope and getting away with it. But this time it was different. The October 7th attack on Israel, the election of Trump, and the immanent nuclear bomb capability of Iran changed everything.

This situation seems like a clear choice of good versus evil. The military strikes of Iran seem to target innocent civilians while the strikes of Israel seem geared to minimize any civilian collateral damage. Yet somehow it was always the Israelis that were held to a higher standard. This time it feels different. People have grown weary of the moralizers. The gloves are off.

Iran is probably feeling pretty isolated and alone at this point. They are a pariah but they have nobody to blame but themselves. They are literally now reaping the whirlwind.