Day 19, settling into War of attrition.

 WHAT NOW, ESCALATION ONLY OPTION

ESCALTION THEN RETALIATION

This war is now in need of a new strategy, as it heads to the end of the third week. The U.S. and Israel both continue to bomb, the U.S. looking for military targets and Israel bent on assassination of anyone who would be a possible negotiator. It appears that this war is not a coordinated attack with common goals.  While denying it, Trump has attempted to open negotiations numerous times with third party intermediaries, he would like an off ramp. It is no secret that Israel wants to destroy Iran as viable country. Israel wants Iran to look like Libya or Gaza, a failed state unable to offer any opposition. It is clear there is no end to this war in sight. 

While much is made of the closed Hormuz straits, ships are moving out of the Persian gulf, not too many moving westward. Iran is controlling this traffic and it seems no countries have volunteered to help force it out of Iran's control. Negotiations are ongoing between shipping players and Iran to get permission to allow safe passage on an individual basis. Iran has shipped more oil this month than last month.

Israel is under extreme censorship, any photos or videos of damage will result in arrest. Damage is occurring every day, but no one can estimate how much.

Iran continues to strike U.S. military assets in the gulf countries.

The resignation of Joe Kent who served 11 tours in Mideast wars and whose wife, also a soldier,  was killed in the region. Trump best to not malign this man, this action by him will undoubtedly cost him much of his future. Some believe he may be the just the first of many and wonder what has happened to Tulsi Gabbard and other Trump supporters who desired an end to wars of choice.

It is still Israel that is in the predicament of having a closed economy, a dependence on a limited supply of interceptors and an eventual problem of recruitment and public opinion.  

The pressure on Trump to escalate this war with ground troops is going to grow by the day. While it would be costly for Iran, it would undoubtedly result in serious casualties for the U.S. Once engaged, it then could become similar to Ukraine in reverse. While much is made about the division in the Muslim world between Shia and Sunni, a ground war in the region will bring volunteers from many places. Gulf countries will have serious political problems at home if they side with the U.S. and Israel. While Muslims have disagreements between themselves none of them have warm feelings for Israel and the U.S.  A ground war could be the most unifying event for Muslims in decades.