world

Bolton beats war drums in U.S.-Iran standoff

59 Comments
By Sebastian Smith

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© 2019 AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


59 Comments
Login to comment

Whether Trump would accept that, ditching his mantra of no more "stupid wars," is far from clear.

Wars for control of oil and gas are stupid. But given how frequently Trump's flip-flopped, who knows what he might think: today's stupid could be tomorrow's stable genius.

Trump has no principles. He cares nothing about the country and 99% of its people. He cares nothing about the lives of those outside his family, especially if they're people he's lumped in as 'others', i.e. them. He cares nothing about the lives of US military members forced to fight another war benefitting big oil, big war industries and Wall Street.

It would be interesting to see how much Trump's invested in big oil, big war industries, Wall Street and any other industries that would see increased profits from more stupid wars.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

You can see how militarily aggressive Iran is by the way they have their country right up against the US bases all around it!

7 ( +11 / -4 )

The chicken hawks are at it again, it's only a matter of time before they concoct a premise for a preemptive attack.

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Actually Trump's complete disinterest in the world might be a plus here as he lacks the warmonger ambitions of Bolton et al

5 ( +5 / -0 )

You can see how militarily aggressive Iran is by the way they have their country right up against the US bases all around it!

You don’t have the intelligence that the CIA or the Pentagon has. It’s easy being on the outside screaming things and not have the slightest idea. None of us know, surprisingly, not even the media, although they think they do for some reason.

-12 ( +1 / -13 )

On Sunday, mysterious attacks by unknown assailants against four ships, including two from Saudi Arabia, sent war talk up another notch.

The sabotage to those ships being blamed on Iran seems like a set-up. I would not be surprised if Mossad forces were responsible. 

It’s such child’s play, provoke and then look at the teacher “who me” they started it”. We have all seen this play out before, on the playground in elementary school. Such pathetic little men and their ego’s.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

@CrazyJoe,

Right, blame the jews.

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

@kestrel. It is not blaming Jews, it is blaming right wing Zionists, which is kind of the same as right wing Neocons.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

The sabotage to those ships being blamed on Iran seems like a set-up. I would not be surprised if Mossad forces were responsible. 

Here we go.....

It’s such child’s play, provoke and then look at the teacher “who me” they started it”. We have all seen this play out before, on the playground in elementary school. Such pathetic little men and their ego’s.

Wow, just wow!

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

Much of the animus directed against Iran, a religilous regime of autocrats who have caused great suffering to their people, comes not from concern for the human rights of the Iranian people but from geopolitical considerations of controlling the oil and protecting the state of Israel. It is not anti-semitism to state the truth: Zionists and their enablers in America have a big hand in this murky business.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Bolton has been on a personal vendetta against Iran forever. This is his war, its personal war, it's coming. The US has been preparing the world to it for a few months now, what's going on is very similar to what they did before the war in Iraq.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

I refuse to speculate on what Bolton knows which is a lot

You refuse to speculate what he knows and speculate that he knows a lot in the same sentence...lol

8 ( +8 / -0 )

The hypocrisy never stops. Trump has been the #1 critic of going to war with Iraq and now here he is banging away on the war drums to attack Iran.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

That is the same type of intelligence which caused two major wars in Iran and Afghanistan killing hundreds of thousands of civilians and costing America $6 trillion.

Afghanistan, ahh, the real war from where the terrorists are launching attacks as the previous administration claimed.

you are contradicting yourself.

No, I’m not. You nor I know what was said to the President, his advisors or what plan or intelligence they have for taking this action.

You refuse to speculate what he knows and speculate that he knows a lot in the same sentence...lol

Exactly! What his experience is compared to what was said privately we don’t know and those are two completely different topics.

-12 ( +0 / -12 )

The American Afghan War was started by President G W Bush.

And built up in increased under the previous administration.

American's longest war costing trillions. It was the Obama admin

You’re absolutely right because the trillions of dollars with still no progress.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

No, I’m not. You nor I know what was said to the President, his advisors or what plan or intelligence they have for taking this action.

This is the same as saying you would agree with Trump even if he said we were going to drop a nuke over London tomorrow because you don't know what information they have but it must be valid. It demonstrates the inability to think for yourself and form your own opinion.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

This is the same as saying you would agree with Trump even if he said we were going to drop a nuke over London tomorrow because you don't know what information they have but it must be valid.

I’m Sorry, so you’re saying the British are in our state sponsored terrorists? You’re confusing me.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

Doesn't this all seem to be happening really quickly and from out of nowhere? And no, I don't believe Iran has plans to attack US forces in the Middle East. I can't see what they could possibly gain, and they'd have everything to lose.

Maybe Bolton is hoping for a miscalculation by Iran? Maybe he knows the radicals in Iran are using this as propaganda which will help them gain power, and from there the chances for conflict and regime change increase? Who knows. We had a working nuclear deal and now Trump's advisors are drawing up plans in case 120,000 troops are needed. WTF.

And of course we don't trust Trump when he talks about intel because we both know that man lies through his teeth like it's nothing at all. It would be illogical to put any kind of trust in that type of person until they earn it back.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

You don’t have the intelligence that the CIA or the Pentagon has.

And based on their previous statements, it appears that the CIA and Pentagon do not have any intelligence.

Anyway, Bolton works 100% for Israel. Trump about 50% for Israel...

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I’m Sorry, so you’re saying the British are in our state sponsored terrorists? You’re confusing me.

No, they're saying your slavish devotion to Trump and deference to authority would excuse thoughtless, completely unreasonable actions that President Trump could, hypothetically, take.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

No, they're saying your slavish devotion to Trump and deference to authority would excuse thoughtless, completely unreasonable actions that President Trump could, hypothetically, take

That’s exactly what I’m not saying.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

 Dec. 28, 2014: The War in Afghanistan officially ends, though Obama states 10,800 U.S. troops will remain.

Precisely, so he intended on keeping our forces there because as he said it was the war that needed to be fired and not Iraq.

Trump said to end the war and bring the troops home instead sent additional troops, 3,500 and his Afghan policy is no different than Obama's.

His policy had killed a lot of people, far too long.

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/some-2500-americans-have-died-in-afghanistan-and-iraq-under-obama-62022/

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

And based on their previous statements, it appears that the CIA and Pentagon do not have any intelligence.

And you or I wouldn’t know that. But I’m sure Jim Acosta knows. Lol

Anyway, Bolton works 100% for Israel. Trump about 50% for Israel...

And the problem is....

Doesn't this all seem to be happening really quickly and from out of nowhere? And no, I don't believe Iran has plans to attack US forces in the Middle East.

I personally believe that they could and would if given the chance especially now that the trumpet ministration dismantle that disastrous Iranian deal. And thank God he had to Coconuts to do the right thing, better for Israel color better for the Saudi’s in overall better for the region.

Maybe Bolton is hoping for a miscalculation by Iran? Maybe he knows the radicals in Iran are using this as propaganda which will help them gain power, and from there the chances for conflict and regime change increase?

Maybe, maybe not.

And of course we don't trust Trump when he talks about intel because we both know that man lies through his teeth like it's nothing at all. It would be illogical to put any kind of trust in that type of person until they earn it back.

Well we don’t trust most Democrats and especially the media because they also lie through your teeth constantly minute by minute that’s why people are tuning them off and that’s why the media is the best thing for Trump to help him get reelected again because people are drowning out the media in their constant Debunked lies.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Anyway, Bolton works 100% for Israel. Trump about 50% for Israel...

And the problem is....

The problem is, they don't work for America.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

More troops were killed under the command of Bush than Obama who also started the wars. Have you forgotten it was President Obama captured Bin Laden?

Actually, not true.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/by-us-deaths-as-of-today_b_683441

total U.S. deaths in Afghanistan have doubled in Afghanistan under President Obama, and when the next U.S. soldier is reported dead, the majority of U.S. deaths in Afghanistan will have occurred under President Obama.

(HuffPost is not a conservative outfit)

Now, although Bush and Obama racked up a lot of causalities in both wars, there is absolutely no reason that Trump wants to start with, no, now if you want to make an argument about maybe the people around him that can be debatable, personally I don’t think so, but you never know.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

And based on their previous statements, it appears that the CIA and Pentagon do not have any intelligence.

And you or I wouldn’t know that.

I do know that they have been wrong about all of the intelligence they provided in support of all of America's recent (and not so recent) wars. So they either all have extremely low IQ, or they are lying, or both.

Anyway, Bolton works 100% for Israel. Trump about 50% for Israel...

And the problem is....

Indeed, this is not a problem if you are an israeli; but Americans should expect their government to work for them. Everything the US has done in the ME has benefited only the israelis and has been very detrimental and costly for Americans.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I do know that they have been wrong about all of the intelligence they provided in support of all of America's recent (and not so recent) wars. So they either all have extremely low IQ, or they are lying, or both.

Well that would depend on what your definition of wrong is and we all have different interpretations of whether the war was justified or not but that’s for a different debate and not the issue and also the real issue is how the intelligence is gathered from various sources through various countries and it is always a accumulated guess, it’s not science.

Indeed, this is not a problem if you are an israeli; but Americans should expect their government to work for them.

It doesn’t mean that we can not help one of our closest allies in the middle east.

Everything the US has done in the ME has benefited only the israelis and has been very detrimental and costly for Americans.

Again that is something that is debatable to various degrees and something we don’t need to decipher right now because it would take too much unnecessary time.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

It doesn’t mean that we can not help one of our closest allies in the middle east. (Israel)

Why is Israel important to America, what does it offer. No natural resources, oil gas minerals. Why is it anymore important than any other Middle East country?

Israel is more a parasite than an ally to America. Despite Netenyahu constantly praising Israel's amazing economy, America gives them billions in aid every year. America get nothing in return, except for "faulty intelligence" (lies) that support US wars for Israel, costing American tax payers trillions. An ally would not have attacked the US on 9-11, USS Liberty; and they would not have stolen and sold to the Chinese (and others) military secrets.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Bolton's a moustache-hair away from getting one of the wars he's always wanted. He won't go, so who cares? Get ready for more American dead for absolutely zero reason.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Quote: “With his bushy mustache and beloved yellow legal pad, Bolton cuts a colorful figure at the White House.”

Will we be witness to Bolton’s Last Stand?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Bush Iraq War** killed  25,285 soldiers (+12,000 policemen killed 2003–2005). 4,496 killed were Americans. Estimated civilian deaths: Lancet survey** (March 2003 – July 2006): 654,965.

1728 US troops have died in Afghanistan since October 7, 2001, with 1153 of those deaths having occurred since President Obama’s inauguration. 575 US troops died in Afghanistan during President Bush’s term in office.

Sure, both Presidents are at fault and I don’t think Trump is going down that road, but putting fear into the Iranians just might be a bigger solution rather than a problem.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Trumpophiles excorciate Obama for leaving our allies hanging in the wind (Crimea) and for getting us involved more heavily with our allies (Afghanistan). They're minds are twisted from Obama Obsession Syndrome.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Battle groups, nuclear bombers, amthipious launch patterns, Israeli false flag attacks, 120000 soldiers getting prepared, Americans told to get out of Iraq...nah, nothing is going to happen.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Trumpophiles excorciate Obama for leaving our allies hanging in the wind (Crimea) and for getting us involved more heavily with our allies (Afghanistan). They're minds are twisted from Obama Obsession Syndrome

Says the people that obsess with hating Trump. Too, too funny!

Why did you decide to ignore the fact that both wars, Iraq and Afghan were started by President Bush

I never did that, not once. I only just said that the war ended with Obama who increase the truth level and if you want to blame both of them you can for a multitude of reasons.

By the way I credit rob O’Neill who did us a service with OBL.

formation of the ISS?

Which grew under the last administration which they underestimated as the president called them a JV team.

You say, Trump does not want to go war but what of Bolton and Pompeo who are in strong positions to manipulate him.

That may be, but it’s just really funny how everybody is panicking and nothing happened, that’s a serious problem with liberals come leave the emotional side and wait and see what happens.

I always maintain my line that there are no winners in war, which losers.

Well, we have a difference of opinion

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Says the people that obsess with hating Trump. Too, too funny!

The difference is we base our hate on facts and logic.

That may be, but it’s just really funny how everybody is panicking and nothing happened, that’s a serious problem with liberals come leave the emotional side and wait and see what happens.

Reminiscent of conservatives in 2002.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

So even in your finest hour, your still can't admit it was the Commander-in-Chief who ordered the Bin Laden strike and as always it's the Commander-in-Chief who get to bathe in the glory.

This clearly demonstrates the futility of engagement.

You are very selective with your pickings. The ISS started because of the Afghan and Iraq wars which were started by who again? Obama was opposed to the war before he became president.

By the time Obama became president, Iraq and Afghanistan were crucial allies of the US in the War on Terror. Obama could not honestly be expected to abandon such necessary allies.

On Crimea you stated Obama did nothing but on Afghan too much. Which is it?

Too direct.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Both. Different situations need different responses.

Translated: Obama = bad; Trump = good.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Bolton is the same hawk who advised Bush Jr. leading to the Iraq War

You don’t have the intelligence that the CIA or the Pentagon has.

Yet Trump repeatedly takes Putin's words over the CIA or Pentagon

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Superlib: And of course we don't trust Trump when he talks about intel because we both know that man lies through his teeth like it's nothing at all. It would be illogical to put any kind of trust in that type of person until they earn it back.

Bass: Well we don’t trust most Democrats

Who cares? The Dems aren't asking us to take their word on intel so your opinion of their trustworthiness is irrelevant this conversation. Trump is, and this man who constantly lies is asking us to take him at his word. It would be illogical for us to do that.

Can anyone here, even Trump fans, tell us what Trump's goal is with Iran? He threw away a working nuclear deal. He's causing a split between us and our allies. He moves hardware in into the region, says "trust me" on intel, then suddenly says he wants to work out a nuclear deal...again?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The chicken hawks are at it again, it's only a matter of time before they concoct a premise for a preemptive attack.

"your either with us, or with the Iranians"

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Question is you neocons and conservatives, are you WILLING to pay 1000 yen for a liter of gas IF you can find it for this precious war. Also, looked at one war scenario with Iran, guess what the US loses. Yeah, considering that we lost to North Vietnam, and basically to Afghanistan (40 percent of that country is controlled by the Taliban), it is easy to see. Basically they would need a MILLION soldiers (just like North Vietnam) to hold the country and hold is used loosely here. They would need a draft. It gets more complicated as more Muslim countries join in the fight against the US, and it gets real nasty when some bombs go off in the US and they (we) start doing to all muslims like we did with the Japanese, internment camps or outright deportations, even if they are American citizens, which fuels more countries to fight. Get it? Thanks Bolton! Thanks conservatives.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

 so the only people to make ground from it would be terrorist groups.

itll basically be another Iraq and Syria with others gaining controlling interests. The US stuck with the bill and another mess of their making, and the 100s thousand that die from it

0 ( +0 / -0 )

are you WILLING to pay 1000 yen for a liter of gas IF you can find it for this precious war.

a large spike in gas like before the GFC will unlikely happen again. Consumers can now purchase affordable electric vehicles and the solar panels to charge them. Also shale gas from the US Russia Australia countries not bound by OPEC can ramp up production should OPEC raise prices considerably. OPEC tried to kill of shale but failed now theyre struggling to make a profit

0 ( +0 / -0 )

a large spike in gas like before the GFC will unlikely happen again. Consumers can now purchase affordable electric vehicles and the solar panels to charge them. Also shale gas from the US Russia Australia countries not bound by OPEC can ramp up production should OPEC raise prices considerably. OPEC tried to kill of shale but failed now theyre struggling to make a profit

There is no way for a society to switch to electric cars in a month or even in five years, and they make up only three percent of all cars. Solar is good but not enough homes are connected to it. So, just like last time, in the last energy crisis in the 80s, Japan’s economy TANKED, and tanked seriously. EFL might benefit as many people, unemployed will be looking abroad for work. Otherwise, this country will be toast.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites