Orientalism 101.
That's the point, isn't it? Talking about the "Middle East" as a single entity is very silly.Surely i simplify, even more sure i dont understand the intricacies of middle east, sprinkle it with a good dose of generalization and your simplified comment might be warranted
But i ask you. Are all the middle east countries in the short and even middle term ready for democracy as we understand it in western culture?
Western intelligence estimated half their missile arsenal had been destroyed a few weeks ago. Israel reckons theyve now lost two thirds. Most of their C4 infrastructure is gone. They're now incapable of operating anywhere near Israel's borders and are very limited further inland. Larger missiles require more effort to launch and are therefore easier to spot before they launch.
Any kind of coordinated attack by Hezbollah looks almost impossible. Same goes for Hamas whilst the Houthis are too far away to do any real damage, and they're preoccupied with shipping. Nobody is able to go toe to toe with Israel in conventional warfare.
I suppose one reason may be because Hezbollah doesn't have any leadership at the moment, and as such, lack a coherent strategic plan on what to do. We are in a truly uncharted territory at the moment in the sense that this is the first time in 40 years that Hezbollah are on the ropes; especially given that Tehran are themselves expecting a massive attack any day, there simply isn't a plan on what to do next in lieu of constant Israeli attacks.
So basically the war is over and Israel has achieved everything it wanted, both in Gaza and Lebanon, the terrorist Iranian proxies are decimated.. Why does the Israeli regime continue slaughtering so many civilians, journalists, medical staff, attacking UN peacekeepers left and right ?
Rumors that Israel will respond this weekend
What on earth does that mean?I would be grateful if modern civilization survives
From a legit source or some guy on Twitter ?
Legit source in the news, talking to folks in the WH. Fwiworth I switched over 25% of my portfolio in GLD, HAL, USO, UVXY, SPY puts
That's pretty big bet on impending conflict. I would go with something a bit riskier than HAL to make an oil services play.
If it comes to war and US joining it, don't think Trump would say no. Israeli influence is not only on the Democratic party.Normally I wouldn't pay much attention to rumors. I just think an Israeli response is coming. Now the timing of this is interesting – I always thought this was something that could/would happen after the U.S. elections, but if anything it could happen before 11/5, because the incentive for Netanyahu is to attack before the election and start a war that the successor government is going to be stuck with having to fight or sort through. Waiting until after the election the Israelis may be stuck with someone who’s not going to support them to the extent that they want, so they will force it.
That's sort of the thesis anyway - we'll see
Normally I wouldn't pay much attention to rumors. I just think an Israeli response is coming. Now the timing of this is interesting – I always thought this was something that could/would happen after the U.S. elections, but if anything it could happen before 11/5, because the incentive for Netanyahu is to attack before the election and start a war that the successor government is going to be stuck with having to fight or sort through. Waiting until after the election the Israelis may be stuck with someone who’s not going to support them to the extent that they want, so they will force it.
That's sort of the thesis anyway - we'll see
That's the point, isn't it? Talking about the "Middle East" as a single entity is very silly.
Your initial post wasn't whether the people were ready or not, it was that they didn't want it or even understand it like "us".
This is one of the easiest plays in recent memory imo, in that we know the Israelis are going to hit Iran very soon, and probably in an unprecedented way that forces the Iranians to retaliate. So long Oil, Gas, Gold, one or two oil services stocks, and the Vix is pretty much a no brainer. You could even ditch USO and HAL and go for riskier plays with more sensitivity to energy volatility. That's probably a better chat for the stocks thread in the Gen.
Sounds like the rumors were right.Rumors that Israel will respond this weekend
And already over.And so it begins
It's a good thing it's over. Israel should stop it's atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon as well.And already over.
Israel has just announced that its operation has been completed. I'd say it's the Israeli pendant of Iran's two previous choreographed ballets.
Nah.It's a good thing it's over. Israel should stop it's atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon as well.
Nah.
Iran can bite back if pushed, Gaza and Lebalanon can't.
Hence my comment.I do not think they will. The Israeli response was shy and obvious to avoid escalation.
I can think of two main reasons as to why the Israeli response was so restrained, despite the rethoric coming from the Israeli government.The rhetoric coming out from both the Israelis and Iranians so far indicates a real opportunity for an off ramp here (of the two of them striking each directly at least).
Can't imagine the Iraqis are too happy about the Israelis using their airspace for the attacks.
It's more the fact their airspace is currently controlled by the US. Who are also allegedly helping Israel facilitate these airstrikes.They are powerless. Iraq has no air defence systems. But in few months they will have south korean medium range batteries.
It's more the fact their airspace is currently controlled by the US. Who are also allegedly helping Israel facilitate these airstrikes.
Can't imagine the PMFs will be happy with that, and with thousands of US servicemen across various bases around the country, it has the potential to get very ugly.
