Alright, here goes nothing. Let’s dive into this mess.
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Back in ’91, after we had our dust-up in Iraq, Bush Sr. stood tall and gave this big speech, right? Said something like, “Vietnam’s old ghosts? Yep, they’re buried in that Arabian sand now.” Or close enough. He was talking about this “Vietnam syndrome” thing. You know, the whole idea that the Vietnam War messed with America’s head so badly we kinda forgot how to flex our muscles globally. Weird, huh?
Now, gotta give props to Bush Sr. The first Iraq war? Total hit. Everybody was on board. Then Clinton rolls in, using our clout in places like Yugoslavia. Media? Public? Mostly thumbs-up.
Fast-forward: Bush Jr.—yep, Clinton’s next act—decides to jump into Afghanistan and Iraq. Cue Vietnam syndrome, version two. Barely three weeks into Afghanistan, R.W. Apple, that New York Times guy, drops this piece: “Afghanistan’s another Vietnam?” Pretty heavy stuff.
He writes, “Like, we’re seeing Vietnam’s ghosts again.” Deep, right? Over a year, press couldn’t stop talking about Vietnam and Afghanistan. No stone unturned. Even loads of Iraq references, nonstop—checked it 20 years back.
The kicker? Bush Jr. did exorcise the “Vietnam” thing. Only to bring on “Iraq” ghosts instead. That’s the vibe when Trump goes after Iran’s nukes. Everyone loves to cram today’s puzzles into yesterday’s awkward fits.
Now, about Trump’s move? Bombing Iran’s sites? Sounds wild, but I’m sort of on board. With conditions. But calling it another Iraq moment? Nah, doesn’t fit. Nobody’s chatting about “occupying” again—which is sorta funny if you ask me.
The whole Bush-WMD debate? Meh, past its prime. We all kinda know Iran’s been eyeballing nukes forever. Ain’t no secret. The real kicker is: How close are they really?
Tulsi Gabbard—director of national intelligence—tells Congress Iran isn’t building nukes. Totally bonkers if you ask me. Then Kristen Welker tosses Vice Prez JD Vance a question: “Why strike now, huh?” Solid question, Kristen, but don’t pull that whole “bad intel” card like Iraq.
The debate’s whether it’s “preemptive” or “preventative.” But honestly? America’s got enough reason to hit Iran, no matter Gabbard’s thoughts. Let’s not forget Iran’s dirty laundry. Acts of war here, there, over decades. Training terrorists, orchestrating attacks—remember ‘83 Beirut? Messed up!
Yeah, it’s justified even if they were just waving a toy nuke around. But much as Iran’s shouting “Death to America!”—they’re keen on real ones.
So what changed? Well, Israel’s been kicking Hezbollah’s and Hamas’s butts. Iran’s defenses? Yeah, not as tough now. What felt as tricky as tackling the Death Star is now… well, not a breeze, but not impossible.
Not saying we’re in the clear. Trump’s gamble might fizzle or explode in our faces. But comparing it to Iraq? Nah, misses the mark unless you’re all about squishing square pegs in round holes.
@JonahDispatch
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