The Arrogance of Power

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 The following article appeared recently in the New York Times - and is worth a read.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/07/opinion/iran-war-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.RVA.yADT.k6kpkC7s2hv3&smid=em-share

It is articles like this that make me back off my blog commentary. How could I say anything more incisive than what many commentators, far more experienced and intelligent than I, are already saying?

But I will say this: when this "war" was unleashed I dubbed it the "Epic Disaster". I have watched all the Desert Furies, Desert Storms and Operation Enduring Freedoms - yada, yada yada. This war will end the same as the others - in that it will not end in Iran for many more months, perhaps years and will continue in many forms over the Middle East, as the region devolves into renewed ancient rivalry. As I have suggested already, China is firming up its plans for Taiwan. As the US depletes its arsenal, China is lying in the grass like the snake that it is and will strike when the US is at its weakest. We are on the eve of a Regional World War.

As to the Arrogance of Power - a brilliant statement by J.W. Fulbright - it was on display last night on 60 Minutes. Hegseth leaned into the camera with all the bombast and vacuous pronouncements he could muster in answer to pointed questions about the questionable war the US and Israel are prosecuting. A true arrogance of power, by a tin pot "Captain" and unqualified Secretary of War.

Finally, the ultimate arrogance, among a very long list of arrogance from Mr. Trump is his demand for an unconditional surrender and the supposition he can choose the next leader of Iran. We know his ignorance of history is profound but this takes the cake. There has never been a true unconditional surrender of any adversary in any war. The closest situation was the US Civil war. The demand only offers humiliation and will only embolden America's adversaries everywhere to continue the fight.

Trump is a consequential idiot - and he is dragging the world along with him.

My optimism is depleting as quickly as the munitions soaring over the widening battlefield.


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