I think a lot of people just conjure and search for excuses/explanations to support their belief system.
That's why I meticulously researched this blog. I wasn't looking for affirmation of my beliefs. This was actually a search for truth. Sometimes I begin a research blog like this, and change my mind. Unfortunately, information I found was surprising, and reinforced my view...for example, the secret flights taking Palestinians from Gaza. Anyone who disagrees with my perspective is welcome to show how my logic is flawed--given the record. It's all there. Inconvenient for some, maybe, but clear.
as US citizens, we'll be lucky if we get out of this war without paying a heavy price.
I think we are already paying a heavy price--in world prestige, in relations with our Gulf allies, in NATO influence, in national debt and loss of life. But it's only begun. Consider the huge supplemental appropriation he's asking for now. And all those soldiers, heading toward the Middle East.
A thoughtful blog, with a historical perspective, on this subject: @azircon https://peakd.com/hive-180505/@azircon/cost-pyramid. Sobering.
I see the tragedy of this war and I am very disheartened. I try not to obsess, but it's always in the background.
Oh, I wasn't implying that's what you did here. I was just saying a lot of people just double-down and justify their own beliefs when presented with new information. We live in an age where people want so badly to believe in mythical figures that will save them and always be one step ahead of their adversaries. Leaders are just people with some good ideas, some bad ideas, some personality traits that are helpful, and some that are harmful.
I think we are paying a heavy price and this Iran war could lead to a global financial meltdown followed by a complete economic reset. It also could deplete our resources to the point we can't defend ourselves. Thank you for the link! I'll read that blog today.
I didn't misunderstand you. We are having a discussion about a most serious thing. It's good that we can discuss this. More of us have to do that, with good will and open minds. I really appreciate your thoughtful and insightful feedback.
Oh good! I agree that we need to be more comfortable, especially expressing the truth of how we feel about these things. So many people self-censor now. I appreciate you bringing it up!
Did we mention price?
20 days into it and 'they' are already asking 200 Billion dollars to the congress.
I say the ask is 'informal' and 'conservative'. The dude said in the next sentence, "subject to change".
We are looking at multiple Trillions, and that is a conservative estimate. I am not talking in thin air, just making myself aware of similar wars in the past.
The total cost of the U.S. war and occupation in Afghanistan (2001–2021) is estimated to be approximately $2.3 trillion. If you consider all the associate post 9/11 wars, it is 8 Trillion. Brown has done significant academic research on the topic.
https://www.brown.edu/news/2021-09-01/costsofwar
Mind you, both Iraq and Afghanistan are smaller and less complex countries compared to Iran. I rest my case.
PS: couldn't stop but add this infographic!
https://costsofwar.watson.brown.edu/costs/economic/other-costs-us-economy
I try to keep a healthy balance. Make dinner. Take care of the dog. Watch a movie. But it's hard to keep this out of my peripheral awareness, all the time. There's talk about gas prices, like that's the problem. It's so much bigger than that. Gas is a symptom, not the worst of where all this may take us. I think of the people who brought their lawn chairs to the Battle of Bull Run. Little did they know what was coming....
What is coming? :)
8 Trillion dollars of expenses
My kids will be in debt and probably will have to pay for it all their lives.