4 January 2020 — 1637 mst

Trump plays whack-a-mole with the Iranian military

Blowing up Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, a thug whose death may improve humankind, does not diminish Iran’s ability to make mischief. Generals are replaceable; militaries are designed that way. But it does put a bullseye on the back of every American two-star.

When Trump took the oath of office, relations with Iran were improving. An imperfect yet serviceable nuclear stand down agreement put a halt to an arms race, at least temporarily, and provided a foundation for building a less hostile relationship with that nation. With one reckless act after another, Trump has reversed all progress in lessening tensions with Iran, bringing us ever closer to a shooting war with a large and dangerous nation. He has not articulated a coherent, convincing, argument that his Iranian policy makes anyone better off, and seems oblivious to the risks he’s taking.

The history of this foreign policy malpractice will be written in the blood of young Americans who died following orders that were stupid and dangerous.