Iran keeps acting as if Obama were still President, although they have already found out that he isn’t. They are avid for war with the United States, and have been for years.
I wrote it in 2016, but I could have written it yesterday. The Complete Infidel’s Guide to Iran details the Islamic Republic’s militaristic aims, its support for global terrorism, its oppression of its own people, and much, much more, including exactly why Obama’s late and much-lamented nuclear deal was so disastrous.
“Photos show nearly a dozen Iranian attack boats harassing US Navy and Coast Guard ships in ‘dangerous’ exchange,” by Ryan Pickrell, Business Insider, April 15, 2020 (thanks to The Religion of Peace):
Nearly a dozen Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy vessels sailed out Wednesday to harass a collection of US Navy and Coast Guard vessels conducting operations in international waters, the US 5th Fleet said in a statement accompanied by a collection of photos.
At the time of the incident, the Navy expeditionary mobile base vessel USS Lewis B. Puller, destroyer USS Paul Hamilton, and patrol ships USS Firebolt and USS Sirocco, together with the Coast Guard cutters USCGC Wrangell and USCGC Maui, were carrying out joint operations with Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in the Persian Gulf.
The US Navy has been using the Puller as a landing base platform for the Army helicopters in operations the Navy has said are designed to “enhance the capabilities of US forces to respond to surface threats.” Such threats could potentially include swarms of small boats.
The US Navy said Wednesday that 11 Iranian boats “conducted dangerous and harassing approaches” and that the IRGCN boats crossed the bows and sterns of the US ships repeatedly, at one point closing to within 10 yards of one of the cutters.
The crews on the US vessels issued warnings over bridge-to-bridge radio and sounded their horns and long-range acoustic noise-maker devices, 5th Fleet said in its statement. After about an hour, the Iranian vessels finally responded and moved away from the American ships.
In addition to photos, 5th Fleet released video from the incident.
“The IRGCN’s dangerous and provocative actions increased the risk of miscalculation and collision,” the US Navy said, accusing the Iranian vessels of violating the “rules of the road.”
The US and Iran came close to war earlier this year after the US killed a top Iranian general in a drone strike and Iran retaliated with a missile strike on US forces. While there is currently a decreased risk of immediate armed conflict, tensions persist.
Wellington says
Take the gloves off. Blow them out of the water.
Iran since 1979 has been run by extremist and evil religious assholes. Deal with them accordingly because for civilization to survive the bad must fear the good more than the other way around.
Virtually the entire history of mankind respecting its many man-made tragedies is a narrative, a very sad one, of how bad prospers when good is reluctant or deficient.
James Lincoln says
Wellington,
The United States Navy used incredible restraint during this incredibly provocative situation.
Rest assured, our Navy will “pull the trigger” if the play calls for it – they know that Pres. Trump has their back…
Wellington says
I will always defer to you, James, respecting the US Navy, but I must ask you when “restraint” is no longer the best option?
I fully admit my ignorance in this regard specifically, but seen over the course of history I do believe that restraint against evil is many more times than not not the best option. I of course view matters here from an historical perspective and not in any way from a specific military perspective as you knowingly do.
Ah, could I view “matters” from every perspective, but alas I am not “up to it.” Wish I were but I am not. Damn.
Westman says
I’m with you Wellington, blow em’ out of the water and if there is a response, destroy all of Iran’s oil loading facilities. And if they respond again, go directly after the leadership, IRGC, and all of their facilities.
The world already knows the cost of taming dictators rises exponentially with time until it consumes the resources and lives of the entire world. We have already waited too long for our own safety and that of Israel. Just exactly what will our children and grandchildren think if we allow a crazy government, that constanty threatens to destroy us, gain nuclear weapons – and it uses them?
Rufolino says
What people usually forget about wars, large and small, is that no one can predict the outcome. War is an exceedingly risky business, and not just for those doing the fighting. Whole continent’s can get rearranged in ways that the combatants could not possibly have foresseen. People expect wars to be containable. History demonstrates that they often are not. When the dogs of war are unleashed no one knows where they might run.
Phil Copson says
“…. I of course view matters here from an historical perspective and not in any way from a specific military perspective….”
———————————————————————————————–
“Si vis pacem – para bellum.”
Boromir's Horn says
James and Wellington,
I’m interested in your thought that has vexed me for years; Throughout history, every dictatorial monstrosity to ever rule has endured widespread disgust within its own ranks. Certainly understandable in itself, but why is it that the U.S. neither monster nor dictator, has been vilified so unjustly IN OUR OWN history books??
Wellington says
Said vilification, Boromir’s Horn, only began in the 1960’s. Until then, American history texts presented America as a great and good nation, certainly with faults, but capable of rectifying faults and even apologizing for them.
For the record, some early textbooks went in the opposite direction and sanitized American history, which did as much of a disservice to truth as does the past half century denigration of America as found in textbooks aplenty.
The negative treatment of America has to be seen in the larger context of the denigration of Western Civilization as a whole. This broader and largely insupportable assessment is rooted in what the 1960’s unleashed and actually has even earlier origins, such as the massive disillusionment which occurred because of European civilization devouring itself in WWI for no really good reason.
Western Civilization, as the great military historian, Victor Davis Hanson, has pointed out, developed ideas of freedom as no other civilization in history has. This has made Western militaries the deadliest of all PRECISELY because of liberty and as detailed brilliantly in Hanson’s Carnage and Culture (which I highly recommend). But freedom is a two-edged sword as Hanson also details and has led to excessive self-criticism going the whole way back to ancient Greece.
Ah, it’s deuce difficult getting at the truth but with diligence I think it possible nine out of ten times or something like this. The truth is a very stubborn thing and a great ally. It is my studies of the past, and not because I am an American, that led me by the age of 30, which was a long time ago, to conclude that even with its faults the United States of America is the greatest polity ever created by man. I can only wish the pendulum will swing back somewhat so that younger people will realize what an extraordinary nation America is. Not there yet.
James Lincoln says
Boromir’s Horn,
A brilliant reply by Wellington, I can think of nothing substantial to add…
Boromir's Horn says
W. All good points, I too enjoy Victor Davis Hanson.
It’s hard to measure the damage a single person can do. Obama certainly comes to mind in our recent history, but “historian” Howard Zinn certainly pushed academia into the bizzaro world, where everything is perceived as opposite of what is.
Interesting you bring up the 60’s, that’s when the narrative really started to shift away from conservatism. The country figured out the government was lying to us about the Vietnam war. Then Watergate. Andy Griffith’s folksy wisdom was replaced with Archie Bunkers cynicism only to morph into Murphy Brown’s celebration of depleted family values.
So where do we go from here? Is there any hope for academia? The media?
Zardoz says
Wellington – don’t dignify Islam by calling it a “religion”. Islam has no Golden Rule – actually the opposite – Mohammad attacked and terrorized and slaved and tortured his neighbors – the opposite of what any legitimate religion preaches – even the AA program has the Golden Rule!!
Wellington says
Zardoz: So, you can’t have an evil religion? Where is that written? And where is it written that a religion must have a Golden Rule? By your reckoning, the Aztec religion was not a religion because it had human sacrifice, their priests wore capes made out of human skin and most certainly had no Golden Rule (which helps explain why so many non-Aztec Indian tribes sided with Cortez).
Many other religions have been evil, for instance Satanism. Moreover, for First Amendment purposes Islam is clearly a religion and I would contend that maintaining Islam is not a religion is a legal road to nowhere. Rather, pursue the approach that Islam is an EVIL religion.
PRCS says
Yes, likely most here know Islam is evil.
But the evil religion label results in endless worldwide argument as it is incomplete and subjective.
As it is a complete way of life in which ‘religion’ and law are one and the same, Islam is–unarguably–a theocracy. Changing ‘the narrative’ to an unfiltered understanding of that word, that term, that concept coupled with the real world consequences of that form of governance would, IMO, make it nearly impossible for the usual suspects to promote it here or to excuse its horrors ‘over there’.
Wellington says
PRCS: Well, calling Islam an evil religion may be, in your words, “incomplete and subjective” but so, I would argue, is contending that Islam is not a religion all as some here at JW want to do.
Now, I have no problem, indeed I support, your idea that Islam is both a religion and a complete (totalitarian) way of life. Fine with me taking this approach, but I think it futile to disallow at all that Islam is a religion.
PRCS says
Yes, Islam IS evil, as we know.
But it’s not a religion AND a complete way of life, rather a complete way of life governed by religion.
Omar, for example, was voted into state and national office by both Muslims and Islam’s useful ‘filthy unbeliever’ idiots.
Of those two groups, Muslims know full well Islam is a theocracy, Their better informed accomplices ignore that reality–for any number of reasons, while the perpetually clueless among us, Omar’s election in mind, remain so–in no small measure a result of well-designed misinformation campaigns designed to convince the easily lead that Muslims–in concert with minority groups who’ve actually endured true bigotry–are being victimized, too; for their ‘religious’ beliefs.
None of them are subjected to routine, rigorous, public questioning about ‘the faith’, of course.
CAIR, in particular, has very effectively pushed the ‘victimhood’ lie by co-opting those groups’ grievances as their own: the following video as but one example.
So long as our fellow kuffar think of Islam as a religion, rather than the theocracy it always will be, they will elect ever more Muslims who will continue to swear to ‘support and defend’ with one hand on a book which both prohibits them from doing so and commands them to subjugate all mankind under the hegemony of Islamic law.
Your mileage may vary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMEBWPiAGE8
gravenimage says
PRCS–with the greatest respect–you cannot have a theocracy unless there is some religion it is enforcing. Theocracy can not exist independent of a religion.
PRCS says
GI,
Please tell me where I said that.
“But it’s not a religion AND a complete way of life, rather a complete way of life governed by religion.”
THEOCRACY
“a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god”
Islam is a theocracy.
Calling it a religion–just a religion–ignores its ‘complete way of life’ totality.
Sam says
Why don’t they install the Military created Active Denial System, and turn up the power to barley cooking those Barbarians. Maybe they will get the lesson on America has returned to take on the Evil in the world.
gravenimage says
Iran attack boats harass US Navy and Coast Guard ships in ‘dangerous’ exchange
Iran keeps acting as if Obama were still President, although they have already found out that he isn’t.
……………………
Yes–I hope Trump doesn’t put up with this crap.
James Lincoln says
Trust me, gravenimage:
He will not.
If Iran pulls this “crap” again, the boxing gloves will come off.
Recall in 2017, under Pres. Trump, when the U.S. dropped a a GBU-43 or Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) on a cave complex used by the Afghanistan branch (ISIS)…
gravenimage says
+1
Boromir's Horn says
James, world events are moving so fast right now, I don’t think the doomsday clock has ever ticked louder.
China is getting backed into a corner over their despicable actions and coverups concerning the CCP virus. It appears they closed their own borders to the city of Wuhan, yet allowed those citizens to go out and contaminate the world. Now they’ve been caught.
How does a ruthless, communist country react? The Chinese Communist Party has benefited from our complicit media and corrupt politicians for a long time, but this story may be too big for their propaganda and disinformation trolls.
I’m afraid war is a very real possibility with these thugs. Will they allow themselves to lose both face AND money to the entire world?
Of course, ever the optimist, I’m always looking for the bright side of things. They do have the financial wherewithal to make things right, as they own much of the worlds debt, will they buy their way out or fight?
Westman says
In the past, the capitalism of the “peaceful” nations, not involved in fighting a war, has preyed upon those nations fighting in a conflict and sometimes even selling war materiel to both sides.
China, being a world supplier, is not going to put the living standards of its elite at risk or allow its manufacturing to be destroyed and gobbled up by 3rd mercenary parties in some senseless war. It has made too much progress to become another India.
A direct result of capitalism is the unwillingness of sated population and its elite to risk the “good life” for noble causes or even the preservation of their posterity. This is why the useless deal with Iran was done by the US Left. #MeNow should be their hashtag in keeping with Iphone, Ipad, and all the I (me,me) products now, ironically, made in China.
James Lincoln says
Boromir’s Horn,
Yes, China is getting backed into a corner regarding the coronavirus as you have described.
I’m not sure how this is ultimately going to roll out for the Chinese Communist Party. You are correct, the story is way too big for their propaganda and disinformation campaigns. And even the mainstream media is not going to be able to completely cover it up.
My prediction is that China will suffer an immense financial hit that could, at least in the short run, destroy their economy. The 25% tariffs on Chinese goods that Pres. Trump put in place last year could certainly be increased significantly. Manufacturing that the US has offshored to China could be brought back to the United States. And other countries could follow.
If all this takes place, the Chinese Communist Party could continue to maintain power with an iron fist or they could go the way of the Soviet Union which finally collapsed in 1991.
The Soviet Union lost both “face and money” to the entire world and no war resulted. No way to say for sure if the same thing would happen with China.
Just my own personal speculation, I could be wrong, perhaps others could weigh in…
Boromir's Horn says
James, Interesting perspective. Big difference between the Russians and the Chinese when it comes to “face and shame”. The Asians (Japanese, Chinese and certainly Arabs) are a different bread all together. Hara-kiri and suicide bombers are not things the average Westerner even considers.
Boromir's Horn says
Bread, forgot which side my breed is buttered
DENNIS MCCONNON says
If the photo attached to this article is accurate it would seem that the proximity of the Iranian patrol craft to the USCG vessel would constitute a clear and immediate danger to its security.
Why weren’t the Iranians each provided a warning shot off their bow? Surely US warships have perimeters that are not allowed to be violated.
Melvin Ruebinawitz says
Resistant to bullies is provocative.
Melvin Ruebinawitz says
Correction: Restraint to bullies is provocative and encourages more of the same.
jewdog says
We need to whack another Soleimani or two. When we did him I brought in two bags of candy to work to celebrate.
Relic says
11 iranian boats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7rJR1PWl-M
Westman says
Do you actually listen to this angry childish screaming?
Relic says
Thanks, it’s a metal head thing. I’m only a porcelain punisher:)
gravenimage says
Relic, I appreciate your musical selections, even when it is not my favorite genre. All stuff we could not listen to under Islam.
Major Tom says
First shot…a warning shot…….Second shot……..flotsam…….
Aunty Podes says
Every incident will build the conviction of these cowardly curs that there will be no retaliation.
Sooner or later they will over-play their hand.
Just make damned certain that you are ready and respond with overwhelming force and sink every single one of them.
Rooster says
Forget the.warning shot. When a gun boat crosses your bow or stern they have threatened the intended vessel; therefore, the first shot should be to disable the gun boat and if neccessary sink it. As long as we allow such belligerent war behavior to exist then keep expecting the same.
PRAY FOR PEACE BUT BE PREPARED FOR WAR
Rick says
Wow, some of the military strategists on here should be at the Pentagon!! Does no one remember the USS Cole? Same scenario, a naval vessel vs a smaller craft that was packed with explosives, navigated a close proximity and detonated by a couple of motivated fanatics. These Iranians should have been sunk with all hands as a strong message as to what happens when you attempt to harass US Naval vessels. Losing such a high percentage of their “navy” in seconds would be an eye opener for them. In a nutshell, even flies get swatted, and if more flies become a problem, the methods of mitigation also change.
DazzleMe says
Shoot them down but at a distance, just in case.
PRCS says
Iran attack boats harass US Navy and Coast Guard ships
Like flies on an elephant’s rump.
grandpahalfdime says
There are other ways to sink a boat with a ship…
DazzleMe says
Shoot those irritating b@$t@rds down, they are so unimportant!!