On the vast disparity of risk/benefit calculation between Trump and Bibi

[jon-nyc]

This kerfuffle about targeting Pars got me thinking about just how wide the chasm is between Bibi's interest and Trump's in this war.

I can't speak for Bibi of course, but it seems pretty clear to me that, from Israel's point of view, the destruction of the regime would be worth even a once-in-a-generation energy crisis and global recession. Iran and its proxies are indeed a medium-term existential threat to Israel. That seems clear.

Yet for Trump and the GOP, it's probably not even worth losing the midterms over. (any more than they might already).

That gap doesn't matter if they win and it falls, but short of that I think it might start showing some stress in the relationship.

[Horace]

This sort of analysis is why I always liked you Jon. It's reasonable and interesting.

[jon-nyc]

I’ll take that but I prefer to be liked for the Dark and Inappropriate Memes thread.

[Axtremus]

Rest assured that by that measure you are a success.

[jon-nyc]

Hey @bachophile - what’s the mood like in Israel?

How about among the pundit class?

[Mik]

I don't know. Bringing in Ax's TSA thread, we spend a whole lot of money on security, and not just TSA, that might not be necessary if the world's foremost sponsor of terrorism swore off such mischief.

There could be someone else who picks up the mantle but I think they'd be properly chastened by what happened to Iran.