I predict Iran will disappoint it’s admirers and America haters with its response to Suleimani’s demise. As a Russian journalist who actually knows them said just this morning, Iranian leaders have no qualms at all about sacrificing their cannon fodder, but are extremly
protective of their own and strike only from an ambush usually by means of proxies. In this respect Suleimani was unusual - he actually enjoyed the heat of battle and taking risks - which is why he will be hard to replace.
While the US position in Iraq is now relatively weak
While the US position in Iraq is now relatively weak
and exposed, the US has plenty of means to rapidly bring Iran to its knees without having to nuke it. First, US navy can very easily sweep all Iranian vessels from the seas and blockade Iranian ports. Secondly, the US can bring down all Iranian military aircraft and shut down the
airports. These measures would limit civilian casualties and combined with severe sanctions on all foreign companies dealing with Iran would quickly have a devastating effect on the Iranian economy. And, of course, the US still would have many means of escalation left, none
requiring a large number of ground troops.
