Iran War Is Stuck Between Combat and Genuine Peace

“President Trump the other day posted a heroic image of himself backed by an aircraft carrier, warplanes and American flags. In the lower left corner was former President George W. Bush and a sign, ‘Mission Not Accomplished 2001-2021.’ In the other corner was a sign referencing himself saying ‘Mission Accomplished 2026,'” the New York Times reports.

“Except that it is not. Mr. Trump’s war in Iran, which hit the six-month mark on Friday, is anything but accomplished. Half a year in, the conflict has deteriorated into a quagmire of the president’s own making with no clear goals, no obvious strategy and no end in sight. Mr. Trump, who came to power running against Mr. Bush’s ‘forever wars,’ has staked his presidency on his own version.”

“For Mr. Trump, it may be the worst of both worlds. He finds himself stuck in a maddening purgatory between full-fledged combat and genuine peace.”

Washington Post: Trump promised a short Iran war. Six months later, he has few good options.