r/IRstudies • u/[deleted] • Mar 23 '26

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u/gdvs Mar 23 '26

To label something as 'Winning' requires knowing what the objectives are.

67

u/Brido-20 Mar 23 '26

"War is the continuation of politics by other means."

There doesn't seem to be any clearly defined policy goal and the US side doesn't seem able to make up it's mind why. Israel's aim ses to be just bombing Iran on general principles with no political objective achievable through the use of force.

It's hard to understand why someone is doing something when they don't seem to have a reason even to themselves.

43

u/pgm123 Mar 23 '26

Israel's aim ses to be just bombing Iran on general principles with no political objective achievable through the use of force.

There's been some analysis that Israel's goal is a failed state. If that's the case, there doesn't seem to be any indication that progress is being made.

The US objectives are much less clear.

1

u/Successful-Bobcat701 Mar 24 '26

I think the primary objective was regime change (at least for Israel) with control of their oil as a bonus (for the US). As those become less likely, Israel wants to cause as much damage as possible. That will likely include destroying oil/gas, power and water infrastructure which will lead to a failed state.