Excellent analysis, Melanie. In other words, I agree with everything you wrote! I hope and pray that most, if not all, our goals are accomplished - before the hostilities cease. The courage of DJT, in spite of legacy media, predictably recalcitrant Democrats (and some spineless Republicans) in Congress, most of academia, pretty much all “celebrities”, several formerly trustworthy members of the independent media, etc., is awe inspiring. Sadly, he’ll never receive the credit he deserves, but the results being achieved are impossible to ignore. When Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize before being sworn in, rendered it meaningless. The memory of pallets of millions in cash delivered by Obama (the naïveté makes me sick), and the BILLIONS of frozen funds released by Biden (after the 2024 election was over, but before he left office), make me bitter, but the bold steps taken by DJT give me hope.
Neil, thank you — I’m grateful to have you as both a reader and a commenter!
I do wish more of the feedback I receive privately were shared here — you’d appreciate the range of reactions. Some who are not exactly fans of President Trump have nonetheless expressed gratitude that he’s acting on what leaders of both parties long said was necessary. Others, let’s just say, were less enthusiastic — especially the Tucker Carlson crowd.
I share your hope that the outcome brings real security and stability. My focus here was to step back from personalities and think about how we define threats and make decisions before options disappear. If we can get that part right, the results will speak for themselves.
Chad, thank you — I really appreciate that. Glad to be in this with you. Hoping pieces like this help bring more clarity to a conversation that often generates more heat than light!
Park, thank you — I really appreciate that. The Times and Post may not be in the market for it, but I’m hoping it finds readers willing to engage the argument.
Park, I share that concern. The early signals suggest a willingness to see it through. Not being a traditional politician may make him less inclined to yield to short-term pressure and more focused on the objective he ran on.
History tends to judge outcomes — let’s hope this one brings lasting security.
John, Thank you! I grew up watching Firing Line, so that comparison is especially meaningful. It probably sparked my interest in these issues in the first place — which may explain a lot.
I would have guessed. You would be the perfect person. Needless to say, I haven't appreciated the context presented by the current host the time or two I've tuned in the past year or two.
So well said!! Please send to every oped of every newspaper! there's a new post in LA - Joel Pollak is the opinion editor at the California Post, a West Coast extension of the New York Post - he might be more receptive
I’ve been so immersed in writing my latest essay, just published, that I missed your kind feedback. I’ll be curious to know your thoughts on what I wrote there, especially on Iran. I tried to help readers see what is actually happening.
Excellent analysis, Melanie. In other words, I agree with everything you wrote! I hope and pray that most, if not all, our goals are accomplished - before the hostilities cease. The courage of DJT, in spite of legacy media, predictably recalcitrant Democrats (and some spineless Republicans) in Congress, most of academia, pretty much all “celebrities”, several formerly trustworthy members of the independent media, etc., is awe inspiring. Sadly, he’ll never receive the credit he deserves, but the results being achieved are impossible to ignore. When Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize before being sworn in, rendered it meaningless. The memory of pallets of millions in cash delivered by Obama (the naïveté makes me sick), and the BILLIONS of frozen funds released by Biden (after the 2024 election was over, but before he left office), make me bitter, but the bold steps taken by DJT give me hope.
Neil, thank you — I’m grateful to have you as both a reader and a commenter!
I do wish more of the feedback I receive privately were shared here — you’d appreciate the range of reactions. Some who are not exactly fans of President Trump have nonetheless expressed gratitude that he’s acting on what leaders of both parties long said was necessary. Others, let’s just say, were less enthusiastic — especially the Tucker Carlson crowd.
I share your hope that the outcome brings real security and stability. My focus here was to step back from personalities and think about how we define threats and make decisions before options disappear. If we can get that part right, the results will speak for themselves.
May it be so — and wishing you a blessed Easter.
Such a comprehensive, well argued, and well illustrated summation. Brava.
Chad, thank you — I really appreciate that. Glad to be in this with you. Hoping pieces like this help bring more clarity to a conversation that often generates more heat than light!
Brilliant tone, perfect clarity, outstanding. The WSJ perhaps? Submit this everywhere.
Monica, thank you — I really appreciate that! WSJ may be a stretch -- it is long-ish -- but I do hope people will share it if it resonates.
Perfectly said! I only wish this article could be posted in the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Park, thank you — I really appreciate that. The Times and Post may not be in the market for it, but I’m hoping it finds readers willing to engage the argument.
My hope and prayer is the administration does not get weak-kneed and pull-back too soon. We HAVE to finish this once and for all!
Park, I share that concern. The early signals suggest a willingness to see it through. Not being a traditional politician may make him less inclined to yield to short-term pressure and more focused on the objective he ran on.
History tends to judge outcomes — let’s hope this one brings lasting security.
This is such a beautiful article about such a nasty business. I wish you were the host of Firing Line.
John, Thank you! I grew up watching Firing Line, so that comparison is especially meaningful. It probably sparked my interest in these issues in the first place — which may explain a lot.
I would have guessed. You would be the perfect person. Needless to say, I haven't appreciated the context presented by the current host the time or two I've tuned in the past year or two.
Wow, Melanie - amazing analysis and as always, right on target. And your pictures paint a billion words.
Thanks Cara. I'm glad the images resonated. I was hoping they’d do some of the heavy lifting. Sometimes they say what words can’t.
Right on Melanie!
Thanks Sheryl...you need to start a Substack too!
So well said!! Please send to every oped of every newspaper! there's a new post in LA - Joel Pollak is the opinion editor at the California Post, a West Coast extension of the New York Post - he might be more receptive
I’ve been so immersed in writing my latest essay, just published, that I missed your kind feedback. I’ll be curious to know your thoughts on what I wrote there, especially on Iran. I tried to help readers see what is actually happening.