Everyone Just Calm the Frack Down

OK, fine. No DivThu again this week - we'll pick up next week.

However ...




First, the basics.

The U.S. blamed Iran for suspected attacks on two oil tankers Thursday near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, denouncing what it called a campaign of “escalating tensions” in a region crucial to global energy supplies.

The U.S. Navy rushed to assist the stricken vessels in the Gulf of Oman off the coast of Iran, including one that was set ablaze. The ships’ operators offered no immediate explanation on who or what caused the damage against the Norwegian-owned MT Front Altair and the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous. Each was loaded with petroleum products, and the Front Altair burned for hours, sending up a column of thick, black smoke.

Let's break that in to little bits.

1. No USA ships are involved.
2. No USA citizens are involved.
3. No USA territory or waters are involved.
4. All cargo was headed to Asia.

This. Is. Not. Our. Problem.

We don't know who did the attacking. No, I do not assume that SECSTATE saying Iran is responsible will do for the American or international audience. Let's see the evidence.

Even if Iran did do this - or their proxies - this is not our problem (unless Norway Article 5's the attack).

What is Norway doing? Japan? They are both our allies, but they have the lead on this - not us.

Who really benefits from this? It isn't Iran. It certainly is not the USA.

Everyone needs to take a powder and take a step back.

This talk of military action this soon is insanity. This is irresponsible.

At least right now.

This.
Is.
Not.
Our.
Problem.

Enough with stupid wars. At best, this might be worth a few dozen TLAM ... but only after Norway and Japan take their moves.

We are their ally, not their enforcer, not their daddy.

Everyone needs to back off.

---

UPDATE: So, IRGC clown show?

No deaths?

Perfect ... we can go nice and slow here.

Sanctions, sanctions, sanctions. Those are the first three things to do ... and let Norway and Japan lead the effort in the IC.

Just in: Pentagon video of what it says is an Iranian boat removing an unexploded mine from one of the attacked oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. pic.twitter.com/XSxIPcyV6Q

— Philip Crowther (@PhilipinDC) June 14, 2019