In recent developments President Trump’s ‘project freedom’ operation to open the Strait of Hormuz for captured shipping interests has been paused following Saudi Arabia’s withdrawal of support and their revocation of Saudi air bases for U.S. operations.
The issue behind the Saudi decision is not that complicated if you understand the longer-term background. However, the issue behind the Saudi decision also highlights a key ¹flaw in the Promethean analysis of the relationship (and the reason I caution everyone to sip slowly from this information source).
The cliff notes version is that Saudi Arabia and many of the Gulf States look at the negotiations between President Trump and Iranian interests with skepticism. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) wants a complete and final elimination of the threat Iran represents. They do not believe Iran can be negotiated out of that threat. The GCC view negotiations as an Iranian delay tactic.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salmon, the main voice in the GCC position, has clear eyes and a long historic view on the threat Iran represents. They accept the people in control of the Iran regime will do and say anything to pause or remove the military confrontation; but they will never stop building the arsenal for war. There is zero, absolutely zero trust in anything the Iranians say on this matter.
As a consequence, Saudi Arabia understands the intent of President Trump’s request to support ‘project freedom’, however Saudi Arabia is not going to accept continued missile attacks from Iran during this ‘humanitarian’ effort to reopen the Strait. [Remember, this is also a Muslim Brotherhood issue. The Brotherhood is the political network behind extremist Islam.]
President Trump is asking Saudi Arabia and the GCC states to view the continued Iranian attacks as small slights, small provocations, while he diplomatically tries to negotiate with the Iranian regime. MbS and the GCC are unwilling to take this position, to accept these continued attacks against their nations, simply to give President Trump the political benefit of his policy.
Again, the Saudi’s and GCC have been dealing with this extremist threat for decades. They are unwilling to compromise in order to give space for negotiations they view as futile. The U.S. can use all Saudi support venues to confront Iran militarily, but they are not going to support the political and diplomatic effort behind ‘project freedom’ while they are simultaneously expected to accept continued attacks from Iran.
NBC News reported that Saudi Arabia revoked U.S. access to its bases for Project Freedom, a mission to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian threats. A call between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to resolve the dispute, forcing the administration to pause the operation. Political commentators described the move as a significant strategic loss for the U.S. in the Gulf region. (source)
Essentially, the U.S. cannot say to the GCC: “Please open your skies and bases,” thereby exposing their energy infrastructure, only for everyone to discover afterwards the actual American policy was apparently: “Oh by the way, if Iran attacks you with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones in several waves, we won’t retaliate because we are chasing a negotiated deal. And this is exactly what shocked the Saudis.
It was not the issue of the Iranian attack; after all, the UAE/GCC expect retaliation – this is Iran; no one in the Gulf is naïve about that. The shock came from the American reaction after the attacks against the GCC. Attacks against Emirati infrastructure, Fujairah was targeted, multiple waves involving drones, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles. And from their perspective Washington’s response was basically: “Meh. Minor incident. Let’s not escalate.” Minor incident?! From the perspective of the GCC this is madness. Thus, they withdraw support.
¹This is where it becomes critical to understand the position of the GCC as it relates to well over a decade of this Muslim Brotherhood/Iran extremist activity. It is not President Trump who triggered the GCC assembly to fight this radical Islamic extremism, a bastardized view of authentic Islam, it was Egypt and the GCC who have been confronting this stuff since President Obama triggered the “Arab Spring”.
Long before President Trump took office in 2017, Egyptian President Fattah al-Sisi had confronted the Muslim Brotherhood and assembled a coalition of mid-east partners to address this Islamist threat. Sisi went to see King Salmon (MbS dad) first, to get his support. Egypt then assembled Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan to confront Qatar, who was the bankers for the Muslim Brotherhood.
The GCC with all stable Arab state support then economically and diplomatically boycotted and isolated Qatar. The Qataris finally acquiesced to the pressure and in September 2014 the exiled leaders from the Muslim Brotherhood who were living in Qatar were sent to Turkey.
Egypt and the GCC have been confronting all of the tentacles from the Muslim Brotherhood for more than thirteen years now. All of these factions of radical Islam, al-Qaeda, al-Nusra, Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS and more, come from this political apparatus represented by the Brotherhood, which is ideologically and structurally aligned in common cause with the extremism represented by the Iranian regime.
This is the background context for Saudi and GCC support for President Trump to finish the “drive them out of power” approach that Trump himself spoke of in 2017 during the Arab assembly. From the position of the GCC, they have done everything they can to destroy radical Islamic elements, now they need the power of the USA to eliminate what remains of it in Iran.
Saudi Arabia and the GCC view Iran as an existential threat that cannot be dealt with diplomatically and they do not trust any negotiation.
The most positive data points in all the U.S. activity against Iran have been two facets. First, the complete support of the Gulf Arab states for President Trump’s military confrontation of Iran. Second, Qatar joining in strong alignment with the gulf states against both Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Qatar always sat on the fence with one foot supporting the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran, and the other foot supporting moderate Gulf Arab states. The difference between Qatar in 2015 and Qatar in 2026 is, quite frankly, remarkable – IF IT IS TRUE (I’m not convinced).
The GCC started their long battle against the Muslim Brotherhood in 2011, and frustratingly, they’re still standing on that same platform 15 years later. That’s why they’re not about to let Iran attack them while President Trump pursues a peace deal they see as worthless.
Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the GCC and even Qatar now holds the position that all political power structures within Iran must be destroyed.
It’s not just Israel urging President Trump to take action against Iran. In fact, history shows that support from Israel is actually less than the backing he’s getting from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the GCC for ongoing military strikes against Iran.
Last point, that reality is also what makes the Tucker Carlson viewpoint look ridiculous and indicates he has some alternative motive behind his position.
Hope that helps.
I’m trying to be optimistic and patient, and I’m generally supportive of the mission, but this whole operation is blowing up in our faces. If they can’t get this sorted into some kind of win soon, gas prices alone will hand the Dems the midterms.
Maybe. But the scotus ruling on redistricting is a possible offset.
Lots of moving parts. Hard to predict. But yes prices are gonna factor bigly
God Bless America
Good luck with that! 🫡
Democrats just ignore the SC and simply reword whatever they are trying to do and it works for another ten years until the SC takes another shot at it.
Exh A: Bruen Decision on 2A is not just ignored. It’s laughed at by Democrat States.
Exh B: Affirmative Action has been struck down multiple times. Democrats just call it something else like Diversity!
President Trump is not listening to the right people. Getting involved in a war with Iran at this point in time with the Midterm Elections months away and handing Congress to the Democrat Lunatics on a silver plate is beyond insane!
Yes, someone is insane. You just outed yourself.
CIA just stabbed President Trump in the back and I’m insane? 🫡
According to the CIA Report Iran is winning.
BREAKING: Deep State Leaks CIA Iran War Dossier to WaPo | The Gateway Pundit | by Cristina Laila
https://share.google/ExewsKNiZho89jmE0
You listen to the CIA? That’s the same as getting your news from CNN.
No, I don’t listen to the CIA but the Washington Post does and is reporting that the CIA says Iran is winning! Cheers.😎
The Washington Post?
You are nuts.
That CIA, Wash Post stuff is all just sideshow…
But it’s when friendlier client countries think we’re not helping, we should consider why that is.
LOL! You get your facts from the WaPo? There whole agenda is to take out DJT.
The doom and gloom psy op crowd aren’t going to dent MAGA.
Passionate, yes. Insane?
No.
If you follow this thread, Sunriver posted that President Trump is insane. That outed Sunriver as insane.
“Passoniate” may result in opinions, but the opinions are within reality. Calling out President Trump as insane does nothing but prove the insanity of the poster.
Have you been listening to Gerald Celente at Trends Journal??
Sounds like it 🙂
CoastToCoastAM last night…
Good thing you’re not in charge. Jeesh!
Don’t be such a bootlicker. It’s okay to criticize leadership we voted for.
If I was in charge, I’d likely have blown them to the stone age. I’m assuming and hoping they know something we don’t (obviously). And I’m hoping the economic ramifications of the blockade will bear fruit.
So you’d kill lots of civilians and risk having the population at large turn against America/Trump?
We either needed to keep killing leaders with Mossad’s help or we needed to make SURE weapons got into the hands of the Persian citizens. The Kurd debacle was a major F Up. They can’t overthrow the regime without firepower.
Nah, I’d target dual-use infrastructure.
I’m unaware if any war in the history of wars amongst current civilization that did not kill civilians. Even target civilians population centers given typical mix of industry and where “people”, ie civilians live. In war, people die. It’s a given and it’s sad. It’s also true that imho, “leadership” of any nation seldom “concerns” themselves about “the people”. Survival is the optimal outcome of war.
You may think your ideas are brilliant, but living with illusions does not foster mental health.
The best thing about people like you is you don’t have the ability to get yourself elected.
Lol another ad hominem attack with zero substance.
You just used an “ad hominem attack” on others just above… calling people “bootlickers”.
Hard to respond with substance when none was offered to me in response to my original comment.
Obvious tell is obvious.
I disagree. Nothing is “blowing up in our faces.”
On the contrary, President Trump has crushed Iran’s stated goal of arming themselves with nuclear weapons. Now that is something that would blow up in our faces.
I am happy to endure higher gas prices for a short time in return for destroying Iran’s nuclear program.
I’m old enough to remember the oil shortages and the high gas prices during the 70’s. It was a lot worse back then.
President Trump has made America energy independent for the first time in my lifetime. These temporary higher prices are a mere annoyance compared to a nuclear attack from Iran.
President Trump has this situation firmly under control-along with a multitude of other situations. I have no doubt whatsoever that, with God’s Divine Intervention, all will be well.
Never forget-fear and pessimism never accomplished anything good.
Pray continually.
Easy for you to say since you can absorb the cost of rising fuel prices. Some of us were already struggling and now it’s worse, especially for folks like me with young families.
A large part of Trump’s coalition are working-class families, and if they can’t afford things due to this ongoing war, the midterms will be bad and you can say goodbye to the last two years of Trump’s term.
Do you think joining the communists would be a better deal for your “young family?”
Another bootlicker. Where did I say that? Of course not.
Some of you folks live under your idealogue rocks and will call anyone who dares to criticize dear leader a communist.
Why are you putting young family in quotes?
It isn’t about just what MJC thinks. It’s about what the average American including what we would call conservatives or those that have recently come over thinks. They don’t necessarily know what you or I know. They’re just living their lives day to day and aren’t thinking in deeper terms. To them all they see is their life is getting harder and they don’t know when it will stop. It’s already been a long haul coming from the biden admin ruling things for 4 years. Sooo, they are likely to vote in a way they think will stop the economic pain. They aren’t thinking about communism taking over the world.
How did you manage the 4 years under the installed puppet?
Barely, and we only had kids halfway through his term.
You may wish to adjust your ‘lifestyle’. What “things” can’t you afford? Most folks in America had it unbelievably tough during the depression of the ‘thirties’, yet they somehow managed. Does your ‘young family’ have cellphones, wear ‘stylish’ jeans with holes in them, name-brand (and overpriced) footwear, walk a mile to school rather than get driven… etc, etc, ?
They’re two and four, so no, they have none of that.
This attitude right here is why Republicans are heading to midterm collapse. Affordability is a big thing Trump ran on.
Some of you seem to miss where I said that I generally support the war. I just don’t want it to drag out for much longer. And if we think affordability is bad now, wait until the Dems get back in power.
You’re thinking short term and I understand that. I’m old. I lived thru the Cuban missile crisis. As a young teenager, it changed my life and thinking. Iran wants us dead. Period. That means your two precious children also. A few months of higher gas prices is worth the pain. Voting for Democrats will exponentially increase that pain. We have to finish the job in Iran and it is going to be ugly. Say prayers and stay strong.
“it is going to be ugly. ”
It doesn’t have to be ugly. No ground troops, no nukes, just a whole shitload of dimes, I mean fuel air explosives that suffocate everyone within range. Or do a firebombing like that over Tokyo.
Maybe ugly for them.
👍 for the Blazing Saddles reference.
My solution to the problem would be to tell the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps frankly that they’ve got to draw in their horns and stop their aggression or we’re going to bomb them into the Stone Age. And we would shove them back into the Stone Age with Air power or Naval power – not with ground forces. — paraphrasing Gen. Curtis “Bombs Away” LeMay
“Some of you seem to miss where I said that I generally support the war. ”
It is easy, or less not easy, to support a conflict that is promised to be over in a month because Trump is an expert negotiator. But as I wrote elsewhere, that only works if the other side negotiates in good faith. Trump’s fatal flaw is that he thinks everyone else is as honest as him.
He, like Kash and Bongino, lack the killer instinct to actually fire every employee and lock every door and round up every third world POS (they are the easiest to spot, as they will run from anything ICE).
Or trips to Disney World?
Can’t afford that.
I think Rubio addressed this pretty well. If Iran gets Nukes they can force gas to $8 a gallon permanently if they want….and there would be nothing anyone can do about it.
And just my observation about doing things 7 or 8 months before midterms….
We seem to be in a perpetual election season 365 days out of every damn year. There is never a good time to do anything except the time to do it.
Yes indeed! Once upon a time we might have been left freely thinking without the constant “battleground” politics reigning in in every day week month year. Then again, fear is a faceless enemy and it strikes to plague the soul until vanquished.
I thought we destroyed the Iranian nuclear site under a mountain of rubble last summer! No? 🤔
Perhaps the admin had been feeling its oats with the Maduro capture and success in Venezuela, and felt we could parlay that into a quick victory in Iran. I think some of us wonder if false intel lured us into overconfidence. Perhaps we really had no choice but to grab this viper by the tail at this time. All I know is it’s negating the nascent positive impression about the 2026 economy. We have maybe three months to lock this down.
How are you having the time to comment and reply during working hours when you claim to be struggling?
None of your business. This place can be the worst. I love Sundance’s commentary, but the ad hominem attacks from many folks when anyone dares to criticize Trump or express concern for how things are going is exhausting.
Yes, it’s the worst place if you can’t deal with truth. It’s not ad hominem to question the constant drumbeat of manipulative anti-Trumpers. And when they resort to the usual I’m a family man struggling with raising kids under Trump’s economy, it’s gonna get shot down for the phoniness.
I’ve voted for Trump three times. I’ll never vote Dem.
It’s not phony, and if you think it is, then you’re not paying attention.
This is his work.
Lol are you so weak-minded and incapable of arguments that you accuse anyone who expresses concern here as paid opposition?
If you stopped with the labeling and attacks on people, maybe you could have a discussion about the issues. When you lead with insults, it does not help your case.
Some of us might agree that gas prices are a major issue and commiserate with you. We might even advise that the gas prices being high is only temporary and all will be okay in the fullness of time and to hang in there….
Any labeling on my part was in response to the like. I’ve offered more nuanced opinion and commentary to those who responded in good faith.
13.) NO PERSONAL ATTACKS – Ever. The fastest way to lose commenting privileges is to ridicule, bully or personally attack another person’s opinion or comment. Unfortunately people, often good people, let their passion interfere with good manners and personal judgement. If you cannot be polite or respectful, pause – and – do not comment.
Are you presuming that I am some sort of elite “city swell,” immune to the problems of the “working class?” The only thing I know about that lifestyle is from the movies.
We are struggling just like everyone else. Higher gas prices make everything more expensive and our paychecks don’t stretch nearly as far as they used to.
The only thing we have “absorbed” is a kick in the shorts every time we fill up the tank or go grocery shopping.
Go peddle that “downtrodden working stiff” nonsense somewhere else. It’s hard for all of us—yet still a helluva lot better than a nuclear Iran.
Having been where you are, MJC, my empathy for how this is affecting you and your family is deep and sincere.
This state of affairs is not permanent. Relief will come one way or another, as it always does. I know my words won’t do anything to help. But just so you know how very much alone you are not…
My point was that while I will still vote red and turn out, others in my situation may not if things don’t get better sooner rather than later.
Please believe me, I completely understood your point. I left a small meme as a comment below which addresses it to another one of yours.
I hope those who are considering not voting as some sort of misguided message sending remember what happened on 2018 in those midterms and the horrors which followed.
Those who do not learn from or remember history etc etc etc…
Fine. Vote for Kamaltoe then.
You should also be old enough to remember that while “I am happy to endure higher gas prices for a short time in return for destroying Iran’s nuclear program.“ is a luxury position that doesn’t exist for many others.
On the contrary, it is a “sensible” position that is available for everyone.
I am well acquainted with what it feels like to have bills due, a low gas tank, no money in the bank account, and 5 days until the next payday.
When our kids were young that was a very common occurrence.
In those circumstances a person becomes very discerning about what is important and what is not. You do without all nonessentials, plus a few essentials. You become an expert at coupons and bargain hunting. You put the needs of the kids first, last and always. Mom and Dad get used to doing without.
And you pray-morning, noon and night-continually. God answers prayers with His wonderful blessings.
Prayerfully enduring is not a luxury available only to a few elites. It is available to all who will call on the Name of the Lord in faith.
And I will say again with no apologies—all of the above is way better than a nuclear Iran.
I too have lived those very same experiences & I remember them well.
Whether or not Iran has a nuke at some time in the future doesn’t matter when you have $0 + 0 gas in the tank to drive to work. Again, you know this… the cascading effects are immediately catastrophic.
I cannot imagine a more nonsensical statement.
Having an empty gas tank is worse than the Islamic Terrorist State of Iran arming up with nuclear weapons and using them against the rest of the world.
I thank God you are not President.
Appeal to emotion. Fail.
Look up existential threat. I know it is an over used phrase these days, but it happens to be true. This is not a back burner political issue. This is survival.
That’s so very condescending. Let me return the favor.
Look up zero $ in my pocket + an empty gas tank = I cannot drive to work.
The cascading effects of that are immediate & catastrophic.
Whether Iran is an existential threat @ sometime in the future doesn’t matter a bit at that point.
💯! 🙏
Fantastic post. Alsolutely true.
Really appreciate the cliff’s notes. Thank you Sundance!
None of the comments I’ve seen so far have addressed the main points and their implications.
“I am happy to endure higher gas prices for a short time in return for destroying Iran’s nuclear program.
I’m old enough to remember the oil shortages and the high gas prices during the 70’s. It was a lot worse back then“
Tell me you have a paid off mortgage without telling me you have a paid off mortgage.
The bank owns my house. We won’t ever get it paid off unless we hit the Powerball.
What a silly thing to say.
It was meant to be silly.
“President Trump has made America energy independent for the first time in my lifetime.”
that must be why gas prices where I live (Saskatoon) are the highest they have ever been.
I saw a meme the other day that ‘the high prices have nothing to do with the war and everything to do with conditioning you to not be able to afford to travel. They are preparing for the Smart City agenda. Restricted and Approved travel only.’
I’m more interested in crushing Democrats than crushing Iran and it doesn’t look like either of them are getting crushed?
Clearly there are some big problems though.
Remember those pictures of the big Saudi airbases we had over there?
Well at least half are largely destroyed, including those huge circular radar installations that cost big $$.
Maybe they were great 20 years ago, but now they can be taken out by cheap drones. And most were.
And sure there were pictures of huge servicemen mess halls, but the Iraq war wasn’t fought last week.
Due to the threat of incoming missiles & drones, they were evacuated. And shouldn’t be rebuilt, unless deep underground.
We’re over-estimating the effectiveness of Gulf War military hardware, here.
Perhaps if we paid more attention to the Ukraine war, & watched how ground-gains are becoming increasingly irrelevant, we’d better understand how to fight this.
The UAE Fujirah bypass is a great plan, but it needs better drone & hypersonic protection. If we can’t respond faster to attacks, what role are we accomplishing?
You should get out more.
Says the person who called me a communist for daring to question Trump’s strategy.
For the record, I don’t think you’re a Communist.
I just think you’re wrong…and a wee bit ungrateful.
Option 1-President Trump decides not to do anything about Iran because he’s afraid of gas costing $4-5 a gallon. Iran successfully produces nuclear weapons and immediately threatens nuclear attacks against oil producers. Gas goes to $8-10 a gallon indefinitely.
Option 2-President Trump does exactly what he is doing now. Things appear a little messy and unpredictable. Gas goes temporarily to $4-5 a gallon. Weak kneed Sunshine Patriots begin to whine and cry. President Trump says to be patient because he has everything under control.
What option would you take?
Listen, we can agree that something needed to be done about Iran while also disagreeing with how it’s being done.
Yes
12.) MANNERS MATTER – Simple kindnesses and courtesy should always be present in tone and content. When writing, ask yourself before you hit send: does this add value?
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When changing the way the western world has operated for centuries, it’s pretty much guaranteed that everyone invested in that system will resist you, and wield whatever they control to make you look ineffective or counter-productive. That includes the prices of fuel, meat, etc.
I’d bet the IRGC is receiving checks from all sorts of people to continue resisting Trump’s efforts. They’re probably getting checks from the DNC, the US Chamber of Commerce, NATO, Zelenskyy, and even Tim Waltz.
I feel no shame in urging vociferously that divine intervention is called for in such a bold, against-all-odds endeavor… “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God”
100%.
I fully expect Dem leaders are having secret talks with Iran.
Horse face has done that before with no consequences.
Why would he stop?
I wouldn’t say “blowing up in our faces”.
We with Western minds are interacting with a Middle Eastern world and must view theirs by casting of our Western shades.
President Trump keeps speaking of “deals”, and I understand why given that his whole professional life is encyclopedic “deal making”. But I involuntarily wince every time I hear him use the word. Because the Islamic Iranian regime is unstable, fanatical, irrational. They as an entity unto themselves have no interest in the Persian people…none. Or they wouldn’t viciously and coldly murder 40,000 plus Iranian citizens, nor continue to mercilessly execute brave souls who are trying to rid themselves of the barbarism.
Subjugation is the goal and has been for centuries, no matter how long it takes or whatever setbacks. As Bin Laden said, ” The West may have all the watches. We have all the time” (Hat tip Mark Steyn).
I think we all understand that President Trump, humanitarian, wants peace. But for the IRGC, peace is not on the menu, and it never will be. The respect I have for him is boundless; but I am beginning to think this is a thing he doesnt quite understand.
The day to day yo-yoing…deal, no deal, deal on again, now it’s not, rinse, repeat….is a long recognized Iranian tactic. As is their unequivocal history of not abiding by agreements
They play by different rules or none at all. Death to them is honour, as is martydom.
MbS knows Saudi Arabia’s neighbour. He has his Kingdom and its people to consider.
I completely understand his position. The mullahs have endless time to play their games while carrying out attacks on his country. President Trump is constrained by a few factors on how he proceeds, including but not limited to time, the Constitution, and a midterm to fight.
A seemingly intractable conundrum if there ever was one, especially with this new, unwelcome development. All we in the peanut gallery can do is watch, pray, and wait while he uses his giant problem solving brain to find a way forward.
God show him that way 🙏🏻
What an excellent comment, Miss Betsy!
“(Hat tip Mark Steyn).”
My favorite Steyn quip was when he wrote in the National Post about the time Tupac slid his gun into his belt and ‘turned himself into one pac’
Mark is a wordsmith without equal…save for our beloved WORDMAN.
I missed that one.
😂 😂 😂
Also, if he &. Admin wasn’t putting “diplomacy” and deals efforts forth they’d paint him as…. Oh wait, “they” already do!
People here need to understand there are many fairweather Trump voters. They exist. Gas prices are now over $4/gallon where I am, and it is higher in many other places. It is impossible to ignore or discount that. High gas prices hurts everybody.
One thing that may rebalance the scales if things don’t turn around with the Iran situation is mass indictments and arrest and concrete action on the stolen 2020 election. Brennan, Clapper, Comey, Fauci…
People here fall to understand that while most of us here may consider themselves MAGA, not everyone who voted Trump to victory is. We still need their votes. This whole “we don’t need them!” attitude and the ad hominem attacks on anyone here or elsewhere who expresses concern will not help win elections.
I understand perfectly.
Any alleged MAGA voter who votes Democrat in the midterms because they are mad about gas prices wasn’t on our side to begin with. Be gone with them.
True MAGA voters will pray, they will vote and they will work to increase voter turnout for a midterm. Turnout among the loyal MAGA base will need to be much higher than in usual midterms for us to win.
This is something that I can agree with you on.
“mass indictments and arrest and concrete action on the stolen 2020 election. Brennan, Clapper, Comey, Fauci…”
I read that Congress is going to let the Statute of Limitations on Fauci expire. One more victory for the Swamp, one giant leap for communism.
I agree with you. Sometimes even brilliant people do dumb things and this is one of those times for our President. The radical Mullah’s can’t be trusted under any circumstance and need to be put down, once and for all. President Trump is aiming for the high road, when these insane Mullah’s reside in the cesspools. Take them out and be done with it. Talking is not going to solve this problem.
Why would anyone believe electing democrats will lower gas prices? Just ask yourself who has the interests of America at heart? It most definitely is not the democrats.
It’s not so much as voting for Dems as it is Republican voters not turning out.
I agree 100% though. If we think there’s an affordability problem now, just wait until the Dems get back in power.
And if people are stupid enough to believe that staying home and not voting is going to make the gas prices lower then they deserve those high gas prices that will continue regardless.
I have personal experience with people who vote against their own best interest out of anger and a need to retaliate against a plan that did not go as they had hoped.
That is short sighted, emotionally incontinent and irrational. It’s also part of life.
I’m referring to young family members who are self absorbed enough to think their family vacation is more important than the future of their young family, the United States and freedom from tyranny, because gas is too expensive at the moment and it’s eating into expendable income much less necessities.
Iran……This isn’t sounding good. Saudi Arabia has had issues with us in the last 24 hours. That issue has been rectified. Israel is worried that this is a bad deal for them. No concessions regarding Iran. And The Lebanon/Hezbollah issue with Israel is also in bad shape. We may have stirred up a bees nest.
Let’s see how this works out.
Just my Opinion.
I consider that President Trump is eliminated a climate change disaster for European capital cities and surrounding towns by stopping the possibility of 3000 degrees and cloudy days
Concern noted.
Gas prices were higher during the autopen regime than now. As soon as the Iranian regime is destroyed the price of oil will drop. By over supply.
What policies do the DemonRat party offer that are better than MAGA and economic nationalism?
Hate isn’t a policy I would vote for!
The doom and gloom psyops are getting tiresome.
Sure you are.
Concern noted.
The DenonRat party offers nothing but hate, and I may add that gas prices weee higher during the autopen regime by design. They want $9 or more per gallon gasoline to. be permanent.
Who would vote for the destruction of our energy sector by communists, because that’s what would happen, along with much higher energy prices.
These doom and gloom Psy Ops are getting tiresome.
NBC.
Not to be trusted.
Nothing But Crap
I think I’ll use that, even tho’ we don’t have TV.
It helps
Seriously? Then why hasn’t these Gulf states attacked and destroyed the Iranian regime? They have their own armies to take them on.
It makes more sense to me that OPEC has more to lose if we become the number 1 energy producer.
Iran has a population of 90 million people and a military numbering 1 million. It’s like asking them to commit suicide!
Uh, our military just kicked there ass in a little over 2 months and your telling me that the Gulf states that have full army power couldn’t help us out?
All of these Gulf states should have fought the Iranian regime from the very beginning.
Sundance reporting that the Gulf states want the Iranian regime gone makes no sense.
The Gulf states only care about themselves and their oil. They didn’t mind that Iran was part of OPEC.
The Gulf States don’t have an army. Do you know what the population of those countries are?
I suspect they noticed how Europe used us as their free military where only Americans died and we paid almost all war costs and are trying the same. They are trying to micromanage the Trump and the DOW now. They want all the benefits with none of the damages.
However they do consider Iran an existential threat so they are blade dancing.
President Trump participated in a “Blade Dance” in Saudi Arabia during his first term.
My thoughts exactly. Just the countries around Iran should jump in now & finish the fight. Why haven’t they?
I think Trump is just making countries show their TRUE colors, not pretending to believe what they say. Note the EU, Canada have show their true colors.
Currently reading an older book re when Iraq invaded Kuwait and the US and Arab states responses. The Saudis were next to worthless defending their own border when Iraq initially tried crossing into Saudi Arabia. Except for US Marines smoking the Iraqi ground attack, Iraq would have gone quite a ways into Saudi Arabia as well. Most of those Arab states don’t have much in the way of ground troops so sending an Arab force into Iran probably won’t happen
Okay then what is stopping the Arab Gulf states now? My point is that I don’t trust the Gulf states. To me, they align more with the Iranian regime.
Right. If ‘boots’ are needed, put the Gulf soldiers in them.
You’re assuming that there are Gulf State soldiers? I’m not sure there are!
Well, boots on the ground. I think by now we should have enough intelligence to locate and destroy, stay until a solid leadership can transition. We’ll see soon enough…..
The same entity behind Ukraine is also behind Iran and many other countries when radicals are installed just like Syria whose installed leader is a MB terrorist.
I think President Trump must finish the job. The mullahs and the IRGC must be eradicated or there will NEVER be peace in the ME.
He started out doing great work… but this negotiation is baloney! The iranian regime is stalling and they will NEVER give up their pursuit of nukes. Event the current terms being negotiated are a far cry from the initial demands by US. To me, it looks like another Obama deal.
In addition, this pull back from Epic Fury looks like weakness, imo.
I really hope and pray that President Trump is playing a long game here… and will eventually FINISH THE JOB! He cannot leave that regime in place.
Which leads me to these questions…as I ponder this link from 2017, which am sure has been ‘modernized’:
https://www.intelligence.gov/publics-daily-brief/presidents-daily-brief
“The President’s Daily Brief (PDB) is a daily summary of high-level, all-source information and analysis on national security issues produced for the president and key cabinet members and advisers. The PDB is coordinated and delivered by the ODNI with contributions from the CIA as well as other IC elements and has been presented in some form to the president since 1946.”
Who is obtaining the intel which no doubt guides Presidential decisions and or actions?
And where is the intel coming from?
Have the sources been vetted?
If not, why not?
““The President’s Daily Brief (PDB) is a daily summary of high-level, all-source information and analysis on national security issues produced for the president and key cabinet members and advisers.”
I started reading The Secret Team by Fletcher Prouty, who was a briefing office way back when, and who famously is the actual Mr X character in JFK.
As he described how the CIA operated / operates, the cover stories, not knowing if someone was an actual Colonel or a CIA plant, the money, the plane swaps and drops and chicanery…….. and every other sort of dishonesty you can think of …… I just put the book aside, as I couldn’t stomach the dishonesty.
I would like to think that Trump has good enough Spider Sense to know who he is listening to and talking with after his many years of dealing with mobsters and city inspectors and politicians…… but sometimes I am not convinced that he isn’t just flying by the seat of his pants
You can’t trust and Arab nation.
Iran isn’t an Arab nation. Iranians are Persian! 😎
And once upon a time (as I understand it), contributers of great things for humanity.
Jake is obviously talking about the Iranian Islamic terrorist regime and not the Persian people.
Thanks Dee, but I was talking about Saudi Arabia denying us use of their air bases. I said nothing about Islam, Muslims or Iran.
It really irks me when people read into my comments things that aren’t their to try and show their superiority. It is always a big fail.
“In recent developments President Trump’s ‘project freedom’ operation to open the Strait of Hormuz for captured shipping interests has been paused following Saudi Arabia’s withdrawal of support and their revocation of Saudi air bases for U.S. operations.”
Islam is the common denominator?
Show me where I said Islam or Iran? No I am talking about ARAB NATIONS.
We are talking about Saudi Arabia and the agreement to use their air bases.
Show me where I said anything about Iran?
Read: “Saudi Arabia”.
It’s right there in the title of the post. Saudi Arabia was Arab the last time I checked. Iran is the enemy, Saudi Arabia was supposed to be our friend.
If you want to correct me at least know what I am commenting about.
You can’t say the neighboring Arab states are wrong, you cannot trust the iranian leadership whatever that maybe, to negotiate in good faith. The problem is we, the USA, have been through the useless wars in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. We do not have the stomach for another. It seems that ever since WWII we cannot finish the “job”. To facilitate regime change in iran, you have to go in on the ground and eliminate the people that have run them for the last 47 years, including the IRGC. We are in this mess again as the result of the obama admin. supporting the nut jobs over there.
Seems like Col. MacGregor is right, bombing is not going to get the resultant regime change, you have to get in and go on the ground.
What we do not have a stomach for is any war conducted on a “half-assed” scale.
Negotiations? Phooey! Nothing will suffice but a plea for an unconditional surrender.
Col. MacGregor is a moron. He doesn’t mind that the Iranian regime have killed Americans for years.
A broken clock is right twice a day. I’m not defending MacGregor, but he is not incorrect in saying to have regime change you have to go in with troops, conventional bombing is not going to do it. The alternative, use tactical nukes. Take your pick.
Mac has turned into a former subordinate of his during Gulf War I, Henry McMaster.
Then it is up to the Saudi‘s, and the Gulf states to send their soldiers into Iran. Are they willing?
Thinking the same thing. They send THEIR troops and we provide air support.
Huh? You’re asking Switzerland to invade Nazi Germany in 1939!
Exactly. A lot of talk there MBS / GCC … Now that Pres Trump / US MIL / US taxpayer has eliminated Iran’s navy & air force, boots in the sand is your contribution … suggest you proceed without delay. The US needs to get back to focusing on Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico & Chianada. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Exactly.
💯 🎯 Taqiyya and Hudna = victory later. In perpetuity.
Good thing I’m not in charge because I would absolutely bomb Iran back to the stone age and then arm”secular ” Iranians to wipe out the mullahs.
I remember our president saying that himself. Next thing you know, “we’re negotiating.” So we’ve lost a precious month or more. He can’t bluster then act dovish.
Trump is listening to the doves too much.
It NEVER made sense that he paused the Strait opening exercises. Nor did it make sense that there was no retaliation in response to clear Iranian violations of the ceasefire in attacks on shipping and then tne heavy attacks on tne UAE.
I sincerely hope that Trump has a very short fuse to get that deal he demands. And that deal HAD BETTER BE one that totally strips Iran of its nuclear ambitions AND prevents them from supporting terror anymore AND opens the Strait to shipping.
There was retaliation from us….we bombed their speed boats that tried to attack.
One thought, Trump abhors the idea of loss of life, of innocents, the people, average people, of Iran, who were suffering under the Mullahs….and the IRGC knows that and capitalizes on it. They are also fanatics, so IMHO, they are not able to engage in ‘reform’….its too ingrained…but that’s just me…no diplomacy at all…
IMHO, this, for outward appearances is now looking like the parent who threatens consequences to a disruptive child, but the parent refuses to deliver said consequences, which perpetuates the chain of ‘disobedience’ or disruptive behavior, because the child knows they will not be punished, in spite of having received some punishment in the more distant past.
No nukes now and forever, open the strait, and a new government for the Iranian people, one of their choosing.
MbS and the GCC are unwilling to take this position, to accept these continued attacks against their nations, simply to give President Trump the political benefit of his policy.
Again, the Saudi’s and GCC have been dealing with this extremist threat for decades. They are unwilling to compromise in order to give space for negotiations they view as futile. The U.S. can use all Saudi support venues to confront Iran militarily, but they are not going to support the political and diplomatic effort behind ‘project freedom’ while they are simultaneously expected to accept continued attacks from Iran.
Now do Israel.
STOP
Surprised it took this far down the thread.
MbS and the GCC don’t have elections and don’t have Democrats to deal with in elections!
I understand the humanitarian and domestic political concerns about obliterating what’s left of Iran’s infrastructure, but on the other hand, and as I’ve said here several times before, I’m frustrated in watching the administration trying to negotiate with these mutants as though they were rational beings.
They are not and the GCC is correct in this assessment.
I’m afraid the president thinks he’s compassionately leading these people toward enlightenment, but it is they who are leading us down the Primrose Path.
This dynamic needs to change NOW!
👆🏆🎯
The mullahs are out of aces.
Its time for Trump to walk away from the deals and counter deals…this is not a condo building in midtown Manhattan…
They All believe in the same thing no matter if they are radical or “Moderate” they all pay Jihad taxes no matter who they are.
I read this and believe the GCC is correct. They should not have to stand down.
The GCC appears to recognize that Iran is using negotiations to delay action, and that allowing those delays is not a sound strategy if the ultimate goal is the destruction of the Muslim Brotherhood. This follows a strategic pattern Persia and later Iran have used for centuries, which is to prolong negotiations, preserve ANY leverage, regroup, and wait for opponents to lose momentum.
Then they can put their own military might, purchased from US on the ground to eradicate the threat.
It’s easy to make demands while they’re sheltering behind US military might. It’s put up or shut up time.
I don’t believe you read the article.
I believe it said, “the Saudi’s and GCC have been dealing with this extremist threat for decades. They are unwilling to compromise in order to give space for negotiations they view as futile. The U.S. can use all Saudi support venues to confront Iran militarily, but they are not going to support the political and diplomatic effort behind ‘project freedom’ while they are simultaneously expected to accept continued attacks from Iran.”
They want it to move forward. I doubt they are sitting on the sidelines.
I have a different take. I think the negotiations are twofold. One, to regroup and replenish militarily. Second, and maybe more important, to provide cover for squishy GOP to say that Trump gave peace his best shot.
NBC afternoon nooz pushing for failure: “NO END IN SIGHT TO RISING GAS PRICES!!!”
“This is deja vu again!”
“Prices are up everywhere to their highest levels in states like Ohio…”
Well, no, in fact prices have declined somewhat recently: here in northwest Ohio you can find prices falling back down to $4.19 – $4.59.
To be sure, getting back to $2.19 would be nice! But destroying Islamic Terrorism is definitely worth it!
Destroying Islamic Terrorism could have waited until December!
It’s been around for a few centuries waiting another few months wouldn’t have mattered. The fate of the United States falling into the hands of lunatic Democrats is more important than anything in the Middle East! 😎
SMDH…..THE SKY IS FALLING, THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!
The people protesting, and what tortures, they were going thru, made it an urgent issue.
Did they just get tired of the mullahs and their poor economy, or did they have some alphabetized help?
Asking for a friend…car, brakes, healthy etc…
We shouldn’t do anything because midterms are only 18 months away!
We shouldn’t do anything because midterms are only 12 months away!
We shouldn’t do anything because midterms are only 6 months away!
We shouldn’t do anything because the presidential election is only 18 months away!
And so on.
Basically, yes! What happened to America first?
The low price was a major campaign talking point, now reversed and mocking us. MAGA economic plans were based on cheap energy.
Better turn this around by mid summer, which sends prices higher anyway. So stop talking and carry out the “civilization-ending” plan we started with… it’s brutal but decisive and necessary.
SW burbs of Chicago…still 4.99.9 in my ‘hood.
Vacation times are coming and if people are angry now, just wait…not to mention those who travel by car, are going to impact the economy…popular vacation sites will see a decline in profits…
The only acceptable resolution to the 47 year Iranian war against the US is unconditional surrender by Iran and regime change.
I agree with the Saudis on this. Kill off the Iranian regime and all their soldiers. They are fanatics and will lie and resist to the very last lunatic.
The Saudi’s have an army. Perhaps they should use it to eradicate the threat.
I entirely agree with the GCC position, and think that “ever the deal-maker” Trump is being naïve. As the GCC well knows, these radicals think that Allah himself ordered them to “lie to the infidel,” and pretend to make peace. The GCC knows this enemy’s ways far too well. Trump does not.
Read your Bible. The only thing these people will understand is a crushing(!) military defeat that makes them scream. When you were crushing them, they respected you. When you stopped, they concluded that you were weak, and they could win.
Perhaps Allah cast a spell of confusion, to give them holy victory and authorize them to kill a few hundred thousand more of their countrymen … Doesn’t that make perfect sense?
They will be happy to commit suicide to try to inflict as much harm as they can, because they believe that Allah will richly reward them for it. These people ARE insane … and the GCC fully understands this. I fear that Trump does not – yet.
He needs to listen carefully to people who actually know, and not to himself.
Seems, in my opinion, that President Trump should recall how negotiations have failed regarding Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky doesn’t want peace and neither does Iran. Talk is cheap and sometimes worth as much. Those close to Iran know how untruthful, untrustworthy, and how evil they are. Stop expecting everyone to be what they should be and accept what they are.
Perhaps he’s lusting after that Nobel peace prize. How did we win against Japan? We built the A bomb while peace talks floundered. When ready, we dropped it and ended it. Horrifying destruction but we were driven to do it.
From my perch, the world view is a negative for us if we wipe out the Iranian government bringing about regime change. However, if the Iranians continue their usual course, when pushed hard, will do something stupid directly against the U.S. At that time, the U.S., in conjunction with the GCC elements, can lay waste to the Regime and IRGC. This in effect would deflate the EUweenies talking points additionally showing how weak-willed that bunch really is. Regime change under the U.S. and Middle Eastern flags diplomatically holds more water than the U.S. alone. Sort of a Trumpian Win-Win solution. Just my two cents.
Appear weak when you are strong. How do they get all those wads of material up into a flight suit and helmet?
Sometimes instead of spraying a nasty weed you need to dig it out.
The GCC isn’t willing and/or able to do the job and the US isn’t going to either because it takes “boots on the ground”
Americans have the attentions pan of (fill in the blank).
The majority doesn’t have the patience to wait until Iran has no supplies.
The economic blockade hurts everyday Iranians much more than the Iranian military which will just confiscate the supplies it needs and the leaders will flee to safety if things turn ugly.
.
“Americans have the attentions pan of (fill in the blank).”
Consider our military actions for the last 60 years and the amount of good they have done our citizens.
I would say Americans have paid attention and learned something from it.
What they learned might not suit our current needs. But they came by it honestly.
If they were lobbing missiles at us would we listen to France ask us to look at them as mere “slights”? Don’t think so.
I’ve often wondered if Qatar’s repositioning was part of an effort to become “the Switzerland” of the Middle East.
They have the banking infrastructure, the financial connections (both legal and illegal) with players around the world, and they’re small enough to be a non-threat militarily, while being geo-positioned where neutrality best serves the most countries, including those who are in conflict with each other.
I have no idea if that hypothesis holds up to testing by those who are better informed.
Interesting theory.
Personally I wouldn’t trust a word Iran says.
In other words, were in the negotiating phase (just with bombs, mussels, etc) with a threat (Iran) that the Saudis, amongst others, know need to be destroyed. I’ve heard that what President Trump wants out of Iran is the “nuclear dust” that apparently ties the Iranian nuclear program to uranium one (for more on that, look up War Clandestine on X). Do I have things right?
Mr. President:
“Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the GCC and even Qatar now holds the position that all political power structures within Iran
must be destroyed.”
Imho, it must also be said, this excursion is not just about ir@n, no?
Many, many prayers for you, Mr. President.
Old Vietnam Vet here…
And when I came home in 1969 after three years in Southeast Asia, I had many discussions with my dad, and several uncles(All WW-2 Vets from both European and Pacific theaters)
And they all were shaking their heads upon hearing my tales of frustration while in-theater, about “why don’t we just wipe the bastards out like we did in WE-2…? Their comments all were relatively the same… “we should have learned from the Korean War Debacle… Suicidal and fanatical enemies cannot be negotiated with…”
We need to end this…
The GCC is keeping the main thing, the main thing.
A peace deal isn’t the main thing anywhere except domestically and that only in as much as oil then flows freely & prices come down before a midterm bloodbath ensues.
Edit: It behooves the members of the GCC to put up their military might & eradicate the threat to their existence. It’s time for them to lead.
“They do not believe Iran can be negotiated out of that threat. The GCC view negotiations as an Iranian delay tactic.” This is as plain and obvious as the difference between night and day (or the two genders if you are not a democrat). Trump must understand this, so the questions are all about why he isn’t (assuming it is possible) taking the actions necessary to destroy these crazies causing so much mayhem and misery for decades. Obviously many factors possibly explaining hesitancy come to mind. If the other countries affected would join us and participate it should make this job easier, as well as quicker.
Should this linger through the summer, and it is very near the point at which it will, we enter hurricane season with gas near record highs already. Commodity prices can significantly outrun retail down, so there is little time remaining for relief.
We all now how a storm can run prices, we haven’t experienced that in this difficult a market often. This isn’t posted from defeatist thinking, but there is real risk of a price shock even from this level. President Trump needs help and luck. The Saudis make more money if Trump has continued difficulties.
Trump needs to wrap this up soon as I am much more worried about the Democrat threat that I am about any Iranian threat past, present or future.
“American policy was apparently: “Oh by the way, if Iran attacks you with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones in several waves, we won’t retaliate because we are chasing a negotiated deal. And this is exactly what shocked the Saudis.”
“Straw that broke the camel’s back.”
“From the position of the GCC, they have done everything they can to destroy radical Islamic elements, now they need the power of the USA to eliminate what remains of it in Iran.”
Truly AMAZING that DJT has been placed in this position of power!
May he, President Trump, seeks The LORD’S FACE!
It is our PRAYER he, President Trump, has spoken to The LORD about that mocking meme.
Makes sense. Excellent analysis.
Now here comes the sky is falling concern trolls…. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
They are amongst us!
Trump keeps saying we’ve wiped them out militarily, but if so why are they still alive and kicking? They seem to have plenty of options left and are stalling to get us into September or October to bounce back with a huge counter offensive, handing us over to their Dem friends in November.
Optics of negotiation are fragile and we will be played by these demons. We’ve reached into this snake pit and can’t afford getting bit, and they know that.
I don’t fault the Saudis.
It’s back on. Fox News is reporting that Project Freedom could restart this week.
(I’m sure President Trump put them on notice)..
President Trump, “for such a time as this!”
We truly have no idea everything with which you must deal! However, we do know WHO placed you in power. We TRUST THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for all!
*Celebrate always,
PRAY constantly,
and Give Thanks to GOD
no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.
(This is GOD’s WILL for all of you in JESUS The Anointed.)” *
AMEN, AMEN, & AMEN
1 Thessialonians 5:16-18
Israel is willing to bomb Iran some more. Seems like President Trump is just holding the dogs at bay. Release the Hounds.
Looks to me like the Gulf countries want the U.S. to be as with Europe countries its military force against its enemy, in Europe Russia in Middle East Iran. They want the Iranians destroyed, but they do not want to be the ones that do it!
The Gulf States do not like being fired on by Iran, retaliate fire back, they have that right and they have the military hardware. They should do their own dirty work.
President Trump has stated for quite some time Iran will not get NUKES, period. That is his priority above all else. And he also stated, we have done the world a favor.
Its all about MAGA. United States First, United States Great Again. The rest of the world, we can take it or leave it!
If Trump loses the house or senate his efforts in Iran will be for nought. The endless impeachments will begin, they will stymie every military effort (including taking out narco boats). Right now “gas prices” is resonating and it will get the low info voters voting Dem.
Get it done Mr President theres more at stake than Iran. And let Putin level Kiev if he wants.
Not good!
The Iranian political/theocratic/dictatorial leadership is much like the rabid Nazi leadership in Germany or the Japanese leadership in Japan during world war two. The only way these countries were defeated was by adhering to the policy of unconditional surrender. Likewise, with Iran the only policy which will lead to a fully open and unfettered strait of hormuz and peace among all nations in the middle east including the GCC countries and Saudi Arabia whereby they can enforce peace amongst themselves and “police” the bad actors of the region is unconditional surrender of the Iranian political and religious theocratic leadership. No deals. Unconditional surrender of all power and influence of any kind in Iran. Immediate removal from the country to land of isolation and banishment, and/or arrest, trial and speedy execution for crimes against the Iranian people, the people of various Arab nations, the people of Israel, the US and the rest of the world.
The Shia clerics belief in the Twelver Shia Eschatology has beliefs similar to Christian’s book of Revelation. They believe chaos in the world will lead to the coming of their Hidden One or Mahdi. He will usher in peace and sharia law for eternity? Iran’s Imams are trying to hurriedly usher in this chaos with jihad. It’s demonic. It’s the author of killing, stealing, & destroying. I’m with the Saudi’s on this one. These Imams must be stomped on like a scorpion running across the nursery floor. Finish the job Mr President Sir! If I had a son or grandson serving, I would say the same!
Radical Islamists cannot be negotiated with, they welcome death and
therefore, fear nothing. Elimination is likely the only thing that will work.
I think Trump’s backup plan if negotiations fail (or if Iran breaks the agreement at some point down the road) is to give the Iranians guns, intel, ground cover ….and make the Saudis and GCC happy.
The blockade kinda reminds me of this:
In the 2000 film Gladiator, the story about a sea snake is told to Emperor Commodus by Senator Falco.
It is a metaphor for political patience and strategic, quiet killing, which Falco uses to advise Commodus on how to handle his enemies (specifically Maximus and the Senate). The Story of the Sea Snake is as follows:
How Commodus Uses the Story
Commodus interprets this story as a lesson in patience, deciding that he and his allies should not react immediately to challenges from the Senate, but rather “lie still” and let their enemies come to them to “nibble”.
Following this advice, Commodus orders his spies to follow every senator to discover who is conspiring against him.
Note: This specific dialogue occurs in the context of Commodus trying to figure out how to destroy Maximus without turning him into a martyr.
Are you not entertained? 😊
MbS is right.