A strikingly intelligent maneuver today.
Iran needed to show *some* formal response for the hit on its consulate in Damascus. But this delayed, heavily telegraphed, and ultimately moderate military display establishes it as the cooler head *even if* its action today emboldens other actors to act with greater force.
This isn't a game of chicken; this is military powers trying not to be the one to make *the* tipping point move.
May we all rest a little easier in our armchairs, for now.
@MLClark Your assessment is also what it seems like to me. There was a lot of telegraphing --- which, I don't know, is that common in war? It seems odd. And there was/is an element of saving face. But... I don't know, nor feel confident saying, if it was moderate. It seems like maybe it was? and maybe it won't escalate? Maybe?
@MLClark
Yep. We sure are.