21ST century David v. Goliath: Iran’s $8 billion military whups America’s $1 trillion military
By Walt Zlotow
What’s going on in the Middle East is not a Biblical fairy tale. Irans’s piddly military has delivered a devastating defeat to America’s gargantuan trillion dollar military.
Iran’s David does not need to squander a trillion annually on 750 bases housing over 160,000 soldiers in 80 countries. Nor does Iran’s David need 287 naval ships including 11 nuclear powered aircraft carriers that have suddenly become obsolete in the era of drone and missile warfare. Those carriers have been steering clear of Iran’s missiles and drones least they be sent to Davy Jones Locker.
The US is flummoxed at how Iran’s minuscule military has made mincemeat out of all 18 US bases in US Gulf State allies Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. After plastering Iran with thousands of bombs for 39 days, it was the US, not Iran that was running out of offensive and defensive missiles and bombs, so much so Trump cried ‘Uncle’ and demanded a ceasefire.
When Trump signed the Iran’s ‘Unconditional Surrender’ document, the Memorandum of Understanding, on June 17, it was equivalent to Goliath being smitten by the stone puny David fired from his sling.
Of course, the story of David and Goliath is a fairy tale that allegedly occurred over 3,000 years ogo. The 21st century version is no fairy tale. Now in its 173rd day with no end in sight, it still represents the most catastrophic military blunder in US history. It will likely push the US out of the Middle East. The 5 Gulf States housing now damaged or destroyed US bases may seek more reliable countries to rely on for their security. Iran will emerge a stronger power in the region. The entire world economy still teeters on possible decline from US intransigence and refusal to admit defeat.
Trump still doesn’t get it. He’s seeks another half trillion bucks for his wildly bloated military for fiscal ’27 in hopes of prevailing over Iran’s tiny $8 billion dollar military. Maybe he should start reading something he’s never read before… the Bible. He should start with 1 Samuel 17:1–50.
Walt Zlotow, West Suburban Peace Coalition, GlenEllyn IL
Also by Walt
Israel mimicking Nazis at end of WWII… destroying evidence of genocide
Trump, Hegseth off by nearly $1 trillion on national security budget
Keep Independent Journalism Alive – Support The AIMN
Dear Reader,
Since 2013, The Australian Independent Media Network has been a fearless independent voice – holding power to account and delivering journalism that matters.
Running this site isn’t cheap. Rising costs mean we need your support now more than ever. Every donation, big or small, keeps our servers running, our writers working, and our stories free for everyone.
Donate here:
PayPal or credit card – just click on the Donate button below
Direct bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
We’ve also set up a GoFundMe as a dedicated reserve fund for hosting and future improvements.
Thank you for standing with us. We couldn’t do this without you.
With gratitude,
The AIMN Team
Another great article from Walt.
History tells us that the US is unlikely to come out of this well, and might not even survive in its current form.
See the explanation here:
https://indi.ca/the-double-pyramid-scheme/
I suspect Iran’s next move will be to offer a mutually effective non-aggression pact with each of the Gulf States and that Iran will respond militarily to any US or Israeli sponsored aggression towards any of the co-signatories. Iran and the Gulf States are acutely interested in continuing their respective enterprises in petrochemical energy sales to the rest of the World and thus do not require the interference of either USA or Israel in continuing their trade.
please do not use the term’ fairy tale’ l prefer to say folk story . fairies imply otherworldly and magical . which the stories in the bible are not , though reference is made to witches and sorcerers. to condemn . some are clearly ‘ just so ‘ tales .