Trump's Iran war risks consuming his presidency

President Donald Trump's foreign policy, particularly his decision to join Israel in attacking Iran, is under scrutiny, with the article suggesting he would be better off following his predecessor's advice to "don't do stupid shit."

While acknowledging Trump's successes, such as the Abraham Accords and brokering a ceasefire with Hamas, the piece highlights the risks associated with the Iran operation. The author argues that Trump's boast that the killing of Iranian leaders and subsequent air strikes would lead to regime change was a "daft" prediction, comparing it to bombing the Mafia out of Sicily from the air.

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The Mafia could be bombed out of Sicily from the air.

The article contrasts Trump's approach with that of Barack Obama, who learned lessons from the George W. Bush years about the dangers of American hubris and the need to pick battles carefully. Obama's doctrine emphasized avoiding "stupid shit" and intervening only in the gravest threats to America.

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Risky, but not stupid.

Despite the criticism of the Iran war strategy, the article notes that Trump's decision to bomb Iran's nuclear sites last summer was "risky, but not stupid." The operation inflicted severe damage on Iran's underground nuclear program, and Iran's muted response was seen as vindication. However, the operation did come at a cost, including the loss of access for international inspectors to Iran's highly enriched uranium.

The piece also touches on other Trump foreign policy decisions, such as his repeated demands to own Greenland, which are deemed "deeply unwise" and a departure from sensible policy. The author implies that Trump's war in Iran could overshadow any other achievements and potentially derail his presidency.

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Deeply unwise to alienate Denmark, the island’s colonial master and a devoted American friend.