Quote:That whole scenario you describe just sounds overly aggressive to the point of wanting action to break out. I am no military expert but it sounds that way. 

 

In addition it's not like the US has not been doing the same provoking of tensions or purely destabilizing things for decades now. A lot of the mess is either partly or entirely our doing. It seems hypocritical to try to take the high road in regards to the region at large. 

 

Nobody wants "action to break out", but that's the reality.  In a situation like that, you can't be passive or "diplomatic".  You must be aggressive and show that you have the "upper hand".  The slightest sign of being passive is viewed as a weakness.

 

Regarding the US provoking anything is ridiculous.  We haven't done anything like that since we "crossed the line of death".  If you don't know what that means, google the phrase.

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