It does not operate solely according to traditional cost-benefit analysis. Concepts such as endurance, resistance, martyrdom and Islamic legitimacy play a central role in decision-making.

There are moments in history when politics, war, and faith overlap so dangerously that even sober strategists speak of a possible global conflagration.

President Trump should have ignored Pope Leo’s comments, and non-Catholics should respect the papacy’s symbolism. But treating Iran as morally equivalent to Israel or America is still wrong.

When audiences begin to treat all narratives as equally credible, the distinction between verified reporting and strategic messaging collapses.

Pausing the strikes gives leaders of the Iranian regime time to observe their own ruins. It forces them to realize what they’ve lost and what they stand to lose if the next round begins.

Without resolving Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and maritime threats, diplomacy risks becoming an illusion.

The attempts to portray the prime minister as the reason why people hate Jews or for having “bullied” President Trump into the conflict are rooted in traditional blood libels.

“The United States to Blockade Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports on April 13 at 10:00 A.M. ET. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT.”

Pundits can claim that Iran and its terror proxies have won a war, even if it has no grounding in reality. If this is what Hamas, Hezbollah and Tehran consider a victory, then they should continue winning this way for the next 100 years.