The Air War On Iran Is A U.S. Success. A Ground War Would Be Disastrous.
Air power alone makes for quick and fleeting 'victories.'
The U.S.- and Israeli-led war on Iran has been, with a few key caveats, a quick military success for the United States and its allies. That doesn’t mean it’ll be a strategic success. Indeed, the euphoria in Washington and Jerusalem could quickly turn into despair if the successful air campaign leads to lasting regional chaos or, equally worrying, a protracted ground war.
In any event, the so-far lopsided conflict offers important lessons. It has revealed just how many munitions it takes to attack and defend during a back-and-forth bombardment. It’s been a reminder of the enduring effectiveness of high-tech air power, especially manned air power. And it has underscored the importance of decentralized command and control.
