How Trump's Iran Bombing Escalated Risks for the Middle East and the U.S.

Donald Trump's recent navigation of his self-imposed crisis, which he dubs the "12-Day War," starkly echoes the historical context of Israel’s 1967 Six-Day War. This provocative terminology not only recalls that era of conflict but also highlights Trump’s misjudgment of the resulting complexities. His actions may well amplify Middle Eastern tensions significantly, compromising stability for both regional and global stakeholders. Initially, Iran now possesses heightened incentives to clandestinely develop nuclear arms, further emboldened by perceived U.S. abandonment during negotiations. Meanwhile, nations observing the fragile U.S. reliability in protecting its allies are considering independent deterrent strategies, most notably Turkey boosting its missile capabilities. Additionally, Trump may inadvertently embolden Israeli leaders to seek further military actions against Iran, having seemingly diminished the perceived risks of such endeavors. Notably, Trump's decisions have raised concerns regarding the integrity of U.S. intelligence and its implications for democracy at home and in Israel. Former U.S. Army Major Harrison Mann reflects on the increased peril these dynamics create for the region.