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Source: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/a-realistic-look-at-the-iran-war-d6af0908
A Realistic Look at the Iran War
(Wall Street Journal) Walter Russell Mead - The war against Iran entered its seventh month Saturday. Iran has fought back harder, and with more success, than expected. While American casualties have been relatively light by historic standards, the war has been more expensive, more of a strain on American manpower and weapons stockpiles, and a greater political handicap than Team Trump anticipated. Yet Mr. Trump has reasonable grounds for maintaining his optimism. With oil exports from the Persian Gulf having recovered to about 2/3 of their prewar level, Iran has failed to create a global energy crisis. The American blockade is causing more pain to the Iranians than the regime's attempt to close the strait is causing the U.S. Energy markets have so far proved more flexible and resilient than most observers expected. The writer, a fellow at the Hudson Institute, is Professor of Strategy and Statecraft at the University of Florida.