Mark Levin has labeled people like me that have doubts about the Iran war as Nazis & Anti-Semites. But are we falling into an escalation trap?

The Escalation Trap works like this: pic.twitter.com/AeJwoYzkEO

— Robert A. Pape (@ProfessorPape) March 15, 2026

Most wars escalate beyond what leaders intend.

I study this dynamic — the Escalation Trap.

The Iran war is now showing the same strategic patterns seen in Vietnam and Kosovo.

I write short strategic briefings explaining what to watch next.

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https://t.co/JdhoWKJ5P0 pic.twitter.com/kOijVQFtpI

— Robert A. Pape (@ProfessorPape) March 13, 2026

I don't see the connection he's making with past wars BUT I DO agree with his premise. So what is the "escalation trap" here? I believe its the same as we found in Iraq and Afghanistan. We can win the battles, but controlling the populations while fighting a counter insurgency is the main risk I think.

We've been incredibly successful up to this point in the war.  The Iranian Navy is done.  The Army is on its back foot and the elite forces are hollowed out.

Uprisings by the people are increasing and local security forces are in a bind.

My worry is that once they setup a replacement govt the call will go out to provide "stabilization" forces.

The Israelis can't participate.

The Europeans won't participate.

That leaves the US (we broke it, we own it) and in essence UN peacekeepers (mercenaries) from undeveloped or developing countries to be paid a price to provide troops.

This means years on the ground while every terrorist group in the region attempts to flood in to kill Americans trying to rebuild the country.  It means holders on from the previous regime trying to reclaim power.

It means terror attacks on our home soil as muslims are further radicalized.

It won't be a typical escalation trap but the sad old tale of how America gets its shit pushed in despite having the most powerful military in the world, even after we literally destroyed the enemy.

Hope I'm wrong.

But one thing is true.

We can take out any country on this planet.  We just can't rebuild after we tear it up.

Open Comment Post. 18 Mar 26

Borsuk IFV on the range

Israel plans to greenlight the call-up of up to 450,000 reservists

NEW: Israel plans to greenlight the call-up of up to 450,000 reservists following a request from the IDF.

— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) March 15, 2026

This will destroy the IDF reserve. They already had trouble with reservists not showing up and now another big incursion into Lebanon? Not to mention what it will do to the Israeli economy? Someone isn't thinking past their nose.

The price in good Americans in the fight against Iran is already high and I fear going to rise even more (updated)

Also…. pic.twitter.com/mtiXmx8c8w

— Angelina Reagan 🌸🌺🌼 (@AngelinaReagan7) March 14, 2026

Heartbreaking. Dude won't get a chance to see his kids grow up. They'll be lucky to remember his face, voice....his wife might re-marry but she's gonna be fucked up for life. God bless the fallen. Note. Reading further down I saw a pic of the Tech Sgt (hope I have his rank right). Even further down is the Co-pilot. Just plain fuck. Its always been the young that die in war but getting older, at least for me, its becoming more unacceptable unless absolutely necessary for the preservation of the nation.

Rest Easy U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Ariana A. Bouche, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot. You are a hero. 🇺🇸

There is no greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. ~John 15:13 pic.twitter.com/UOkDRTY0as

— Angelina Reagan 🌸🌺🌼 (@AngelinaReagan7) March 14, 2026

If this is true then we're gonna need more than an MEU & the 82nd. Amphibious/Airborne Assault is back on the menu (geez...if they're doing this then they're going way too light)

🇺🇸🇮🇷 BREAKING | An Iranian source told Reuters that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) strongly believes that if Iran loses control of the Strait of Hormuz, it will effectively lose the war.

For this reason, Donald Trump will likely do everything possible to ensure… pic.twitter.com/NkuGNJ3mwc

— Visioner (@visionergeo) March 14, 2026

Seize an island? Ok. Depending on size an MEU MIGHT be able to do that. Seize the Iranian shoreline? Ft Apache on enemy soil. Not a good look and the entire 82nd I don't believe will be able to hold it without a CONTINUOUS orbit of bombers/fighters overhead (probably more than a few attack helicopter battalions too). If this is true then its risky as fuck. At least from my chair it seems risky.

Passport Vet is trending....is this why?

If she's this damn awesome then why is he in a bar shooting pool? Still I'm hearing awesome things about Panama, Costa Rica, the PI and one other country in the Pacific I forget. Dude that used to be on the blog told me about this years ago. IS IT TIME???? God knows Passport Vet is trending all over the place. Panama stands out cause a dude was stating that something like 50K equals like 175K there.

The wife of the year. 😂 pic.twitter.com/866HEWDGWb

— The Figen (@TheFigen_) March 14, 2026

Finally an affordable offroad solution to handicapped mobility

The vehicle you see ripping about below was purpose built for handicapped mobility offroad. I've seen the almost transformer like vehicles with treads but they're stupid expensive. This ticks all the boxes and is cool as hell. The only problem is that fully functional people will probably slam into the market place and raise the prices....regardless this is neat.

 

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Israel is preparing for the largest invasion of Lebanon since 2006. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE THINKING!!!

‼️BREAKING | The 3rd Lebanon war is near!

🇮🇱According to Axios, Israel is preparing for the largest invasion of Lebanon since 2006, aiming to occupy the southern part of the country, which is usually considered a Hezbollah stronghold.

🗣️"We plan to do the same as we did in… pic.twitter.com/y4N3JDnlR7

— Visioner (@visionergeo) March 14, 2026

Israel is already engaged in a MAJOR war with Iran. Now this? I don't understand the thinking! The US isn't properly prepared to conduct two major regional wars (not without alot of strain) and now Israel is about to do it? Their economy hasn't yet recovered from the Gaza fight. The war with Iran is straining their Air Force, the low grade ongoing fights in Syria and Lebanon are taxing an already tired Army and now this?

Someone explain it to me like I'm a 5th grader cause I just don't get it.

Kharg Island destroyed. There goes my mythical amphibious assault to seize it...

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Open Comment Post. 14 Mar 26

He survived the battles overseas but still died to a terrorist at home

The victim of the terrorist attack at Old Dominion has been identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah-- who was a Professor of Military Science and the leader of the university's ROTC program.

He was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Atlantic… pic.twitter.com/79pfI4UwLG

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) March 12, 2026

Students "eliminated" the terrorist threat

🚨HOLY CRAP!!!

It has been revealed that it was the STUDENTS at Old Dominion University who BEAT THE TERR*RIST TO DEATH... WITHOUT GUNS!!!

"There were students that were in that room that subdued him and rendered him... no longer alive.
I don't know how else to say it, but… pic.twitter.com/Z8kqglcIbW

— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) March 12, 2026

Apparently we lost two KC-135's....

U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026

God bless the crew

2nd AA Bn ACVs conduct shore-to-ship movement during TCAT 26.1...Video by Sgt. Jorge Borjas

 

The Mars Rover's last words were so "human"

 

That's so human to me. I can imagine me saying something similar when its my time. I'm tired and it's getting dark(vision fading). Almost poetic. 

Note I'm ok. Really am. Just musing out loud. Don't trip and call for a welfare check.

CORE26 | Welcome to the High North | Where the Map Ends and the Cold Begins....Video by Lance Cpl. Gelissa Reginald

Marines conduct multiple splashes aboard USS Arlington during TCAT 26.1...Photos by Cpl. Osmar VasquezHernandez

Open Comment Post. 10 Mar 26

More fuckery in the church

 

Was Druski right?? Pastor tells his congregation to bring copies of their tax returns so he can review them

“I’ma put a stop to some of y’all playing in my face during tithes and offerings on Sunday morning.”pic.twitter.com/PgK01osv7i

— Kollege Kidd (@KollegeKidd) March 10, 2026

I wonder if he's tired of playing in the face of the congregation when it comes to winning followers for Jesus. Gotta be one of the biggest legal hustles in the black community.