Judging Freedom LtCOL. Bill Astore : Lions Led by Donkeys - Who’s Really Leading Our Forces?
Mar 2, 2026
LtCol. Bill Astore, retired USAF lieutenant colonel and military analyst, offers sharp critiques of U.S. leadership and strategy. He questions legality and coherence of presidential strikes. He warns such actions unify adversaries, risk escalation including nuclear dangers, and expose failures in military and political decision making.
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Presidential Attacks Without Congress Are Illegitimate
- The U.S. attacked Iran without a congressional declaration, making the action illegal and politically reckless.
- LtCOL. Bill Astore highlights lost troops, civilian casualties, and unpredictable long wars like Afghanistan as likely outcomes.
Diplomacy Used As A Ruse Destroys Trust
- Diplomatic talks were reportedly progressing, yet the administration attacked, suggesting deception in negotiations.
- Astore argues using diplomacy as a ruse destroys trust and makes future talks ineffective.
Modern Leadership Mirrors Lions Led By Donkeys
- Senior leaders display performative bravado while lacking strategic competence, repeating the 'lions led by donkeys' pattern.
- Astore connects WWI officer failures to modern political-military leadership like Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump.