The Rest Is Politics: US 163. TRUMP STRIKES IRAN - ARE WE AT WAR?
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Feb 28, 2026 Breaking US and Israeli strikes on Iran and fast-moving developments set the scene. Debate over why the strikes happened now and whether they are legally justified. Discussion of risks to US personnel, potential Iranian retaliation, and wider geopolitical winners. Analysis of military feasibility, economic fallout, and possible domestic political motives.
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Domestic Legal Cover Versus International Legitimacy
- The White House acted with broad executive latitude so initial strikes are legally defensible domestically but face international law questions.
- Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci note presidents can strike without Congress if not sending ground troops, yet international imminence is contested.
Domestic Politics Shaping Military Action
- Political survival pressures shaped decisionmaking: Scaramucci says Trump and Netanyahu both seek distractions to stay in office.
- He frames military action as a tool leaders use to project strength and remain politically viable.
Strikes Risk Undermining The Rules Based Order
- Anthony argues the strikes violate international law and erode the post‑WWII rules‑based order the U.S. helped create.
- He warns unilateral force risks turning allies and neutrals against America and rebuilding ‘might makes right’ norms.