Enchanted by a theory of the ‘homeland’, Condoleezza Rice and others once propounded a derivative theory of the ‘flypaper’, which went something like this: we’ll direct our enemies and hit them over there so they don’t hit us back here. As a defence of the Iraq war, it sounded silly at the time, and still does. But, thinking ahead, maybe not so to others. Because no matter how America’s exhibitionism against Iran ends, if and when it ends, one result is quite certain: the forward bases will not reopen, and whatever expeditionary force America still has in the region will reside in Israel. The concentration of a force on a tiny territory gives an easy target. Talleyrand is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Talleyrand that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments. © 2026 Talleyrand |