A month into the war with Iran, many Americans are wondering how it will end. As public support declines, President Trump himself is no doubt asking the same question.
The problem is not one of tactics or objectives, but of strategic clarity. Most analysis focuses on specific targets—enriched uranium, missile capabilities, regime change—but those things, by themselves, won’t win the day.
Victory in a modern war, especially in a democracy, is ultimately in the eye of the beholder. American presidents lose wars politically because they forget that.
What this war lacks is a clear story that resonates with the American people. That story must begin with a recognition that there are only two ways to win a war: either break the enemy’s capacity to fight, or break his will to fight. Every objective, every doctrine, every campaign fits into one of these two categories.
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