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Culture War Roundup for the week of March 2, 2026

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But without proper planning or strategy. Trump apparently didn't consider that Iran might close the straits of Hormuz

Iran didn't. Lloyds did. Dynacom (Greek shipping company) has been sending tankers through... not sure if self-insured or what.

now is there bleating about insuring vessels

Which, given that the problem is insurance, makes perfect sense.

THAAD getting wrecked by Iran's missile and drone arsenal is also pretty alarming. THAAD is what's supposed to defend Guam and other US bases necessary for this war.

One AN/TPY-2 radar was hit. I don't know about Trump, but I'm sure everyone below him in the DoD and military knows the enemy does sometimes take out your stuff. This does not take out all of THAAD. As for Guam, Iran has nothing that can reach it anyway.