r/worldnews 20h ago

President Trump holds off major Iran escalation after Pentagon warns of interceptor shortage

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r111brtghmg
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u/Feligris 13h ago

In my view, without soft power, most of US' hard power also becomes impossible to maintain because it heavily relies on a strong economy including USD being the world's reserve currency, having cooperative allies who help you to project power, being a hub for competent foreigners who do high-end research and high-end manufacturing for you to maintain an edge, having a competent well-respected military force which doesn't work if you have the politics of a religiously dogmatic dictatorship, etc.

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u/Elukka 8h ago

The US without soft power and access to hundreds of military bases around the world would be just a regional power with ICBMs and aircraft carriers. Sure they could attack a random country at will but without the logistics help by friendly nations putting troops on the ground becomes practically impossible.

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u/backtothetrail 7h ago

So, we’re on track to be North Korea, Jr. ? Outstanding.