Counter strikes continue at U.S. Naval base in Bahrain

[SomewhereInTheMiddle]

9. I would not be surprised ...

... if the Old Man honestly thought that if the leader was killed/removed the whole country would just roll over and accept defeat. It seemed to work that way in Venezuela (or so it seemed to the Old Man). Someone else quickly stepping up and taking charge must be a painful reminder to him that when he eventually goes (to jail or the grave) the US will continue and the next person may well undo all that the current Regime has done (or if it Vance that replaces him then they may try to continue his reign of terror, but with a different flavor.)

The Old Man's world view has him at the center of the universe, and I doubt he really believes--deep down-- that it will continue after he is gone.

Given that I think he thinks of war like chess--which he may never have played--where once you take the king the game is over.

He's in for many more unpleasant surprises. Unfortunately, we are all along for the ride.