Dr. Bradley Thayer

Second, the analysis that you've had on today have really demonstrated a lot of unknowns with respect to the conduct.

what's going on, what are our objectives in this war.

You choose the military instrument for political objectives, so it's very important to be clear about what those political objectives are in this conflict.

Additionally, I think not moving from the conduct to the consequences,

What are the consequences of this going to be for the United States for a foreign policy?

What's it going to be for states of the region?

And what's it going to be for the conflict vis-a-vis China against the Chinese Communist Party?

Because international politics, you never get a timeout.

While we're focused on Iran, the CCP is acting differently.

continuing their aggression against key allies like Japan, the Philippines, and partners like Taiwan.

So it's very important to think about what we're addressing and rightfully focused on the conduct of it.

The consequences are equally profound.

Well, it illustrates the importance of Russia for the CCP because if they're cut off from Iranian oil, Russian oil becomes much more important.

So the relationship with Moscow for Xi Jinping becomes even more significant than it is.

So with respect to this conflict, Steve, specifically, I don't think the CCP is going to be intervening militarily.

Diplomatically, of course, they're conveying their displeasure, but it opens a window of opportunity.

for the CCP to act while the United States is focused on this conflict.

So there's a window of vulnerability while this war is going on for the CCP to take actions that are going to be obviously opposed to US national interests.

It also underscores the importance of ending the Ukraine war because Russia, because it is important for the CCP, China needs the oil after all.

Let's get the Ukraine war ended and let's change our relationship with Russia.