Telegraphed fear.

 "The United States launched airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against more than 85 targets linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and militias it backs, reportedly killing nearly 40 people, in retaliation for a deadly attack on US troops. The strikes, which included the use of long-range B-1 bombers flown in from the United States, were the first in response to the attack last weekend in Jordan by Iran-backed militants, and more military operations are expected in the coming days." Reuters. On 29 January, "Three US soldiers were killed yesterday in Jordan, while more than 40 other service members were injured following an uncrewed aerial system (sic) attack at a military base near the Syrian border." defense. gov. This base is known as Tower 22. Also, "The United States and the United Kingdom struck 36 Houthi targets in 13 locations in Yemen today, which US officials said were intended to 'disrupt and degrade the capabilities' Houthis have used to attack ships in the Red Sea." NBC. "Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing," US President Joe Biden warned, adding, "let all those who seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond." Mint. Biden wants to be re-elected for a second term on 5 November 2024 (wikipedia) and so is trying to appear tough. But then, why did he wait for a week? Because, "foreign policy experts believed the approach allowed Iran to withdraw personnel, potentially avoiding a wider conflict between the US and Iran." "Though the White House and Pentagon also repeatedly said they were avoiding 'telegraphing' operations in the days leading up to the strikes, experts believe they did just that." BBC. Not just IRGC personnel, but all militants would have dispersed with their weapons. B1 bombers flying across the Atlantic all the way from the US must have burned 120,326 kg of fuel. Air Force. Bombs are not cheap, costing up to $70,000 in 2011. Defense Update. Boeing claims that its JDAM guidance system, including bomb, is cheap at a mere $30,000. Vayu. Assuming 2 bombs per target, a minimum 170 bombs would have been used on 85 targets. Even if each bomb cost just $10,000, that is a total cost of $1.7 million. The US national debt has ballooned to 122.72% of GDP at over $34 trillion and the net interest payment is in excess of $742 billion. usdebtclock.org. "Already, the federal government spends more on interest payments than it spends on children, and spending on interest payments will exceed spending on national defense by FY27. CBO. Wasting millions of dollars by dropping bombs on empty buildings and killing a bunch of women and children is a stupid waste of money and is sure invite more revenge attacks. Cannot scare Iran by telegraphing fear. And Biden just won the North Carolina primary. HT. What does that say about Americans?