"Doug Kanter" wrote in message

I suspect that EVERY country in that arc is full of people who just want
to
send their kids to school and put dinner on the table every night. Just
like
here.

Precisely

In your mind, though, it probably makes perfect sense to bomb the
bejeezus out of all of them in order to nail the 1% of the population
comprised of lunatics.

Not at all. Not necessary. The simple fact is that we have amply
demonstrated that we are *willing* to do this, and stick with it, so having
done it twice, the message has been transmitted to the dozen or so other
countries in the arc -- none of which have elected governments, and all of
which are now making overtures to one degree or other to moderate their
stance vis a vis the US. For an unelected ruler it is crucial to avoid a
recall, because recall comprises popular uprising, rebellion in the streets,
and often a very, very short retirement for the ex-ruler. Hence, the
operative imperative is to make sure you're on the right side of the power
balance. Bingo.