A War by Any Other Name The conflict in Iran has been variously described as a "short term excursion," an "act of self defense," and now, apparently, a carefully timed electoral maneuver.
Last week, President Trump announced that hostilities would cease immediately after the upcoming midterms, sparking a mix of reactions from lawmakers, pundits, and ordinary citizens.
The optics of this development are clear: by declaring victory just before an election, Trump seeks to bolster Republican prospects while sidestepping accountability for the war's devastating consequences.