Discussion Topic: American Jingoism And The Prospects Of War
Moderator: John Pope

The United States has embarked on a number of militaristic ventures around the world recently siting threats from various countries.

The US has hit Iran with more sanctions, and has sent a strike force of an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers — to the Middle East in a move that officials said was intended to counter “clear indications” of threats from Iran to American forces in the region. https://nypost.com/2019/05/13/pompeo-iran-is-a-major-destabilizing-force-in-middle-east/
At the same time, the US has escalated tensions with nuclear power North Korea by seizing a cargo ship which will certainly raise the prospects of confrontation there claiming the ship violate recently imposed sanctions on that country. https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/09/politics/us-north-korean-cargo-ship-sanctions/index.html
Meanwhile, more sanctions have been imposed on Venezuela, and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says that all options are on the table - supposedly including a military attack. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/12/venezuelas-guaido-asks-for-relations-with-us-military.html
U.S. national security adviser John Bolton accused Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua of being a "troika of tyranny", and "the three stooges of socialism". https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cuba-usa/cuba-dubs-bolton-pathological-liar-over-venezuela-troops-charge-idUSKCN1S12NK and https://www.politico.com/story/2019/04/17/trump-bolton-sanctions-latin-america-1279709
Will the US go to war with Iran, North Korea, or Venezuela? Let's discuss...

Questions
How do these countries threaten the US?
Who gets hurt by these sanctions? What does the US expect from these countries by imposing them?
Will Canada join a US invasion of Venezuela (Canada has come out supporting the Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, and demonizing Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's elected leader)?
What would a war on Iran look like? Would US allied countries join forces against Iran?
How dangerous is this situation? Does 'all option on the table' include a nuclear attack? Is war inevitable?
What action(s) by Iran would trigger a US attack now that everything is in place? Is a 'black op' next?
[Your question here]
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The Victoria Secular Humanist Association's Humanist Café is a moderated discussion held every first and third Wednesday of the month 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the James Bay New Horizons Center. 234 Menzies St.

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