Life in the peace lane
By 
Donald the Dove reflects on the ongoing importance of diplomacy:
President Trump told Axios on Thursday that he’s seriously considering restarting major combat operations in Iran — including strikes that would be bigger than the ones carried out during Operation Epic Fury.
Why it matters: In a brief interview, Trump acknowledged that such a decision would have consequences and stressed he hasn’t made a determination yet.
Trump didn’t give a deadline for his decision. Two other U.S. officials confirmed no call has been made and no new orders have been given to the military.
The current escalation has caused oil prices to eclipse $100 per barrel. A return to all-out war is highly unpopular in the U.S.
What he’s saying: “I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,” the president said.
Trump said Israel “would join in two minutes if I ask them to,” but added that “we don’t need anybody” to launch a new operation against Iran.
He also said there would be “consequences” for Israel joining the strikes, hinting at Iranian retaliation against Israel.
The big picture: Trump said the Iranians “want to negotiate” but are not ready to make a deal at the moment.
“They haven’t received enough pain yet,” he said.
I’m beginning to think that Trump criticizing the Iraq War for not being brutal and rapacious enough was not, in fact, good evidence that he opposed military adventurism.