Iran is being cast as clever, defiant and resilient in the face of overwhelming force. But this is not an even contest. It is a lopsided war being narrated as suspense
It isn’t even close to an even fight. It’s profoundly lopsided – perhaps 100:1 in favour of US-Israel. Iran’s military/institutional infra is being dismantled fast. Yes, in the era of insta-reels, two or three weeks feel long. But think: a military apparatus, built over nearly five decades, is crumbling, in less than three weeks. Iran’s air defence is ineffective. US and Israeli aircraft operate with increasing freedom. Senior leaders are assassinated, suggesting deep intelligence penetration. And yet, experts on TV predict American failure – insisting the war was a mistake; that US may lose. Their argument doesn’t fit with ground reality. But, first, what popularises such narratives? Why does a fair section of global opinion hope for Iranian regime to prevail? Four reasons.