Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

karynnj

(60,930 posts)
16. I am less sure
Wed Mar 18, 2026, 09:11 PM
22 hrs ago

I would image that at least Obama would try for a diplomatic solution.

A military attack on Iran would likely have resulted in the hostages being killed. Bad as the hostage drama was, American embassy people being publicly killed would have been a bigger disaster.

As it was, it was promised of what became the Iran part of Iran Contra by the Republicans that led to the release as Reagan was being sworn in.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

What a mess UpInArms Yesterday #1
Anyone who chooses to work as a middle east merc in a Trump admin is FAFO-ing. RockRaven Yesterday #2
You're under contract. It's not like working at Macys. I know a guy there. Callie1979 Yesterday #6
The money's good COL Mustard Yesterday #8
In 1983 I got a bid from a Middle Eastern hospital to work for a year on staff. irisblue Yesterday #10
And life there is very good COL Mustard Yesterday #11
I know for sure THIS guy didnt! Neither did his wife. Callie1979 12 hrs ago #23
Kudos to you OrangeJoe 23 hrs ago #14
Exempt from federal income tax AverageOldGuy 21 hrs ago #18
And sometimes it's tax free. nt Callie1979 12 hrs ago #22
I feel for their kids, spouses & extended family irisblue Yesterday #9
welp dweller Yesterday #3
Number one thing to never, ever, ever do. Put your trust in Trump. twodogsbarking Yesterday #4
Iran Hostage Crisis Redux 1979, 2026 2na fisherman Yesterday #5
Maybe they can resurrect Ollie North. He's got plenty of experience from the failed Carter hostage rescue attempt. NBachers 23 hrs ago #13
I honestly don't think any President after Carter would have let it go on for 444 days Polybius 23 hrs ago #15
I am less sure karynnj 22 hrs ago #16
I wonder how many of them voted for Trump COL Mustard Yesterday #7
"Suckers and losers" according to the convicted felon. Justice matters. Yesterday #12
Let me see, the best advice I've heard from the right is, "write your Senators and Representative". Enter stage left 22 hrs ago #17
Quack Quack rpannier 20 hrs ago #19
And I bet many of them were trump supporters.👎 Figarosmom 19 hrs ago #20
You mean mercenaries? RandySF 13 hrs ago #21
They probably signed up for the no accountability/no consequences package Orrex 11 hrs ago #24
What a perfect excuse for Rump to put boots on the ground. Not that he ever cared about having an excuse or a reason. LaMouffette 11 hrs ago #25
Choose where you drop? OC375 11 hrs ago #26
Use ICE next. travelingthrulife 8 hrs ago #27
Rapist will parachute in soon and save you! City Lights 7 hrs ago #28
Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»US contractors stranded i...»Reply #16