Dropping MOAB

            The United States military “dropped its largest non-nuclear bomb on an Islamic State target last Thursday. The official name for the bomb is GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb. The affectionate name given the bomb is Mother of All Bombs or MOAB. The bomb weighs 21,600 pounds and is 30 feet long.

            There are all sorts of worldwide opinions about whether or not America should have dropped the bomb. Even though the bomb has been in the U.S. arsenal for some years, this is the first time it has been used. Why was it used this time? James Carafano posted an article at The DailySignal explaining the use of the bomb. 

In military operations, one of the considerations is to be proportional – use coercive force commensurate with the task, while taking due diligence to protect innocents.

In this case, it appears the target was an underground complex – virtually a sanctuary, impossible to get at with conventional munitions. It was an important enemy target. This particular weapon creates a massive over-pressure wave that collapses the tunnel underneath.

            Carafano continues with his explanation by suggesting that the United States has shifted the way it fights wars. The Obama administration obviously did not want to fight the war in the first place, and other administrations seemed to not be in the war to win.

            Donald Trump likes to win, but he does not necessarily want the glory. He says that he has unleashed the military commanders. He obviously recognizes that the trained and experienced military officers and personnel know more about fighting wars that he does, and he is willing to let them do their jobs. In dropping MOAB the U.S. told the entire world, “We mean business. Do not mess with us!”