Nothing should be ruled out if Iran war drags on for much longer

THE outbreak of war against Iran – and the consequent soaring energy prices – has concentrated minds about the geopolitical future of West Asia.

Of course, any discussion of a war should start on the premise that truth is the first casualty. So, this column makes only some broad observations.

Conventional wisdom has it that there are only three ways that wars among nations end: victory to one side, an armistice, or a political settlement between warring parties. A few illustrations might be useful.