In the article titled 'False Victories, Future Wars,' the author argues that Donald Trump is on a quest for a modest and practical achievement in his dealings with Iran, which would allow him to showcase a victory and shift the responsibility onto Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The piece emphasizes that true success in any military engagement lies in the political realm, where clear objectives must be set and achieved, contrasting sharply with the confusion and lack of direction seen in recent U.S. military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The article critiques Trump's inconsistent statements about what constitutes victory, pointing out the unrealistic goal of overthrowing Iran's regime and establishing a friendly government, reminiscent of failed predecessors' strategies in the Middle East that relied heavily on military force instead of diplomacy. The forthcoming war with Iran, if it occurs, is likely doomed to the same pitfalls if clear definitions of success are not articulated beforehand.

Ultimately, the commentary sheds light on the complexities of defining victory in the context of international conflict, warning that embarking on a war without a coherent understanding of political objectives risks repeating past mistakes. The author calls for a reevaluation of strategy that prioritizes diplomacy and clear goals over military might alone.