The sad reality of Operation Epic Fury is that we have Americans stranded in very dangerous areas, with no apparent way to get home.
This is the one aspect of the strike that appears to have needed more forethought before giving the green light.
We are now seeing reports blow up all over the internet of trapped Americans, and it could be a major problem for this administration if the situation is not rectified immediately.
The moment the operation started, major airports in the Middle East were shut down.
This is something that should have been anticipated.
This is not something that could be broadcast, obviously, but having an evacuation plan for Americans who are now in peril is something that should have been considered before the first plane left the deck of a carrier.
We blasted Joe Biden for leaving Americans behind enemy lines during the Afghanistan withdrawal, so we have to look at this situation in a similar fashion.
After the UK got word that it had citizens stranded, it immediately started to develop a plan to evacuate them from dangerous areas.
There are roughly 200,000 British nationals stuck in the Gulf, with nearly half of them notifying their government of their position and the need to be evacuated.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated, "I ask all our people in the region to please register your presence and follow Foreign Office travel advice.
"I know this is a deeply worrying time. And we will continue to do all we can to support you."
I hate using that word, but that is how Americans abroad are describing their situation, as the State Department has only recommended that they stay put and not risk being put in harm's way.
We have Americans in cities like Dubai, Doha, and several other Middle Eastern travel hubs that have no way of getting out because major airports are closed.
One traveler stated, "We were getting multiple text message alerts from the local government, as well as the U.S. government, warning us to shelter and stay in place. On the first day, we had a lot of anxiety about things. I've never been in a place that had bombs floating above."
Having Americans stranded in allied countries is not the worst of this, however, but having Americans stranded in Iran is something altogether different. Again, I support this strike, but this appears to have been an oversight that, if it results in the loss of American lives, will be devastating on more fronts than I can count. If I am Sec. Rubio and President Trump, this is among the top priorities to address right now.
