Given that we spent over a trillion dollars in Iraq and maybe more in Afghanistan, and Joe Biden left $50 billion in equipment in the latter, the idea that you would spend less than $30 billion and have a chance to overthrow the worst government in the world—one that’s caused most of the problems we’ve had in the Middle East—is a bargain, if it works, and I think it will, argues Victor Davis Hanson on today’s edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words.” ALSO:Victor Davis Hanson and host Sami Winc preview Donald Trump’s trip to China, arguing the U.S. holds leverage through trade, energy, and military advantages while China seeks concessions tied to Taiwan. They weigh the Iran conflict, calling the reported $29 billion cost a “bargain” if it topples the regime, and describe regional allies’ limited military commitment and the risks of prolonged negotiations.  Hanson rejects a New York Times op-ed claim that Israelis used “dog rape” against Palestinian prisoners as implausible and sourced from anti-Israel channels, contrasting it with documented Hamas atrocities.  They criticize Pope Leo XIV for honoring Iran’s Vatican ambassador, cover JD Vance’s task force uncovering major healthcare fraud and also review Rand Paul’s COVID-origin investigation implicating U.S. funding routes to Wuhan.  WHERE TO WATCH: 👉Don’t miss out on Victor’s latest editions of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words” by subscribing to The Daily Signal today. You’ll be notified every time a new piece of content drops: https://www.youtube.com/dailysignal?sub_confirmation=1   👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2iOoN0xoOoSNvDFlpLLYGY?si=5a9f369acc874c6e 👉 Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/victor-davis-hanson-in-his-own-words/id1566731706 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@victordavishanson7273?sub_confirmation=1 👉 Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/VictorDavisHansonInHisOwnWords?e9s=src_v1_sa%2Csrc_v1_sa_o   👉 Victor’s website: https://victorhanson.com PROMOTIONS: 👉Title thieves can steal your home with a signature. Protect your equity with Home Title Lock: https://www.hometitlelock.com/ PROMO CODE: VICTOR at check out.  👉Everything you carry is broadcasting a signal—your phone, laptop, even your car key. SLNT Faraday Bags cut that signal instantly. No GPS. No WiFi. No tracking. Trusted by the military, now available to you. Get 15% off + free shipping at https://SLNT.com/VDH   👉If Victor Davis Hanson is must-watch for you, The Signal Sitdown belongs in your feed. Bradley Devlin delivers long-form conversations on Washington’s biggest fights—from an unapologetically conservative perspective. Subscribe now!https://www.youtube.com/dailysignal?sub_confirmation=1  👉Watch The Tony Kinnett Cast NOW! LIVE weekdays at The Daily Signal and wherever you get podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjMHBev3NsoV3kHckydY58R7TaYsizl45v 👉America is worth preserving. Do your part and act now by going to https://www.heritage.org/beautiful 👉Face the decisions our founders grappled with in Revolutionary America, a Hillsdale Studios film. Only in theatres May 31 - June 2. Get your tickets now by going to hillsdale.edu/revolution 👉Switch your cell phone provider to Patriot Mobile, and you’ll help grow a movement that fuels the Christian conservative cause. Go to PatriotMobile.com/VDH or call 972-PATRIOT and use promo code VDH for a FREE MONTH of service!https://patriotmobile.com/partners/vdh 👉Use code VICTOR at the check out and get 35% off your order at https://www.purehealthresearch.com/  👉Go to My Patriot Supply to see exclusive deals before offers end! https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/ 👉Claim your liberty offer of up to $5,000 in free metals with allegiance gold by going to https://www.ProtectWithVictor.com |👉 #1 Water Filtration System.Recommended by Victor Davis Hanson: https://www.covepure.com/vdh 👉Protect women’s sports from biological reality denial at JoinADF.com/HANSON or Text HANSON to 83848 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices