Kuala Lampur, June 19 -- There are wars that end in victory. There are wars that end in defeat. And then there are wars that begin with a press conference, a wall of flags, and the quiet arrogance of people who believe history works for them.

This one was supposed to be Israel's grand vindication. Iran was meant to be cornered, isolated, sanctioned, lectured, inspected, and gift-wrapped for a triumphant Washington photo-op. Netanyahu was meant to stride across the stage like a regional Churchill. Trump was meant to pose as the dealmaker with thunder in one hand and a Sharpie in the other.

Instead, the whole thing has come back like a badly thrown boomerang and struck Israel squarely in the forehead.

Look at the shape of it. Israel star...