New Delhi, March 19 -- Republicans should not panic, insists the White House. "NO PANICANS!", it tweeted on March 14th. Nonetheless, signs of panic can be detected.

Although President Donald Trump says he has "destroyed 100% of Iran's Military Capability", the 0% that remains is playing havoc with the global economy by choking off 10-15% of its oil supply. Mr Trump's war of choice is more unpopular with American voters than any recent conflict, and the odds of a thumping for Republicans at the midterms in November just grew shorter. "It's a wild mess," says Curt Mills of the American Conservative.

Vexed by negative coverage, Mr Trump is describing critical media outlets as "Corrupt and Highly Unpatriotic". On March 15th he said he was "...