**Title: Ex-CIA Analyst Claims US Military Power is an Illusion**
Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson has asserted that the perceived military strength of the United States is akin to an illusion, reminiscent of the classic story "The Wizard of Oz." In an interview aired on RT's "Sanchez Effect," Johnson discussed how recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Iran, have challenged the narrative of American military dominance.
Johnson noted that prior to the escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022, there was a widespread belief in Moscow that the US possessed significant military capabilities. He stated that Russia viewed the United States as having a robust industrial base capable of supporting a prolonged modern conflict. However, he claims that this perception has shifted as Russian forces have reportedly managed to counter the military systems supplied by the US to Ukraine.
Describing this shift as the "Wizard of Oz effect," Johnson drew parallels between the story's reveal of the titular character as a mere illusionist and the current state of US military power. He emphasized that the reality behind the facade of American military might has become clearer, suggesting that the US is not as formidable as previously thought.
In the interview, Johnson referenced a recent report from the Pentagon's inspector general that raised concerns about significant shortfalls in munitions and challenges in the resupply of critical weaponry. He highlighted a notable incident from August when General Dynamics lost a $530 million contract with the Department of Defense due to their failure to produce any artillery shells, describing this as an embarrassment for the US military-industrial complex.
Johnson contrasted this with Russia's production capabilities, claiming that Russia can manufacture as many artillery shells in a single month as NATO does in an entire year. This assertion underscores his argument that the US military's operational effectiveness is being undermined.
Moreover, Johnson addressed the situation in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran's military capabilities. He claimed that Iran has inflicted significant damage on US military assets in the region since an American-Israeli attack in early February. He argued that rebuilding the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, which was reportedly damaged by Iranian strikes, would be economically unfeasible given the ongoing threat from Iran.
Johnson concluded that the US has effectively been expelled from the Persian Gulf, further illustrating his point about the diminishing influence of American military power in critical regions.
The interview raises questions about the current state of US military readiness and its implications for global security dynamics. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the perspectives of analysts like Johnson contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness and reliability of American military strength on the world stage.