Pragmatism: Character or conduct that emphasizes practicality. Also a philosophical movement or system having various forms, but generally stressing practical consequences as constituting the essential criterion in determining truth, or value. Or, in plain terms; it just has to work! This, of course sounds realistic, but pragmatism differs from realism substantially. Realism means seeing things as they actually are (accepting facts), while pragmatic means focusing on what works to achieve a goal (taking action based on results). A realist understands the situation; a pragmatist acts on it. Realism is about the beliefs you hold while Pragmatism is about what you do and why you do it. Acting on the basis of expected consequences is being pragmatic; acting on the basis of ideals is not. Now let us consider what is happening in the U.S./Israel versus Iran war: The initiators of the offense have once again asked for a cease fire as previously they stopped their offensive last June. Realistically, the offenders accepted the facts on the ground that either they were not making any progress or their attempts were backfiring and halted their actions. If Pragmatism were to enter the minds of the offenders hopefully they would realize that their desired results are not being achieved and adjust or change their ideals. However, to the great misfortune of our planet and its inhabitants, it appears that not an ounce of pragmatism is present in the minds and hearts of the U.S./Israel leaders who are taking us all down a very dangerous path!