It's the oldest journalistic trick in the book: ask the interview subject whether they can guarantee something will or will not happen. No rational person will offer guarantees, especially against a backdrop of chaotic uncertainty. Voila! There's your headline. So and so refuses to guarantee ...

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We've seen it daily as federal and state governments grapple over fuel supplies. Can you guarantee fuel supplies? Can you rule out petrol rationing? Of course, they can't and won't. Nor should they.

It would be extremely foolish when the chief protagonist in the Middle East war can't keep his story straight from one appearance to the next. One minute, Donald Trump tells the world the war is won, that Iran's military capacity has been totally destroyed. The next, he's imploring, then demanding, other countries send warships to the region to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

The 100 per cent destruction of Iran's military, as claimed by the President, is clearly a nonsense if tankers need naval escorts to get through and Iranian missiles and drones continue to be launched at targets throughout the region.

He's even put the hard word on China - that's right China, America's biggest rival - to send its navy, something that has geopolitical think tanks across the US planting their collective faces in their palms. Not only because the US has spent years trying to contain China's naval ambitions but also because it ignores the fact Chinese-flagged vessels are free to traverse the narrow waterway.

Like some whiny kid who's broken something, Trump can't believe no one's stepping in to fix it for him. Not the UK, not Europe, not Japan, not China. No one. In a tone that smacks of desperation, he wonders out loud if "we should even be here", which must have gone down like a lead balloon among the families of the Americans so far killed in the war.

And yet with no end in sight to this war, Trump's already flagging the next, telling reporters it would be his honour to take Cuba. "Take Cuba?" one asks, clearly wondering if he's suffered an auditory hallucination. Yes, take Cuba, the President confirms.

It would be a courageous or very stupid politician of any persuasion who offers guarantees when the world's most powerful player doesn't appear to know what he's doing, why he's doing it, and what the consequences of doing it might end up being.

The only guarantee worth making is that Australia will not send a navy ship to the region and risk being dragged into a war with no clear aims and no exit strategy over which we were not consulted in the first place. We have been told explicitly no ship will be sent.

Now is not the time for gotcha questions and cheap demands for guarantees that can't be given. It's time to get serious about interrogating the steps the government is taking to secure fuel supplies when the actions of our most important ally have imperilled them.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Has the US underestimated Iran's ability to fight back? Do you think it's rich of Donald Trump to demand countries come to his aid in a war they did not want and did not ask for? What steps can our government take to ensure fuel gets to where it's needed? What steps can we take as individuals to help? Email us: echidna@theechidna.com.au

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

- The Reserve Bank has raised the cash rate to 4.1 per cent at its second meeting of the year, the second hike in two months.

- Australia and the European Union are on the verge of finally striking a free trade deal after a decade of tough negotiations.

- The Iranian women's soccer team has left Malaysia for Oman as the two remaining members seeking asylum in Australia joined a local A-League club for training.

THEY SAID IT: "If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster." - Clint Eastwood

YOU SAID IT: There's always room for improvement but when you look around the world, Australia is a great place to call home.

"We Aussies are, collectively, amongst the luckiest indeed by sheer fluke of birthplace that led, in most cases to a caring upbringing in relative prosperity," writes Old Oinker from Townsville. "We had our failings when our ignorance dictated what we 'thought' was best for the Indigenous population whose land we had encroached on. When we read and see the results of the profligacy and bombast of some, who once were allies in trenches and tents, let's not just be thankful for who we are and what we got ... but also for who we are not."

David writes: "Violence-free politics, a good health system, clean air and drinking water. Yet, we could do quite a bit better; instead of gifting millions from mining to the likes of Gina Reinhart we could have a Future Fund like Norway's; instead of an outdated train system we could have something like Japan's fantastic network; instead of largely turning a blind eye to First Nations Frontier Wars we could follow Germany in being upfront about Nazi atrocities. In general, there's a need for more respect and 'getting it right' and less 'she'll be right' in the lucky country."

"We are so blessed to live in Australia," writes Jeanette. "We can turn on a tap and get water, and it's not going to slowly kill us if we drink it. We are not living on constant high alert for the sound of the next incoming missile and wondering if this is going to be the one that will destroy us. Yes our health system is in desperate need of improvement and the lack of affordable housing for everyone is a disgrace. Many of our politicians need to take a good hard look at themselves in a mirror, as our parents used to say, but they are not slaughtering us by the thousands if and when we take to the streets in protest."

Bernard writes: "I definitely feel fortunate to live in Australia. We arrived in 1950, because Britain was having difficulty after the war finding jobs for returning servicemen. Australia agreed to take 2000 naval personnel, but for a while the families got left behind (there being a major housing shortage). One of the things I like is the 'have a go' attitude that many Australians have. Eventually, hopefully, Australians will come to terms with the dispossession of its original inhabitants."

"Out of many, I would say one of the best things is our electoral system," writes Doug. "One of the (current) worst things is our too-close connection with the USA, as well as AUKUS."

Cherree writes: "Thank you for being so positive in these uncertain times. My German Lutheran ancestors fled persecution in the 1830s for a safer better place. I am so grateful."

"I think part of our luck comes from being stuck out in the middle of nowhere, so the problems of the rest of the world have less impact, and are less likely to be imported," writes Deb. "Our peaceful way of life can also be attributed to our system of government and wage levels that allow most people to live above the poverty line. We need to guard against erosion of either of these."

Marie writes: "My husband and I and almost all of my friends are children of post-World War II migrants from Europe and England. And yes, we often thank the shades of our parents for coming to Australia. They all had it tough here, had to work hard in manual jobs even if they had university qualifications, but despite everything, we know how lucky we are in comparison. So far, at any rate."

"Thanks for the reminder, John," writes Anita. "Worth remembering also, that these liberties were hard-fought and vested interests toiled long and hard to stem the rights we have. What's more, they're still doing it. Don't forget the Tolpuddle Martyrs! Our right to form unions to curtail exploitation! Our right to a secular society so that we can believe what we choose. Women's rights! These rights hang on by a thread!"

Brenda writes: "Thank you for the beautiful writing, describing our stunning country, and highlighting the things for which we can feel so grateful. It was very moving. Gratitude does not mean being smug or complacent. We can improve. We must demand more. The joys and benefits are not shared equally and for me that is a call to arms. But when so much turmoil circles the world we should try to hold on to what makes this country what it is. The envy of much of the world. At dawn this morning I walked with family and dogs. I am truly grateful to this country."

"When he was CEO of World Vision, Tim Costello referred to the Lottery of Latitude," writes Malcolm. "Where we are born and usually live is just luck, and we need to remember that. When someone moans about 'How bad things are', ask 'Compared to what? What would make it better and what are you prepared to give up to achieve that?'"

Craig writes: "I recall my mother's 'soothing statement' when I was under minor moments of duress: 'At least no one is dropping bombs on us!'"

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