As I write this, it appears that the US is on the threshold of war with Iran. These are serious times and the danger we face is profound. State-sponsors of terror possessing nuclear weapons is simply unacceptable by the free world. Moreover, nuclear proliferation in the Middle East is completely inconsistent with pursuing peace in that region. Imagine if Iran were to weaponize its extensive missile inventory with nuclear warheads. That no doubt would unleash a regional race to obtain nuclear weapons by others in and adjacent to the Middle East. If we do not block nuclear proliferation in Iran, surely Saudi Arabia will feel compelled to develop its own nuclear arsenal and has the wealth to do so. And while a nuclear-armed Saudi Arabia may seem less alarming, the last thing the world needs to witness is a nuclear powder keg in the Middle East. Indeed, Israel would find it insufferable and would be correct in that opinion.
Americans are war-weary. We have engaged in much conflict in the first decades of the 21st Century. One began in the throes of terror when in 2001 radical Islamists attacked our nation in the most cowardly manner, flying innocent civilians into buildings and fields. It was a wakeup call for America. It also reminded us that we are hated by people who hate peace and western civilization. We found ourselves having to confront terror in a meaningful manner. Sadly, we did it poorly. To be clear, our military fought professionally and patriotically. They answered the call and sacrificed a lot. Some came home with the wounds of battle, both seen and unseen. Many were disabled and are even now haunted by the gruesome horror of war. They deserve our support and respect. They have borne the burden.
Yet there are lessons learned that cannot be ignored. Americans expect that when we go to war our purpose is clear. That we must win convincingly on the battlefield and avoid remaining engaged in interminable warfare that saps our blood and treasure. It is not surprising that there are some who are very concerned about becoming involved in yet another “forever” war in Iran. Their concerns should not be discarded, maligned, or ridiculed. Many of them are people who take to heart the admonition that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. They should be taken seriously.
For those who lean against or oppose US involvement in destroying Iran’s nuclear and missile capability, I respect your opinion. Yet while you may be sincere in your view of this potential conflict, I believe you to be sincerely wrong in hesitating to confront Iran over its nuclearization. To be sure, we were involved in years of counterinsurgencies that resulted is questionable results and many deaths. We would be very wise to avoid repetition of that in Iran. But the nuclear proliferation in Iran is quite different from the threat posed by terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq, the faulty analysis of the Iraqi nuclear program notwithstanding.
To be clear, I do not think we have any role in regime change in Iran except for supporting those seeking freedom from tyrannical terror mullahs. Overthrowing the current regime in Tehran must rest on the shoulders of Iranians. It is their country and their problem, having tolerated religious tormentors as long as they have. Moreover, there is no need for American “boots on the ground” to fix internal Iranian issues. But the possible threat of nuclear warfare in the Middle East that could spill across the world is another matter. Complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear proliferation is necessary. Iran certifiably has a huge nuclear program that must be destroyed. An Iran with a nuclear weapon is like a child to playing with a hand grenade.
I have fought in a war and witnessed the horror and destitution. I do not think fondly of the things I did to visit violence on the enemy we faced. Nor do I want to see more Americans die in conflicts in the Middle East or elsewhere. But we must see things as they are, not as we wish them to be.
It may be easy to assert that “this is not our fight” until, of course, it is our fight. And it very well could be in the near future unless we act now. An Iran with a nuclear weapon will in my opinion assure that fight is in our future.
I tend to take seriously the Founders’ warning to avoid foreign entanglements. But I also recall William Shakespeare’s soliloquy for Mark Antony, calling to avenge Caeser’s assassination. “Cry ‘Havoc!,’ and let slip the dogs of war.” Allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon is not assassination, but it is insanity. Indeed, let slip those hounds and soon.
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