Iran

People do things for more than one reason. Currently, President Donald Trump is trying to negotiate an agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran to achieve certain goals without having to resort to military action. He is being criticized by some for moving too slow, while the people of Iran suffer under the brutal totalitarian theocracy by which they are governed. 

Wisely, President Trump has usually left the planning and execution of military operations to our military commanders. Of course, as commander-in-chief he reserves the right to make the final decisions about our military actions. 

It seems clear to most observers that the Ayatollahs in Tehran have no intention of abandoning their nuclear ambitions, ceasing to sponsor terrorism around the world, and the horrible slaughter of their own people. Some commentators view military action to be inevitable. They make the valid point that the theocratic regime in Iran has never been and weaker, and that the opportunity has never been better topple the regime. 

So, what is President Trump waiting for? To retain the moral high ground, it is clear that the United States needs to exhaust every available opportunity to resolve this matter peacefully, and that by delaying military action we are making a good faith effort toward achieving a peaceful resolution. The delay also gives our military the time it needs to mass sufficient forces in the area of operation to be able to apply overwhelming force when the stubbornness of the Ayatollahs ultimately makes it necessary. 

The task before our military is achievable, but they will need to destroy Iran’s offensive missile capability immediately to keep our forces in the region and the people of Israel safe from attack. To achieve meaningful change in the governance of Iran, our military will also need to destroy their air defense capability, command and control systems, nuclear program, and the military forces and infrastructure that support the regime. These and other military objectives are achievable, but the use of ground forces may become necessary. 

The need for the use of our ground forces will depend on whether the Ayatollahs, and other oppressors in Iran are willing to step down from their positions of authority and seek asylum in other countries. Should they refuse, the use of ground forces may be necessary to remove them. They are criminals, and they should stand trial for crimes against humanity. However, removing them from power should be our first priority. 

As always, Lamp in a Corner will support military action only if it will result in the complete destruction of the enemies’ ability and will to resist. In our opinion, while it may not be a legal requirement, the Trump Administration should seek the approval of Congress before such military action takes place. This approval can be in the form of a general approval, and it does not need to involve itself with specifics like dates, times, and methods. We do not want American lives to be put at risk unless our military actions are backed by the majority of our elected government, and without a firm commitment to the complete destruction of the enemies' will and ability to resist. 

Delay will result in the further suffering for the Iranian people. This is regrettable, but necessary. Although not all of the Iranian people are our enemies, they have not shown themselves to be loyal friends either. There are calls from the Iranian resistance for American help. We feel for the plight of the people in Iran, and we have humanitarian concerns for their welfare. We want to do what we can to help. However, we are under no obligation to allow their pleas for help to direct our management of the situation. Whatever we do should be in the interests of the United States, and our success should not be jeopardized by precipitous action.