Since we’re apparently not even allowed to question this deal because we’re supposed to be “grateful” that Trump bombed Iran, let me say that I was never pushing for the United States to join the war against Iran. In fact, I argued against it.
I understood from the beginning that defeating Iran would require the willingness to go all the way. I also understood that most Americans simply do not have that will, not because we’re weak, lazy, or incapable, but because most Americans do not view this as their fight.
With that said, let’s address the hypocrisy in the room.
Some of the same people who called for Trump’s impeachment, claimed he was blackmailed by Israel, accused him of bombing Iran because of Epstein, and pushed every conspiracy imaginable are now on X lecturing the rest of us for asking questions about this deal.
The difference is that we never spoke about the president that way.
We’re not accusing him of treason. We’re not claiming he’s controlled by a foreign country. We’re not demanding impeachment.
We’re asking questions.
We’re allowed to have questions. We’re allowed to push back. We’re allowed to criticize policies we believe are mistaken.
My concern isn’t even primarily about Israel. Israel has spent decades pushing back Iran’s nuclear program through intelligence work, and the efforts of the Mossad. I believe Israel will continue to do what it believes it must do.
My concern is what this signals to the rest of the world.
If the message is that America no longer wants to defend allies abroad, then say that openly. Many Americans may agree with it. But don’t simultaneously maintain a foreign policy built around security guarantees and global commitments while demonstrating that we lack the will to uphold them when tested.
You can argue that America should not be the world’s policeman. That’s a legitimate position.
What isn’t legitimate is pretending we still are while acting as though we aren’t.
If the policy is retrenchment, then call it retrenchment. If the policy is deterrence, then deter.
What we cannot do is promise both and deliver neither.
I believe 100% that the United States should not get involved whatsoever and should tell Israel that, as a sovereign country, it can do whatever it feels is necessary for its national security in Iran.
It’s a win-win situation. Israeli pilots have already proven how capable they are. The mission would be accomplished, as Israel, if not restrained, would finish the job, and the United States would not get drawn into anything some people fear.