Is the president doing enough to support the election protests in Iran? In our view the answer is: maybe.
There is no doubt that the ruling theocracy in Iran uses the “Death to America” theme all the time to rally support from the Iranian public. It has worked for 30 years and is the basis for Iran’s foreign policy.
Iran is on the fast track to at least produce material for nuclear weapons. Just like North Korea, it in all likelihood wants to produce both the warheads and delivery systems quickly. It is clearly in our best interests in deterring such production.
Iran also wants to become the dominant economic and military power at least in the Middle East. It would love to achieve both economic and military hegemony over Israel. It wants to promote its brand of Islam over other Arab countries as well. Its support of terrorism throughout at least the Middle East, if not worldwide, supports such policies and goals.
The burning question is: How does America deter such policies and encourage Iran to “blend” into the mainstream of international relations peacefully?
Since the Iranian Revolution, America, and to some degree the European Union, has used the stick of diplomatic and economic isolations to attempt to force change in Iran. Based on its military and economic progress over the past 30 years, such attempts have been inadequate.
Some would promote strengthened economic sanctions. Some would like to “turn Israel loose” and let it launch a pre-emptive military strike against Iranian nuclear sites. Some would even promote an American military strike.
The president has chosen a different approach, one of dialogue, non-interference in internal Iranian debate while at the same time enunciating basic American principles that Iran should adhere to both internally and internationally.
It is a very difficult problem. The real question is: Do we as Americans have the patience, endurance and willingness to let the “power of the people” or long-term economic consequences take deep enough roots in Iran to force radical internal change as they did in the former Soviet Union?
Our conclusion? Maybe.
Opinion
In our view: Will it be enough?
- Opinion
-
-
Our View: Santorum's Achilles' ear
Rick Santorum knocked everyone for a loop this week, not just with his victory in Missouri but with the landslide size of the thing.
-
Our View: Are school loans next 'debt bomb'?
The late American middle class struggled for decades to keep pace with an American dream slipping from its grasp.
-
Our View: A better way of limit terms
A Missouri House committee on Tuesday endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to serve 16 years in the state Legislature, either the House or the Senate.
-
Your View: Is it our fault?
When did coveting things and money take over character? What happened?
-
Your View: No way to run a school
All throughout the state of Missouri, you’ll hear much discussion about teacher tenure and the indefinite contracts that go along with that. Most — if not nearly all — jobs in the private and public sectors have no such career protection.
-
Your View: Prime suspects
If it’s too cool in the house, you can turn up the heat if you think you can afford it.
-
Our View: Worldwide concern
There is growing concern worldwide that Israel might launch an attack on Iranian nuclear plants.
-
Other Views: FAA deal up in air five years
The Federal Aviation Administration bill was delayed 23 times, but the agency finally has a law giving it $63 billion and full operating authority for the next four years.
-
Don Ray, columnist: Obama's pipeline excuse an election-year cop-out
On Jan. 18, President Barack Obama announced he was rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline project — a project that had its beginnings some 40 months ago (September 2008).
-
James Whitford, guest columnist: Broken people or broken system?
Are the people broken or is the system broken? If you walk into Watered Gardens, our rescue mission, it may seem the people are broken. But it’s a rescue mission. It just feels that way. And sometimes, it just looks that way.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
