As we approach the two-year mark of the war between Israel and Iran, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications of this conflict and the geopolitical tensions that fuel it. The stakes have never been higher. Iran’s commitment to using terrorist proxies as a means of waging war against Israel is a tactic designed to achieve a dual purpose: to destabilize Israel and to foster anti-Israel sentiment among other Middle Eastern nations. This strategy is intricately linked to Iran’s efforts to play the victim on the world stage while it continues to enrich uranium and advances its nuclear capabilities.
The history of animosity between Israel and Iran spans over three decades, a saga filled with rhetoric and hostility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-held desire to take military action against Iran reflects a deep-seated understanding of the existential threat posed by Tehran’s ambitions. For years, however, U.S. administrations, in concert with Netanyahu’s own security chief, have restrained Israel’s military responses, favoring diplomatic engagements over decisive military actions.
In a recent escalation, Israel launched 12 days of airstrikes targeting Iranian assets, resulting in what Netanyahu hastened to declare a “historic victory.” Such declarations strike me as premature given the complexity of the situation. The Trump administration’s effort to mediate a cease-fire with Iran is bound to fall short, particularly with Tehran’s track record of exploiting periods of tranquility to regroup and enhance its military capabilities.
It is imperative that the United States reassesses its strategy in this ongoing conflict. We must firmly support Israel, granting it the autonomy necessary to conduct its military operations without restrictions. This support should also extend to ensuring that other powers, particularly China, Russia, and North Korea, are deterred from becoming involved. The United States cannot afford to play a hesitant role in this high-stakes chess match; decisive action is essential.
In the past two decades, Iran’s repeated threats to annihilate Israel have been met, for the most part, with restraint from the United States, reflecting a flawed approach to partnership. The misguided notion that the U.S. could dictate the terms of Israeli military operations—offering support while simultaneously restricting its right to retaliate—compromises Israel’s security and undermines its operational effectiveness.
The events of October 7, 2023, marked a significant turning point, with the United States appearing to fall short in its support for Israel. During this critical juncture, an anti-Israel sentiment proliferated within various communities, which impeded Israel’s strategic objectives in Gaza. To underestimate Iran or allow it breathing room will only prolong the conflict and amplify the threats to Israel’s existence.
Moreover, Iran must be recognized not only as a regional adversary but as a global threat. It supports proxy terrorist organizations and harbors ambitions that extend beyond the destruction of Israel to include undermining U.S. interests worldwide. Iran’s alliances with China and Russia, adversaries of the U.S., signal a troubling alignment that could destabilize global security.
Now is not the time for hesitant policies or vacillation. The U.S. must adopt a clear and resolute stance in support of Israel as it fights against the Iranian threat. We cannot afford to let diplomatic niceties interfere with the pressing need for action. Supporting Israel’s right to defend itself and carry out necessary military operations is not only a strategic imperative but a moral one.
As we approach the two-year mark of the war between Israel and Iran, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications of this conflict and the geopolitical tensions that fuel it. The stakes have never been higher. Iran’s commitment to using terrorist proxies as a means of waging war against Israel is a tactic designed to achieve a dual purpose: to destabilize Israel and to foster anti-Israel sentiment among other Middle Eastern nations. This strategy is intricately linked to Iran’s efforts to play the victim on the world stage while it continues to enrich uranium and advances its nuclear capabilities.
The history of animosity between Israel and Iran spans over three decades, a saga filled with rhetoric and hostility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-held desire to take military action against Iran reflects a deep-seated understanding of the existential threat posed by Tehran’s ambitions. For years, however, U.S. administrations, in concert with Netanyahu’s own security chief, have restrained Israel’s military responses, favoring diplomatic engagements over decisive military actions.
In a recent escalation, Israel launched 12 days of airstrikes targeting Iranian assets, resulting in what Netanyahu hastened to declare a “historic victory.” Such declarations strike me as premature given the complexity of the situation. The Trump administration’s effort to mediate a cease-fire with Iran is bound to fall short, particularly with Tehran’s track record of exploiting periods of tranquility to regroup and enhance its military capabilities.
It is imperative that the United States reassesses its strategy in this ongoing conflict. We must firmly support Israel, granting it the autonomy necessary to conduct its military operations without restrictions. This support should also extend to ensuring that other powers, particularly China, Russia, and North Korea, are deterred from becoming involved. The United States cannot afford to play a hesitant role in this high-stakes chess match; decisive action is essential.
In the past two decades, Iran’s repeated threats to annihilate Israel have been met, for the most part, with restraint from the United States, reflecting a flawed approach to partnership. The misguided notion that the U.S. could dictate the terms of Israeli military operations—offering support while simultaneously restricting its right to retaliate—compromises Israel’s security and undermines its operational effectiveness.
The events of October 7, 2023, marked a significant turning point, with the United States appearing to fall short in its support for Israel. During this critical juncture, an anti-Israel sentiment proliferated within various communities, which impeded Israel’s strategic objectives in Gaza. To underestimate Iran or allow it breathing room will only prolong the conflict and amplify the threats to Israel’s existence.
Moreover, Iran must be recognized not only as a regional adversary but as a global threat. It supports proxy terrorist organizations and harbors ambitions that extend beyond the destruction of Israel to include undermining U.S. interests worldwide. Iran’s alliances with China and Russia, adversaries of the U.S., signal a troubling alignment that could destabilize global security.
Now is not the time for hesitant policies or vacillation. The U.S. must adopt a clear and resolute stance in support of Israel as it fights against the Iranian threat. We cannot afford to let diplomatic niceties interfere with the pressing need for action. Supporting Israel’s right to defend itself and carry out necessary military operations is not only a strategic imperative but a moral one.
In the ongoing struggle between freedom and tyranny, Israel stands as a beacon of democracy in a region fraught with hostility. It is imperative that the United States stands firmly behind its ally, fostering an environment where Israel can decisively confront the threats it faces. The commitment to support Israel’s military actions is essential—not just for the security of the Jewish state but for the stability of the region and the interests of the United States on the global stage. The time for decisive action is now.
Donald C. Bolduc
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