I supported the Iran war. Now it's time to end it. |
My son, a fervent young conservative, called me a neocon today, a label that leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
I get it, though, at least a little. I supported the goal of Operation Epic Fury, which I suppose could be kind of "neocon" of me − sometimes American national interests abroad must be reinforced with military force. That said, I have had questions about President Donald Trump’s war with Iran, especially after top intelligence officer Joe Kent resigned March 17, citing his disagreement.
And especially now that the war is already in its fourth week.
On March 23, Trump said the United States had engaged in "very strong talks" with Iran that could signal the end of this hopefully brief conflict, but Iranian officials denied participating in peace talks. I can appreciate the importance of deploying a smoke-and-mirrors strategy during wartime − and I don't trust Iranian leaders or media – but hopefully someone behind closed doors knows the truth. Most of all, Trump.
It's clear to me that Iran's nuclear capabilities pose a threat to America and other allies. How to handle a country with nuclear potential, and to what degree of threat that poses, is where we all differ.
What's also clear is........