Albert Lea Tribune, Minn. –
Last week, when Iran cranked up its rhetorical — and actual — stance against countries that it sees as enemies, it provoked a new flurry of suggestions that the best way to deal with the semi-rogue nation would be via a pre-emptive military strike. We hope that world leaders, primarily in this case Israel and the United States, can find a less dangerous path.
Iran, for all its distance from our country, has nevertheless become a player on the American stage. Its willingness to cut off oil supplies to nations that have attracted its ire has a direct effect here because such bans inevitably lead to higher gas prices. And, of course, because Iran is a threat to our ally Israel, we are at risk of being drawn into a military conflict designed to reduce Iran’s fledgling nuclear capabilities.
The issue of oil prices is best handled first by developing internal resources and, over time, by weaning our country onto other types of energy. Neither is easy, but both are essential.
As to the military option, the United States should have learned its lesson from Iraq and Afghanistan, where we were drawn into lengthy, bloody conflicts for reasons that remain unclear to most Americans. We desperately need to avoid repeating the same mistake in Iran — particularly the eagerness with which we sent Americans into harm’s way.
As irritating as Iran has been, and can be, the best course for the United States is going to be to eliminate any dependence on foreign oil and avoid any new military expeditions.
6 thoughts on “Opinion: Avoid another costly war”
I am not sure about the Republicans although you may have a point there. This primary does seem more like it is about religion than what is good for the country. Although I am a christian (probably not a practicing one) I do recognize that there are other religions in the country. Can you imagine how they feel when they hear some of the stuff being said. I am sure about Iran, they are tried and proven.
The religious right in this country scares me almost as much as the Islamic terrorists. They want to tell us what to believe and how to live our private lives. Don’t assume that all Republicans or that all conservatives are religious. It simply isn’t true. I think religion should be left out of an election, but I am glad to know what a religious chauvinist Santorum is so we can campaign against him.
all these wars are pointless we are worried about poor nations who hate us becuz we’ve been bossing them around for so long and invading their countries.
if a country told use couldn’t hav nukes and then invaded us and built barracks and embassies here we would hate them and fight them and they would call us terrorist
I admit I am somewhat of a Hawk when it comes to people threatening me of my country. But, when it comes to Iran we can not apply the same values to these people as we would to most other country’s. They are religious nuts who use religion to get what they want most which is power. If the get the “A” bomb they will use it. Israel knows this and logistically they are in a very bad position. In their shoes I would have already taken care of business and Iran would no longer be a threat. You can not trust this administration to back anyone.
Larry,
Whne you say,”They are religious nuts who use religion to get what they want most which is power.” Are you still talking about Iran or the Republican Party. I’m not sure who the religious nuts are. Amercia has it’s fair share.
Yet those of this opinion, have also stopped dead projects that could help curb dependence of Mid-Eastern energy. Much faster than the direction they prescribe.
Iran is just as much a risk to us, as they are to Israel. Yet, we are supposed to ignore that friendship, sit on the sidelines.
Isolationism never works. Negotiation with thugs is an even worse policy. History is filled with examples to prove both points.
Remember, the problem does not lie with failed decisions, but failure to allow our military to do as they are trained, to win!