[ April 25, 2024 ]
It was time for an administration to break foreign-policy ‘rules’
by Jonathan S. Tobin, editor-in-chief, JNS.org, January 3, 2020
What follows next is unclear, but by killing Iranian arch-terrorist Qassem Soleimani, Trump has broken the wheel of appeasement that enabled Tehran’s ongoing aggression.
For 20 years, he had sowed terror and confusion throughout the Middle East with impunity. As head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Qassem Soleimani was the mastermind of the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, as well as the second most powerful person within that oppressive Islamist theocracy. No matter how much mayhem he spread, he believed that he was untouchable. And three American administrations run by both Democrats and Republicans validated that belief, forgoing opportunities to kill the man who had the blood of many Americans and countless Syrians, Lebanese, Israelis and others on his hands.
Story continues below advertisementBut following the orchestration of attacks on American forces in Iraq and the staging of an assault on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Soleimani’s get-out-of-jail free card that he had been given by the international community and successive American presidents expired.
When an American drone killed him along with the leader of Iran’s Iraqi terrorist auxiliaries, what happened was more than a settling of scores. It proclaimed to the world that the old rules by which Iran had been able to do its worst against the United States, Israel and the West—never to face any consequences—were no longer valid.
Much like his moves to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the U.S. embassy there, Trump’s authorization of the attack on Soleimani proclaims that he has thrown out the foreign-policy rulebook that had restrained America in the past—rules that wound up shielding bad actors like Soleimani.
There’s no way of knowing how far the Iranian regime will go in order to retaliate for the major blow they have received. American citizens and assets are now at risk. Yet it is also possible that, as was the case with Trump’s pro-Israel policies, predictions of the world blowing up over this will be exaggerated.
What we do know is that this is likely to prove a crucial moment in the history of the modern Middle East. For 40 years since the Islamic Revolution took place in Iran, the regime has been able to go on pursuing its agenda of regional hegemony via terror and subversion with the West acting as if it could not or would not try to do much about it.
Indeed, the guiding principle of the Obama administration’s foreign policy was an effort to appease and accommodate the Iranians, no matter what they did. While President Barack Obama said he hoped that the nuclear deal he negotiated with Tehran in 2015 would enable the regime to “get right with the world.”
But the ayatollahs didn’t want that opportunity. What it wanted was the West’s seal of approval for their nuclear program and access to foreign markets to sell the oil that would finance their pet terrorists like the IRGC. It bluffed Obama into conceding point after point in the negotiations to where the pact actually guaranteed that Iran would eventually get a nuclear weapon, while at the same time enriching and empowering the regime. And after that, it doubled down on its adventurism laying waste to Syria while consolidating control in Lebanon and attempting to do the same in Iraq.
*The premise of much of the criticism of Trump’s decision on Soleimani rests on a false assumption. Those who lament the president’s trashing of conventional wisdom act as if he has upset a tradition that safeguarded American interests and lives. But it did nothing of the kind.*
What happened in Syria as Iran and its ally, President Bashar Assad, lay waste to that country was the direct consequence of American appeasement. The same is true of Iran’s ability to essentially take over Lebanon through its Hezbollah henchmen. And in recent weeks, Tehran’s efforts to do the same in Iraq involved direct attacks on Americans, culminating in the assault on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad ringing up troubling memories of both the 2012 Benghazi debacle and the seizure of American hostages during the takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979.
The argument against Trump’s foreign policy is that his actions are ill-considered, disregarding the advice of both experts and allies, and endangering the peace of the region and the world. Obama administration alumni, in particular, are saying that Trump is squandering chances for peace that the nuclear pact created.
No matter; the opposite is true. Killing Soleimani won’t start a war; Iran has been waging a hot war against America and its allies for years. Like Trump’s much-needed action in pulling out of a dangerous nuclear deal and reimposing sanctions on Iran—and even adding some new ones—the Soleimani operation makes it clear to Iran’s leaders, perhaps for the first time, that the costs of their provocations are now going to be borne by them, and not only their foes or the helpless population that groans under their despotic rule.
Playing by the rules—rules that served the interests of a rogue regime—is what endangered American lives and interests by making Iran stronger and feeling less constrained about employing its brutal and bloody tactics.
It is to be hoped that Iran’s remaining leaders are chastened, as well as angered by what has happened to their indispensable man of terror. Perhaps they will comprehend that the tables are turned, and it’s now time for them to start backing down, lest they find themselves embroiled in a conflict in which they will have far more to lose than the United States.
Whether or not happens, it’s also time for the chattering classes to stop pretending that Trump is the problem. It was high time that someone had the nerve to break the wheel that perpetuated Iran’s power and violence. Whatever happens next, a world in which the world’s leading state sponsor of terror is afraid of the United States can’t be much worse than one in which the ayatollahs have nothing but contempt for the Washington’s resolve to defend American interests.
The Truth Must be Told
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31 Comments
4 years ago
Those who invade and destroy nations, killing hundreds of thousands of civilians are terrorists. It is America who has been seeking war with Iran for decades, not the other way around. American think tanks have been writing about their plans to conquer Iran since at least the 1990s. This writer is delusional or lying.
4 years ago
Reply to
John Dragon
Yeah I remember when Jimmy F. Carter attacked Iran and slaughtered millions of innocent people … and forced them to go to war to kill millions more …
/sarc alert
4 years ago
Reply to
John Dragon
So according to you, Iran has been misunderstood and mistreated all these years, right? So I guess yo are moving there to show your support. Posting like you did generally shows the rest of the internet how uneducated and uninformed you really are. Iran does and has killed innocent people in the name of their religion.I personally think you are delusional and not looking at the facts.
4 years ago
Reply to
John Dragon
Kinda like the millions of kafir the f’ing muslums slaughtered in the 20th century right?
4 years ago
translation: There’s a new sheriff in town, and his name ain’t Neville Chamberlain …
4 years ago
Reply to
Dan Knight
LOL ! Agree. And Left/Liberals support illegals/jihadis !
Left/Liberal are also making ISIS / jihadis happy by making beheading fashionable https://tinyurl.com/y7k93bs9
Insane ?
4 years ago
Soleimani: Are you going to send a pallet full of cash and gold like Obama did?
Trump: Yea, go wait at the airport.
4 years ago
One of the Iranian thugs was reported to have said, “Trump will see how history is written.” Trump IS writing history, you sub-human inbred muzzloid thug!
4 years ago
Appeasement is the reason the Iranian Terrorist State has run amok, murdering American troops, coalition troops, and innocent citizens of all nations. The regime is in want of purging; President Trump is the first leader to grasp that fact. Obama shamelessly aligned himself with the Hassan Rouhani and his murderous henchmen. Thankfully, the President has a grasp on the history of appeasement; appeasing the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Mao were ruinous, to mention only a few.
Iran’s threats to annihilate the State of Israel and America are never-ending; it is time for this terror regime to meet its end without the wringing-of-hands. Iran’s allies are numerous, the EU, the treasonous Democrats, and others of the faux-Western Democracies. Until the eradication of Iran, the democratic people of the world will endure more death and malicious threats from this despicable, nihilistic regime.
4 years ago
Reply to
Wild_Bird
Thanks, Wild Bird, we all know the never-ending consequences regarding appeasement; thanks to Trump, he is knows the truth. Take care.
4 years ago
Reply to
Ziggy46
Yes they have murdered citizens from “all nations,” including their own.
I was in Iran in December 2008 shortly after obama became POTUS; and at that time there was revolt in the air. You could see it and hear it everywhere. Scarves were accidentally falling from women’s heads but most of all my husband and I were well received and greeted kindly by store owners and other citizens. They were all looking forward to the next election and throwing off the regime. When we got back home to the USA we could tell that they were expecting American support because their protest signs were written in English and not is Farsi. But of course we know that obama supported the mullahs and watched as people were gunned down in the streets.
4 years ago
Reply to
CreoleGumbo
We know Iranian families who, like you and your family, took refuge in America or other Western nations. It is the folks like you back home whose lives are placed in jeopardy by the reigning Mullahs. These said people did not despise our culture but adopted it. All of whom I met are successful and proud Americans. It counters the hatred of others who loathe America, the nation that offered them refuge and freedom. We, Americans, and others of Western nations take our freedom for granted, the freedom that is an election away from being lost.
Your post is a testament that one should not place every one of a race, creed into one group, CreoleGumbo. Indeed, Obama sided, aligned himself with the mullahs, as the Democrats do to this very day. The malicious threats toward America, Israel, by Iran are never-ending.
It will escalate; of that, there is no doubt. Americans must pull their heads out of their you know what; the enemies are not merely Iran but those in league with this terror state, the Democratic Party.
Sorry, I did not mean to prattle on and on. Take care.
4 years ago
Reply to
Ziggy46
Oh no everything you said is fine. I do not easily take offense
Except I must let you know that I am not Iranian nor am I of Iranian descent. I am Creole, thus the moniker, and a product of the USA. My paternal patriarch was elected into the Sons of the American revolution even though he was in Louisiana at the time of the Revolution. My husband’s parents are Iranian Jews and he was born in France post WWII. He was 3 when they migrated (legally) into the USA. He had never been to Iran either.
4 years ago
Reply to
CreoleGumbo
I must admit your moniker says it all but confused me, that’s easy these days. Wow, your family history is amazing. I realized you were from Louisiana, that did not go over my head. Just take care, all the best to you and yours this year. Let’s pray, the electorate is savvier politically than the Democrats assume. Take care.
4 years ago
Reply to
Ziggy46
A 6 month air campaign should do it. Limited boots on the ground after 60 days. No tanks no infantry until unconditional surrender is at hand.
How do we know if you can’t win with airpower alone – we have never tried it.
4 years ago
“…. Soleiaman, made the death of innocent people his sick passion, contributing to TERRORIST PLOTS as far away as New Delhi and London.” Capable commander, Shiite Empire’s chief crusader, was responsible for “many atrocities”. Overseeing slayer of “many victims”, large numbers of whom were Muslim. (Inconveniently overlooked by his mourners.)
Iranian agent of Middle East destabilization, fierce stalking predator of limitless budget: on far-traveling wings of subversion-assigned Mission, accomplished brooding Ayatollah’s nefarious bidding. Tyrant of Theocracy, Khomeini himself presides over homeland-occupying force of “terrorist warlords, who plunder their nation to finance bloodshed abroad.”
By Soleiamani’s repressive hand, IRANIANS who longed for freedom from oppression, were brutally suppressed, and “tortured and killed”. —- Where heard and tolerated, protesting angry mournful crowds for them? — Battered in prison, dead by execution, or cowered in homes, paralyzed in fear, under TERROR agency of hated Soleiamani, the terrible. (Photo of his master’s visit to Soleiamani’s black-clad family, offers chilling glimpse…)
Now his “reign of TERROR” terminated! Winds of death he gleefully sowed far and wide. Judgment incurred and finally reaped: sudden whirlwind roared-down from still dark sky, unexpected. Sword of his merciless violence, on his head explosively repaid. Descended swift as lightning bolts, his wickedness slew with booming thunder!
Vengeance exacted for dead hosts (Marines of Lebanon included), and those he arrogantly threatened!
Behold the mourners!
Over many wounded nations, he ploughed agony, ruthlessly planted regional misery. — For his imperious deeds blasted to hell! — Mullah’s stalking beast of terror, who gladly lived by bloody sword —- torn asunder! Boundless in boastful pride, Soleiamani arrogant of word, with haughty look invincible — blown to pieces mortal.
Before a fall, comes pride!
Night terror of nations, mass-suffering he inflicted on many people. Finally came due, his recompense delivered in fire from midnight darkness. Soleiamani, monster of Tehran, is no more! — The blood of many, avenged.
— Quotes from President’s address.
4 years ago
Neville Chamberlain met German aggression with diplomacy, instead of murdering German generals. This saved the UK from a war with Germany and saved millions of lives.
4 years ago
Reply to
lostlegends
Which lives? Certainly not the 6 million Jews who died in Hitler’s camps.
4 years ago
Only when our national interest is at stake or as punishment when they harm us.
NO MORE JOHN BOLTON WAR MONGERING for ENDLESS MEANINGLESS WARS!
4 years ago
My guess is Trump will NOT leave Iraq for a few months to make sure our interests are protected. Trump will leave when HE is ready. Too much of OUR blood was spent there defending these useless people. They now show their true colors.
We want to be sure Iran is not given access to the Saudi Arabia peninsula and that we are able to retaliate if needed.
When we do leave or even before, Trump should END ALL AID TO IRAQ. They are not grateful.
The map is self explanatory. I am sure Israel is closely watching this too….
http://lukensocialstudies.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/8/2/24827890/212036882.gif
4 years ago
Islam, the fascist, Jew hating, death cult is based on terror.
4 years ago
One look at even recent (last 100 years) history could have told anyone just how far appeasement will take you and that is always into defeat or war. This is why they edit history, so their fellow moronic leftists have an excuse to be fools by repeating mistakes that history has proven to be such.
4 years ago
The commiecrats in congress and their fifth-column counterparts in the Iraqi parliament are labeling the justifiable killing of Soleimani as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.
Wrong!
It was a violation of sovereignty alright but OURS! Embassies and diplomatic missions are, by international law, considered the sovereign territory of the country who occupies them and not the host country.
Iraq started all this by allowing the attack on our facility in Baghdad.
Trump 2020!
4 years ago
Trump has stated “cultural sites” are on the target list. Truth be told, all mosques are military sites. Islam when created by Muhammad was and is a political/military doctrine conceived for the sole purpose of raising an army to conquer the world. Muhammad disguised it as a religion. Islam is the greatest ruse in human history, also the one with the most blood on it’s hands.
4 years ago
Get all of the hold-over Obama team, and many current DOD, DOS officials in a room. Get their considered and measured advice – then do the exact opposite!! That is how Trump will win.
The islamists are nothing but cowards at heart.
4 years ago
Globalists will be destroyed globally.
4 years ago
this is f—ing bulls–t. the only potus who was a appeaser was obama!
