IRAN: WHAT EXACTLY ARE WE WAITING FOR?
By Michael Cunningham Sr. | U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Let me make something perfectly clear. I am a Republican. I believe in President Donald Trump, and I support nearly all of his policies. I believe in a strong America, a powerful military, and a government that puts American interests first.
But there is one thing I am having a difficult time understanding.
Why is this war with Iran still dragging on?
I support the objectives of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stopping its support for terrorism, and ending its ability to threaten American forces and our allies.
What I don't understand is why, after months of military operations, economic pressure, negotiations, and threats of further action, we still don't have a decisive conclusion.
I served in the United States Marine Corps from 1962 to 1966. I am certainly not claiming to know everything happening behind closed doors at the Pentagon. But I do know that the American military is an extraordinary fighting force.
And I believe that when we commit that military to a mission, we owe our service members a clearly defined objective and a strategy for accomplishing it.
If military action is necessary, then give our commanders the resources and authority to accomplish lawful military objectives. If ground troops are being considered, tell the American people exactly what they would accomplish, what the risks are, and how we intend to bring them home.
I am not interested in occupying Iran indefinitely or fighting another twenty-year war.
I want the Iranian regime's ability to threaten America and its neighbors brought to an end. I want the IRGC's military and terrorist capabilities dismantled. I want Iran's nuclear ambitions addressed with enforceable guarantees.
And I want the Iranian people, especially those who have suffered under their own government, to have a future that is not defined by endless conflict.
President Trump has repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to use American power. I support strength and decisive leadership. But strength also means knowing precisely what victory looks like.
If negotiations can achieve our objectives, then get the agreement done and make sure it can be verified. If negotiations cannot accomplish those objectives, the administration needs to explain its next steps.
My question is simple: What is our definition of victory in Iran, and what is the plan to achieve it?
The American people deserve an answer. Our men and women in uniform deserve one even more.
Semper Fi!
Michael Cunningham Sr.
mikesobservations.com
What do you think? Should America intensify military operations, continue negotiations and economic pressure, or pursue a different strategy?
