Public Debate Can Only Help
With such powerful factors to be weighed on both sides of this dilemma, we need the best possible judgment to be brought to bear on our national decision-making.
In view of the terrible judgment this presidency has shown in Iraq, we need for Congress to weigh the options, in front of the American people and the whole world.
True, the administration would be constrained if the Congress were to find that the military option is a bad idea. But if it's a bad idea, taking it off the table is a good thing. (As for the value of a bluff --using a bad idea merely as a threat in order to get a good outcome-- the Bush administration has been rattling its saber at Iran for a good while now, and Iran has shown no signs of being intimidated.)
But if the case for the military option proves persuasive, the administration's hand would be greatly strengthened. The wider the support, the greater the pressure on Iran""which might increase the chance that the issue could be resolved favorably without violence. But if it did come to force, at least some of the divisiveness caused by the Iraq war might be minimized.
What would a wise and just American administration would do about Iran? The answer is not altogether clear, but we have no basis for trusting that this administration would provide it.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
