Author: R. Alan Harrop, Ph.D.
How to deal with Iran’s determination to obtain nuclear weapons has been an issue facing several presidents prior to the Trump administration. Neither Obama nor Biden effectively dealt with the number one sponsor of terrorism in the world in this regard. Neither bribery or diplomacy has worked. President Trump is now addressing the issue head-on instead of kicking it down the road.
Back in January of this year, intelligence information clearly showed that in spite of oversight and inspections by the United Nations, Iran had been hiding its efforts to develop nuclear weapons. In fact, they were just weeks away from having their first nuclear weapon. The 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the Trade Center buildings in New York City should serve as a reminder that Islamist extremists are not rational, peace-seeking individuals. We should remember that the Iranian regime has been sponsoring “Death to America” protests and celebrated the death of almost 3,000 Americans on 9/11. Let’s face it, we are dealing with a death cult. The Islamist terrorists that flew four hijacked planes on 9/11 were fully prepared to die for their cause (destroying infidels in general and America in particular). Death to a true Islamic believer is not something to be avoided, but is sought after in order to obtain an afterlife that is more rewarding than what they are living today. Remember they believe they will have access to multiple virgins. The question that needs answering is, “Would the perpetrators of 9/11 have attacked with nuclear weapons if they had access to them?” Answer–Definitely.
There is an old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Ask yourself this question, “Would the world have been better off eliminating the Hitler regime before it was sufficiently armed to carry out his promises to expand Germany and eliminate Jews and start what turned out to be the most devastating war in all of history?” Clearly, the answer is yes. I remember the photos of the British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlin coming back from a meeting with Hitler and waving a paper document believing he had eliminated Hitler’s threat. Another false promise. Evil is not so easily stopped.
The reality is that any effort to stop evil comes with a price. The world in general, including the people of the United States, are paying a price for the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and also the conflict with Iran. That price is primarily higher fuel costs and the resulting inflation of all items transported by vehicles. Again, using WWII as an example, there were 406,000 American servicemen killed during that war. There were also dramatic economic costs to the average American to defeat Germany and Japan. Most of us are too young to remember, but here are a few examples: Food was rationed, especially meat, canned goods, sugar and produce. Ration cards were required when purchasing these items. Gasoline was also rationed and tires were simply not available. No new automobiles were built from February 1942 until October 1945. Spare parts were not readily available. Bicycles, typewriters, washing machines and other appliances were not manufactured. Clothes were in short supply and lines were long and store shelves empty. I remember having blackout window shades in our apartment in New York City. The point I am trying to make is that the increase in fuel prices pales in significance to the sacrifices of another generation when evil was allowed to flourish. Would a nuclear armed Iran lead to WWIII? It is certainly possible.
So, the bottom line is whether our generation of Americans is willing to shoulder the burden of increased fuel costs to reign in the evil regime in Iran. This election will answer that question.