I think the Trump Administration is missing a strategic opportunity. I do not know whether this reflects a lack of understanding of how power and legitimacy interact or the conviction that they should show strength.
It should bring a resolution to the United Nations Security Council protesting the mass execution of protesters in Iran and, possibly, propose UNSC action to protect Iranian civilians. That would accomplish several things:
- It would publicly and permanently establish the United States as defending universal human rights against a regime executing its own citizens.
- If vetoed by Russia, China, or both it would put the vetoing power on the record as publicly shielding mass executions.
- It establishes legitimacy and due process before any further action.
- It would not be impulsive or illegal.
That would not reflect weakness; it would reflect strength. Using the Security Council is not about winning the vote. It is about shaping legitimacy.
That’s the sort of strategic diplomatic thinking I find missing in U. S. policy.
