Given the rapidity at which war with Iran appears to be approaching I want to go on the record. I am opposed to the U. S. going to war with Iran at this time. I’ve made these arguments before. I am not re-litigating them. I am restating my position in light of events. A just war has three requirements: just ends, just means, just authority. War with Iran does not meet the standards for a just war, in particular just cause and just authority.
If President Trump thinks otherwise, he needs to make his case to the Congress.
I do not claim that Iran’s mullahs or their rule are good or that Iran is not doing anything that conflicts with U. S. interests. My claims are narrower: we do not go to war on executive impulse.
TACO or FAFO.
TACO in this case. Iran isn’t Venezuela. It’s government isn’t as far gone in its relations with its people or its neighbors.
Just as an example, its leader(s) aren’t protected by foreign bodyguards as was Maduro in Venezuela.
OTOH; if Trump simply leaves Iran’s government to continue its economic mismanagement while oil prices stay very low — the continuing hyperinflation will rot away the foundations of Iran’s government.
They definitely are. Look up the basiji.
A just war is what the US says is just. If nothing else, the AUMF is still active, and it is the standard and norm to twist that into some justification.
President Trump has decided in his second term he will be a wartime president. He is fishing around for something big enough to satisfy that itch.
The problem with having a “big stick” is that most people do not want to “walk softly”. Like it or not, “might makes right.”
This is the problem with a large capable military. I enjoy the security it provides, but the standard and norm is to use it for extracurricular activities.
My sense is that Trump intends to just heavily bomb Iran and will claim that it’s not really war. Congress wont intercede and SCOTUS would have to receive an appeal from someone with standing and that will take months. Even then SCOTUS will grant Trump anything he wants when it comes to CinC powers.
I think the admin has been having trouble articulating a clear cause for this attack as it is largely for the benefit of Israel and some of his new Arab buddies who have been buying his crypto and “investing” in Kushner’s financial adventures. Maybe some quid pro quo for providing money for his project in Gaza? Anyway, he cant say that stuff out loud, not that he would ever face consequences anyway, so we get vague, multiple reasons about protestors or needing to destroy nuke sites we already destroyed. Surely he didnt lie about our bestest ever bomb attacks on Iran recently?
Steve
Didn’t Trump destroy any possibility of Iran producing nuclear weapons?
I checked, the basiji is overwhelmingly composed of Iranians. And supposedly the units that protect the government leadership is composed of Iranians.
TB- Trump said he did but he is also claiming we need to attack again so they cant make nuclear weapons. Dave is worrying about a just cause. I am trying to figure out if there is any cause other than some quid pro quo.
Steve