Forget the Economy—This Election Is About Bombing Iran
Voters heading for the polls next week may think they’re casting a ballot for the party that can create the most jobs. In fact they’re voting on whether or not to bomb Iran.
Ever since the Berlin Wall fell, 21 years ago, leaving the US unrivaled in its military might, the nation’s two parties have differed most sharply about how to use their power.
A Republican president grabbed the reins with the first Gulf War, taking advantage of Saddam Hussein’s folly to invade the Middle East. Then came a Democrat, who generally opted for the “softer” course of Iraqi sanctions. George W. followed, using 9/11 to fuel two new Mideast invasions. And now we have a Democrat, restraining military power and imposing more sanctions.
In other words, we’re one Republican away from bombing Iran and starting another unwinnable war. Conservatives aren’t exactly shy about expressing this anti-Muslim venom, as Bill O’Reilly revealed last week on The View. Wall Street Journal writer Bret Stephens argued plainly in favor of attacking Iran in this exciting debate, winning more applause than his challenger, Roger Cohen of the New York Times. And John McCain reduced it to six hummable words in his last presidential campaign: “Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran.”
But as Tom Brokaw just pointed out, what politician wants to discuss the Middle East when the economy is affecting everyone, and wars are fought only by volunteers?
Well, that will change with the next Republican president—who may gain all the momentum he needs if his quietly pro-war colleagues prevail on November 2nd.
