OPINION:
As the author of the first comprehensive economic analysis of economic sanctions and a follower of all our Iranian sanctions, I can state unequivocally that the renewed U.S. economic actions will bring lots of pain, but no strategic gain.
First, we are not dealing with Western rationality. Iran is run by ideological extremists who have abundantly demonstrated that no pain is too great for the Iranian people, as evidenced by their killing of thousands of their own.
Even targeted assassinations, useful for upsetting their planning, do not deter these zealots who see their own deaths as shahids (martyrs) as noble and leading to return of the 12th imam and the ascendency of global Islam.
Time is more on their side than ours. It is often said that while Iran has lost many military battles, it has never lost a negotiation.
Without kinetic action, real goals will not be achieved. Our munitions and Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) are running low. Our military personnel are being worn down. Time is not on our side.
The world is losing faith and respect for America’s decisive leader, who has become bogged down in what is now viewed as a very costly, fruitless confrontation. The economic pain from oil disruption is global and growing. Frictions with allies are high, and adversaries like China and North Korea are both smiling as they watch the show and question whether now is perhaps the time to flex their own military muscles.
The balance of power is dangerously shifting against us.
And American national will, clearly a critical element in national power, is rapidly eroding, thus making all future military actions more difficult and less supported.
The U.S. has overwhelming military force and a receptive Iranian population yearning for regime change. No one likes war and sadly, there will be fatalities, both American and Iranian.
But the purpose of our military is not to remain safe; it is to be a critical tool in achieving our strategic objectives. Now is the time, Mr. President, and our time is running short.
DONALD L. LOSMAN
Altamonte Springs, Florida
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