OPINION:
Two Commentary pieces this week revealed different ways of learning the lessons of history.
“How to break Iran’s terrorist regime” (Web, July 28) by Clifford May reviews the half-century of Iranian promises of “Death to America” and concludes that President Trump was fully justified in taking action to ensure that Iran could not acquire nuclear warheads. He also makes also makes the case that an international waterway must not be ceded to Tehran.
The logical conclusion after reading this piece is that America and our allies cannot rely primarily on deterrence to prevent Iran from continuing to be a menace throughout the Middle East and beyond.
Through Operation Midnight Hammer, the most favorable conditions were created for the Iranian people to build a better future for their nation. Future activities should reinforce this position, as it represents the only real way forward to restoring peace.
By contrast, the second commentary piece, “Time to address the North Korean nuclear threat” (Web, July 28) by Joseph DeTrani, looks back on negotiations of nearly 30 years ago. These talks were unsuccessful in preventing that rogue nation from becoming a nuclear state.
Mr. DeTrani still believes that there are opportunities to wean North Korea away from the axis of evil and convince it to join civilized society.
Clearly, some history lessons are more difficult to accept than others.
STANLEY ORMAN
Rockville, Maryland
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