In a world that increasingly seems upside down, Americans find themselves grappling with turbulent geopolitics that echo the past. The stakes this time? Iran’s provocative actions in the Middle East and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. With the president dusting off President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s steadfast WWII rhetoric of “unconditional surrender,” it seems the 1940s have called and want their strategies back. Our modern-day adversary, Iran, continues to fiddle with regional stability, attempting to create chaos among its Gulf neighbors—a move that has predictably resulted in those neighbors uniting rather than dividing. It would almost be funny if it didn’t involve international missiles and drones.
From attempts to disrupt oil and natural gas facilities to taking aim at international airports, Iran clearly believes that causing a ruckus will somehow benefit them. Yet, after a whirlwind of diplomatic meetings in the Gulf, it appears they’ve managed to do the exact opposite. The ambassadors are more unified than ever, doubling down on their alliance with Washington rather than being torn from it. With all of their unity and newfound resolve, one might wonder who Iran thinks it’s dealing with—a group of squabbling city councilors squabbling over pothole repairs?
Meanwhile, the United Nations, that bastion of prolonged resolutions and strongly-worded letters, has chimed in with its usual tone of concern. The secretary-general noted, in that uniquely vague U.N. fashion, that unlawful attacks are causing all kinds of chaos. One might ponder who, exactly, these unlawful attackers could be. But, as this isn’t the first resolution-filled rodeo, it was reiterated that Iran must never wield a nuclear bomb. Indeed, they’re the largest state sponsor of terrorism and must not be equipped to turn their intrigue into nuclear reality. President Trump, unlike his predecessors, seems unwilling to practice the art of kicking the proverbial can down the road.
Then comes the complication of potential aid from those rogues’ gallery countries, Russia and China. There are whispers of Russia offering Iran intelligence, which is almost quaint considering the complexity of global friendships. As it stands, though, it appears Iran’s so-called allies are rather more invested in their own interests with the Gulf Arabs than in extending a helping hand to Tehran. These fair-weather friends are quick to back away when the going gets tough, while Washington stands steadfast with its Gulf allies.
In the midst of drone warfare and anti-drone technology, the U.S. is advancing with lasers and electronic warfare systems, sounding like a plot from a sci-fi film. The complexity of modern warfare challenges some systems, but all hands are on deck to counter these threats. As we march into this diplomatic and military quagmire, Americans can only hope that composure, common sense, and a bit of good old-fashioned determination prevail. With lines being drawn and alliances tested, the outcome remains to be seen. One thing’s for certain: this isn’t your grandfather’s international diplomacy.
