March 2, 2025

In a new column, George Will claims that “At last, the credibility of U.S. deterrence is being restored.” He doesn’t specify what, exactly, the U.S. is deterring. I say we’re just once again displaying our ability to blow shit up in other countries, something that no one, least of all our adversaries, contests.

Trump’s endgame in Iran — insofar as he even has one — is looking much less about liberation for Iranians and more about simply killing the rulers of the Islamic Republic. Iran has long been a regional sponsor of terrorism through its support of the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah. This also tracks with the strategic defense goals of Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The citizens of Iran have no means to overthrow the current ruling network, physically or politically. Whatever group assumes control after the mullahs are deposed could easily be far more repressive. But that’s not our problem, apparently. Our job was just to pry open Pandora’s box. We’ll see how that works out.

ARTWORK: Steve Lasko via AI