Whatsapp“The single most threatening country since Pearl Harbor.” Really? Is Iran the greatest threat to the USA since Pearl Harbor? That is perhaps an exaggeration. During the many decades of the Cold War, the United States certainly was in more precarious situations than it was now with Iran. But Levin is right. InterContinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) in the hands of the Ayatollahs absolutely presents a lethal threat to the United States of America, not just Israel.
The Cuban Missile Crisis was no minor issue. In the early 60’s John F. Kennedy found himself being tested by the leadership of the Soviet Union. The Soviets had steadily and stealthily smuggled in missiles into Cuba, it’s ally, that was located at the doorstep of the United States of America. Kennedy’s military leaders were squarely against allowing this threat to continue. Various ideas were recommended to Kennedy – but all included removing the missiles from Cuba.
Kennedy was very wary of allowing the dangerous situation from spiraling into a worldwide conflagration. Instead of attacking Cuba from the air, or conquering Cuba altogether, Kennedy decided to encircle Cuba and assume a tough diplomatic posture in order to allow the Soviets a way out of confrontation without embarrassment. It would seem, with hindsight, that Kennedy was right. America ended up removing missiles from Turkey but got out of the very dangerous situation of being under the threat of missiles in Cuba.
But more often than not, the only method that works with bullies is not diplomacy. On reflection, Kennedy backed up his diplomatic maneuvers with a bold navy encirclement of Cuba. Had Kennedy not ordered that step, the Soviets may have decided that Kennedy was too weak to be confrontational. But Kennedy proved them wrong.
Today, Donald Trump surprised many with his ordering of the bombing of Iran. It is one thing to support Israel. It is quite another thing to decide to take part in reinforcing the attack. But Trump realized that with this one decision, he probably is insuring a peaceful future for the duration of his Presidency and perhaps for many years afterwards. Future leaders should take note.
