We Might Invade Iran

There's been talk about invading Iran for a couple of years ago. In the aftermath of our spectacular victory over Iraq (you remember those fifteen minutes when it seemed like everything had gone well, before we caught on that the Administration hadn't made any plans for the aftermath), there was talk of invading both Iran and Syria. But as it became clear that we would be stuck in Iraq for quite a little while, talk of invading Iran diminished (although it never went away).

Now it's on the rise again. Thomas Sowell's latest article is on the danger posed by a nuclear Iran. Some might disagree with my assessment, but I think Thomas Sowell is a serious commentator. Reading Cal Thomas or Ann Coulter foaming at the mouth about Iran doesn't mean a whole lot to me. They are going to do that anyway. But when Thomas Sowell takes up the banner, well, I start thinking the Conservatives are a little bit more serious about invading Iran.

Sowell's main theme is the classic "we are too soft to deal with our enemies the way they deserve."

But at that point, the choice is between being serious or being suicidal.

That is where we are internationally today. Many years ago, there was a book with the title "The Suicide of the West." It may have been ahead of its time.

The squeamishness, indecision, and wishful thinking of the West are its greatest dangers because the West has the power to destroy any other danger. But it does not have the will.

There is, however, another way to read this article. Along the way Sowell takes shots at those who are wimpy enough to care about torture or wiretapping. Which may be the real point; these are serious times so leave the President alone. Invoking the potential invasion of Iran may be Sowell's way of raising the stakes. Criticizing the President while we are fighting an insurgency in Iraq is one thing; criticizing while we prepare to invade Iran is another.

Still, Iran seems like a long way to go to change the subject.