Can the U.S. dissuade Iran from building a nuclear weapon without having to resort to the use of military force?
American presidents have a mixed record of success in the post-World War II world of influencing the decision making of our adversaries and avoiding war. Where they have succeeded—the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis is the prime example—it was because they were prepared to use the full force of American power; and the adversary had no doubt that they would do so.
When it comes to Iran, Israel’s threat to use unilateral force complicates U.S. decision making, but it should not prevent Washington from taking the lead and doing what is necessary. (Read the full column at EWRoss.com)
Filed under: National Security, adversaries, American power, American presidents, assassination, avoiding war, building a nuclear weapon, core beliefs, covert activities, deep underground facilities, dissuading Iran, Ed Ross, enriched uranium, ewross, influencing decision making, intermediate range nuclear missiles in Cuba, international affairs, Iran, Iran’s nuclear program, Iranian nuclear scientists, Iranian weapons facilities, Israel-Iran conflict, Israel’s threat, military force, Moscow, nuclear war, Obama administration’s attempts, October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, oil exports, post-World War II world, President John Kennedy, sabotage attacks, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, showdown with the Soviet Union, Soviet decision makers, Soviet Politburo, Stuxnet virus, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the essence of ultimate decision remains impenetrable to the observer, The Washington Post, U.S. decision making, uranium enrichment, world view, World War II veteran, zone of immunity
