Bush Doctrine Could Apply to Iran

In a new security report, President Bush has reaffirmed that the so-called Bush doctrine remains in place, particularly with regard to Iran. Basically, Bush is saying that if diplomacy doesn’t stop Iran’s plans to develop nuclear weapons, we would be justified in attacking.

Interestingly, I think we would be more justified in attacking Iran to stop their development of nuclear weapons than we were in attacking Iraq. But I think there would be less national will to take that course. We could certainly manage an air campaign, but if ground troops are required, I think Bush will have an extremely hard time finding broad national support or even getting congressional approval.

Hopefully this current diplomatic conflict will not collapse into a military crisis. But if it does, I think our ability to respond with adequate force could be compromised by the war fatigue many Americans feel. Let’s pray this situation is resolved peacefully.