An Act of War

            “This was an act of war.” When words such a these are uttered by a world leader, as U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did after Iran bombed Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities, the game is changed. It is no longer time for diplomacy and negotiations: acts of war demand a stronger response. Inaction can only be seen as weakness. Or worse.

            President Trump was quick to tweet that we are “locked and loaded.” This threat of retaliation was not, however, followed by an appropriate response. Instead, we were told of increased sanctions on Iran, as if past sanctions have ever had the desired effect on a regime bent on our destruction. Then the president proposed a coalition at the United Nations. But when has the UN ever presented a united front on any matter that could be seen as support for Israel against its enemies. In fact, Japan and France are already refusing to recognize that Iran was behind the attack, even in the face of incontrovertible evidence that it was.

            So, where does this leave us? What did Kim Jong-un do after he assured Trump he would dismantle his nuclear program? He started testing again. Has Trump invoked the Monroe Doctrine and booted the Russians and Chinese out of Venezuela? No, Maduro and his Cuban bosses are still in charge. But Iran is much worse. When Iran captured a naval vessel of ours and humiliated its crew for all the world to see, Trump did nothing. When Iran shot down one of our drones, Trump did nothing. And now with Saudi oil facilities ablaze what does Trump do?

            What will it take for President Trump to start acting as the leader of the most powerful country on earth? He can’t talk his way out of this one and he can’t do a deal with Iran. He must act from strength. He must strike back decisively. Or slink away like a weakling. Like a coward.

            Prove me wrong, Mr. President. Please.