DEAR CRABBY: Our President Hates Israel and Loves Iran

DEAR CRABBY: Our President is making a mess of things in the Middle East, and it all starts with how he is treating Israel.  Israel is our greatest friend and a triumphant example of democracy.  He needs to be tougher on Iran and more supportive of Israel.  He needs to stop being diplomatic with Iran, and start being more forceful.  How can anybody dispute these facts?  - Into Israel

DEAR INTO:  Facts would be a great place to start.  What should the President be doing in respect to Iran that he already isn’t doing?  Is there something short of war?  If not, and if what you are really saying is that we need to go to war with Iran, then you need to provide a detailed explanation of how you think that war will go and what will happen afterward.  We need to be done with ill planned wars.  It should be required that if you suggest war, you need to give a detailed plan along with that suggestion.  You need to also be aware that such talk impacts the situation. 

While we are at it what has the President done that is unfriendly to Israel?  When you make an accusation, you should back it up with facts.  Also, why should we be so into Israel?  Last I checked, Israeli interests aren’t identical to American interests.  It also doesn’t seem smart to have Israel be out only ally in the region.  Plus … what about the Palestinians?  What about others that live under Israeli rule but don’t enjoy the fruits of their wonderful democracy?  What about Iranians?  Are we really going to keep talking about Iran as if it is a monolith of evil? 

We also need to be clear about our place in the world.  We aren’t all powerful.  We can’t simply impose our will.  We also can’t expect people to agree with us just because we are America or because we think that once we have helped a country out they should make it their national policy to agree with us.  Like it or not, international problems can only be solved through negotiation and compromise. 

So … feel free to criticize the President for his foreign policy decisions.  Just bring some facts with you when you do, along with an awareness of the very real constraints he faces.  It is true that no one can dispute the facts your present if you don’t present any, but that hardly seems like the best approach to solving problems.