Source: The American Prospect
by Naomi Bethune
“Why did President Donald Trump launch Operation Epic Fury? He’s provided a stream of reasons: forcing regime change; destroying Iran’s missile capabilities (to eliminate what he called ‘imminent threats’); ‘annihilating’ the Iranian navy; ensuring that Iran cannot further develop nuclear weapons; and blocking Iran’s support of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Regardless of the reason (if one truly exists), such military action is at odds with Trump’s stated ‘America First’ foreign-policy strategy, ostensibly prioritizing unilateralist and noninterventionist behavior. Trump has routinely made a point of withdrawing from prominent international treaties and organizations (the Paris climate accords and North American Free Trade Agreement) in an effort to isolate American interests. Why, then, did Trump join Israel in going to war with Iran? What can history tell us about the possible outcomes of this decision?” (03/09/26)