L etter to the editor
President Trump’s decision to take America into a war with Iran and his handling of the conflict have been disasters. Before accepting claims of victory or celebrating a new “deal,” we need to honestly look at what this war has cost.
American lives were put at risk. Billions of taxpayer dollars were spent. Oil prices went up, hurting families already struggling with high costs. Our military bases in the Middle East were attacked, putting our troops in danger. Our allies also suffered attacks and damage because they stood beside us.
We hurt relationships with some of our closest friends around the world. America is strongest when we work with our allies — not when we demand they do things our way. Good friends listen to each other. They do not bully each other.
The people of Iran also paid a terrible price. Their country was damaged, and ordinary families suffered. And after all this, we still have questions about whether Iran’s nuclear program has truly been stopped.
There are almost 200 countries in the world. America is powerful, but we share this planet with others. Texomans (or Oklahomans) understand that being strong does not mean picking every fight. It means knowing when to standfirm, when to listen, and when to work with others.
America’s greatest strength has never just been our military. It has been our ability to bring people together, solve problems, and stand for something bigger. That is the kind of American leadership the world needs.
Lynn Northcutt Vega Career Foreign Service Officer (ret.)
Board Member and Trustee, DACOR and DACOR Bacon House Foundation Member, National Security Leaders for America Member, The Steady State International Development and Foreign Affairs Professional