Ayatollah Khomeini, leader of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, had a saying: “The Americans cannot do a damned thing.” Tehran has tested that proposition time and again — conspiring, over three decades, to kill Americans in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Now we have learned of an audacious plot to launch terrorist attacks on American soil. One hesitates to imagine the consequences if, after this, we allow Khomeini’s heirs to acquire nuclear weapons. No one will be able to say we were not warned.
Lessons? Short term, Iran must be made to pay a price. The sanctions implemented so far have been only a shot across the bow. There is much more that can be done to isolate Iran economically and diplomatically. In addition, the millions of Iranians who oppose the theocratic regime should be supported and empowered. And there are other measures, more painful, that can be taken. We need to make clear that they are very much on the table.
Longer term, we need to finally recognize that Iran and other self-proclaimed jihadi regimes and groups are waging a war — a real war, not a metaphoric war. In response, America’s economic policies must become national-security policies. As Bernie Marcus, the entrepreneur who founded Home Depot recently said: “If the country is not strong economically, we can’t be strong period.”
Energy policy also must become national-security policy. Right now, 97 percent of all transportation systems in the United States can run only on petroleum-based products. That makes oil a strategic commodity, one whose price is manipulated by OPEC, a conspiracy in restraint of trade dominated by Iran and other regimes hostile to America.
If transportation fuel were more abundant and cheaper, that would weaken OPEC — while strengthening both our economy and national security. How do we get there from here?
Most immediately: Re-open the Gulf of Mexico to oil production. In 2010, following an offshore-drilling rig explosion, the federal government instituted a moratorium on deepwater drilling in the Gulf and halted much of the shallow-water drilling as well. It was essential to find out whether other rigs were at risk. Once that question was answered, the moratorium was lifted — in theory. In fact, the Interior Department has been refusing to issue permits for offshore operations.
I don’t think we would be in this mess if Carter had the coconuts to deal with them years ago, but that’s just my opinion.
Why do I feel a presidential apology coming to Ayatollah Khomeini? That will ease tensions.
Reading that article made me think it was 1979 again! I can remember when our leaders told us how we would all be free of foreign oil by 1990. They had imposed the national 55mph, went to deasil engines in pick-ups, and some cars. Old Jimmy Peanut Brain reassured us all with his famous speech were he wore that thick sweater, and told us all how we could all wear one too just like him, and turn the thermostat down to 68. But here we are with the speed limit at 70 again, and limits on oil production. Better car mileage today but still hardcore oil junkies. As far going after Iran? We can always put an embargo back on the Pink Pistachios like we did then. Wow! Those evil Iranians must still be dealing with emotional scars from such cold and hurtful actions on our part. Obi in all probability will just talk more smack.