As the end of the year approaches and finals take their toll on our exhausted minds, I can’t help but notice how distracted we students have become from issues all around us. In fact, we may be on the verge of going to war against Iran, and very little attention on the part of the American people has been given to the situation.
A few days ago, an American drone (what appears to be a highly advanced stealth fighter) landed within Iranian borders. While U.S. representatives deny its presence in Iran as intentional, and claim it was headed to Afghanistan, this occurrence symbolizes American military strength and the distances it could easily reach. It is interpreted to be a hostile sign on our parts, and with Iran’s all but sane leadership, this will only encourage Ahmedinejad to push forward with the country’s nuclear program.
Countries of the region — particularly Israel, since the world cares very little about Arab nations, aside from their oil reserves — are beginning to feel threatened by Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. Moderate American allies such as the Kingdom of Jordan (where I am from), for example, are terrified of what might ensure if a war were to break out, let alone if nuclear power was to be exchanged. The entire region itself is so small that Jordan would be easily blown off the map.
Should we go to war with Iran? Let’s analyze this in a purely economic manner. While economics are definitely not my strong suit, it doesn’t take a Ph,D. to figure out how much this could potentially cost us. Since we are suffering from a deficit of about $15 trillion and are experiencing cuts in practically every sector, social welfare and higher education in particular. True, we are no longer in a recession since our GDP has increased in the last quarter; however, let’s not get ahead of ourselves — the LAST thing we need is another war, period.
From a global politics standpoint (my forte), it would make absolutely no sense to go to war with Iran. Recent British withdrawals of Iranian diplomats may signal that the world, or at least NATO, may be supportive of such war, but reality is a large portion of oil sent to Europe comes from Iran.
Likewise, Saudi Arabia would not be able to cover Iran’s export quota if something long-term were to ensue, creating a shortage in oil, which will sky rocket the price all over the world.
The U.S. should refrain from any hasty military decision-making on the Iranian nuclear issue. We need to remember that region has been through enough in the last decade, what with the two Gulf Wars, the Arab Spring, the Syrian crisis, and the current state-building endeavors of Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt.
It should be our role to work toward keeping order and upholding respect within the international community, not instigate wars we cannot take on; let’s be careful before someone decides to call our bluff. And don’t worry, Israel has 200-plus nuclear warheads — if push comes to shove, I’m sure it can hold its own — no need for us to get involved.
This article marks the end of my two-year run as a columnist for the Daily 49er. Thank you to my amazing editors Zien and Sonia, and to those who love/hate my writing: You’ve inspired me to push through and say what needs to be said. Happy holidays, everyone, and best of luck on finals!
Dina Al-Hayek is a senior political science major and contributing writer for the Daily 49er.
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