I am surprised by the mixed public reaction to the war with Iran and downfall of the Ayatollah. It feels similar to the global reaction after October 7. A fight against inhumane barbaric behavior toward a population should be something all humanity supports. It’s pretty obvious when a country’s mantra is “Death to America.” Unfortunately, like many issues, the argument becomes political. The president acted without congressional approval which is in itself up for debate. Many Democrats were critical because it was Trump’s decision and therefore Trump’s war, using the logic if he’s for it we’re against it. I have felt an undercurrent by the public of, “there he goes again.” Democratic Senator John Fetterman has recently been criticized by members of his own party for agreeing with the President on certain issues including the attack on Iran. Polarization has crept into every facet of government which can be detrimental to the country’s welfare. I have never been a fan of Donald Trump, but the good of the country should always trump politics.

The Secretary General of the U.N. Guiterrez, a diplomat who still hasn’t clearly condemned October 7 massacre perpetrated by Hamas, also criticized the attack on Iran. He wants all parties to return to the negotiation table, a place where Iran said their ballistic missile program that can reach the middle east, Europe and America is not up for discussion. This attitude is consistent with having Iran, a country that imprisons women for not wearing a proper head covering, as vice chair of the Social Development committee which promotes democracy and gender equality,

A sudden surprise is that some western European oil dependent countries like the UK, France, and Germany were in favor of removing the current Iran government and even offered to help and to provide staging areas within their territory. Their link is the common enemy to Russia who supports Iran. The Europeans are trying to play a stabilizing  role.

Following the enemy of my enemy principle Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and UAE were also attacked by Iran. Again, the reason is that they are friends of Iran’s number one and two enemies, Israel and the United States, big Satan, and and trailing close behind, little Satan. Why is Israel their greatest enemy. Is it because they were able to find oil and gas at the bottom of the sea and how to retrieve it? Do they not like Israel for supporting the rights of all ethnic groups in their country? It’s probably that Iran simply wants to eliminate all western influences ever since their revolution in 1979 and limit any influence on the region by the U.S. and Israel.

We have seen celebrations in European countries after the fall of the Ayatollah by Iranian people and other groups. I can understand their relief, but I prefer not to have a public celebration for the destruction of an enemy. Private reflection and satisfaction seems more appropriate. War is death and destruction that can eventually lead to freedom and opportunity. It’s a heavy price to pay for any nation but sometimes is required for the survival of society. Humanity must always be against a murderous dictatorship that punishes its citizenry for wanting and exercising their basic human rights.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)