“Despite nations’ nuclear arsenals and their power to destroy the world, mankind’s predisposition for war appears inevitable. But why?” — John Johnson II, 06/25/25
By John Johnson II
Since the American Revolutionary War, humanity has endured countless conflicts. Still, America’s so-called “wars” — from Vietnam to Afghanistan — were not wars in the traditional sense, but prolonged and senseless struggles. These missions lacked clarity, achievable goals, and a true understanding of war’s ultimate purpose: to destroy an enemy’s capacity and will to wage war again.
In Vietnam, America lost over 58,000 military service members trying to halt communism — only for Vietnam to unify under communist rule in 1975. In Afghanistan, our Nation spent over $2 trillion trying to install democracy, only to see the Taliban reclaim power after America’s 2021 withdrawal. These efforts, spanning decades, achieved none of their strategic goals — and left behind devastation, disillusionment, and veterans bearing permanent scars.
Sadly, history repeats itself. On June 22, 2025, President Trump decided to pause Iran’s negotiations and instead, eliminate their nuclear facilities. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, from the depths of a bunker, has promised retribution — either as a martyr or from possessing unknown weapons capable of launching missiles loaded with particles of the hidden enriched uranium. And with that, the world teeters on the edge again.
How do you confront a hostile regime without endangering its innocent citizens? How do you respect the sovereignty of a nation that calls for the destruction of others? And how long can America play a game of diplomacy when its military bases
— such as the one in Qatar — comes under attack? Think for a moment, Iran has dared to threaten America’s sovereignty without having a nuclear weapon. Just imagine the consequences if they possessed such a weapon.
President Trump now stands at a crossroads: continue targeted strikes, persist in diplomacy, or seek a formal Declaration of War? Amazingly, the President has chosen to exhibit a degree of prudence rather than launching more bombings against Iran.
For the world to see, President Trump’s military action along with his extended diplomacy, Iran’s Leader, Ali Khamenei has recently agreed to a ceasefire. Israel at the insistence of the President, should likewise, agree to begin a ceasefire immediately. Failure to reach a binding peace agreement between Israel and Iran is not an option being considered by our government.
However, if Iran refuses to maintain the ceasefire agreement as well as abandon its nuclear weapons aspirations, its fate may become perilous. Regrettably, if America must choose war, it must honor international law and act to protect Iranian civilians.
Yet, America’s goal must be clear: eliminate Iran’s ability and intent to threaten the U.S., Israel, or any of its allies —permanently. No prolonged entanglement. No endless struggles.
YOU BE THE JUDGE!
