OPINION:
Right now, average Americans find themselves trapped in a relentless tug-of-war between the far right and the far left. Both extremes are tightening their grips, squeezing the life out of sensible debate and rational policy.
On one side, we have an extreme right-wing president who seems determined to confront nearly every nation on the planet, using threats as his blunt instruments of choice. Every time he speaks, it’s as if another nation is put on notice. His rhetoric pushes us closer to global conflict.
On the other side, the far left is recklessly advocating for slashing homeland security funding in the middle of a war, apparently blind to the catastrophic consequences such actions could unleash. Liberals’ unwillingness to support basic security measures — such as requiring IDs, which they call racist and/or sexist — ignores the real threats we face.
This is a dangerous cocktail, one that leaves our nation vulnerable and divided at the very moment unity and resolve are needed most.
Say what you will about President Trump (he is easy to hate and often hateful), but the reality is that we’re already locked into this conflict, and our only option now is to win. If we walk away, then we don’t just leave a power vacuum; we all but guarantee that another ruthless, nuclear-crazed dictator will seize control and set the stage for an even greater crisis down the road.
Even more alarming is that few are able to put two and two together regarding Iran’s military threat. Iran already possesses a massive arsenal of weaponized drones. All it takes is the development of drone-compatible nuclear warheads to transform Tehran into a truly formidable and unpredictable nuclear adversary.
Technological aid from Russia, China or North Korea could accelerate this threat even further. If Iran were to supply its worldwide proxy terrorist groups with nuclear-capable drones, then the global balance of power would be shaken to its core.
This is not just speculation; it’s a clear and present danger. We cannot afford to withdraw, allow another dictator to rise or permit the continuation of a nuclear weapons program.
It’s vital that we connect the dots. Iran’s combination of advanced drones and nuclear ambitions could make it one of the world’s most dangerous players, especially with its network of proxy terrorist groups worldwide.
The stakes could not be higher, and we must recognize the gravity of the situation before it’s too late.
LEIGHTON LOO
Mililani, Hawaii
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