By Matt Underwood Israel on high alert for the possibility of US intervention in Iran, sources say, and it’s understandable why. The situation is incredibly tense, and the pieces are definitely moving on the geopolitical chessboard. Reports about heightened activity around the Pentagon, coupled with a general sense of unease about potential military action, paint a clear picture: something is brewing.
The concern seems to be that any intervention, should it occur, could be “surgical” in nature, targeting specific infrastructure like missile factories or nuclear facilities. The worry isn’t necessarily against the regime, but against the citizens. This kind of action is often perceived as an act of ego, not an act of real support for the Iranian people, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Israel held the same apprehension.
The current protests in Iran, where people are showing their dissatisfaction with the Ayatollah’s rule, have clearly put things on a boiling point. Many see the current government as fundamentally flawed, supporting terrorism. The question, then, is whether these protests will be used as a pretext for intervention. If the Ayatollah’s leadership were to end, it might feel like a turning point, especially considering the current regime’s human rights record.
The desire to see the Iranian government change is palpable. A common sentiment is that the Iranian people deserve better, mirroring a call for international support, similar to what was seen when Iraq invaded Kuwait. The idea is simple: if the regime is bad, then it should go.
However, the path forward is complex. The call for America to “get it done” is met with mixed feelings. On one hand, there’s the perception of a need to liberate the people, on the other hand, the potential for escalation, unforeseen consequences, and a lasting impact on the region and the world.
The concern extends to what could happen after the regime falls. There is a concern that replacing the current regime could pave the way for an oligarchy. There are worries about which groups would fill the power vacuum. Regime change is a delicate operation, and without positive options and external support willing to fill the vacuum, it often leads to even more chaos and violence.
There is a sense that any intervention could potentially lead to a lot of damage. The focus, if the US does something, would be on precision, to make sure it is not the people who are suffering.