Ben Wolfgang is correct when he writes that Iran is the “root cause” of instability in the Middle East (“No way out? Iran bogs down another U.S. president in Middle East morass,” web, Jan. 22). And it’s equally important to note why this is the case — and what can be done to address the problem.

Iran is an imperialist and revisionist power that seeks to upset the status quo and become the preponderant force in the region. The ruling mullahs want the United States banished, Israel destroyed and America’s longtime Arab allies overthrown.

And to the extent that they’ve succeeded, it is because Washington has failed to deter them from these objectives, often believing that appeasement is a “safer” choice. Events have clearly shown otherwise.

But by reversing course and standing forthrightly with regional pillars such as Israel in its battle against Iranian proxies, the United States can signal resolve and restore deterrence.

Henry Kissinger once asserted that Iran must decide “whether it is a nation or a cause.” Yet the Islamic Republic’s decision — to lead an Islamic revolution across the region and beyond — has always been clear. The U.S. must stop pretending otherwise.

SEAN DURNS

Senior research analyst

Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis

Washington

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