A recent poll by Pew Research shows that Americans have learned very little, over the past 10 years, about the dangers of jumping to conclusions about going to war:
The public approves of direct negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, although most Americans are not hopeful the talks will succeed. And a strong majority (61%) says that it is more important to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even if it means taking military action. Far fewer (24%) say it is more important to avoid a military conflict with Iran, if it means that the country may develop nuclear weapons.
The public apparently feels comfortable supporting a war without considering:
1) whether military action would be effective in denying Iran nuclear capabilities;
and 2) the kind of military action required to succeed.
Is the public really prepared to occupy another country in the Middle East for an indefinite period of time?
Apparently the public also thinks Iran cannot will not accept incentives to decline to develop nuclear weapons, and if they the weapons they would inevitably use them for offensive purposes.
This despite the fact that Iran over its history has never attacked anyone. Furthermore, if they were to use their nuclear weapons, for instance against Israel, their country would be instantly destroyed. Is the Iranian leadership committed to self-destruction?
It seems to me we recently got ourselves into lots of trouble by assuming the leadership of another country was fundamentally irrational and bent on destruction.
It is insanity to keep making the same mistake while expecting a different outcome.
