Be it Resolved, don’t stop now. The U.S. should join Israel and take out Iran’s nuclear program

Nov 1, 2024

In this thought-provoking discussion, Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, advocates for decisive military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities. He argues that now is the time for Israel to leverage its recent military successes to neutralize threats. On the other hand, Christopher Chivvis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, cautions against escalating tensions, fearing a wider regional conflict. The engaging debate contrasts military intervention with diplomatic avenues, highlighting the delicate balance of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

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INSIGHT

Iran Nuclear Threat

Five U.S. presidents have committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran with nuclear weapons would be a dangerous, genocidal regime.

INSIGHT

Escalating Middle East Conflict

The current conflict in the Middle East is escalating, with rising civilian casualties.
The U.S. has deployed significant military assets to the region.

INSIGHT

Iran's Nuclear Expansion

Iran's nuclear program is rapidly expanding, posing a serious threat.
Israel's retaliatory strikes have exposed vulnerabilities in Iran's defenses.

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Israel’s retaliatory air strikes against Iran last week targeted strategic military locations, including drone and ballistic missile manufacturing sites as well as air defense batteries. And while the mission has been celebrated as a successful one by both Israeli and US military officials, some argue that Israel should seize on the current moment – specifically the inability of Iran to defend itself against a large scale attack - to destroy its nuclear facilities, neutralize the threat to Israel, and restore stability to the Middle East. Critics argue that this plan would result in a significant military retaliation by the Iranian government that will lead to a wider regional war that will draw in Israel’s allies, in particular the United States. America must use all the resources and influences at its disposal to prevent Israel from further strikes against Iran and de-escalate this crisis before it’s too late.

Arguing in favour of the resolution is Mark Dubowitz. Mark is the CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a non-profit, non-partisan research institute focusing on foreign policy and national security.

Arguing against the resolution is Christopher Chivvis, senior fellow and director of the American Statecraft Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

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