Rather than working to bring our troops home, it appears our government is pursuing the rather disturbing course of further military entanglements in the Middle East. After invading Iraq under false pretenses and without any clear exit strategy (as if they want our military there indefinitely), it appears our leadership is now contemplating military action against another country in the region, Iran.

When will we learn that resorting to military action outside of international law, as well as being unjust, only leads to escalating conflict and more risk to everyone? If we strike Iran, we can only contemplate that they will search for a way to strike back – this could easily expand into something bigger than we bargain for – just as the war in Iraq has already. A belligerent policy of pre-emptive strikes will only lead to ever widening circles of conflict and an ever-decreasing list of friends and allies.

This is a good time to remember the old maxims such as: “Honesty is the best policy,” “Love of money is the root of evil” and “Virtue is its own reward.” If we invade or attack other countries for things we have done ourselves (developing nuclear weapons), or because it suits our business interests, then we can only expect that other societies will look down on our own and we sow the seeds of future terrorist violence and warfare.

Peter Sexton

John Cancelarich

Presque Isle