The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
America’s Best Chance to Transform Iran
English Summary
The article argues that the U.S. has a historic opportunity to fundamentally reshape the standoff with Iran, particularly if Donald Trump returns to office. This leverage is based on Iran's current vulnerabilities, including an economy suffering from sanctions and mismanagement, and a significantly weakened regional proxy network following recent conflicts. Coupled with mounting public resentment within the Islamic Republic, Washington is positioned to exert considerable influence. Strategically, the U.S. should capitalize on these weaknesses to achieve a profound transformation in the geopolitical relationship with Tehran.
中文摘要
本文論述美國有歷史性機會，特別是如果唐納德·川普重返白宮，從根本上重塑與伊朗之間的對峙局面。此種籌碼建立在伊朗當前的多重弱點之上，包括遭受制裁和管理不善的經濟，以及近期衝突後顯著削弱的區域代理人網絡。結合伊斯蘭共和國內部日益積累的民怨，華盛頓處於施加巨大影響力的有利位置。從戰略角度來看，美國應充分利用這些弱點，以實現與德黑蘭地緣政治關係的深刻轉型。
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