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.
The Price of Peace With Iran
English Summary
The article argues that continued maximalist diplomacy has failed, necessitating a comprehensive 'golden bridge' of compromise for lasting U.S.-Iran peace. This framework requires the U.S. to acknowledge Iran's right to peaceful nuclear development while Iran agrees to strict international oversight. Key to the deal is establishing a regional fund, financed by surcharges on goods transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which would finance reconstruction efforts across the Gulf. Implementing this compromise would stabilize the region, normalize relations, and provide a viable alternative to escalating military conflict.
中文摘要
本文論述，持續採取極端主義外交政策已然失敗，亟需建立一個全面的「黃金橋樑」式妥協框架，以實現持久的美國與伊朗和平關係。此框架要求美國承認伊朗和平核能發展的權利，而伊朗則同意接受嚴格的國際監督。該協議的關鍵在於設立一個區域基金，該基金將由通過霍爾木茲海峽的貨物徵收附加費來資助，用於資助整個波斯灣的重建工作。實施此類妥協方案，將有助於穩定該地區、正常化關係，並為升級軍事衝突提供一個可行的替代方案。
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