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 and Iran’s Long Road to Peace
English Summary
U.S.-Iranian relations are currently characterized by a volatile mix of optimism and deep skepticism. Recent high-level, in-person negotiations, involving key political figures like the U.S. Vice President and the Iranian Parliament Speaker, signal a serious, decade-long effort to achieve a lasting peace settlement. However, the article suggests that underlying tensions remain significant, indicating that diplomatic progress is fragile. Policymakers must recognize that while high-profile talks exist, the path to stability is complex and requires navigating deep-seated political and regional obstacles.
中文摘要
美伊關係目前呈現出樂觀與深層懷疑交織的動盪局面。近期涉及美國副總統和伊朗議會議長等關鍵政治人物的高層級面對面談判，顯示出一個旨在達成持久和平解決方案的長期努力。然而，本文指出潛在的緊張局勢依然顯著，表明外交進展極為脆弱。政策制定者必須認識到，儘管存在高調談判，但通往穩定的道路是複雜的，需要應對根深蒂固的政治和區域障礙。
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