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.
Let Iran Defeat Itself
English Summary
The article analyzes the shifting U.S. policy rhetoric regarding Iran, noting a pivot away from explicit calls for regime change. Key evidence cited includes statements from high-ranking officials (Trump, Hegseth, Vance) who initially suggested encouraging internal revolt but later downplayed the goal of overthrowing the government. This suggests that future U.S. strategy may favor limited, targeted military or economic pressure rather than large-scale, destabilizing interventions aimed at regime collapse. Policymakers should anticipate a focus on achieving strategic objectives without committing to the high risks associated with promoting internal revolution.
中文摘要
本文分析了美國關於伊朗的政策言論轉變，指出其已從公開呼籲推翻政權的立場轉向淡化此類主張。引用的關鍵證據包括高層官員（如川普、赫格塞斯、萬斯）的言論，他們最初曾暗示鼓勵內部起義，但後來卻淡化了推翻政府的目標。這顯示，美國未來的策略可能傾向於採取有限、有針對性的軍事或經濟壓力，而非旨在政權崩潰的大規模、造成不穩定的干預。政策制定者應預期，美國的重點將放在達成戰略目標上，而非承擔推動內部革命所伴隨的高風險。
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