The West is “outraged” at Iran’s recent drone attack, but it was provoked! Let’s remember Israel first bombed the Iranian embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, killing at least seven. This assassination was in clear violation of international law (to which the U.S. is a signatory), but that’s “OK” because the Israelis are the “good guys” and Iran and Syria are the enemy. (While there is much to condemn about Iran and Syria, it seems all’s fair in love and war!) In retaliation, Iran launched its drone/ missile strike, which I’m told they informed the U.S. about and which had about as much chance of success as a snowball in hell.

Not only did Israel have the U.S. supplied Iron Dome, but also aircraft, anti-missile weaponry and military intelligence from several countries (US, Great Britain, Jordan to name but a few). Now the West awaits the “measured” Israeli response. Yeah, I’ll bet! The larger story in all of this is that the U.S. is once again at war in the Middle East. The U.S. has no (acknowledged) boots on the ground yet. However, besides our enormous naval presence, we are providing actionable intelligence and extensive air cover, freeing Israel to pursue its grotesque ground strategy. Israel has provoked the wider war and the U.S. has cleverly been drawn into it. Netanyahu and company want this war. I don’t, and I don’t want a dime of my tax dollars paying for it.

Gregory Davis

Salem