At the expense of sounding overly hawkish and unappreciative of the effects of war, I want to strongly recommend that maximum pressure be exerted on Iran during this current moment of chaos by the US and Israel.

It’s likely that Iran will be focused on forming a new government given that several senior officials were killed in a helicopter crash this week. By responding aggressively now, the US and Israel could inspire anarchy and an attitudinal change in the new lineup of leaders in Iran.

The big question is what are Iran’s intentions in the region short term and long term? Is Iran marking time until it develops a nuclear weapon? The US and the Middle East will be in a precarious predicament when, and if, Iran can back its threats with a weapon of mass destruction.

The world should expect Iran to ultimately step up its objective of destabilization of the region with its enemies when a bomb is in its arsenal. The new government of Iran will surely reflect the demented vision of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader. Khamenei will need to consider the temperature of Iranians throughout the country. There may be an opportunity to disrupt the country before the ayatollahs have a dangerous weapon and convince their followers to go to war on a larger scale.

I believe the drama of the leadership changes gives the US and Israel an opportune time to step up military actions against Iran. This can be done while they are pondering their next moves in the region. A total economic blitz is also advisable. Anything the US can do to create economic turmoil in Iran would be wise to implement. Of note, preventing Iran from selling oil would be a good strategy. In essence we should try to bankrupt Iran.

Militarily, the US and Israel have the right to defend themselves and their allies. Far greater responses to actions by Iran to destabilize the area are justified. This would include terrorism perpetrated by Iran’s proxies against the US, Israel and other countries.

Iran will not counter with an existential response because it cannot afford to enter into a full-blown war with the US and Israel. Targets should be military encampments and areas where Iran’s proxies are amassing. This would include actions against Hamas, Hezbollah and any other terrorist groups operating in the area. It is time to dramatically weaken Iran economically, diplomatically and militarily. It is highly doubtful any major countries would do anything to stop the US except to jawbone against our actions.

Of critical importance is an opportunity to destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Destroying these facilities will be a giant leap towards a safer and more peaceful Middle East.

Iran is becoming more of an existential threat every day. The efforts of Iran to build a nuclear bomb will come to fruition if the US or Israel does not respond before this fateful day. If Iran responds with force, it should be no problem for the US to destroy Iran expeditiously, as we did with Iraq in the first war.

There will be no peace until the threats of Iran are dealt with. Most of the world will appreciate efforts of the US to do so.

I have lived through a multitude of life experiences in my seven decades. Most of them have been happy and rewarding.

Of note, I have been blessed with wonderful children and a spectacular wife, a partner for many years. Additionally, I have had a few different careers that challenged me as a businessman and a person of letters.

During my life, there have also been some very sad moments when I lost confidence in my country and my fellow Americans. It seems as though the worst days have happened in recent years.

My early years in high school were very rewarding and fulfilling. My relationship with my parents, who are gone, was excellent throughout my time with them. Frankly, I never had a serious argument with my mom and dad. In fact, on Mother’s Day and I remembered my loving mom as most people on this occasion.

Career-wise, I was fortunate. My lifestyle for the last 50 years has been exciting as a businessman, author and blogger.

What has been disappointing are the challenges around the world that seriously damage my confidence in my fellow man, and women. Never-ending conflicts (ie.,Vietnam), continuing episodes of bigotry and genocide, insane moments of terrorism such as 9/11 and extreme polarization between America and other countries have been depressing and sometimes create existential threats to humanity. The latest conflict between Israel and Hamas has no logical end.

A lot has happened during my life, so I’ll focus on the last 10 to 15 years. I want to discuss my expectations for mankind and womankind.

Lifestyles around the world are not satisfactory in many places. Starvation, wars, genocide, bigotry, religious fanaticism and ignorance have played a major role in events during the last two decades. There are many who still fight with each other because they pray to a different god. And, there are many who carry thousand year grudges against other social groups.

Specifically, in America, college students are singing an old and disgraceful song; it’s entitled “Anti-Semitism.” On the heals of centuries of discrimination, including the Holocaust, some are once again attributing their hardships to Jews around the world.

Although Black Americans have made strides towards equality, the group still suffers from poverty, poor education and financial stress.

America sends aid to many countries that are supposed to 
ingratiate the US around the world. American arrogance taints our generosity, as the US stands alone on so many important issues affecting lives of so many. Read what diplomats say about America while speaking to the United Nations General Assembly.

Since foreign aid is a burden on our financial system, why wouldn’t we divert it to meet the needs of Americans who are homeless and hungry. We accommodate interlopers on our borders, caring for those who enter our country illegally, and there are thousands of people starving in America.

Our country has made little progress decreasing military expenditures. All the advanced weapons we build each year are not even being used to keep the peace, while many Americans don’t know where their next meal might come from.

One of the greatest disappointments has been our government. A lack of effective leadership has resulted in existential problems and unprecedented polarization. Republicans and Democrats must have productive debates about many issues. This polarization results in government paralysis. 

Urban schools are shameful. The government keeps throwing money at the system and every year students do not meet minimum standards and are far behind other developed countries. An over aggressive teachers’ union has been eroding our school for years.

My great expectations cover important issues in the world. Of particular importance is the need for more food, clean water, medicine and shelter for people everywhere.

We must stop wasting money on weapons that can end the world by conducting peaceful negotiations, in highly unstable areas around the globe. 

We must elect new leaders that can build an effective majority in Congress and in state and local  governments. Neither Trump nor Biden is competent in this regard.

We must learn to listen, teach, heal, and befriend others so that we can improve all the things that would make our world a better place to live.