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.
More Oil, Same War: Why Increased Exports Aren’t a Sign of Iran’s Imminent Defeat
English Summary
The CFR argues that the rebound in Middle Eastern oil exports does not signal Iran's imminent defeat or willingness to negotiate peace. While the conflict has caused severe economic strain on Iran and global energy prices, the regime remains resilient, continuing to escalate attacks via proxy forces and alternative shipping routes. The analysis warns that military action is an ineffective strategy for resolving the conflict. Instead, the only viable path to de-escalation is renewed diplomacy, which will likely require the U.S. to offer significant sanctions concessions to Iran.
中文摘要
美國外交關係理事會（CFR）認為，中東石油出口的復甦並不能代表伊朗即將戰敗或願意談判和平。儘管該衝突對伊朗和全球能源價格造成了嚴重的經濟壓力，但該政權仍保持著韌性，持續透過代理武力及替代航線升級攻擊。該分析警告指出，軍事行動並非解決衝突的有效策略。相反地，唯一可行的降級路徑是恢復外交努力，這很可能要求美國向伊朗提供重大的制裁讓步。
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