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.
Preparing for the Next Crisis
English Summary
The article highlights the critical importance of robust, timely early warning systems for civilian safety amid escalating conflict risks in the Gulf and Levant. While regional governments (e.g., Iran, UAE, Qatar) are investing in advanced mobile alert systems following recent escalations, the failure of such systems, as seen in Saudi Arabia, raises serious concerns. The evidence shows that effective warning mechanisms are becoming crucial for minimizing civilian casualties and injuries during attacks. Policymakers must prioritize the development and implementation of unified, community-based warning infrastructure to enhance resilience and preparedness across the region.
中文摘要
本文強調，在波斯灣和黎凡特地區衝突風險升級的背景下，穩健且及時的早期預警系統對於平民安全至關重要。儘管區域政府（例如伊朗、阿聯酋、卡達）在近期局勢升級後正投資於先進的移動警報系統，但像沙烏地阿拉伯所顯示的系統失效案例，引發了嚴重的擔憂。證據表明，有效的預警機制對於最大限度地減少攻擊期間的平民傷亡和傷害變得至關重要。政策制定者必須優先發展和實施統一的、社區基礎的預警基礎設施，以提升整個地區的韌性與準備程度。
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