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.
Only the Gulf Can End the Iran War
English Summary
The article argues that the protracted conflict with Iran is a strategic failure for all parties, making a cease-fire brokered by the Gulf Arab states the only viable exit strategy. The reasoning hinges on the Gulf states' economic dependence on stable energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz, providing them the motivation to mediate. This regional intervention would allow Iran and the United States to save face by exchanging economic relief for lifting maritime restrictions, thereby avoiding the painful concessions of a direct bilateral deal. Policymakers should recognize that regional cohesion among Gulf states is paramount, as their collective leadership is the necessary mechanism to de-escalate tensions and stabilize the region.
中文摘要
本文論述，與伊朗的曠日持久衝突對所有相關方而言皆是戰略失敗，因此，由海灣阿拉伯國家主導的停火，是唯一可行的退出策略。其論點核心在於，海灣國家對通過霍爾木茲海峽穩定能源出口具有經濟依賴性，這為他們提供了進行調解的動機。此一區域性介入將使伊朗和美國能夠透過交換經濟援助以換取解除海事限制，從而體面地避免直接雙邊協議可能帶來的痛苦讓步。政策制定者應認識到，海灣國家之間的區域凝聚力至關重要，因為其集體領導力是降低緊張局勢和穩定該地區的必要機制。
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