Section I – The Birth of an Idea
During the George W Bush Administration, America was introduced to “Neoconservative” thinking. This oxymoron was intended to reflect an updated version of good old Republican values most Americans recognized if not loved. Neoconservatives argued that the United States represented the zenith of civilization offering a vibrant economy, military strength, and wholesome values which others would do well to emulate. A “think tank” named “Project for the New American Century” boasted a foreign policy designed to ensure the 21st century was made in America’s image. Hmmm.
“W” was not much of a thinker although IMO he eventually realized there was something fishy about his hubris filled, swaggering staff when they preached how America was right and others were not. “W” was more comfortable wearing nice suits and getting his picture taken then squaring up what his Vice President, Defense Secretary and others were saying with laws and the Constitution. So “W” side tracked his “compassionate conservative” label and read the scripts subordinates like Dick Cheney gave him.
And then there was 9/11.
The neoconservatives threw open doors and windows, and shouted from roof tops about the exceptionalism of America (google PNAC -Project For A New American Century) and how it was their duty to spread this thinking throughout the world but especially in the Muslim world.
No sooner had US forces ousted the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan than the neoconservatives set their sights on “nation building”. “We can’t allow terrorists to highjack Afghanistan again”, the neoconservatives said thumping their chests.
But that wasn’t enough. Cheney, Rumsfeld, Libby, Wolfowitz, etc pointed at Iraq’s Saddam Hussein and falsely connected him to 9/11. The Cheney cabal beat and beat war drums until the US invaded and occupied a sovereign country on trumped (pun) charges.
Black sites, enhanced interrogation (think Nazi Gestapo techniques), and Guantanamo Bay Detention center (created to be outside the jurisdiction of US courts!!!) were products of neoconservative thinking. Hmmm.
Section II – Rebirth
Fast forward. Following 8 years under President Barack Obama where logic and reason prevailed, the country elected Donald Trump. President Trump has turned out to govern in ways lacking logic or reason. The stage has been set for neoconservatism to return.
The decision to assassinate the Iranian General Qassem Soleimani smacks of Dick Cheney-esq foreign policy. (If you got the bigger stick, use it.) President Trump breathlessly raced to center stage in order to proclaim the assassination was on his order. Trump thinks he is a tough guy despite having had bone spurs when he had the chance to go to Vietnam.
One must be careful, however, in assigning credit or blame to President Trump with respect to the assassination. The President is an opportunist’s opportunist. One should instead look to those advising the President, who would gladly hand the President a loaded gun in a crowded room.
Neoconservatives are paternalistic ideologues who exemplify “father knows best”. Issues are reduced to black or white decisions which of course the neoconservative knows the best path forward. Regrettably, the world is not a dichotomy of choices where one path is clearly superior to the other. But authoritarian, paternalistic thinkers do not handle this possibility very well.
Iran is from an American’s perspective an opaque place where theocracy rules, women are subjugated, and free speech does not exist. Iran, however, is not illogical, and like Russia, has adopted a foreign policy which buffers the homeland with client organizations operating in neighboring countries. Iran does not want another Saddam Hussein ruling a neighboring country and subsequently invading Iran. Hence General Soleimani’s work as a Middle East “trouble maker” is not likely to end with his death.
Assassinating the General will not change Iran’s foreign policy, it will simply change who is pursuing that policy. Neoconservatives do not seem to recognize this subtlety and when confronted with more “bad behavior”, neocons will most likely reach for the hammer over using their words.
Section III – Teaching Points
There are ample reasons why President Trump ought be a one term President which have nothing to do with this recent assassination. With respect to Iran, however, the President has willingly become a tool of neocons. Judgement? While the buck stops with the President, voters would do well to realize there are neoconservatives behind many bushes and trees, poised to jump out and take control of a putty-like President.
In a strange way, the combination of President Trump and Neoconservative backers combines the worst of two dangerous forces. One must assume that neocon motivation is at least in part founded upon energy sector driven economics. The President has demonstrated a fondness for energy companies already and his America First motto fits Neoconservative rhetoric like a glove.
President Trump has tried anti-globalism, embraced trade wars, and championed xenophobia. Is neoconservatism next?