Ron Paul spoke out against U.S. involvement in Syria yesterday, pointing out Russia has a legitimate security interest and may view our interference in Syria as compromising Russian regional security. Yes, Russia turned around the attack helicopter ship, but this may have compromised Russia's ability to operate in the region. Does Russia have a legitimate interest in the region? Yes, it does. Should the United States flex its power to convince Russia not to supply Syria in this rebellion? Yes.
This may leave a bad taste in the mouths of Ron Paul supporters and I have surprised myself in my statement, but the truth is, Russia and the United States keep each other in check. If the United States did not keep Russia in check, Russia would establish bases around the world and not think twice in military interventions. If Russia did not keep the United States in check.... oh. Well, it seems Russia needs to do a little better job in this. Currently, Russia is keeping America in check on Iran, not allowing the U.N. Security Council into Iran. Trade sanctions so far have been the most effective tool used by the U.S. and the EU, limiting the funds Iran has on hand to further its nuclear ambitions. There is a danger in this that I will cover later in this post. China on the other hand is doing an excellent job in keeping us out of North Korea. The DMZ is the most militarized border on the planet Earth and could become a nuclear war zone if North Korea has developed a short ranged warhead. It is certainly in the United States foreign interests to invade North Korea. The United States is reliant on her partners around the world and uniting the two Koreas would reinforce the relationship the region has to the U.S. However, it is not China by herself that has kept the United States from invading, but it is the difference in net benefit between invasion and any other solution. As long as the United States sees a greater gain in peaceful resolution, it will not resort to military intervention. China plays a role in maintaining a greater gain in peace.
Often, trade sanctions are used in place of military threats. Trade wars pop up from time to time and these are dangerous tools in international politics. To starve a nation of resources is to make the nation lean, efficient, better at getting more out of what they have. When a country comes out from underneath a trade sanction, the economy is actually healthier in some aspects, even if it is weaker than before. Points in the economy which were inefficient are revealed and can be addressed. The old addage, do not practice war too often against your enemies, lest they learn the art of war, applies to the conflict between the United States, a country heavily reliant on trade and inefficient, and Iran, a country who has declared a clear goal in resource independence. In imposing trade sanctions, the U.S. is forcing Iran to improve her own economy, and become a much more deadly foe for the United States.
- Servus
