Use of Force Against Iran Should Not Be Excluded
By David Holcberg (Los Angeles Times, July 27, 2004)

Re: "The Hawks and the Doves Are Aflutter Over U.S. Iran Policy" (July 23)

Danielle Pletka asserts that the "only rational course available to the U.S." for dealing with Iran excludes military action. Ms. Pletka's assertion is itself irrational.

"Diplomatic and economic tools… to embarrass the regime for its abysmal human rights abuses" certainly won't prevent the mullahs from developing--and using--nuclear weapons. Murderous dictators contemplating a nuclear attack won't budge out of fear of being embarrassed. Counting on the European Union and the International Atomic Energy Agency to change the mullahs' minds is also hopeless.

The United States has the moral right--indeed the moral obligation--to defend itself against its enemies by any means necessary, including the use of overwhelming force.