Guest Post by Miriam Judith.
This week, neocon GOP Senator Lindsey Graham introduced joint resolution authorizing the use of United States Armed Forces against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Like WMD in Iraq, Graham’s post presents Iran as an imminent nuclear danger, a characterization that fits long-standing political concerns and justifications for military action in the region.
In the resolution, Graham said that Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose a threat not only to Israel but also to global security. While the rhetoric may sound alarming, it is clear that this bill is less about protecting American interests and more about aligning US policy with foreign goals. This is exactly what America doesn’t need right now, especially with the election less than 3 months away.
Remember, our lawmakers also just passed an amendment as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will automatically register all US citizens of draft age with the Selective Service System for possible military drafts, based on information from other Federal agencies. database. They also try to pass the same mandate to women as well.
BREAKING: House of Representatives Passes Bill for Automatic Military Draft Registration for Young Men Between 18 and 26
Graham clearly couldn’t wait to meet the terms.
From his resolution to send Americans to die in the Middle East:
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF THE USE OF MILITARY PROPERTY AGAINST THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN.
The President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate forces against the Islamic Republic of Iran if the President determines that the Islamic Republic of Iran-
(1) is in the process of possessing nuclear weapons that threaten the national security interests of the United States; or
(2) possess uranium enriched to weapons grade, possess a nuclear warhead, or possess a delivery vehicle capable of carrying a nuclear warhead that threatens the national security interests of the United States.
SEC. 2. WAR POWERS REQUIREMENTS RESOLUTION.
(a) Special Statutory Authority.-Pursuant to section 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution (50 USC 1547(a)(1)), Congress declared that this section was intended to constitute a special statutory authority within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution (50 USC 1544(b)).
(b) Application of Other Requirements.-Nothing in this resolution overrides the requirements of the War Powers Resolution (50 USC 1541 et seq.).
The push for military action against Iran is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern of aligning US policy with the interests of our ‘greatest ally’ when it doesn’t benefit us stateside. This was clearly illustrated on Thursday in a post on X, where Graham openly asked the United States to go to war with Iran in support of Israel, admitting that “it is past time to start talking about violations” and saying that we should start attacking. direct state oil depot – without providing a single way in which American interests will be served.
However, Graham concluded his bloodthirsty speech by declaring “Now is the time” for the US to enter the war.
It is always good for the American administration to reassure Israel that we have returned to Iran and its proxies and will provide the necessary defense capabilities.
However, it is too late to start talking about violations when it comes to Iran’s threat to… pic.twitter.com/CeB6wSJOmQ
– Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 1, 2024
Senator Graham’s statement is an explicit endorsement of the use of American military power to defend the interests of other countries in the Middle East, regardless of the cost to American lives or national security – How has it been in Afghanistan for the past 20 years? Or Iraq? Or Syria? – His rhetorical and legislative efforts clearly demonstrate the prioritization of other countries’ priorities at the expense of American lives. It is the antithesis of America-First foreign policy standards and none of the other wars Trump has waged.
When senators argue that the resolution is necessary to counter Iranian aggression and protect US interests abroad, it is clear that the motivation is deeply entwined with loyalty to Israel. Graham, like many other members of the legislature, has the Israel lobby as a major donor. Between 2019 and 2024, Graham got the most dollars from the Republican Jewish Coalition, which gave more than 100,000 to its coffers according to Open Secrets.
Furthermore, if you extend the timeline back to 1990, Graham has received at least 18 dollars from pro-Israel groups, totaling over a million dollars. Only SIX Republicans have taken more than this lobby during this time, and they are some of the worst RINOs we have seen in the past few decades. The list includes Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Mitch McConnell, John McCain, and more.
The top spot on the list – regardless of party – goes to our current ‘president’ Joe Biden, who has received over $4.2 million.
Does anyone wonder why we are where we are today? This subservience to foreign interests ahead of America is the root problem plaguing all countries. This fact was perfectly illustrated by America-First Rep. Thomas Massie, who blew the whistle on this exact issue during an interview with Tucker Carlson last month. He revealed that every member of the GOP has an ‘AIPAC’ (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) handler who keeps them in line with Israel’s policy agenda… “like a babysitter.” Massie claims to be the only GOPer on the Hill without such a handler.
A surprised Tucker asks why he’s never heard of this before, to which Massie replies: “It’s no use to anyone. Why would he want to tell his constituents that he has a buddy system with other people representing foreign countries? There’s no point in congressmen telling you, so they’re not going to tell you.”
Watch:
.@TuckerCarlson interview Representative Thomas Massie (GoP)
“Everybody, except me, has AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee). pic.twitter.com/KXqsX0mD12
— ابو عمّار (@MaajidNawaz) June 11, 2024
To further prove Massie, the Israeli lobby is coming after his chair because he is not playing ball. They have spent hundreds of thousands, and likely more, trying to get rid of him this election cycle.
AIPAC claims to have spent over $400,000 on me this election cycle. Here are tonight’s results: pic.twitter.com/PmQ0G2Ol7D
– Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 22, 2024
As for this week’s news – by seeking military intervention in Iran on Israel’s behalf, Graham has the potential to drag the US into another protracted and costly conflict – while our debt is already over $35 trillion. The consequences of such an intervention could be far-reaching, increasing tensions and endangering American forces in a conflict that many argue does not directly serve US interests.
In short, the resolution to authorize military force against Iran is a stark betrayal of the America-First ideals that should guide US foreign policy. Their willingness to sacrifice American lives for the sake of Israel is a dangerous and irresponsible act.
As Graham continues to pursue policies that put foreign interests ahead of America’s security and well-being, it is imperative that Americans and policymakers hold themselves accountable and support foreign policies that truly put America first.
