Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Containing Iran: Calls for Immediate Action Beyond Biden's and Harris's Failed Appeasement



Iran stands on the verge of nuclear weapons development, yet the international community's response to Tehran’s aggression has been one of repeated appeasement — a strategy that has clearly failed. Now is the time for a bold, decisive approach to confront the regime's nuclear ambitions, terrorism, and destabilization of the region. The world can no longer afford to rely on diplomacy alone; a comprehensive strategy of sanctions and force is urgently required to protect global security.

1. The Failure of Appeasement: Diplomacy Has Run Its Course

For decades, the international community, led by the United States and Europe, has pursued diplomacy as the primary means of containing Iran's nuclear ambitions and aggressive behaviour. Negotiations, such as the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), aimed to slow down Iran’s nuclear enrichment and bring it into compliance with international norms. But appeasement has had the opposite effect — emboldening Iran to expand its nuclear program, enhance its missile capabilities, and extend its influence through proxy warfare.

Instead of deterring aggression, diplomatic overtures without credible threats of consequences have allowed Iran to test the limits of international patience. This gradual easing of red lines — reminiscent of the proverbial frog in boiling water — has only led to more egregious violations. The 2015 nuclear deal, while a diplomatic success on paper, ultimately allowed Iran to continue uranium enrichment and left key issues like ballistic missile development untouched. Since then, Iran has resumed enriching uranium at dangerous levels, expelled International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors, and continued to support terrorism across the region.

2. Appeasement's Legacy: A More Dangerous Iran

The most glaring consequence of the failed appeasement strategy is Iran’s near-breakout nuclear status. Despite promises of transparency, Iran has enriched uranium to 60%, alarmingly close to weapons-grade levels. Meanwhile, Tehran has advanced its ballistic missile technology, creating delivery systems capable of striking far beyond the Middle East, threatening Europe and even the United States.

Iran’s defiance is not limited to its nuclear program. The regime continues to fund and arm proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, spreading instability across the region. The massacre by Hamas on October 7, Iran’s increasing attacks on US forces, and its violation of international maritime law highlight how appeasement has failed to temper Tehran’s aggression.

The international community has watched as Tehran built the largest ballistic missile arsenal in the region, systematically violated human rights, and expanded its proxy influence throughout the Middle East — all while facing minimal consequences. This track record proves that engagement without the backing of hard power has only emboldened the regime.

3. The True Cost of Appeasement: Regional and Global Instability

By repeatedly extending diplomatic olive branches, the West has allowed Iran to manipulate the international system. Tehran has become adept at using negotiations as a stalling tactic, continuing its nuclear advancements and aggressive foreign policy while keeping diplomatic channels open just enough to avoid decisive action.

Worse still, the world has normalized Iran’s escalations. What was once considered an intolerable violation, such as uranium enrichment beyond acceptable levels, is now a mere talking point in ongoing negotiations. This gradual erosion of standards has enabled Iran to push the boundaries of international tolerance, all the while inching closer to becoming a nuclear-armed state.

In addition, Iran's destabilizing actions have broader implications beyond the Middle East. Iran’s alliance with Russia in the Ukraine war, its support for terrorism, and its repeated targeting of international figures illustrate that Tehran’s ambitions reach far beyond its own borders. This is not just a regional issue but a global one.

4. A New Strategy: Moving Beyond Appeasement

The strategy of appeasement has run its course and must be replaced with a firmer approach. The US and its allies can no longer afford to treat Iran as a partner for peace. A clear and robust message must be sent that Iranian aggression will no longer be tolerated, and there will be immediate and significant consequences for further escalation.

A global coalition, led by the United States, must pivot from ineffective diplomacy to a strategy that combines both economic sanctions and military deterrence. The international community should trigger the “snapback” sanctions mechanism within the JCPOA framework and impose further economic pressure to weaken Iran’s regime. At the same time, a credible military threat against Iran’s nuclear facilities must be communicated — Iran must understand that its nuclear ambitions will be met with decisive force if it continues its pursuit.

5. Restoring Deterrence: The Role of Force

To prevent Iran from achieving nuclear weapons capability, the US and its allies must demonstrate that they are willing to take military action if necessary. The failure of appeasement has left no other option. The Biden administration should be applauded for quickly deploying military assets to the Middle East, but this must be followed up with clear ultimatums to Tehran. Iran must be made to understand that any further attacks on Israel, US personnel, or other allies will result in direct military consequences.

6. The Path Forward: A Unified Global Response

It is time for the international community to recognize the full scope of the threat posed by Iran. This regime’s actions are not just about regional dominance; they aim to challenge the entire Western security order. Iran's growing alliance with Russia, coupled with its proxy network in the Middle East, shows a concerted effort to disrupt global stability.

To confront this, the US, G-7 nations, European Union, and Arab allies must form a united front. Sanctions should be reimposed immediately, targeting critical sectors of Iran’s economy, including energy and banking. A multinational naval force should be deployed to safeguard international maritime routes, and strict measures should be enacted to cut off Iran's ability to arm and fund its proxies.

Moreover, Iran must face the prospect of direct military intervention if it continues to pursue nuclear weapons. Tehran must be forced back to the negotiating table, but this time with a clear understanding that diplomatic solutions will only be possible if accompanied by firm consequences.

7. Conclusion: No More Appeasement

The failure of appeasement has led to a more aggressive, dangerous, and emboldened Iran. The international community must now move beyond ineffective diplomacy and pursue a new strategy that combines crippling sanctions and the credible threat of military force. Only through such a decisive and unified response can Iran's nuclear ambitions be curtailed, its regional destabilization contained, and global security restored.

The time for appeasement has ended. It is time to act. START!

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Masked Protesters: A Threat to Democracy and Public Safety


The presence of masked protesters during demonstrations, across North America, must be unequivocally outlawed. Such actions must be labelled as attempts to undermine democracy, carried out by shirkers, idlers, and potential domestic terrorists under the Criminal Code. The anonymity provided by masks emboldens individuals to engage in destructive behaviours without accountability, threatening public safety, civil society and the rule of law.

One alarming example is the growing trend of masked gangs, often affiliated with student unions, storming university campuses and violently disrupting classes. This not only constitutes an attack on students’ rights to education but is also a criminal act of violence against individuals and property. Such behaviour is unlawful and unacceptable in any country or any democratic society.

The Rising Tide of Lawlessness across the USA and in Canada

In Toronto, Montreal, as well as in other parts of Canada, there has been a concerning rise in acts of lawlessness perpetrated by masked individuals—many of whom are delinquent juveniles or socially harmful elements within student union membership. This trend has been escalating at an alarming rate, with little intervention from politicians, law enforcement, or the courts. These masked protesters, often students or so-called "professional" activists, engage in activities that blur the line between protest and domestic terror.

The inaction of politicians and the judiciary has allowed these increasingly dangerous acts to go unchecked, endangering public safety and societal order. The courts, law enforcement agencies, and government officials must recognize these activities for what they truly represent: deliberate attempts to intimidate and coerce through violence in pursuit of political or social objectives. Such behaviour is nothing short of domestic terror.

No Room for Mischaracterization or Leniency

Unfortunately, today’s mainstream media—most of whom have socialist leanings—often mischaracterize these acts of violence as harmless pranks, hoaxes, or amusing displays of youthful defiance. Such trivialization undermines the seriousness of the situation and fails to acknowledge the true impact on society. Labelling masked protests as harmless fun excuses the dangerous anti-social behaviour of those involved, allowing them to evade responsibility for the harm they cause. In these instances, the media must be held accountable as well.

What the public must recognize is that this is not simply youthful rebellion or mischief; it is a calculated strategy to use fear and violence to force political or social change. By disrupting educational institutions, harassing students and faculty, and destroying property, these masked agitators demonstrate their contempt for democracy, order, and the rights of others.

Labelling Masked Violence for What It Is: Domestic Terror

The actions of these masked individuals, whether they are professional protesters, hooligans, or extremists within the student body, must be labelled for what they are: acts of domestic terror. These individuals use intimidation, violence, and property destruction to impose their will on the student body, the government, and the broader public, seeking to further political or social objectives. Such activities meet the very definition of terrorism under the USA; Canadian laws and international norms, as they aim to influence policy and society through violence and coercion.

These masked perpetrators are not merely disruptive forces within student unions. They are habitual offenders whose actions threaten the very fabric of democracy and social stability. They should be recognized and treated as social outlaws—shirkers and idlers who undermine the democratic values that Canada and the USA hold dear. The leniency with which they have been treated by political leaders and judges must come to an end. It is time to hold these individuals accountable under the full weight of the law.

A Call to Action: Protecting Democracy and Public Safety

Canada’s and US politicians, law enforcement agencies, and the judicial system must act swiftly and decisively to address this growing threat. Masked protests and violent disruptions of public order should be met with stringent legal consequences. No longer should these acts be trivialized or brushed aside as youthful mischief. Instead, they must be recognized for what they are: calculated attempts to destabilize democracy and coerce the public through violence.

The time has come to restore law and order and safeguard the values of democracy. Those who seek to destroy these values, whether through masked protests or acts of intimidation, must be held accountable. 

The US and Canada’s future depends on the strength of its institutions and the unwavering commitment to the rule of law.