ACCOUNTABILITY

Call for Accountable Leadership

May the Scales Fall Off Our Eyes · War and Accountability · Rollin E. Trueblood, USMC (Ret.)

Citizens,

There is a model in our own history that reflects strength guided by wisdom rather than division. George H. W. Bush, a Republican, led this nation through the Gulf War in a way that unified rather than divided. He came before Congress, presented a clear plan, built a strong international coalition, and ensured that both political parties were informed and involved. Under his leadership, with the steady execution of Norman Schwarzkopf, the mission was defined, communicated, and carried out with precision.

This was done the correct way — not as a partisan effort, but as a national one — where leaders from both sides had the opportunity to understand, advise, and represent their constituents. This process produces not just strength, but wisdom.

The United States should immediately pursue a coalition-based diplomatic off-ramp with Iran. The first goal should be reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending mutual blockades. The second goal should be a narrow yet enforceable nuclear agreement. This must not be handled by one president acting alone. Congress must be involved, and just as in the Gulf War model, a strong coalition should be formed.

At present, our allies appear reluctant to engage at the level being requested — not from lack of capability or resolve, but from the absence of a clear, defined, unified plan, such as the one presented under President Bush. The surrounding regional nations have a direct stake, greater proximity, and greater consequences, and therefore carry the primary responsibility to come together, develop a coalition, and take an active role in addressing the threat. The United States should lead, but not carry the burden alone.

This mission must have clear objectives, clear limits, and defined exit strategies. America should be strong, but strength without wisdom can drag the whole world into consequences that no one can control.

History does not lie. It shows that when nations are pushed to the edge, they often resort to scorched earth tactics — destroying infrastructure, resources, and anything of value so that nothing remains to be gained by the aggressor. From the Civil War through more modern conflicts, this pattern has repeated itself. During the Iraq War, oil wells were set ablaze, causing widespread environmental and worldwide economic damage. The effects did not end there. Many members of our armed forces still live with long-term health consequences from exposure to toxic conditions.

When a nation believes it has nothing left to lose, it may choose destruction over surrender. That is the risk of unchecked escalation. We must understand history clearly enough to recognize that this possibility exists in the current situation, and act with restraint, wisdom, and coalitional support to prevent consequences that cannot be reversed.

Recommendations

1. Separate the issues by first reopening the Strait of Hormuz, stabilizing global markets and trade.
2. Address nuclear concerns independently through a focused and enforceable agreement that clearly prohibits Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
3. Form a strong international coalition modeled after past successful efforts rather than acting individually.
4. Require active involvement from surrounding regional nations that bear the greatest risk and responsibility for long-term stability.
5. Ensure Congress is fully engaged with the American people, properly representing them and keeping them informed.
6. Define clear mission objectives that are limited, achievable, and directly tied to national and global security.
7. Establish clear boundaries to prevent mission creep and unintended escalation.
8. Develop and communicate a defined exit strategy before deeper engagement begins.
9. Maintain open communication with the American people and global partners to build trust and understanding.
10. Proceed through wisdom, recognizing that unchecked escalation can create consequences far beyond the original conflict.

— Rollin E. Trueblood, USMC (Ret.)