Some postulate that this maneuver is a poorly disguised effort to justify increased interference in the mid-term elections. Threats to implement the essence of the SAVE Act by Executive Order, a move that would block ballot access for large segments of the population is only one of many heavy-handed threats and actions he has taken as part of his campaign to ensure “favorable” election outcomes this fall. The war as an excuse to declare a national emergency or martial law would only be one more tool in his tool box.

Another very real concern is simply that Trump bypassed Congress and the public when initiating the strikes. Not only was that a violation of the Constitution, but it was also a critically important mistake if he expects the American people to be behind him when this war inevitably  drags on. Rather, his actions raise real concerns about impetuous and dangerous actions by an unstable president with his finger on the nuclear button.

A third centers on “what next?” Having lived through the Viet Nam, Iraq, and Afghanistan Wars, it seems clear that Americans have operated for decades under the illusion that wars are “in and out quickie shows of American power.” It seems highly unlikely that this President of Chaos is any less delusional or that the outcome will be any different. Commentators have noted that simply decapitating the head of the regime won’t displace a multi-layered authoritarian structure. Iran has already created an interim succession and the military seems intact. Further, Iran’s response has already spread the conflict to other countries in the region.  Thus, prolonged conflict, the rise of militant factions (ISIS II), civic disruption and uncertainty, and an enhanced risk of terrorism on US soil seem far more likely than the immediate emergence of a peaceful secular democracy.

Finally, the conflicted emotions of Iranians deserve to be heard. Many are celebrating the overthrow of a repressive leader even as others mourn his death, signaling the possibility of a significant rift in Iranian society in the war’s aftermath. Meanwhile, their country is at war, their civilians are being killed (including schoolgirls), and they face uncertain future when hostilities end.  Expatriate Iranians in particular are caught between their own celebration of the death of a tyrant, fear for family members still in Iran, and memories of prior revolutions and oppression they fled. They’ve “been there, seen that” and now are reliving the horror they fled. That fear is compounded by the brutal and illegal tactics used by ICE in this administration’s efforts to purge the country of all immigrants.

There is a reason Trump renamed the Department of Defense to be the Department of War. We are seeing the reality of that change play out. Words matter. Trump has now initiated military action in eight countries and made threats against more, none of which pose an imminent threat to our own security. Meanwhile, he has pretty much abandoned Ukraine. It is time for Congress and especially our delegation to hold him accountable. If he isn’t stopped now, when, where, and how do you really think it will end?

Ellen Brady, who lives in Murray, is a retired physician with a public health degree and the Issues Director for the Women’s Democratic Club of Utah.