Despite surging gas prices, volatile markets, and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, Washington earlier this week proclaimed "swift, decisive, and overwhelming victories" in Iran war.
Suggesting the conflict would wind down after another two or three weeks of strikes and military objectives near completion, Washington is clearly seeking to extricate itself.
This rush for an off-ramp means leaving behind a complex and deeply problematic situation. History has repeatedly shown that while wars are easy to start, they are far harder to end. One can only hope that this time, Uncle Sam recognizes that no amount of military might can substitute for the indispensable role of dialogue and diplomacy in achieving sustainable conflict resolution.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service■
