Kathmandu— The United States finds itself embroiled in yet another protracted conflict, this time with Iran, evoking memories of the Vietnam War for one observer who protested that earlier war. Almost six decades after turning in his draft card, the author expresses disbelief at finding America led by a president seemingly intent on repeating patterns of endless, inexplicable wars across the globe – from Somalia and Nigeria to Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Yemen – while simultaneously exacerbating the climate crisis.

A History of Intervention

The current situation with Iran is not an isolated incident, but rather a continuation of decades-long US involvement in conflicts around the world. Even before Vietnam, the United States established itself as a global military power, maintaining hundreds of bases in numerous countries and frequently deploying its forces post-World War II. The Korean War in 1950 marked the beginning of this pattern, followed by a series of interventions that often lacked clear objectives or prospects for success.

Trump's Escalation and Climate Impact

Under President Donald Trump, this cycle of conflict has seemingly intensified. The author points to Trump’s bombing campaign in Somalia as an example of ongoing, underreported military actions. However, the most alarming aspect is the combination of these wars with a disregard for climate change; Trump has dismissed concerns about fossil fuels while simultaneously escalating conflicts that contribute to environmental damage. This dual approach effectively pits the president against not only specific countries like Iran but also against the planet itself.

Iran's Strategic Endurance

Despite facing significant pressure, Iranian leadership appears determined to withstand the current conflict, seemingly with a strategic goal of influencing the upcoming US elections. With rising oil prices and a shrinking job market in the United States, Iran may be betting that prolonged instability will further erode Trump’s popularity. As Mehr News recently stated, continuing the war could increase political and economic pressure on the U.S. government, while backing down could be seen as weakness by his supporters.

A Planet at War

The author emphasizes the escalating climate crisis alongside these ongoing conflicts, noting record-breaking temperatures and wildfires across Europe and Canada. He argues that Trump’s continued reliance on fossil fuels is exacerbating this problem, turning the planet into a “target-practice range.” This situation represents not just a war against Iran but a broader assault on the Earth itself, with potentially catastrophic consequences for future generations.

The author concludes that unless there are unforeseen changes, the current trajectory points towards an increasingly dire future marked by escalating conflicts and environmental devastation, leaving a grim legacy for those who will inherit the planet.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.