Congress will step in to pressure Trump to halt actions against Iran. On the 23rd, both houses of the U.S. Congress passed a resolution demanding that Trump completely cease any war against Iran.
Americans are not inherently opposed to launching foreign military invasions; rather, public support for war hinges on low cost, minimal risk, and quick victory. Once any one of these three conditions is missing, support for war rapidly declines.
For example, during the 1991 Gulf War, domestic support in the United States was extremely high. The reasons were simple: the objective was clear; it targeted Iraq; allied forces shared the financial burden; casualties were minimal; and the conflict ended in just a few weeks. Americans viewed it as a “cost-effective war.”
By contrast, during the Afghanistan War, initial support in 2001 was nearly overwhelming—prompted by the September 11 attacks. But as the war dragged on for 20 years, costing tens of billions of dollars with no visible outcome, public support plummeted.
Now consider the current situation with Iran. The Republican Party is showing signs of division—not because members have suddenly become pacifists—but because they recognize the familiar warning signs. Many lawmakers are thinking back to: Iraq in 2003; Afghanistan in 2001; Libya in 2011.
What worries them most is that what starts as limited bombing could easily escalate into a decade-long war. Additionally, there’s a very practical factor: this is an midterm election year. Politicians think very simply: Will my votes drop?
Ordinary American voters today care most about inflation; housing prices; healthcare; immigration; and jobs—not Iran.
If a war leads to rising oil prices and expanding fiscal deficits, many voters will express their dissatisfaction directly. Therefore, for many Americans, if a war resembles the swift, short, and decisive Gulf War of 1991, public support would be strong. But if it drags on for twenty years like Afghanistan, regardless of who the president is, it will ultimately become a political liability.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868846757732492/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.