How to tell it’s a war
OPINION – Iran, Trump, Starmer, media
It is right that a note of scepticism about the war on Iran has emerged in places as a result of Trump’s difficulties. Well done to the correspondents leading on this. But there are still some issues that need to be ironed out:
- When troops with guns cross a border without an invitation it is called ‘an invasion’ (even if the troops are Israeli).
- ‘Hitting mainly military targets’ isn’t an ethical foreign policy. It’s actually called ‘fighting a war’. It will kill civilians, it is illegal if unprovoked and tends to lead to retaliation.
- ‘The ends justify the means’ is not to be found in the UN Charter and is not internationally recognised as a guide to foreign relations.
- All the above applies even if the country being attacked is majority Muslim.
- When discussing the nuclear threat in the Middle East, it’s probably relevant to mention that Israel is the only country in the region with nuclear weapons. (Sure, Israel won’t admit this, but not everything it says is true).
- It’s unfashionable, but it may be worth touching on cause or motivation when examining this conflict. It can deepen our understanding and it was once seen as an important part of journalists’ skill set.
- Here bear in mind that there appears to be an emerging pattern of both the US and Israel brutally attacking multiple foreign countries. It’s not entirely clear that their main aim in this is spreading democracy and human rights.
- In fact – and this will be hard – given recent behaviour it’s probably best to row back a bit on the idea that the US and Israel represent a higher form of civilisation.
- It’s worth keeping an eye on opinion polls. There appear to be large numbers who dislike this war not just because it hasn’t been thought through or is being conducted badly but because they don’t like people being massacred, having their homes destroyed etc. Obviously no need to interview these people but keep in mind they exist as their numbers may grow.
