Why not sponsor a war orphan?
One thing we can all agree upon, regardless of whether we’re Pakistanis, Indians, Tutsis, Hutus, Russians, Ukrainians, Israelis, Palestinians or tribes on opposite sides of the mountain in Papua New Guinea: All of us are in the right. “The enemy” is in the wrong, and it’s up to us to set things straight.
Unfortunately, our heroic spears, mines and cluster bombs kill people just as surely as their evil-intentioned slings, drones and artillery. We both create orphans. Most American taxpayers have spent tens of thousands of dollars on endless wars. Maybe you think that’s money well spent, and children just don’t see the big picture like us grownups.
Still, why not also sponsor a war orphan for about $600 per year? My little 12-year-old Yemini orphan, Marwa, has lost her father. Her beautiful home city of Sanaa is in ruins. Drones rain death down around her almost every night. She enjoys sewing and hopes to be a teacher. You could make a solid case that I’m a pompous know-it-all displaying his virtue. Be that as it may, tomorrow after breakfast, Marwa will step out for school with a book bag in her hand.
John Linnemeier, Bloomington
The path forward
On July 21, the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Though framed as a defensive response, the political, constitutional and strategic consequences are likely to be destabilizing.
Backlash has come not just from critics of U.S. intervention, but from within Trump’s own base. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk wrote: “Trump voters … supported President Trump because he was the first president … to not start a new war.”
Legally, the strike raises serious concerns. “President Trump has no constitutional authority to take us to war with Iran without authorization from Congress,” said Rep. Don Beyer — reflecting broader unease about war powers overreach. Public reaction has also been skeptical, with some citizens calling the move “unjustified.” Framed as strategic, the strike instead risks deepening internal divisions and increasing instability abroad. Iran responded by declaring every American a “legitimate target,” raising fears of broader retaliation. Civilians and diplomats may now face greater danger worldwide. As Trump warns of “many targets left,” it’s clear this conflict will not end quickly — and the path forward may bring even greater risk.
Kenji Kitano, Bloomington
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Letters: war orphans, U.S. strikes on Iran
Reporting by Letters to the Editor / The Herald-Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
