The facts: Tensions between Iran and Israel mount as Iran continues enrichment of uranium. Fear of their use of this substance for a weapon is growing, and the U.S . will eventually have to make a decision.

Our opinion: Our generation must deal with the conflict or any type of intervention that occurs. We should allow our voices to be heard now to avoid a potential mess to our society-like the “War on Terror” did for us.

In yesterday’s article, “Tensions continue to rise between Iran and Israel,” Lindsey Rosenbaum discussed how N.C . State students have “grown up in a world plagued by unrest in the Middle East.” While conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have dominated foreign political discussion over the last decade, it seems the current topic has shifted to Iran’s use of uranium and the global concern they begin to weaponize it. The U.S . has two options: get involved or get out of the way. 

 The U.S.’ foreign policy has always been to attempt to be the shining beacon of democracy for the entire world to see, especially with the birthplace of democracy-Greece-nearly in ruins. However, some have argued against the U.S.’ involvement in other countries’ issues, such as Vietnam, Korea and Iraq. With current tensions growing between Israel and Iran, there is the possibility Israel will make a pre-emptive strike on Iran, though the country has not made a decision yet.  

 Looking forward, if a strike were to occur, the U.S . would be posed with the question to either support our ally Israel, or not. The current policy makers and political minds might be the ones to make this decision; however, our generation will be the one to deal with it.

 Being brought up during a time of conflict, our generation has reacted to the War on Terror in different ways. Some have used it, along with other socio-economic issues, as a reason to protest. Others have enlisted either in the military or political sector solely to support our country militarily. The question we should ask ourselves now is, do we want another “no way out” war?

 The War on Terror changed our society. Billions of dollars have been poured into unpopular conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and thousands have been killed in the effort to uproot terrorist organizations and stabilize countries. America is weary of war and we do not want to get involved in another international conflict. While it is unlikely the country will move back to isolationism, we will not support another conflict where the end game is unclear or impossible to achieve. 

As students who will eventually be in positions of power to change this policy-or at least vote for people who can create change-it is our responsibility to allow our voice be heard. We must say no to a U.S. intervention in the case of an Iranian-Israeli conflict. We will have to clean up and pay for whatever mess the current generation makes-why wait to do something about it after the fact?

We should do it now. We must protect future generations from being weary and disillusioned the way we are now.