President Trump: Send in the Bunker Busters Now

For many months, credible sources have reported that Israel does not have the heavy bombs — bunker busters — precision-guided munitions designed to penetrate deeply buried and hardened structures (like bunkers and tunnels) before exploding — that can destroy Iran’s half-mile buried nuclear sites, like at Fordo. Israel, and the world, needs the US to do it; it needs President Trump to say the word and authorize it.

To be sure, President Trump wants to keep America out of what he and others call “America’s endless wars.” The general idea is not without merit. History has shown — from Vietnam to the Middle East — that getting in is easier than getting out.  

But in this case, Israel alone has done the dangerous work. Israel’s pilots and its clandestine operations have displayed a stunning quick success, on the heels of the pagers and offensive strikes against Hizbollah. America is not being asked to send in ground troops; indeed Israel has never asked for them. It requires only one or more US Air Force’s B-2 Spirit steal bombers carrying the 30,000 pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator. The endless war argument does not apply.  

But more importantly, America’s singular military strike would allow the US to directly share in the final blow, saving the world — Israel, the Iranian people, the Gulf States, Europe, and the USA. History would record it.  

And it would do more. America’s word — in this case President’s Trump’s — would be empowered to deter others in the future. “I told them what to do” — would be enhanced. 

Future challenges might well be deterred. The current and future leadership of China, Russia, North Korea, and Venezuela are watching. Europe too would be reminded, not only of America’s economic might, and its diplomatic weight, but that when pushed, when it is absolutely necessary — its military power and resolve too.  

Israel would be even more grateful that its civilian population and its military would be saved from further death, injury, and deep anxiety. As would the Iranian people, the entire region, and everyone else. 

Mr President — destroy it, now.