Global intervention is in the DNA of the United States of America.
The United States does not play the role of bystander.
The U.S. is a nation that does — not a nation that stands on the sidelines and watches others falter and fail. The U.S. does not turn a blind eye.
The U.S. acts and is not a nation lecturing or offering advice from a safe distance.
So, too, regarding Israel. Little brother like big brother, some would say.
Unlike so many other nations, the United States and Israel know that injustice is wrong.
They know that the deaths of innocents should not happen.
They know that they have the capability to stop oppression.
More importantly, they have the moral courage to intervene when the world is silent.
As with the recent bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, sometimes their intervention takes the form of military force.
After negotiations failed and applying sanctions failed it became clear that only military force could stop Iran from procuring nuclear weapons capabilities, the U.S. and Israel did what needed to be done.
One day, perhaps, the world will say "Thank You."
It's not only about military intervention.
Sometimes, as with Russia and China, the intervention involves economic incentives and disincentives.
The one given requirement in all forms of international intervention is — diplomacy.
Whether it is the threat of force or actual force, applied sanctions or peaceful intervention, all successful intervention requires diplomacy.
Even the use of unspoken indirect diplomacy which utilizes international media, and third parties are forms of diplomacy.
To think, as many do, that it is sheer arrogance of the U.S. to stick their proverbial nose into areas far from their borders is an example of sheer ignorance.
The most glaring, current, example is the rampant international grumbling following the actions taken against Iran.
Iran and all those defending Iran say that the United States has no right to determine whether Iran gets or develops their own nuclear infrastructure or even whether they secure nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.
They argue that the United Nations has agencies and the authority to deal with the issue.
Not the arrogant United States — and certainly, not Israel.
To the contrary, it's anything but arrogance.
The US and Israel have the power to save lives.
And they firmly believe that saving lives is their moral imperative.
They stepped up and — risking the lives of their own military, got involved to save the lives of others without that capability or authority and to maintain stability in a very volatile region.
Those who argue that it is the job of the United Nations should keep world order are simply deluded — and that is kind.
These people hide behind the ineptitude of the UN.
They know that the UN doesn't have the power to control, stop or even properly monitor the nuclear situation in Iran or anywhere.
They know that countries like Iran intimidate, fool and trick the United Nations.
For them, it’s a game.
However, the UN is not totally ineffective.
The body has programs that certainly, effectively, play a large role in keeping struggling countries afloat.
They have achieved many positive achievements through their programs mostly regarding food, agriculture, education and medicine in developing parts of the world.
Without the UN, these countries would face even more desolation, poverty, and famine.
When it comes to stopping conflict or monitoring conflict, however, the UN has little power and even less strength.
The UN observes and reports.
That's their mandate.
That's why UN forces and their people are termed "international observers."
The UN does not intervene.
By their very nature they cannot bring bullies to toe the line of international norms and follow laws.
It is only the threat of a power like the United States that can force the hands of dictators and religious zealots.
Israel, the Jewish State, assumes the same role with a stronger ethical justification.
Unlike the U.S., Israel keeps to their neighborhood.
Certainly, Israel sends medical, and rescue teams wherever needed globally, but military intervention is by and large limited to their region.
Israel’s motivation is to safeguard its citizens.
The interventional actions assumed by the United States and Israel are motivated by altruism — but not merely by altruism.
They gain security by intervening.
And, in so doing, they provide security and safety globally.
Micah Halpern is a political and foreign affairs commentator. He founded "The Micah Report" and hosts "Thinking Out Loud with Micah Halpern," a weekly TV program, and "My Chopp," a daily radio spot. Follow him on Twitter @MicahHalpern. Read Micah Halpern's Reports — More Here.
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