Why do some Americans confuse intelligence and tact with weakness. Is might the only way to solve conflict?

Question

I am asking this question in regards to the recent events involving the British troops in Iran. Some say that the U.K. not taking a more hardlined stance in the matter was weak, especially some talking heads on some right wing shows. I ask why was it weak to use diplomacy in lieu of a conflict that would undoubtedly lead to a worse result on all sides. Is escallation in the Middle East really an outcome these people are suggesting?

ScooterLibby
I know but I am overwhelmed how many people think that way. Some of the things people were writing on the CNN commentaries were crazy. "we should bomb them to the stone age, which to them was about 400 years ago" . Do they not realize the ramifications.

Answer 1

Iran found out just what they wanted about the British, they now will use it against us.

Answer 2

Why is it that people who dont agree with people who believe they are usuing "intellect and tact" always ridiculed to the point where ad-hominems seem to be the only verbage at the moment.
True you have some people who are extreme with regards to their idealogies of how Iran should be dealt with for kidnapping British Sailors. But, people who claim intellectual superiority and resort to namecalling instead of addressing the issue, are in essence the of the same breed of which they seem to distain so very much.

Britain has not apologized to Iran nor has it admitted to any wrong doing. Iran is attempting to paint itself as the "nice guy" in all of this but it doesnt offset their taking British sailors at a time in which they are at odds with the West. Britain still has the ability to pursue military action having not apologized. Being that the UN and the West as a whole are pressing for further sactions against Iran(with the exception of China and Russia attempting to lessen sanctions) it appears as if this whole ideal was nothing more than a publicity stunt by the Iranians in order to push forth an image that they are "resonable," admist mounting tensions. Perhaps the British were not as vocally upset about their own being captured, but that doesnt mean that behind closed doors harsher measures werent being implemented. I dont believe the British are weak, i just believe that publically they appeared to not being as concerned or as demanding as one would expect of a World Power. We shall see what comes of this.

Answer 3

Have you considered that question reversed? Why do so many people confuse cowardice for intelligence? Violence is one of the four basic drives if the Id. We can't deny it any more than we can deny our sexuality, nor is it emotionally healthy to try. I'm not speaking about you specifically, because I don't know you, but why is violence so taboo in our society? Why do we feel the need to break up every skirmish? A bartender friend of mine once said the best way to prevent brawls is to send both guys outside, before the whole crowd gets involved, and let them settle it themselves. Usually they talk it out on their own.

Answer 4

They got out of it through saying enough to appease the Iranians and stopped a possible war.

What's wrong with that? Do we have to prove we are tough?

Only ignorant hawks with an Archie Bunker mentality think a diplomatic resolution is a weak one.

Answer 5

Since they have little intelligence they replace it with their warped idea of patriotism, bomb the crap out of them, whoever them is at the time. If they admitted diplomacy sometimes goes further than the barrel of a gun...well it would just be unpatriotic.

Answer 6

Diplomacy is always the best first choice, w/o any doubt! This being said, when one is dealing with fanatic kooks, diplomacy rarely makes even an indentation in problem solving.

Answer 7

Diplomacy is fine, as long as they know you will knock heads if you have to. You know the speak softly but carry a big stick.

Answer 8

Because Iran ended up looking good in this situation and they will put this in their playbook to do again and again. They suffered no consequences for kidnapping 15 British citizens (who were also members of their armed services).

So you think Iran will not do this again?

Answer 9

No, we can wring our hands like Nevil Chamberlain trying to appease Hitler and see where it gets us. On the other hand, President Reagan said it is about strength............. Believe what you want

Answer 10

Cons have a black and white mentality - Good or bad, attack or weak. It makes no allowance for thoughtfulness or tact.


Tokolosh...!!!! Go dude!