Ike Skelton, February 5, 2006

Thousands of Americans have lost their lives and billions of U.S. dollars have been spent in the war in Iraq. This war has dangerously overstretched our military and there is still no end in sight. After all this, what a tragedy and disaster it would be if the real winner of this war is not the Iraqi people, nor a more secure and democratic Middle East, but rather Iran -- a country that supports terrorism and opposes most of the ideals for which we stand. Yet today, this possible scenario is exactly what we face.

While the U.S. has been preoccupied in Iraq, Iran has pursued its own nuclear ambitions. With its decision to resume uranium enrichment, Iran is dangerously closer to having the capability to produce nuclear weapons. At the same time, Iran has taken advantage of Iraq’s porous borders and is supporting anti-American efforts there. Its goal is to promote a Shiite-dominated, anti-American state that can strengthen Iran’s military, economic, and political power in the region.

But even before its latest nuclear pursuits and involvement in Iraq, Iran’s actions have been seriously troubling. It has sought dangerous chemical, biological and ballistic missile capabilities; supported terrorists; and undermined the Middle East peace process. Amidst all of this, Iran’s leaders have escalated their anti-Semitic rhetoric by threatening to wipe Israel off the map.

Yet rather than handle Iran’s nuclear situation and involvement in Iraq early and decisively with a sophisticated policy that also addresses the broader problems posed by the country, the Administration largely relied on the Europeans to sort things out. As a result, the nuclear situation is now an international crisis and we risk having a radical anti-American regime armed with nuclear weapons entrenched as the dominant power in the Middle East. We simply cannot let this happen.

While cooperation with our allies and strategic partners is critical, the U.S. must take the lead. The agreement brokered by Secretary Rice this week to report Iran to the U.N. Security Council is encouraging, but action by the Council is uncertain and may not resolve the nuclear crisis or much else. The Administration must put forth the necessary plan. And Congress must do its part as well. Last week, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on this matter and we will be doing more work on this issue in the days to come.

There are no simple answers or easy solutions. But one thing is clear -- the Administration, with Congress, must be more engaged and must get this right. Other countries will be closely watching the situation. There are serious implications for the security of our nation, stability in the Middle East, and the non-proliferation regime. We cannot allow Iran to emerge as the real winner in the war in Iraq.

Congressman Ike Skelton, a Democrat, has represented Missouri's Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1977. His district includes Missouri's state capital, Jefferson City, and much of the Ozark region of the state. Congressman Skelton is the Ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.