The debate rages on: was this conflict worth the cost? Thirteen American soldiers have returned home in flag-draped caskets, and countless more bear the invisible wounds of war. For someone like me, the weight of that sacrifice is deeply personal – I chose this nation, and wear its flag not by birthright, but by deliberate commitment.
My earliest memories are etched against the backdrop of the Iranian border, raised in the constant shadow of conflict. I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of these policies on the people of the Middle East, traveling recently through Erbil, Riyadh, and Dubai. What’s often missed is the quiet relief expressed when the cameras are switched off – not anger at America, but a desperate hope for change.
For millions in the region, February 28th wasn’t the starting point of this struggle; it began decades ago. What shifted was a decision to move beyond managing the problem and actively confronting it. That change didn’t go unnoticed. The people of the Middle East saw it, and they understood its significance.
What remains largely unheard in America is the true desire of those living in the region. It isn’t a call for war, or religious extremism, or self-sacrifice. Across the Gulf, in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, a population of 140 million under the age of 30 yearns for the same things as their American counterparts: stable employment, a secure nation, and a future free from ideological constraints.
New leadership in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kurdistan, and Syria is actively building towards that future. Conversations with young professionals in cities like Erbil, Riyadh, and Dubai reveal a focus on innovation – startups, artificial intelligence, and the pursuit of opportunity dominate their discussions.
This isn’t simply wishful thinking. Consider the transformation of the UAE, once barren desert, now a thriving global hub of commerce attracting investment and residents from around the world, including the United States. Or the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a beacon of openness amidst hostility, becoming a safe haven for persecuted Christians and building a multi-billion-dollar economy despite immense pressure.
These aren’t isolated successes; they are glimpses of what the entire region could become. The consistent obstacle, however, remains the same: Iran-backed armed groups operating in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, all directed by Tehran, actively hindering the progress of the region. For 45 years, a small, powerful circle in Iran has profited from exporting instability, not because the Iranian people desire it, but because of the benefits it provides to them.
Since February 28th, Iran has launched attacks against every nation in the region that has chosen to align with the West – and none of those nations retaliated. The UAE has endured over 2,800 missile and drone attacks, resulting in thirteen deaths and over 200 injuries. Kurdistan has been struck more than 700 times, claiming fourteen lives, including a couple tragically killed in their sleep, leaving behind two orphaned daughters. Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar have also been targeted, their only “crime” being the pursuit of a different path.
These actions aren’t confined to the Middle East; they’ve claimed American lives for decades. Previous administrations chose to ignore the threat, minimizing its impact and deferring action to future generations. But ignoring the Middle East always carries a steep price. The withdrawal from Iraq under Obama created a vacuum filled by ISIS, while his nuclear deal funneled billions to Tehran and its proxies, culminating in the events of October 7th.
I didn’t arrive at these conclusions through academic study; I lived them. I know the sound of a missile impacting a school, the frantic scramble of families fleeing for safety in the dead of night, seeking refuge in the last remaining city still standing. The fear in the region isn’t of American action, but of the world losing interest before meaningful change can occur.
The Middle East isn’t a burden; it’s a region brimming with talent, ambition, and wealth, suppressed by a dwindling number of violent actors. For decades, the people of this region have pleaded for the world to listen. Perhaps, finally, their voices will be heard.
