Letter: Who Sited a School Next to a Naval Base?

Dear editor:

While the loss of children is a tragedy, responsibility for these deaths does not lie with the United States or Israel. (“Column: With Two Fools Running This War…,” BJN 3/6/26) Military targets should not be located near civilian structures. In this instance, the school was adjacent to an Iranian naval base hit in a precision strike, suggesting that Iran—similar to Hamas—uses civilians as human shields.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/world/middleeast/iran-school-us-strikes-naval-base.html)

Furthermore, Iran and its proxies deliberately target civilians, including Sunni Muslims. Iran has threatened Israel’s existence for decades while building the necessary military apparatus, including enriching uranium and obstructing nuclear inspections.

While war inevitably results in military casualties, ignoring such threats provides no protection. History shows the cost of appeasement, as seen following the events of the late 1930s. (Millions of people died after Chamberlain brought them peace in their time).

Neither President Trump nor Prime Minister Netanyahu should be underestimated; both have withstood significant legal and political challenges. (References: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/cyber/russian-interference-in-2016-u-s-elections and https://www.nytimes.com/article/netanyahu-corruption-trial-pardon.html)

Military experts have praised the strategic actions taken by the U.S. and Israel, which have eliminated key Iranian leaders and decimated their weaponry. (Reference: https://spencerguard.substack.com/p/day-7-of-the-usisrael-war-the-strategy)

It is my hope that these efforts against our enemies will ultimately lead to a true and lasting peace.

Sincerely,

Toby F. Block
Atlanta, GA