Who knows why we fight?
Serving in the U.S. military today is bewildering. The reasons behind our battles remain unclear.
At the leadership level, there is a glaring absence of values, transparency, and genuine concern.
No one is held responsible for failures or poor choices.
The public is kept distanced from the true price of war. There is no appeal for sacrifice—no war bonds, no conscription, no tax hikes. Most expenses are deferred to the future as national debt climbs relentlessly.
Members of an all-volunteer force are effectively expected to obey without question, regardless of ethical or legal considerations.
Citizens are urged to back their troops and fighters, largely by waving flags, while life goes on untouched.
A fragmented Congress has essentially abandoned any real authority over warfare decisions, focusing instead on securing more Pentagon funding for their own constituencies.
The Secretary of State explained the war on Iran happened because Israel compelled the U.S. government. So in this instance, the U.S. military fights on behalf of Israel.
At present, defense firms, fossil fuel enterprises, and financial institutions seem to benefit the most, meaning the military may also be serving their interests.
It’s evident the U.S. armed forces are not advancing the defense of the American public or upholding the U.S. Constitution in the conflict with Iran.
Once more, the questions remain: who exactly do we fight for?
Asking “Cui bono?” and tracking the financial flows is always enlightening. When I queried my AI associates about who benefits from this war, the HAL 9000 gave this reply:
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Western defense contractors, major oil and gas corporations, along with power players like Russia and China, are the main winners of the Iran conflict. Arms manufacturers and energy firms have profited tremendously, while the regional balance of power is shifting. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Defense Contractors
- Stock Surges: Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman have enjoyed gains worth billions.
- Missile & Defense Demand: Raytheon’s THAAD interceptors and related systems have generated substantial revenue. [1, 2]
Oil & Gas Majors
- Record Profits: A spike in crude prices increased earnings for ExxonMobil and Chevron.
- Energy Traders: European firms such as Shell and BP profited from market instability and volatile prices. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Geopolitical Rivals
- Russia: The war has diverted Western focus and driven global energy costs upwards, helping Russia economically.
- China: As the U.S. mobilizes forces in the Middle East, China’s strategic influence in the region grows. [1]
Regional Powers
- Israel: The conflict has weakened rivals and reinforced Israel’s military dominance locally.
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It is undeniable how much defense firms and energy companies are cashing in.
Back in the 1930s, Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler admitted he acted as a capitalist enforcer, with Standard Oil as a key client. Today, the Iran conflict seems to favor Israel, the oil and gas sector, and military suppliers, while average Americans suffer from inflation, facing soaring costs of fuel, food, and essentials.
Interestingly, my AI companion did not count Iran as a major victor, yet many argue convincingly that Iran may ultimately stand stronger after this war.
All told, this remains an incredibly perplexing period for U.S. service members.
PS: Here’s the response I shared with TomR in the comments below:
When I was commissioned as 2LT in 1985, I believed I understood the mission. America, despite flaws, was a better example than the Soviet Union. After the USSR’s fall in 1991, the government searched for new enemies to defeat. We found them and keep repeating the cycle by sowing the dragon’s teeth.
The U.S. military has become a continuous war machine, ignoring the Constitution, democracy, morality, and legality. If enemies don’t exist, we create them.
Original article: bracingviews.com
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