The doctrine of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is manifested in his justification of violence as a divine will. He considered the U.S.-Israeli bombing of the 'Good Tree' girls' primary school in Iran, which resulted in the deaths of 165 students and injuries to 96 others, not a military error but rather an unchangeable fate.
This assertion was confirmed by Christopher Goldsmith, a former U.S. soldier and veterans' rights activist, during his appearance on the program 'Faces of War.' He pointed out that Hegseth's thinking justifies violence and strips victims of their humanity, creating a false moral immunity.
Details of the Incident
On February 28, the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began, marked by the bombing of the girls' school in Minab, Hormozgan province. Goldsmith believes that this type of thinking reflects a conviction in the inevitability of fate, leading to a lack of remorse or accountability for military actions.
He further added that Hegseth's doctrine requires enemies to receive bullets instead of lawyers, legitimizing slaughter without legal or humanitarian constraints. This doctrine reflects an extremist worldview, dividing the world into 'us' and 'them,' as evidenced by the tattoos covering his body, which bear slogans inspired by the era of the Crusades.
Background & Context
Historically, Hegseth's doctrine reflects a deep extremism in American military thought. He previously worked at the Fox News network as a platform to promote absolute military power. He has used his platform to glorify soldiers accused of war crimes, transforming crime into heroism within the context of a holy war.
Goldsmith considers that Hegseth seeks to reshape the U.S. military into an amoral machine, relying on artificial intelligence to execute orders, reflecting a dangerous shift in American military policy.
Impact & Consequences
The repercussions of Hegseth's doctrine extend beyond U.S. borders, viewing Iran as an existential enemy and China as a threat to be confronted with force. This mindset reflects a unilateral vision of the world, where there is no place for diplomatic balances.
Under this doctrine, the world becomes a battleground for threats managed through direct force, increasing the likelihood of military escalation and threatening regional and international stability.
Regional Significance
Hegseth's doctrine impacts U.S. relations with Arab countries, contributing to the enhancement of divisions and exacerbating crises. This type of thinking could lead to further violence and conflicts in the region, threatening security and stability.
In conclusion, Pete Hegseth embodies a radical current in American politics, holding a cross in one hand and a bullet in the other, believing that war is not a last resort but a divine mission that ends only with absolute victory or total destruction.