Lead

As the United States marked its 250th independence anniversary, the Pakistani newspaper Dawn used the occasion to argue that America's foreign policy record demands reflection, particularly in light of the ongoing and unpopular war with Iran. In two editorials, the paper contends that Washington's repeated military misadventures have rarely prompted internal reckoning, and that the current conflict should serve as a catalyst for change.

Coverage Comparison

Dawn, a center-left Pakistani English-language daily, devoted two editorials to the theme of American foreign policy and the need for introspection. Both pieces share a critical tone, describing US actions abroad with phrases such as "imperial arrogance," "misadventures," and "disastrous" choices. The first editorial focuses on the Iran war, the recent negotiations in Switzerland, and the opposition to the conflict within the US Senate. The second editorial takes a broader view, juxtaposing America's anniversary with the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and reflecting on both US domestic history and its global conduct.

Key Claims

  • The US has rarely reflected on its foreign policy mistakes, with failed nation-building and military misadventures by both Republican and Democrat administrations going unexamined.
  • The Iran war is deeply unpopular in the US, and the Senate passed a largely symbolic resolution on Tuesday calling for an end to the war, supported by at least four Republicans. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the conflict "Trump's historic blunder."
  • In the ongoing negotiations for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Iran has secured most of its demands and has exercised greater control over the Strait of Hormuz, leading some Iran hawks to view the deal as a "victory" for Tehran.
  • Israel's influence on US foreign policy is significant.
  • The US's 250th independence anniversary was observed on Saturday, but was overshadowed by the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, attended by high officials from around the world and millions of ordinary Iranians.
  • The US has a history of poor treatment of Native Americans and African slaves, including dispossession, cruel indignities, and racism, though the country has made progress toward a more equal society.
  • America's contributions to the world, such as world-class universities and technological innovations, are often dwarfed by its foreign policy mistakes.
In the first editorial, Dawn argues that the Iran conflict should lead to a reckoning, noting that the US has failed to achieve its objectives and may have strengthened Iran's position, similar to the aftermath of the Iraq war. The paper also criticizes President Donald Trump's habit of issuing threats on social media, pointing to an incident where Iranians boycotted a negotiation session after fresh tweets.

The second editorial reflects on America's domestic history, acknowledging progress in building a relatively equal society but warning that far-right forces are making a comeback. It criticizes Trump's speech at Mount Rushmore for its Cold War-era themes and anti-immigrant rhetoric, suggesting that hard-right elements are rolling back post-World War II gains. The paper urges a radical foreign policy rethink, though it considers this unlikely under the current president.

Perspectives

  • Dawn's Editorial Stance: The newspaper argues that the US must reflect on its foreign policy mistakes, particularly the Iran war, which it sees as a failure that has given Iran the upper hand. It calls for an end to militarism and a move toward diplomacy, while also warning of domestic far-right influence.