Would Ike Strike Iran?

You never hear the name Dwight D. Eisenhower invoked as one of our great Presidents. Like Ulysses S. Grant, Eisenhower is generally regarded as a great general who was relatively ineffective as President. But that common perception is being revisited, thanks to two recent biographies: "Eisenhower in War and Peace" (Jean Edward Smith) and "Ike's Bluff" (Evan Thomas). I'm currently reading the latter. It is thanks, mainly to him, that we spent eight relatively peaceful years.

Biographer Evan Thomas was interviewed on PRI's The World yesterday, who was asked what Ike would do about Iran?

The master of "shock and awe" and overwhelming power would discourage Israel from striking Iran, not because he'd be willing to acquiesce in a nuclear Iran, but because he'd want the U.S, to do it. Noting that Israel has no bunker busters, has refueling problems and is unable to send in waves, he'd commit U.S. forces if necessary.

"Eisenhower was an all or nothing guy," claims Thomas. "He would seriously consider using U.S. force to take it out."

Interestingly, Ike never told a soul under what circumstance he was willing to go nuclear, and he urged JFK to keep that decision to himself as well.

PRI Interview: