The Folly of Forcing Surrender: Why Iran Won't Yield to Washington In a statement that has sparked debate across the globe, US President Donald Trump insisted that there will be no agreement with Iran unless Tehran accepts what he described as "unconditional surrender". This stance implies that Iran's leadership must submit to Washington's demands and surrender its political direction. However, experts, including renowned author Francis Fukuyama, argue that this approach is unlikely to yield the desired results. Fukuyama, author of the influential book "The End of History", which posited that liberal democracy represents the final stage of human ideological evolution, believes that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij forces will not give up their arms. This is because, if they were to surrender, they would face severe consequences, including potential persecution or even death. As a result, these groups will continue to resist, even if it means fighting back against external forces. The idea of forcing a country to surrender through military might has been tested in various conflicts, including the US bombing of Libya in 2011. However, this approach has shown that it can have unintended consequences, such as creating widespread resentment and strengthening the resolve of the targeted nation. The tens of thousands of fighters in Iran's IRGC and Basij forces will retain some capacity to resist, even in the face of significant external pressure. In the context of Nigeria, where the Boko Haram insurgency has demonstrated the challenges of defeating a non-state actor through military means alone, the lessons from Iran are instructive. While the Nigerian government has made significant gains against Boko Haram, the group's ability to adapt and resist has hindered the achievement of a lasting peace. In the case of Iran, an "unconditional surrender" approach would require a complete overhaul of the country's political and social structures. This is a daunting task, especially considering the country's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of the Middle East, it is essential to recognize the limitations of military force and the importance of engaging with countries through diplomacy and dialogue. Ultimately, the slogan of "make Iran great again" rings hollow without a clear strategy to achieve it. Rather than relying on coercion, the international community should focus on finding a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict in Iran, one that takes into account the country's unique history, culture, and aspirations.