Local View: Pretending war isn't war doesn't make us safer

Here in Minnesota, we know the value of calling things by their name. We understand the power of truth, spoken plainly. Whether it’s a snowstorm or a budget shortfall, clarity always matters.

On the world stage, it’s no different. When a nation funds, arms, and directs violent groups that target civilians, that’s not just bad diplomacy or a “regional issue,” that should be considered an act of war.

In today’s world, powerful countries use terrorist proxies, non-state groups they bankroll and train as tools to destabilize their enemies. It’s warfare without uniforms. But make no mistake: When governments use proxies to carry out bombings, assassinations, or the targeting of civilians, it is an act of war. And we should start treating it as such.

Look at recent headlines, such as Iran bac