You’re not soft. I’m having the same misgivings after spending years in the friending Hindu Kush, several times over.

I’m also torn with wanting to finally engage a country that’s been at war with us since 1979. I remember the fall of the shah and the embassy take over well. Beruit… etc. And when they open negotiations with a threat that they have X grams of 60% enriched blah blah blah. We have to go right?!!? Ugh!

We are good at breaking things. Rebuilding them? Not so good.
Maybe the locals will actually stand up, fight for, and set up a normal govt (of their own choosing!) ? We suck at nation building ever since the Marshal plan.

Yeah, this time will be different.
I’m as uneasy as you.