The Jan. 11 article “West’s penalties taking toll on Iran” states: “As the United States and European Union prepare steps designed to cut the oil revenue that is the Islamic Republic’s chief source of income, Iran has responded with threats of military retaliation, including warnings that it might close the Strait of Hormuz, a lifeline for oil and gas shipments from the Persian Gulf.” Did we shoot ourselves in the foot here?

This letter is about the economy and another self-inflicted dollar wound. We halted all Iranian oil sales to the U.S. and EU, but India and China are still buying oil from Iran — to the detriment of all holders of dollars. The dollar’s value is diminishing because, according to at least one report, it is no longer the reserve currency in which oil from Iran to India trades. That report says India now uses gold to buy oil. Imagine that! If this is true, it should not be too long for this idea to catch on elsewhere.

Our legislative and executive leaders in Washington take these steps, and consequently make our money less valuable. Our money is already weak enough without doing things that make it worse.

A total exodus from these Mideast wars is overdue. Israel, India, China and the U.S. have nuclear weapons. No one denies them these nuclear defense arsenals. The Obama administration and Congress, along with our ally Israel, endlessly try to keep Iran away from any such defense.

My concern is not with our ally — the Israelis say they can take care of themselves and that’s their business, not ours — but the U.S. needs leadership change. That’s just one reason why I am for any legislators who will end fighting, policing and “nation-building” all around the world.