In a recent interview with Congressman Adam Smith, a ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, it was revealed that the attack on the US military base in Iraq was carried out by an Iranian-backed militia. This attack resulted in the death of three service members and injured 40 more. The big question now is what the appropriate and proportionate response should be.
According to Congressman Smith, it is crucial to go directly after the source of these attacks, which is Iran. While he did not specify the exact targets, he mentioned that there are various options to consider, including targets within Iran itself. He emphasized the need to change Iran's calculus and make them bear the consequences of their actions, as they have been allowing these attacks to occur without facing any repercussions.
There has been a debate surrounding the effectiveness of deterrence in this situation. Despite claims from the White House that messages have been delivered to Iran to prevent such attacks, the continued attacks suggest that deterrence has not been successful. Congressman Smith acknowledged this and stated that there is no guaranteed approach that automatically works. Balancing deterrence and escalation is a delicate task, with the aim being to prevent a wider war in the Middle East.
When asked about the potential for a wider war, Congressman Smith highlighted two main concerns. Firstly, he mentioned the risk of Hezbollah launching rockets on Israel. Secondly, he expressed concerns about Iran launching a full-scale attack on US forces in Iraq. While the conflict has already escalated with 165 attacks since October 17th, Smith warned that it could become even more dangerous and widespread if not properly managed.
It is important to note that Iran has previously carried out similar attacks during the Trump administration, targeting Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and international ships. This highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for strategic decision-making to prevent further escalation.
In conclusion, Congressman Adam Smith stressed the importance of disrupting the source of these attacks by targeting the weapons and drones originating from Iran. The ongoing attacks indicate that deterrence measures have not been effective, requiring a more proactive approach. The potential for a wider war looms, and it is crucial for the United States to carefully navigate the situation to avoid further escalation and ensure the safety of its forces in the region.
