In a recent assessment of the ongoing military operation by Israel against Hamas, Antony Ruggiero, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, highlighted the broader regional implications and the role of Iran. Ruggiero emphasized that the situation is not just about de-escalation for Israel, but also about addressing Iran's influence as the sponsor and proxy of various groups in the region.
Ruggiero drew attention to the increasing attacks by Hezbollah from the north and Iran's expansion of its nuclear program. He pointed out that Iran is also involved in Yemen, where they have been attacking ships in the Red Sea. Ruggiero argued that the Biden administration should focus on rolling back Iran's influence instead of pursuing appeasement through a nuclear deal.
Regarding the US response to Iran, Ruggiero criticized the current administration for its minimal actions and appeasement tendencies. He suggested that increasing sanctions, hitting Iran and its proxies directly, and considering strikes inside Iran could send a strong signal to restore deterrence.
The conversation then shifted to the recent controversy surrounding Secretary of Defense Austin and the lack of communication about his hospitalization. Ruggiero expressed concern about the lack of awareness among senior officials, including the President, which he deemed shocking compared to the transparency in the Trump administration. Ruggiero concluded that Secretary Austin's handling of the situation raises doubts about his ability to continue in his position.
The article highlights the need for the Biden administration to take stronger measures against Iran and its proxies to uphold deterrence and protect US interests. It also points out concerns regarding leadership and communication within the Pentagon, raising questions about civilian oversight in the military. As the region continues to face volatile challenges and attacks, there is mounting pressure on the administration to reassess its approach and demonstrate a stronger stance against Iran's expanding influence.
