Will Biden Go to War? | 3 US Troops Killed by Iran-backed Militias | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Firstpost

29 Jan 202405:17

Summary

TLDRTensions escalate in West Asia as Iran-backed militias launch a drone strike on a US base in Jordan, killing 3 soldiers. The US vows to respond and hold Iran responsible despite its denial of involvement. With bipartisan pressure to retaliate, the US may redirect troops in the region for strikes in Iraq or Iran instead of solely fighting ISIS, risking greater regional war. Both countries wish to avoid further escalation but the attack threatens this, forcing the US to balance deterrence with restraint given domestic political pressures in an election year.

Takeaways

😳 Tension continues to escalate in West Asia, potentially drawing the US directly into the conflict
💥 A US military base in Jordan called Tower 22 was attacked, killing 3 soldiers
👿 The attack was a drone strike launched by a group backed by Iran calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq
😡 This Iran-backed group has attacked the US over 160 times since October 2022
😓 This strike that killed 3 US troops is the first direct hostile action since the Israel-Hamas war began
😤 President Biden said the US shall respond and will hold all responsible to account
🤔 Iran denies giving orders to the militias that attacked, distancing itself from the strikes
😾 But the US blames Iran, with politicians calling for strikes inside Iran in response
🤨 The US had troops in the region to combat ISIS, but they may now be redirected against Iran-backed groups
😰 There is a chance the US escalates with boots on the ground, risking a larger war the US and Iran both want to avoid

Q & A

What happened that may draw the US directly into the war?
-A US military base called Tower 22 in Jordan was attacked by a drone strike launched by a group backed by Iran, killing 3 American soldiers and injuring at least 34 others.
What group took credit for the drone strike attack?
-The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a group of militias that operate in Iraq and Syria and are backed by Iran.
How has the Islamic Resistance targeted the US recently?
-Reports say the group has attacked the US over 160 times since the October 7th attack by Hamas.
How did President Biden and Defense Secretary Austin respond?
-They made statements blaming Iran for backing the radical militant groups responsible for the attack.
What actions are US politicians calling for against Iran?
-Republican Senators Graham and McConnell want Biden to strike targets inside Iran and compel Iran to change its behavior. Congressman Jeffrey says all responsible actors must be held accountable.
What principle had the US been operating under regarding Iran up till now?
-The principle of deterrence, trying to deter Iran-backed groups from attacking through limited air strikes and missile attacks.
Why might the US now feel compelled to escalate militarily?
-Because deterrence failed and 3 soldiers were killed, putting political pressure on Biden to respond forcefully in an election year.
How many US troops are currently stationed near Iran?
-About 900 in Syria, 2,500 in Iraq, and 4,000 in Jordan.
What were these troops originally placed to combat?
-They were leading a coalition to fight the ISIS terror group in the region.
What are both the US and Iran trying to avoid?
-An all-out war between the two countries in West Asia.