In recent months, Western shipping and forces have faced continuous attacks from Iranian-backed terrorist groups, leading to a tragic loss of American lives. President Biden has vowed to hold those responsible accountable in due time and through appropriate means. There have been concerns about whether the Biden administration will retaliate against Iran effectively. Some critics argue that the current response has not been sufficient in deterring further attacks.
Former deputy national security advisor under President Trump, Katie McFarland, stated that she doubts the Biden administration will take decisive action against Iran. She believes that while they may take some form of action, it will likely be limited to issuing strong statements and potentially conducting minor airstrikes. McFarland cited a historical example from the late 1980s, during President Reagan's tenure, where the US responded to Iranian aggression by targeting the Iranian Navy. The resulting destruction significantly deterred further direct attacks from Iran.
McFarland suggested a similar approach, emphasizing the need to target the airfields where the Iranian-backed proxies operate. She mentioned Syria, Iraq, and Yemen as potential locations for these proxy forces. By neutralizing these sites, the US could prevent potential attacks from multiple fronts and reestablish deterrence. McFarland criticized the previous actions taken against these proxy forces, asserting that they were not robust enough to eliminate a significant portion of their capabilities.
When questioned about the possibility of a softer response from the administration, McFarland raised concerns about the escalating nature of the attacks. She expressed fears that relying solely on defensive measures might result in an inevitable breach that leads to mass American casualties. In such a scenario, she warned, the US would be compelled to enter into a full-blown war in the Middle East. McFarland argued that instead of engaging in another long-lasting conflict, the US should focus on targeting Iran's economy by enforcing sanctions and driving down oil prices. This would limit Iran's financial capability to support its proxy forces.
The transcript highlights the ongoing debate about the appropriate response to Iranian aggression. Critics argue for stronger action, such as targeting proxy forces, while others stress the importance of economic means to discourage further attacks. The Biden administration's approach remains to be seen as they navigate the complex situation in the region and determine how best to protect American lives and interests.
