Making Iran Pay: Crafting a Strong U.S. Response to the Jordan Base Attack

 

President Biden, act now with unwavering resolve. Iran must pay dearly for their transgressions. The American electorate, our international partners, and even those in Iran and the Houthi ranks are scrutinizing your leadership. Show them our strength.

On the morning of Sunday, January 28, 2024, a startling act of hostility disrupted the tranquility of northeast Jordan. A drone, stealthy and precise, struck Tower 22, a small yet crucial U.S. military installation near the Syrian border. The aftermath was devastating: three American troops lay dead, and 25 others were wounded, some critically. This base, a logistical lifeline for U.S. forces in the region, including those stationed at al-Tanf in Syria, became the latest target in a series of escalating attacks by Iranian-backed militias.

The implications of this attack are profound and far-reaching, not only for the United States but also for the international community. The attack on Tower 22, which occurred amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, marks the first time American troops in Jordan have been targeted, resulting in the tragic loss of life. These events cannot be viewed in isolation; they are a part of a larger pattern of aggression by Iranian-backed militias. Over recent months, these militias have launched over 60 attacks in Iraq and 90 in Syria, using a mix of drones, rockets, mortars, and ballistic missiles.

The United States' reaction to this egregious and unprovoked attack demands not just promptness and precision, but a show of overwhelming strength. In this critical juncture, President Biden stands at a crossroads where his choices will reverberate through the annals of history, significantly impacting the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy in the volatile Middle East. This is not merely a decision about an immediate military or diplomatic response; it is a defining moment for his presidency, one that will either solidify or undermine the global perception of American resolve in combating terrorism and safeguarding its national security interests. The stakes are astronomically high, and anything less than a robust, uncompromising stance against such blatant acts of aggression risks emboldening adversaries, undermining allies' confidence, and potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape to the detriment of U.S. and international stability. President Biden's decision, therefore, must transcend mere retaliation; it must be a resounding declaration of America's unwavering commitment to upholding international law and its unyielding dedication to the protection of its citizens and interests worldwide.

The evidence points unmistakably towards Iran's involvement. Iranian-backed militias, operating with impunity in Syria and Iraq, have long been a destabilizing force in the region. The drone strike on Tower 22 bears the hallmarks of these groups' operations. Iran's support for these militias is not merely a regional concern; it is a direct challenge to international peace and security. The evacuation of Iranian-backed fighters from their posts in eastern Syria, in anticipation of U.S. retaliation, further implicates Iran in this heinous act.

In the face of such a blatant provocation, the United States must mount a response that is not only multifaceted and comprehensive but also unyielding and resolute. The cornerstone of this response should be a formidable military strike, directly targeting the backbone of Iran's capability for regional disruption – the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the core of Iran's defense apparatus, and the vital nerve of its economy, the oil industry. These strategic targets represent the lifeblood of Iran's expansionist ambitions and its persistent backing of proxy conflicts throughout the Middle East. By striking these critical points, the United States would unequivocally articulate that it will not stand idly by in the face of terrorism. Such a forceful response would serve as a stark warning to Iran and any other state or non-state actor that contemplates challenging the might of the United States or threatening its personnel. It would reaffirm the U.S.'s stance as an unassailable global power, unwilling to tolerate aggression against its forces and fully prepared to deploy its formidable military strength to safeguard its interests and uphold international peace and security. This action would not just be a retaliation for the recent attack; it would be a definitive statement of America's resolve and capability to decisively neutralize threats to its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.

However, a military response alone is not sufficient. The United States must also engage diplomatically with its allies and partners in the region and beyond. This incident underscores the need for a united front against state-sponsored terrorism. The U.S. must leverage its alliances and international forums to hold Iran accountable for its actions and to reinforce the norms of international law and state sovereignty.

The stakes are high, and the world is watching. American voters expect their leaders to protect U.S. servicemen and women and to respond decisively to threats. Our allies, who rely on the U.S. for leadership and security, are observing how the Biden administration handles this crisis. Even Iran and its proxies are watching, gauging the resolve and the response of the U.S. to this blatant act of aggression.

President Biden's statement, declaring the U.S. will hold those responsible to account at a time and manner of its choosing, is a first step. But the window for action is narrow. The president must strike within 72 hours to demonstrate the U.S.'s commitment to defending its interests and to deter future attacks. This response should be a part of a broader strategy to counter Iran's malign influence in the region.

Neutralizing the ‘Snakehead’

The assault on Tower 22 transcends a mere attack on American soil; it is an affront to the principles of international order and peace. Once again, central to this destabilizing aggression is Iran, unmistakably the 'snake head' in this scenario. This attack, along with a series of aggressive actions by Iranian-backed militias, points directly to Iran's pivotal role in orchestrating regional chaos and global insecurity. Their actions are not sporadic but part of a larger, menacing strategy to disrupt international stability and extend their influence through underhanded means. Recognizing Iran as the primary agitator in these conflicts is crucial for the global community. It is no longer just about responding to isolated incidents but about confronting and dealing with the source of this turmoil.

Thus Biden’s approach must be more than strong; it must be strategically focused on neutralizing this 'snake head.' His actions need to send a clear and forceful message to Iran, and indeed the entire world, that the United States will not stand by in the face of such outright acts of terror. This is a defining moment that calls for a decisive reaction targeted at the root of the problem. By confronting Iran's capabilities and its network of proxies head-on, the U.S. can effectively reduce Iran's ability to carry out such nefarious activities. It is time to shift from merely responding to individual attacks to systematically dismantling the very structure that enables and perpetuates these acts of violence. The time to act decisively and strategically against the core perpetrator of this unrest, Iran, is now.