US’s unclear Iran strategy scrutinized as conflict approaches in the Middle East
The Biden Administration’s Foreign Policy in the Middle East Needs a Strategic Rethink
The Biden administration’s approach to foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, is in need of a strategic overhaul and fresh ideas. In this captivating series, Middle East Mirage, we will delve into how the administration has fallen short in its engagement with Iran, handling the Israel-Hamas conflict and the pursuit of a two-state solution, as well as the much-needed reform within the United Nations, specifically the UNRWA. Part One of this series will examine the administration’s lack of a coherent strategy for dealing with Iran.
A Failed Promise and a Lack of Direction
Four years ago, then-candidate Joe Biden campaigned on reentering the Iran nuclear agreement, which his predecessor, President Donald Trump, had dramatically withdrawn from, breaking with the foreign policy of the Obama administration.
However, as Biden now seeks a second term, progress on the nuclear agreement has come to a standstill. The administration has faced criticism for unfreezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets, and there appears to be no clear strategy for dealing with Iran, the primary antagonist in the Middle East. Adding to the complexity is the looming possibility of an unwanted war with an emboldened Tehran.
According to Matthew Kroenig, senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center, the administration did not develop a clear strategy for engaging with Tehran. He states, “I think that the Biden administration came in [with an] Iran strategy and Middle East strategy [that] was essentially that they were going to reenter the nuclear deal that was going to stabilize relations with Iran in the Middle East, and then that would allow them to focus on China and climate and other priorities. That didn’t work out. They didn’t get back into the deal. And I think they don’t yet have a new strategy for the region.”
The Iran nuclear deal, agreed upon by Obama in 2015 and subsequently abandoned by Trump in 2018, was meant to be a stepping stone towards a larger resolution. However, it failed to bring about the desired transformation, as highlighted by Alex Vatanka, the director of the Iran program at the Middle East Institute. He argues that neither Trump nor Biden has had a comprehensive Iran policy, and the United States has consistently avoided dealing with the issue, opting to kick the can down the road.
A Controversial Deal and Escalating Tensions
Last year, the Biden administration agreed to release $6 billion of frozen Iranian funds, intended solely for humanitarian purposes, in exchange for the release of several Americans held in Iranian prisons. However, conservatives criticized the deal, expressing concerns that the funds could indirectly support anti-U.S. activities, despite the administration’s assurances that they would not be used for illicit purposes.
Retired U.S. Central Command head Gen. Frank McKenzie emphasizes that Iran’s primary objectives in its foreign policy are regime preservation, the destruction of Israel, and the removal of U.S. forces from the Middle East. He argues that the United States needs to clearly define its red lines to deter Iran’s actions.
The Aftermath of the Hamas Attacks and Escalating Conflict
The recent Hamas attacks on Israel have further complicated the calculus of U.S. policy towards Iran. Tehran’s support for various militia and militant groups in the Middle East, collectively known as the “axis of resistance,” has intensified tensions with the U.S., the Western world, and Israel.
Israel has declared an all-out war against Hamas and has also initiated limited combat against Hezbollah, a more sophisticated and larger terrorist group based near its northern border in Lebanon. The U.S. has provided support to Israel in an effort to prevent a wider conflict, but Iran’s proxies in the region have other plans.
Iran supports multiple militias in Iraq and Syria, which have carried out numerous attacks against U.S. forces since mid-October. The Iranian-supported Houthis in Yemen have also targeted commercial vessels in the region’s waterways. Despite limited U.S. airstrikes and joint strikes with allies, the attacks have not ceased.
The Need for a Proactive Approach
Experts argue that the administration needs to adopt a more proactive approach to deter these groups from continuing their attacks. Brian Carter, an expert with the American Enterprise Institute, emphasizes the importance of striking what these groups hold dear to create fear and deter further aggression.
While the Biden administration holds Iran responsible for the actions of its proxies, it remains unclear whether Tehran is directly ordering these attacks or if the groups are acting independently. However, the stakes are high for Iran, as its future as a state could be jeopardized if it loses control over its network of proxies.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran, requires a strategic rethink. The lack of a clear strategy and the escalation of tensions with Iran’s proxies have highlighted the need for a proactive approach to deter further aggression. The administration must address these challenges and develop a comprehensive and effective strategy for the region.
How should the Biden administration address the criticisms of lacking clear direction and failing to address underlying issues in its response to the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Ious militant groups, including Hamas, has been a key concern for the United States and its allies in the region. The Biden administration’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict has been criticized for lacking a clear direction and failing to address the underlying issues that fuel the ongoing tensions.
Many experts argue that the U.S. should take a more assertive stance in condemning Hamas and holding Iran accountable for its support of the group. This includes placing pressure on Iran to halt its support for militant organizations and promoting a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Furthermore, the Biden administration’s pursuit of a two-state solution has been met with skepticism and criticism. While the U.S. supports the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, there are concerns that the current approach lacks a comprehensive strategy for achieving this outcome. Critics argue that the U.S. needs to take a more active role in facilitating negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and addressing the underlying issues that have hindered progress in the past.
In addition to addressing the challenges in its engagement with Iran and the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Biden administration should also push for reform within the United Nations, specifically within the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). The agency has faced criticism for perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by maintaining a culture of victimhood and failing to promote a sustainable solution for Palestinian refugees. The United States should work with its international partners to ensure that UNRWA is reformed and aligned with the goal of achieving a lasting peace in the region.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly in its engagement with Iran and handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, needs a strategic rethink. A comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of tensions, holds Iran accountable for its support of militant groups, and promotes a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential. Additionally, reform within the United Nations, particularly within UNRWA, is necessary to promote a sustainable and long-term solution for Palestinian refugees. It is imperative for the Biden administration to reevaluate its approach and work towards a more effective and coherent foreign policy in the Middle East.
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