National Security adviser Jake Sullivan (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
The Middle East: No Longer Quiet
In the days leading up to Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel, President Joe Biden’s “once-in-a-generation-talent” on national security matters, Jake Sullivan, confidently declared that the Middle East “is quieter than it has been for decades.”
Well, it’s safe to say that quietness didn’t last long.
Over the past two months, Iranian proxies throughout the region have launched 76 attacks against American troops. Surprisingly, the U.S. military has only responded seven times, and their targets have been mostly insignificant.
In October and November, the Yemen-based Houthis, one of Tehran’s key players in the region, joined the chaos. They have fired missiles at Israeli targets and American warships, shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, hijacked a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, and even fired ballistic missiles near the Navy warship USS Mason.
Just recently, the Houthis launched four separate attacks against three commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea.
If Sullivan is paying attention, it’s clear that Iran and its proxies are causing quite a commotion.
The escalating pattern of attacks cannot be ignored, and downplaying the threat is simply not enough. So, what advice do we have for the Democrats’ national security experts?
Firstly, redesignating the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization should be the bare minimum. But to truly establish deterrence, more action is required.
U.S. Central Command has done a decent job of publicizing the Iran-directed and supported attacks over the past two months. They should continue to engage in the information domain and release more details to shed light on this ongoing threat.
The U.S. Navy should also draw inspiration from their past successes in intercepting illicit weapon shipments from Iran in international waters. It’s no secret that the Iranians are using Russian- and Chinese-made weapons, destined for Yemen. The Navy should seize these shipments more frequently and closer to Iranian shores, making Iran pay the price for their behavior and demonstrating our understanding of their networks.
Iran has been flaunting its well-funded drone and UAV operation, not only in the Persian Gulf but also in Ukraine and on the open seas. The United States should target them, including their home ports, launch locations, and storage facilities on the mainland.
The United States-led international order relies heavily on the high seas. With the order already on shaky ground, the Biden administration faces a critical decision. Their tit-for-tat response to Iran’s schemes has proven ineffective. They can either further enable the Houthis and Iran’s aggression or reassert American strength.
Readers, it’s clear which option we support.
What steps should the Biden administration take to reevaluate and strengthen the United States’ approach to the Middle East, considering the growing threat posed by Iranian proxies
Nimitz. These acts of aggression demonstrate a brazen disregard for international norms and a clear escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
So why is it that Jake Sullivan, the National Security adviser, failed to accurately assess the volatile situation in the region? It seems that his declaration of quietness was premature and ill-informed. It is concerning that someone in such a crucial position of advising the President on national security matters could be so off the mark.
Sullivan’s naivety and lack of understanding of the complexities of the Middle East have consequences. By downplaying the threat posed by Iranian proxies and underestimating the potential for conflict, he has inadvertently weakened the position of the United States.
Furthermore, the limited response from the U.S. military to these attacks sends a dangerous message to Iran and its proxies – that they can act with impunity. This only emboldens them to continue their aggressive actions, putting American lives at risk and destabilizing the region further.
It is clear that a reevaluation of the United States’ approach to the Middle East is needed. The Biden administration must acknowledge the growing threat posed by Iranian proxies and take decisive action to protect American interests and ensure the stability of the region.
This starts with replacing Jake Sullivan as National Security adviser with someone who has a better understanding of the Middle East and the complexities of the security challenges it presents. The role of the National Security adviser is crucial in providing accurate assessments and strategic guidance to the President. It is imperative that this position be filled by someone who is competent, well-informed, and capable of navigating the complexities of the region.
In addition, the United States must reassess its military presence and capabilities in the region. It is clear that the current approach is not deterring Iranian proxies from launching attacks. A stronger and more assertive response is needed to send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate aggression against its interests or its allies.
The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East serves as a reminder that this region remains a critical and volatile area of the world. It requires knowledgeable and competent leadership to navigate the complex web of competing interests and security challenges. The United States cannot afford to underestimate the threat posed by Iranian proxies and must take swift and decisive action to protect its interests and maintain stability in the region. The appointment of a capable and experienced National Security adviser is a crucial step in the right direction.
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