Obama’s Defense Secretary supports a stronger reaction to Iranian proxy attacks on US forces
Leon Panetta Supports More Aggressive Response to Attacks on U.S. Forces in the Middle East
Former CIA director and defense secretary during the Obama administration, Leon Panetta, expressed his backing for a stronger approach in dealing with attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East.
“I would basically determine where those missiles are coming from — and we have the capability to do that … and then attack those positions immediately in order to make sure that they don’t do it again,” Panetta said. “I would be much more aggressive about going after those that attack our U.S. forces,” he added before contending that Iran would rather lean on terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas rather than enter a war.
Panetta made these remarks during a panel discussion at the Reagan National Defense Forum, alongside former National Security Advisors Stephen Hadley and Robert O’Brien. The topic of the conversation, initiated by moderator Bill Hemmer of Fox News, revolved around addressing the challenges posed by Tehran following numerous attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria.
Regarding the retaliatory strikes carried out by the U.S. military in response to these attacks, Panetta criticized their selectivity, stating, “U.S. military retaliatory strikes on weapons facilities and other targets in response to the attacks, which have ramped up as Israel wages war against Hamas, have been ‘a little bit too selective.’” He emphasized the need to send a clear message to those firing missiles at American troops, asserting, “when they fire a missile — they are going to die.”
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also addressed the issue at the same event, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the position of U.S. forces in the Middle East to support Israel and maintain deterrence in the region.
“We will not tolerate attacks on American personnel. And so these attacks must stop. And until they do, we will do what we need to do to protect our troops — and to impose costs on those who attack them,” Austin stated.
Republicans in Congress have been pressuring the Biden administration to respond more forcefully to the attacks by Iranian-backed groups. Senator Tom Cotton expressed his frustration with the current approach, advocating for a massive retaliation to demonstrate that attacks on Americans will not be tolerated.
“The way to stop these attacks is not be fearful and hesitant and cautious in a response, but massive retaliation to make it clear we will not tolerate these attacks on Americans,” Cotton asserted.
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How effective could the approach of identifying the source of attacks and responding swiftly and decisively be in deterring future attacks on U.S. forces in the region?
Optive strategies that the United States should pursue to protect its forces in the Middle East.
Panetta’s support for a more aggressive response to attacks on U.S. forces in the region highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of American military personnel. As a former CIA director and defense secretary, Panetta’s opinion holds weight and his stance on this issue should be taken seriously.
In his statement, Panetta emphasizes the need to identify the source of these attacks and to respond swiftly and decisively. By pinpointing the origin of missile attacks and taking immediate action against those responsible, Panetta believes that the United States can deter future attacks and protect its forces in the region.
Moreover, Panetta suggests that Iran prefers to rely on terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas rather than engage in a full-scale war. This insight is crucial in understanding the dynamics of the Middle East and the role of proxy warfare in the region. By targeting the groups that Iran is known to support, the United States can send a clear message that attacks on its forces will not be tolerated.
The panel discussion at the Reagan National Defense Forum indicates that this issue is one of great importance and concern for national security experts. Alongside Panetta, former national security advisors Stephen Hadley and Robert O’Brien were also part of the discussion. This signifies that experienced individuals in the field of defense and intelligence are advocating for a more assertive approach to protecting U.S. forces abroad.
Ultimately, Panetta’s endorsement of a more aggressive response to attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East underscores the need for a robust defense strategy in the face of increasing threats. As the United States navigates complex geopolitical challenges, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and security of its military personnel. By taking decisive action against those responsible for attacks, the United States can send a strong message and maintain deterrence in the region.
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