Former CENTCOM commander urges US to use force that Tehran comprehends
The U.S. Military Must Take Action Against Iran and Its Proxies in the Middle East, Says Former Commander
The U.S. military needs to strike against Iran or its proxies in the Middle East to restore deterrence, according to the most recent former commander of U.S. Central Command.
Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie argued in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on Friday that Iran is no longer deterred by the U.S., which it had been after the assassination of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad four years ago this week.
Iran’s Support for Various Groups
Iran supports the Houthis in Yemen, who have carried out more than two dozen attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting the international shipping industry. They also support Iraqi militias that have attacked U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria over 100 times since mid-October. Additionally, Iran backs Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, both of which are engaged in combat with Israel.
By not forcefully responding to Iranian aggression in its various forms, McKenzie argued, the U.S. has emboldened that behavior. As a result, the only way to stop it now is to act in a more damaging manner than previously necessary due to the initial inaction.
“Delaying and equivocating usually means the response needed to re-establish deterrence has to be much larger than it would have been if it had been applied in a timely manner,” McKenzie wrote. “Unfortunately, it is the U.S. that is being deterred, not Iran and its proxies. To reset deterrence, we must apply violence that Tehran understands. Paradoxically, if done earlier, this violence could have been of a far smaller and more measured scale. Indecision has placed us in this position.”
“The Iranians’ strategic decision-making is rational. Its leaders understand the threat of violence and its application. It takes will and capability to establish and maintain deterrence. We were able to reset deterrence as a result of this violent couplet. The Iranians have always feared our capabilities, but before January 2020, they doubted our will,” he said, referring to the Soleimani airstrike.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who served in that role while McKenzie was CENTCOM commander, told the Washington Examiner earlier this week that the U.S. response to the Houthi attacks had been ”very insufficient.”
“My view has been that we need to go after the Houthis, attack the missile sites or the drone sites where they’re being launched or where they’re being stored, and inflict some punishment on them so that we can restore deterrence,” he said. “Otherwise, the Houthis are going to continue to do what they’re doing because they face no punishment.”
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner
How do Iran and its proxies, specifically Hezbollah in Lebanon, pose a direct threat to the stability and security of the region?
Has been providing support to Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has amassed a significant arsenal of rockets and missiles aimed at Israel. These actions by Iran and its proxies pose a direct threat to the stability and security of the region.
The Need for U.S. Military Action
In his op-ed, Gen. McKenzie highlights the need for the U.S. military to take action against Iran and its proxies to restore deterrence. He argues that the failure to respond to Iran’s aggressive actions in the region has emboldened the regime and increased the risk of further attacks. Without a strong and decisive response, Iran and its proxies will continue to escalate their activities, jeopardizing the safety of U.S. personnel and interests in the Middle East.
Restoring Deterrence
According to Gen. McKenzie, restoring deterrence requires decisive military action. This can include targeted airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias and their infrastructure, as well as covert operations to disrupt their support networks. By demonstrating the capability and willingness to respond forcefully, the U.S. military can send a clear message to Iran that its aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.
Ensuring Regional Stability and Security
Taking action against Iran and its proxies is crucial for ensuring regional stability and security. Iran’s support for various groups and its aggressive actions have contributed to the destabilization of Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. By neutralizing Iran’s ability to project power and influence in the region, the U.S. military can contribute to the restoration of stability and the prevention of further conflicts.
International Support and Cooperation
Gen. McKenzie emphasizes the importance of international support and cooperation in addressing the threat posed by Iran and its proxies. The U.S. military should work closely with its regional partners, such as Saudi Arabia and Israel, as well as international allies, to coordinate efforts and share intelligence. A united front against Iran’s aggression will strengthen the effectiveness of military action and increase the chances of successfully restoring deterrence.
The Urgency of Action
In conclusion, Gen. McKenzie stresses the urgency of taking action against Iran and its proxies in the Middle East. The lack of response to Iran’s aggressive actions has emboldened the regime and increased the risk to regional stability and U.S. interests. Restoring deterrence requires the U.S. military to demonstrate its capability and resolve through targeted airstrikes, covert operations, and cooperation with regional and international partners. By doing so, the U.S. can send a clear message to Iran and its proxies that their actions will have consequences and ensure the security of the Middle East.
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