Staff Reports
Unexpectedly, the purported deterrent effect of President Joe Biden's "tough on Iran" rhetoric is failing to materialize. Iran-backed militants continue to launch assaults against U.S. outposts and personnel in the region, as well as vessels transiting the Red Sea, notwithstanding the president's repeated admonitions and limited retaliatory actions. It appears that these militants were either oblivious to or indifferent to Biden's dire warnings.
Biden's Deterrence Fails Again as Iranian Attacks Rock U.S. Consulate
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Houthi militants in Yemen decided to attack a container ship owned and operated by the United States in the Red Sea on Monday. The vessel was attacked with an anti-ship ballistic missile; however, thankfully, there were no reported casualties or substantial property damage. Clearly, this type of audacious assault demonstrates that the terrorists will not retreat in the face of the United States' limited counteroffensive. Comparable to a child who disregards a warning not to handle a cookie jar but nevertheless manages to sneak one.
The assaults launched by the United States and the United Kingdom last week in an attempt to deter the Houthi aggression appeared to have been ineffective. The Houthi rebels persist in their offensive endeavors, resulting in a substantial obstruction of the Red Sea and a state of disorder for international maritime commerce. Engaging in a game of whack-a-mole with these militants is futile; despite the implementation of numerous "proportional" counterstrikes, they continue to reappear.
Furthermore, mere hours following the Houthi assault, numerous detonations occurred in close proximity to the U.S. consulate in Erbil, Iraq. The strike was even attributed to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, demonstrating that Iran is no longer content to conceal itself behind its terror proxies. It is as if they are asserting, "We did it; what are your plans in response?" Iran's action is audacious, and it is abundantly evident that the Iran policy of President Biden is a dismal failure.
An additional affront was inflicted when, the day before 3:00 p.m., President Biden abruptly terminated Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospital stay of two weeks, leaving him bedridden. It is as if the captain had abandoned ship, leaving his crew to endure the tempest on their own. Given the ongoing attacks and the premature departure of the commander-in-chief, the United States is currently facing a challenging period. It is evident that a transformation is required.
The ineffectiveness of President Biden's Iran policy is indisputable, necessitating a more robust and resolute strategy. These terrorists continue to persist, and it is time for decisive measures to be implemented. Attempting to frighten away a rodent with a dim squeak is tantamount to futile; it will not succeed. It is time for the United States to demonstrate to these militants that their actions will not go unpunished.
