Staff Reports
As President Biden prepares for his trip to Israel, concerns are mounting over the decisions being made by his administration. One significant point of contention is the expiration of the UN ban on Iran's missile development, a decision that has raised eyebrows and concerns. Iran, a country known for its sponsorship of terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, is now free to sell its ballistic missiles without these sanctions in place. This move by the Biden administration has been criticized for seemingly rewarding Iran despite its ongoing involvement in acts of terrorism.
The Foundation for Defense of Democracy (FDD) has been vocal in expressing its alarm over this development. These sanctions were initially put in place to curb Iran's missile and drone activities, but their expiration, attributed to Biden's perceived ineffectiveness, raises questions about the implications. With this change, Iran can now more easily provide their deadly weapons to groups with anti-Western agendas. This has raised concerns about the increased potential for destruction, considering that Iran already supports groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad. Additionally, there are worries about other nations, like Russia, potentially obtaining these missiles and using them in conflicts such as their aggression towards Ukraine.
More style over substance.
Here's What Else Will Be Happening the Same Day Biden Lands in Israel https://t.co/jB8xRbITBI
— Hairy Seldon (@Hairy_Seldon) October 17, 2023
The criticism extends beyond FDD, with senior advisors Richard Goldberg and Benham Ben Taleblu sharing their apprehensions. Goldberg described the lapse of sanctions as a "huge victory for Tehran" and a "reward for terrorism and proliferation around the world," highlighting the possibility that Iran may become more emboldened in supporting terrorist activities. Taleblu noted that this decision reflects an international community's lack of resolve, as it fails to take a strong stand against Iran's support for terrorists and its pursuit of dangerous weaponry. Restoring these sanctions and conveying a clear message to Iran becomes imperative.
Andrea Stricker, a research fellow at FDD, emphasized the overdue need for a snapback of UN sanctions on Iran. She underscored the importance of sending a strong message to Iran from the international community, stating that their support for terrorism and aggressive actions cannot be tolerated. She called on President Biden to collaborate with European partners to reinstate these missile and drone embargoes, in the interest of global security.
Biden's approach to this issue has left many disillusioned. Iran has been openly defying sanctions by continuing its missile development and testing, having launched over 200 missiles since 2015. This defiance reached a concerning point with the recent test of a nuclear-capable missile. If the UN prohibitions are allowed to expire, Iran is likely to intensify its missile development and proliferation. All of this transpires while President Biden is visiting Israel, creating a paradoxical situation in which he appears to express support for the nation while simultaneously allowing Iran to restart its missile program. This move is seen by many as a betrayal of both the Israeli people and regional allies. Critics argue that President Biden's prioritization of appeasement over the security of the United States and its allies is deeply troubling.
