Podcast discusses recent US/UK led bombings in Iraq and Syria, the fragility of the US position in the Middle East, historical context of US involvement in the region, the decision to invade Iraq in 2003, challenges of imposing order in the Middle East, geopolitical significance of Bahrain, and the blurred line between reasserting deterrence and escalation in the region.
The US launched airstrikes in response to the killing of American soldiers in Iraq and Syria.
The podcast explores the historical context of US involvement in the Middle East since the 1970s.
The complexity of US strategy in the region is highlighted, including the challenge of dealing with Iranian proxies and deterring attacks.
Deep dives
US airstrikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets in Syria and Iraq
The US launched airstrikes against 85 Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets in Syria and Iraq in response to the killing of three American soldiers.
The question of why the US cannot find a way out of its Iraq quagmire
The episode explores why the United States has struggled to find a solution to its ongoing involvement in Iraq and the evolving regional dynamics.
The history and context of US involvement in the Middle East
The podcast delves into the historical context of US involvement in the Middle East since the 1970s, including key events such as the Iranian Revolution.
The challenges and complexities of US strategy in the region
The complexity of US strategy is highlighted, as it grapples with multiple conflicts, shifting alliances, and the difficulty of imposing order in the region.
The delicate balance between deterrence and escalation with Iran
The podcast explores the delicate balance the US faces in dealing with Iranian proxies, the challenge of deterring attacks, and the complexities of direct action against Iran itself.
In the wake of recent US/UK led bombings of Iraq and Syria, Tom McTague and Helen Thompson ask why America continues to embroil itself in the Iraq quagmire, and whether further escalation lies on the horizon...