The Intelligence from The Economist The Intelligence: Strikes, a careful balance
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Feb 5, 2024 
Avantika Chokoti, an international correspondent for The Economist, discusses the shift towards 'No Strings Giving' in philanthropy, where donors step back after contributing. Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, analyzes recent American airstrikes in Iraq and Syria aimed at Iranian-backed militias, shedding light on their geopolitical implications. Additionally, they explore the surprising cultural relevance of cuteness, which has become an academic subject, influencing emotions and societal behaviors.
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US Airstrikes in Response to Militia Attacks
- Recent airstrikes in Iraq and Syria targeted Iranian-backed militias, aiming to show American resolve.
- These were a response to the death of three American soldiers in Jordan after a drone attack.
Iran's Axis of Resistance
- The attacks on American troops are linked to the war in Gaza and Iran's Axis of Resistance.
- These militias aim to drive American troops out of the Middle East.
Calculated US Response
- Despite calls for direct strikes on Iran, the US response was calculated.
- The strikes targeted specific locations and avoided direct attacks on Iranian territory to prevent escalation.