Discussion on the recent drone attack in Jordan, potential involvement of Iran, Iran's control of proxy forces, Iran's proxy warfare and escalation tactics, and the possibility of a broader conflict
Iran-backed militias carry out attacks to weaken US presence and isolate Israel.
The recent attack in Jordan raises questions about Iran's control over its proxy forces and potential escalation of the conflict.
Deep dives
Attack on American military base in Jordan
In a drone strike on a US operations base in Jordan, three American soldiers were killed and 34 others were injured. The attack, carried out by an Iran-backed militia, raises concerns about escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The drone strike occurred in a remote spot near the Syrian border, highlighting Jordan's unexpected involvement in the conflict. The presence of American bases in Jordan and the greater Middle East is tied to monitoring Iranian expansionism and fighting against ISIS.
Iran's use of proxy militias in asymmetric warfare
Iran's use of proxy militias, such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and various other militias in Iraq and Syria, allows it to engage in asymmetric warfare without directly provoking a full-scale conflict with the US and Israel. These militias, trained, funded, and armed by Iran, carry out attacks and destabilize the region to weaken the American presence and isolate Israel. Iran carefully calculates the escalation of attacks to avoid a major response, exploiting opportunities like the conflict between Israel and Gaza to increase the frequency and intensity of their operations.
Potential implications and concerns
The recent attack in Jordan raises questions about Iran's control over its proxy forces and whether it is miscalculating the situation. The attack resulting in American casualties could put pressure on the Biden administration to respond more strongly and potentially escalate the conflict. However, there is an understanding that a single incident may not lead to a full-scale war and that a targeted response may be sufficient. The world is witnessing a broader shift towards pre-war conditions, with tensions rising between anti-Western countries like Russia, China, and Iran and the Western-dominated world security order.
On Sunday, three American troops were killed in a drone strike on a US base in Jordan. At least 34 were wounded. The group responsible for the attack is one of the many Iran-backed militias that operate in the region, and they've now announced that they will halt further attacks on the US. So did Iran authorise the attack? And, at a time of such heightened tensions in the Middle East, is it a sign that Iran is losing control of its proxy forces - or preparing for war?
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