Following a fatal attack on a military base in Jordan, close to the Syrian border, which resulted in the death of three American service members and injured 25 others, President Biden’s Middle East policy has come under intense scrutiny. Critics, including prominent political figures, have voiced strong opinions on the administration’s approach to handling escalating tensions in the region.
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina was particularly vocal, urging immediate and forceful action against Iran. He asserted the need for a decisive response, emphasizing that the Biden Administration’s current policy of deterrence has failed to restrain Iranian aggression. Graham’s statement was in direct response to the drone attack in northeast Jordan, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The identities of the service members killed in the attack are being withheld in accordance with Department of Defense policy and out of respect for the families involved.
President Biden, briefed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, attributed the attack to “radical Iran-backed militant groups” operating in Syria and Iraq. In his public statement, Biden expressed the nation’s deep sorrow over the loss of American lives and indicated that while investigations are ongoing, the initial assessment points to Iran-backed groups.
Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, a former national security advisor in the Trump administration, shared Graham’s sentiments. Appearing on “Fox News Live,” Kellogg argued for an escalation in the U.S. response to these attacks, which he attributed to Iranian-backed forces. He stressed that a strong U.S. response is essential to prevent further aggression in the region.
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas echoed these concerns, criticizing President Biden for what he perceives as a policy of appeasement towards Iran. Cotton argued that Biden’s approach has left U.S. troops vulnerable and called for “devastating military retaliation” against Iran’s terrorist forces. He highlighted the need for a strong and unequivocal response to these attacks.
Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called for a comprehensive reassessment of the Biden administration’s Middle East policy. McCaul pointed to the frequency of attacks on U.S. troops and the activities of Iran-backed groups in the region as evidence of the failure of the current policy. He emphasized the need for a major policy shift to restore deterrence and protect U.S. national security interests.
The White House has not immediately responded to requests for comment on these criticisms. The situation underscores the complex and volatile nature of the Middle East geopolitical landscape and the challenges faced by the U.S. in addressing the threats in the region.