After the rocket attack on February 15 in northern Iraq that killed one civilian contractor and wounded a US service member and other coalition troops, 10 days later, Biden directed U.S. military conducted a targeted military strike against infrastructure in eastern Syria used by Iran-Supported non-state militia groups. The airstrike was the first military action undertaken by the Biden administration.
The U.S. Defense Department said multiple facilities were destroyed at a border control point and there were casualties but did not provide any additional information.
However, democrats criticize Biden’s decision to launch airstrikes in Syria without consulting congress. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said in a statement that the “American people deserve to hear the administration’s rationale for these strikes and its legal justification for acting without coming to Congress. Offensive military action without congressional approval is not constitutional absent extraordinary circumstances.”
“You cannot act with impunity. Be careful.” Biden wanted to send a message to the intruders and he explained later in a statement the actions were pursuant to the US’s inherent right of self-defense. The National security council spokesperson considered the strikes were necessary to address the threat and proportionate to the prior attacks.
Iranian Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif condemned U.S. air strikes against Iran-backed militias in Syria. He claimed this action as illegal and a violation of Syria’s sovereignty.
Biden’s actions in the Middle East might be a movement to change the current relationship standards. He tired to recalibrate the U.S.-Saudi relationship: ending the Trump’s coziness with the authoritarian regime in Riyadh. What status will the relationship changing to? Will the gasoline prices fluctuate with the changes? Will terrorism aggravated?
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