Biden Airstrikes in Syria Draw Criticism and Concern
As a presidential candidate, Joe Biden promised voters that he would reenter the Iran nuclear deal, which was originally negotiated under Obama. Now, he finds himself in a pinch to fulfill that promise. Last week he oversaw airstrikes in Syria, targeting property belonging to Iranian military groups that the government believes are responsible for recent attacks on Americans in Iraq. Although the bomb strikes were retaliatory, the move is confusing for a few reasons.
First, the US is facing a crisis at home. COVID-19 is still an everyday threat, and millions of Americans are grappling with pandemic-related unemployment and subsequent housing and food insecurity. Schools and businesses remain closed across the country. Americans were promised a second and third stimulus bill and were kept waiting for months as legislators argued over every penny, claiming that too high a handout would be unaffordable. Yet just over a month into Biden’s presidency and amid all the domestic chaos, the government was able to find funds to carry out notoriously expensive military operations. To voters, most of whom oppose airstrikes, watching foreign military operations take precedence over their own crises is a slap in the face.
President Joe Biden at the Pentagon on Feb. 10, 2021. (Alex Brandon | Getty Images)
What’s more, the apparent justification for the strikes is rather questionable. Presumably, the US targeted Iranian militia holdings in Syria as both a retaliation for attacks on Americans and as a threat to Iran. In doing so, however, the US fails to tread lightly on the very sensitive subject of the Iran nuclear deal that Biden has promised to reenter. As of this year, Iranian leadership has already signalled that time may be running out to ever renegotiate the deal, citing harsh sanctions from Trump’s maximum pressure campaign that still strangle their economy. From a diplomatic standpoint, provoking further tension and animosity through military strikes hardly seems justifiable in light of Biden’s promise to broker a more peaceful relationship with Iran. Though the Biden administration did indicate in February that they are willing to enter into discussions over the deal, aggressive military action seems an inappropriate way to await a response.
To make matters worse, confused and disappointed voters are still waiting for a full explanation for Biden’s decision to strike Syria, which has come as a blindside to many. Some Democratic senators, including Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, have questioned Biden’s authority to carry out the airstrikes without consulting Congress for approval. Such a decision is reserved by the Constitution for unusual or emergency circumstances. Senators Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna also objected to the strikes on the basis that president Biden failed to seek congressional authorization. The President’s lack of communication with congressional leaders and Americans over this very significant issue is disappointing and concerning. Voters deserve to be informed about their government’s decisions, both foreign and domestic. More importantly, Americans deserve loyalty from legislators and the ability to trust that their elected leaders will honor their promises.
