The Middle East rallies and protests in solidarity as the Israeli-Hamas war erupts but worries about war spreading throughout middle east rage. If this were to happen, America would have to intervene. After Iran sends a message to the UN saying they will have to intervene if the attack continues, Senator Lindsey Graham delivers a warning to Iran saying “If this war grows, it’s coming to your backyard,” implying America will also have to intervene. This could start major conflicts because a lot of countries such as Russia will have reasons to join if Iran starts this domino effect. Secretary of Defense Austin says they are “concerned about potential escalation. In fact, what we're seeing is the prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region".
In terms of Iran's thoughts themselves, “Mr Amirabdollahian said that he would be contacting UN officials in the region as ‘there is still an opportunity to work on an initiative (to end the war) but it might be too late tomorrow,’” (Independant). To reiterate, this could launch America to join which could launch Russia to join, though unlikely because of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.
But DON'T PANIC! The chances of this really happening might be slim. "Iran and Hezbollah, don't test us in the north. The price you will have to pay will be much higher. I am telling you in Hebrew what the president of the United States said in English: don't do it," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Iran knows that if they do intervene, it would be detrimental to their own nation because of the sheer power of the U.S. Although "We cannot rule out that Iran will decide to intervene directly," (Jake Sullivan), it is unlikely that it is in the future of Iran.
As of today, there were also attacks on Hezbollah which has a high chance of leading an attack on Lebanon which can also escalate quickly.
- Aria Khanna
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-israel-gaza-warning-un-b2429898.html
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/22/world/politics/israel-gaza-peace-summit/
3 comments:
People are relatively unaware of Iran's influence on this war. At the end of this comment, I've included a link to a podcast that I highly recommend where Lex Fridman interviews Jared Kushner, the former Senior Advisor to Donald Trump. Jared Kushner provides important insight given his prominent status personally influencing many Middle Eastern foreign affairs during his time in office. He reveals that Iran is known by the US government to have funded, trained, and supported the Hamas terrorist attacks that started the war, as the Iranian regime is also currently in favor of tearing down the Israeli government.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co_MeKSnyAo
This is indeed a very sticky situation. The Israel-Hamas war has already had a drastic and very negative impact on the United States, with at least 29 Americans killed and many taken hostage by Hamas forces. And as you said, if Iran interferes, the United States might have to. However, while tensions are indeed increasing, the United States are by no means looking for war. The Secretary of State Anthony Bilken has said, “This is not what we want, not what we’re looking for. We don’t want escalation,” but also remarking that the United States is prepared to take action if necessary. President Biden also met via call with leaders from other western countries to try and figure out a solution to avoid future conflict. It will be very interesting how much the United States is involved in the war in a few months compared to right now.
I don't think it's naive to say "I just don't want people to die." It's so easy to get wrapped up in the political sides and the debate around this topic. It's easy to compare death counts and injury counts and to ask "who's suffering more and who should I support?" But, I truly believe that trying to prove one side is more right or just in their actions can be extremely counterproductive to achieving a real solution or some form of peace. I don't blame anyone who advocates for what they believe in, but for me, wishing for safety for all people in Israel and Palestine is the right thing to do, and I don't think its naive. Both sides have committed inconceivable atrocities, and it will always be impossible to compare. The best thing to do is talk about it and to try to understand the opposing side that disagrees with whatever side you're on.
It's also important to consider our many conflicting emotions during this time.. I linked an article about grieving and emotional confusion in the Israel-Hamas war... feel free to read when you have the time, it's fantastic (thanks Eesha for sending this to me a few weeks ago!).
http://wesleyanargus.com/2023/10/16/why-the-war-bothers-us-so-much-thoughts-on-grieving-political-death-in-israel-and-palestine/
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