U.S.-Iran tensions are at a dangerous level, but hope remains neither side wants a war GlobeDebate
The events in Iraq this past week initially looked very much like the familiar pattern we have grown accustomed to over the course of the past year: attacks, threats and counter-threats exchanged between Iran and the U.S., followed by a period of calm once both sides had sufficiently flexed their muscles.
The Quds Force is the sharp end of Iran’s regional ambitions and priorities and General Soleimani was its face. For many , Soleimani was a terrorist thug, but in hard-line circles in Iran and among Iran’s regional allies and proxy forces, Soleimani was a hero. His death at U.S. hands will not sit easily in Tehran. Pressure for a response will be high and likely irresistible. There will be no shortage of allies in Iraq and elsewhere willing to lend a hand.
The U.S. action will be widely applauded across much of the region. The Arab Gulf states, in particular, will welcome Washington’s new willingness to confront Iran so directly. It is an approach they have long been seeking. Soleimani and the IRGC-QF were reviled in the Gulf , and his death will be celebrated, even if it also raises the risk of increased regional instability.
What the Iranian response will look like is unclear, but renewed threats to Iran’s vulnerable Gulf neighbours and shipping are likely. Ultimately, where this crisis lands may rest on whether Iran again target U.S. assets as directly as they did in Iraq. The Trump administration has signalled the risk of that option. The U.S. could decide to respond inside Iran next time, and that would take tensions to a whole other new level.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Who was Qassem Soleimani, and why was he an icon in Iran?Relatively unknown in Iran until the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, Soleimani’s popularity and mystique grew after American officials called for his killing
Read more »
'A more dangerous world': Iran killing triggers global alarmGlobal powers warned Friday that the world has become a more dangerous place and urged restraint after the U.S. assassinated Iran's top general, although Britain and Germany also suggested that Iran shared blame for provoking the targeted killing that dramatically ratcheted up tensions in the Mideast.
Read more »
'A more dangerous world:' U.S. killing of top Iran general triggers global alarm | CBC NewsGlobal powers are warning the world has become a more dangerous place after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the killing of Iran's top general and are urging restraint on all sides. | CBCNews
Read more »