ANOTHER DISPLAY OF WEAKNESS:  The theater is now Syria.  In the last few nights there have been missile attacks against American installations.  Casualties fortunately have been few, but the attacks show a lack of fear of an American response.  Some Republicans say that is exactly the point.  From Fox:

Republican lawmakers on Friday lambasted President Biden for his response to the death of an American in Syria, arguing that he's showing weakness and failing to deter America's adversaries.

The criticism came one day after Biden ordered the U.S. military to carry out retaliatory airstrikes in Syria, where Iranian forces had killed a U.S. contractor and wounded six other Americans in a drone strike. The U.S. launches reportedly killed eight Iranians.

Iranian-backed proxy forces then proceeded to carry out their own retaliatory strikes on Friday, launching rockets that targeted a U.S. base in northeast Syria. There are no U.S. casualties and no damage to the base, according to first assessments.

Republicans in Congress said the apparent tit-for-tat between the U.S. and Iran is a sign of weakness on the part of the Biden administration.

"President Biden and his national security team are letting America down," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. "I fear General Milley and Secretary of Defense Austin are not proving to be up to the task of providing the deterrence America needs to remain safe. However, the ultimate blame for the failing foreign policy and military situation we find ourselves in lies with President Biden."

Biden was referring to Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

"America has only one path available when attacked – respond swiftly and vigorously with overwhelming, punishing force designed to make enemies wary of engaging with the United States. Being strong is the best deterrence against future attacks," added Graham.

The South Carolina Republican wasn't alone in attacking Biden.

"Indefensible that American life must be lost before Joe Biden acts," wrote Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark. "Had he responded in force to dozens of earlier Iranian attacks, this tragedy could have been prevented. [Austin] needs to explain why he isn't doing more to deter Iran."

COMMENT:  I agree with the criticism.  If you look at the whole pattern of international activity in the last year, from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, it signals contempt for American power and policy.  That is an inherently dangerous and preventable situation.   If our enemies don't fear us, they may start pushing and going too far.  It is a sure formula for a larger war.  An almost-sure formula for peace is peace through strength.  In the end, far less expensive in casualties and treasure.  It's how we won the Cold War.

March 24, 2023