Republican House Speaker Urges President Biden to Take Strong Action Against Iran
Calls for Increased Response following Retaliatory Strikes in Syria and Iraq
House Speaker Mike Johnson, representing Louisiana, firmly criticized President Biden for what he referred to as a “long overdue” response to retaliatory strikes carried out in Syria and Iraq. Johnson emphasized the need for the Biden administration to project strength in dealing with Iran, following the tragic deaths of three American soldiers in an Iran-backed drone attack in Jordan.
In a statement released on Friday evening, Johnson demanded a clear and forceful response to the attack. He expressed disappointment with the administration’s delayed reaction and its conveyance of intentions over the course of a week. The excessive signaling, as per Johnson, weakens America’s position and undermines efforts to put an end to the ongoing attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East.
A Global Pattern of Attacks
Johnson highlighted that the recent attack in Jordan was part of a disturbing trend that commenced with a significant assault by Hamas on Israel. Since that attack on October 7, more than 150 attacks on U.S. forces have been recorded in the Middle East. The House Speaker argued that the Biden administration must acknowledge the disastrous consequences of its Middle East foreign policy.
Failed Strategy of Appeasement
Johnson called for Biden to recognize the failure of his policy of appeasing Iran. The Republican House Speaker believed that the United States should strongly denounce groups threatening American lives, spreading terror, or posing a risk to its allies. He stressed the urgent need for President Biden to wake up to the realities on the ground and adjust his strategy to promote peace through projecting strength.
