Those three dead service members were part of a much larger contingent that we've had in the area to counter the terrorist group ISIS that continues to destabilize the region in the hope of establishment a large Islamic caliphate. Our troops are regularly attacked by Iranian proxies; what's really scary about this latest attack is that it occurred in our ally Jordan and not Iraq or Syria.
Those three dead service members were part of a much larger contingent that we've had in the area to counter the terrorist group ISIS that continues to destabilize the region in the hope of establishment a large Islamic caliphate. Our troops are regularly attacked by Iranian proxies; what's really scary about this latest attack is that it occurred in our ally Jordan and not Iraq or Syria.
It was just a matter of time. There are three or four other reasons why we have a base at al Tanf. Which is in Syria by the way. In order of priority.
It is near the highway from Baghdad to Damascus, along which Iranian shipments to its Army in Syria travel. Near enough to block them.
Hence it is a wartime forward observation and firebase. It is manned by a Marine recon unit with artillery that has fire control over that road.
Secondly, there is a Palestinian refugee camp nearby. It protects it and sees that it does not get weapons nor overtaken by militants.
.Thirdly, is as you mentioned, guarding against the reemergence there of ISIS.
Fourth is the official stated mission of providing some aid and comfort to Jordan in securing its borders from these manifold threats.
Lastly, there are the oil fields of eastern Syria, presently controlled by US supported rebel groups. These are bracketed by al Tanf and a base in the north in Kurdish territory.
The question is, what are our principles aims in the Middle East. Are we in any sort of position to achieve them. Can we possibly be under present circumstances. If not, what must be done. Al Tanf is simply a piece on a chessboard. A knight. Think Fort Apache. The Isrselis no doubt like that we are there. Are we sacrificing American lives to please their government ?
PS, if our mission is to supress ISiS, the monster we created by invading Iraq, then we should withdraw from al Tanf and let the Iranians deal with them, as they are mortal enemies.
If on the other hand, our mission has been to counter Iranian influence in the Middle East, and thwart their ambitions, and eliminate the threat that they pose to Israel, and now, to world peace, well then we have failed so far at that mission and are losing. Of course, then, we should not have invaded Iraq.
Those three dead service members were part of a much larger contingent that we've had in the area to counter the terrorist group ISIS that continues to destabilize the region in the hope of establishment a large Islamic caliphate. Our troops are regularly attacked by Iranian proxies; what's really scary about this latest attack is that it occurred in our ally Jordan and not Iraq or Syria.
It was just a matter of time. There are three or four other reasons why we have a base at al Tanf. Which is in Syria by the way. In order of priority.
It is near the highway from Baghdad to Damascus, along which Iranian shipments to its Army in Syria travel. Near enough to block them.
Hence it is a wartime forward observation and firebase. It is manned by a Marine recon unit with artillery that has fire control over that road.
Secondly, there is a Palestinian refugee camp nearby. It protects it and sees that it does not get weapons nor overtaken by militants.
.Thirdly, is as you mentioned, guarding against the reemergence there of ISIS.
Fourth is the official stated mission of providing some aid and comfort to Jordan in securing its borders from these manifold threats.
Lastly, there are the oil fields of eastern Syria, presently controlled by US supported rebel groups. These are bracketed by al Tanf and a base in the north in Kurdish territory.
The question is, what are our principles aims in the Middle East. Are we in any sort of position to achieve them. Can we possibly be under present circumstances. If not, what must be done. Al Tanf is simply a piece on a chessboard. A knight. Think Fort Apache. The Isrselis no doubt like that we are there. Are we sacrificing American lives to please their government ?
PS, if our mission is to supress ISiS, the monster we created by invading Iraq, then we should withdraw from al Tanf and let the Iranians deal with them, as they are mortal enemies.
If on the other hand, our mission has been to counter Iranian influence in the Middle East, and thwart their ambitions, and eliminate the threat that they pose to Israel, and now, to world peace, well then we have failed so far at that mission and are losing. Of course, then, we should not have invaded Iraq.
Very informative and impressive comments, Tyler. Thanks for these.