Airstrikes in Syria continue to make international news. Amid growing tensions between the United States and Iran, US forces have once again struck Iranian targets in Syria, aiming to deter any escalation of the conflict.
The airstrikes, carried out for the second time in a fortnight, targeted facilities used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups. The United States insists on the limited nature of these attacks, asserting that they are calibrated to minimize damage and avoid civilian casualties. In addition, the United States claims to have used the deconfliction line with Russia to avoid any unforeseen confrontation.
These strikes are seen as a show of force by the United States, aimed at deterring Iran and its allies from attacking Israel. However, the question of the effectiveness of this deterrence remains. Faced with pro-Iranian groups such as Hezbollah or the Houthis in Yemen, deterrence only works if we can anticipate their reactions. However, these groups are often considered as irrational actors, which complicates the management of deterrence.
In addition, the presence of an American contingent in the Middle East contributes to increasing tensions and the risk of incidents. Attacks against American interests in the region are increasing, showing the limits of “made in America” deterrence. Indeed, despite the first air strike in Syria, attacks against American interests have not stopped, quite the contrary.
It is therefore crucial to strike a delicate balance between protecting US interests in the region and limiting the escalation of the conflict. The United States faces a complex challenge, where every decision can have significant consequences. It is essential to continue to closely monitor the evolution of the situation and the reactions of the actors involved in order to better understand the issues and potential risks.
In conclusion, the airstrikes in Syria show that the conflict between the United States and Iran is far from resolved. Deterrence cannot be considered a foolproof solution to irrational actors. It is necessary to continue diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to this crisis and avoid a dangerous escalation.