Amid rising tensions in the Middle East Crisis, the United States has taken strategic measures, deploying two aircraft carriers and additional forces, aiming to prevent the outbreak of a devastating regional conflict.
Middle East Crisis Deepens as US Battles with Escalating Tensions Linked to Israel-Hamas Conflict (Photo: NPR)
‘Having Their Cake’: Huthi Rebels’ Provocative Actions
In a recent development released by France 24 News, in December 05, 2023, the recent violence, though not reaching a critical threshold, poses significant dangers amidst Middle East Crisis. Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen heightened the stakes by targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea, prompting a response from a US Navy destroyer. Jeffrey Feltman, a former US assistant secretary of state, acknowledges the escalation but emphasizes efforts to manage clashes and avoid a full-blown regional war. However, concerns linger about the potential for inadvertent escalation leading to a broader Middle East Crisis.
In a provocative move, Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for striking two commercial ships in the Red Sea, alleging they were Israeli vessels. The attacks, they declared, would persist until what they perceive as Israeli aggression against Gaza ceases. Simultaneously, the US Navy intercepted drones launched from Yemen, with unclear targets, as tensions continue to mount.
Feltman highlights the Huthis and Hezbollah’s delicate strategy—attempting to show solidarity with Gaza while avoiding a full-scale war. The ongoing conflict amidst Middle East Crisis between Israel and Hamas adds complexity, with both sides engaging in a deadly exchange since October 7, further fueling tensions across the region.
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‘Testing Limits’ in the Middle East Crisis: US Military’s Evolving Focus
According to the news reported by Barron’s, as the Middle East Crisis unfolds, the US military faces a delicate balancing act, responding to provocations while navigating a broader shift in focus. While the US has deployed significant military assets to the region, it seeks to move away from the counterinsurgency-centric “War on Terror” conflicts toward countering China.
Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, notes the potential for the situation to escalate negatively but maintains that the conflict remains within control. The United States, he asserts, continues to be the dominant power in the region, with adversaries carefully testing limits while the military’s agility remains a critical factor in shaping the evolving dynamics of the Middle East Crisis.
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