(1 Feb 2024) US approves strikes on Iranian personnel and facilities in Iraq, Syria — Al Mayadeen

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So, if you want a discussion prompt for a comment:

1️⃣ How is this an example of the United States climbing the escalation ladder?

2️⃣ What makes it hard to climb down from the escalation ladder?

3️⃣🅰️ Is the United States able to maintain a higher level of escalation in the Middle East long term in order to achieve strategic goals?

3️⃣🅱️ Will this be an example of the USA openly crossing a red line for propaganda purposes that doesn't result in larger force commitment against Iran?

4️⃣ Why is the USA so willing to risk a higher level of escalation in response to Ansar Allah ("Houthi rebels" (often used as a pejorative term in Western media) who in fact control the entire landmass of Yemen (and have the support of the "Govt. in Exile" (welcome to the club we have at least 3 already in Washington D.C. anyways, they control a small island closer to 🇩🇯🇪🇷🇸🇴 horn of africa side of red sea)) over their blockade of Israel? What makes Israel so important to the us?

Inapplicable answers to 4️⃣ which will result in summary execution by firing squad: "Houthi piracy threatens global shipping." (Complete bullshit, tell me if you believe this so I can annihilate you with facts and logic.) or "Israel has a mind control gun" / "they run the banks too" There are some reasons other than it being a big U.S military base