The geopolitical landscape is shifting, and it seems that the Biden administration’s handling of Iran is about as effective as a screen door on a submarine. According to reports, in early 2024, Iran was dangerously close to achieving nuclear capabilities, leaving conservatives scratching their heads and wondering what exactly the White House was doing while the mullahs were plotting their next move.
In an election year where national security should be front and center, the Biden strategy—or lack thereof—has tossed the Middle Eastern chessboard into chaos. Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance” was gaining ground like a kid on the playground running wild after school. This group of militant proxies was flexing their muscles, taking advantage of a U.S. administration that seems more interested in climate change than the threat of a nuclear Iran.
Much of this turmoil traces back to a misguided approach to foreign policy, one that has favored diplomacy over deterrence. One can almost hear the laughter from Tehran as they watch the U.S. hand over the keys to the kingdom. Back in the day, under Trump, Iran was feeling the squeeze from sanctions—essentially being told, “Play nice, or we’ll take away your toys.” Now, it looks more like a free-for-all, where the regime feels empowered and sanctions have lost their bite like a dull knife.
What’s Don’s Iran play, post-Biden Democrats need a reset and other commentary https://t.co/qgj5nnaiRI pic.twitter.com/o0zPk6AbgN
— NY Post Opinion (@NYPostOpinion) January 5, 2025
On the ground, Iranian proxies are acting like they own the place. From Hamas to Hezbollah, these groups have become emboldened in the absence of a strong U.S. stance. It’s almost as if they’re throwing a party, racking up accolades for their misdeeds while Uncle Sam stands outside debating whether to call the police. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that when the perceived leadership is weak, the bad actors come out of the woodwork.
As the 2024 elections loom, it’s essential to ask: can the U.S. reclaim its role as a formidable force in the Middle East? With the dramatic escalation of Iran’s influence, conservatives are fervently hoping for not just a shift back to strength under a potential Republican leader but an outright repudiation of the previous administration’s foreign policy blunders. After all, a nuclear Iran spells trouble not just for its neighbors but for Americans’ safety as well. The irony? What started as a focus on diplomacy could end up requiring some serious defense work, should things continue to spiral out of control.