The recent incident in Jordan, where three US Army soldiers were tragically killed and several others wounded in a drone attack near the US military outpost Tower 22, has left us all in deep sorrow. It is with a heavy heart that I extend my sincere condolences to the families of those brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
The lack of a comprehensive national security strategy against China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran has left the Biden administration in a state of analysis paralysis, unable to effectively address the growing threats posed by these countries, leaving our service members vulnerable to more attacks.
How did we get here? First and foremost, the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan demonstrated a lack of foresight and planning on the part of the Biden administration. The abrupt departure left a power vacuum that was quickly filled by the Taliban, erasing two decades of progress and putting American national security at risk. This failure not only undermined our credibility on the global stage but also emboldened our adversaries, who now see us as weak and indecisive.
Furthermore, the mismanagement of the situation in Ukraine has allowed Russia to continue its aggressive actions in the region. Despite numerous warnings and calls for action, the Biden administration has failed to deter Russian aggression effectively. This inaction has not only put Ukraine’s sovereignty at risk but has also threatened the stability of Eastern Europe as a whole.
In addition, the lack of a comprehensive strategy to counter China’s growing influence has allowed them to expand their economic, military, and technological capabilities unchecked. China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, cyber espionage, and human rights abuses should be met with a firm and cohesive response from the United States. However, the Biden administration’s failure to develop a comprehensive plan has left us in a reactive mode, constantly playing catch-up instead of proactively addressing the threat.
North Korea’s continued development of its missile program is another area where the Biden administration has failed to deter aggression effectively. Despite numerous UN sanctions and diplomatic efforts, North Korea has continued to test and improve its missile capabilities. The lack of a clear and comprehensive strategy to address this threat has allowed North Korea to become an even greater risk to regional stability and global security.
Lastly, the failure to hold Iran accountable for its support of proxy groups and its pursuit of nuclear weapons has allowed the country to destabilize the Middle East further. Iran’s proxies, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, have been responsible for countless attacks on American interests and allies in the region. The lack of a comprehensive national security strategy has left the Biden administration unable to effectively counter Iran’s actions, putting American service members at risk and further escalating tensions in the region.
To address these challenges, the Biden administration must urgently develop a comprehensive national security strategy that prioritizes the threats posed by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. This strategy should include a clear and cohesive plan to counter their aggressive actions, protect American interests, and uphold global stability.
The recent incident in Jordan, where three US Army soldiers were tragically killed and several others wounded in a drone attack near the US military outpost Tower 22, has left us all in deep sorrow. It is with a heavy heart that I extend my sincere condolences to the families of those brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
The lack of a comprehensive national security strategy against China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran has left the Biden administration in a state of analysis paralysis, unable to effectively address the growing threats posed by these countries, leaving our service members vulnerable to more attacks.
How did we get here? First and foremost, the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan demonstrated a lack of foresight and planning on the part of the Biden administration. The abrupt departure left a power vacuum that was quickly filled by the Taliban, erasing two decades of progress and putting American national security at risk. This failure not only undermined our credibility on the global stage but also emboldened our adversaries, who now see us as weak and indecisive.
Furthermore, the mismanagement of the situation in Ukraine has allowed Russia to continue its aggressive actions in the region. Despite numerous warnings and calls for action, the Biden administration has failed to deter Russian aggression effectively. This inaction has not only put Ukraine’s sovereignty at risk but has also threatened the stability of Eastern Europe as a whole.
In addition, the lack of a comprehensive strategy to counter China’s growing influence has allowed them to expand their economic, military, and technological capabilities unchecked. China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, cyber espionage, and human rights abuses should be met with a firm and cohesive response from the United States. However, the Biden administration’s failure to develop a comprehensive plan has left us in a reactive mode, constantly playing catch-up instead of proactively addressing the threat.
North Korea’s continued development of its missile program is another area where the Biden administration has failed to deter aggression effectively. Despite numerous UN sanctions and diplomatic efforts, North Korea has continued to test and improve its missile capabilities. The lack of a clear and comprehensive strategy to address this threat has allowed North Korea to become an even greater risk to regional stability and global security.
Lastly, the failure to hold Iran accountable for its support of proxy groups and its pursuit of nuclear weapons has allowed the country to destabilize the Middle East further. Iran’s proxies, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, have been responsible for countless attacks on American interests and allies in the region. The lack of a comprehensive national security strategy has left the Biden administration unable to effectively counter Iran’s actions, putting American service members at risk and further escalating tensions in the region.
To address these challenges, the Biden administration must urgently develop a comprehensive national security strategy that prioritizes the threats posed by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. This strategy should include a clear and cohesive plan to counter their aggressive actions, protect American interests, and uphold global stability.
Firstly, in the case of Afghanistan, the United States must reassess its approach to counterterrorism and nation-building. A comprehensive strategy should include a long-term commitment to supporting the Afghan government and security forces while also maintaining a robust counterterrorism presence to prevent the resurgence of extremist groups. Additionally, diplomatic efforts should be made to engage regional powers and ensure a coordinated approach to stabilizing the country.
Secondly, in the case of Russia, the United States must take a firm stance against Russian aggression. This includes imposing targeted sanctions, providing military assistance to Ukraine, and strengthening NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe. Additionally, diplomatic channels should be utilized to engage Russia in meaningful dialogue and negotiations to de-escalate tensions and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Thirdly, in the case of China, the United States must develop a comprehensive strategy to counter its growing influence. This should include economic measures to address unfair trade practices, technology policies to protect American intellectual property, and military deterrence to safeguard regional stability. Additionally, the United States should work closely with like-minded allies and partners to form a united front against Chinese aggression.
Fourthly, in the case of North Korea, the United States must pursue a combination of diplomatic engagement and pressure to halt its missile program. This should involve robust enforcement of existing sanctions, diplomatic negotiations to achieve denuclearization, and close coordination with regional powers such as South Korea and Japan.
Finally, in the case of Iran, the United States must hold the regime accountable for its support of proxy groups and pursuit of nuclear weapons. This includes maintaining economic pressure through sanctions, strengthening regional alliances to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities, and pursuing diplomatic negotiations to address the issues of concern.
In a New York Times article, Admiral Stavridis stated, There are no good choices. Still, the deaths and wounds of so many U.S. troops and SEALs demand a strong response.” The retired Navy Admiral now works for the Carlyle Group, a global investment firm.
“A multi-day air campaign against all proxies, coupled with a ‘last chance warning’ to Iran, is warranted,” he said. “The Pentagon should be creating options that go directly against Iranian weapons production facilities, naval assets, and intelligence systems in case the mullahs want to go another round. A strong offensive cyberattack would be another viable option, alone or in conjunction with kinetic strikes.”
I agree, but this is reactive. We need a proactive, long-term strategy. Unfortunately, there is not one. Over the past 23 years, four administrations have failed to develop a strategy that effectively deals with our threats, enemies, and security. The current administration has been the biggest failure.
The Biden National Security Team, consisting of the National Security Council, the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman, the Joint Chiefs, and the Combatant Commanders, continue to fail to protect our deployed service members sufficiently. The challenge now, with two wars underway, failed leadership, and a military that is not prepared, Biden needs to put China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran’s threats and attacks on Americans out of business.
Donald C. Bolduc
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