The United States recently marked the third anniversary of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, closing a 20-year war that ended in a chaotic manner. The attack on Kabul by the Taliban followed by the killing of U.S. service members and Afghan civilians by ISIS-K terrorists left questions about the effectiveness of U.S. strategy in countering al Qaeda and Islamic extremism. President Biden defended the decision to end the war by emphasizing the initial purpose of entering Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. Despite its efforts to weaken al Qaeda and remove Taliban rule, the U.S. faced criticism for leaving behind a situation where both groups maintained a presence in Afghanistan.
Israel has long grappled with similar challenges of countering threats from extremist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Facing multiple terrorist organizations funded by Iran, Israel is surrounded by a “ring of fire” aimed at encircling the country. The key challenge for Israel, as with the U.S., is how to prevent the continuous recruitment of terrorists and address the root causes of extremism. The proximity of the threat poses a significant challenge for Israel, as it continually faces existential threats and must fight for its very existence. The ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, leading to international criticism of Israel’s military tactics and the need for a long-term comprehensive approach to achieve lasting peace.
Experts like Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Charles Moore believe that decisive military action is necessary to eliminate immediate threats to Israeli security, but also emphasize the importance of implementing strategies to improve living conditions and establish economic cooperation once the fighting stops. The role of Iran in funding terrorist organizations poses a significant threat to regional stability and security, requiring a stricter approach through increased sanctions and diplomatic efforts. A coalition of like-minded countries is seen as crucial in uniting against Iran and ending Islamic extremism while de-radicalizing regions like Gaza.
Calls for a total reassessment of Israel’s strategy towards Iran highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of terrorism and prevent its spread. The recent ceasefire proposal for Gaza, mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, offers a potential end to the fighting, but ongoing challenges remain as Hamas has yet to agree. The eradication of Hamas from Gaza is seen as essential for Israel’s survival, highlighting the zero-sum nature of Israel’s fight against terrorism. Overall, strategic cooperation between Israel, the U.S., and allied nations is crucial in combating the proliferation of terrorist organizations and securing long-term peace and stability in the region.
