The hypocrisy of the Biden administration and Sunak's government is quite breathtaking. Israel made a huge escalation of the confrontation with Iran, by its lethal attack on the consulate in Damascus. Iran warned of its response in advance, and, if it is to be believed, targeted only military facilities. It was obvious that such a well-flagged attack would be largely neutralised by Israeli air defences, and that Iran was satisfied with a response by way of warning which involved little damage and only one serious casualty - a girl who was severely injured by missile fragments. The attack on the Iranian consulate by contrast killed 13 people.
The indications are that Iran wanted to make a major show of force in its response, but without escalating the conflict by wholesale killing. But it has been roundly condemned by the US and UK. Meanwhile Biden has done absolutely nothing to prevent an Israeli response which may result in the deaths of more people.
Biden has been played by Netanyahu. The latter's escalation of the confrontation with Iran has served two objectives. First, it has reignited fears about Israel's security in the event that it leads to all-out war, and thus Biden can be guaranteed to continue supplying arms to Israel (which can conveniently be deployed aganst Hamas in Gaza). Second, it has distracted attention from the Gaza issue. Where now is the concern about whether sufficient aid is getting through, and about what Israel may do in Rafah? Biden's willingness to be taken for a ride by Netanyahu shows that not only is he a fool, he is also morally bankrupt. |