November 8, 2023 - PBS NewsHour full episode
PBS NewsHourOCT 20 2023
US Airstrikes Hit Iran-Backed Sites in Syria
Image copyright: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Despite the tragic casualties on both sides of the conflict, the US — looking to shore up its political standing with Israel — has unequivocally supported Tel Aviv while largely ignoring the horrors experienced by the Palestinians. This is a dangerous maneuver that has abandoned Washington's national interests in the rest of the region, leaving room for other actors to intervene. If the US wants to avoid a regional escalation, it must reel in Israel's military posture to prevent larger-scale conflicts.
Pro-establishment narrative
While there's no clear evidence that Tehran was involved in Hamas's savage assault on Israel, recent attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US bases show that the Iranian regime is playing with fire. Meanwhile, other Iranian proxies like Hezbollah threaten to open a second front against Israel. Israel has no choice but to defend itself, and Washington is right to defend both Israel and the US interests in the region.