US Vice President Kamala Harris Names Iran as America's Top Adversary

The Biden Administration's View on America's Greatest Adversary

The Biden administration has frequently referred to Russia as the primary adversary of the United States, especially in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The CIA, US national intelligence community, and the Pentagon have generally identified China as the most significant 'pacing threat' to America on a global scale and in the long run.

Kamala Harris' Surprising Statement

In a surprising turn of events, Vice President Kamala Harris named Iran as the United States' main "adversary" during her interview on 60 Minutes. This unexpected statement appears to be a response to the current geopolitical climate, with Iran being a hot topic in the news, particularly as Israel prepares to retaliate against the nation.

Harris' Explanation

When asked which country she believes is America's "greatest adversary," Harris responded, "I think there’s an obvious one in mind which is Iran. Iran has American blood on their hands." She further elaborated on her stance by referring to Iran's recent attack on Israel with 200 ballistic missiles and the need to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power. However, when asked if she would support military action against Iran if it was found to possess nuclear weapons, Harris declined to discuss hypothetical situations.

Reactions to Harris' Statement

Independent journalist and regional analyst, Zaid Jilani, questioned Harris' statement, asking how a country with a GDP 60 times smaller than the US could be considered its biggest adversary. He suggested that Harris' lack of policy knowledge might have led her to adopt such a stance, which he referred to as "absorbing silly Cheney talking points."

Washington's Consensus on the 'Big Threat'

The 2022 National Defense Strategy, reflecting the current consensus in Washington, labels China as the "most comprehensive and serious challenge to US national security strategy," with Russia identified as a close second. Iran is merely mentioned in the category of "persistent threats," a category that also includes smaller non-state actors such as al-Qaeda.

Bottom Line

The Vice President's statement naming Iran as America's top adversary is a departure from the usual narrative of the Biden administration and the broader US intelligence community. It raises questions about the basis of her views and whether they reflect a shift in US foreign policy. What do you think about Harris' statement? Does it reflect a new direction in US foreign policy or is it merely a reflection of current geopolitical tensions? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Remember to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.