Deadly Iranian Strike in Northern Iraq Inflames Tensions in the Region
New York TimesJan 16
Iraq, Pakistan Recall Ambassadors After Deadly Iranian Attacks
Image copyright: Kaveh Kazemi/Getty Images News via Getty Images (September 2020)
The Facts
In the wake of an unauthorized airstrike inside Pakistan that reportedly killed a six-year-old girl and an 11-month boy on Tuesday, Islamabad announced Wednesday that it had recalled its ambassador from Tehran and that the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan — who was visiting his own country — wouldn't be allowed to return.
Iraq has also recalled its ambassador from Iran and filed a complaint against Iran at the UN Security Council following a missile and drone attack that hit Syria and Iraqi Kurdistan on Monday, reportedly killing a toddler in Erbil. Meanwhile, the Arab League is set to hold an emergency meeting.
The Spin
Anti-Iran narrative
Iran's recent missile attacks on Pakistan and Iraq — allegedly to fight terrorists — have heightened tensions in an already volatile region where its proxy military forces have caused much of the violence. Tehran is acting recklessly at a time when all parties should use restraint and respect the territorial integrity of its neighbors. De-escalation and coordinated action are essential to safeguard at least some stability.
Pro-Iran narrative
It is hardly Iran causing regional tensions to escalate as Tehran has only protected itself from terrorists operating within the territories of Pakistan and Iraq. While Iran respects their sovereignty and territorial integrity, it must maintain its own security when challenged by terrorists. Undoubtedly, Pakistan has not gone far enough to prevent terrorists from the Jaish al-Adl from striking Iran.
Nerd narrative
There is a 10% chance the US and Iran will be primary actors on opposite sides of a war before 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.