US Intel Community Cites Need to Refocus On Middle East Threats

by Johnny Franks, Warrior Editorial Fellow

A recent report from Politico discusses the concerns of the US intelligence community following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Specifically, the report highlights the United States’ reduced military and intelligence focus on the Middle East as it shifted its attention to Russia and China, and the current manifestation of said ignorance. The report touches upon the challenges arising from this new dynamic, as well as the necessity of reevaluating the US strategy in the Middle East. More broadly, this also has implications for US military presence and resources globally. This raises the question: can the United States simultaneously and effectively oversee conflict mitigation all around the world?

To ensure its continued dominance and effective management of global geopolitical tensions, the United States must emphatically prioritize advancements in military technology and hardware. Technological superiority is a pillar of US military strategy, especially in countering strategic competitors like China and Russia. A consistent advantage in this domain is crucial for maintaining a strategic military presence worldwide and effectively containing threats in volatile regions.

Defense technology requires constant advancement, and equally, the delivery system must also evolve. The defense industrial base, renowned as a high-tech arms producer, faces ongoing obstacles in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Specifically, bureaucratic delays and pressure from competitive nations such as China. A measure must be taken to speed up FMS to ensure that American arms sustain their advantage, aid allies and partners to enhance their capacity, and ensure timely delivery of critical technologies. Expenditures on the cutting-edge of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons, along with the development of skilled personnel to manage these systems, are also imperative. That would help the United States to project power and maintain a technological edge that deters aggression and supports stability globally.

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In terms of air superiority, historically, it has been the backbone of US military strategy. However, with the improved development of adversarial air defense systems, drones, and cruise missiles, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the United States to maintain this advantage. As the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine showed, the nature of conflict has evolved across the world, creating an urgent necessity for the United States to adapt and innovate its air domain tactics. This is done through advancing a blend of technologies ranging from crewed aircraft, and drones, to long-range missiles. Such an approach works to counter air denial attempts and make sure the United States maintains control of the skies in a future instance of conflict.

Finally, strong deterrence exists at the base of US strategy to ensure a free and open global order. Investment in modern airpower and naval capabilities, such as advanced fighter jets, bombers, and a new generation of ships and submarines, are vital for conflict response and maintaining a global network of well-equipped allied forces. Such investments are part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining US military readiness and capability in the face of evolving threats, assuring that the United States remains ready to defend its interests and those of its allies all around the world.