This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the recent bombing by U.S. forces of Iran-backed militias in Syria.

 

“The Biden administration’s recent decision to strike at targets in Syria by all accounts seems like a measured and proportional response to an attack on U.S. forces in Iraq. What President Biden is signaling is that while he prioritizes diplomacy, he will not be a pushover. I would have liked to see the administration consult more closely with Congress before taking such action. Congress has an important oversight role in foreign policy that I think has been overlooked the last several administrations, which is why I think the new authorization for the use of force (AUMF) being debated before Congress should be passed sooner rather than later.”

Andy Laub

Ardsley, N.Y.

“Who gives a (expletive) about Syria or anyone else? The United States has got to stop being in wars that have no relationship to our domestic interest. All U.S. service people should come home now.”

Anthony Rivieccio

Bedford Park

“No matter who’s in office, it’s the same old story. As a historian, I am gravely concerned about America’s continuation of its imperialist foreign policies, its unjust wars, and its military interventions, such as the latest one in Syria. War, imperialism and colonialism are baked into our national psyche, and both major parties work for the military industrial complex and big-monied special interests instead of working for the common good of the people. The result is death, destruction, misery, exploitation and oppression for people abroad, for the environment, and for poor working people here at home.”

Matthew Heidtmann

Long Island

 

“I think it’s terrible. I understand why it was carried out. I just think we have so many domestic issues that need to be handled first. In my opinion, our top priority issue is getting everyone vaccinated.”

Amelia Zaino

Co-Op City

“I would like to see the U.S. foreign policy move away from ‘forever wars,’ rather than be involved in an endless cycle. I would like to see us again rejoin the JCPOA [commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal] and be an honest broker in resolving the Israeli – Palestinian crisis. We must use soft power and force should be a last resort.”

Shoshana Hershkowitz

South Setauket, N.Y.