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In this handout image provided by the UK Ministry of Defence, an RAF Typhoon aircraft takes off from RAF Akrotiri to join the U.S.-led coalition to conduct air strikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels on January 11, 2024 in Akrotiri, Cyprus. The strikes were done to protect global shipping in the region. Handout/MoD Crown Copyright via Getty Im hide caption
In this handout image provided by the UK Ministry of Defence, an RAF Typhoon aircraft takes off from RAF Akrotiri to join the U.S.-led coalition to conduct air strikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels on January 11, 2024 in Akrotiri, Cyprus. The strikes were done to protect global shipping in the region.
Handout/MoD Crown Copyright via Getty ImSince Israel's war against Hamas began, the US has tried to prevent a wider regional war from breaking out.
Now, with US attacks against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen, drone strikes in Iraq and fighting across Israel's northern border with Lebanon is that regional conflict the US wanted to avoid, already here?
The last three presidents have tried to shrink the US footprint in the Middle East. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Ben Rhodes. Rhodes was Deputy National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama.
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This episode was produced by Fatma Tanis and Karen Zamora. It was edited by Christopher Intagliata and Courtney Dorning. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
