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Members of New Hampshire's congressional delegation react to news of US airstrikes in Iran

The article from WMUR, titled "New Hampshire Congress members react to US airstrikes in Iran," provides a detailed account of the reactions from New Hampshire's congressional delegation to the U.S. military airstrikes conducted in Iran. The article, published on February 2, 2024, captures the perspectives of Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, as well as Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, offering a comprehensive view of their stances on the military action and its broader implications.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, expressed her concerns about the escalation of tensions in the Middle East following the airstrikes. She emphasized the need for a diplomatic approach to de-escalate the situation and prevent further conflict. Shaheen stated, "While I understand the need to respond to attacks on our forces, we must prioritize diplomacy to prevent a broader conflict." She called for the Biden administration to engage in dialogue with Iran and other regional actors to find a peaceful resolution. Shaheen also highlighted the importance of working with allies to address the root causes of instability in the region, such as economic challenges and political unrest.

Senator Maggie Hassan, also a Democrat, echoed Shaheen's sentiments, stressing the importance of a measured response to the attacks on U.S. forces. Hassan noted, "We must hold those responsible for attacks on our troops accountable, but we cannot allow this to spiral into a larger conflict." She urged the administration to keep Congress informed about the situation and to seek authorization for any further military action. Hassan also expressed concern about the potential impact of the airstrikes on the ongoing negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program, warning that increased tensions could jeopardize these efforts.

Representative Annie Kuster, a Democrat representing New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District, focused on the need for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process surrounding the airstrikes. Kuster stated, "The American people deserve to know why these airstrikes were deemed necessary and what the expected outcomes are." She called for a thorough briefing from the administration to Congress, emphasizing the importance of congressional oversight in matters of war and peace. Kuster also expressed concern about the potential for unintended consequences, such as civilian casualties or further destabilization of the region.

Representative Chris Pappas, a Democrat representing New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges posed by Iran. Pappas stated, "We cannot rely solely on military action to address the complex issues in the Middle East." He called for a multi-faceted approach that includes diplomacy, economic sanctions, and support for regional allies. Pappas also highlighted the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where Iran has been accused of supporting the Houthi rebels, and urged the administration to prioritize humanitarian aid and peace negotiations.

The article also provides context for the airstrikes, noting that they were in response to a series of attacks on U.S. forces in the region, which the Pentagon attributed to Iranian-backed militias. The strikes targeted facilities in Syria and Iraq used by these militias, with the aim of degrading their ability to carry out further attacks. The article cites a statement from the Pentagon, which said, "These precision strikes were intended to protect U.S. personnel and interests in the region and to deter future attacks."

The article further explores the broader geopolitical implications of the airstrikes, noting that they come at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The article mentions the ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, which have been stalled due to disagreements over the terms of a potential agreement. It also discusses the impact of the airstrikes on U.S. relations with other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and Israel, which have expressed support for the military action.

In addition to the reactions from New Hampshire's congressional delegation, the article includes statements from other political figures and experts. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, praised the airstrikes, saying, "This is a strong message to Iran that we will not tolerate attacks on our forces." On the other hand, Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, criticized the military action, arguing that it would only lead to further escalation and loss of life.

The article also features analysis from Middle East experts, who offer their perspectives on the potential consequences of the airstrikes. Dr. Vali Nasr, a professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins University, warned that the strikes could lead to a cycle of retaliation and further destabilize the region. He said, "The U.S. needs to be careful not to fall into a tit-for-tat escalation with Iran, which could have disastrous consequences." On the other hand, Dr. Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, argued that the airstrikes were necessary to demonstrate U.S. resolve and deter further attacks. He stated, "The U.S. cannot afford to appear weak in the face of Iranian aggression."

The article concludes by noting that the situation in the Middle East remains fluid, with the potential for further developments in the coming days and weeks. It emphasizes the importance of continued dialogue and diplomacy to address the underlying issues driving the conflict and to prevent a broader escalation. The article also highlights the role of Congress in overseeing U.S. military actions and ensuring that they align with the nation's long-term interests and values.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the reactions from New Hampshire's congressional delegation to the U.S. airstrikes in Iran, as well as the broader context and implications of the military action. It offers insights from a range of perspectives, including political figures, experts, and analysts, to provide readers with a well-rounded understanding of the complex issues at play.

Read the Full WMUR Article at:
[ https://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-congress-us-iran-airstrikes/65142904 ]