Link to article: https: //www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/29/rocket-attack-causes-fire-at-oil-refinery-in-northern-iraq
On sunday, November 29th, a rocket attack in northern Iraq caused a large fire at an oil refinery. The ISIL (ISIS) group claimed responsibility saying it used two Katyusha rockets to carry out the attack. The fire halted operations at the oil refinery, and hit a fuel storage tank at the small Siniya refinery in Salahuddin province. There were no reports of casualties and operations resumed within a few hours after the attack. Sunday’s attack signals that ISIL fighters may still be capable of launching attacks against security forces and vital energy sites, this comes after the US announced it will further reduce the number of troops stationed in the Middle East. The announcement caused worry for analysts who worried such a move may cause harm to such countries like Iraq.
Although ISIL does not hold territory in Iraq, the group frequently carries out attacks throughout the country. Iranian-supported armed groups are also believed to be behind a series of rocket and mortar attacks targeting US interests in Iraq, frustrating the Trump administration. If these attacks continue, the Trump administration threatens to close its embassy in Baghdad, which will not change Iran or its allied militias behavior. The closing of the embassy causes America to appear weak, that if you push us hard enough, we will run. It will also hurt America’s budding relationship with Iraq, both circumstances will only hurt the United States politically.
From a liberal perspective, it would be good to close the American embassy in Baghdad. With the current rocket and mortar attacks targeting american interests, who’s to say they won’t try to target the American embassy, risking american lives. In a Realist perspective, it would be bad to close the American embassy in Baghdad. Realists believe in keeping Sovereignty, even if it means losing american lives. If they close the American embassy it would risk the american Sovereignty by making America look weak. If America looks weak, it will give other countries the idea of going against the United States in some way. Looking weak politically isn’t good for any country.