What did the attack on the U.S. military barracks in Beirut and other terrorist incidents against Americans and other Westerners reveal about a new worldwide danger?
How did Ronald Reagan react to these episodes?
Answer (2)
The attack on the Marine Barracks and other terrorist attacks following this showed that non-state actors were growing in their power and threats to traditional state and military assets like the barracks. There was a rise in groups like Hezbollah and other militant groups who were believed to be involved in attacks on U.S. and European targets. Later there would be an increase in these types of group with the growth of Al Qaeda throughout the 1990s posing increased threats to the U.S. Government around the globe given their non-traditional structure and ability to operate in numerous theaters around the globe at once. In response to the Marine Barracks bombing the Reagan administration ultimately removed the Marines stationed in Lebanon and the international peacekeeping force that was stationed there was also removed. Additionally the U.S.S. New Jersey and the some planes unleashed massive bombing campaigns against Druze and Syrian positions in the mountains of Lebanon especially near the Bekaa Valley.
The Beirut barracks bombing highlighted the growing threat of non-state actors like Hezbollah, indicating a shift in global dangers. In reaction, Reagan withdrew U.S. troops from Lebanon and authorized military strikes against adversaries in the region, showing a combination of restraint and limited military action. This pragmatic response underscored Reagan's approach to foreign policy amidst rising international terrorism.
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