Commentary: Iranian attacks on US in Syria, Iraq are a wakeup call for US withdrawal

Amid back-and-forth attacks between Iranian-backed militias and U.S. troops in Syria, a cycle of escalation is unfolding that could undermine U.S. diplomacy and even spark a war.

Reporting indicates the U.S. and Iran-backed militias have engaged in four rounds of attacks and reprisals since Aug. 15. Escalation is hard to control by both sides, and it’s important to remember flashpoints like these could become a larger conflict. The easiest way