Strategic Assessment

The purpose of drawing a red line is to signal to the enemy a limit beyon which its actions will have consequences. At the same time, a clear red line constrains the side drawing the line, because it allows the enemy to test its credibility and willingness to act. The strategy of drawing a vague red line, which allows flexibility in choosing the timing, force, and nature of the response, can also achieve a significant deterrent effect. This essay examines several red lines drawn by Israel and the United States in the context of the civil war in Syria and the Iranian nuclear program as well as red lines that were not drawn, in order to study the advantages and disadvantages in using this method to demarcate respective strategic interests.