Biden's Role in the Escalating Middle East Conflict
In a recent analysis by Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times, President Joe Biden's handling of the Middle East crisis has come under scrutiny. Kristof argues that Biden's ongoing weapons supply to Israel has not only failed to bring about peace but has instead exacerbated the conflict, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon. Despite Biden's calls for restraint, the continued flow of arms to Israel has diminished the United States' influence in the region, leading to a political failure that could have significant ramifications for upcoming elections.
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen echoed these sentiments, stating that the pattern of behavior exhibited by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who seemingly disregards U.S. requests—has resulted in a situation where the U.S. is rewarded with more military support for Israel, even as violence escalates. Political scientist Ian Bremmer remarked that Biden's influence over the situation is effectively
highlighting the president's diminishing power in diplomatic negotiations.
Global Implications of U.S. Policies
Kristof further argues that Biden's approach may not only jeopardize his political future but also undermine U.S. interests globally. The perception of Netanyahu's arrogance is reportedly damaging U.S. alliances, particularly in East Asia, where countries are prioritizing the Gaza conflict over their relationships with the United States. Polls indicate a troubling trend: if forced to choose between the U.S. and China, many nations would lean towards China.
The former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy and former UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson have both expressed concern over the U.S.'s diminishing stature on the world stage, pointing to the humiliation faced by Biden at the hands of Netanyahu. Kristof concludes with a poignant reflection on the human cost of the conflict, questioning how Biden would respond to a grieving child affected by the violence fueled by U.S. arms.
