Impact of Gaza War on US Election and Air Travel Amid Conflict
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has urged President Joe Biden to suspend all arms supplies to Israel indefinitely, emphasizing that his support for Tel Aviv could harm black voter turnout in the upcoming November elections. The NAACP, which has been advocating for racial justice and the rights of black Americans for over 115 years, acknowledges Israel’s right to self-defense following the October 7 attack but insists that any military action must adhere to international and humanitarian laws. The association calls for Washington to leverage its influence to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
"We call on President Biden to draw the red line and halt the supply of weapons to Israel and any other nations providing armaments to the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and other terrorist organizations indefinitely. The violence that has claimed so many civilian lives must stop immediately," the NAACP stated. This represents a significant warning that Biden’s strong support for Israel may impact his appeal among black voters, a crucial demographic that played a decisive role in his 2020 victory against Donald Trump.
Opinion polls, such as those conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Reuters/Ipsos, indicate deep divisions within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s handling of the Gaza conflict. A substantial 59% of black Americans believe US military aid to Israel should be restricted to self-defense and in line with human rights standards. Black voters may not necessarily turn towards Trump but could exhibit a lack of enthusiasm, leading to lower voter turnout, officials from Biden's election campaign suggest.
In a related development, American airlines Delta and United are resuming flights to Israel after suspending operations due to the conflict. United has not conducted flights to Israel for nearly two months, while Delta has not returned since the war began. The resumption of flights has prompted scrutiny into whether increased supply has affected flight costs. Currently, the lowest price for a United flight to Israel is $952, while Delta’s fares begin at $1,070. Prices are anticipated to peak during the popular summer months and then decline in September.
The return of these flights comes despite widespread uncertainty among Israeli passengers, many of whom have shifted bookings to Israeli airlines like El Al due to the ongoing cancellations by foreign carriers. This increased demand has led to rapid bookings of cheaper seats, resulting in relatively high prices on some of El Al’s flights to New York.
Amid these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has remarked that the outcome of the US presidential election—whether Biden or Trump wins—will not significantly impact US-Russia relations or American policies. He dismissed the notion that Trump would be more favorable towards Moscow and attributed Trump’s legal troubles to internal political struggles within the United States. Putin criticized Biden’s administration for making repeated mistakes in both domestic and international policies, asserting that the internal political conflict is eroding the US’s leadership in democracy.
Trump, known for his admiration of Putin, has claimed he could end the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv if reelected. On the campaign trail, he continues to criticize NATO, questioning its commitment to European members. Despite these positions, Putin expressed earlier in the year a preference for Biden, describing him as a predictable and old-fashioned politician.
- The NAACP's stance illustrates the complex intertwining of foreign policy and domestic electoral politics, with significant implications for voter turnout among traditionally supportive demographics. As Biden navigates the pressures from civil rights organizations and international allies, his administration's decisions may significantly shape the political landscape ahead of the Presidential elections.
- The resumption of American airlines to Israel marks a cautious return to normalcy in air travel amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. This shift may influence both the airline industry's economic recovery and passenger choices in a volatile environment.
- Putin's commentary on the US political scenario underscores the broader geopolitical ramifications of American electoral outcomes. His perspective highlights the strategic calculations made by international actors as they anticipate the potential shifts in US foreign policy post-election.
