President Joe Biden can take a sigh of relief as Israel and Iran have backed away from the brink of all-out war, with limited damage caused by retaliatory strikes. Biden had urged Israel to temper its response to Iran’s direct attack and avoid escalating violence in the region. The situation remains delicate for Biden as he faces challenges in the Middle East, Russia, and the Indo-Pacific, testing his promise to bring calm and renewed respect for the U.S. on the world stage. Despite foreign policy not being the top issue for American voters, polls suggest that overseas concerns could play a significant role in the upcoming election.
Biden has invested political capital in his response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and backing Ukraine against Russian aggression. The de-escalation between Israel and Iran comes as the House approves $95 billion in wartime aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, a move Biden supports. While the Biden administration focuses on building relations in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, Republicans argue that Biden’s policies have contributed to global challenges. Criticism includes Biden’s failed efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal and his handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, with influences linking to the current global unrest.
Polls show growing concerns among Americans regarding foreign policy, with a significant proportion naming it as a priority for the government in the upcoming years. Public opinion on Biden’s handling of foreign affairs has been negative, reflecting on his approval ratings following his administration’s response to various global crises. Biden’s presidency, initially acclaimed for his management of the economy and the pandemic, faced a decline in approval after the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. Both the Israel-Hamas conflict and tensions with Russia over Ukraine continue to pose challenges for Biden as he approaches the election.
The relationship between Israel and Iran remains in a gray area, with both sides cautious in navigating the delicate situation post-retaliatory strikes. Biden’s efforts to facilitate a cease-fire in Gaza and hold Israel accountable for its actions against Palestinians demonstrate the complexity of the situation. While Hamas has not yet accepted a proposed cease-fire, the Biden administration seeks to provide humanitarian relief to civilians in Gaza while also imposing penalties on entities fundraising for extremist Israel settlers. Biden’s concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza have been conveyed, signaling the challenges in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The situation in the Middle East remains complex, with Biden walking a tightrope between supporting Israel and promoting peace in the region. The outcome of the recent tensions between Israel and Iran will impact Biden’s foreign policy narrative as he navigates various global crises. As the election approaches, Biden’s handling of foreign affairs will continue to be a point of contention among voters, with concerns about the U.S.’s role in the world stage and ongoing conflicts shaping public opinion. Biden’s ability to navigate these challenges and maintain stability on the international front will play a crucial role in his reelection bid.
