Can Harris Untangle America's Middle East Dilemma?
- Evelyn J. Kim
- Aug 18, 2024
- 2 min read
In recent years, American presidents have grappled with a shared dilemma: how to extricate the U.S. from Middle Eastern entanglements while pivoting towards the looming challenge of China. This sentiment crosses party lines, with many foreign policy experts viewing the 2003 Iraq invasion as a badly planned disaster. Yet, despite best efforts to step back, the region's complexities continue to demand Washington's attention.
The Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations have tried their hand at brokering regional stability-focused deals. However, unpredictable events have repeatedly thwarted attempts to shift focus elsewhere, consuming valuable diplomatic resources.
As the possibility of a Harris presidency looms, her approach to the Middle East remains a mystery. Known for her political flexibility, Harris has appealed to various Democratic factions. Her limited Middle East experience includes a 2017 visit to Jordan's sprawling Zaatari refugee camp and meetings with Israeli officials.
Harris's voting record offers some clues about her regional stance. She's backed Israel while advocating for a two-state solution, criticized the U.S. exit from the Iran nuclear deal, and opposed American support for Saudi Arabia's Yemen campaign.
To get a clearer picture of Harris's potential foreign policy, observers have turned to her advisers. Philip Gordon, with his wealth of experience in previous administrations, has been a vocal critic of regime change strategies in the Middle East. Another key player is Ilan Goldenberg, recently tapped as Harris's liaison to the Jewish community.
Interestingly, Harris's lack of a grand Middle East vision might prove advantageous. History shows that pragmatic, thoughtful approaches to foreign policy often yield better results than sweeping ideological agendas.
As we look towards a potential Harris presidency, the makeup of her foreign policy team remains unclear. However, the involvement of seasoned advisers like Gordon and Goldenberg hints at a recognition that Middle East engagement will remain crucial, even as the U.S. seeks to balance its global priorities.
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