Staff Reports
In what is developing into a high-stakes election rematch, President Joe Biden faces yet another international and political crisis. The Israel-Hamas conflict has brought foreign affairs to the forefront, diverting his attention from domestic issues. With Israel engaged in a brutal battle against terrorists, the memories of the Holocaust are evoked, underscoring the gravity of the situation. While Congress has historically supported Israel, some Democratic far-left figures, including Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush, have aligned themselves with anti-Israel sentiments, going as far as labeling Israel an "apartheid state" and advocating for an end to U.S. funding. This shift within the Democratic Party raises concerns about the party's traditional support for our Middle East ally.
President Biden's extensive foreign policy experience, stemming from his time as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and his tenure as vice president under President Barack Obama, should equip him to handle these crises. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict also demands his attention, as he seeks to steer U.S. foreign policy in support of the embattled Eastern European nation. Convincing the American public of the importance of aiding Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia may prove challenging, especially given the skepticism within the GOP, with figures like Sen. Josh Hawley and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, regarding foreign aid as a diversion from domestic priorities. These isolationist tendencies among Republicans could complicate President Biden's efforts to rally support for Ukraine.
In response to these challenges, the Biden administration might consider bundling funding requests for various international security efforts. One approach could involve combining assistance for Ukraine and Taiwan, which faces military threats from China, within the aid package for Israel. Additionally, there could be an inclusion of funds to strengthen security at the U.S.-Mexico border in these requests. However, it's unclear whether such an approach will succeed, especially considering the contentious nature of border funding during the tenure of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy's departure and the potential rise of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise introduce further uncertainty, as Scalise, despite being a staunch supporter of Israel, has been less vocal about his stance on Ukraine aid.
On Tuesday, President Biden pledged swift action to fund the national security needs of critical partners, underscoring bipartisan support for such endeavors. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these efforts remains uncertain. Critics like retired Army Col. Rich Outzen, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, have expressed concerns about the administration's approach, citing mixed messages and a lack of consistent vision and leadership from the White House. Meanwhile, Gabriel Scheinmann, the Executive Director of the Alexander Hamilton Society, has characterized President Biden's Middle East foreign policy as "in shambles," citing perceived distancing from Israel and Saudi Arabia while seeking to appease Iran.
Quoted: “There will be growing pressure on the White House to reverse its policy of appeasement toward Tehran and start locking down all available funds…And that's why you are seeing the White House spin so hard trying to distance Iran from the massacre." https://t.co/BgVyu90tSN
— Richard Goldberg (@rich_goldberg) October 11, 2023
Amid these challenges, there may be an opportunity to connect these foreign crises in order to secure increased financial support. Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, believes that the Israel-Hamas conflict could pose complications for those opposing funding for Ukraine. Framing the requests as emergency assistance for both Israel and Ukraine might make it more challenging for opponents to navigate. However, the perception of a divided and weakened United States on the world stage plays into the hands of countries like Iran.
As these international conflicts continue to evolve, they present significant political hurdles for President Biden, particularly as he enters the final year before the next election. With his approval ratings already in the negative, these crises have the potential to further erode support for his administration. The longer these conflicts persist and the more harrowing the images become, the more difficult it will be for President Biden to maintain solid public support. Ultimately, he must navigate these challenges carefully to ensure the stability of his presidency.
