In a diplomatic struggle that challenges President Joe Biden’s commitment to a resurgent America on the global stage, the US faces growing criticism for its stance in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Despite a recent move to allow a UN Security Council resolution on humanitarian aid for Gaza, the Biden administration remains isolated from key allies, sparking concerns about the nation’s international reputation.
US Backs Israel Amidst Strained Alliances
After blocking two earlier calls to cease hostilities, the US finally conceded to a UN resolution, but not without dissent. Notably, Britain, France, and Japan supported the resolution, while the US abstained, aligning only with Russia.
The decision underscores a growing divide among traditional allies and questions the coherence of the Biden administration’s foreign policy.
Leslie Vinjamuri, Director of the US and Americas Program at Chatham House, notes a narrative gaining traction globally: “How it’s playing right now in the rest of the world is that the United States cares about Israelis, cares about Ukrainians and really doesn’t care about brown people.”
This perception, fueled by the recent conflict, raises questions about the consistency of U.S. foreign policy in addressing humanitarian crises.
Public Opinion Shifts
Public anger surges as the Biden administration faces criticism for its handling of the conflict.
Despite behind-the-scenes efforts, images of Gaza’s suffering dominate social media, contributing to a narrative that the U.S. favors Israel while downplaying the plight of Palestinians.
A recent survey indicates only seven percent of respondents in six Arab nations believe the U.S. played a positive role in the conflict.
Munqith Dagher, Middle East Director of Gallup International, highlights a severe deterioration in Washington’s reputation in the Arab world.
Social media has played a pivotal role in showcasing the U.S.’s perceived bias towards Israel, leading to increased favorability for China, Russia, and notably, Iran, which has aligned itself with Hamas during the conflict.
Blinken’s Defense and Global Response
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges global focus on Hamas, emphasizing the group’s attack on Israel.
Blinken asserts that the US has played a crucial role in delivering assistance to Gaza. However, the international community’s response remains mixed, with China stepping up regional diplomacy and the U.S. attempting to engage Beijing in addressing issues in the Middle East.
Arab Nations’ Dilemma
Brian Katulis, Vice President of Policy at the Middle East Institute, notes a complex relationship between Arab nations and the U.S., describing a sense of “schizophrenia” in their statements.
Despite denouncing US . foreign policy, many Arab nations rely on the security umbrella provided by the United States, reflecting a challenging diplomatic landscape.
In navigating this delicate balance, the Biden administration faces both external criticism and internal contradictions, prompting questions about the trajectory of US global leadership.
