Harris Skips Netanyahu Address, Fueling Speculation of Policy Shift
The VP, and Democrat Coronated Presidential Candidate Continues to Make Headline Errors ....
In a move that has raised eyebrows in Washington and US, Vice President Kamala Harris has opted to skip Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. The decision, attributed to a prior commitment to attend a sorority convention in Indianapolis, has sparked intense speculation about potential rifts within the Biden administration over Middle East policy.
As the Democratic presidential nominee, Harris's absence is particularly noteworthy. It comes at a critical juncture in U.S.-Middle East relations, with ongoing conflicts and vital American interests at stake in the region.
Shifting Sands in Middle East Policy
The Biden administration has been navigating treacherous waters in its approach to the Middle East. Initially hoping to build on the Obama-era strategy of détente with Iran, Team Biden has been forced to recalibrate its stance in the face of Tehran's intransigence and continued support for regional proxies.
This has led to a renewed focus on strengthening ties with traditional allies, including Israel and Saudi Arabia. The administration's efforts to foster a strategic alignment between these nations have been seen as a tacit acknowledgment of the Trump-era Abraham Accords' effectiveness.
Harris's Role and Its Implications
Vice President Harris's decision to prioritize a sorority event over Netanyahu's address is being interpreted by some as a signal of her divergence from the Biden administration's current Middle East strategy. This perception could have far-reaching consequences, potentially complicating ongoing negotiations and emboldening adversaries in the region.
The vice president's actions send a message, intended or not. In diplomacy, optics matter, and this could be read as a lack of unity within the administration on Middle East policy.
This is the kind and type mistake the Biden administration and campaign made over and over again when Biden was running.
The Stakes: A Delicate Balance
The implications of this perceived rift extend beyond mere political posturing. The U.S. is currently engaged in delicate negotiations to establish a new security architecture in the Middle East, centered around a potential U.S.-Saudi security treaty. This treaty, if realized, could significantly alter the balance of power in the region and serve as a counterweight to Iranian influence.
However, the path to such an agreement is fraught with challenges. Domestic opposition from various quarters, including pro-Palestinian activists and isolationists, threatens to derail the treaty's ratification in the Senate.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 election speeds up, the spotlight on Harris's foreign policy positions will only intensify. Her actions and statements will be scrutinized not only by domestic audiences but also by international partners and adversaries alike.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the perceived daylight between Harris and the current administration on Middle East policy is a temporary blip or a harbinger of a more significant shift should she ascend to the presidency.