Biden's Middle East policy has been so quietly sound, that it has been loudly condemned. We live in a noisy world. Even the most intimate details are shouted on social media. Virtue signaling is thought to be virtue. Many MAGA Republicans favor theatrics over governance.
Unsurprisingly, millennials are unaware that diplomacy is conducted with an indoor voice. The population of Israel is less than 10 million. Taking into account the difference in population, the Hamas slaughter of civilians was as if we lost 35000 during 9/11. After our terrorist related loses we fought an ill considered war against the wrong country.
So a strong reaction by Israel is understandable, and as an ally we had to offer support. But that support is not unqualified. Biden has known Netanyahu for decades. Publicly proclaiming the necessity of a cease fire, would have the opposite of the desired impact. Do not wave red in front of a bull.
Behind the scenes the administration has sought to moderate Israel's efforts, and to maximize humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Biden has also largely kept Hezbollah out of the conflict, and stunted Iranian intervention.
Can someone speak up for a job well done?
Unfortunately, we Americans have become so polarized that we only listen to what we want to hear and don't want to know or believe the truth.
ReplyDeleteToo true.
DeleteI think the job of diplomacy is vastly underappreciated. You're so right that the noise is what gets the attention, but it's the quieter, steadier approach that achieves the compromise. It may be too soon for some to speak more loudly in praise of Biden & his admin. in this regard but, I agree, it's a job well done (but not yet finished by a long shot). JC
ReplyDeleteBiden is on POINT!
ReplyDeleteSo true. Biden deserves better media coverage. Don't count the candles on his birthday cake, count the policy gifts he has opened for Americans
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