A Call for Stronger Leadership on Foreign Policy 12/7/2024

                                      A Call for Stronger Leadership on Foreign Policy

As President Biden nears the final weeks of his term, I’ve been reflecting on how he can best use his remaining influence and political capital to advance American interests on the world stage. When he first took office, I had high hopes for his leadership. However, to my disappointment, I believe he has fallen short in several critical areas of international relations.
There have been a number of historic lapses in Biden’s foreign policy, from the growing atrocities in Sudan to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But perhaps most troubling is the war in Gaza, which has been perpetuated with American weaponry. This conflict has become an albatross around Biden’s neck, and it is time for him to reevaluate his approach.
Sudan, which is arguably the world’s worst humanitarian crisis right now, is a glaring example of Biden’s inaction. The United States is partnered with the United Arab Emirates, which has been supplying weapons to some of the most brutal militias in Sudan—militias responsible for mass murder, rape, and famine. Despite the gravity of the situation, Biden has remained publicly silent about the UAE’s role. By speaking out, Biden could raise the costs of the UAE’s actions and encourage a more constructive role from them in resolving the crisis.
In Gaza, the situation is equally dire. It’s time for Biden to follow American law, which prohibits the shipment of offensive weapons to any country impeding the flow of humanitarian aid. Israel’s actions are blocking the flow of aid, worsening the suffering of civilians. Yet, despite his decades-long rhetoric on morality in foreign policy, Biden has continued to send weapons to Israel, contributing to a conflict that has already killed over 40,000 ( a gross undercount) people, with UNICEF calling Gaza “the worst place to be a child” in the world today.
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity, but Biden has used American influence in the UN to shield Netanyahu’s government. By continuing to supply weapons and protecting Netanyahu at the international level, Biden has, in effect, allowed this violence to continue unchecked.
President Biden has been outmaneuvered by Netanyahu, and the only way to get his attention again is by using leverage—specifically, withholding offensive weapons. Other presidents have done this in the past, but Biden has been notably weak on this front.
Biden still has a chance to end his presidency on a more principled note by enforcing American law, pressing for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza, and prioritizing the recovery of Israeli hostages rather than continuing to fuel the conflict.
The last four years under Biden have been disappointing. This is President Biden’s chance, albeit belated, to begin correcting course and leaving a legacy that reflects both strength and moral clarity in foreign policy.