Biden’s Foreign Policy

Biden’s Foreign Policy Quandary: Ukraine, Israel, and the Quest for Consistency

In recent years, the Biden administration has faced growing scrutiny for its foreign policy decisions, especially in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The recent resignation of Josh Paul, a veteran US State Department official, has shed light on the administration’s stance on Israel and its ongoing support for Ukraine. Paul’s departure, motivated by what he describes as the administration’s “intellectual bankruptcy,” has ignited a crucial debate about the ethical foundations of US foreign policy (Birnbaum)¹.

One of the glaring issues that this incident highlights is the inconsistency in the Biden administration’s response to global conflicts. While the administration was quick to provide Israel with weapons and ammunition, it turned a blind eye to the atrocities being committed in Gaza, where more than 3,700 people have been killed by Israeli bombings (AbdulKarim)². This disparity in treatment is troubling, as it calls into question the moral integrity of US foreign policy.

In the case of Ukraine, it is vital to recognize the complex issues at play. The concern over “derussification” is deeply rooted in the desire of people in Donbass and Crimea to determine their own future. As the US and NATO back ultra-nationalist forces in Ukraine, it is essential to respect the rights of these regions’ inhabitants. The world cannot stand by while they face ethnic cleansing or are relegated to second-class citizenship. The principle of self-determination, a cornerstone of international law, should apply here as it does in other conflicts (Sakwa)³.

The same principle should apply to Israel and Palestine. Israel’s use of collective punishment and attacks on civilians in Gaza are reprehensible, and the international community cannot ignore these actions. Palestinians have a right to be treated as human beings, and their suffering cannot be swept under the rug in the name of political convenience (Erakat)⁴.

Josh Paul’s resignation underscores the need for a more principled and consistent foreign policy. It is evident that providing unconditional support to Israel without holding them accountable for their actions is not in line with the values the US claims to uphold. Similarly, favoring one side in the Ukraine conflict without considering the rights and aspirations of all involved parties is a flawed approach.

The Biden administration must take a more balanced and principled stance in its foreign policy decisions. Selective outrage and unconditional support undermine the credibility of the United States on the global stage and do a disservice to the cause of justice and peace. The world is watching, and it is time for the administration to reevaluate its priorities and uphold the principles it publicly espouses.

Reference

1. Birnbaum, Michael. “State Dept. official Josh Paul resigns over U.S.-Israel arms transfers.” The Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2023, ↩︎
2. AbdulKarim, Fatima. “Latest Death Toll in Israel-Hamas Conflict.” The Wall Street Journal, 19 Oct. 2023, ↩︎
3. Sakwa, Richard. “Ukraine: A New Plan.” Survival: Global Politics and Strategy, vol. 57, no. 3, June-July 2023, pp. 7-40. Taylor & Francis Online, ↩︎
4. Erakat, Noura. “Palestinians Have a Legal Right to Armed Struggle.” Foreign Policy, 14 Oct. 2023, ↩︎