Staff Reports
A so-called ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been brokered by President Biden, who seems to have taken a thrilling detour from catering solely to domestic concerns. Given the escalating chaos in the Middle East, one might wonder if Biden’s compass is pointing in the right direction. Announcing the plan from the White House Rose Garden—where roses bloom more reliably than Biden’s foreign policy—he emphasized that Israel retains its right to self-defense. This is a nice sentiment, but why is it that it took 14 months of fighting for him to state the obvious?
No sooner had Biden finished his peace song than Israeli warplanes were painting the skies around Beirut with a fresh coat of ordnance. Perhaps this was meant as a reminder that good intentions are no substitute for reality. The ceasefire was supposed to kick in soon after, but not before some good old-fashioned airstrikes signaled intent. Talk about timing. While Biden held a celebratory press conference, Israel was effectively saying, “Thanks for the note, but let’s deal with these terrorists first.”
Biden announces ceasefire between Israel, Hezbollah in Lebanonhttps://t.co/WwB3qy9jmd pic.twitter.com/bP5BuU6yB6
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 27, 2024
Biden further proclaimed that the Lebanese army would soon take control of territories previously held by Hezbollah. As if the idea of a supposed Lebanese military force warmly welcomed across the regions once dominated by terrorists wasn’t just a bit naïve. Israel’s planned withdrawal likely looked good on paper, but practical realities on the ground can be a different ball game. Biden declared that this deal heralds a new start for Lebanon, which might give the Lebanese people a chuckle, assuming they aren’t too distracted by the ongoing strife.
In a perplexing twist, Biden also pontificated about a just and peaceful future for Palestine. He envisioned Palestinians having their own safe and sovereign state that won’t harbor terrorists or threaten Israel. One might wonder what crystal ball he is gazing into, as peace in the Middle East has historically resembled catching smoke with your bare hands. His vision of tranquility where both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist peacefully is heartwarming, but often hits the operational ground like a lead balloon.
Interestingly, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner added his two cents, hailing the deal as “welcome development.” Perhaps this strategy is designed to increase pressure on Hamas for yet another ceasefire, despite the lack of credible enforcement mechanisms. If Biden thinks that decorative flower arrangements in the Rose Garden will turn the tide on international terrorism, it might be time for some more grounded foreign policy education.
In the end, Netanyahu’s thank-you to Biden indicates an alliance built on a shaky foundation. Between airstrikes, naive optimism, and lofty promises of sovereign stability, the Biden administration’s grasp on peace in the Middle East seems as ephemeral as the petals falling from a Rose Garden bloom. If they can’t get their domestic house in order, why would anyone expect them to tidy up the geopolitical mess of the Middle East?
