Staff Reports
The escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas is raising alarms about a potential “full-out war” in the Middle East, just as President Joe Biden and members of Congress prepare to vacate Washington, D.C. for their well-deserved break. Not that they actually deserve it, but it seems vacationing is a higher priority than action when it comes to national security. With the IDF ramping up their operations against Hezbollah, it appears Biden’s hopes for a ceasefire might be about as realistic as finding a unicorn in the streets of D.C.
Biden has remained steadfast in his support for Israel, attempting to balance diplomacy with the harsh realities of the situation. His recent speech at the United Nations was an exercise in political theater, showcasing his administration’s handling of conflicts like those in the Middle East and Ukraine. One wonders if he was simply hoping for a standing ovation rather than a solution. Instead of a clear path to peace, his rhetoric skated around the need for accountability and action, reiterating the usual clichés about global unity while the world seems to be inching closer to chaos.
US President Joe Biden warns 'all-out war' in the Middle East as Israel put troops on alert for possible entry into Lebanon and the war in Gaza grinds on pic.twitter.com/MrdSsMn5sb
— Gulf Today (@gulftoday) September 25, 2024
As Congress packed up for a seven-week hiatus, the seriousness of the situation couldn’t have been more apparent. Senators assured the public that even though they were headed for the exit, they would remain hawkishly vigilant about the Middle East crisis from the comforts of their cushy, remote locations. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed concern that the violence could soon engulf the entire region, while Republican Senator Pete Ricketts emphasized the importance of monitoring Biden’s response. Apparently, they can do all this while enjoying their favorite lattes and cozy chairs away from the fray.
Yet, amidst this seemingly palpable tension, some senators predictably downplayed the likelihood of wider war. Senator Jim Risch questioned who might get involved that isn’t already, attributing the conflict directly to Iranian influence. Perhaps targeting Iran’s proxies should be the focus, but it seems every day in the Senate is Groundhog Day, and discussions tend to circle back to safety and aloofness rather than decisive action.
Meanwhile, Republican heavyweights, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Tom Cotton, are sounding alarms regarding delays in military support to Israel. As they push the Biden administration to expedite essential military supplies, it’s a refreshing reminder that national security should always trump vacation plans. Yet, their words fall on deaf ears in the current administration, which appears more focused on diplomatic niceties than on ensuring Israel has what it needs to defend itself. This begs the question: Is the Biden administration truly committed to standing with Israel, or is this just another PR strategy to maintain an appearance of competence?
