Staff Reports
President Biden’s Iftar meeting with Muslim leaders on Tuesday sparked controversy as a Palestinian American doctor stormed out before it ended. The White House, however, was tight-lipped about whether the meeting was a success or not. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made it clear during Wednesday’s briefing that the meeting was meant to be private, and that the president respects the right to peacefully protest.
Nothing to see here, just a regular meeting with some of his owners.
White House mum on Palestinian doctor who walked out of Biden’s meeting with Muslim leaders – Washington Examiner https://t.co/pwPIJL7U16
— Cassis (@cassisnouveau) April 3, 2024
The meeting, which was Biden’s first direct sit-down with Muslim leaders since the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel, stirred up emotions regarding the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Jean-Pierre emphasized that the participants had the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about the situation, and that Biden expressed his commitment to working towards an immediate ceasefire and increasing humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The Palestinian American doctor who stormed out, Dr. Thaer Ahmad, explained that he was dissatisfied with being the sole Palestinian participant in the meeting. He articulated his displeasure to Biden before leaving, stating that he was leaving out of respect for his community. This bold move from Dr. Ahmad showcased the deep divide and dissatisfaction within the Palestinian community regarding the handling of the Middle East conflicts by the Biden administration.
The White House’s dodging of questions and the controversial exit of Dr. Ahmad highlighted the unease and tension within the Muslim community regarding the Biden administration’s approach to the conflicts in the Middle East. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that President Biden faces in navigating the delicate relationships and differing perspectives within the Muslim community, especially in light of recent events in the Middle East.
