Joe Biden’s Contribution to Deescalation in the Middle East*
Published in Der Standard
(Austria) on 20 September 2024
by Maria Sterkl (link to original)
(Austria) on 20 September 2024
by Maria Sterkl (link to original)
Translated from
by Kirsty Low.
Edited by Michelle Bisson.
If it weren't for pressure from the White House, Israel probably would have invaded Lebanon long ago. Things could change under Donald Trump.
While many are wondering when the situation in Lebanon will escalate, people often forget one thing: Open warfare with Hezbollah would have begun long ago if pressure from the Biden administration had not prevented it. Israel would not be any closer to a victory against Hamas, but its army would probably have sustained significantly higher losses. In Lebanon, which has already been severely affected, the situation would be disastrous — not to mention the regional implications.
An Alternative Path under Trump
The U.S. push for restraint has been significant in more ways than one. Given the horrendous death toll in Gaza and the strong U.S. support for Israel's army, people often ignore this moderating influence.
But this war would have been different in many respects if Donald Trump had been in office rather than Joe Biden. The countless rounds of negotiations for a hostage deal, which were at least successful once in November. The conditions placed on the offensive in Rafah. Amos Hochstein's numerous attempts at mediation in Lebanon, which have unfortunately failed. All of this would probably not have occurred under Trump.
As president, Trump systematically starved the Palestinian Authority of resources and helped strengthen Hamas financially. He has therefore contributed to the misery. And he could do so again if he emerges victorious in the upcoming presidential election.
*Editor’s note: This article is available in its original language with a paid subscription.
While many are wondering when the situation in Lebanon will escalate, people often forget one thing: Open warfare with Hezbollah would have begun long ago if pressure from the Biden administration had not prevented it. Israel would not be any closer to a victory against Hamas, but its army would probably have sustained significantly higher losses. In Lebanon, which has already been severely affected, the situation would be disastrous — not to mention the regional implications.
An Alternative Path under Trump
The U.S. push for restraint has been significant in more ways than one. Given the horrendous death toll in Gaza and the strong U.S. support for Israel's army, people often ignore this moderating influence.
But this war would have been different in many respects if Donald Trump had been in office rather than Joe Biden. The countless rounds of negotiations for a hostage deal, which were at least successful once in November. The conditions placed on the offensive in Rafah. Amos Hochstein's numerous attempts at mediation in Lebanon, which have unfortunately failed. All of this would probably not have occurred under Trump.
As president, Trump systematically starved the Palestinian Authority of resources and helped strengthen Hamas financially. He has therefore contributed to the misery. And he could do so again if he emerges victorious in the upcoming presidential election.
*Editor’s note: This article is available in its original language with a paid subscription.
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