Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Buthaina Shaaban
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election looms, global tensions are reaching a boiling point, particularly in the Middle East. The region has been thrown into turmoil, with Israel’s relentless military operations causing widespread destruction in Gaza and Lebanon. Meanwhile, the American political landscape is on the verge of a shift that could reshape the trajectory of this crisis. The intersection of U.S. politics and Middle Eastern conflict has never been more consequential.
The Toll of War in Gaza and Lebanon
The devastation in Gaza is staggering. After a year of war, over 41,000 people have lost their lives, and two million Gazans have been displaced. The humanitarian crisis in the region is worsening by the day. Israel’s military machine, emboldened by U.S. support, has turned its focus toward Lebanon, where nearly 2,000 people have been killed. The regional conflict is no longer confined to Gaza; it has engulfed Lebanon and threatens to spill over into the wider Middle East.
Iran, reacting to the assassination of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, has retaliated by launching a missile strike on Israel. In response, the U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s oil sector, further destabilizing the region’s already fragile economy. President Biden’s administration has continued to provide military aid to Israel, sending $4.86 billion to support its operations. The U.S. government places the blame on Hamas and Hezbollah, arguing that these groups have blocked peace efforts. Yet, this unwavering support for Israel has only intensified the conflict, pushing the region closer to a breaking point.
Iran in the Crosshairs
As tensions escalate, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that no corner of the Middle East is beyond Israel’s reach. He has framed the conflict as a battle between “civilized” nations and “barbarians,” dismissing the two-state solution as obsolete. Netanyahu’s rhetoric, combined with Israel’s military actions, signals a possible strike on Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities—a move that would trigger yet another crisis. Should this happen, the global economy could face serious disruptions, particularly in the energy sector.
The U.S. Election and Its Global Impact
The upcoming U.S. election may prove pivotal in determining the future of the Middle East. Kamala Harris, who served as Vice President under Biden, represents a continuation of the current administration’s policies. Harris has defended Israel’s right to protect itself, suggesting that her presidency could further entrench U.S. support for Israeli military actions.
On the other hand, Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner, has criticized Biden’s handling of the Middle East conflict, blaming his administration for the growing violence. Trump’s return to the White House could signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy, though whether it would de-escalate tensions or fuel them further remains unclear. What is certain is that the Middle East crisis will play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment and could be a decisive issue in the election.
The Global Stakes
The outcome of the U.S. election will reverberate far beyond America’s borders. The West, which prides itself on championing human rights, has been criticized for its role in perpetuating conflict in the Middle East. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, introduced by the Western powers after World War II, has become a symbol of hypocrisy for many, as these same powers continue to supply arms and financial support to regimes engaged in brutal conflicts.
The Middle East has long been a battleground for competing global interests, but the current crisis feels different. The scale of suffering, the breadth of the conflict, and the direct involvement of powerful nations like the U.S. and Iran suggest that the stakes have never been higher. If the U.N. and other global actors fail to intervene, the consequences will extend far beyond the region, potentially destabilizing global markets and security.
A Pivotal Moment in History
The 2024 U.S. presidential election and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East represent a critical juncture in global history. The next U.S. president will inherit a Middle East on the brink of catastrophe, with wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and potentially Iran threatening to spiral out of control. How the U.S. chooses to engage—or disengage—from the region will have profound implications for global peace and stability. Whether the world is moving toward a new era of diplomacy or closer to the precipice of chaos remains to be seen.
