Wed Sep 18 04:15:09 UTC 2024: ## Biden’s Middle East Policy in Tatters as Sunni Bloc Emerges Against Israel

**Ann Arbor, Michigan** – The Biden administration’s Middle East policy is facing a major crisis, with its efforts to secure Arab recognition of Israel crumbling amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. This failure is largely attributed to the administration’s unwavering support for the extremist Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu, despite widespread outrage over its brutal policies.

The administration’s “bear hug” of Netanyahu, as described by Professor Juan Cole, has alienated key regional partners. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a critical U.S. ally, has expressed fear of assassination if he normalizes relations with Israel at this time. Meanwhile, Jordan has warned that any attempt by Israel to expel Palestinians to Jordan would be considered an act of war.

The conflict has also triggered a significant shift in the region’s political landscape, leading to the potential emergence of a centrist Sunni bloc against Israel. Turkey and Egypt, historically at odds, have begun mending their relationship, citing the threat of Israeli expansionism as a common concern. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a vocal critic of Israel’s actions, has even called for an Islamic alliance to counter Israeli power, mirroring the growing sentiment across the Arab world.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, also critical of Israel’s policies, has joined Erdogan in demanding an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Both countries are now exploring the possibility of forming a regional Sunni Muslim alliance, which could potentially reduce tensions with Iran, another key U.S. foreign policy concern.

This emerging Sunni bloc represents a significant challenge to U.S. interests in the region. Washington’s attempts to rally its partners against Iran appear to be falling apart as the focus shifts toward confronting Israel’s actions. The Biden administration’s unwavering support for Netanyahu’s government is seen as increasingly out of touch with the realities of the Middle East.

“The ligaments of American influence in the Middle East are now dissolving before our very eyes,” Professor Cole concludes, drawing parallels between the current situation and the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The Biden administration’s blindness to the consequences of its Israel policy, he argues, is leading to a potentially disastrous outcome for U.S. interests in the region.

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