Decoding Kamala Harris's Foreign Policy A Blend of Continuity and Change

[Social Media]

 

Kamala Harris's first significant move on the global stage as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions. On July 24th, she did not attend the address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu to a joint meeting of Congress. Traditionally, as vice president and president of the Senate, Harris would oversee the event alongside Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House. Instead, she has chosen to attend a previously scheduled event in Indianapolis with Zeta Phi Beta, a historically Black sorority. This decision, criticized by Republicans as "outrageous." 

 

This absence signals a generational transition within the Democratic Party. President Joe Biden, likely the last Democratic president to call himself a "Zionist," belongs to a generation that recalls Israel's early years as an underdog democracy fighting for survival against Arab adversaries. In contrast, Harris’s formative view encompasses the last 30 years, during which Israel has been seen as a dominant power in the Middle East, often criticized for its treatment of Palestinians. Despite this shift in perspective, it is not to say that Harris will abandon the Democratic Party's long-standing support for Israel.

 

Although several Democrats boycotted Netanyahu, Harris is set to meet with the Israeli prime minister on July 25th. Netanyahu also plans to meet with President Biden the same day, and with former President Donald Trump on July 26th. Harris’s position on Israel, while supportive, lacks the emotional intensity seen in Biden's approach. Her husband is Jewish, but she does not exhibit the same emotional attachment to Israel. This was evident when Biden visited Israel soon after Hamas’s attacks on October 7th, embraced Netanyahu, and declared, “The United States stands with you.” In contrast, Harris has more forcefully decried the suffering of Palestinian civilians and advocated for a ceasefire and hostage release.

 

At her first campaign rally in Wisconsin on July 23rd, Harris did not mention foreign policy. Her early experience in this area was limited and controversial, particularly her role in addressing the "root causes" of migration from Central America. Republicans have renewed attacks on her for failing to secure the southern border. However, Harris has become more assured lately, having visited Europe, Asia, and Africa, among other regions. Her national security adviser, Philip Gordon, is a seasoned expert in European and Middle Eastern affairs, having served under previous Democratic administrations.

 

Over 350 former national-security officials have described Harris as "the best qualified person to lead our nation as Commander in Chief," noting that she possesses more foreign affairs experience than most recent incoming presidents. Harris shares Biden's internationalist perspective. In February, at the Munich Security Conference, she warned against American retrenchment, stating, "Isolation is not insulation. In fact, when America has isolated herself, threats have only grown." Yet, she may not fully share Biden's generation’s instinctive transatlanticism. Unlike Trump, Harris would not threaten to abandon European allies. However, American politicians are increasingly focused on the growing rivalry with China, and Harris is expected to continue this trend.

 

Regarding the Middle East, Harris is likely to continue seeking to create a regional counterbalance involving Israel and Gulf Arab states, notably Saudi Arabia. For this to happen, the U.S. is pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with an exchange of Israeli hostages. This ceasefire could pave the way for ending the war and making progress towards Palestinian statehood. In June, Gordon outlined two paths for Israel: one of endless war in Gaza, leading to "the looming threat of serious regional escalation, and growing Israeli isolation on the world stage," and another promising "the path to a strong, secure and prosperous Israel; at peace with its neighbors; backed by the United States; and integrated in the region as never before." Biden hopes to secure this deal during his remaining time in office. If he fails, this challenge could fall to Harris.

 

Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace suggests that Harris's presidency might see little real change in U.S.-Israel relations. He notes that American pressure on close allies, particularly Israel, is rare due to domestic politics. Even President Obama, who criticized Israeli settlements and pushed for a Palestinian state, did not impose his will on Netanyahu and signed a significant security deal with Israel. "We rarely use real pressure or leverage on any of our close allies," says Miller. "And when it comes to the Israelis, because of our domestic politics, that is true in spades."

 

Netanyahu's visit to Congress in 2015, where he opposed Obama’s Iran nuclear deal, contrasts with his expected approach this time, given the current political uncertainties in the U.S. Many in Congress remain receptive to his warnings about Iran, especially as Iran's nuclear program advances and it aligns more closely with autocratic regimes like Russia, China, and North Korea. Iran’s supply of ballistic missiles and drones to Russia for use in Ukraine further complicates the geopolitical landscape.

 

In summary, Kamala Harris's foreign policy approach as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president suggests a nuanced blend of continuity and change. While maintaining the Democratic Party's traditional support for Israel, she is likely to adopt a more critical stance on Israeli policies towards Palestinians. Her focus will also include managing the growing rivalry with China and maintaining a strong stance against Russian aggression. 

 

Credit: Economist 2024-07-26

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[Tug]

One thing I’m sure of is she has a superb team in place and won’t be kissing any dictator's backside nor creating a vacuum for the bad guys to fill.

[spidermike007]

I like the fact that she did not attend a meeting with a genocidal extremist. Biden was fairly cooperative with Israel in regard to providing arms, and I would have preferred that he had been more discriminating and had put up a bit more of a fight.

 

Hamas is a horrific organization and they need to be eliminated, but not at the cost of tens of thousands of women and children. That is cruel, that is apartheid, that is genocidal, and that's not acceptable for a nation that was founded upon the ashes of the Holocaust. However, people lacking any vision and morality, like Trump and Vance, want to rain down massive death and destruction on the Palestinians. 

 

And don't even consider calling me anti-semitic, or a Jew hater. I'm Jewish, I come from a Jewish family, and there's a lot of Jews that I'm very close to and I love many aspects of the culture. But, I question many aspects of Israeli politics, especially when it comes to extremism. 

 

And I also find the fact that Israel has the largest lobby within the US to be highly offensive, I find the fact that the US Congress and Senate have become Israel's lapdog highly offensive, and I think that when the president questions Israel, Netanyahu, and the extremists, this is a good thing for all parties concerned. 

[Thingamabob]

3 hours ago, Cory1848 said:

Wow. That’s not so much offensive as infantile. Here we have a Democratic candidate who, in her first few rallies, has attempted to project a positive vision -- whether you agree with her or not. Her opponent meantime is reduced (once again) to coming up with insulting nicknames, like a third-grader. Because he has no vision, positive or otherwise. This I guess appeals to the basest instincts of those who slaver over him, as demonstrated by your obscene post.

Lighten up for heaven's sake.

[Cory1848]

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

Lighten up for heaven's sake.

No. The person who posted that Kamala Harris was committing obscene acts should “lighten up.” If he chooses to follow his Great Leader’s example and drive political dialogue straight into the gutter, I feel entirely justified in pointing that out, especially as such dehumanization often leads directly to violence. Don’t be part of the problem.

[Tug]

14 hours ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

No... she will be sxcking dick... and talk about a vacuum

I could respond that after the esteemed DA and AG for the state of California gets done with the felon 34 times over sexual assaulter and rapist he just might be performing that suction trick you are referring to in prison…….but I won’t….

[thaipo7]

15 hours ago, Tug said:

One thing I’m sure of is she has a superb team in place and won’t be kissing any dictator's backside nor creating a vacuum for the bad guys to fill.

Are you well, Tug?  Seriously.   Her superb team only has one thing in mind.  Destroying what Biden left of America and making sure we become a one party country like CA is a one party state.  Under Newsome, those who can have left the state.  No one is moving in.  Only the illegals.

[Tug]

2 hours ago, thaipo7 said:

Are you well, Tug?  Seriously.   Her superb team only has one thing in mind.  Destroying what Biden left of America and making sure we become a one party country like CA is a one party state.  Under Newsome, those who can have left the state.  No one is moving in.  Only the illegals.

Nonsense 2.8% growth roaring stock market inflation below 3% strongest unemployment #s in decades nato revitalized with 2 new top tier extremely well placed geographically I might add .democracy’s enemy (Putin) stopped with less than 5% of our defense budget utter nonsense thaipo……as far as immigration I live very very close to the border and I’m not seeing it.and why pray tell did trump squash the most comprehensive bi partisan immigration bill in decades?if it makes you feel better to spout nonsense so be it just don’t start blubbering when you get called out on it.

[Yagoda]

Kamalas foreign policy will continue to be a mix of the Biden Administrations incompetance, rascism and antisemitsm melded with the Democratic's party pandering and her own allegiance to the Leninist elements of Democratic party philosophy.

 

Thank god she is the Dukakis of our time

Edited July 26 by Yagoda

[thaipo7]

6 hours ago, Tug said:

Nonsense 2.8% growth roaring stock market inflation below 3% strongest unemployment #s in decades nato revitalized with 2 new top tier extremely well placed geographically I might add .democracy’s enemy (Putin) stopped with less than 5% of our defense budget utter nonsense thaipo……as far as immigration I live very very close to the border and I’m not seeing it.and why pray tell did trump squash the most comprehensive bi partisan immigration bill in decades?if it makes you feel better to spout nonsense so be it just don’t start blubbering when you get called out on it.

Kamala Issued Ludicrous Quote on Police - Get Ready for Massive Crime if She Wins

[TedG]

Over 350 former national-security officials have described Harris as "the best qualified person to lead our nation as Commander in Chief," noting that she possesses more foreign affairs experience than most recent incoming presidents

===========

This is comical.  By what measures does Harris have more experience?   

[Tug]

11 minutes ago, thaipo7 said:

Kamala Issued Ludicrous Quote on Police - Get Ready for Massive Crime if She Wins

So a tough da is going to create a massive crime wave………ahhh okaaa

[Skipalongcassidy]

15 hours ago, Cory1848 said:

Wow. That’s not so much offensive as infantile. Here we have a Democratic candidate who, in her first few rallies, has attempted to project a positive vision -- whether you agree with her or not. Her opponent meantime is reduced (once again) to coming up with insulting nicknames, like a third-grader. Because he has no vision, positive or otherwise. This I guess appeals to the basest instincts of those who slaver over him, as demonstrated by your obscene post.

You cannot unwrite history... she whored her way through the ranks in the democratic party... fact

[Skipalongcassidy]

15 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Such an intelligent and articulate reply. We can all see that you've put a tremendous amount of thought into this, and replied in such a diplomatic, elegant and dignified fashion. It's a real tribute to your parents, the way they raised you. Such a fine gentleman you have become. 

Yes... I do tell the truth... you cannot rewrite history just because you want to... Oh wait... you are a democrat so it's ok

[Skipalongcassidy]

7 hours ago, Tug said:

  why pray tell did trump squash the most comprehensive bi partisan immigration bill in decades? 

Still beating that dead horse... your reading and comprehension skills match your illiterate jumbled writing skills I see.

[thaibeachlovers]

On 7/26/2024 at 8:34 AM, Social Media said:

This ceasefire could pave the way for ending the war and making progress towards Palestinian statehood.

The "progress" has been going on for decades. One suspects that one or two of the three parties to the "negotiations" are not serious about it.

[Skipalongcassidy]

On 7/26/2024 at 7:57 PM, Tug said:

I could respond that after the esteemed DA and AG for the state of California gets done with the felon 34 times over sexual assaulter and rapist he just might be performing that suction trick you are referring to in prison…….but I won’t….

Her own office reported to her that "70% of the U.S. supply of methamphetamines was coming through the San Diego port of entry on the southern border."  

[Skipalongcassidy]

18 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

The "progress" has been going on for decades. One suspects that one or two of the three parties to the "negotiations" are not serious about it.

Go ahead... say it... the hateful terroristic muslims will never agree to anything but the destruction of all jews... then comes you... the white man... then the christians... etc etc etc.

[thaibeachlovers]

Decoding Kamala Harris's Foreign Policy A Blend of Continuity and Change

 

Does "Continuity" refer to the rush to a regional war in the M E and millions more illegals over the southern border.

I'd prefer it if she were to advocate for change of direction on those two things.

[Purdey]

Many years ago I saw a diagram showing the Democratic Party was to the right of the British Conservative party. In other words, the Democratic Party is not inclined toward Socialism as a political policy.

It is therefore unlikely that Ms. Harris will introduce socialism, come for your guns or introduce universal healthcare soon.

 

[herfiehandbag]

2 hours ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

As you on the liberal left clamor continually to "lynch the orange man"... hypocrite

1) I am not an American, but I am a keen observer, not least since America has taken on the role of "leader of the free world, and with it's immense military capability is projecting its power globally; therefore I have an opinion on who ends up running the country, if no vote or formal say.

 

2) I admit to being liberal, in the British political sense, which is perhaps, no, definitely, not the pejorative phrase so beloved of those currently holding sway in the American Republican party. I am certainly not left wing. There are several with whom I have clashed swords on this forum who will attest to that - @Chomper Higgot perhaps?

 

3) I am not in favour of "lynching the orange man", but I think that he should stand trial for the various serious charges brought, after due process, against him, and not use his status, wealth, political activities and legions of frankly comic opera lawyers to dodge them. Face the courts exactly as any other American Citizen would. I consider Trump an amoral lying cheating loathsome man. I consider many of his pronouncements as to his intentions if he gains power undemocratic and probably unconstitutional, racially driven and restrictive of basic liberties; but I also suspect that Trump hasn't thought it through, he is just bellowing from a bully pulpit without understanding or caring about the consequences of his policies - he is not intelligent enough to realise that. That perhaps is where your comments about Harris, oral sex and vacuums fit the pattern.

 

However, I do regard many of those behind his campaign as more cogent, dangerous and ruthless than him, and I think that if they end up in power ( through him) it will be disastrous for freedom, both of action and expression within the USA, and in some cases globally.

 

I am not a hypocrite, the hypocrisy is very evident within Trump's camp, one only has to look at Johnson and his ilk, who manage to combine Christian fundamentalism with endorsing and in some cases actively practicing sleaze!

 

I appreciate this is a fairly wide ranging response to your little accusation, but it is after all a big topic, and they are views I think worth putting forward.

 

 

Edited July 27 by herfiehandbag

[Cory1848]

2 hours ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

You cannot unwrite history... she whored her way through the ranks in the democratic party... fact

No, that’s not a fact. Harris had an affair with Willie Brown in 1994-1995; Brown was married but had been separated from his wife for thirteen years. It wasn’t until eight years AFTER the affair that Harris won her first election, as district attorney for San Francisco. Neither Brown nor Harris have ever denied their affair.

 

Your guy, on the other hand, cheated on all three of his wives, boasted about assaulting women, and was found by a judge and a jury to have raped E. Jean Carroll.

 

These are the facts. But of course Trump has programmed his minions to ignore facts, behind a bluster of exaggeration, false accusations, and outright lies. Good luck with that.

 

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/kamala-harris-willie-brown-mistress/

Edited July 27 by Cory1848

[Yagoda]

47 minutes ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

Go ahead... say it... the hateful terroristic muslims will never agree to anything but the destruction of all jews... then comes you... the white man... then the christians... etc etc etc.

Exactly. It's an integral part of their religion

[Yagoda]

Just now, Purdey said:

Many years ago I saw a diagram showing the Democratic Party was to the right of the British Conservative party. In other words, the Democratic Party is not inclined toward Socialism as a political policy.

It is therefore unlikely that Ms. Harris will introduce socialism, come for your guns or introduce universal healthcare soon.

 

Wow. I'm convinced. A diagram that cancels out all her lefty history.

[Yagoda]

Just now, Cory1848 said:

No, that’s not a fact. Harris had an affair with Willie Brown in 1994-1995; Brown was married but had been separated from his wife for thirteen years. It wasn’t until eight years AFTER the affair that Harris won her first election, as district attorney for San Francisco. Neither Brown nor Harris have ever denied their affair.

 

Your guy, on the other hand, cheated on all three of his wives, boasted about assaulting women, and was found by a judge and a jury to have raped E. Jean Carroll.

 

These are the facts. But of course Trump has programmed his minions to ignore facts, behind a bluster of exaggeration, false accusations, and outright lies. Good luck with that.

 

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/kamala-harris-willie-brown-mistress/

Poor deluded fella. 

[Skipalongcassidy]

On 7/27/2024 at 8:35 AM, herfiehandbag said:

 However, I do regard many of those behind his campaign as more cogent, dangerous and ruthless than him, and I think that if they end up in power ( through him) it will be disastrous for freedom, both of action and expression within the USA, and in some cases globally.

More so than joe's cabal... the unelected puppet masters???  joe hasn't had a cognizant thought for years now and his 50 year record sucking the tit of the American taxpayer has proven  him to be on the wrong side of every agenda... 

[thaibeachlovers]

On 7/26/2024 at 7:29 PM, Cory1848 said:

Wow. That’s not so much offensive as infantile. Here we have a Democratic candidate who, in her first few rallies, has attempted to project a positive vision -- whether you agree with her or not. Her opponent meantime is reduced (once again) to coming up with insulting nicknames, like a third-grader. Because he has no vision, positive or otherwise. This I guess appeals to the basest instincts of those who slaver over him, as demonstrated by your obscene post.

Since when was fellatio obscene? Are you a missionary when it comes to sexual activity?

Edited July 28 by thaibeachlovers

[metisdead]

A crude troll post and the replies contravening our Community Standards have been removed. 

[Cory1848]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Since when was fellatio obscene? Are you a missionary when it comes to sexual activity?

You can take it up with the forum moderator, who appears to have removed the original post for unwarranted crudeness -- as they should this entire sorry excuse for a dialogue. The thing is, really, all Trump supporters have left is crudeness and vulgarity; they’ve got nothing else to fall back on. So go wild, by all means.

 

P.S. My own sexual habits are none of your business, and, using every last effort of will, I managed to phrase that as courteously as possible.

[Roo Island]

On 7/26/2024 at 11:22 PM, thaipo7 said:

Kamala Issued Ludicrous Quote on Police - Get Ready for Massive Crime if She Wins

Fake news