How will Biden shape US policy towards the Middle East?
MIDDLE EAST EYE
Will Joe Biden’s presidency lead to a shift in US policy towards the Middle East? Certainly, there may be some tonal differences, as Biden prioritises certain issues over others. There are expectations that his presidency will contrast with those of Donald Trump and his predecessor, Barack Obama. Both Obama and Trump campaigned with the aim of reducing US involvement in the Middle East, with Obama keen to “pivot” US resources and focus towards East Asia.
Some judge Biden to be less “naive” than Trump and Obama, owing to his experience in foreign affairs while serving in the Senate. He may be less beholden to regional autocrats than Trump was, which is reflected in some of the consternation among leaders in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Israel, who fear that Biden will not be as sympathetic to their concerns.
