The American Elections Between the Hammer of the Donkey and the Anvil of the Elephant
Tomorrow, the world will witness the major event of the U.S. elections, a moment that will determine the identity of the leader who will govern the United States and influence the global stage for the next four years. Between the Democratic Party candidate and the Republican Party candidate, particularly former President Donald Trump, options are narrowing, and questions are multiplying: Who will enter the White House in January? Who will shape global policy in a period marked by tension and turmoil? The world watches cautiously, aware of the significant differences between the two parties' approaches. The Democrats, represented by the donkey, and the Republicans, represented by the elephant, hold differing stances on pivotal issues that concern the world, especially those impacting Arabs and Muslims. At the forefront of these issues is the Palestinian cause and the ongoing tension in the Middle East, a region gripped by regional conflicts and continuous instability.
The Ukrainian file represents another global challenge, as the war there serves as an indirect confrontation ground between Russia and America. Meanwhile, economic and strategic competition between Washington and Beijing is intensifying, creating a complex arena for conflict and competition in the coming years, shaped by new U.S. policies. However, what matters most to us as Arabs and Muslims is how these policies will affect our turbulent regional reality. Despite promises by the Biden administration to calm tensions and end conflicts, tangible progress towards a political solution that ends violence has yet to be achieved.
We understand that American support for Israel remains constant and is not subject to significant changes between the parties, as it is deeply rooted in U.S. policy due to Israel's role as a strategic ally serving their interests in the region. Therefore, talk of Washington abandoning its support for Tel Aviv is unrealistic, but policy details may vary between Democrats and Republicans. The Arab-Muslim position in the U.S., particularly in key states like Michigan, has become a significant pressure point. This electoral influence pushes some officials, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, to reconsider their stances. Although any potential change may be limited, it could contribute to encouraging the next administration to work towards calming tensions, possibly through attempts to halt war and revive two-state solution initiatives.
Conversely, if Trump returns to power, the bias towards Israel may deepen, given his well-known policies of unlimited support for Tel Aviv and his efforts to expand its influence in the region. It is unlikely that we would see any positive change regarding the conflict in Gaza or tensions with Iran and its proxies.
In conclusion, between the elephant and the donkey, our people's suffering continues; the blood of martyrs, the tears of orphans and widows, are a testament to the high price our region pays due to U.S. policies, regardless of who resides in the White House. What we need today is a deep Arab and Islamic understanding of the imminent risks and the preparation of a strategic vision to protect our interests, not only in confronting efforts to eliminate the Palestinian cause but also in facing challenges aimed at consolidating Israeli dominance and keeping our region mired in conflict and underdevelopment.