A year after the terror attacks that shocked the world on October 7, President Joe Biden’s Middle East policy is being questioned on both moral and practical grounds. In an opinion piece by Nick Kristof published recently, the award-winning journalist delves into the failings of Biden’s approach to the region. Kristof writes, “How could a leader so intent on peace have presided over expanding war?” This sentiment is echoing across global political circles, as the promises of stability in the Middle East seem to have resulted in escalating conflicts.

What Went Wrong?

The fundamental question being posed by critics, like Kristof, is what went wrong with Biden’s foreign policy in the Middle East? Upon taking office, Biden committed to reining in America’s military involvement and championing diplomacy to resolve long-standing issues. His administration vowed to reverse the legacy of endless wars in the region and promote peace. However, a year later, the Middle East appears more unstable than ever.

One of the biggest criticisms levied at Biden is that despite his intentions, he failed to recognize the growing complexities of regional tensions. From the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine to Iran’s increasing influence, Biden’s efforts to broker peace have either stalled or exacerbated the situation. “His administration underestimated the depth of the crises in the region and overestimated their ability to mediate lasting peace,” Kristof notes.

Expanding War in the Middle East

Contrary to the promise of peace, Biden has presided over an expanding war. The most recent escalation between Israel and armed groups in Gaza, the destabilizing actions of Iran, and the ongoing proxy wars in Yemen and Syria have cast a long shadow over Biden’s Middle East policy. As Kristof writes, “The region is engulfed in flames, and America seems to be losing its grip on the situation.”

The failed withdrawal from Afghanistan last year also added to the chorus of concerns about Biden’s strategy. While this was seen as an effort to end the U.S. military’s direct involvement in the Middle East, the chaotic exit and the rise of the Taliban left many wondering if the administration was prepared to manage the complex geopolitical landscape. Now, the broader consequences of these moves are playing out across the region.

Moral and Practical Failure

The dual nature of Biden’s policy failure is both moral and practical, according to Kristof and other critics. Morally, Biden’s handling of civilian casualties and human rights abuses in the region has been scrutinized. Whether it be the U.S. military’s airstrikes or tacit support for authoritarian regimes, the promise of promoting human rights appears hollow. Meanwhile, on the practical front, the U.S. has not been able to curb the growing influence of powers like Iran and Russia in the region.

As Kristof aptly points out, “It is one thing to have good intentions, and another to deliver lasting results.” Biden’s failure to secure peace in the region is now casting a long shadow on his broader foreign policy legacy. With no end in sight to the conflicts, and with America’s moral leadership in question, the future of the Middle East under Biden’s administration looks uncertain.

The Path Forward

As the Biden administration continues to navigate these challenges, analysts believe that a new approach is necessary. Calls for stronger diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and a more nuanced understanding of the regional dynamics are growing louder. If Biden is to salvage his Middle East policy, he must listen to these voices and recalibrate his strategy before it’s too late.