The Biden Doctrine: Show Strength, Whisper Restraint
The US will support its allies, from Israel and Ukraine to the Philippines, Taiwan and South Korea. It just doesn’t want to become their hostage.
The private message is subtler.
Photographer: Amir Levy/Getty Images
Ever since Hamas went on its sadistic rampage last month, US President Joe Biden has skillfully played a role he never asked for: restrainer. Publicly, he’s expressed America’s steely determination to support Israel and deter Iran and others from widening the war. Privately, he’s been telling the Israeli allies that they must be proportionate in their response, lest a disastrous situation turn apocalyptic.
As the body count in Gaza increases, that balancing act is becoming harder to maintain. In that way, the situation in the Middle East — where Biden also needs the Saudis and various other difficult protagonists to show restraint — is beginning to resemble US foreign policy globally.