Ernst Grades Biden-Harris Middle East Policy an “F”
WASHINGTON – On the one-year anniversary of the barbaric Oct. 7 attacks by Iran-backed Hamas, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) analyzed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ five goals for the Middle East outlined in their 2022 National Security Strategy.
Based on their selected objectives of supporting allies, deterring adversaries, promoting regional stability, strengthening partnerships, and protecting basic human rights, Senator Ernst detailed how the White House has come up short at every turn. She pointed out that they have withheld critical weapons from our ally Israel, allowed Houthi rebels to terrorize shipping lanes, let Iran reap billions from illicit oil sales, neglected to build upon the historic Abraham Accords, and failed to properly condemn Hamas’ use of rape as a weapon of war.
“Mr. President and Madam Vice President, you have succeeded in none of the five objectives you set out for the Middle East. If this were a graded test, you would receive an F,” wrote Ernst. “Despite the fantastical claims by your Secretary of State last week, your administration’s strategy has put the United States in a much weaker geopolitical position today than it was four years ago. The American people, our servicemembers, and our allies and partners deserve better.”
Click here to view the full letter.
Background:
On October 7, 2023, Ernst was in the Middle East and went into Israel just days after Iran-backed Hamas’ attacks to show her support for our ally.
Since then, she has kept up the pressure to bring the hostages home, held the Biden-Harris administration accountable to their “ironclad” commitment, and continued to stand with Israel.
In January 2024, Ernst returned to the Middle East and advocated for the release of the hostages in meetings with senior leadership and lead negotiators in Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and Bahrain.
In May 2024, she was in Israel when she received reports that the United States withheld an ammunition shipment to Israel and immediately demanded answers from President Biden to hold him accountable for his “ironclad” commitment to our greatest ally in the Middle East.
In September 2024, Ernst traveled to Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar to secure a deal that ensures the survival of Israel, destroys Hamas’ ability to reconstitute in the region, and brings the American hostages home.
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