On January 15, 2025, President Joe Biden, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, addressed the White House following a ceasefire announcement in Gaza. The gathering marked a significant moment in U.S. foreign policy concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed, known for his extensive coverage on U.S. foreign promises and their outcomes, explored these issues deeply. At HuffPost, he highlighted Biden’s stance on Saudi Arabia and reported from Israel and Gaza in 2019. Following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli military response, Ahmed traced decisions back to the U.S. capital. Here, he uncovered layers of dissent, decisions, and close-knit advisories influencing policy directions.
Ahmed’s insights, enriched through his transition to a diplomatic correspondent role at The Washington Sun, culminate in his book, Crossing the Red Line: Biden, His Advisors, and Israel’s War in Gaza. Drawing from over 150 interviews, the book scrutinizes the Biden administration’s policies and the shaping of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The idea that everyone is in the clear if no one says, ‘Yes, this one instance was a war crime,’Ahmed explains, highlighting hesitance within the U.S. administration regarding accountability.
Debates among senior officials revealed their understanding of the gravity of the situation, especially post-2024 elections. Noteworthy figures in these discussions included Brett McGurk and Jack Lew. Despite declarations of red lines — particularly concerning the town of Rafah — evidence suggested differing public and private postures amongst U.S. leaders.
The book further indicates delays and missed opportunities within the administration to exert pressure for moderation of Israel’s actions. The broader context involves continuous U.S. military aid, contributing significantly to the conduct of hostilities in Gaza. In 2023, the urgent request for an additional $8.7 billion in military aid underscored ongoing commitments despite rising concerns.
Leila Fadel interviewed Ahmed for deeper insights. During their exchange, they revisited statements expressing U.N. findings of genocide against Israel, rejected robustly by Israeli officials. Throughout these discussions, Ahmed highlighted the selectivity in senior officials’ engagement with Palestinian grievances and the assignment of blame solely to Hamas.
Furthermore, Ahmed discloses reports of skepticism within the Biden administration regarding humanitarian conditions in Gaza. He sheds light on the limited communication lines with Palestinian representatives during Biden’s tenure, revealing gaps in the U.S. approach to diplomacy in the region.
A significant theme in the book questions the shift in global military engagement norms and the accountability of democratic administrations. Ultimately, Ahmed emphasizes the need for reflection among current and future policymakers to align proposed ideals with decisive action.
The fallout from these policy choices reverberates, shaping relationships, military strategies, and global perceptions of American foreign policy’s role.