The document offers a window into internal fury at the State Department over President Joe Biden’s Middle East policies.

  • Rapidcreek
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    8 months ago

    Trying to control Bibi is a thankless job. Criticize in private, you get blamed, criticize in public, you get blamed. I think Biden is being measured. In 1861-62, Lincoln tap danced around slavery because he politically had to. In 1940, before election day FDR tiptoed around war, knowing we’d eventually join the fight. Biden has to let Israel get a grip, then turn them towards a comprehensive political solution.

    • Salamendacious@lemmy.worldOP
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      8 months ago

      You’re not going to get a lot of people agreeing with you but I do. Biden does a really good job getting stuff done behind the scenes.

  • Heresy_generator@kbin.social
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    8 months ago

    Multiple dissent memos about this war are being circulated in the State Department in efforts to gather signatures. These communications may or may not be classified, but their contents are rarely leaked. The department’s Dissent Channel is a long-established vehicle that allows staffers to freely express their discontent on a policy matter without fear of reprisal.

    The memo obtained by POLITICO was authored by two midlevel staffers who have worked in the Middle East, said a department employee who has seen the document and was granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic.

    Had to get to the tenth paragraph before we find out that it’s not uncommon that dissent memos are circulated and it’s just two mid-level staffers behind it. Just Politico Politicoing.

    • Salamendacious@lemmy.worldOP
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      8 months ago

      From the article, paragraph 2:

      It reflects the sentiments of many U.S. diplomats, especially at mid-level and lower ranks, according to conversations with several department staffers as well as other reports.

  • Franzia@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    8 months ago

    Biden has optically fumbled, and his polling has shown deep disapproval. Despite hints and a feeling that he and the US will perform a more measured approach, following public pushback. I don’t see the US doing the right thing, but more… Oversight and perhaps moderation.

    • VaultBoyNewVegas@lemmy.world
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      8 months ago

      Maybe it’s just me but I’m not seeing much of a difference in attitude compared to when agent orange was in charge and moved the embassy to Jerusalem. Ok Biden isn’t anywhere near as batshit but he’s still believing all the bs Israel is telling him anyway.

      • deft@ttrpg.network
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        8 months ago

        Doubt he believes it. There’s money and quiet conversation happening. People are never as dumb as we think they are

        • Fermion@feddit.nl
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          8 months ago

          Israel has been at the center of the U.S. plan to keep middle east power dynamics at least somewhat under U.S. influence. Even leaders who have no strong allegiance to a Jewish heritage still value having a western allegiant state in the center of it all.

          It’s really hard to predict what would happen if Israel ever lost the backing of the U.S. and European nations. I think that’s the main reason for Biden continuing the legacy of emphatically supporting Israel. As horrific as the action of the IDF are, things could get a lot worse if broader tensions escalated to armed conflicts.