PRESIDENT BIDEN'S VISIT TO THE MIDDLE EAST, MEDIATION?

US President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on October 18, 2023 for a two-day visit to the Middle East. The visit aims to demonstrate US support for Israel while trying to prevent the conflict in Gaza from spreading to other countries in the region.

The context of the visit

Biden's visit comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, has left more than 2,000 people dead, most of them civilians.

The visit also comes at a time when the United States is trying to reset relations with Saudi Arabia. The Biden administration has criticized Saudi Arabia for its human rights record, but the president has said it is important to work with the country to address regional challenges.

The objectives of the visit

The objectives of Biden's visit are the following:

Demonstrate US support for Israel. Biden will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the situation in Gaza and cooperation between the two countries.
Try to prevent the conflict from spreading. Biden will meet with leaders in the region to try to find a solution to the conflict in Gaza.
Reestablish relations with Saudi Arabia. Biden will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman to discuss cooperation between the two countries.

The visit agenda

On October 18, Biden arrived in Israel and met with Netanyahu. The president also visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.

On October 19, Biden will travel to Saudi Arabia. He will meet with the Saudi crown prince and other leaders in the region.

Evaluation of the visit

Biden's visit is an attempt by the United States to reassert its leadership in the Middle East. The visit is also a recognition of the region's importance to US interests.

The visit will be a success if Biden manages to demonstrate US support for Israel, prevent the conflict in Gaza from spreading and restore relations with Saudi Arabia.