Rep. Young Kim, a Korean American Congresswoman, warns of North Korea’s increasing aggression and its partnership with Russia, calling for a strong US response to deter their actions and protect regional stability.
Results for: US Foreign Policy
In testimony before the Senate, Secretary of State Antony Blinken denounced the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for seeking the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and condemned Hamas for triggering the Gaza war. Despite expressing condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Blinken emphasized that the gesture did not alter the administration’s view of his repressive actions. The hearing was repeatedly interrupted by protesters opposed to US policy toward Israel and its actions in Gaza.
In a significant rebuke of President Biden’s policy towards Israel, several House Democrats joined Republicans in passing the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. The bill condemns the administration’s withholding of offensive aid to Israel and mandates the expeditious delivery of previously approved weapons shipments. The move highlights growing concerns within the Democratic Party over Biden’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The US House of Representatives voted to approve a $60.89 billion aid package for Ukraine. The Senate followed suit, with 79 votes in favor and 18 against. President Biden signed the bill into law.
A State Department report on human rights in Ukraine found that both Russian forces and the Ukrainian government have committed human rights abuses, including arbitrary killings, torture, and restrictions on freedom of expression.
The report also highlighted corruption and a lack of accountability for human rights abuses within the Ukrainian government.
Congress is now considering whether to continue financial support for Ukraine in light of these human rights concerns and the rising national debt.
Iran’s recent attacks against Israel cross a dangerous line, escalating the conflict and threatening America’s well-being. The concept of proportionality is now irrelevant, and diplomacy and proportionality with Iran have proven ineffective. America’s reluctance to join Israel in a counterstrike is influenced by its changing relationship with Israel due to extremism within the Democratic party and the complexities of Middle Eastern politics. Despite its previous stance of an ‘ironclad’ relationship with Israel, America’s unwavering support is now being tested. The Biden administration’s hesitancy in actively supporting Israel against Iran raises questions about the true strength of this ‘ironclad’ bond and the implications for combating terrorism and maintaining security in the Middle East.
The Senate has approved a bipartisan bill providing $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The legislation passed with a resounding 79-18 vote, signaling overwhelming support for bolstering the United States’ commitment to its allies against global threats. The bill now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.
The US State Department has presented conflicting views on whether Israel is held to a different moral standard than Hamas. Secretary of State Antony Blinken claims no double standard exists, while Ambassador David Satterfield asserts Israel is expected to adhere to a higher standard of conduct. This contradiction has emerged amid growing pro-Palestinian protests in New York City and concerns raised in the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which highlight Israel’s actions in the region.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) has denounced the months-long delay in providing military aid to Ukraine, stating it has undermined the chances of Ukraine defeating Russia. He has called the delay ‘sheer fiction’ and argued that the country’s allies are fully aware of the potential consequences of Russian victory in Ukraine. McConnell believes that failure to reestablish deterrence against Iran and match the pacing threat of China could jeopardize the entire system of alliances that preserves American interests. He emphasizes that American prosperity and security are the products of decades of American leadership and that the country’s global interests come with global responsibilities.
The State Department is investigating allegations of Israeli human rights abuses and will announce restrictions on military aid for specific units, including one with a high conviction rate for abuses against Palestinian civilians. Secretary of State Blinken said the investigation follows the same standards as for any other country and will consider evidence of possible violations involving U.S. weapons.