The Illusion of American Leadership
Kamala Harris’s speech at the Democratic National Convention was filled with the rhetoric of American leadership and morality. Yet, beneath the polished words lies the same narrative that has guided U.S. foreign policy for decades. Harris presents America as a benevolent force for good, ignoring the destructive consequences of its actions on the global stage. This self-righteous tone obscures the reality of U.S. interventions, which often leave nations in chaos and despair.
Supporting Brutal Regimes in the Name of Security
Harris spoke proudly of her commitment to maintaining strong alliances, yet she conveniently omitted the dark side of these relationships. One such example is her support for Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, a leader known for his brutal repression of dissent. Harris’s backing of Sisi highlights the hypocrisy in her claims of championing democracy and human rights. The U.S. continues to support regimes that oppress their people, as long as those regimes serve American interests. This pattern extends beyond Egypt, with the U.S. consistently allying itself with other oppressive governments, further undermining its claims of moral leadership.
Subservience to Israel: Ignoring Palestinian Suffering
Harris’s unwavering support for Israel, a state involved in the ongoing oppression of Palestinians, is another glaring example of her willingness to turn a blind eye to human rights violations. She spoke passionately about Israel’s right to defend itself, but failed to acknowledge the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. By aligning herself so closely with a state that has consistently violated international law, Harris demonstrates her subservience to a foreign policy that prioritizes certain lives over others. This approach not only ignores the suffering of millions but also fuels further resentment and instability in the region.
The Continuation of Failed Democratic Foreign Policies
Harris’s foreign policy vision mirrors those of previous Democratic presidents, whose actions have led to disastrous outcomes worldwide. Clinton supported economic sanctions against Iraq throughout the 1990s, which led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians, including children, from lack of medical supplies and food.
President Barack Obama’s tenure saw the expansion of drone warfare. Under Obama, drone strikes became a cornerstone of U.S. counterterrorism efforts, but these strikes often resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians, including women and children. One of the most controversial actions of Obama’s drone program was the targeted killing of Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S. citizen, in Yemen in 2011. Al-Awlaki was accused of being a terrorist, but instead of being brought to trial, he was killed by a drone strike ordered by the U.S. government. This extrajudicial killing of a U.S. citizen without due process set a dangerous precedent and highlighted the extent to which the government is willing to bypass constitutional rights in the name of national security.
Additionally, Obama’s administration expanded global surveillance through the NSA, as revealed by whistleblower Edward Snowden. The NSA’s mass data collection program targeted not only foreign governments and leaders but also millions of ordinary US citizens, revealing a government more interested in maintaining global dominance by spying on people than respecting the “rights” of individuals.
Biden has continued to support authoritarian regimes that align with U.S. interests, such as Saudi Arabia, despite its ongoing human rights abuses and involvement in the devastating war in Yemen.
Reckless Foreign Policy: Destabilization and Assassinations
Harris’s commitment to maintaining American dominance through military might is evident in her rhetoric. She spoke of standing strong against threats and taking necessary action to defend American interests. Yet, this language masks a reckless foreign policy that relies on destabilizing interventions and targeted assassinations. These actions, often justified under the guise of national security, have led to the destabilization of entire regions. Libya and Iraq are prime examples of how U.S. interventions have left nations in ruins, with millions of lives shattered in the process.
Moreover, Obama’s administration conducted several high-profile assassinations, most notably the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki. While al-Awlaki was accused of being involved in terrorist activities, the decision to kill him without trial or due process has been widely criticized as a violation of constitutional rights. This assassination, carried out without any legal proceedings, undermines the very principles of justice and rule of law that the U.S. claims to uphold.
The Dangerous Continuity of U.S. Global Domination
Harris’s speech reveals a commitment to continuing the policies of U.S. global domination. Despite the changing faces in leadership, the underlying approach remains the same: maintain American power at any cost. This approach has led to endless wars, drone strikes, and military interventions that do little to promote peace or stability. Instead, they perpetuate a cycle of violence and resentment, ensuring that conflicts continue for generations. Harris’s foreign policy vision offers no real change, only a continuation of the same strategies that have left the world more divided and dangerous.
The Forgotten Victims: Global Consequences of American Policies
The real victims of U.S. foreign policies are the millions of people worldwide who suffer from its actions. Harris, like her predecessors, speaks of protecting American interests without acknowledging the human cost of these policies. From drone strikes that kill civilians to economic sanctions that devastate entire populations, the consequences of U.S. actions are felt far beyond its borders. Harris’s speech may have been intended to inspire confidence in American leadership, but it serves as a reminder of the moral bankruptcy at the heart of U.S. foreign policy.
