Marah Al-Bukai speake to Levant about the US Elections and the Future of US Presence in the Middle East

Analysing potential scenarios for the US elections and addressing key issues in the Middle East, Marah Al-Bukai calls for an international solution to the Syrian crisis.

In an exclusive interview with the Levant London newspaper, American-Syrian political scholar Marah Al-Bukai discussed the reasons behind President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, her expectations for the election results between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, and her perspective on the situation in the Middle East and Syria.

Al-Bukai stated that President Biden’s inner circle did not want him to withdraw, nor did his family and advisors. However, his health deteriorated due to COVID-19, leading to his withdrawal following a request from Democratic leaders who met with him during his isolation at his home in Delaware. It appears they indicated that everyone wanted him to withdraw, essentially abandoning him.

Al-Bukai pointed out that Trump, a Republican, will undoubtedly be supported by Republicans, while Kamala Harris, who replaced Biden, will be supported by all Democrats. Each side will now focus on swing states where voters have not yet decided who to vote for, based on the candidates’ platforms. Current polls in swing states indicate that Trump is ahead because he focuses on the economy. Both Trump and Harris need to avoid personal attacks, as this approach is not effective.

Discussing the Syrian situation, Al-Bukai mentioned its complexity, stating that the US alone cannot provide all that Syrians need now. The situation requires international consensus, possibly led by the US, to end the chaos, instability, and the Syrian regime’s reluctance to engage in the necessary political process.

She highlighted that several countries have military presence and militias in Syria, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey. Regional and international efforts are needed to implement international and UN resolutions in Syria and ensure a smooth political transition within the framework established by the United Nations.

Levant: What is your opinion on President Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race?

Al-Bukai: “We know that President Biden's inner circle, including his family and advisors, did not want him to withdraw. However, his health worsened due to COVID-19, leading to his withdrawal following a request from Democratic leaders who met with him during his isolation in Delaware. They essentially abandoned him, unlike their support for Pelosi when she lost the House in 2022. His withdrawal seems to have resulted from this abandonment, especially by key Democratic leaders like Obama.”

Levant: What are your expectations for the US elections between Trump and Harris?

Al-Bukai: “Trump, as a Republican, will be supported by Republicans, and Harris, who replaced Biden, will be supported by Democrats. The focus now will be on swing states where voters have not decided yet, based on the candidates’ platforms. Current polls indicate that Trump is ahead due to his focus on the economy. Both candidates need to avoid personal attacks and focus on key issues such as the economy, immigration, inflation, foreign policies, and border security. Personal attacks are a tradition in the US, but Americans prefer to hear about political programs that benefit them, especially given the current economic struggles.”

Levant: What are the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate?

Al-Bukai: “For Trump, a major weakness is his age compared to Harris, who is in her late fifties. However, Trump’s health, mental acuity, and physical strength are commendable, showing no negative effects from his age. On the other hand, Harris, despite being younger, lacks significant political experience. In her four years, she had the opportunity to prove her capabilities as Vice President but failed to demonstrate effective management, notably in the immigration portfolio. Her response to a question about visiting the US-Mexico border was illogical and unwise. However, her strength lies in her appeal to women and minorities, which could help her gain their votes. Still, there could always be surprises in elections.”

Levant: What is the Future of the Middle East According to Each Candidate?

Al-Bukai on the Middle East:

“I believe that both parties’ candidates see the need for the US to withdraw from the Middle East physically. However, the manner of withdrawal is crucial. The Democratic way of withdrawal has shown poor examples, as seen in Afghanistan and Obama’s withdrawal from Iraq, which left a vacuum for Iranian influence. Republicans, too, want to withdraw but aim to leave behind partnerships with influential states and a secure Middle East.

For Syria, the situation is extremely complex. It’s not enough for the US alone to end the suffering of the Syrian people and find political solutions. There are occupying countries with militias and armies in Syria, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey. The situation requires international consensus, possibly led by the US, to end the chaos and instability and ensure the Syrian regime engages in the necessary political process.”

In conclusion, Al-Bukai emphasized that while the US has provided significant support, the solution requires regional and international efforts to implement UN resolutions and secure a smooth political transition in Syria according to the binding laws established by the United Nations.

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