By Nandita Bose and Andrea Shalal
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to meet with leaders from the Arab American community in Flint, Michigan, in an effort to address concerns over U.S. support for Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon. The meeting comes as Harris' presidential campaign seeks to win back voters who are dissatisfied with the current administration's stance on the conflict.
Key participants in the meeting include leaders from the Muslim advocacy group Emgage, the American Task Force on Lebanon, and Harris' long-time friend Hala Hijazi, who has personal ties to the conflict in Gaza. However, some leaders, such as Jim Zogby, have declined the invitation, while others from the Uncommitted National Movement protest campaign have not been invited.
The administration has expressed support for a ceasefire in Gaza, diplomacy in Lebanon, and stability in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This comes as Harris faces Republican former President Donald Trump in a closely contested presidential race, with Michigan being a crucial swing state with a significant Arab American population.
A recent poll by the Arab American Institute shows Harris and Trump neck and neck in terms of support among Arab Americans, a demographic that has traditionally favored Democrats by large margins. However, support for Democrats has waned in recent years due to perceived inaction on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Activists have criticized Biden and Harris for not doing enough to halt Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in a high number of casualties and a humanitarian crisis in the region. In Lebanon, ongoing cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has also led to a significant loss of life.
Analysis:
The meeting between Vice President Kamala Harris and Arab American leaders in Flint, Michigan, highlights the importance of addressing concerns over U.S. support for Israel in the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. As the presidential race heats up, Harris is seeking to regain support from the Arab American community, a key demographic in swing states like Michigan.
The outcome of this meeting could potentially impact Harris' standing among Arab American voters and influence the broader debate on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. It also underscores the growing dissatisfaction with the current administration's handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has led to a shift in support away from Democrats in recent years.
Overall, the meeting serves as a crucial moment for Harris to engage with a key constituency and address their concerns, while also signaling her approach to foreign policy issues in the region. The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for the presidential race and U.S. relations with the Arab world.