Kamala Harris ‘Owns the Chaos and Tumult of the Past Four Years in the Middle East’: Morgan Ortagus

Former State Department Spokeswoman Weighs In on the Expected Resumption of Cease-Fire Negotiations, Increased U.S. Military Presence in the Middle East, and Kamala Harris’ Middle East Foreign Policy

Vice President Kamala Harris has found herself at the center of a heated debate over the United States’ role in the Middle East as the region continues to grapple with ongoing conflicts, political instability, and humanitarian crises. In a recent interview, former State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus sharply criticized Harris, claiming that she “owns the chaos and tumult of the past four years in the Middle East.” Ortagus’ remarks come as the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to address escalating tensions in the region, including the expected resumption of cease-fire negotiations and an increased U.S. military presence.

This article explores Morgan Ortagus’ critique of Kamala Harris’ foreign policy approach, the current state of U.S. involvement in the Middle East, and the broader implications for American diplomacy and security in the region.

Morgan Ortagus’ Critique of Kamala Harris’ Middle East Policy

A Harsh Assessment

Morgan Ortagus, who served as the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department under President Donald Trump, has not shied away from voicing her concerns about the Biden administration’s handling of Middle East policy. In her latest remarks, Ortagus accused Vice President Harris of failing to manage the complex challenges in the region, suggesting that her approach has contributed to the “chaos and tumult” that has characterized the past four years.

Ortagus’ critique centers on what she perceives as a lack of clear strategy and leadership from the Biden administration in addressing key issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the ongoing civil wars in Syria and Yemen. She argues that Harris, as a central figure in the administration’s foreign policy team, bears responsibility for the perceived failures and missed opportunities in the region.

“Vice President Harris has been at the forefront of this administration’s foreign policy decisions, and the results speak for themselves. The Middle East is more volatile than ever, and the United States’ influence in the region is waning. Harris owns the chaos and tumult of the past four years,” Ortagus stated.

Specific Points of Criticism

Ortagus’ criticism of Harris’ Middle East policy touches on several specific areas:

1. Iran Nuclear Deal: Ortagus has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. She argues that the administration’s eagerness to re-enter the deal has emboldened Iran, allowing it to continue its destabilizing activities in the region while undermining U.S. allies such as Israel and Saudi Arabia.
2. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Ortagus contends that the Biden administration has failed to build on the progress made under the Trump administration, particularly the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. She claims that Harris has not demonstrated the necessary commitment to supporting Israel and advancing peace negotiations with the Palestinians.
3. U.S. Military Presence: The former State Department spokeswoman also criticized the administration’s approach to the U.S. military presence in the Middle East. She argues that Harris and her team have sent mixed signals about America’s commitment to the region, leading to uncertainty among U.S. allies and emboldening adversaries such as Iran and Russia.
4. Humanitarian Crises: Ortagus has also taken issue with what she sees as a lack of effective response to the humanitarian crises in Yemen, Syria, and other conflict zones in the Middle East. She argues that the administration’s focus on diplomacy has not been matched by tangible action to alleviate suffering and promote stability in these war-torn countries.

The Current State of U.S. Involvement in the Middle East

The Resumption of Cease-Fire Negotiations

One of the most pressing issues facing the Biden administration in the Middle East is the resumption of cease-fire negotiations in several conflict zones, including Yemen and Syria. Both countries have been ravaged by years of civil war, with devastating humanitarian consequences.

In Yemen, the Biden administration has sought to facilitate negotiations between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels, who have been at war since 2015. While there have been some positive developments, including temporary cease-fires and the delivery of humanitarian aid, a lasting peace agreement remains elusive. Critics like Ortagus argue that the administration’s approach has lacked urgency and effectiveness, allowing the conflict to drag on with no clear end in sight.

In Syria, the situation is equally complex. The civil war, which began in 2011, has left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. The Biden administration has focused on diplomatic efforts to achieve a political resolution to the conflict, but progress has been slow. The ongoing presence of Iranian and Russian forces in Syria further complicates the prospects for peace, as both countries have vested interests in maintaining their influence in the region.

Increased U.S. Military Presence

In response to the growing threats in the Middle East, the Biden administration has increased the U.S. military presence in the region. This includes the deployment of additional troops and military assets to the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas to deter potential aggression from Iran and to protect vital shipping lanes.

The increased military presence has been a point of contention, with some arguing that it is necessary to maintain stability and protect U.S. interests, while others, including Ortagus, view it as a sign of the administration’s reactive rather than proactive approach to the region’s challenges.

Ortagus and other critics argue that the administration’s reliance on military force, coupled with what they see as inconsistent diplomatic efforts, has failed to address the root causes of instability in the Middle East. They call for a more comprehensive strategy that includes both military and diplomatic components, as well as stronger support for U.S. allies in the region.

The Challenge of Iran

Iran remains one of the most significant challenges facing the Biden administration in the Middle East. The Iranian regime has continued to pursue its nuclear program, despite ongoing negotiations to revive the JCPOA. Additionally, Iran’s support for militant groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis continues to destabilize the region and threaten U.S. allies.

The Biden administration has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum for its handling of Iran. While some argue that the administration has been too eager to re-enter the nuclear deal, others believe that it has not done enough to hold Iran accountable for its destabilizing activities.

Ortagus, in particular, has been critical of the administration’s approach, arguing that it has emboldened Iran and weakened U.S. leverage in the region. She contends that Harris, as a key figure in the administration’s foreign policy team, bears responsibility for the perceived failures in dealing with Iran.

Kamala Harris’ Foreign Policy Record: A Closer Look

A Balancing Act

As Vice President, Kamala Harris has played a central role in shaping the Biden administration’s foreign policy, including its approach to the Middle East. Her responsibilities have included overseeing diplomatic efforts, coordinating with U.S. allies, and addressing key challenges such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Iranian nuclear threat, and the ongoing civil wars in Syria and Yemen.

Harris has sought to balance the administration’s commitment to diplomacy with the need to protect U.S. interests and maintain stability in the region. This has involved working closely with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and other key members of the administration’s foreign policy team.

One of Harris’ key priorities has been to rebuild alliances and restore U.S. credibility on the world stage, which she and President Biden believe was undermined during the Trump administration. This has included re-engaging with international organizations, strengthening partnerships with NATO and European allies, and renewing efforts to address global challenges such as climate change and human rights.

The Iran Nuclear Deal

The Biden administration’s efforts to revive the JCPOA have been a central focus of its Middle East policy. Harris has been involved in the administration’s diplomatic efforts to bring Iran back into compliance with the deal, while also addressing concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for militant groups.

The administration has faced significant challenges in its negotiations with Iran, including resistance from hardliners in Tehran and skepticism from U.S. allies such as Israel and Saudi Arabia. Critics like Ortagus argue that the administration’s focus on the JCPOA has come at the expense of a broader strategy to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region.

Harris has defended the administration’s approach, arguing that a return to the JCPOA is necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to create a framework for addressing other security concerns. However, the path forward remains uncertain, and the administration’s handling of Iran will continue to be a key issue in its Middle East policy.

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the most intractable issues in the Middle East, and Harris has been closely involved in the administration’s efforts to address it. The Biden administration has reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution and has sought to rebuild relations with the Palestinian Authority, which were strained during the Trump administration.

However, progress on the peace process has been limited, with continued violence and political divisions on both sides. The administration’s approach has faced criticism from both Israel and the Palestinians, with some arguing that it has not done enough to advance the peace process or to support Israel in the face of threats from Hamas and other militant groups.

Harris has emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving the conflict, but the challenges remain formidable. The administration’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian issue

will be a key test of its ability to navigate the complex dynamics of the Middle East.

The Humanitarian Crises

The humanitarian crises in Yemen, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East have been a major focus of the Biden administration’s foreign policy. Harris has been involved in efforts to address these crises, including providing humanitarian aid, supporting cease-fire negotiations, and advocating for the protection of civilians.

The administration has faced criticism for its handling of these crises, with some arguing that it has not done enough to alleviate suffering or to hold those responsible for atrocities accountable. Harris has acknowledged the challenges but has emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs of the region.

The ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in the Middle East present significant challenges for the Biden administration, and Harris’ role in addressing these issues will continue to be closely scrutinized.

Morgan Ortagus’ critique of Kamala Harris’ Middle East policy reflects the broader debate over the Biden administration’s handling of the region’s complex challenges. As Vice President, Harris has played a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, including efforts to address the Iranian nuclear threat, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the ongoing humanitarian crises in Yemen and Syria.

While the administration has made some progress, significant challenges remain, and the path forward is uncertain. Harris’ approach to the Middle East will continue to be a key issue in the administration’s foreign policy, and her ability to navigate the region’s complexities will be critical to the success of U.S. efforts to promote stability and security in the region.

As the situation in the Middle East evolves, the world will be watching closely to see how the Biden administration and Kamala Harris respond to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The stakes could not be higher, and the decisions made in the coming months will have far-reaching implications for the future of the region and for U.S. foreign policy more broadly.