Opinion: The tricky politics behind Biden’s foreign policy agenda

President Joe Biden’s decision to launch limited but multi-day airstrikes against Iranian terrorist enclaves across the Middle East comes amid a series of complications he faces in the always volatile region in this election year. It’s just one of those decisions.

The attack comes as fallout from continued fighting and civilian casualties from Israel’s retaliatory invasion of Gaza pose a serious threat to Biden’s hold on Muslim Americans as well as younger voters, who typically support Democrats. It was done when

This is a way to advance America’s overseas goals, prevent local skirmishes from escalating into full-blown regional wars, and maintain domestic political support by navigating the United States through thorny cross-currents in the Middle East. It shows how difficult it is to channel power.

Biden entered the White House with a mixed record on foreign policy.

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