Opinion | President Biden and Donald Trump, Some Tough Questions for Each of You

The upcoming presidential election holds unprecedented importance in my lifetime. To help voters frame their decision, I present these crucial foreign policy questions for President Biden and Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming debate:

President Biden, you have been vocal in urging Israel to show restraint in Rafah and increase food aid to Gaza. Despite your efforts, Israel proceeded with the invasion of Rafah, leading to reports of widespread starvation among half a million Gazans. Do you feel disregarded, possibly due to your reliance on charm rather than leveraging power to foster cooperation with key figures like Senate Republicans, Xi Jinping, and Benjamin Netanyahu? When will you transition from charm offensive to assertive action in pursuing peace in the Middle East?

Mr. Trump, while the Abraham Accords you brokered with Israel and Arab nations marked a diplomatic achievement, the exclusion of Palestinians may have triggered recent hostilities, such as the Hamas attack on Israel. Do you believe the Accords have truly brought peace or potentially fueled future conflicts? Is it wise to prioritize Israeli interests, like relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, without securing reciprocal benefits?

President Biden, your proposed Gaza strategy involves a trilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia and Israel leading to Palestinian statehood. Should this plan falter, what contingency measures do you have in place? In the event of an escalation involving Lebanon or Iran, how do you intend to navigate the complexities of the Middle East with greater efficacy?

Mr. Trump, your remarks on expediting Israel’s actions in Gaza raise questions about your proposed course of action. Are you advocating for intensified military strikes causing further civilian casualties, or do you endorse a negotiation that leaves Hamas intact before withdrawal?

President Biden, with Iran nearing nuclear capabilities, the risk of a quasi-nuclear state looms. How do you propose to address this imminent threat?

Mr. Trump, your withdrawal from the international nuclear agreement accelerated Iran’s nuclear pursuits. How do you plan to rectify this perilous situation? Would a second term under your leadership involve military confrontation or acceptance of a nuclear Iran as a consequence?

President Biden, while your immigration stance has toughened, the influx of drugs poses a significant crisis on the Mexican border. How do you intend to combat the surge in drug-related deaths effectively?

Mr. Trump, your proposed military actions against Mexican drug cartels may worsen the situation. How do you plan to address border issues more effectively in a potential second term?

President Biden, while your support for Ukraine is commendable, the cautious approach due to nuclear threats sets a concerning precedent. How do you plan to navigate such challenges without compromising national security interests?

Mr. Trump, are you willing to abandon Ukraine, potentially granting victory to aggressors like Vladimir Putin? How do you address criticisms from former national security personnel and the questionable alliances with Russia?

President Biden and Mr. Trump, a joint question: What measures should the U.S. take to address humanitarian crises in regions like Sudan, where famine and genocide loom? Are you open to military interventions or diplomatic efforts to uphold humanitarian values?

President Biden, your firm stance on defending Taiwan raises questions about U.S. policy clarity. How do you plan to handle escalating tensions in the South China Sea and potential conflicts with China?

Mr. Trump, your wavering stance on Taiwan and Ukraine invites concerns about projecting strength. How do you plan to address these issues and instill confidence in your leadership for a potential second term?