Some observers expect America’s relations with the Muslim world, including Indonesia, to be better under the Biden-Harris administration. The approach of the Biden government, which is considered more dialogical, is believed to open up opportunities for good relations with many countries, in addition to allowing the continued normalization of Israel’s relations with Muslim countries, known as the Abraham Accords.
US President-elect Joe Biden just got the green light to make the transition to his government and his inauguration on January 20. He has already introduced a number of people selected to serve in his cabinet, including the national security team and the foreign minister.
Head of the Department of International Relations at Binus University in Jakarta Prof. Tirta Mursitama does not believe America under Biden will have a different policy towards the Muslim world, especially with America’s traditional alliances in the Middle East. However, he hopes Biden’s solution to the conflict in the Middle East will be more peaceful because…
“Democrats deny any expansion” settlement-settlementhousings that continue to be added, and support solutions two states (two countries),” he said.
At least, according to Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, Biden is a person who is very sensitive to the interests of the people and the Islamic world. He based his judgment on the fact that:
“This Joe Biden sent a special message to his Muslim constituents in America before the election, and this is very different from Trump. And when giving a special message there are verses from the Koran delivered by Joe Biden. It touches my heart and it’s one thing that really contrasts him with President Trump,” Dino said.
The former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Indonesian Ambassador to America added that Biden was vice president during the Obama administration. The founder and chairman of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia argues that the Obama administration is systematically trying to improve relations with the Muslim world and Biden is part of that.
He admits that Obama’s efforts are not 100 percent effective because there are polls in the Islamic world that show some countries are ineffective. America’s image is still not very good in these countries, including in the Middle East.
“I highly doubt President Biden will push for Israeli-Palestinian peace because right now the priority is of course, number one is Covid and second is economic recovery. At least for the first two years, he will not be able to push for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations,” said Dino.
“This is possible bad news for Palestine. But good news“By the way, the next president Biden will be different from President Trump in the sense that he won’t want to obey Israel.”
Dr. Muhamad Ali, lecturer and chair of the Middle East and Islamic Studies program at the University of California Riverside, believes the next American government will have a huge impact on the Muslim world. The value of democracy, said Ali, will rise again and democracy can still be trusted as the best form of state in the world today.
“Democratic policy in general sees the Muslim world as a partner, as a partner, rather than a threat, although it is very complex depending on the individual leaders such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, all of which have different leadership characteristics. -different so how America behaves is different,” he said.
“But in general, the Muslim world is more receptive to the partnership. So, rhetoric or policies that are in the nature of establishing partnerships, alliances, rather than being enemies, I think it has a positive impact on the Islamic world,” added Muhamad Ali.
However, regarding the issue of Israel-Palestine, Ali is not sure that will change. Still support for Israel will be strong. Biden is a friend of Israel. At least in the future, Ali said, the two-state solution and the Palestinian voice will be given more attention.
“It is also possible that Biden will support the creation of a Palestinian state. For now maybe try to renew American aid to the Palestinian Authority in some places in Palestine. Well, this will affect the Abraham Accords. Pragmatically, Arab countries want to have diplomatic relations with Israel.”
Ali is sure that during the Biden-Harris administration there will be more special envoys for Islamic countries, such as in the Obama administration.
“The goal is to re-assure that America supports all forms of democratization and religious freedom. Reassure the Muslim world that America is a partner or partner and is not hostile to Islam,” said Ali.
Ali also predicts that under the Biden-Harris administration there will be increased cooperation with Indonesia in various fields. America, said Ali, may further encourage interfaith dialogue with technical assistance or other funds and assistance. [ka/ab]