High-Stakes Foreign Policy Questions for the Presidential Debate

In light of the upcoming presidential election, the stakes are at an all-time high. A series of critical foreign policy questions have been posed to President Biden and former President Trump, focusing on their respective approaches and past actions.
For President Biden:

1. Despite advocating for Israel to refrain from invading Rafah and increasing food aid to Gaza, Israel proceeded with the invasion, resulting in severe starvation among Gazans. Biden is questioned on his perceived overreliance on charm over leverage in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
2. Biden’s plan for Gaza involves a cease-fire and a path to Palestinian statehood, but the viability and alternatives of this plan are scrutinized.
3. With Iran close to achieving nuclear capabilities, Biden faces questions on whether the U.S. can tolerate a quasi-nuclear Iran and what alternatives exist.
4. The Mexican border crisis, particularly the fentanyl epidemic fueled by Chinese and Mexican drug operations, is another pressing issue.
5. Biden’s cautious military support for Ukraine raises concerns about signaling weakness to nuclear-armed adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran.
6. Biden’s assertive stance on defending Taiwan and potential military involvement in the South China Sea are also under examination.
   For Donald Trump:
7. The Abraham Accords, while a significant achievement, are criticized for bypassing Palestinians and possibly inciting further conflict, such as the recent Hamas attack.
8. Trump’s stance on Israel’s prolonged conflict in Gaza is questioned, along with his advocacy for either more aggressive military action or a deal leaving Hamas in place.
9. Trump’s withdrawal from the international nuclear deal with Iran in 2018 is blamed for accelerating Iran’s nuclear program, and his solutions for the current situation are probed.
10. Trump’s proposed military actions against Mexican drug cartels and his administration’s handling of the border crisis, including family separations, are challenged.
11. Trump’s position on Ukraine is critiqued, particularly the potential for a forced peace deal favorable to Russia and the influence of Russian operatives on his campaign.
12. Trump’s stance on Taiwan is scrutinized, especially his suggestion that Taiwan might be on its own, which contrasts with his rhetoric on projecting strength.
    Joint Question for Both Candidates:
    • The U.S. approach to humanitarian crises in regions like Sudan, including the potential use of military, intelligence, and diplomatic tools to prevent mass atrocities, is questioned.
      These inquiries aim to shed light on how each candidate plans to address critical global issues and their past actions’ implications on current and future foreign policy.