Watching the US midterm elections from the Middle East

The upcoming US midterm elections in November could significantly impact both domestic American politics and foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East. As voters decide whether the Democratic Party will gain control of Congress and the Senate, Middle Eastern nations are curious to know if the results will alter US foreign policy.

Currently, Republicans hold sway over all three branches of the government, enabling President Donald Trump to steer the legislative agenda with minimal constraints. If the Democrats secure a majority in Congress, they may face a tougher challenge from a determined Trump administration.

One of the most pressing issues is the ongoing war with Iran, which has become unpopular among American citizens. The escalating costs of petrol, which have surged by 50% since February, and the overall surge in the cost of living, have further exacerbated public discontent. In such a scenario, a new Congress could introduce a war powers bill necessitating congressional approval for any subsequent military actions.

Moreover, the Gaza conflict's aftermath and its profound impact on America's financial backing for Israel could also influence the administration's stance in the region. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher interrogates the potential influence of the US midterm elections on Middle East policy and the future decision-making of the Trump administration. She engages in a conversation with Elizabeth Dent, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.