As an American expat in the Middle East, I still care deeply about the country I left behind

For over a decade, I've called the United Arab Emirates home. From my residence in Abu Dhabi, I have witnessed three US presidential elections and many political decisions unfold while I was away from my family and friends in Massachusetts. Despite the distance, I remain deeply connected to the country I left behind, even if the results don't always hit me as personally as they once did.

As I watched the US midterms from my newsroom, screens tuned to foreign news channels, I felt the same tension of knowing how much is at stake. I remember the shock of Donald Trump's 2016 election and the mixed emotions I felt when Joe Biden was elected in 2020. Now, as 2024 approaches, I struggle to find the same enthusiasm. The election outcomes may be uncertain, but I remain eager to see how the country will progress.

In the UAE, I've gained a broader perspective on the impact of US decisions on the world and how familiar narratives can shape perceptions of a place. I try to apply that awareness to my understanding of America, acknowledging that there's more to the country than the political divisions that dominate the media. I often find myself explaining to others that "not all of America is like that" or "it isn't all Americans".

A friend recently mentioned that he enjoys following US politics, comparing it to a soap opera. When I asked why he wasn't as interested in his own country's politics, he joked that it was "too close to home". I can see the appeal, and perhaps that's why he knows more about American politics than I do. Although I can vote from my home in Abu Dhabi and have done so, sometimes I wish I could do more to make a difference.

Being away when the outcome of those votes impacts my loved ones is difficult. I'm not the only expat who feels this way. Even though I care about America's future, I'm not always confident about my own future there. Despite the distance and time apart, I still hope for a positive outcome.