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

For over a decade, I have called the UAE my home, having relocated there from Massachusetts in 2014. Despite being more than 10,000 kilometers away from my family and friends, I remain deeply connected to the country I left behind. The recent US midterms have reignited that connection, as I watched the results unfold through international news channels while working in the newsroom.

The tension between my personal detachment from the consequences of the election and my understanding of its significance lingers, a feeling I have experienced during previous presidential elections.

The shock of Donald Trump's victory in 2016 and the hopefulness that followed Joe Biden's election in 2020 are still vivid memories. As the years passed, my enthusiasm for the political process waned, and by 2024, I found myself questioning the potential changes over the next two years. From the UAE, I can sense the possibility of a major shift in control of Congress, but it remains to be seen how strongly people desire change.

Living abroad has provided me with a broader perspective on American politics, allowing me to appreciate the global impact of US decisions. It has also made me more aware of how familiar narratives can shape perceptions, especially for those who have never visited the region. I acknowledge my own biases, as my understanding of the Middle East was similarly influenced by my proximity before moving here.

While I recognize that there is more to the United States than the constant political divisions portrayed in the media, I sometimes feel the need to explain this to others, emphasizing that not all of America is the same. My friend, who enjoys following US politics, compared it to a soap opera, and when I asked why he wasn't as interested in his own country's politics, he jokingly stated that it was "too close to home." This might explain why he knows more about American politics than I do, despite my proximity.

Although I can vote from Abu Dhabi and have done so, I sometimes yearn to do more, feeling the distance from the people I care about and their potential future under the outcome of those votes. I am not alone in this sentiment, as many expats feel the same way. Despite the distance and the years I have spent away, I still hold onto hope for America's future, even if my own future remains uncertain.