Prominent members of the Indian-American community have praised US President Joe Biden for making the "right decision" by stepping out of the 2024 presidential race. They acknowledged that it must have been a tough choice for him, but they believe he did it to prioritize the country's best interests. On Sunday, 81-year-old Biden announced that he would not seek re-election and endorsed his deputy, Kamala Harris, as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.

Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the U.S. presidential race introduces more uncertainty at a time when the world is already dealing with wars in Ukraine and Gaza, a more assertive China, and the rise of far-right politics in Europe.

Biden's long political career has allowed him to build strong personal connections with many foreign leaders, a trait that none of the potential Democratic replacements can match. After his announcement, leaders worldwide expressed support and gratitude for his service.

The challenges in foreign policy that the next U.S. president will face highlight the global impact of decisions made in Washington. Here’s an overview of some critical issues:

Israel and the Middle East
With Vice President Kamala Harris seen as a potential replacement, Israelis are keen to understand her stance as their country deals with growing international isolation due to its military actions against Hamas. Harris has previously criticized Israel's offensive in Gaza and has called for a cease-fire, which has led to mixed reactions within Israel.

Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul general in New York, remarked, "With Biden leaving, Israel has lost perhaps the last Zionist president."

Biden’s consistent support for Israel is rooted in his extensive political career. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and President Isaac Herzog praised Biden for his unwavering support and commitment to the bond between the U.S. and Israel. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has had strained relations with Biden during the Israel-Hamas war, has not commented.

Ukraine and Europe
The next Democratic candidate is expected to continue Biden’s support for Ukraine. However, frustration over the slow pace of U.S. aid and restrictions on the use of Western weapons has been growing in Ukraine and Europe.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed respect for Biden’s tough decision to withdraw from the race and thanked him for his help in defending Ukraine against Russian aggression. Conversely, Trump has promised to end Russia's war on Ukraine quickly if elected, a stance that has alarmed Ukrainian officials.

Russia has dismissed the significance of the U.S. presidential race, stating that its actions in Ukraine will continue regardless of the outcome.

U.S. and China
Both Biden and Trump have aimed to show voters they can stand up to China’s military and economic power. Biden has increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, while Trump has proposed higher tariffs on all Chinese goods.

China has taken a cautious approach to the U.S. presidential race. The state-run Xinhua news agency gave minor attention to Biden’s withdrawal, and Global Times editor Hu Xijin downplayed its impact, suggesting that any Democratic candidate would follow similar policies.

Middle East Tensions
The U.S. faces a volatile situation in the Middle East, with Iran's proxies increasingly involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis recently attacked Tel Aviv, prompting Israeli retaliation. There are also rising tensions between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel.

Hamas continues its conflict with Israel, resulting in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza. The U.S. and its allies accuse Iran of expanding its nuclear program, a situation exacerbated by Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and continued economic sanctions under Biden.

The sudden death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has introduced new dynamics, with his successor, Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing a desire to open up Iran while maintaining a defiant stance against the U.S.

Europe’s Concerns
Many Europeans welcomed Biden's presidency after Trump’s critical stance toward the EU and NATO. Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race has elicited mixed feelings of relief and concern among European leaders. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed respect for Biden's decision, while Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris praised Biden’s connection to Ireland.

The upcoming U.S. presidential election will determine whether NATO can maintain its support for Ukraine and counter authoritarian regimes.

U.S.-Mexico Relations
The relationship between the U.S. and Mexico has been marked by disagreements over trade, energy, and climate change but common ground on migration issues. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has maintained a cooperative stance on migration while urging Trump not to blame migrants for drug trafficking or to close the border.

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