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Senator Risch to Asharq Al-Awsat: Biden Should Strengthen Partnerships to Confront Iranian Threats

Jim E Risch, US Senator for Idaho
Jim E Risch, US Senator for Idaho
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Senator Risch to Asharq Al-Awsat: Biden Should Strengthen Partnerships to Confront Iranian Threats

Jim E Risch, US Senator for Idaho
Jim E Risch, US Senator for Idaho

Prominent US congress members have welcomed President Joe Biden’s trip to the Middle East. Wide criticism leveled against the Biden administration for its dealing with the Iranian file turned into calls for fixing strained relations with the region’s countries.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, senior Republican in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch considered that Biden has a serious shortfall in his credibility, a matter which must be fixed with US partners in the Middle East.

Citing the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the promoted transition to the Indo-Pacific, the hardline policies of arms sales, and the policy with Iran that threaten the security of Washington’s partners, Risch said that Biden must reassure the region that the US will remain a reliable partner.

Risch warned that if Biden fails to do so, he risks losing the region to Russia and China.

The senator also criticized the current administration's performance, explaining that many domestic partners believe that the president’s political capital is deteriorating rapidly, and they are anxiously awaiting the next administration.

Risch voiced his fears that Biden’s visit to the Middle could be late.

According to Risch, the administration has finally begun to change course about some of its harmful policies in the Middle East, especially with regard to the Abraham Accords, but many of these steps have been delayed.

The senator emphasized that the policy with Iran remains the main sticking point.

In view of that, Risch accused the US administration of threatening the security of its allies in the Middle East with its efforts to return to the Iran nuclear deal.

The agreement is still fraught with problems, said Risch about the Iran nuclear deal.

It completely fails to address Iran's domestic terrorism and its ballistic missile program, he told Asharq Al-Awsat, adding that Tehran's efforts to provide hundreds of drones to Russia for use in Ukraine was not helping either.

After the nuclear deal was reached in 2015, sanctions waivers increased Iran’s support for terrorism, noted the senator, adding that such an agreement will also provide a lifeline for Russia during its aggression against Ukraine.

There is a fundamental conflict between the president’s approach to Iran and US national security interests with partners in Israel and the Middle East.

According to Risch, it is better to leave the negotiations table instead of getting confused while sitting at it.

Israel and Gulf states have expressed their sincere interest in building new security relations to protect themselves against the Iranian threat.

On that matter, Risch said that the Biden administration must indulge in these efforts.

Positions of this kind are not limited to Republicans. Even prominent Democratic leaders have expressed similar positions, despite their timid reservations about direct and scathing criticism of the Biden administration.

US Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement in advance of Biden’s trip to Israel, the West Bank, and Saudi Arabia.

“President Biden’s visit to Israel, the West Bank, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should underscore that the United States has not walked back its commitment to the region, and in fact will continue to lead with diplomacy and convene partners around a common vision,” the statement read.

“It should unite regional actors as a strong counter-weight to an Iran intent on bolstering its nuclear capabilities and menacing its neighbors,” it added.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.