As he seeks re-election, President Joe Biden is seeking the support of Arab voters in Michigan this fall. However, many Arab voters are dissatisfied with Biden’s Middle East policies. In the suburb of Dearborn, a pivotal area in the swing state where Arab immigrants have established a strong presence, sentiment towards Biden is divided.
During the Democratic primary in February, a significant number of voters in Dearborn expressed their disapproval of Biden’s stance on the Gaza war by casting protest votes. This group of voters could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election in November.
One such protest voter is Terry Ahwal, a Palestinian woman who had previously supported Biden but decided to vote against him in the primary. Ahwal shares her traumatic experiences during the Six-Day War in 1967 and the subsequent Israeli occupation, which have shaped her views on the conflict in the Middle East. Despite condemning acts of violence on both sides, Ahwal criticizes Biden for what she perceives as double standards in his approach to the conflict. She expresses disappointment in Biden’s continued support for Israel and calls for a more equitable solution that recognizes the rights of all parties involved.
Another protest voter, Andy Levin, a former congressman of Jewish descent, believes that Biden must change his approach to the Gaza war to secure victory in Michigan. Levin emphasizes the need for a ceasefire and a reevaluation of military aid to Israel, highlighting the importance of humanitarian concerns in the conflict. He sees the support of the Arab community in Michigan as critical to Biden’s success in the state and urges the president to take decisive action on
