In a television interview, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stated that the United States, leading the West, benefits from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and observes the escalating chaos from the sidelines.
Responding to a question about the American role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during an interview with the “Global Majority” program on Russia’s First Channel, President Assad added: “When we say America, we mean the entire West, as it is completely under the control of the United States. America profits from any conflict, then steps aside to watch the increasing chaos, waiting for the moment when it can deliver a decisive blow.”
President Assad emphasized that Americans benefit from any conflict. According to President Assad, U.S. policy operates on the principle of “divide and rule.”
He said, “This is their method of control, and it’s a kind of extortion. Such behavior is unethical. America turns any conflict into a chronic severe disease like diabetes or cancer. Typically, the warring countries pay the price of the conflict.”
The U.S. has maintained a complex stance toward the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Gaza war and its support for Israel. Throughout the conflict, the U.S. government has primarily shown strong support for Israel, emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas. President Biden and other U.S. officials have consistently backed Israel, with Biden expressing outright support for Israel’s actions and describing the country’s response as a defensive measure against Hamas-initiated violence.
However, the U.S. has also engaged in diplomatic efforts to manage the conflict, with high-ranking officials like Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting Israel and nearby countries to discuss strategies to control the conflict and its aftermath. The U.S. has even acted as a military backstop for Israel, positioning warships to help with missile defense if necessary.
Despite this firm support, there have been moments where the U.S. called for restraint and pushed for humanitarian aid and pauses in the fighting to alleviate the crisis in Gaza. For instance, the U.S. has advocated for humanitarian pauses to facilitate aid delivery and the release of captives, and at times, senior officials like Vice President Harris have urged Israel to take additional measures to ensure the safe distribution of humanitarian assistance.
Public opinion in the U.S. shows a division, with decreasing support for unconditional military aid to Israel as the conflict has prolonged. The discourse is polarized, with significant criticism coming from parts of the Democratic Party and among younger voters who are more likely to oppose military aid to Israel and express sympathy for the Palestinian plight. This division has been reflected in political challenges and debates within the U.S., particularly concerning military funding for Israel, which has faced obstacles and conditions in Congress.