Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Consultant, Advisor, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

The United States has long positioned itself as a global advocate for peace and diplomacy, particularly in the volatile Middle East. On the surface, it promotes dialogue, peace settlements, and ceasefires. Yet, behind these promises lies a darker reality: unwavering support for Israel's aggressive actions, often at the expense of Arab and Muslim nations. This glaring hypocrisy not only undermines regional stability but also fuels resentment across the Muslim world.

A recent example of this duplicity unfolded when U.S. President Joe Biden, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, called for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. This ceasefire, presented as a diplomatic step toward peace, was aimed at de-escalating tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border, with global leaders urging restraint from both sides. Lebanon's government, after consulting Hezbollah's leader, Syed Hasan Nasrallah, agreed to the ceasefire proposal, signaling a desire for peace. Nasrallah, often portrayed as a militant figure, showed his willingness for a peaceful resolution.

However, within hours of Lebanon’s agreement to the ceasefire, Israel launched a devastating strike that killed Nasrallah, using 1,600 tons of explosives and 85 missiles. This act of aggression shattered any hopes for a ceasefire and reignited anger across the Muslim world. It became clear that the U.S.'s call for peace was a facade, meant to buy time for Israel to continue its operations under the guise of diplomacy.

The Ceasefire That Never Was

This pattern of duplicity is not new. Time and again, the U.S. has promised peace and diplomacy while enabling Israel’s aggressive actions. President Biden has repeatedly voiced support for a two-state solution, envisioning the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state from the River to the Sea. Yet, when it comes to taking concrete action, the U.S. consistently vetoes ceasefire resolutions at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), giving Israel more time to carry out its military objectives, including what many view as ethnic cleansing and genocide in Gaza.

This is not an isolated incident. In the case of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran by Israel, the U.S. again promised restraint. Iran, in good faith, refrained from immediate retaliation, trusting the U.S.'s assurances. Yet, with no meaningful follow-up from the U.S., Iran eventually responded with symbolic strikes on Israel that caused minimal damage. Once again, the U.S. had bought Israel time under the pretense of seeking peace.

A History of Deception

The U.S.'s hypocrisy in the Middle East extends far beyond recent events. In the early 1990s, U.S. diplomats assured Iraqi President Saddam Hussein that the U.S. would support Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Yet, when Iraq proceeded, the U.S. swiftly pivoted, leading a coalition to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. This about-face is a classic example of the U.S.'s manipulative tactics in the region, promising one thing while plotting another.

The Broader Picture: Manipulating Regional Conflicts

The recent call for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, backed by multiple countries including the U.S., France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, was hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough. On the surface, the joint statement emphasized the need for diplomacy and a peaceful resolution. Yet, Israel’s actions following this call—the assassination of Nasrallah—proved that the ceasefire was never truly meant to hold.

Israeli officials publicly welcomed the ceasefire, stating they preferred a diplomatic solution. However, they also warned that they would not hesitate to use force if necessary, exposing their true intentions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s subsequent remarks that "negotiations will only take place under fire" reveal a broader strategy: to conduct military operations while paying lip service to diplomacy.

The U.S.'s Role in Enabling Aggression

The U.S. has consistently shielded Israel from international criticism, vetoing multiple ceasefire resolutions in the UNSC. This enables Israel to continue its military campaigns in Gaza, the West Bank, and along its borders, knowing full well that its strongest ally will block any serious international efforts to stop the violence.

By doing so, the U.S. is not just complicit in Israel’s actions but actively facilitating them. The repeated calls for ceasefires that are never implemented serve to deflect global outrage, creating an illusion of diplomacy while allowing Israel to carry out its objectives unimpeded.

The Global Fallout

The assassination of Nasrallah, coming on the heels of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, has further inflamed tensions across the Middle East. Iran has vowed to support Hezbollah, warning that the region is on the brink of catastrophe. With Hezbollah now threatening full-scale retaliation, the likelihood of broader regional conflict looms large.

Despite this, the U.S. continues to push for diplomatic settlements, calling on all parties, including Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire. However, these calls ring hollow in the face of Israel’s blatant disregard for diplomatic efforts. The U.S. may present itself as a broker of peace, but its actions—vetoing resolutions, enabling Israeli aggression, and offering only hollow promises—tell a different story.

Conclusion

The U.S.'s hypocrisy in the Middle East is clear. On one hand, it calls for peace, ceasefires, and diplomacy. On the other, it enables Israel’s continued aggression through military, diplomatic, and political support. This two-faced policy not only undermines any real chance for peace in the region but also fuels resentment and anger across the Muslim world. As long as the U.S. continues to prioritize its alliance with Israel over genuine peace efforts, the Middle East will remain a region mired in conflict and instability. However, the US has been exposed and lost its credibility. Israel is an eternal black spot on the face of US and can not be washed out. US irrational support to Israel and facilitation in Gaza-Genocide is unacceptable by any norms of civilized world. Based on its hypocrisy, US may lose its credibility and supremacy as well. Its hegemony may end soon.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)