Harris’s Lebanon pledge shows she’s serious about Middle East peace

My father came to the U.S. from Lebanon as a child. He was proud of being an American and joined the U.S. military at the beginning of World War I, having exaggerated his age because he was too young.

He was too old for combat during World War II, but again he exaggerated his age in the opposite direction to serve his country during the war.

Following World War II, my father held blue-collar jobs and died when I was seven, leaving my mother to struggle to make ends meet for her and her two children by working as a department store clerk. My sister and I were the first to go to high school and college in our family. I was able to fulfill the American dream, even becoming a U.S. ambassador.

The post-World War II order our parents’ generation created provides Americans peace, stability and a strong and prosperous middle class, which must be protected and defended. I am convinced that the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz team will ensure the American way of life and bridge us to the next generation of leadership.

Arab Americans are angry about the war in Gaza and Israeli incursions and destruction in Lebanon, and they should be.

It’s far past time for a cease-fire and hostage deal. As the months of this war roll on, it has become evident that the president has no partner for peace in Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, thousands of innocent Palestinians have been killed and the hostages remain in captivity.

Vice President Harris has exhibited strong leadership with our allies and partners in the Middle East to protect our interests and prevent the further suffering of more innocent victims.

She forcefully called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza in March. Following her meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu after replacing President Biden on the ticket, Harris said that it is time for the war in Gaza to end and for the Palestinian people to exercise their right to freedom, dignity and self-determination.

She said she will not be silenced, and she has not been. Just a few weeks ago, she called out Israel for failing to let aid into Northern Gaza and was clear that international humanitarian law must be respected. And, following the death of Yahya Sinwar, she spoke clearly about the responsibility to finally end the war.

As a retired U.S. ambassador, I have spent decades committed to helping Lebanese Americans prosper here in the U.S., and have worked to help the people of Lebanon access peace and stability.

I met Vice President Harris face-to-face in Flint, Mich., a few weeks ago and told her about the concerns of the Lebanese American community. She assured me that she was working toward a diplomatic solution for Lebanon, and the following day issued a statement about her concern for the Lebanese people, noting that humanitarian aid would be increased.

We also discussed the need for Lebanon to elect an internationally respected president, as well as building up the Lebanese Armed Forces to enable them to protect the country’s sovereignty from malign actors. Importantly, we discussed how critical it is to find a sustainable solution to bring peace to Lebanon’s borders and address the Lebanese people’s desire to build an independent, democratic and prosperous country.

The vice president has listened to the concerns of Lebanese Americans worried about their families and friends trapped by a devastating war. Working with the Harris team, these pleas were heard.

This month the Biden-Harris administration announced new actions to provide temporary immigration reprieve to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the U.S., and the opportunity to request work authorization as part of the Deferred Enforced Departure and Temporary Protected Status programs.

These actions show us that Harris is a strong leader who listens and executes decisions based on a complete understanding of the needs of our communities.

The alternative is Donald Trump, who has said nothing of substance regarding Lebanon and his comment to the Israelis concerning the Israeli-Gaza war was, “finish the job”!

Harris is the person we need now as president. We know the Harris-Walz team will protect our American freedoms and the rule of law embedded in our constitution, regardless of gender, economic status or ethnic background. Harris will ensure our freedom and way of life.

Edward Gabriel is a former U.S. ambassador to Morocco, 1997-2001.