America is Back: What That Looks Like for an Ally

February 19, 2021

In his inaugural address, President Joe Biden spoke eloquently of "an American story of hope. ... The story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history. ... That our America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world."

In his February 4 speech at the State Department, the leader of the free world added: "America is back. Diplomacy is back at the center of our foreign policy." President Biden went on to emphasize: "America's alliances are our greatest asset, and leading with diplomacy means standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies."

For Bahrain–a country of 1.5 million people situated perilously in the Arabian Gulf–these were welcomed words. When the world's preeminent superpower retreats from the global stage, concerns rise in countries such as mine.

To advocate "America First" makes sense: The interests of the American people should always be the top priority of its elected officials. "America Alone," however, alarms allies and emboldens adversaries.

Read the full article from Newsweek.