Vice President Kamala Harris has consistently aligned herself with President Joe Biden on several significant foreign policy issues, including the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, aid to Ukraine, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

While Harris has backed Biden on key decisions, she has also, according to insiders, attempted to maintain her own nuanced perspectives on certain issues, reflecting the difficult balance she must reach between leadership unity and independent judgment during her presidential campaign, as the Daily Mail reports.

Harris’ stance on the controversial withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021 exemplifies her loyalty to Biden’s leadership. Despite warnings from her national security advisor, Philip H. Gordon, about the risks of a full withdrawal, Harris supported Biden’s decision.

Gordon had advised leaving a residual force to prevent the Taliban from regaining control. Still, Harris did not challenge Biden’s resolve and publicly stated that she was “comfortable” with the choice.

Harris Supports Biden’s Afghanistan Withdrawal Despite Concerns

Harris described her involvement in Biden’s decision-making process during an April 2021 interview with CNN, where she said she was “the last person in the room” before the president made his final decision on Afghanistan.

While Harris did not contest Biden’s judgment, her national security advisor’s concerns proved prescient, as the Taliban quickly retook Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal.

The vice president has also been a key supporter of U.S. assistance to Ukraine as part of its ongoing war against Russia. Harris has backed Biden’s efforts, which have amounted to over $175 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

The Biden administration’s involvement in the conflict has been seen as crucial to maintaining the balance of power in Eastern Europe and countering Russian aggression.

Concerns About Ukraine’s Long-Range Strikes into Russia

Although Harris supports U.S. aid to Ukraine, she has expressed concerns about specific tactics. One notable instance is her reservations regarding allowing Ukraine to use long-range missile strikes inside Russian territory.

While Biden has considered this option, Harris has been cautious, reflecting the administration’s awareness of the potential for escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that such actions could result in direct military conflict between Russia and the United States, raising the stakes in the ongoing war.

Harris’ position on Ukraine highlights her attempt to strike a careful balance between supporting U.S. foreign policy goals and avoiding actions that could provoke further tensions with Russia. Despite these reservations, Harris has continued to back Biden’s decisions on Ukraine, prioritizing the broader strategic goals of countering Russian aggression.

Harris Navigates Israeli-Palestinian Conflict with Caution

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is another area in which Harris has shown support for Biden’s policies while also trying to bring her own perspective to the table. She has affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, a key aspect of Biden’s foreign policy in the region. However, Harris has emphasized the need to reduce civilian casualties in the conflict, a stance that some of her advisors believe reflects a more considerate approach to the Palestinian perspective compared to Biden.

While Harris has been cautious about expressing views that differ significantly from Biden’s, her advocacy for humanitarian considerations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict underscores her nuanced approach to foreign policy. In her speeches, she has consistently backed Israel’s defense but has called for efforts to minimize harm to civilians caught in the conflict.

Harris’ Approach to Bipartisan Foreign Policy

According to columnist David Ignatius, Harris is expected to continue maintaining the bipartisan nature of U.S. foreign policy, even in the face of potential shifts should Donald Trump return to office. The former president has taken a different approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine and negotiations with Russia. Trump has publicly criticized the Biden administration’s strategy and called for a deal to end the war as soon as possible.

During a recent ABC News debate, Trump emphasized his intention to negotiate with both Ukraine and Russia to bring the war to a conclusion, framing it as being in the best interest of the United States. His stance contrasts sharply with the Biden-Harris administration’s approach, which has centered on providing sustained military and financial support to Ukraine.

Trump’s Contrasting Foreign Policy Vision

Trump’s approach to foreign policy, particularly his willingness to negotiate directly with Russia, poses a significant contrast to the current administration’s strategy. As Harris continues to back Biden’s decisions, the potential return of Trump could challenge the bipartisan foreign policy stance that has characterized U.S. diplomacy for decades.

Reflecting on her role in the Biden administration, Harris described her partnership with the president in decision-making as a collaborative effort, where both leaders exchange opinions before Biden makes the final call. “It is often the case that as I will ask his opinion about things, he will ask my opinion,” Harris said in her CNN interview. This cooperative dynamic has shaped Harris’ role in foreign policy, allowing her to offer input while ultimately deferring to Biden’s authority as president.

In summary, Harris’ approach to foreign policy has been characterized by her steadfast support for Biden’s leadership, even in the face of potential risks and challenges. Whether navigating the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the conflict in Ukraine, or the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Harris has remained a key player in the administration’s foreign policy strategy while also working to carve out her own careful, considered stance on specific issues as part of her presidential bid.