A few undetermined election results are holding the future of the US Senate hostage. The Middle East policy of the incoming Joe Biden administration depends on whether Republicans are able to maintain their narrow majority over Democrats.

The latest data from The New York Times shows Republicans and Democrats tied at 48 seats each in the Senate. There are four races that have yet to be determined. In North Carolina, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis has a narrow lead over challenger Cal Cunningham with 97% of the vote counted. In Alaska, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan has a roughly 30% lead over Al Gross with 61% of the votes tallied. In Georgia, however, both Senate races are heading for a January run-off election. The incumbents in the Georgia elections are Republicans.

The Senate plays an important role in US foreign policy. Presidential appointments such as secretary of state and ambassadors must be approved by the legislative body. The Senate also votes on treaties and reviews weapons sales. Appointees are usually confirmed with little objection from either party, but that could change when President-elect Biden takes office amid a time of intense political division.

There are now three scenarios for the Senate: Republicans maintain their majority, Democrats win a majority or the parties each end up with 50 seats. There was a 50-50 split in 2001. At the time, Republicans ended up choosing the heads of each committee since they had the deciding vote with then-Vice President Dick Cheney. That tiebreaker will now go to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.