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The Takeaway: Biden’s Mideast ties assure smooth transition

Trump, in finals days, ramps up Iran sanctions to box in Biden; will Pompeo trip lead to breakthrough on Gulf rift?; Bahrain’s steady course.
US Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu give joint statements to press in the prime minister's office in Jerusalem on March 9, 2016.  
Biden implicitly criticised Palestinian leaders for not condemning attacks against Israelis, as an upsurge in violence marred his visit.

 / AFP / POOL AND AFP / DEBBIE HILL        (Photo credit should read DEBBIE HILL/AFP via Getty Images)

Expect smooth Biden transition in Middle East

Our take: No incoming US president except maybe George H. W. Bush has the experience or connections of former Vice President Joe Biden when it comes to the Middle East. As a longtime chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden was well known in the region even before he was vice president. His former colleagues and staff, who will fill out his administration, are also veteran Middle East and foreign policy hands. While there will be some new faces and an adjustment to the distinct challenges of this time in the region, a Biden administration is likely to be, in part, a restoration of the Obama-Biden foreign policy team and approach.  

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