Columbia’s ‘de-escalation’ methods prove ineffective, echoing Joe’s failures

If you were not aware of the similarities between the people in charge of Columbia and those running Biden’s foreign policy, consider their shared belief in “de-escalation” and ineffective warnings.

Just like President Biden’s repeated warnings to America’s enemies, Columbia president Minouche Shafik has issued numerous empty threats to the students occupying the campus quad and now Hamilton Hall.

Shafik initially showed strength by calling the NYPD to clear the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on April 18 and suspending a group of students, but her resolve quickly weakened.

Columbia reversed most of the suspensions, allowed protesters to build an even larger second encampment less than 24 hours later, and assured students that they wouldn’t be evicted again or have the police called on them.

The message sent was one of apology for punishing them for violating school policy and a plea for cooperation.

Following a week of “dialogue” and a series of postponed deadlines, Shafik finally instructed protesters on Monday to vacate the main lawn by 2 p.m. or face consequences.

Naturally, they chose to remain in place, and no physical repercussions were initiated.

Instead of physically removing them from the campus, Columbia began issuing suspensions (in theory), but failed to actually remove any students from the campus altogether, especially those in the illegal tents.

As a result, the protesters escalated their actions by breaking into Hamilton Hall early Tuesday by smashing through windows and displaying a flag reading “intifada” on the roof.

The students felt emboldened to cross Shafik’s boundaries in increasingly aggressive ways because she allowed them to do so repeatedly.

Does this situation remind you of anyone?

Biden has spent over three years attempting to “de-escalate” with Iran, engaging in actions such as lifting Trump-era sanctions, paying significant bribes for hostage releases, and pleading with Tehran to rejoin the Obama-era nuclear deal.

Iran observed Biden’s response to Russia’s threats in Ukraine and drew the conclusion that it was safe to support Hamas in terror attacks on Israel. Despite significant evidence linking Iran to the attacks, Biden has refused to acknowledge it.

When Iran instructed its proxies in the Middle East to target US bases, Biden took weeks to respond and only targeted the proxies, while continuing to ease sanctions on Tehran.

When Iran hinted at a strike on Israel, Biden meekly warned the mullahs not to attack, resulting in a barrage of 300 missile and drone strikes the following day.

Although US forces assisted in defending Israel, Biden did not hold Iran accountable and advised against Israeli retaliation, fearing it would escalate the situation.

We anticipate that Shafik will eventually take action to reclaim her campus or be removed from office due to pressure from Democratic congressmen.

Unfortunately, Biden will continue his “de-escalation” approach until at least next January, leaving us to consider how much our nation’s enemies will escalate in the meantime.