Democratic Party (United States)

=== Foreign policy issues ===
The foreign policy of the voters of the two major parties has largely overlapped since the 1990s. A Gallup poll in early 2013 showed broad agreement on the top issues, albeit with some divergence regarding human rights and international cooperation through agencies such as the United Nations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/160649/republicans-democrats-agree-top-foreign-policy-goals.aspx|title=Republicans, Democrats Agree on Top Foreign Policy Goals|work=Gallup.com|date=February 20, 2013|access-date=April 16, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310130915/http://www.gallup.com/poll/160649/republicans-democrats-agree-top-foreign-policy-goals.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2014, the Quinnipiac Poll asked Americans which foreign policy they preferred:

{{blockquote|A) The United States is doing too much in other countries around the world, and it is time to do less around the world and focus more on our own problems here at home.

B) The United States must continue to push forward to promote democracy and freedom in other countries worldwide because these efforts make our own country more secure.}}

Democrats chose A over B by 65% to 32%; Republicans chose A over B by 56% to 39%; and independents chose A over B by 67% to 29%.<ref>See "July 3, 2014 – Iraq – Getting In Was Wrong; Getting Out Was Right, U.S. Voters Tell Quinnipiac University National Poll" [http://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/national/release-detail?ReleaseID=2057 Quinnipiac University Poll] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402190652/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/national/release-detail?ReleaseID=2057 |date=April 2, 2016}} item #51</ref>

==== Iran sanctions ====
{{see also|United States sanctions against Iran}}
The Democratic Party has been critical of the Iran's nuclear weapon program and supported economic sanctions against the Iranian government. In 2013, the Democratic-led administration worked to reach a diplomatic agreement with the government of Iran to halt the Iranian nuclear weapon program in exchange for [[Sanctions against Iran|international economic sanction]] relief.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/world/middleeast/talks-with-iran-on-nuclear-deal-hang-in-balance.html |work=The New York Times |first=Michael R. |last=Gordon |title=Accord Reached With Iran to Halt Nuclear Program |date=November 23, 2013 |access-date=February 21, 2017 |archive-date=March 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326212426/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/world/middleeast/talks-with-iran-on-nuclear-deal-hang-in-balance.html | url-status=live}}</ref> {{as of|2014}}, negotiations had been successful and the party called for more cooperation with Iran in the future.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-news/.premium-1.577070|title=Jewish Democratic donors urge Congress: Back off Iran sanctions|date=February 28, 2014|work=Haaretz.com|access-date=March 26, 2014|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160604/http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-news/.premium-1.577070|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, the Obama administration agreed to the [[Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]], which provides sanction relief in exchange for international oversight of the [[Iranian nuclear program]]. In February 2019, the Democratic National Committee passed a resolution calling on the United States to re-enter the JCPOA, which President Trump withdrew from in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/democratic-party-passes-resolution-calling-for-us-to-re-enter-iran-nuke-deal/|title=Democratic Party passes resolution calling for US to re-enter Iran nuke deal|last=Cortellessa|first=Eric|website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |access-date=February 21, 2019|archive-date=February 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221022455/https://www.timesofisrael.com/democratic-party-passes-resolution-calling-for-us-to-re-enter-iran-nuke-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Invasion of Afghanistan ====
{{see also|Afghanistan–United States relations|International public opinion on the war in Afghanistan}}
Democrats in the House of Representatives and in the Senate near-unanimously voted for the [[Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists]] against "those responsible for the [[September 11 attacks|recent attacks launched against the United States]]" in [[Afghanistan]] in 2001, supporting the [[NATO]] coalition [[Operation Enduring Freedom|invasion of the nation]]. Most elected Democrats continued to support the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan conflict]] for its duration, with some, such as a [[Democratic National Committee]] spokesperson, voicing concerns that the [[Invasion of Iraq|Iraq War]] shifted too many resources away from the presence in Afghanistan.<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/07/democrats_say_m_1.html "Democrats say McCain forgot Afghanistan"]. ''[[Boston Globe]]''. July 24, 2008. Retrieved August 23, 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820113620/http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/07/democrats_say_m_1.html |date=August 20, 2008}}</ref><ref name="daily">[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/07/15/2008-07-15_john_mccain__barack_obama_urge_afghanist.html "John McCain & Barack Obama urge Afghanistan surge"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113131424/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/07/15/2008-07-15_john_mccain__barack_obama_urge_afghanist.html |date=November 13, 2009}}. ''[[New York Daily News]]''. July 15, 2008. Retrieved August 23, 2008.</ref> During the [[2008 United States presidential election|2008 Presidential Election]], then-candidate [[Barack Obama]] called for a "surge" of troops into Afghanistan.<ref name="daily" /> After winning the presidency, Obama followed through, sending a "surge" force of additional troops to Afghanistan. Troop levels were 94,000 in December 2011 and kept falling, with a target of 68,000 by fall 2012.<ref>"U.S. plans major shift to advisory role in Afghanistan", [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/12/us-plans-major-shift-to-advisory-role-in-afghanistan.html ''Los Angeles Times'', December 13, 2011] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819153404/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/12/us-plans-major-shift-to-advisory-role-in-afghanistan.html |date=August 19, 2016}}</ref>

Support for the war among the American people diminished over time. Many Democrats changed their opinion over the course of the war, coming to oppose continuation of the conflict.<ref name="holland" /><ref name="edge" /> In July 2008, [[Gallup poll|Gallup]] found that 41% of Democrats called the invasion a "mistake" while a 55% majority disagreed.<ref name="edge">[http://www.gallup.com/poll/109150/Afghan-War-Edges-Iraq-Most-Important-US.aspx "Afghan War Edges Out Iraq as Most Important for U.S."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224202906/http://www.gallup.com/poll/109150/Afghan-War-Edges-Iraq-Most-Important-US.aspx |date=December 24, 2016}} by Frank Newport. [[Gallup poll|Gallup]]. July 30, 2008. Retrieved August 24, 2009.</ref> A [[CNN]] survey in August 2009 stated that a majority of Democrats opposed the war. CNN polling director Keating Holland said: "Nearly two thirds of Republicans support the war in Afghanistan. Three quarters of Democrats oppose the war".<ref name="holland">[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25895398-12335,00.html Most Americans oppose Afghanistan war: poll] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090810102232/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25895398-12335,00.html |date=August 10, 2009}}. ''[[The Australian]]''. August 7, 2009. Retrieved August 24, 2009.</ref>

During the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020 Presidential Election]], then-candidate [[Joe Biden]] promised to "end the forever wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joe Biden: I Promise To 'End The Forever Wars In Afghanistan And Middle East' As President |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/joe-biden-i-promise-to-end-the-forever-wars-in-afghanistan-and-middle-east-as-president/ |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=cbsnews.com |date=July 11, 2019 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119224140/https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/joe-biden-i-promise-to-end-the-forever-wars-in-afghanistan-and-middle-east-as-president/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Biden went on to win the election, and in April 2021, he announced he would withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11 of that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biden to pull US troops from Afghanistan, end 'forever war' |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-troop-withdrawal-afghanistan-september-11-d2c7426736f9f530e0e62f2295a44d28 |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=AP NEWS |date=April 14, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119224139/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-troop-withdrawal-afghanistan-september-11-d2c7426736f9f530e0e62f2295a44d28 |url-status=live }}</ref> The last troops left in August, bringing America's 20-year-long military campaign in the country to a close.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liebermann |first=Nicole Gaouette, Jennifer Hansler, Barbara Starr, Oren |date=August 30, 2021 |title=The last US military planes have left Afghanistan, marking the end of the United States' longest war {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/30/politics/us-military-withdraws-afghanistan/index.html |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=September 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911182417/https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/30/politics/us-military-withdraws-afghanistan/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to a 2023 AP-NORC poll, a majority of Democrats believed that the War in Afghanistan wasn't worth it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-911-terrorism-taliban-women-rights-268ebebb40beea7be3b1528ed6ae5808|title=Republicans and Democrats agree that the Afghanistan war wasn't worth it, an AP-NORC poll shows|date=October 18, 2023|website=AP News|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018190501/https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-911-terrorism-taliban-women-rights-268ebebb40beea7be3b1528ed6ae5808|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Israel ====
{{see also|Israel–United States relations}}
[[File:Shimon Peres observes Binyamin Nitanyahu greeting Barack Obama.jpg|thumb|Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] meeting with President Obama in 2013]]
Democrats have historically been a stronger supporter of Israel than Republicans.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last1=Cavari |first1=Amnon |title=American Public Opinion Toward Israel: From Consensus to Divide |last2=Freedman |first2=Guy |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] |year=2020 |pages=145}}</ref> During the 1940s, the party advocated for the cause of an independent Jewish state over the objections of many [[Conservatism in the United States|conservatives]] in the [[Old Right (United States)|Old Right]], who strongly opposed it.<ref name=":3" /> In 1948, Democratic President [[Harry S. Truman|Harry Truman]] became the first world leader to recognize an independent state of Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tenorio |first=Rich |date=November 3, 2020 |title=How a nascent Israel was a key issue in Truman's stunning 1948 election upset |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/how-a-nascent-israel-was-a-key-issue-in-trumans-stunning-1948-election-upset/ |access-date=November 1, 2023 |website=[[Times of Israel]] |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118203848/https://www.timesofisrael.com/how-a-nascent-israel-was-a-key-issue-in-trumans-stunning-1948-election-upset/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 

The 2020 Democratic Party platform acknowledges a "commitment to Israel's security, its qualitative military edge, its right to defend itself, and the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding is ironclad" and that "we oppose any effort to unfairly single out and delegitimize Israel, including at the United Nations or through the [[Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions|Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/ |title=PARTY PLATFORM |publisher=Democrats.org |access-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-date=March 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315234633/http://www.democrats.org/democratic-national-platform |url-status=live }}</ref> During the [[2023 Israel–Hamas war|2023 Israel-Hamas War]], the party requested a large-scale military aid package to Israel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shear |first=Michael D. |date=2023-10-19 |title=Israel-Hamas War: Biden Urges U.S. to Remain 'Beacon to the World' in Aiding Allies at War |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/10/19/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news |access-date=2023-10-20 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020160855/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/10/19/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news |url-status=live }}</ref> 

During the [[2023 Israel–Hamas war|Israel–Hamas war]], Biden announced [[United States support for Israel in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war|military support for Israel]], condemned the actions of [[Hamas]] and other Palestinian militants as terrorism,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=October 10, 2023 |title=In Unforgiving Terms, Biden Condemns 'Evil' and 'Abhorrent' Attack on Israel |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/us/politics/biden-israel-hamas.html |access-date=October 12, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012001950/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/us/politics/biden-israel-hamas.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and ordered the US military to build a port to facilitate the arrival of [[Humanitarian aid during the Israel–Hamas war|humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-orders-us-military-to-build-port-in-gaza-to-facilitate-aid/7518026.html | title=Biden Ordering US Military to Build Port in Gaza to Facilitate Aid | date=March 7, 2024 }}</ref>