The Middle East is embroiled in conflict, and Ukraine is striving to fend off Russian incursions. On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden will attempt to further cement his legacy in foreign policy with a speech at the United Nations.
Biden faces challenges that will likely outlast his presidency. He takes the green-marbled platform to address world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly, four months into his term.
Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel are engaged in a cross-border conflict, while attempts to enforce a truce in Gaza have failed. In response, the Pentagon announced on Monday that it will deploy a modest reinforcement of troops to the Middle East out of extreme caution.
Foreign policy issues have dominated Biden’s administration. These challenges began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and continued through the Palestinian Hamas strike in southern Israel, the hostage-taking on October 7, and the subsequent Israeli assault on Gaza.
The president’s time has been largely occupied with opposing China and Iran, which supports both Hezbollah and Hamas.
A senior administration official stated that Biden will discuss his significant accomplishments during his term in office. He will also argue that the international community should support Ukraine and emphasize the need for a diplomatic solution to the Middle East crisis during his speech at 10 a.m. EDT.
On the Air Force One journey to New York, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre informed reporters that Biden will present his “vision for how the world should come together to resolve these big problems and defend fundamental principles such as the U.N. Charter.”
When they meet in Washington on Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine is expected to brief Biden on a fresh peace plan for his country. A U.S. official said the plan is probably much like earlier plans calling for greater equipment and backing for Ukraine’s struggle.
“We support Ukraine’s pursuit of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace to this war. And the president is committed to providing the Ukrainian military with the equipment they need to strengthen their position,” Jean-Pierre said.
The highlight of Biden’s two-day visit to New York will be his speech at the United Nations; he will also give a lecture on climate change later on Tuesday and meet with Vietnam’s president To Lam on Wednesday.
Biden aims to strengthen ties with Vietnam, a strategically important nation in Southeast Asia and a manufacturing hub. This effort challenges China and Russia, with whom Vietnam also maintains connections.
Regardless of whether Biden’s successor is former Republican President Donald Trump or Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, there will be ongoing obstacles for the next president in the form of Ukraine and Russia, Gaza, Iran, and China.
Harris has taken a more severe stance on the tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, which has been ravaged by an Israeli onslaught for almost a year. However, her foreign policy views are similar to those of Biden.
Trump shows more isolationist inclinations and is not particularly enthusiastic about aiding Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion. He is also a strong supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose relationship with Biden has become strained.
Biden consistently states his support for Israel’s efforts to push out Hamas militants from Gaza. However, he has not effectively brokered a ceasefire in exchange for the release of captives, and there appears to be little sign of progress in this regard.
Under Biden’s direction, the US has sent Ukraine millions of dollars’ worth of US weapons and mobilized NATO support for Kyiv. However, with Russia holding onto territory it captured in eastern Ukraine early in the conflict, the fighting is essentially at a standstill.
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