Staff Reports
President Joe Biden is set to address the United Nations today for what many are calling his grand finale in the international spotlight. This speech, however, may feel less like a victory lap and more like a desperate attempt to explain away a string of foreign policy blunders that could fill an encyclopedia. From the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and recent violence in the Middle East, Biden’s foreign affairs record resembles a shattered piñata filled with political missteps rather than shiny accomplishments.
In previous UN speeches, Biden promised to restore America’s global reputation. Yet, each year he ends up navigating a minefield of his administration’s failures. When he stood before the UN in 2021, it followed the tragic loss of 13 American service members in a suicide bombing during the hasty retreat from Afghanistan. The following year, Putin was gearing up for invasion while Biden stood at the podium trying to convince the world that America was still a global leader. Last year’s address was marred by the embarrassing episode of a Chinese spy balloon floating over America, showcasing that national security is apparently the least of Biden’s worries. Now, with the Middle East engulfed in violence and crises escalating daily, it is clear that the president’s prior proclamations are outdated—or perhaps just plain wrong.
WILMINGTON, Delaware — US President Joe Biden was caught on a hot mic Saturday telling the leaders of Australia, India and Japan that an aggressive China is "testing us," in remarks that risked undercutting a summit declaration that carefully avoided mentioning Beijing by name.… pic.twitter.com/En48dx5kfJ
— The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) September 22, 2024
Senior officials have assured the press that Biden will passionately promote American leadership in his address, but the enthusiasm seems to be fading fast. They assert that the U.S. has valiantly rallied the globe to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and is tackling various international conflicts. However, critics have aptly pointed out that the supposed “approaches” often resemble a game of dodgeball where the ball is the mounting chaos rather than any meaningful solutions. Those watching Biden’s record can’t help but chuckle at his almost comical ability to downplay monumental failures with grandiose titles like “leadership.”
Reactions from the political arena haven’t been too favorable either. Observers labeled Biden’s presidency as a case study in how to support an “American Last” foreign policy. With a carte blanche strategy that seems to invite aggression rather than deter it, critics argue that the world is watching Biden and shaking their heads in disbelief. Even arch allies appear to be losing faith, and geopolitical foes are likely circling like vultures over the wreckage left behind.
As the clock ticks toward his speech, it becomes painfully clear that today’s audience at the UN may be less about Biden’s triumphs and more about trying to convince a skeptical world that America is still in control. With the tumult of international affairs revolving around him, Biden’s final chapter at the UN sounds more like a cautionary tale than a tale of success. The question remains—will he turn the tide, or simply add another critique to his growing list of global faux pas?
