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Jimmy Williams
President Joe Biden used his final address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to stress the importance of continued U.S. engagement on the global stage. His speech came as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon threaten to explode into a full-scale war, and as the Gaza conflict with Hamas approaches the one-year mark.
During his wide-ranging speech, Biden emphasized the need for diplomacy to resolve not only the Middle East conflict but also the 17-month-old civil war in Sudan. He reiterated U.S. and Western allies’ unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion, which began in February 2022.
“We are stronger than we think,” Biden said, referencing the power of collective global action. “When the world acts together, we can achieve more than we ever imagined.”
Biden also raised concerns about the rapid advances in artificial intelligence, warning about its potential misuse for repression and disinformation. “There may well be no greater test of our leadership than how we deal with A.I.,” Biden told the assembly.
Urging Diplomacy Amid Israel-Hezbollah Escalation
Biden’s speech came as violence between Israel and Hezbollah escalates. The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon has risen sharply, and Hezbollah has launched rockets and missiles in retaliation. The Pentagon announced additional U.S. troop deployments to the Middle East this week, though Biden continues to emphasize that “full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest.”
While Biden expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution, the conflict has the potential to leave a significant mark on his foreign policy legacy. “A diplomatic solution is the only path to peace,” Biden urged, as he called for de-escalation and a ceasefire between the warring parties.
Ukraine Support Remains Strong
Biden also renewed his call for continued Western support for Ukraine as it fights to reclaim territory from Russian forces. “We cannot grow weary. We cannot look away,” Biden declared. The U.S. has led efforts to galvanize international support, but domestic challenges remain as some Republicans question the ongoing cost of aid to Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking permission to use long-range U.S.-supplied missiles to strike deeper into Russia, a move that Biden has yet to approve. Nevertheless, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are expected to meet Zelenskyy in Washington this week to discuss ongoing support.
Reflecting on Global Leadership
Throughout his address, Biden struck a hopeful tone, urging nations to work together to overcome global challenges. He reflected on his decades of experience, saying, “I’ve seen a remarkable sweep of history… but I remain hopeful for the future.”
In his closing remarks, Biden also took a moment to reflect on leadership and the need for democratic values. “Some things are more important than staying in power,” he said, emphasizing the importance of serving the people rather than clinging to power.
As Biden concluded his speech, he reinforced the need for unity, stating, “Our task is to ensure the forces holding us together are stronger than those pulling us apart.”
