September 24th 2024.
In his final address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, President Joe Biden declared that the U.S. must not turn away from the world. As tensions rose between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, and Israel's operation against Hamas in Gaza approached its one-year mark, Biden emphasized the need for global cooperation and highlighted ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Sudan.
Biden acknowledged the challenges facing the world, particularly in the realm of technology. He raised concerns about the use of artificial intelligence for repression and called for its responsible and ethical use. Despite these challenges, Biden remained hopeful and urged for unity in addressing global issues.
The President also reflected on his promise to restore the U.S.'s relationships with other countries and to end the "forever wars" in Afghanistan and Iraq. He spoke of his decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, acknowledging the tragic events that accompanied the withdrawal, but standing by his belief that it was the right decision.
However, Biden's foreign policy legacy may ultimately be defined by his administration's response to the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. He stressed the importance of unity and rejected the idea of retreating from the world and going it alone. As the U.S. announced sending additional troops to the Middle East, Biden called for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the escalating violence.
A year ago, Biden had a hopeful outlook for the Middle East, with improving economic relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors and progress in resolving long-standing disputes. However, those hopes were crushed as violence erupted once again, threatening to spiral into a larger conflict. Biden called for an end to the war and urged for the release of hostages, but the prospects for a peaceful resolution seemed to be fading.
Biden also addressed the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the need for continued Western support. Despite some skepticism and opposition from Republican lawmakers and former President Donald Trump, the President remains committed to helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.
In addition, Biden sounded the alarm on the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and its potential for misuse by totalitarian regimes. He urged for responsible and ethical use of AI and stressed the importance of using its capabilities to empower people, not to further oppress them.
In his remarks, Biden also reflected on his first time attending the General Assembly more than 50 years ago and quoted Irish poetry. He held up his decision to step aside as a reminder that some things are more important than staying in power, and that ultimately, leaders are there to serve their people.
As he concluded his address, Biden reminded the world that "we are stronger than we think" when we act together, and urged for unity in the face of global challenges.
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