Diplomatic Double Trouble: Biden Faces Global Challenges at UN General Assembly
The 79th United Nations General Assembly kicks off this week in New York, bringing together over 100 world leaders for a summit focused on addressing global crises. This year’s meeting presents President Joe Biden with a platform to deliver his final address to global diplomats, but the majority of his administration’s diplomatic efforts are expected to occur behind closed doors.
The Biden administration faces mounting pressure to contain the escalating conflict in the Middle East, where Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza continues to escalate, with Israel now targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. While the U.S. has been working to prevent the conflict from spreading, its response to recent developments has been muted. Although Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has held calls with his Israeli counterpart, neither he nor Secretary of State Antony Blinken have plans to travel to the region to de-escalate tensions.
The U.N. General Assembly will thrust these issues into the spotlight, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas scheduled to address the assembly. The Biden administration will also face pressure on its Iran policy due to the country’s role as the chief financial backer of Hamas and Hezbollah. The U.S. is attempting to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas, but negotiations remain stalled.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is facing scrutiny for its inconsistent approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly its use of veto power in the Security Council to reject resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and elevating Palestine to full UN membership.
The ongoing war in Ukraine also looms large at the assembly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in New York on Sunday and plans to present a “victory plan” to the U.S. and its allies. This plan includes a request for additional military assistance to force Russia to end its aggression. While the Biden administration has supported Ukraine throughout the conflict, the war’s prolonged nature and the looming U.S. presidential election raise questions about the longevity of U.S. support.
Beyond these major conflicts, the Biden administration will also seek to address other pressing issues at the General Assembly. This includes supporting the ongoing U.N.-led security mission in Haiti, seeking to expand the U.N. Security Council, and addressing the situation in Venezuela.
While President Biden will use his platform to garner international support for his administration’s agenda, the UN General Assembly will likely serve as a stage for a multitude of challenges facing the U.S. on the global stage.