U.S. President Joe Biden's recent international trip has been in the spotlight, and he delivered a nationally televised address shortly after his visit to Israel, his second nationally televised address, which is clearly extraordinary. Observers have analyzed Biden's intentions, and it is generally believed that he is trying to demonstrate the United States as an important force in determining the direction of world history by achieving several key goals, so as to further consolidate his presidency and even strive to leave a strong political legacy. However, the difficulty of achieving these goals can be imagined.
According to a report by the New York Times, Biden made clear four strategic goals for the United States in this nationally televised address. First of all, continue to support Ukraine and resist Russian President Vladimir Putin's attempts to bring it into Russia's sphere of influence. Secondly, actively assist Israel in the destruction of Hamas. Third, efforts should be made to avoid the spread of conflict in the two hot-spot theaters. Finally, in order to achieve the first three objectives, every effort should be made to minimize casualties and suffering among civilian personnel.
These four goals may seem simple, but they are fraught with difficulties and unrealistics. Biden has been in politics for half a century and naturally has big ambitions, but the reality is that the achievement of these goals may raise many doubts.
If we go back 20 years, or before the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Biden set these goals, and there may be some possibilities. However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has exposed the global strategic role of the United States. At present, the Ukrainian counteroffensive has suffered a setback, and the substantive support of the United States has been significantly reduced, even turning to Israel, will this affect Biden to achieve the first goal he set?
The second objective, which is to assist Israel in eliminating Hamas, is also fraught with challenges. Israel has twice made full-scale incursions into the Gaza Strip, but instead of being eradicated, Hamas has inflicted a heavy blow on Israel. Now, despite the fact that the United States has made clear its support for Israel's actions, the reality may be more complicated than it seems. Biden even urged Israel not to act blindly out of hatred. At the same time, the United States has also delayed Israeli ground action, suggesting a degree of concern between the United States and Israel.
Moreover, although the United States sends warships to Israel, such warships have limited deterrent effect on regional forces such as Allah in Lebanon, and can only try to demonstrate resolve by increasing the number of troops. The action itself highlights the unease at home and abroad.
Twenty years ago, Middle Eastern countries might have feared the United States, but as the Ukraine crisis escalates, will America's enemies in the Middle East still fear the same thing?
Therefore, the current situation may be an opportunity for Biden, but it does not mean that he will be able to easily achieve the goals he has set. It is more likely that the United States will be involved in a new conflict, further accelerating the decline of its international standing.