Biden vows switch from wars to diplomacy

KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Joe Biden has promised his administration will rely on intense diplomacy instead of relentless wars to address global challenges.

Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, he claimed credit for ending two decades of conflict in Afghanistan.

CNN quoted Biden as saying: “As we close this period of relentless war, we’re opening a new era … to invest in new ways of lifting people up around the world.”

While stoutly defending his decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, he said: “We are opening an era of endless diplomacy.”

In his maiden speech to the UNGA, the US leader reassured allies, saying he was moving past the “America First” era of US foreign policy.

Biden promised he would be looking to use American diplomatic and scientific skills over military power as crises emerged around the world.

“Indeed, today many of our greatest concerns cannot be solved or even addressed through the force of arms. Bombs and bullets cannot defend against Covid-19,” he remarked.

The president also underlined the need for greater focus on resolving climate crisis and human rights abuse.

A sovereign and democratic Palestinian state was the “best way” to ensure Israel’s future, the president believed. “We must seek a future of greater peace and security for all people of the Middle East.”

PAN Monitor/mud

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