Embattled Biden greets Nato allies in Washington
Member states expect to discuss additional aid for Ukraine, pathway for Kyiv towards membership
US PRESIDENT Joe Biden welcomed the heads of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) member states to Washington on Tuesday (Jul 9) for an annual summit.
This gives the embattled Democrat an international stage to convince allies at home and abroad that he can still lead.
Biden, 81, has vowed to press on in his race against Republican Donald Trump, 78. This comes despite concern from Democrats on Capitol Hill and donors that he will lose the Nov 5 election, after a halting debate performance on Jun 27.
Biden made restoring the country’s traditional alliances abroad to counter the threat of autocracies the centrepiece of his foreign policy. The policy move differs from his Republican counterpart who challenged allies as part of an “America First” approach.
The winner of the US presidential election, which is slated to be held in November, could have a substantial impact on the futures of Nato and Europe.
Trump has suggested that, given a second term, he would not defend Nato members that did not meet the alliance’s defence spending target of 2 per cent of their respective gross domestic products, if they came under military attack.
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He has also questioned the amount of aid given to Ukraine in its battle against Russian invasion.
Aides said Biden’s opening speech – expected at 2100 GMT – will highlight what his administration sees as a key accomplishment: a stronger and more united Nato, under Washington’s leadership.
Biden’s aides said that this brings US voters benefits, such as a safer country, a strong international economic position and less risk of conflict with the country’s adversaries.
“That’s not by accident,” White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday. “That’s because of leadership. That’s because of constant stewardship of the alliance.”
The mere presence of leaders from Nato and beyond shows Biden’s power to assemble coalitions and inspire confidence, Kirby said.
These are arguments that Trump and many of his Republican allies have rejected.
“Republicans, of course, celebrate the peace and prosperity that Nato has secured and will continue to stand by our partners as we prevent needless wars,” said US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday.
“But we also believe that Nato needs to be doing more,” the Republican and Trump ally added.
Nato – celebrating its 75th anniversary – has found new purpose in opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion. It has also welcomed Finland and Sweden as new members.
The grinding Ukraine-Russia war is expected to dominate private conversations between the leaders of the 32 Nato member countries.
The members have a full agenda focused on military and financial aid for Ukraine, and offering some pathway to Kyiv towards eventual Nato membership.
Some diplomats said that leaders have come to Washington with fresh concern about Biden’s staying power, adding to anxieties about the prospect of Trump’s return to power.
One described Biden as bruised after a difficult political period and said their government was looking for signs about whether he would survive.
More than a week after the debate, Biden continues to face daily questions about his fitness for office. Some Democratic lawmakers have called for him to end his campaign.
Joern Fleck, senior director of the Europe Center at the Atlantic Council, said questions about Biden’s survival were “absolutely on everyone’s minds”. The director also raised the prospect that Trump could win the US election and weaken the alliance.
Nato leaders face political uncertainty in Europe. Paralysis remains in France after gains for left and far right parties. The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition weakened after a poor showing in European parliament elections.
The events in Washington this week will give Biden a chance to address the concerns, including a high-profile speech on Tuesday and a rare solo press conference on Thursday.
Biden will also highlight new support for Ukraine. During the summit, Nato leaders are expected to endorse an initiative that will see the alliance coordinate arms supplies and training for Ukrainian forces fighting Russia’s invasion. They may also get more support on air defense.
Ukraine ultimately wants to join Nato to ward against further future attacks by Russia. However, candidates have to be approved by all of the members in the alliance – some are wary of provoking a direct war with Russia.
Moscow sees Nato as a vehicle for US dominance and has accused the alliance of returning to a Cold War mindset.
US officials have said the summit will offer Ukraine a “bridge to membership”, which would include the new Nato effort to coordinate arms supplies and training.
Some members want the alliance to make clear that Ukraine is moving toward Nato “irreversibly”, and are keen for language in a statement emerging from the summit to move beyond the alliance’s pledge last year that “Ukraine’s future is in Nato”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to attend the summit and meet with Biden. REUTERS
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