News

Biden has come through his first foreign policy crisis | TICKER VIEWS

Published

5 years ago

May 24, 2021

Bruce Wolpe

By Bruce Wolpe. Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre and Ticker News US political contributor

Biden has officially handled his first foreign policy crisis – but what does this tell us?

President Biden successfully brought the war in Gaza to an end – at least for now. How did he do it? What does it mean for his foreign policy going forward?

First and foremost, the past two weeks showed us how much Bide’s deep expertise – decades of it in the Senate as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, and eight years as vice president under Barack Obama – and he brought it fully to bear on Gaza. He has seen war in Gaza before. He knew what to do. He knows the players. He knew how he wanted to get there.

Biden operates more inside than outside. He worked the phones – and not the UN. His language with Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu was very measured – in public. It was much harder in private. And he ratcheted it up each day — from “Israel has a right to defend itself” to “De-escalate” to “Ceasefire” – to the point where, when the moment was ripe late last week, he said: “Ceasefire. Now”.

He will do more for Palestine but in the context of a press for a two-state solution to the conflict.

Biden stands with allies. In the Gaza crisis, He supported Israel. He worked with Egypt’s al-Sisi, and the Palestinian’ Authority’s Mahmoud Abbas. And those alliances paid off.

In his broader foreign policy agenda, Biden is going forward with a “New Realism”: the projection of American values — democracy, human rights — together with the US engaging with anyone in good faith to get done what can be achieved by reaching the best working relationship without compromising US values. So this will guide what happens with Russia and China and North Korea and Iran.

With Biden, Asia is at parity with US attention to Europe and the Middle East. The first two White House visitors were the leaders of Japan and South Korea.

Incidents of hate against Asian Americans have seen a shocking spike over the last year. It’s wrong — and it’s un-American.

To all those who are hurting: we see you and we are committed to stopping the hatred and bias.
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 20, 2021

The top priorities are clear: Rebuild US alliances.

China: re-engage and demand clear rules for conduct in Asia. In fact, push back as needed – US allies alongside pushing with Biden.

Climate: make decisive progress possible.

Iran: a deal if it can be done.

Russia: Ukraine; cyber security; the fate of dissident Navalney.

North Korea: a deep effort to get Kim to roll back his nuclear arsenal.

What Biden accomplished last week showed us how he wants to advance US interests through his presidency.

News

U.S. envoys head to Moscow as Ukraine peace talks accelerate

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Published

20 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Senior U.S. envoys are preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as diplomatic efforts around the war in Ukraine gather pace. The visit comes after Russia formally requested high-level talks, signalling a potential shift in momentum.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Moscow following months of behind-the-scenes discussions. The move underscores Washington’s willingness to engage directly as negotiations enter a more decisive phase.

With global attention fixed on the outcome, the meeting could shape the next chapter of the conflict — and determine whether diplomacy can finally overtake military escalation.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#UkraineWar #RussiaUkraine #PeaceTalks #GlobalPolitics #USRussia #BreakingNews #Geopolitics #TickerNews

News

Trump drops tariff threat after Greenland framework deal

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

Published

21 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a framework deal involving Greenland, stepping back from earlier threats to impose tariffs on Europe. The shift comes after heightened global concern over trade tensions and geopolitical stability.

The announcement followed Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos and discussions with NATO’s Secretary General.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister has since weighed in, responding to speculation surrounding Greenland’s future and the implications of US involvement.

Markets reacted positively, with US stocks rallying after Trump signalled he would abandon the tariff threats.

While Trump reiterated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, the move has sparked renewed debate about diplomacy, trade, and influence in the Arctic region.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#DonaldTrump #Greenland #USTrade #Tariffs #GlobalMarkets #USPolitics #WorldNews #Ticker

News

Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.

Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.

Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#AustralianPolitics #Coalition #Nationals #Labor #Senate #PoliticalDrama #TickerNews #BreakingPolitics