Biden’s Return to the Days of Power
During the quarantine period due to COVID-19, which President Joe Biden contracted not once but twice, he experienced one of his best weeks in politics. The President, who was navigating sensitive times with only a 36% approval rating among Americans, faced increasing skepticism from experts and even his own party members about the prospects of the upcoming presidential election and his candidacy for a second term in the White House, and he still does.
Despite all this, the first week of the eighth month of 2022 became memorable for him. Now with an approval rating of about 40%, on the day his wife contracted COVID-19, he signed a major investment plan in the American economy and society, essentially celebrating the achievements that were accomplished consecutively in the first week of this month.
Military and Defense Policy Successes
The U.S. President began that week by announcing the successful operation to eliminate Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of al-Qaeda, from quarantine on the back porch of the White House. He made this announcement at a time when, contrary to some expectations, his administration had long been waiting to create the groundwork for initiating a stringent maximum policy against the Taliban, requiring definitive and serious documentation of their cooperation with al-Qaeda, which has now been provided.
Many questioned the significance and key role of Ayman al-Zawahiri in the current situation. However, beyond whatever he was doing at the time, he was the primary target for the U.S. as the most crucial figure in al-Qaeda, with a role far more significant than Osama bin Laden. In any case, under Biden’s leadership, the U.S. managed to eliminate one of the largest perpetrators of past terrorist attacks.
Biden’s positive and serious role in organizing and conducting such a remarkable operation caught the attention of many. In these days and on the anniversary of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, thanks to the success of the operation to eliminate al-Zawahiri, there is less talk in the media about the unfavorable process of troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. More than anything, the Taliban are now responsible for the current situation in that country.
In the battle against Russia, the U.S. managed to arm Ukraine not only with modern HIMARS missile systems. The first week of August became a week of military display for the Ukrainian army using these missiles, and Ukrainians ended that week with significant victories following major successes by the Russians. These achievements were so substantial that Volodymyr Zelensky, the resilient President of Ukraine, who always complained about shortages and insufficient aid, officially thanked Biden for the military support this time.
Biden’s Good Diplomatic Week
In the intersection of diplomacy and domestic politics, Biden finally had the U.S. Senate approve the membership of Sweden and Finland in NATO, accelerating the expedited process of these two countries joining. On the other hand, in the realm of Middle Eastern interactions, if that week ended with the tragic conflicts between Israel and the Islamic Jihad and the victimization of innocent civilians in Gaza, the special envoy of his government brought Israel and Lebanon closer to historic agreements regarding their maritime border disputes. This special envoy even managed to secure special concessions from Israel for the Lebanese, such as sharing revenue from gas exports from marine resources.
These were not the end of the story, and the finalization negotiations for the return to the JCPOA were back on track with more optimism about the ultimate outcome. European reports of receiving guarantees from the Biden administration about the U.S. not withdrawing from the JCPOA in the future were not officially confirmed by the U.S.
But aside from this specific issue, the U.S., with the help of Europeans, brought Iran to the negotiating table and convinced the Iranian government of many facts related to the JCPOA. Iran responded to the agreement reached in Vienna, and now Biden’s team, in cooperation with Europeans, is in the midst of August deciding on Iran’s response.
In East Asia, Biden’s greatest achievement was Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which had both domestic political achievements and showcased the capability of the most important Democratic figure in Congress to support Taiwan against China to the Republicans and even gained their support. It also had a significant international achievement so far, which was dispelling the fear of many of America’s allied countries from openly standing against China and its policies. The consequences of Pelosi’s visit have not been as severe as many warned, at least until today. Following that eventful week in mid-month, the U.S. government is preparing for a bilateral meeting between Biden and the Chinese leader in the fall.
Biden’s Good Week in Domestic Politics
Prices in the U.S. are decreasing, and although inflation is still high, gasoline prices are getting cheaper and cheaper. The U.S. job market is very vibrant, and the July employment statistics announced that week showed a record excellent addition of about 530,000 jobs. The U.S. economy has become more hopeful. The greater stability of inflation indicates that perhaps we have reached the peak of inflation in the U.S., and a decrease in the inflation rate may begin soon.
Biden has achieved his most significant accomplishments in Congress. His economic and budget plan, which had been stalled due to opposition from his fellow party member, the rebellious Senator Joe Manchin, was suddenly revived. With this plan, the largest investments in the history of the world to combat climate change will take place in the U.S., and this achievement will make American Democrats more hopeful about Biden.
The dissatisfaction of Democratic voters has been the most significant factor in the decline of Biden’s approval rating. Key plans such as investment in the semiconductor industry and also support for veterans’ healthcare budgets were approved in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Specifically, Biden’s unprecedented investment in the semiconductor industry will ensure the future of various American industries.
Another major event was the first public opinion test and referendum on the abortion debate. In a referendum held alongside the primary elections to determine the final candidates for the November elections in the Republican and conservative state of Kansas, the citizens of this state opposed adding an abortion ban to the state constitution. The decisive victory of women’s rights supporters in abortion in Kansas greatly energized Biden and demonstrated the electoral potential of the Democrats, giving them hope for the November elections.
Biden celebrated that first week of August with a ceremony signing the major investment plan in the American economy and society. In days when Trump had returned to the forefront of American news, this ceremony reminded Americans of Biden and his achievements. Now even Senator Bernie Sanders has openly supported Biden, stating that if Biden runs for the 2024 election, he will support him.
