Mon Jan 13 22:48:10 UTC 2025: ## Biden Defends Foreign Policy Legacy in Farewell Address

**Washington, DC** – In a farewell address delivered at the State Department on Monday, President Joe Biden defended his administration’s foreign policy record, painting a picture of a strengthened US standing on the global stage just days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Biden’s speech served as a staunch rebuttal to Trump’s criticisms of his handling of international affairs. He highlighted successes in strengthening alliances, countering China’s influence, and supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. He also defended the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, framing it as a necessary end to a prolonged war.

However, the speech also faced sharp criticism. Protesters greeted Biden with chants of “War criminal!” highlighting the controversy surrounding the administration’s unwavering support for Israel during its war on Gaza. Critics point to the high Palestinian death toll and continued US military aid to Israel as evidence of complicity in alleged atrocities. While Biden touted a UN-brokered ceasefire plan as a step towards peace, analysts like Al Jazeera’s Marwan Bishara deemed the progress “eight months too late,” citing delays and alleged complicity from the Biden administration.

Biden emphasized that the US is stronger and its adversaries are weaker compared to four years ago. He contrasted his approach of diplomacy and alliance-building with Trump’s past isolationist tendencies and protectionist trade policies. He also underscored the importance of international cooperation on climate change, directly criticizing Trump’s anticipated reversal of climate policies.

The speech served as a final attempt by Biden to shape the narrative of his presidency’s foreign policy achievements and to urge the incoming Trump administration to avoid reversing key policies deemed crucial to global stability. The stark contrasts in their approaches to international relations promise a period of significant change in US foreign policy.

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