Biden says US will use force as ‘last resort’ to thwart Iran’s nuclear weapons
President Joe Biden’s Middle East trip ended with more controversy as it emerged that an American lawyer representing the previously murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has been detained in the UAE.
US citizen Asim Ghafoor was detained at Dubai airport on Thursday on his way to Istanbul for a family wedding, and was arrested on charges of money laundering in absentia. Mr Ghafoor reportedly had no prior knowledge of convictions.
UAE state media said on Saturday that the lawyer was sentenced to three years in prison.
On Saturday, Mr. Biden met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and invited him to visit the United States before the end of the year.
Mr. Biden was one of several Middle East leaders to meet in Saudi Arabia on Saturday before leaving Air Force One.
New details have also emerged about Friday’s controversial meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which US intelligence finds responsible for ordering the Khashoggi murder.
When Mr. Biden confronted MBS about the murder – after a friendly fist-fist – he denied the accusation and returned to the US’s own arguments.
Biden wiped tears at meeting with Holocaust survivors
President Joe Biden wiped away tears as he met with Holocaust survivors at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum in Jerusalem
(REUTERS)
The President also shared smiles with survivors, Dr Gita Cycowicz and Rena Quint, as the three spoke after a solemn ceremony.
(REUTERS)
Oliver O’Connell13 July 2022 17:13
Biden hails US ‘bone-deep’ relationship with Israel
US President Joe Biden Arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Israel, for the opening leg of his first visit Middle East Since taking office in January 2021.
The President’s plane landed at Ben Gurion Airport at 3:09 am local time, about 11 hours after it left Washington. Mr. Biden appeared First Air Force President Isaac Herzog was greeted by a group of Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Yair Laid, Deputy Prime Minister Naftali Bennet and Knesset President Mickey Levy.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Mr. Biden said he was “honored once again to be with friends and to visit the independent Jewish state of Israel.”
Biden greets US relationship with Israel ‘bone-deep’ as he opens Middle East tour
‘Any opportunity to return to this great country where the ancient roots of the Jewish people go back to biblical times is a blessing’
Oliver O’Connell13 July 2022 17:40
Biden memo highlights importance of commemoration against hate
President Joe Biden wrote a personal message on his visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust and teaching new generations about it to prevent it from happening again.
It is a great honor to be back – back to my emotional home – We must never forget, because hatred is never defeated, it is only hidden.
We must teach each subsequent generation that it can happen again as long as we don’t remember.
This is how I teach my children and grandchildren. Never forget.
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Oliver O’Connell13 July 2022 17:46
Biden says US will use force as ‘last resort’ to prevent nuclear Iran
President Joe Biden told Israel’s Channel 12 news agency that the United States will use force to prevent Iran from acquiring or developing nuclear weapons if all other options fail.
This is an evolving story, more…
Biden says US will use force as ‘last resort’ to thwart Iran’s nuclear weapons
President Joe Biden has said that the United States will use force to prevent Iran from acquiring or developing nuclear weapons if all other options fail.
Oliver O’Connell13 July 2022 18:14
Biden ‘won’t be disappointed’ by a rematch with Trump in 2024
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, President Joe Biden was asked if he predicted a rematch with Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
Mr. Biden replied: “I’m not guessing, but I wouldn’t be disappointed.”
Oliver O’Connell13 July 2022 18:31
Voices: Welcome to Israel, President Biden. As a member of the Knesset, I have a request.
Aida Touma-Sliman writes that we need to talk about the Palestinian people, even if the president doesn’t want it.
Welcome to Israel, President Biden. As a member of the Knesset, I have a request.
We need to talk about the Palestinian people, even if you don’t want to.
Oliver O’Connell13 July 2022 18:45
Biden questions ‘undeniable gap’ with progressive Democrats on Israel
President Joe Biden is asked about the “undeniable gap” between himself and the progressive Democrats on Israel.
He tells Channel 12: “There are a few. I think they’re wrong. I think they’re making mistakes. Israel is a democracy. Israel is our ally… And I guess I’m not apologizing.”
Mr. Biden adds: “I don’t think the Democratic party, or even a significant part of the Republican party, is likely to move away from Israel.”
Oliver O’Connell13 July 2022 18:48
What’s really behind Biden’s controversial Saudi Arabian trip?
The White House says Mr Biden’s visit with Saudi leaders is meant to ‘redirect’ America’s relationship with Riyadh. But as Andrew Feinberg reports, foreign policy experts are split on whether the president should go.
What’s really behind Biden’s controversial Saudi Arabian trip?
The White House says Mr Biden’s visit with Saudi leaders is meant to ‘redirect’ America’s relationship with Riyadh. But as Andrew Feinberg reports, foreign policy experts are split on whether the president should go.
Oliver O’Connell13 July 2022 19:00
In photos: Biden pays homage to Yad Vashem
President Joe Biden wearing a cap attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the Hall of Remembrance in Yad Vashem
(AP)
President Joe Biden rekindles the Eternal Flame while staring at Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Memorial Hall at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Oliver O’Connell13 July 2022 19:30
