‘That’s why we ended up with the United Nations and all these rules,’ president says in interview
(Alex Wong/Getty Images)
President Joe Biden passionately criticized America’s actions during the Second World War in a conversation with Israel’s war cabinet. He argued that the Allied bombings of Nazi Germany, which devastated the country, ultimately led to the establishment of the United Nations and the creation of rules that prohibit such tactics today.
In a captivating interview with Evan Osnos from the esteemed New Yorker, Biden didn’t hold back in his critique of Israel’s leaders. He accused them of being consumed by “rage” in their conflict with Hamas and losing sight of the moral high ground. Biden recounted a conversation he had with members of Israel’s war cabinet, who defended their actions by pointing out America’s carpet-bombing of Germany during the war. Biden strongly disagreed with this approach.
“That’s why we ended up with the United Nations and all these rules about not doing that again,” he passionately expressed, as reported by Osnos.
Biden’s criticism of Israel’s military campaign comes shortly after he optimistically suggested that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was on the horizon. However, doubts were raised by various parties involved in the negotiations, dismissing the president’s optimism as exaggerated. Biden later retracted his assessment.
“I was on the telephone with the people in the region,” Biden informed reporters. “Probably not by Monday, but I’m hopeful.”
Biden is under pressure from both his party’s progressive flank and Hamas to secure a ceasefire. In Michigan, anti-Israel activists organized a protest vote, resulting in over 100,000 Michigan Democrats casting their vote as “uncommitted” in the state’s presidential primary. Additionally, a senior Hamas official stated that Biden must exert pressure on Israel to reach a ceasefire deal.
“It is now in the hands of the Americans, if they are serious about achieving a cease-fire before Ramadan, to exercise enough pressure on the Israelis,” senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “doesn’t want to reach an agreement and the ball now is in the Americans’ court,” he added.
The United States Air Force’s strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany played a pivotal role in the Allied forces’ victory. According to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the bombings severely weakened the German Army by disrupting their transportation system and reducing oil production to a trickle.
“This destruction left the Wehrmacht (German Army) severely weakened from lack of supplies and fuel,” states the museum’s website. “With its air force defeated and its infrastructure in total ruin, Nazi Germany succumbed to Allied ground advances from the east and the west in May 1945.”
How did the creation of the United Nations in 1945 relate to the atrocities committed during World War II?
Ter clarified his stance in the interview, emphasizing the importance of upholding international rules and norms when it comes to warfare and conflict.
It is well-known that the Second World War was a devastating chapter in human history. The Allied bombings of Nazi Germany, while instrumental in defeating Hitler’s regime, resulted in immense destruction and loss of civilian lives. It was in the aftermath of this global conflict that the world recognized the need for an international organization to prevent such horrors from occurring again.
The United Nations was established in 1945, with the primary goal of promoting global peace and security. Through its various institutions and bodies, the UN has been instrumental in resolving conflicts, providing humanitarian aid, and upholding fundamental human rights. The creation of the UN was a direct response to the atrocities committed during World War II, and the desire to prevent similar acts of aggression and violence in the future.
President Biden’s remarks during his conversation with Israel’s war cabinet highlight the significance of the United Nations and the rules it has established. He acknowledges that the bombings carried out by the Allied forces were necessary at the time to combat the forces of evil, but also recognizes the need to learn from history and ensure that such tactics are not repeated.
The rules and norms established by the United Nations, including those within the Geneva Conventions, provide a framework for humane and ethical conduct during warfare. These rules aim to protect civilians and minimize the devastating impact of conflicts. They emphasize the principles of proportionality, distinction between combatants and civilians, and the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks.
President Biden’s criticism of Israel’s military campaign serves as a reminder that even in the face of immense challenges, it is crucial to adhere to these rules and norms. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused immense suffering for the civilian population, with numerous casualties and widespread destruction. By holding Israel accountable and promoting the importance of international rules, President Biden aims to encourage a peaceful resolution and minimize the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
While some may argue that the President’s comments may put strain on the US-Israel relationship, it is essential to remember that the pursuit of peace and adherence to international law should always be prioritized. The United States has been a longstanding ally of Israel, but that does not mean turning a blind eye to actions that may violate established norms and principles.
President Biden’s criticism should be seen as a call for reflection and a reminder of the value of international cooperation. It serves as a testament to the importance of the United Nations and the rules it encompasses. By learning from history and actively working towards peaceful resolutions, we can strive towards a more peaceful and just world.
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