NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- President Joe Biden, in his final address to the United Nation General Assembly, attempted to strike a positive note, telling world leaders, "we are stronger than we think."
Biden, who is not seeking re-election in November, said that the U.S. must not retreat from the world stage, while saying that the conflict in the Middle East -- notably Israel's war against terror group Hamas following its Oct. 7 attack -- needs to end as does the 17-month-old civil war in Sudan. He also reiterated American support of Ukraine following Russia's invasion of its neighbor in February 2022.
"I've seen a remarkable sweep of history," Biden, 81, said. "I know many look at the world today and see difficulties and react with despair but I do not ... We are stronger than we think."
Biden addressed American withdrawal from Afghanistan -- which has been widely criticized by Republicans, in particular -- saying, "I was determined to end it, and I did ... [the withdrawal was a] "hard decision but the right decision ... accompanied by tragedy.” Thirteen American troops were killed and hundreds of Afghans in a suicide bombing during the frenetic withdrawal.
Biden also spoke against isolationism, saying, "There will always be forces that pull our countries apart ... Our task, our test, is to make sure that the forces holding us together are stronger than the forces pulling us apart."
"Full scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” he said, adding he prefers diplomatic solutions.