Parting Shots. . .

(Parting Shots. . .)

President Biden has become the "Leopold" of his Administration. While the last few months of his term tick away, with the chances of Vice President Harris to succeed him are yet certain. The world today is one of Biden's making and the litany of the current global conflagration is of his making. That is why the President was unable to introduce India's Prime Minister only managing "Who's next ?" Another hot spot traced to Biden is the Ukraine where Kiev might have caused an explosion on that had been registered seismically, but the over-all situation has not changed. Then Israel has been reducing Hezbollah in creative fashion, exploding pagers and some 300 airstrikes. And it would also appear that the East Coast port stoppage will be called next week. President Biden could intervene, but at this stage, he probably has neither the will nor the capacity.


As long as President Biden is still "in Office," he has to navigate public events like introducing the Indian Prime Minister. Biden is supposed to speak to the U.N. General Assembly when it convenes. How might that go ? With war in the Ukraine ongoing and Israel's escalating in Lebanon, the collective security of the U.N. does not mean much. But Biden tries to give a speech.


While the President is speaking at the U.N. Israel has not been speaking to him. In fact, the Jewish State is having success against Hezbollah in Lebanon like it decimated Hamas in Gaza. As these groups are Iranian proxies, it is possible that Tehran itself could become more directly involved. As has been the Administration's fear since the Hamas attack on southern Israel last October 7th. Per usual, Biden is pushing for a de-escalation of hostilities. 


Then there is the strike on East Coast ports and the consequences mentioned. If President Biden wants to help Vice President Harris and her campaign, it perhaps would be better if such an event be avoided. The strike will be mounted by the local union who usually favor Democrats. However, such a stoppage would be very visible and could damage Vice President Harris.


The term "Parting Shot" comes from the Parthian Empire. A noble Roman named Crassus who ruled Rome as one of three with Julius Caesar and Gaius Pompey wanted some recognition himself. So, he marched into what is Syria today, Parthian territory and when the expedition failed, Crassus was killed by a Parthian arrow, a "parting shot."


As President Biden leaves the stage, the world situation is his parting shot. His rules based global order has completely collapsed and it has largely been of his own un-doing.

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