Ex-President Donald Trump has set an example of strong leadership by using the cruel detentions of US natives Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan in Russia to condemn President Biden’s inadequacy. Ignoring the chance to return these individuals while allegedly campaigning for reelection, Biden seems to have forgotten them. In line with Trump’s criticism, the recent prisoner exchange was seen as another chance for Biden’s incompetence to come forth.
The so-called historic prisoner exchange that freed these men and two other US prisoners couldn’t stop the emerging questions about Biden’s negotiation skills. Trump, the GOP nominee, pointing out the weaknesses of the current administration, expressed what no one in Biden’s office dares to question. One cannot help but wonder if there was any merit in this exchange that the Biden administration isn’t revealing.
Though White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan tried to make it appear as if the swap was clean, no cash involved or any sanctions relief, many remain unconvinced. This was highlighted by Trump on a Truth Social post. No specifics were offered but the lack of clarity on the part of Biden’s team has cast a shadow on the whole affair.
Trump goes on to shed light on a significant concern – the constant false claims that the US has handed over billions to Iran. He expressed his curiosity towards the questionable ‘deals’ and pointed out the endless embarrassments faced by the nation due to the supposed ‘negotiators’. Joe Biden seems to be oblivious of these embarrassing episodes or is he simply turning a blind eye?
When confronted with Trump’s accurate observations on the incompetency demonstrated in securing the American hostages from Russia, Biden reacted as expected. Instead of addressing the issue, he tried to deflect and shot a weak jab at Trump, asking why he didn’t secure the prisoners during his term. However, Trump’s efforts during his term to bring back American citizens detained in foreign lands are well known and documented.
Trump’s criticism of Biden over the detained Americans is not new and is part of an ongoing discourse tracing back to his term. Such outspoken words of truth have often ignited reactions from the hostages’ family members. Unfortunately, during Trump’s term, despite attempts, the hidden forces obstructing the freeing of the detained Americans were numerous, adding to the complexity of the situation.
While Trump’s administration, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, vehemently criticized the trumped-up espionage charges against Whelan after his 2018 arrest, Whelan’s case was unfortunately not highlighted publicly during Trump’s office tenure. However, the wheel seemed to turn with David Whelan, Paul’s brother, acknowledging their discouragement from speaking out on Paul’s case.
According to David Whelan, the ordeal of the Trump Administration resisting media attention towards Paul’s unjust detention was tough. Interestingly, he noted that it was the media attention that ultimately led to a heightened awareness within the U.S. government. The fact that the media had to step in to achieve what should have been a government responsibility speaks volumes in itself.
During his trial, Paul Whelan, who was in direct talks with U.S. officials regarding his case, made a desperate appeal for Trump’s assistance. The events following this, sadly, only displayed more clearly the ineffectiveness of Biden’s leadership. In an attempt at a swap, the U.S. released Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for Griner. Post this swap, Trump claimed he had been trying to secure a deal for Whelan involving Bout.
David Whelan found himself compelled to react to the former president’s social media comments, expressing his dissatisfaction with Trump’s public silence throughout his brother’s unjust incarceration by Russia. It seems like David Whelan was under the impression that Trump’s lack of action insinuated his lack of concern towards the matter. However, it’s clear that Trump’s stance was determined by more complex diplomatic nuances.
Trump’s first remarks on Gershkovich’s plight were underway in an April 12, 2024 interview with Time Magazine, over a year after Gershkovich’s arrest in 2023. While Trump wasn’t able to bring Gershkovich home during his term, this doesn’t justify Biden’s inertia and failed negotiation tactics. Clearly, years into Gershkovich’s detention, the current administration still has no successful strategy for his release.
In a presidential debate in June, Trump once again confronted Biden for his failure to secure Gershkovich’s release. Trump correctly pointed out that Biden’s failures have made him a laughing stock for Putin, which is something the nation cannot afford. He perceptively hinted at Putin’s possible exploit of Biden’s weakness to squeeze ‘billions and billions of dollars’ out of him.
Trump’s timely criticism provided the much-needed perspective on how Biden’s lax behavior is viewed internationally. The reluctance of the Biden administration to effectively negotiate Gershkovich’s release stands as a mark of its failure. It’s clear that Gershkovich wasn’t directly mentioned in the debate – his plight was reduced to a tool for Trump to keep attacking Biden’s apparent lack of strategic thinking. The whole episode underscores a continuing concern that Biden is far from being equipped to handle such crucial matters.
Failed Negotiations: Biden’s Indifferent Stance on U.S. Hostages appeared first on Real News Now.
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