Biden burnishes his legacy with historic prisoner swap

Last month, President Joe Biden emphasized that he had “no higher priority” than securing the release of Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan from Russian imprisonment. On Thursday, after extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations, he successfully accomplished this mission.

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This multilateral exchange involved 24 prisoners and marked the most significant swap with Russia since the Cold War. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it comes shortly after Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election. Historically, foreign policy is an area where presidents can leave a lasting impact, even when sidelined from domestic politics.

Typically, such international focus occurs at the end of a president’s second term when they are no longer preoccupied with re-election. Biden’s situation is unique, comparable to President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s decision to withdraw from the 1968 presidential race due to the Vietnam War’s unpopularity. Unlike Johnson, Biden has been able to take a victory lap with this successful prisoner swap, celebrated by the families of the released Americans at the White House.

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Biden’s recent period of turmoil, which began with a poor debate performance in June, culminated in his Oval Office address last week, where he announced his decision to step down from the re-election race. Despite this, he reminded the nation that his presidency was still active and committed to several foreign policy goals.

He pledged to bring home detained Americans, support Ukraine against Russian aggression, and seek peace and security in the Middle East. However, recent developments in the Middle East have been concerning. Tensions have escalated, with Israel allegedly involved in the assassination of a prominent Hamas leader in Iran and increased hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

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Biden, who has a long history of foreign policy experience, campaigned on his international expertise in 2020. However, the Middle East remains a challenging region for US diplomacy. Achieving lasting peace and security there would be a remarkable feat, though it seems distant given the current conflicts.

Biden’s legacy will not only be shaped by his foreign policy successes but also by the future of his chosen successor. Vice President Kamala Harris, who played a crucial role in the prisoner exchange negotiations, is now the presumptive Democratic nominee. The Republican presidential candidates have downplayed the political benefits of the prisoner swap, with some even questioning its wisdom.

During a rally, Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance suggested that world leaders are apprehensive about Donald Trump’s potential return to power. Trump himself criticized Biden’s negotiating strategy on social media, labeling it as ineffective.

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The high cost for the release of Gershkovich and Whelan, including Russian intelligence agents convicted of serious crimes, was deemed worthwhile by Biden and his senior staff. Biden highlighted the importance of international alliances, contrasting his approach with Trump’s “America first” policy.

As Biden’s presidency nears its end, his opportunities to influence the national spotlight and solidify his legacy are diminishing. However, this historic prisoner swap stands as a significant accomplishment in his tenure.