On Friday, President Biden and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will meet at the White House in what is intended as an important signal that their democracies are resilient.
More starkly, they came to power amid disturbing political turmoil only two years apart. They both campaigned on promises to return their countries to normalcy after four years of sometimes-chaotic rule by populist-style leaders. And they defeated incumbent presidents who refused to recognize the election results as legitimate, leading to insurrections in both their nations’ capitals — one on Jan. 6, 2021, and the other on Jan. 8, 2023.
But there could be tension between the two men when it comes to the war in Ukraine, given their differing views. There is little appetite for negotiations in the near-term in Washington, where Biden and his top aides have made clear they do not think the conditions are ripe for a peace talks, citing Putin’s bombardment of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and evidence of war crimes. They have said they will not force Ukraine to negotiate before its leaders are ready.
His victory in the race — one marred by a mix of disinformation and conspiracy theories that echo recent developments in the United States — marked a striking comeback for Lula. Previously president of Brazil from 2003 to 2010, he was convicted on corruption charges after leaving office and spent 580 days in prison before his convictions were thrown out in 2021.Like Biden, Lula also has a reputation for pragmatism and reaching across the aisle to work with moderate members of the opposition.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden touts resilience after pandemic and Jan. 6 riot in State of the UnionBorder? Mass shootings and gun laws? US involvement in Ukraine? Jobs and the economy? Which issues will make the list of America's hottest topics that...
Read more »
Democracy challenges on agenda for Biden and Lula's White House meetingStrengthening democracy could be a rallying point for Biden and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, when they meet at the White House, experts say.
Read more »
Exclusive: U.S. eyes joining Amazon Fund during Biden-Lula visitThe United States is considering its first contribution to a multilateral fund aimed at fighting Amazon deforestation, with a possible announcement during President Joe Biden's meeting with Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the White House on Friday, two U.S. official with direct knowledge of the matter said.
Read more »
Democracy on the agenda as Biden meets Brazil's Lula at the White House | CNN PoliticsWhen Brazil's new president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, meets President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday, the two hope to reset relations after an era defined by right-wing populists and threats to democracy in both nations.
Read more »
State of the Union speech praises Brandon Tsay’s heroic actions during Monterey Park shooting; calls for assault weapons banTsay, a guest of President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, has been credited for stopping a second Jan. 21 massacre at his family’s Southern California dance studio.
Read more »