International
2023, a year of domestic and foreign policy challenges for the White House
December 31 |
The third year of Democrat Joe Biden’s administration in the United States was marked by challenges, both in the domestic arena and in foreign policy.
Intense negotiations with the Republican caucus in Congress, summits, a surprise visit to war-torn Kiev, strained relations with China and Russia and growing turmoil in the Middle East were some of the milestones of 2023 for the White House, which also featured colorful moments in a year that serves as a prelude to the crucial 2024 where the US will decide who will be the next president.
In February, during his trip to Europe to mark the one-year anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Joe Biden surprised the world with a visit to Kiev, kept secret until the last moment.
The images of Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, walking as anti-aircraft sirens blared were memorable. It was the first time in modern history that a U.S. president had traveled to a country at war without a U.S. military presence. With this, the Democratic president showed that he was serious about “unwavering support” for Ukraine vis-à-vis Russia.
The controversial immigration issue, the economy and foreign policy were among the central themes of Biden’s second State of the Union address since he became president.
The Democratic leader emphasized the need to pass the immigration reform he proposed before Congress and called for unity in the face of the economic challenge posed by the war in Ukraine, while praising his administration’s achievements in managing inflation, fuel prices, wage stability and job growth.
The division in Congress, with the Senate in the hands of Democrats and a polarized House with a slight Republican majority, has led to differences with the Democratic administration, which has translated into resistance to legislation and packages presented by Biden before lawmakers.
The far-right wing of the Republican Party has been a thorn in the President’s side. The battle to reach an agreement to prevent the country from defaulting on its debt, postponed until January 2025, was followed by the negotiation to keep the government open – postponed until the beginning of 2024 -, and now the refusal of Republicans to approve an emergency package with funds for Ukraine and Israel if immigration policy is not tightened, particularly on the southern border.
Just before the year-end recess, the House voted and approved formally initiating an investigation to determine a possible impeachment of Biden. The investigation will be aimed at determining whether the President and his son Hunter Biden colluded to benefit from Biden’s contracts with foreign companies during Biden’s time as Vice President.
In April, President Joe Biden announced that he would run for re-election in 2024, clearing up doubts as to whether the Democratic leader would return to fight for the White House or leave the way open to other aspirants of his party.
Age is one of the most sensitive issues facing the 81-year-old veteran politician. In his campaign, Biden has focused on highlighting the achievements of his first term, his career as a legislator and more recently, he has insisted that he is the best alternative to his predecessor Donald Trump, going so far as to point out that he would not have thought of running again had it not been for the “threat to democracy” that a second Trump term would mean.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visits to Washington served as material evidence of the Biden administration’s backing for Kiev in its war against Russia. Zelenskyy made two trips to the U.S. in 2023, both in the space of three months and coinciding with discussions in Congress on aid to the Ukrainian cause.
Zelenskyy has been received at the White House three times since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. The first visit this year was in September, following his participation in the United Nations General Assembly. The second was in December, returning from Zelenskyy’s first trip to Latin America after the start of the war. In total, Biden and Zelenskyy have met in person seven times during the U.S. president’s administration.
In a historic moment in 2023, seven Latin American heads of state arrived in Washington to meet with President Joe Biden at the first edition of the Leaders’ Summit of the Partnership for Economic Prosperity of the Americas.
Biden and his counterparts from Costa Rica, Uruguay, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Canada and Barbados, announced new joint strategies that will guarantee the investment of millions of dollars in sustainable projects, human capital formation and migration solutions for the region.
In addition, Biden announced a new investment platform that will channel “billions of dollars into building sustainable infrastructure”, organized by the US government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Echoes of Israel’s all-out war against Hamas in Gaza following the surprise attacks of October 7 have reached the other side of the world. The US, Tel Aviv’s main ally, was quick to show its support for the Israeli forces, although more than a month after the start of the campaign against the militant group, the discourse has changed.
From irresolute support, the Biden administration maintains its position that Israel has the right to defend itself but has now called on the Israeli government to be more precise in its attacks. According to the health ministry in Gaza, bombings against Hamas have already killed more than 18,000 Palestinians and displaced thousands in the enclave, home to some 2.3 million people.
International pressure weighs on Tel Aviv, while at home, President Joe Biden faces criticism from his Muslim voters, one year before the 2024 presidential election.
It was not all high-level meetings and negotiations at the White House. In 2023, the presidential residence celebrated the nation’s top traditions and opened its gardens for Americans to tour the history and of the iconic mansion in both spring and fall.
From the traditional Thanksgiving two-turkey pardoning ceremony, holiday decorations, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree to an ice skating rink for children of public servants, front-line military workers and school children, the White House also wanted to mark festive moments in the year.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
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