President Joe Biden is getting ready to deliver on a key campaign promise by convening a Summit for Democracy: a first-of-its kind gathering of more than 100 countries to help stop democratic backsliding and erosion of rights and freedoms worldwide.
But rights advocates are questioning whether the virtual event can push those world leaders who are invited, some accused of harboring authoritarian tendencies, to take meaningful action.
as president in February, that the United States would return to global leadership under his tenure to face down authoritarian forces led by China and Russia. Rights groups praise Biden's pledge to reinstate the promotion of rights and freedoms as a foreign policy priority, after the disinterested approach of his predecessor Donald Trump, who openly praised strongmen such as Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
"The same might be true for inviting deeply flawed democracy Iraq, the neighbor of U.S. adversary, the Iranian theocracy," she added.Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who has in the past stated he does not "care about human rights", and Indian President Narendra Modi, who advocacy group Freedom House said is driving India toward authoritarianism, will be among those discussing with Biden how to help democracy flourish globally.
Biden administration officials say they had to "make choices" to ensure regional diversity and broad participation.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Virginia loss was bad for Joe Biden, could be even worse for Donald TrumpThe Democrats' loss in Virginia was bad for Joe Biden, but it could prove to be even worse for Donald Trump.
Read more »
Why It Would Be Unwise For Joe Biden To Tap The Strategic Petroleum ReserveReleasing oil from the SPR to moderate prices would be inadvisable, not least because the government doesn't know what the price should be.
Read more »
President Joe Biden Praises Passage Of $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill, Says It Puts U.S. On ‘Path To Win’ Economic CompetitionBiden also reiterated his confidence that the $1.75 billion Build Back Better bill will also pass Congress.
Read more »
After daylong standoff, Democrats reach deal to advance Biden agendaDemocrats in the U.S. House of Representatives reached a tentative agreement on Friday that could allow them to pass the two massive spending bills that account for most of President Joe Biden's domestic agenda.
Read more »
House Dems near truce, approach infrastructure win for BidenWASHINGTON (AP) — Progressive and moderate lawmakers seemed near a truce Friday evening expected to result in quick House passage of a long-stalled $1 trillion infrastructure bill, clearing the way for a victory that President Joe Biden and his party are increasingly anxious to claim.
Read more »
Biden social and climate bill clears procedural vote in House, where it still awaits final approvalThe House passed a key procedural vote to line up eventual passage of President Biden's signature social safety net and climate change bill.
Read more »