Washington [USA], May 3: As the media continuously spread images of chaos at universities from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States over the past two weeks, President Biden has faced criticism for his handling of the situation. your situation. The leader let his spokesman make most of the comments.
The US is a key ally of Israel and has supported the country against Hamas forces in the conflict in Gaza since October 2023. The war has caused division in the United States between two factions: one supporting Israel, criticizing anti-Semitic behavior, and one supporting Palestine, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Washington's response has also caused controversy, and the Biden administration is coming under increasing pressure. Mr. Biden, who is seeking a second presidential term through this November's election, has been cautious in condemning anti-Semitic behavior and supporting the right of American youth and youth to protest. try to limit long-term political damage.
"There is a right to protest, but there is no right to cause chaos," Mr. Biden said in a speech at the White House on May 2, according to Reuters. The White House owner believes that both sides have reasons, and that peaceful expression of dissent is very important for any democracy, but violence will not be tolerated.
"Destroying property is not a peaceful protest. It is a violation of the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, blocking schools, causing classes and graduation ceremonies to be canceled - there is no such thing." None of those things are peaceful protests," the US president said.
Mr. Biden said America is not a totalitarian country that silences critics, but "order must prevail."
When asked whether state governors should call in the National Guard to restore order if necessary, Mr. Biden answered "no." He also said the protests did not cause him to reconsider his policy in the Middle East.
Student protesters called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and demanded that their schools divest from companies that support the Israeli government. Some schools have allowed police to enter and arrest protesters, including at Columbia University in New York, one of America's top universities and the epicenter of this movement.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper