How 2 unexpected wars are defining Biden's presidency

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago, President Biden's response was stronger and swifter than many expected.

"I think Biden surprised the world. He certainly surprised the Russians by his decision to create a broad democratic alliance to defend Ukraine," said Anne Applebaum, an author and historian who writes extensively on the war.

Matthew Kroenig at the Atlantic Council also gives Biden high marks for his initial backing of Israel when it was attacked eight months ago by Hamas.

"The Biden administration's instinct right after the Oct. 7th attack was the correct one, to have Israel's back in its goal to eliminate Hamas," said Kroenig.

In Biden's first year in office, he pulled the last remaining U.S. troops out of Afghanistan, ending America's longest war, and displayed no desire for other foreign adventures.

The wars are shaping his presidency

Yet these unexpected wars in Ukraine and Gaza are defining Biden's presidency and complicating his reelection bid. He has earned praise in some quarters for rushing in to support allies of the U.S., including large weapons packages for both Israel and Ukraine.

That same aid has drawn criticism from others who say he should cut off arms to Israel due to the high Palestinian civilian death toll. And on Ukraine, Biden's various critics say he has provided either too much or not enough in the way of military assistance.

Both wars have their own distinct dynamics. And like most conflicts, the longer they grind on, the messier and more complicated they become.

Biden's backing of Ukraine still has broad support in the U.S. and the West. However, his embrace of Israel faces growing criticism, at home and abroad.

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