Why Nato could be make-or-break for Biden

Hello. As Nato leaders arrive in Washington for a three-day summit, our correspondent Anthony Zurcher explains why this is a crucial week for Joe Biden, who will need to provide some reassurance to his American supporters and his foreign allies. We're also reporting on Australia's immigration policy, Iran's new president and British political eccentricities. Finally, spare a thought for the Frenchman writing these words as France's men's national football team is clashing against Spain for a spot in the Euro 2024 final.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Biden's week of reckoning

Mr Biden has promised repeatedly that he is moving ahead with his campaign. Credit: Reuters

US President Joe Biden is under intense scrutiny in the US and abroad, after his debate performance on 27 June raised concerns around his ability to beat Donald Trump come November. The Nato summit starting this Tuesday in Washington DC could be crucial for his political survival.

What's coming ahead for Joe Biden?

He will host alliance leaders for three days of meetings and public events culminating in a solo press conference on Thursday afternoon. It is a stage on which Mr Biden, a man well versed in foreign relations, should be comfortable. But it also raises the already high stakes for his presidency, given that a poor showing will have international as well as domestic ramifications.

Why is that?

A mistake could start a political stampede among Democrats that extinguishes his hopes of even making it to the November general election, let alone winning it. It could also sharpen concerns from European allies who are concerned about the increasing likelihood of a Donald Trump presidency and the dramatic foreign policy shifts that would come with it.

What are Nato allies expecting?

Kristine Berzina, managing director of the German Marshall Fund Geostrategy North, told me that American allies have begun doubting whether the president is up to the task. Heading into the Nato summit, they are hoping to see some evidence that his performance on debate night was an aberration and not reflective of a new normal.

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THE BIG PICTURE

What to expect from Iran's new president

Mr Pezeshkian is far from being a liberal-minded, democracy-loving reformist in the universal sense. Credit: EPA

Iran’s president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian, the "reformist" candidate, defied expectations to win the presidency against hardline rival Saeed Jalili. Reformists believe in a more moderate version of the regime’s Islamist ideology - but their room for manoeuvre will be limited under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, explains Kayvan Hosseini.

And finally... in Westminster

Members of Parliament joined the UK House of Commons for the first time since last week's general election. It was a mostly ceremonial day marked by one of British politics' eccentric traditions: the dragging of Sir Lindsay Hoyle to the Speaker's chair after his re-election to the House's all-important role. Take a look, and read more on the what the role of the Speaker of the House entails here.