'IN TRIUMPH, A ROMAN COMMANDER WAS ACCOMPANIED IN HIS

CHARIOT BY A SERVANT WHO REMINDED HIM OF HIS MORTALITY

BY WHISPERING, 'LOOK BEHIND YOU! YOU ARE BUT A MAN!'

[The Telegraph, U.K.]

Le Figaro, France

Barack Obama: Something to Please and Displease, Everyone

 
"His program includes lots of good news for the allies and for certain adversaries of the United States. But these will come at a price. Europe, which benefited from the Marshall Plan and American protection during the Cold War, is to be invited to repay that debt."

Analysis By Philippe Gélie

Translated By Kate Bush

July 21, 2008

France - Le Figaro - Original Article (French)

Washington: While Barack Obama has embarked on a tour of the Middle East and Europe, the international community is eager to learn the new direction that the Democratic candidate would give American foreign policy - if he's elected in November. His program includes lots of good news for the allies and for certain adversaries of the United States. But these will come at a price. President Obama would require much more of his partners than the unilateralist George Bush.

Barack Obama wants to be pragmatic. Accused of lacking experience, he compensates by showcasing the "good judgment" that he demonstrated on Iraq in opposing the war in 2002. He promises to develop "a comprehensive strategy that identifies the world’s dangers while seizing its opportunities." He stresses diplomatic action and the reinforcement of alliances, particularly with Europe. He announces the restoration of "American leadership for the common good: we will no longer remains on the bench" with regard to global challenges like global warming. [Quotes were translated].

This ambitious pragmatist has set five major goals: ending the war in Iraq, carrying out the struggle against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, securing nuclear weapons and materials, ensuring energy security and rebuilding alliances. He promises to double development aid to the tune of $50 billion in 2012, although this would be "not very popular" among Americans.

[The Times, U.K.]

Obama is sure to please Europeans (and less so, the Israelis) when he denounces the strategic error of Iraq which "distracted" America from the true threats. He wants to put the priority back on Afghanistan where he intends to send reinforcements. But his plan to bring back the troops from Iraq in 16 months leads to questions: would that threaten the region and country's stability? The candidate is only able to reassure half of his questioners: though he promises to be "responsible and careful," he hasn't explained how he plans to "adjust" his campaign promise to realities on the ground, which he witnessed for the first time since 2006 at the end of last week.

Another consequence may worry Europeans: Obama is counting on the help of allies in Iraq. "We will build a new coalition to support the country, made up of all of its neighbors, the United Nations and the European Union," he says. He also expects "more significant contributions, and with fewer restrictions" from NATO in Afghanistan. He wants "more troops, more helicopters, more satellites, more drones" on the region bordering Pakistan. His strong-arm approach toward the Pervez Musharraf regime, "who has lost the confidence of his people," risks giving chills to some. "I will not tolerate terrorist sanctuaries," he says, and if Pakistan doesn’t do something, "we will."

On Iran, Obama will use the "full influence" of the United States in negotiations, including talking directly to Tehran at the highest level - an approach just begun by George Bush and applauded by the allies.

As for the climate, he wants Washington to lead the international effort from within a new "Global Energy Forum" and wants oil consumers to unite against OPEC to reduce their imports.

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

DAILY SHOW ELECTION FUN: OBAMA'S QUEST, PART 1

He also hopes to build new alliances against terrorism and against drug and weapons trafficking. In short, he wants active partners.

Europe, which benefited from money from the Marshall Plan and American protection during the Cold War is to be invited to repay that debt. "It's time for the United States and Europe to renew their common engagement to fighting the threats of the 21st century."

Something to please, and displease, everyone.

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[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US July 23, 7:49pm]