The Perils for Latin Americans of Obama's
'Fear-Inspired' Re-Election (Opera Mundi, Brazil)
"From a Brazilian point of view, this new phase begins with certainty that nothing (good) can be expected of Obama's second coming. A comparison of the agendas of Brasilia and Washington show a predominance of conflict points ... The U.S. will continue to sabotage regional integration in South America - a priority of both Presidents Lula and Dilma - by means of bilateral agreements and drawing a line across the Pacific. New military bases will be built and attempts will be made, wherever feasible, to remove progressive governments from power, either through support for right-wing political forces or coup d'état."
The first Black president of a racist nation, Barack Obama
came to the White House four years ago amid a sea of positive expectations,
both nationally and internationally. For his first term, people had faith in
his commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens and more peaceful stance on
the global scene. What a bitter illusion. Obama bowed to the interests of Wall
Street at the expense of millions of his fellow citizens who impacted by the
financial crisis, and he maintained a truculent foreign policy that was almost
identical to that of his predecessor.
What led Obama to victory this time was not hope, but fear
inspired by his far-right rival - a carrier of delusional ideas. Now there is
no turning back. The empire will continue its slow decline, punctuated only by military
aggressions in outlying countries.
From a Brazilian point of view, this new phase begins with certainty
that nothing (good) can be expected of Obama's second coming. A comparison of
the agendas of Brasilia and Washington show a predominance of conflict points punctuated
by points of potential cooperation. The U.S. will continue to sabotage regional
integration in South America - a priority of both Presidents Lula and Dilma - by means of bilateral agreements and drawing a line
across the Pacific. New military bases will be built and attempts will be made,
wherever feasible, to remove progressive governments from power, either through
support for right-wing political forces or coup d'état.
The U.S. will also do everything it can to discourage
Brazil's international role (the brunt of which will be felt by CelsoAmorim at the Foreign Ministry). On the economic
front, the U.S. will increasingly focused on expanding its share of the
Brazilian market in order to counterbalance losses regarding trade with China.
So the next time Obama flashes you a smile, the best thing to
do will be to play your cards close to your chest. Beware for him.
