America's president has made a good start in foreign policy. But the hard choices are still to come...
So far, the outline at least is fine. Mr Obama has resisted the temptation to tear up every one of George Bush’s policies, but he has transformed the tone. The fight against al-Qaeda is to continue, but without the preaching that alienated America’s allies or the torture that betrayed its values. He is pulling out of Iraq, but on a cautious timetable. He is sending more troops to Afghanistan, but reviewing the strategy of a war he admits America is failing to win. He is extending his hand to adversaries, but without yet making America look like a soft touch.
--"All very engaging," The Economist (3.12.09)
A good start, indeed--especially considering that, as The Economist allows, "For impeccable reasons, Barack Obama has concentrated since becoming president on fixing America's economy." And also considering the many other legislative and policy issues he is already addressing. When has a newly minted president come out of the gate with such an array of critical issues demanding his immediate attention? And when has a president so tirelessly, timely and ably met that challenge? "Very engaging," indeed.
Of course, the loyal opposition, pundits and columnist obliged to fill talking time or printed space, and sometimes his own party, seem almost too eager to share their concerns or express their doubts. (See also, "Why Washington Worries: Obama has made striking moves to fix U.S. foreign policy—and that has set off a chorus of criticism," by Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek (3.23.09.)) Even The Economist appears to feel the need to strike a calculating, self-serving pose of caution to provide cover for it's open praise of Obama's speed and effectiveness in changing the tenor and direction of US foreign policy in many important areas.
What remains unclear is not whether Mr Obama is clever or tough. It is his basic reading of the world. Does he see China more as a rival than an ally? Too soon to say. Is Afghanistan winnable? Watch that review. Is Palestine solvable? Mrs Clinton’s recent visit, showing sympathy but changing no policy (Hamas remains beyond the pale), leaves the question dangling. Will he risk pre-emption against Iran or does he believe it can be contained? The mullahs would love to know.
The first big clue to Mr Obama’s instincts may come in his treatment of Russia... So far, Mr Obama has not had to confront these hard choices. Soon he will.
Yes, of course it is understandable that many would exercise restraint in relating Obama's notable progress, and avoid trumpeting "a good start" as more than it is. They fairly, rightly say, "So far, so good," not wanting to get ahead of themselves or President Obama's initiatives or successes. But it's also true that many of us are breathing a deep, audible sigh of relief, feeling our spirits lifted and our hopes reinforced by the impressive level of energy the new president has so timely committed to so many needed initiative in so many problem areas. In addition to restoring a functioning financial system, there is the critical need for healthcare reform and access, alternative energy research, and a more realistic policy addressing the threat of global warming.
So, if the economy rightly commands priority on his attention--and it does--and if there are so many other deserving problems that Obama is also addressing--and there are--who would have it any other way? But perhaps we could also be forgiven our sense of relief and thanksgiving that so much has already changed for the better, for the wiser and more hopeful, in an area that so recently was the principal concern of Americans and others around the world: the approach, role and priorities of the US in addressing it's international interests and relationships.
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13278173
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