Obama's Foreign Policy Mojo

[babylonsister]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-heilbrunn/obamas-foreign-policy-moj_b_183445.html
Jacob Heilbrunn
Author, They Knew They Were Right: the Rise of the Neocons
Posted April 6, 2009 | 11:18 AM (EST)

Obama's Foreign Policy Mojo


Remember when President Obama's opponents tried to paint him as wet behind the ears when it came to foreign policy? By any measure, Obama's first presidential trip abroad has dispelled that charge. Again and again, Obama has demonstrated both visionary qualities and practical skills.

It took Obama to settle the issue of who would become the next NATO General Secretary. It was Obama who held out the prospect of a nuclear-free world. But perhaps Obama's most audacious moment came before the Turkish parliament.

Speaking before it, he announced, ""The United States has been enriched by Muslim-Americans. Many other Americans have Muslims in their family, or have lived in a Muslim-majority country. I know, because I am one of them." As the New York Times reports today, Obama is sure to be vilified by right-wing commentators as a double-agent, a Muslim masquerading as an American.

But as Europe grapples with the issue of making Turkey a full-fledged member of the European Union and with Turkish immigrants living in its midst, Obama's speech was courageous and far-sighted. Europe remains mired in lethargy, unable to address the pressing issues, ranging from terrorism to Turkey to unemployment, that assail it. Obama, by contrast, is tackling them head-on. He's essentially saying to Europeans: "Get up to speed," partly because America can't carry you along by itself any more.

Obama, then, isn't just acting like an American president, but a world leader.

[FrenchieCat]

1. The only correction I have to make on this great article is that

Obama has been vilified by right-wing commentators as a double-agent, a Muslim masquerading as an American since long ago.

Unfortunately, they were and are wrong, and everyone knows it.

[babylonsister]

2. But his remarks are sure to add fuel to that fire even though

they'll be taken out of context and twisted to beyond recognizable.

And OT, but your girls are gorgeous! Very sweet pics you share of them.

[FrenchieCat]

4. Yes, you are right about the fuel....but I believe that it is worth that....

and thank goodness that is what real world leaders do; worry less about their reputation and worry more about how they can make this a better world.

OT, thanks! :) That's my youngest at the age of 7.
Sasha Obama reminds me a lot of her in spirit, and she even looks like her quite a bit! :)

[Jennicut]

3. Funny how Obama got right in there to settle disputes. Guess he has enough "experience" now.

[babylonsister]

5. He's gotten some practice over here, too, but yes. I don't

suppose naysayers will have a leg to stand on now. Why, he even got the 3am phone call! ;)