Too many challenges out there, US role in the world, Iraq, Iran, Aphganistan, War on Terror, Middle East peace process, North Korea, China, 'NEW DIPLOMACY': FINANCE, CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY, but the most challening one will be, of course, RUSSIA.
Recent events in Georgia precipitated a crisis in relations between Russia and the West not seen since the end of the Cold War.
This encapsulated all the frustrations that have built up on both sides and raised the question of how the new administration will frame its policy towards Russia. It needs Russian help in dealing with other problems such as Iran and Darfur, where the Security Council is driving policy.
Russia's military intervention in Georgia raised the diplomatic stakes
The immediate issue is how fast to allow Georgia (and Ukraine) to advance towards the Nato membership they have been promised in principle.
Nato foreign ministers discuss this in December, and behind the scenes the Obama team will have its say. But even the Bush administration is now saying that Georgian membership is "years away", so there are opportunities here for progress with Russia.
The US anti-missile system to be installed in Poland and the Czech Republic remains a problem for Russia. Will that be slowed down?
Clues for how President-elect Obama will deal with Russia will also be seen in how he handles nuclear issues. A key one is whether the US and Russia will negotiate further reductions in nuclear weapons.
On the wider front, Barack Obama endorsed the call last year by four senior former US diplomats (including Henry Kissinger) for the US to aim for a nuclear weapons-free world, as it is supposed to be under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. How far will this be taken?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
This man should have been the Secretary of State!
I'm very disappointed in Obama for picking Hillary as the Secreatary of State. First Medaline Allbright, then, Condoleeza Rice, now Hillary Clinton? Why do all the SoS have to be women? I think this was a mistake same as it was with McCain picking Palin because there are many more people who are better qualified for the job.
So who should have been the new SoS? Richard Hoolbroke, of course! Hnegotiated an end to a Balkan war, helped normalize relations with China and advanced American interests as envoy to the United Nations. He helped raise money for Obama, offered him advice, and argued his case in articles and on cable news shows. One article was headlined: "Why the Nation and the World Needs Barack Obama."
So who should have been the new SoS? Richard Hoolbroke, of course! Hnegotiated an end to a Balkan war, helped normalize relations with China and advanced American interests as envoy to the United Nations. He helped raise money for Obama, offered him advice, and argued his case in articles and on cable news shows. One article was headlined: "Why the Nation and the World Needs Barack Obama."
What is Barack Obama's greatest challenge now?
I expect Obama will simply bring US policies at home and abroad more in line with what it was before Bush came into office i.e more centrist. So nothing radically different. Some elements of US industry & finance is in trouble so Obama will do what any US President in the pockets of American Corporations has done before and that is listen to their concerns. The first priority of President Obami is to lead by example. His calm, abiding presence and keen intellect are only two of his positive traits. To those who view President Obama as a "threat to America" I encourage patience and respect. President Obama has been duly elected and we must honor the office.
Obama’s support of Kosovo
This whole election process to me was more than just about the America's security, economy, reputation, etc...it was also about my old country, now Republic of Kosovo. Even though it was Bill Clinton who helped us fight against a fascist state (Serbia), on this issue, McCain wanted to basically destroy Serbia.
I was very skeptical of Obama's election, however, the more he was talking about Kosovo, the more I supported him because as it turns out, the American foreign policy in Kosovo will not "CHANGE".
One Obama aide said during the election campaign that Obama supported the independence of Kosovo and its "democratic process toward full sovereignty." This was enough for Kosovo's Albanians to celebrate the night Obama became US president-elect. They would not have been unhappy even if McCain had won the election. However, Kosovo's way toward independence from Serbia was paved by President Bill Clinton, a democrat who ordered a military intervention against Serbia during the regime of Slobodan Milosevic.
I was very skeptical of Obama's election, however, the more he was talking about Kosovo, the more I supported him because as it turns out, the American foreign policy in Kosovo will not "CHANGE".
One Obama aide said during the election campaign that Obama supported the independence of Kosovo and its "democratic process toward full sovereignty." This was enough for Kosovo's Albanians to celebrate the night Obama became US president-elect. They would not have been unhappy even if McCain had won the election. However, Kosovo's way toward independence from Serbia was paved by President Bill Clinton, a democrat who ordered a military intervention against Serbia during the regime of Slobodan Milosevic.
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