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A Change for the better

The United States and the world witnessed the dawn of a new era on Tuesday, with the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President. Obama, the first African-American to become the US President, has already inspired fresh hopes that he would steer the US in a new direction.

This is precisely what he promised the US and the world in his 18-minute inauguration address. First and foremost, Obama correctly acknowledged that the US was facing troubled times and that it would require a massive effort to put things back on track in economic and social terms.

"That we are in the midst of crisis is now well-understood. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age," said Obama.

President Obama expressed his determination to overcome these challenges. "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met." Mending the economy should be a priority for Obama, for the whole world has been affected by the crisis that started in the US. His call for "bold and swift" action and "a new foundation for growth" is therefore timely.

In saying so, he questioned whether unbridled capitalism without any controls would do any good to the US. "The power of the market to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous."

This is an open admission that the economy needs some State intervention and that the poor segments of society must also receive equal opportunities, instead of continuing a system that makes the rich richer and the poor poorer.

President Obama's speech also reflected new thinking on the environment and signs of a departure from the previous belligerent attitude on climate change. The US remains one of the few countries which had not signed important protocols on climate change. He indicated a desire to harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel cars and run factories. His promise to "roll back the spectre of a warming planet" is a strong indication that America might finally adhere to the protocols on climate change. He admitted that the US cannot consume the world's resources without regard to effect.

Obama also gave a hint of major changes in American foreign policy. "America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. Our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please," he stressed.

The latter sentence marks a significant departure from the earlier administration's 'with us or against us' attitude, using which it disregarded world opinion and UN resolutions in unilaterally taking action on issues such as Iraq. "Our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint" - these are indeed wise words.

His call for "even greater cooperation and understanding between nations" could not thus have been more timely. On Iraq, he uttered the words that most nations, including the allies of US, wanted to hear: "We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people." He promised "a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan" which is also welcome.

He also pledged to work with old friends and former foes to lessen the nuclear threat. While it is not exactly clear who he meant by former foes, it could mean a dialogue with Iran and North Korea on the nuclear issue. He also had a strong message for terrorists worldwide: "for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

There is a possibility that the US could channel more aid to the developing world under the Obama administration. We hope that his pledge to develop Third World farms, nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds would not be confined to mere words. He also sought the same commitment from other affluent nations.

All these point to Change - the very premise on which his electoral campaign was based. Ordinary Americans have made that Change possible. It is now up to Barack Obama to fulfil those expectations, restore America's image and Change the course of history.

Latin America Today

Oscar S nchez Serra Interviews Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa Delgado

“I insist on the idea that Latin America is not experiencing a time of change, but a change of era. If you compare the Latin America of today, its rulers, its leaders, with the Latin America of 10 years ago,

Full Story

Looks like Prabakaran’s last battle

As the Sri Lanka security forces move in for what they promise to be the closing call on the Tigers, Prabhakaran’s dream of a Tamil Eelam looks farther than ever before.

Full Story

Shrink to bonsai

Though cultivated as a bonsai miniature, a little flowering tree must sprout blossoms. An azalea or frangipane tree when grown as a bonsai needs nutrition, water and sunshine but less than a tree of normal growth.

Full Story

Golf courses or food courses in Thailand?

Sport for all or food for all? The two may not be mutually exclusive ideals, but when it comes to golf, the world’s hungry have good reasons to get angry.

Full Story

 

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