America: An Era of Reconciliation?
Published in Al Ahram
(Egypt) on 22 March 2009
by Salwa Habib (link to original)
President Obama is presently putting the finishing touches on “Obamaism," his foreign and military positions, before heading to Europe later this month. There, he will discuss his positions with friends and allies during the International Conference on Afghanistan, celebration of NATO’s sixtieth anniversary, meetings with the European Union, and his maiden trip to Turkey.
However, it is undeniable that such military and political views will be heavily impacted by the United States (U.S.) economic crisis and a U.S. Army already exhausted by the past eight years. In other words, it is likely his policies will tend toward being realistic and pragmatic, ranking U.S. interests above its ideologies.
In addition, Obama may not be able to stop the two-decades-long military concept that allows the U.S. to fight two wars at once, but he can aspire and attempt to resist military solutions to problems abroad. However, when war is necessary, it will be approved by both Houses of Congress and coordinated with allies, bearing in mind the clear goals of war and its calculated risks.
Military operations are still an option in Afghanistan, as the Taliban continues to refuse to talk or negotiate. He appears to be once again considering a drawback of troops, as soon as the U.S. is able to prevent the Taliban from taking over; fighting Al Qaeda, with the help of Afghan tribes; and helping Pakistan control its borders, both financially and militarily. Withdrawal from Iraq will proceed according to cautious schedule. As it reviews U.S. military strategy, the Pentagon must consider U.S. experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, potential wars or engagements, and the restructuring of the U.S. Army.
As for politics, everyone believes that Obama is open to discussion and that he wants to deal with the world as it is, rather than issue pronouncements on what should be done. In addition, he is interested in building diplomatic bridges with the countries Bush named as “the axis of evil”; willing to sit at the round table with Iran and Syria to solve Middle Eastern riddles; resolved to bring about understanding with Russia, and he will spare no effort in achieving a fresh start with North Korea.
Yet, none of this implies weakness on Obama’s part. Velvet gloves can hide an iron hand. Evidently, stricter sanctions will be imposed on North Korea, and Russian is expressing concern about the presence of the U.S. and NATO near its border, with both parties making statements suggesting that military confrontation is possible when deemed necessary.
The long and the short of it is this: Will the world and will the U.S. make the most of their reconciliation?
However, it is undeniable that such military and political views will be heavily impacted by the United States (U.S.) economic crisis and a U.S. Army already exhausted by the past eight years. In other words, it is likely his policies will tend toward being realistic and pragmatic, ranking U.S. interests above its ideologies.
In addition, Obama may not be able to stop the two-decades-long military concept that allows the U.S. to fight two wars at once, but he can aspire and attempt to resist military solutions to problems abroad. However, when war is necessary, it will be approved by both Houses of Congress and coordinated with allies, bearing in mind the clear goals of war and its calculated risks.
Military operations are still an option in Afghanistan, as the Taliban continues to refuse to talk or negotiate. He appears to be once again considering a drawback of troops, as soon as the U.S. is able to prevent the Taliban from taking over; fighting Al Qaeda, with the help of Afghan tribes; and helping Pakistan control its borders, both financially and militarily. Withdrawal from Iraq will proceed according to cautious schedule. As it reviews U.S. military strategy, the Pentagon must consider U.S. experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, potential wars or engagements, and the restructuring of the U.S. Army.
As for politics, everyone believes that Obama is open to discussion and that he wants to deal with the world as it is, rather than issue pronouncements on what should be done. In addition, he is interested in building diplomatic bridges with the countries Bush named as “the axis of evil”; willing to sit at the round table with Iran and Syria to solve Middle Eastern riddles; resolved to bring about understanding with Russia, and he will spare no effort in achieving a fresh start with North Korea.
Yet, none of this implies weakness on Obama’s part. Velvet gloves can hide an iron hand. Evidently, stricter sanctions will be imposed on North Korea, and Russian is expressing concern about the presence of the U.S. and NATO near its border, with both parties making statements suggesting that military confrontation is possible when deemed necessary.
The long and the short of it is this: Will the world and will the U.S. make the most of their reconciliation?