Is Obama a Shrewder Fighter than Bush?

It seems that U.S. President Barack Obama strongly believes in the infamous saying attributed to former U.S. President Roosevelt, “Speak softly and carry a big stick. You will go far.” This is what Obama has been doing, so far.

Anyone observing Obama since his arrival to the White House realizes the president came with a different message than Bush, a softer message. However, politics are not ultimately the same as public relations, but a method of serving interests. Firstly and lastly, Obama needs to serve his country’s interests. It is clear that Obama succeeded in softly and diplomatically achieving much of what Bush wanted to but could not, whether in relation to terrorism, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan or even Syria. Bush employed the language of orders, provocation and threats, whereas Obama is completely the opposite, with many Arab officials heard saying that the Obama administration now listens more than it talks.

Obama has been able, after Iran missed out on the opportunity of the United States’ extended hand, to initiate building an international position against Iran aimed at drafting a Security Council resolution to impose new sanctions on Tehran. Here is Hillary Clinton organizing what looks like a campaign to mobilize the international community against Iran. Meanwhile, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns is circling capitals to reach a draft for the sanctions resolution. It is safe to say that Washington has succeeded in getting Russia on board against Iran while it seems like China will be joining shortly. Observers realize that Washington’s generals are going around the region cautioning in a strong tone against Iran. The United States ambassador to Iraq says in a stern language that “Iran showed a very spiteful side.” This toughening stance comes at a time when Washington is opening up to Syria, which is in complete contrast to the course followed by the former Bush administration.

As for tackling terrorism, the Obama administration was able to achieve clear success in capitalizing on Pakistani cooperation with Washington against the Taliban, let alone the substantial “Operation Mushtarak.” The Obama administration achieved what is described as “a severe blow” by arresting Taliban’s number two man, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, whose arrest represented a turning point in Washington’s battle against the Taliban for close to eight years. In addition, there are dozens of other arrests taking place in the ranks of leaders of these militant movements. The American-Pakistani cooperation became highly fruitful following U.S. promises and threats toward Pakistan in offering military and economic aid, offers to help lessen tensions with India provided Pakistan is not used by radicals to achieve political objectives. This also applies to “Al-Qaeda” in Somalia and Yemen, where the Obama administration allowed for the launch of a number of attacks against “Al-Qaeda,” more than the Bush administration allowed in its last years.

There remains one more challenge for Obama from an Arab point of view, namely the peace process. Will Obama show a different face in this matter? Or do we go back to saying that peace goes through Iran, especially since peace in our region comes about only after huge calamities? This is a question that still remains unanswered!