Obama the Mediator

I kept imagining the scene when Mr. Obama arbitrated Hu Jintao and Sarkozy’s conflict during the G20 summit. During the happy ending’s handshakes, was Mr. Obama patting the two on their shoulders, and then the three of them looked at each other and smiled?

This is an extraordinary and remarkable incident in the G20.

Many people will probably assume that Hu Jintao and Sarkozy had some respect for Obama. However, it cannot be denied that Mr. Obama also had the wisdom to handle the key point in the China-France argument quickly and solved their conflict skillfully while safeguarding the dignity of both at the same time. No wonder Sarkozy kept honoring Obama after the event.

Mr. Obama was the mediator through which America fixed the conflict between China and France. This time, America wasn’t the one who sparked the fire but the one who put it out. This is very different from America’s previous government. During the past eight years under Bush’s administration, it was nearly impossible for America to mediate an international affair.

Everyone says that the G20 summit that just ended was more like the G2 (America and China) or even G1 (China). From the banquet host’s seating arrangement to group photo position, China was indeed leading the summit. But Mr. Obama did not care. During the G20 leaders’ group photo session, he and Berlusconi and Medvedev posed cheerfully behind stately Hu Jintao, and their hilarious action left a strong impression.

Using his wisdom to resolve the conflict between China and France and amusing antics in group photo session, Mr. Obama has shown himself to be a new generation of young leader.

Despite being new at an important international function, and even though he did not shine during G20 summit, Obama stood out for his confidence and leadership skills.

The world has placed great expectations on Obama since he took office, hoping that America will be able to bring more peace to the world under his leadership. Obama is also working hard to mend relationships between America and the rest of the world. He sends positive gestures to China, fixes relationships with Europe, and hugs the Muslim world. So far he has not disappointed the world, and the world continues to expect more from him.