The World's Expectations of Obama's Victory

The victory of Barack Obama raises great hope and expectation around the globe, including in countries hostile to Washington.

The whole world saluted Obama’s victory, expect for the reluctant Russia. In Europe and in Japan, the governments of London, Berlin, and Paris, have welcomed a “historic success,” an “inspired campaign,” the “exceptional path” of the future 44th president of the United States. This “message of hope and openness” is on purpose due to the transatlantic relations where one expects more cooperation after eight years of George W. Bush’s unilateralism.

In the Middle East, leaders hope for a revival of peace process, which will not take place unless the Americans “Change their foreign policy toward them” however, they warn the Arabs leaders. African leaders paid tribute to the victory which symbolizes hope for millions of people of African origin. Even countries hostile to the U.S, welcomed the victory of the democrat candidate. From Caracas to Tehran via Damascus, they hope “a new relationship with the United States” associated with “change in of the American foreign policy.” The only disagreement speech came from Moscow. “We hope that the new administration will choose good relations with Russia,” warned Russian President Dimitri Medvedev, without mentioning Obama’s name. In his annual presidential address, the head of the Kremlin accused Washington “of its presumptuous politics” of being responsible for the financial crisis and the war in Georgia.

In Europe

-Nicolas Sarkozy, “Receive my warmest congratulations, and through me, those of the French people as a whole. Your victory is outstanding a reward of a tireless commitment to serve the American people. It crowns an exceptional campaign, where the results proved to the world the vitality of the American democracy; by choosing you as the choice to change, openness and optimism that made the American people.”

-Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Union Commission, “We have to change the actual financial crisis into opportunity. We need a new deal for a new world. In sincerely hope that under the commands of president Obama; the United States will join its efforts with Europe to lead this new deal, for the benefits of our communities and the world. I want to assure Sen. Obama the support of the European Commission in the renewing of this commitment to face together the challenges ahead.”

-Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, “I congratulate you on your historic victory in the presidential election. Be confident that my government is aware of the importance and value of our transatlantic partnership.”

-Gordon Brown, English prime minister, “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Barack Obama for winning the presidency of the United States. The relationship between the U.S. and the UK is vital for our prosperity and our security. Barack Obama leads an inspiring campaign, a stimulating policy with progressive values and his vision for the future value. I look forward to working very close with him in the coming months and years ahead.”

-Franco Frattini, Italian minister of foreign affairs, “We will continue with President Obama the path of cooperation. I am confident that is approach will be positive toward Europe and more importantly toward Italy.”

Russia

– Dimitri Medvedev, Russian president, “We hope that our partners, the new U.S. administration, will choose good relations with Russia.”

In The Middle East

-Arm Moussa, General Secretary of the Arab League, “Toady is a special day, an historical day, I would like to emphasize on the importance of the message that Mr. Obama has repeatedly send: We need change in the U.S approach to the region and the Palestinian problem.”

-Tzipi Livni, leader of the party in power in Israel, “Israel expects to close strategic cooperation with the new administration and the new American president, and hopes closer ties and steadfast between our two countries.”

-Ehud Olmert, Israeli Prime Minister, “America has proved once again that it is the largest democracies, and Mr. Obama has demonstrated his leadership. Israel and the United States want to strengthen and advance the peace process in Middle East.”

-Majalli Whbee, Israeli vice minister to the foreign affairs, reacted with a cautiously satisfaction at the election of Barack Obama describing the latter politician as “determined, serious, who took the measure of the need for change.”Interviewed by Le Figaro to no if the election of a candidate who does not exclude dialogue with Iran would be good for Israel, Majalli Whbee who is of Druze Origin, said that, “Israel has always had good relations with the U.S. administration as Democrats that Republican.” “If Barack Obama wants to take the path of dialogue with Iran, this will be his choice,” he said. “The bottom line is that Teheran will not acquire nuclear weapons, which would be very dangerous not only for Israel, but also for Europe and the world. The means to achieve remains examination of the case. We trust Barack Obama,” the Israeli minister had met the democrat candidate during his campaign. Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the deputy chief of the Israeli diplomacy has estimated that Barack Obama, “will help us move forward.” “He knows the problems of the Middle East,” said Whbee.

_Fawzi Barhoum, HAMAS spokesperson, “Mr. Obama should learn from the mistakes of the previous administrations, including that of Bush, who destroyed Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine. He must try to improve American relations with the world instead of intimidating it.”

-Hamid Karzai, Afghan President, “We welcome Barack Obama`s victory at the U.S presidential elections, who brought the world to a new era.”

-Hoshyar Zebari, Iraqi minister of foreign policy, “this victory will “not withdrawal quickly the commitment of America to the country. The Iraqi government “Wishes to sincerely cooperate with the president elected to lead the common interests of both parties.”

– Hamid-Reza Haji-Babaie, Conservative Iranian MP, “The election of Obama compared to John McCain is positive. Obama has promised changes in U.S. policy, which is both an opportunity and a test for U.S.”

-Mohsen Bilal, Syrian Minister of Information, “I hope this victory will change the foreign policy of the United States, and will move from war and embargo to a policy of diplomacy and dialogue,” Barack Obama should not ignore the problems affecting the people and should support the achievement of peace, as he had claimed during his election campaign.”

Africa

-Nelson Mandela, “Your victory has proved that nobody, anywhere in the world, should be afraid to dream of changing the world for better. We are confident that you will eventually reach to achieve your dream of making the United States of America a full partner in a community of nations dedicated to peace and prosperity for all.”

-Laurent Gbagbo, Ivory coast President, “As a result of this historical event, I am honored to train vivid wishes of success for the friendly people of the United States of America. Given the immense qualities that you have earned the admiration and trust of your citizens, I am sure you will bring to your country and the world the positive changes which they aspire.”

-Mwai Kibaki, Kenyan President, “The victory of Senator Obama is the victory of our country, because of his Kenyan origin.”

-Kgalema Motlanthe, South African President, “Your election brings with it hope for millions of your citizens and for millions of people of African origin both on the African continent as those in the Diaspora. Africa today is proud of your achievements, and looks forward to successful relations of cooperation.”

-Thomas Boni Yayi, President of Benin, “American democracy is deep. It is a historic turning point for the United States, the world and Africa.” Even if I was afraid that other considerations prevail, the difficult context in which the country was the country would lead the Americans to opt for the vision of Obama.”

-Alpha Oumar Konare, ex-president of Mali, “This Victory creates a lot of hope. With Obama, America will understand that it needs others help.” “We should also understand that America can not everything for us.” Yes we can is valid for all Africans, we have a responsibility to support change.” “The great democracies are no longer scary because they no longer give an example. They must, as Barack Obama said, link the word to action.”

– Denis Sassou N’Guesso, President of the Republic of Congo, “All this is touching. The tears of pastor Jesse Jackson is an image that has shocked everyone. The dream of Martin Luther King happed.”

Asia

-Taro Aso, Japanese prime minister, “I will do my best to strengthen Japan’s alliance with the United States and solve the various problems facing the international community, in full cooperation with the next president Obama.

-Hu Jintao, Chinese President, “In this new historical period, I hope, through our joint efforts constantly strengthen dialogue, exchange, trust and mutual cooperation and bring the constructive relationship between China and the United States a new level.”

South America

-Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela, “In this day of hope for Americans, President Hugo Chavez, on behalf of the Venezuelan people, congratulated the people of the United States and President-elect Barack Obama for his great victory. We are convinced that the time has come to establish new relations between our countries and our region on the basis of respect for sovereignty, equality and genuine cooperation.”

-Evo Morales, President of Bolivia, “It is a historic triumph. My hope is that Mr. Obama lifts the economic embargo against Cuba and to withdraw troops from certain countries.”