In Kenya, dozens of new-born babies have been named Obama. In Tehran, an Iranian leader has congratulated a US president-elect for the first time since the Islamic revolution. From Cairo to Kuala Lumpur, Americans abroad have been hugged and congratulated, have cast away their Canadian camouflage and suddenly felt they could walk tall again. The world joined America in its grief seven years ago; now all want to share in America’s rejoicing.
Even so, President-elect Obama knows that a difficult inheritance awaits him overseas. US forces are engaged in two wars, and Afghanistan at least is proving a harsh challenge. Pakistan stands on the brink of disaster. Iran, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, massacres in the Congo and Russia’s belligerence all demand skilful diplomacy and determined leadership in the White House. None of these, however, will be the priority for the incoming president. His first task must be to use the goodwill created by his election to restore confidence in America.
I’m starting to feel a little afraid of all this worldwide non-sense.
CNN reports both parties’ computers were thoroughly infiltrated by a foreign nation. Even an inexperienced spook will know to infiltrate BOTH candidates, but that doesn’t mean you share the resulting information with both candidates. Only with the one you want to win.
Vlady Putin was so taken with The One that he offered to send some shiny new missiles his way.
What a load of bulldust this is. (And no, that is not profanity. In very dry climates, cow patties dry into dust in fairly short order, and easily blow away). In fact I have been offered sympathy and concern by numerous acquaintances. I think I’ll begin to catalog the various reactions I get, which will also give me a pleasant excuse to get out and see more people in the lovely spring weather. The London Times no doubt can find examples to back up their claims, but what unbridled Brit arrogance to suggest how American foreign relations should be pursued.
I love this post (in the Times) following the Times story:
“Thanks for your to-do list but I believe our President Obama can set his own priorities. BTW, the world joined us in grief about 10 seconds and then the hatefest began. Your share in our joy will last about as long. Perhaps you should do the truly unthinkable and start leading yourselves.” – bridget , pittsburgh, usa
Thank you Bridget.
I still remember that on 9/11, the world cried with us. But the tears and the love for America turned to “Crucify him” the moment President Bush took the necessary action against the evil-doers and their sponsors.
In case the world has forgotten, America elects her President to govern the United States and not to be a darling of the world. I hope the President-elect gets that clearly in his head.
Have we forgotten that the “world-beloved” President Clinton was in power when Al Quaida “pilots” were taking flying lessons in Florida in preparation for 9/11, even as Clinton was making nice speeches, getting toasted by the world. All the “goodness” of a Clinton did not stop the haters of America from planning and attempting to carry out evil plots against the US.
Only the resolve and determination of a Bush makes sense and provides security for the US and the world in a world where evil is real (believe it or not)
As a priest, I am duty-bound to pray for our leaders. I wish the very best for Obama and the nation. I will continue to pray with all sincerity, hope, and faith in the love of God and His compassion for His people.
Fr. Kingsley Jon-Ubabuco
Arlington, Texas
“The tears and the love for America turned to ‘Crucify him’ the moment President Bush took the necessary action against the evil-doers and their sponsors” —Spiro [#5]
Spiro: When did your international “hatefest” begin?
(a) Sept. 12, 2001, right after the Sept. 11 attacks?
(b) Dec. 2001, when U.S. forces invaded Afghanistan, the Taliban’s base
(c) Mar. 20, 2003, when a U.S. led coalition invaded Iraq
(d) Some other time
Do you contend that Iraq was the “sponsor” of the Taliban?
Marion R [#2]: So which was the country and which candidate did they share the information with?
Obama got millions from overseas donors. Sure we have some ex-pats living overseas but the amount raised sure raises questions. Questions that won’t get answered because the Democrats will squelch any investigation. But my bet is that the entire Dallas Cowboy team was living in Tehran and donated large sums of money to Obama.
Re: Irenaeus # 6: “Do you contend that Iraq was the “sponsor†of the Taliban?”
Irenaeus, ask Collin Powell.
Spiro [#9]: That’s no answer, and you know it.
Irenaus-
Beats me. I’ve been thinking about it all day, though, and I am beginning to wonder if it isn’t the most important stories of the election.
People of all political persuasions in Europe and America tend to have a very cartoonish view of the United State’s role in the world compared to that of other major powers.
I hate to be cynical, but ask me if I care what the Europeans or anyone else thinks about our election. Sen. Obama was elected president of the United States – if he gets along with other heads of state, that’s great so long as it’s not at the expense of the security of our country. Other than that, after listening to them berate Pres. Bush for the past seven years, I really don’t have much respect for what they think about our politicians.
Thank you, Father Kingsley J-U! I had the same reaction as you to ‘bridget’s’ comment posted following the Times article. As you remind us it will be important to pray for this President, that the Lordship of Christ becomes more attractive on his journey through life.
Is there no connection at all between the election outcome and the direction the stock market has taken? Just two disconnected events in close proximity in time? It almost sounds as if the journalist community has now taken it on itself to create the hope that they had guaranteed will buoy the new creation that follows Nov. 4 2008.
The London Times represents a society descended from the one which in the 1830s was breaking down trade barriers in China through the Jardine Matheson trade assault, which of course included the forcible introduction of opium use into Chinese society – for which at base I don’t think the British have ever been forgiven. At that same time in history a fledgling America was fielding Christian missionaries such as Adoniram Judson and Jehu Lewis Shuck and their dedicated wives who went to serve victims of this trade and try to win some to Christ, with limited success. If America’s influence in the world can continue in that tradition there is hope.
A non-sequitur of sorts – I have wondered what Kenyans who recall the bombing of the US Embassy in Nairobi (and that in Dar es Salaam) in Clinton’s time may hope or expect at this change from the past 8 years’ US administration. Is the presence of a Democrat in office again more likely to encourage the violent push-back that Clinton failed to halt, or will he possibly, harking back to JFK, be able to represent to others a new freedom that may foster international respect? Perhaps this is what Colin Powell sees?
A little off topic, but I think that a number of people, both here and abroad, who have been “angry” about Iraq were also angry when we earlier went into Afghanistan. Some people are angry just because America has power and has used it. I say this even though I did not think our invasion of Iraq was prudent. But I hope for a successful outcome there.