Domestic Aspirations Will Take Back Seat To Foreign Policy!!  

It is apparent, even by reading responses from foreign posters here on myLot, that many countries are expecting OUR new President to change the world - they indicate that he is the best choice for THEIR countries. I believe this is the result of the many promises he has made during his campaign and nothing else.

Foreign leaders will always try a new President - it's just like a child with a new babysitter - trying the waters to see what they can get buy with. Obama's position in this situation must be the same as a parent with an unruly child - he must stand his ground and not be pushed. He must also retain his "position" as a parent rather than a friend. Many countries are just waiting for Obama to become their "friend" and let down his guard so that they can proceed with their agendas.

Inattention to domestic issues is a sure way for the American people to become disenchanted with Obama. He has made many promises to many people and they will be expecting results. America needs to see proof that Obama has the experience and knowledge he says he has and that he can do what he says he will do - soon!

Right now, our government is dishing out millions of dollars to failing mortgage companies, insurance companies and auto manufacturers to no avail while many American people are struggling to make ends meet - to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads - this is not the time to put other countries first.

Just as a parent teaches a child to be come independent and to leave the nest and be a responsible adult - the United States needs to push some of these countries out of the nest and make them be responsible for their own actions and for their own people.

I have to agree with your perception, rodney. There won't be much room for dealing with all the problems at home, if even half of those foreign policy problems listed in the article rear their ugly heads!

As Joe Biden said in his famously quoted pre election speech, Obama is untried and will be tested. His credentials in foreign policy are questionable, at the very least. I know how high the expectations are from his followers that he will lead us out of our present economic crisis; but these expectations may have to become more in tune with the 'real world'.

I strongly suspect that 0bama will gain a new understanding and respect for Bush and the decisions he had to make.

It is one thing to be throwing rocks from the sidelines without a clue, and quite another to be in the hot seat with the whole world watching.


On top of that, since 0bama is so inexperienced and unqualified for the job, this OJT is going to present a very steep learning curve.

We can only hope he is up to the challenge.

Of course foreign policy issues will crop up during Obama's presidency and he will have to deal with them as they arise. However, if he allows these to totally dominate his presidency at the expense of dealing with the top priority for Americans which is the US economy, then he will become toast at the next election. Certainly his key focus in the next couple of years should be the economy, that's what got him primarily elected. Foreign policy issues he will also have to deal with but he shouldn't lose sight of the main priority for the American people, as they expressed clearly in this election.