1/21/09

In the words of his inaugural address and his first actions in office, President Barack Obama made clear that he would pursue foreign policy in line with progressive values and American ideals.  The seamless flow, from leadership to democracy to terrorism to poverty to the strength of multiculturalism, was an eloquent expression of a worldview that sees an integrated framework that connects these issues, in contrast to one that sees military security first.

President Obama made clear that dealing with Afghanistan, Iraq, and terrorism would continue to be a top priority but that his lens on those conflicts would be much broader.  He closed the book on the “us against them” rhetoric of the “War on Terror.”  He made clear that we do not have to choose between our safety and our values, and followed up by instructing military prosecutors to suspend legal proceedings in Guantanamo Bay for 120 days.  He sent a message to the world that America’s leadership was back – a message that was reinforced by reactions around the world particularly in the Middle East.  He once again signaled a new commitment to diplomacy and a willingness to engage with our adversaries, while challenging them to engage with us.  

In his inaugural address, President Barack Obama closed the book on the Bush administration’s “War on Terror” rhetoric.  His speech and his first day’s agenda make clear that a comprehensive strategy against extremism will be a top priority. Addressing the country, President Obama forcefully remarked: “And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that, ‘Our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.’” On his first full day in office, he is convening his national team to “begin to chart a new U.S. policy toward Iraq and Afghanistan.”  “With the inclusion of Petraeus, Odierno and McKiernan (in addition to Secretary Gates, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the meeting Wednesday appeared to reflect, at least in part, Gates' preference for offering the president a full range of views — from senior civilians as well as top military commanders — at key junctures in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.”  [President Barack Obama, 1/20/09. Voice of America, 1/20/09. AP, 1/21/09]

Through both his actions and his words President Obama recommitted to a foreign policy that both keeps us safe and is aligned with our best values.  President Obama pledged to reconnect efforts to keep Americans safe with our best constitutional principles, declaring, “[a]s for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.  Our founding fathers faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations.” Obama’s administration followed up on these remarks, “[i]n one of its first actions,” by instructing “military prosecutors late Tuesday to seek a 120-day suspension of legal proceedings involving detainees at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba -- a clear break with the approach of the outgoing Bush administration…” The move had already been greeted favorably by advocates for a change in U.S. Policy.  “‘We welcome our new commander-in-chief and this first step towards restoring the rule of law,’ said Army Maj. Jon Jackson, a military defense attorney for Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi, one of the Sept. 11 defendants.”  [President Barack Obama, 1/20/09. Washington Post, 1/21/09]

Around the globe, but in the Muslim world especially, President Obama’s speech was greeted as a sign of a new era of reinvigorated U.S. leadership.  President Obama used his speech to announce his intent to restore American leadership and good-standing: “And so, to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.” This message was not lost on those watching around the world, especially in the Muslim world, which Obama specifically addressed: “To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.”  Amman shopkeeper Farouk abu-Zeid remarked to the Washington Times, "We faced so much trouble during President Bush's term, but now we're looking forward to President Obama to do something to improve things, whether peace in the region or the global financial crisis.” Jihad Barghouti, Palestinian doctor in Amman, made the additional point that Obama’s rhetoric has opened opportunities for engaging with Arabs around the world: “Arabs, both ordinary people and their leaders, should stop their defiance and insults of the U.S. administration and the American people. 'Yes, we can' must be the way forward for us all.” [President Barack Obama, 1/20/09. Washington Times, 1/20/09]

Signaling a new commitment to diplomacy, Obama turned the page on years of shortsighted non-engagement and a willingness to deal with our adversaries. Pledging to deliver on his campaign promises, President Obama reiterated his willingness to engage with all willing governments, including hostile dictatorships: “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”  The Washington Times reported that “[i]n Tehran, for the first time since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iranian state-run TV broadcast a U.S. presidential inauguration and interviewed Iranians after the Obama speech.”  While the response to Obama’s statements in Iran was cool, some were optimistic about the likelihood for a change, including a young Tehran resident who said, “At least he is not aggressive in his talk as Bush used to be,” indicative of a hope expressed by some Iranians that “their government will have a harder time demonizing an Obama administration than the Bush team — and vice versa.” [President Barack Obama, 1/20/09. Washington Times, 1/20/09]

What We’re Reading

Israeli forces completed their withdrawal from Gaza, while the Israeli people debate what the war accomplished.  Tensions from the Gaza conflict echo in France.

Russia restored gas supplies to Ukraine.

General David Petraeus announced that the U.S. has secured new supply routes to Afghanistan.

The U.S. military investigates reports of killings of 25 Afghan civilians earlier this week.

The Iraqi government accused an Iranian opposition group, the Mujaheddin-e Khalq, of plotting suicide attacks against Iraqi troops, and may expel the group from the country.

Over 2,000 students protest Hugo Chavez’s attempt to overturn term limits in Venezuela.  Thousands protest in Chechnya after the murder of a prominent human rights lawyer.

A Dutch court ordered that a right-wing Member of Parliament be tried for making anti-Islamic statements.

China issued a new white paper on national defense, saying that relations with Taiwan have taken a “positive turn,” but that China must continue to strengthen its military to meet separatist threats at home and containment abroad.

Commentary of the Day

Joseph Nye, Jr. describes how the U.S. can reclaim “smart power.”

Martin Wolf argues that Barack Obama must try to solve the global financial crisis.

Javier Solana lays out “five lessons in global diplomacy” for President Obama.