Afghanistan will stay on top of the list of priorities of US President-elect Barack Obama as he taps into the post-US election euphoria in Europe, reaching out to grass root level European sentiments to coax Europe to do more to help defeat the Afghanistan insurgency, political pundits observed in Brussels last week.
David Ignatius, associate editor and columnist for the Washington Post said, “Obama has to deliver on his promise to end war in Iraq along with, to move early on Arab-Israeli conflict so as not to lose momentum,” adding, “intensity of enthusiasm of Obama supporters can be tapped into to get much needed support for Afghanistan policies.”
Addressing a select audience of journalists, diplomats and civil society representatives, Ignatius said, “The essence of Obama’s style is that he is Mr. Cool to an unusual level and is not yet knocked off from center point ... I have never seen a campaign better run than this one.”
“Depending on the recommendations of US General (David) Petraeus coming later, I have the impression from Obama’s advisors at this moment that the policy will be go for a surge and then negotiations,” Ignatius told an event titled, “Transatlantic Relations after the US elections: What now?” organised by the German Marshall Fund of the United States on November 7 in Brussels.
IRAN
On relations with militants and Iran, he said, “Saudi Arabia is trying to meditate with Taliban and it seem there will be talks with reconcilable elements of Taliban. There can also be broad dialogue with Iran but on the assumption that Iran may not be ready for yes yet,” adding, “Obama has an unusually gifted sense of timing.”
Warning, “The clock is ticking,” Ignatius asked Europeans to be prepared to impose tough sanctions if diplomatic efforts fail, saying, “We need to make tougher sanctions - much to what really hurts.”
Citing the upcoming “renewal of NPT (nuclear non-proliferation treaty),” Robert Cooper, Director General for External and Politico-Military Affairs at the Council of the European Union said, “If we wish to maintain it, its not just about dealing with Iran but its also about providing all countries with nuclear options for peaceful uses.”
CHINA, RUSSIA
“With Russia and China,” there is a “need to have a fundamental relationship,” Ignatius stressed.
Cooper called the events in Georgia, “a profound shock,” saying, “that changed the context of relations with Russia.” He, however, ruled out the military solutions saying, “solutions to problems are always political and that involves talking to people.”
CLIMATE CHANGE
On the issue of fight against climate change the speakers agreed that the US will be able to take the lead as the recent falling apart of the EU consensus on the issue was pointed out.
In a lighter tone, Cooper said, “Europe is always divided on something then agrees and then gets divided on something else but in Europe being divided means Europe is in the process of making a decision.”
Ignatius pointed at the “intensity of enthusiasm of young supporters of Obama,” with their passion and suggested that this can be involved both in the US and Europe,” along with Asian giants China and India, to address the climate change on a global scale.
Showing posts with label Barak Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barak Obama. Show all posts
Saturday, November 8, 2008
EU leaders call for international financial reform
By Tejinder Singh
Brussels, Nov 8 (IANS) European Union leaders have agreed that next week's emergency summit in Washington must lead to a reformed international financial system, declaring: "We cannot fail'.
Meeting ahead of the Nov 15 summit, leaders of the 27-nation EU agreed to "defend the common vision for restructuring the financial system", French President Nicolas Sarkozy, current holder of the rotating EU Presidency, told journalists.
Leaders of 20 of the world's richest nations and biggest emerging economies, including India, are set to attend the summit in Washington DC to discuss how to prevent a financial crisis happening again.
Addressing a joint press conference with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso Friday, Sarkozy said: 'We should be able to come up with answers to the crisis. The international summit must pave the way for reform of the international financial system."
Barroso added: 'We cannot fail. It has to be a historic meeting."
"Apart from financial issues, global challenges also should be integrated,' he said, listing them as food shortages, the fight against poverty, climate change, and the relaunch of Doha Round of world trade negotiations.
'We have to look beyond the financial crisis, to the economic crisis. We need specific measures to cope with the slowdown and maintain growth and employment,' Barroso said.
The EU leaders agreed to four guiding principles:
- No financial institution, market segment and/or jurisdiction must escape proportionate and adequate regulation or at least supervision;
- The new international financial system must be based on principles of accountability and transparency;
- The new international financial system must allow risks to be assessed so as to prevent crises;
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) must be given a central role in a more efficient financial architecture.
Sarkozy said he had discussed the summit with US President-elect Barack Obama Thursday, when he apprised him of European leaders' view that since the transition in the US government will take time there needs to be a strong follow-up.
EU leaders say a period of 100 days starting Nov 15 'should be used for drawing up measures to implement the principles' before holding a follow-up summit.
Brussels, Nov 8 (IANS) European Union leaders have agreed that next week's emergency summit in Washington must lead to a reformed international financial system, declaring: "We cannot fail'.
Meeting ahead of the Nov 15 summit, leaders of the 27-nation EU agreed to "defend the common vision for restructuring the financial system", French President Nicolas Sarkozy, current holder of the rotating EU Presidency, told journalists.
Leaders of 20 of the world's richest nations and biggest emerging economies, including India, are set to attend the summit in Washington DC to discuss how to prevent a financial crisis happening again.
Addressing a joint press conference with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso Friday, Sarkozy said: 'We should be able to come up with answers to the crisis. The international summit must pave the way for reform of the international financial system."
Barroso added: 'We cannot fail. It has to be a historic meeting."
"Apart from financial issues, global challenges also should be integrated,' he said, listing them as food shortages, the fight against poverty, climate change, and the relaunch of Doha Round of world trade negotiations.
'We have to look beyond the financial crisis, to the economic crisis. We need specific measures to cope with the slowdown and maintain growth and employment,' Barroso said.
The EU leaders agreed to four guiding principles:
- No financial institution, market segment and/or jurisdiction must escape proportionate and adequate regulation or at least supervision;
- The new international financial system must be based on principles of accountability and transparency;
- The new international financial system must allow risks to be assessed so as to prevent crises;
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) must be given a central role in a more efficient financial architecture.
Sarkozy said he had discussed the summit with US President-elect Barack Obama Thursday, when he apprised him of European leaders' view that since the transition in the US government will take time there needs to be a strong follow-up.
EU leaders say a period of 100 days starting Nov 15 'should be used for drawing up measures to implement the principles' before holding a follow-up summit.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Obama loses grandmother on the eve of elections
Madelyn Dunham, grandmother of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, died today after a battle with cancer. She was 86.
Dunham, who lived in Hawaii, died on the eve of an election in which her grandson was leading in the race to become president.
"She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility," Obama said in a statement released by his campaign. "She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring."
Obama flew to Hawaii for two days in the final stretch of the campaign to be with the woman he called "Toot," short for "tutu," the Hawaiian word for grandmother. He has credited her with his success in life, saying she "poured everything she had into me."
Dunham, who lived in Hawaii, died on the eve of an election in which her grandson was leading in the race to become president.
"She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility," Obama said in a statement released by his campaign. "She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring."
Obama flew to Hawaii for two days in the final stretch of the campaign to be with the woman he called "Toot," short for "tutu," the Hawaiian word for grandmother. He has credited her with his success in life, saying she "poured everything she had into me."
Monday, March 24, 2008
Obama: Path to Change
Americans at the crossroads of history to lead by example
American presidential elections are not only about money, power and prestige within the world’s most vibrant democracy, but also a guiding light to the believers of democratic principles and human rights followers. In 2008, the world is watching the presidential campaign in the melting pot of civilisations and beaconing land of opportunities for the last centuries, and there is one man, Barack Obama, who has caught the attention like never before in the recent past.
Watching former presidential candidate Bill Richardson endorse his fellow Democratic frontrunner Obama brought out many points why Obama has generated so much interest in the Old Continent and other parts of the world.
Richardson, the governor of New Mexico, symbolises the Hispanic vox populi and was being wooed openly by dynastic presidential runner Hillary Clinton and her husband, the former president, Bill Clinton.
Putting on back burner his personal bonds with his friends the Clintons, and an official relationship with former president Clinton under whom he served as UN ambassador and energy secretary, Richardson was candid in his appeal to the voters while endorsing Obama.
With a flavour of spiritualism sprinkled over pragmatic choice of words, Richardson spoke with his heart and soul about Obama. “There’s something special about this guy… I’ve been trying to figure it out, but it’s very good.” “Your candidacy is a oncein- a-lifetime opportunity for our nation and you are a once in a lifetime leader,” he told Obama.
The much-acclaimed Obama speech on the need for unity in the diversified spectrum of Americans got special mention from Richardson, who himself is of Hispanic origin, in his decision to endorse Obama, who is the son of a “father from Kenya” and “mother from Kansas.”
“I’ve been troubled by the demonisation of immigrants, specifically Hispanics, by too many in this country,” Richardson said. Obama’s “words are one of a courageous, thoughtful leader who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand.”
“Senator Barack Obama addressed the issue of race with the eloquence and sincerity and decency and optimism we have come to expect of him. “He did not seek to evade tough issues or to soothe us with comforting half-truths. Rather, he inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility,” he said.
He added: “Senator Obama could have given a safer speech. He is, after all, well ahead in the delegate count for our party’s nomination.” Obama earlier had called for the country to rise above its racial divisions in a speech prompted by the controversy over his former pastor and spiritual advisor Reverend Jeremiah Wright Jr’s incendiary comments about race in sermons.
Obama said, “But the truth is, that isn’t all that I know of the man. The man I met more than 20 years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another; to care for the sick and lift up the poor.”
Striking a chord with his supporters, Obama explained in detail, “I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy … absolutely – just as I’m sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed. But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren’t simply controversial. They weren’t simply a religious leader’s effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country.”
Not only condemning the remarks, but also asking Americans to get together, Obama added, “As such, Reverend Wright’s comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially-charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems – two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all.”
Going down memory lane to highlight the struggle for freedom and equality in the American history, Obama said, “And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every colour and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States.” “What would be needed... to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time,” Obama said.
The voters in the United States of America this year are facing this choice of our time to deliver with their ballot a change in the ongoing dynastic repetition in the US presidential race.
Anyone eligible to vote 32 years ago (or nearly 56 years of age today) in 1976 would have had the fortune to see a presidential ballot without a Bush or a Clinton name on it as, after that, no single ballot paper has escaped a Bush or a Clinton. That says a lot about the dynastic rulers in the democracy of US.
On the other hand, Richardson hinted at an honourable and unselfish move to drop out of the race for Clinton saying, “I’m not going to advise any other candidate when to get in and out of the race.”
Mincing no words to make it clearer, the governor added, “Senator Clinton has a right to stay in the race, but eventually we don’t want to go into the Democratic convention bloodied. This was another reason for my getting in and endorsing, the need to perhaps send a message that we need unity.”
“It is time ... for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall,” Richardson said at a rally with Obama in Portland, Oregon.
Last but not least, Richardson reflected on a minor detail from their sitting together during a presidential debate. “I had just been asked a question - I don’t remember which one - and Obama was sitting right next to me. Then the moderator went across the room, I think to Chris Dodd, so I thought I was home free for a while. I wasn’t going to listen to the next question. I was about to say something to Obama when the moderator turned to me and said, ‘So, Gov. Richardson, what do you think of that?’ But I wasn’t paying any attention! I was about to say, ‘Could you repeat the question? I wasn’t listening.’ But I wasn’t about to say I wasn’t listening. I looked at Obama. I was just horrified. And Obama whispered, ‘Katrina. Katrina.’ The question was on Katrina! So I said, ‘On Katrina, my policy . . .’ Obama could have just thrown me under the bus. So I said, ‘Obama that was good of you to do that.’”
American presidential elections are not only about money, power and prestige within the world’s most vibrant democracy, but also a guiding light to the believers of democratic principles and human rights followers. In 2008, the world is watching the presidential campaign in the melting pot of civilisations and beaconing land of opportunities for the last centuries, and there is one man, Barack Obama, who has caught the attention like never before in the recent past.
Watching former presidential candidate Bill Richardson endorse his fellow Democratic frontrunner Obama brought out many points why Obama has generated so much interest in the Old Continent and other parts of the world.
Richardson, the governor of New Mexico, symbolises the Hispanic vox populi and was being wooed openly by dynastic presidential runner Hillary Clinton and her husband, the former president, Bill Clinton.
Putting on back burner his personal bonds with his friends the Clintons, and an official relationship with former president Clinton under whom he served as UN ambassador and energy secretary, Richardson was candid in his appeal to the voters while endorsing Obama.
With a flavour of spiritualism sprinkled over pragmatic choice of words, Richardson spoke with his heart and soul about Obama. “There’s something special about this guy… I’ve been trying to figure it out, but it’s very good.” “Your candidacy is a oncein- a-lifetime opportunity for our nation and you are a once in a lifetime leader,” he told Obama.
The much-acclaimed Obama speech on the need for unity in the diversified spectrum of Americans got special mention from Richardson, who himself is of Hispanic origin, in his decision to endorse Obama, who is the son of a “father from Kenya” and “mother from Kansas.”
“I’ve been troubled by the demonisation of immigrants, specifically Hispanics, by too many in this country,” Richardson said. Obama’s “words are one of a courageous, thoughtful leader who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand.”
“Senator Barack Obama addressed the issue of race with the eloquence and sincerity and decency and optimism we have come to expect of him. “He did not seek to evade tough issues or to soothe us with comforting half-truths. Rather, he inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility,” he said.
He added: “Senator Obama could have given a safer speech. He is, after all, well ahead in the delegate count for our party’s nomination.” Obama earlier had called for the country to rise above its racial divisions in a speech prompted by the controversy over his former pastor and spiritual advisor Reverend Jeremiah Wright Jr’s incendiary comments about race in sermons.
Obama said, “But the truth is, that isn’t all that I know of the man. The man I met more than 20 years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another; to care for the sick and lift up the poor.”
Striking a chord with his supporters, Obama explained in detail, “I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy … absolutely – just as I’m sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed. But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren’t simply controversial. They weren’t simply a religious leader’s effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country.”
Not only condemning the remarks, but also asking Americans to get together, Obama added, “As such, Reverend Wright’s comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially-charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems – two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all.”
Going down memory lane to highlight the struggle for freedom and equality in the American history, Obama said, “And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every colour and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States.” “What would be needed... to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time,” Obama said.
The voters in the United States of America this year are facing this choice of our time to deliver with their ballot a change in the ongoing dynastic repetition in the US presidential race.
Anyone eligible to vote 32 years ago (or nearly 56 years of age today) in 1976 would have had the fortune to see a presidential ballot without a Bush or a Clinton name on it as, after that, no single ballot paper has escaped a Bush or a Clinton. That says a lot about the dynastic rulers in the democracy of US.
On the other hand, Richardson hinted at an honourable and unselfish move to drop out of the race for Clinton saying, “I’m not going to advise any other candidate when to get in and out of the race.”
Mincing no words to make it clearer, the governor added, “Senator Clinton has a right to stay in the race, but eventually we don’t want to go into the Democratic convention bloodied. This was another reason for my getting in and endorsing, the need to perhaps send a message that we need unity.”
“It is time ... for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall,” Richardson said at a rally with Obama in Portland, Oregon.
Last but not least, Richardson reflected on a minor detail from their sitting together during a presidential debate. “I had just been asked a question - I don’t remember which one - and Obama was sitting right next to me. Then the moderator went across the room, I think to Chris Dodd, so I thought I was home free for a while. I wasn’t going to listen to the next question. I was about to say something to Obama when the moderator turned to me and said, ‘So, Gov. Richardson, what do you think of that?’ But I wasn’t paying any attention! I was about to say, ‘Could you repeat the question? I wasn’t listening.’ But I wasn’t about to say I wasn’t listening. I looked at Obama. I was just horrified. And Obama whispered, ‘Katrina. Katrina.’ The question was on Katrina! So I said, ‘On Katrina, my policy . . .’ Obama could have just thrown me under the bus. So I said, ‘Obama that was good of you to do that.’”
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