FOCUS
President-elect Obama &
The World at Large
"Rosa Parks sat (she occupied the white only bus seats in a show of defiance, which instantly propelled her into a folk heroin), so Martin Luther King Jr. could walk ( America’s most famous civil rights activist, who had famously observed " I have a dream", addressing Afro-Americans). Martin walked so Barrack Obama could run. And Obama ran so that our children could fly". This is understandably a popular verse in the U.S.
Incredible , unbelievable, even as early as 2 years ago, it was unthinkable, yet it happened. Yes, Barrack Hussain Obama, a non- white, skinny guy with a funny name became the newest President of the United States of America. Obama is non- white but not black as the media and whole lot of people, white, browns and even blacks referred to Obama, as black. Its indeed the generosity of the man, who made history as the first coloured man to occupy the White House, that he never disputed or argued about his no-black status. In India, as probably the rest of the world, there is a section of the population like Anglo-Indians, a mixed breed. Do we addres them in derogatory terms? Or do we look down upon them ? Mr. Barrack Obama is similarly a person with mixed parentage that’s all.
Its indeed true that, while his colour is surely not the issue, chances that issue of colour shall linger is still very bright, despite the 1st citizen of United States of America being a coloured man. Because its not easy to overcome a bias as deep rooted as the one that prevails in the U.S
Having stated that Obama has achieved the impossible to be the most powerful man on the earth, its imperative to understand the role of U.S. President vis-à-vis the global order.
Going back in time to the age of American Reconstruction – 1865/1877- post civil war, envisioned the spirit of Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal and are endowed with rights to life and liberty. Although it was in 1776, that 13 independent states of America made this declaration, the problem and differences regarding the black slaves persisted. The period following the American civil war, when south was badly mauled, the then President Andrew Johnson favoured a reconciliation approach towards south also because process of integrating freed slaves into the main stream had to be decided. But south dominated by Republicans succeeded in keeping the blacks segregated and subordinate. They even disfranchised blacks. It was only in 1965, that Voting Rights Act was passed. It was only after that Martin Luther King, who was in the vanguard of struggle for civil rights was being slowly recognized as a beacon of hope for blacks. But his assassination in April 1968, put paid to all hopes of blacks getting into the political mainstream of the country. But struggle persisted. In 1984, Jesse Jackson tried his presidential bid and then again in 1988.
Its true that America was changing and was changing for better. With the appointment of Collin Powell and then Condeleezza Rice as Secretary of State by successive Republican governments, did show the growing shift in the socio- political acceptance of coloured Americans, especially of Afro- American descent, by the white majority . America is certainly growing inclusive, with changing times.
Emergance of Barrack Obama, with his Muslim name and a non-white lineage, thus was only a matter of time for him to become a force within the socio-political life of U.S. Born into a black and white parentage, without the burden of history of other Afro- Americans of his time, he had the unique advantage of reaching out to a whole range of Americans across the board. Brilliant academic career, coupled with legal education and an inspiring oratorial skill made him into a kind of cult figure mesmerizing the rank and file of Americans of all hues.
Perhaps in all the history of United States of America, the election to the office of the 44th President of U.S. could easily be classified as the most expensive because, it was the first time a grass root approach to fund-raising was tried and magnificently succeeded. A huge section of middle class and lower middle class participated in contributing to the presidential campaign fund. That Obama has won hands-down, with more than two-thirds of electoral college voting for him is not the point. That he inspired a whole lot of Americans, cutting across the civilizational divide almost as a Messiah is a stuff of Ripley’s ‘Believe it or Not’.
Influential New York Times had, ten days before the historical election, unequivocally endorsed the choice of Obama. And that was the fourth mainstream American daily to endorse. Barrack Obama, besides 39 other regional papers saying he "has proved that he is the right choice to be the 44th President of the United States." "This country needs sensible leadership, compassionate leadership, honest leadership and strong leadership. Barrack Obama has shown that he has all of those qualities" it wrote in its editorial. Adding that " Obama has met challenge after challenge, growing as a leader and putting real flesh on his early promises of hope and change. He has shown cool head and sound judgment. He has the will and ability to forge the broad political consensus that is essential for finding solutions to this nations problems".
Ontario based Ramesh Thakur, an expert in International Affairs, writes post election "Obama appears to possess all the qualities of a truly great president. He has a razer sharp intellect, poise, grace, an even temperament, a strong character, eloquence and oratorial skills that can inspire and rouse the multitude, and organizational brilliance that can harness their energy and enthusiasm to a larger purpose. His approach in appealing to the people’s hopes rather than their fears endeared him to American adults in general, whom he addressed respectfully".
If news papers have endorsed Barrack Obama before the election, which clearly would have prompted lot of fence sitters among undecided whites, to vote for ‘nigger’, as whites of Indiana, once a strong hold of Ku klux Klan, had reportedly stated according to pollsters.
Post election there have been likes of Thakur of Ontario who whole-heartedly approved Obama’s election. But one of the most important and significant observation came from Jeffrey Sachs, one of the world’s 100 most influential people as hailed by the TIME. Nobody speaks as sincerely and convincingly about the END of POVERTY globally as Mr. Sachs, who is presently a special advisor to UN Secretary General. He has stated "The election of Barrack Obama offers a breathtaking hope for economic recovery and a safer America unlike his predecessors of the recent past".
Thus the election of a non-white into the White House is not merely historical but has shown the high water mark to which American inclusiveness has evolved. Obama indeed is the product of this evolution and shall be the herbinger of hope and therefore change.
Now that he is expected to be taking over the presidency in Jan 2009, how does the world looks at it.?
While it is important for Americans that he must do what is right for them, as was reflected in his landslide mandate from the American public. But as president of the worlds most powerful nation, his every move both domestic and foreign policy shall be watched with concern. Whether world likes it or not United States of America can influence a whole lot of happenings all over the world.
Americans want to believe that their presidential elections are all about economy. Of course in this particular election, economy was indeed the most important, after the collapse of many U.S. financial institutions. But go back to history of elections to the U.S. Presidency. In most cases there are issues of global relevance which have become issues in election campaign. At different times in history issues like, Korean divide, Cuban missile crisis, issue of Berlin, Vietnam war, Iran &Kuwait, Kuwait&Iraq, post 9/11, global terrorism, Iraq war and WMD, have all dominated election campaigns. Even the newly elected Obama government shall have heavy dose of foreign policy component.
Coming back to the contemporary, ever since 9/11, the U.S. foreign policy has focused on the Islamic world. Starting in 2002, the focus narrowed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Although Iraq shall be the most important issue, as far as the promise of American troops withdrawal stands, and Afghanistan is equally prominent for its Taliban and terrorism angle. However, Iran appears to be growing in stature vis-à-vis U.S. For Obama diplomacy is a better alternative to war. And it makes immense sense. In a continuously evolving world, where each country should be encouraged to look after its own interest where such interest should not interfere with any other country’s security and well being.
Surely we all have a common destiny and it is in the interest of everybody that there is no attempt at arm twisting, due to the arrogance of strength and power a country enjoys. Fortunately for the U.S. and the rest of the world, the supposedly the most powerful man on earth has an overwhelmingly conciliatory approach. The only problem is other global leaders are not as reasonable as Barrack Obama, the U.S President –elect. It s for this reason, being what Obama is, can influence a whole new course in the history of the world. There are other leaders, who are not as reasonable or as conciliatory as Obama. It could be Russian Putin or Chinese leaders, North Korean President and there are many, who need to understand the philosophy of Obama and the need for a co-operative co-existence.
Thus, the role of U.S president when it comes to global order is very crucial. There was a time, when USSR and United States were always daggers drawn. Now there is no USSR. Communist world is much poorer without the USSR. But Russia is slowly trying to assert itself. Knowing the geo-political significance of Iran, Russia is trying to get closure to Iran. But in global interest, this should not happen. In a multi-polar world, common interest must have precedence over the individual country’s interest. Spirit of give and take has to prevail for the greatest good of greatest number.
China always looked at U.S. as adversary, for its own sound reason. Over the last 2 decades, China has become economically very strong and has developed a hegemonistic tendency. It has spent lot of its resources-both men and money-in creating infrastructure for countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in an attempt to influence those countries’ politics and economics. It has a covert program of becoming a super power to cock-a- snook at the U.S. In such cases the role of U.S. president is cut out. Thus, China shall be a very important factor like Russia in the foreign policy paradigm of the United States.
Then you have the ‘failing’ state of Pakistan with nuclear capability, a dangerous combination. Most of the past six decades, ever since the creation of Pakistan, all U.S. administrations have stood by this country, at least in financial assistance.
Although, during the Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) crisis, despite the browbeating attempt with Seventh Fleet anchored in Bay of Bengal, Pakistan did feel let down. Otherwise, Pakistan enjoyed lot of U.S. aid flowing into the country. Now with alleged occupation of Taliban supported terrorist outfit in Pakistan’s border areas with Afghanistan, even the current leadership of U.S has been rather tough with Pakistan in this respect. That policy may continue, with there being no last word on Taliban inspired insurgency and terrorist activities.
If there are some security related involvements by the U.S. administration in different parts of the world, there are other socio/economic involvements of the U.S government. The President-elect Barrack Obama had stated during his campaign that ‘America will be a much safer place if we invest more in foreign development than in wars’. He has proposed to boost development aid to $50 billion by 2012.
However Jaffrey Sachs agrees, that "Obama is absolutely correct in saying about American safety vis-à-vis foreign development. But the amount of $50 billion by 2012 is too low to address the multiple crisis of water, hunger, disease, population and climate in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia that fuel much of global unrest."
Thus, it is very clear that American presence can be felt across the length and breadth of the world. And if there is the visionary leader that American people have thrown up in the persona of Barrack Obama, there can be whole lot of good for the world which is passing through unprecedented crisis of every kind.
Writing on Mahatma Gandhi, in the ‘Men of the Millennium’, T.J.S. George writes "Greatness built on murder and acquisition passes. Greatness arising out of compassion and service abides. The Buddha abides. Christ abides. The great unknown thinkers of the Upanishads abide. Gandhi carried that tradition to our times. They abide because they gave without taking.They were not men of arms. They were men of ideas".
As Lord Krishna says in Bhagwad Geetha 'Parithraanaaya sadhunaam sambhavaami yuge yuge’. (For the protection and well being of good and noble men, Ishall again and again take rebirth). They appear from age to age. They appear to teach us that the world can be conquered, not with force, but with ideas."
So, is Barrack Obama, the messiah the world was waiting for? Is he the man of the new millennium, on the threshold of deliverance?!
I & C Feature
The World at Large
"Rosa Parks sat (she occupied the white only bus seats in a show of defiance, which instantly propelled her into a folk heroin), so Martin Luther King Jr. could walk ( America’s most famous civil rights activist, who had famously observed " I have a dream", addressing Afro-Americans). Martin walked so Barrack Obama could run. And Obama ran so that our children could fly". This is understandably a popular verse in the U.S.
Incredible , unbelievable, even as early as 2 years ago, it was unthinkable, yet it happened. Yes, Barrack Hussain Obama, a non- white, skinny guy with a funny name became the newest President of the United States of America. Obama is non- white but not black as the media and whole lot of people, white, browns and even blacks referred to Obama, as black. Its indeed the generosity of the man, who made history as the first coloured man to occupy the White House, that he never disputed or argued about his no-black status. In India, as probably the rest of the world, there is a section of the population like Anglo-Indians, a mixed breed. Do we addres them in derogatory terms? Or do we look down upon them ? Mr. Barrack Obama is similarly a person with mixed parentage that’s all.
Its indeed true that, while his colour is surely not the issue, chances that issue of colour shall linger is still very bright, despite the 1st citizen of United States of America being a coloured man. Because its not easy to overcome a bias as deep rooted as the one that prevails in the U.S
Having stated that Obama has achieved the impossible to be the most powerful man on the earth, its imperative to understand the role of U.S. President vis-à-vis the global order.
Going back in time to the age of American Reconstruction – 1865/1877- post civil war, envisioned the spirit of Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal and are endowed with rights to life and liberty. Although it was in 1776, that 13 independent states of America made this declaration, the problem and differences regarding the black slaves persisted. The period following the American civil war, when south was badly mauled, the then President Andrew Johnson favoured a reconciliation approach towards south also because process of integrating freed slaves into the main stream had to be decided. But south dominated by Republicans succeeded in keeping the blacks segregated and subordinate. They even disfranchised blacks. It was only in 1965, that Voting Rights Act was passed. It was only after that Martin Luther King, who was in the vanguard of struggle for civil rights was being slowly recognized as a beacon of hope for blacks. But his assassination in April 1968, put paid to all hopes of blacks getting into the political mainstream of the country. But struggle persisted. In 1984, Jesse Jackson tried his presidential bid and then again in 1988.
Its true that America was changing and was changing for better. With the appointment of Collin Powell and then Condeleezza Rice as Secretary of State by successive Republican governments, did show the growing shift in the socio- political acceptance of coloured Americans, especially of Afro- American descent, by the white majority . America is certainly growing inclusive, with changing times.
Emergance of Barrack Obama, with his Muslim name and a non-white lineage, thus was only a matter of time for him to become a force within the socio-political life of U.S. Born into a black and white parentage, without the burden of history of other Afro- Americans of his time, he had the unique advantage of reaching out to a whole range of Americans across the board. Brilliant academic career, coupled with legal education and an inspiring oratorial skill made him into a kind of cult figure mesmerizing the rank and file of Americans of all hues.
Perhaps in all the history of United States of America, the election to the office of the 44th President of U.S. could easily be classified as the most expensive because, it was the first time a grass root approach to fund-raising was tried and magnificently succeeded. A huge section of middle class and lower middle class participated in contributing to the presidential campaign fund. That Obama has won hands-down, with more than two-thirds of electoral college voting for him is not the point. That he inspired a whole lot of Americans, cutting across the civilizational divide almost as a Messiah is a stuff of Ripley’s ‘Believe it or Not’.
Influential New York Times had, ten days before the historical election, unequivocally endorsed the choice of Obama. And that was the fourth mainstream American daily to endorse. Barrack Obama, besides 39 other regional papers saying he "has proved that he is the right choice to be the 44th President of the United States." "This country needs sensible leadership, compassionate leadership, honest leadership and strong leadership. Barrack Obama has shown that he has all of those qualities" it wrote in its editorial. Adding that " Obama has met challenge after challenge, growing as a leader and putting real flesh on his early promises of hope and change. He has shown cool head and sound judgment. He has the will and ability to forge the broad political consensus that is essential for finding solutions to this nations problems".
Ontario based Ramesh Thakur, an expert in International Affairs, writes post election "Obama appears to possess all the qualities of a truly great president. He has a razer sharp intellect, poise, grace, an even temperament, a strong character, eloquence and oratorial skills that can inspire and rouse the multitude, and organizational brilliance that can harness their energy and enthusiasm to a larger purpose. His approach in appealing to the people’s hopes rather than their fears endeared him to American adults in general, whom he addressed respectfully".
If news papers have endorsed Barrack Obama before the election, which clearly would have prompted lot of fence sitters among undecided whites, to vote for ‘nigger’, as whites of Indiana, once a strong hold of Ku klux Klan, had reportedly stated according to pollsters.
Post election there have been likes of Thakur of Ontario who whole-heartedly approved Obama’s election. But one of the most important and significant observation came from Jeffrey Sachs, one of the world’s 100 most influential people as hailed by the TIME. Nobody speaks as sincerely and convincingly about the END of POVERTY globally as Mr. Sachs, who is presently a special advisor to UN Secretary General. He has stated "The election of Barrack Obama offers a breathtaking hope for economic recovery and a safer America unlike his predecessors of the recent past".
Thus the election of a non-white into the White House is not merely historical but has shown the high water mark to which American inclusiveness has evolved. Obama indeed is the product of this evolution and shall be the herbinger of hope and therefore change.
Now that he is expected to be taking over the presidency in Jan 2009, how does the world looks at it.?
While it is important for Americans that he must do what is right for them, as was reflected in his landslide mandate from the American public. But as president of the worlds most powerful nation, his every move both domestic and foreign policy shall be watched with concern. Whether world likes it or not United States of America can influence a whole lot of happenings all over the world.
Americans want to believe that their presidential elections are all about economy. Of course in this particular election, economy was indeed the most important, after the collapse of many U.S. financial institutions. But go back to history of elections to the U.S. Presidency. In most cases there are issues of global relevance which have become issues in election campaign. At different times in history issues like, Korean divide, Cuban missile crisis, issue of Berlin, Vietnam war, Iran &Kuwait, Kuwait&Iraq, post 9/11, global terrorism, Iraq war and WMD, have all dominated election campaigns. Even the newly elected Obama government shall have heavy dose of foreign policy component.
Coming back to the contemporary, ever since 9/11, the U.S. foreign policy has focused on the Islamic world. Starting in 2002, the focus narrowed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Although Iraq shall be the most important issue, as far as the promise of American troops withdrawal stands, and Afghanistan is equally prominent for its Taliban and terrorism angle. However, Iran appears to be growing in stature vis-à-vis U.S. For Obama diplomacy is a better alternative to war. And it makes immense sense. In a continuously evolving world, where each country should be encouraged to look after its own interest where such interest should not interfere with any other country’s security and well being.
Surely we all have a common destiny and it is in the interest of everybody that there is no attempt at arm twisting, due to the arrogance of strength and power a country enjoys. Fortunately for the U.S. and the rest of the world, the supposedly the most powerful man on earth has an overwhelmingly conciliatory approach. The only problem is other global leaders are not as reasonable as Barrack Obama, the U.S President –elect. It s for this reason, being what Obama is, can influence a whole new course in the history of the world. There are other leaders, who are not as reasonable or as conciliatory as Obama. It could be Russian Putin or Chinese leaders, North Korean President and there are many, who need to understand the philosophy of Obama and the need for a co-operative co-existence.
Thus, the role of U.S president when it comes to global order is very crucial. There was a time, when USSR and United States were always daggers drawn. Now there is no USSR. Communist world is much poorer without the USSR. But Russia is slowly trying to assert itself. Knowing the geo-political significance of Iran, Russia is trying to get closure to Iran. But in global interest, this should not happen. In a multi-polar world, common interest must have precedence over the individual country’s interest. Spirit of give and take has to prevail for the greatest good of greatest number.
China always looked at U.S. as adversary, for its own sound reason. Over the last 2 decades, China has become economically very strong and has developed a hegemonistic tendency. It has spent lot of its resources-both men and money-in creating infrastructure for countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in an attempt to influence those countries’ politics and economics. It has a covert program of becoming a super power to cock-a- snook at the U.S. In such cases the role of U.S. president is cut out. Thus, China shall be a very important factor like Russia in the foreign policy paradigm of the United States.
Then you have the ‘failing’ state of Pakistan with nuclear capability, a dangerous combination. Most of the past six decades, ever since the creation of Pakistan, all U.S. administrations have stood by this country, at least in financial assistance.
Although, during the Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) crisis, despite the browbeating attempt with Seventh Fleet anchored in Bay of Bengal, Pakistan did feel let down. Otherwise, Pakistan enjoyed lot of U.S. aid flowing into the country. Now with alleged occupation of Taliban supported terrorist outfit in Pakistan’s border areas with Afghanistan, even the current leadership of U.S has been rather tough with Pakistan in this respect. That policy may continue, with there being no last word on Taliban inspired insurgency and terrorist activities.
If there are some security related involvements by the U.S. administration in different parts of the world, there are other socio/economic involvements of the U.S government. The President-elect Barrack Obama had stated during his campaign that ‘America will be a much safer place if we invest more in foreign development than in wars’. He has proposed to boost development aid to $50 billion by 2012.
However Jaffrey Sachs agrees, that "Obama is absolutely correct in saying about American safety vis-à-vis foreign development. But the amount of $50 billion by 2012 is too low to address the multiple crisis of water, hunger, disease, population and climate in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia that fuel much of global unrest."
Thus, it is very clear that American presence can be felt across the length and breadth of the world. And if there is the visionary leader that American people have thrown up in the persona of Barrack Obama, there can be whole lot of good for the world which is passing through unprecedented crisis of every kind.
Writing on Mahatma Gandhi, in the ‘Men of the Millennium’, T.J.S. George writes "Greatness built on murder and acquisition passes. Greatness arising out of compassion and service abides. The Buddha abides. Christ abides. The great unknown thinkers of the Upanishads abide. Gandhi carried that tradition to our times. They abide because they gave without taking.They were not men of arms. They were men of ideas".
As Lord Krishna says in Bhagwad Geetha 'Parithraanaaya sadhunaam sambhavaami yuge yuge’. (For the protection and well being of good and noble men, Ishall again and again take rebirth). They appear from age to age. They appear to teach us that the world can be conquered, not with force, but with ideas."
So, is Barrack Obama, the messiah the world was waiting for? Is he the man of the new millennium, on the threshold of deliverance?!
I & C Feature
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