Obama’s Global Challenges: On most issues, Obama faces divisions at home and with allies

A good run down on the Global Challenges from a Pew Researcher.
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Dave

Obama’s Global Challenges

On most issues, Obama faces divisions at home and with allies

The US has the world’s largest economy and military and, like it or not, citizens around the world recognize that they must live with the presidential choice of US voters. Political analysts have estimated that US presidents tend to keep about 75 percent of their promises, and President Barack Obama has maintained a higher rate, reported at more than 80 percent during his first term in office. Journalist and author Bruce Stokes reports that a severe fiscal challenge demands Obama’s immediate attention: a 1 January deadline imposed by Congress for huge spending cuts unless an alternative plan to reduce spending and the deficit is approved. The health of the US economy determines how many of its foreign policy goals can be met. Apart from Pakistani anger at the use of drone strikes at suspected Al Qaeda militants, other contentious challenges include ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear-weapons capability and completing two free- trade agreements with Pacific Rim nations and Europe. Stokes concludes that Obama’s biggest challenge may be bridging America’s internal divides as well as with its allies. – YaleGlobal

Bruce Stokes

YaleGlobal, 9 November 2012

http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/obamas-global-challenges

WASHINGTON: The American people have spoken. Barack Obama remains the president of the United States – and by extension leader of the world – for the next four years. The people of Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America had no say in this choice, but they must live with the consequences.  The policies pursued by the reelected American president, be it dealing with the economy, Iran, terrorism or trade, promise to have a profound effect on the lives and livelihoods of billions of people in all parts of the globe.

The promises that presidential candidates make on the campaign trail do not necessarily dictate the policies pursued, But presidents tend to attempt to implement their promises. Moreover, American public opinion on a range of issues facing the next president is clear, with priority on the economy, preventing a nuclear Iran and catching up with China. Obama will defy such sentiment at his political peril.

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