Abroad, Obama’s Victory Brings Demands for Attention

Expectations for President Barack Obama in 2008 were too high. Obama’s re-election is seen as delivering more certainty and continuity rather than celebration around the globe. Many nations are ready with demands: Israelis expect a united Israeli-US front on Middle East issues despite widespread support for Obama’s challenger. Iran admits that talks are possible. Palestinians and other Muslims are hoping for a US agenda that emphasizes peace and perhaps even end the violence in Syria. Pakistan would like an end to use of drones near its borders. But Afghanistan worries about destabilization from early US troop withdrawal. Egypt is signaling a desire for disengagement and less US intervention. China, not wanting any surprises, welcomes the familiar face, and Russia, Brazil and Europe expressed optimism. Writes Alan Cowell for the New York Times, “There is also a perception in Britain and elsewhere in Europe that a Romney government would have been parochial, suspicious of foreigners and untested in world affairs, while Mr. Obama’s victory, as the left-leaning Guardian newspaper put it, ‘is good for Americans, good for America, and good for the world.’” – YaleGlobal