Friday, February 4, 2011
The Presidency and Foreign Affairs
-- DAVID IGNATIUS in WashPost, "Obama's story, and Egypt's: How his past could shape policy": "As President Obama watched events unfold this past week in Egypt and the surrounding Arab world, he is said to have reflected on his own boyhood experiences in Indonesia ... The formative experiences of Obama's life tell him that change in developing countries is inexorable and that reform can often succeed. ... The lesson that Obama takes from Indonesia's democratic revolt is that when the grip of authoritarian government has been loosened, it can't easily be restored: A catharsis takes place that, over time, can lead to better governance and economic growth. ... Obama's personal history gives him a unique opportunity to connect with the young generation that is making this volatile revolution. But it also makes Obama uniquely vulnerable to the charge that he is putting American security second to his hopes for an ephemeral process of change ... Obama's challenge is to use his life experience - and his unusual ability as a communicator - to brace this process of change. He can identify with the idealistic young rebels in the street, but he also needs to reassure the world that American power is a steadying force at a time of upheaval." http://wapo.st/e7uFF4
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The situation in Egypt has many complex issues for the U.S. and the decisions Obama makes could alter our relationship with Egypt. It is complex for the fact that if the U.S. sides with the President Murbarak and the people take control, we could potentially lose footing in Egypt and our naval base there which is an important port for our military to have access to the middle east. Also if he decides to show favor to the revolution and they are put down by the Egyptian government, we could loose ties to them which have been a long ally in the fight for stability in the region. Today the vice president of egypt is having meetings with key leaders of the revolution, so we will have to see what kind of terms they can come up with and how it ends up.
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