Grading President Obama's Foreign Policy Initiatives

September 25, 2009 - U.S. President Barack Obama leaves following a news conference following day two of the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. G-20 leaders said they will work to strengthen the global banking system and better align economic policies as they turned from crisis management to delivering a new set of rules for the world economy. (Andrew Harrer-Pool/Getty Images)

Barack Obama's Vision Of American Foreign Policy -- The Telegraph

Barack Obama combines a feel-good approach to international diplomacy with a carefully veiled iron fist.

Only three years ago, the bristling, moustached figure of John Bolton prowled the corridors of the United Nations as America's Ambassador to an organisation he wholeheartedly despised.

"There is no such thing as the United Nations," he bluntly declared. "There is only the international community – which can only be led by the only remaining superpower." If the UN's Manhattan tower block were to lose 10 storeys, said Mr Bolton, this "wouldn't make a bit of difference".

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More News/Commentary/And Analysis On President Obama's Foreign Policy

Foreign Events Force Obama to Turn to Plan B -- New York Times
Obama’s Big Gamble -- Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek
Grading Obama's foreign-policy foray -- Politico
Big week for Obama on world stage. How did he do? -- Christian Science Monitor
Obama is forced to detour as foreign policy hits roadblocks -- Stl. Today
President Obama's new vision must be given time -- Andrew Sullivan, The Australian opinion
Obama's powerful presence -- L.A. Times editorial
Obama Hails Renewal of 'American Leadership' -- Washington Post

My Comment: From my point of view, it is too early to put a grade on President Obama's foreign policy initiatives. I have found that in the first nine months of his Presidency, he has been a very effective communicator on what he wants ..... but he has also failed in delivering on the substance of what he desires in subsequent actions and initiatives.

An example that illustrates this point is the closing of the Guantanamo Bay prison facility. This was his first signature event, and among great fanfare and support in the media he made a commitment to close the prison by the end of this year.

With three months left, there is no alternative site for a new prison, most inmates are still having their cases reviewed, and their is little if any political support within Congress on supporting this initiative.

My fear is that this pattern of governing will be repeated on important international issues. An announcement is made with great fanfare, the media applauds it, but garnering the necessary political support and resources to move forward falls flat.