I was asked by a friend to share views on what Obama’s inauguration speech needed to focus upon. This relatively simple query really made me focus and think. The whole world is certainly going to be watching on Tuesday when Obama takes the oath to office and becomes the next Commander and Chief of the United States.
For many, Obama’s inaugaration is going to be viewed with a sense of expectation, joy, excitement and optimism. Some may expect immediate change given that the whole emphasis of his campaign was it is time for change…and of course his website (www.change.gov) further implies the necessity and desire for change. But will many who are anxiously and impatiently awaiting such change going to be disappointed? Can Obama make change go into effect immediately?
He needs to address the economy – the housing sector, the financial sector, the automotive industry, the telecommunications sector, the IT sector. We hope his administration looks far beyond the bailouts and realizes that with the record job losses this is also going to change the American society. People will become desparate and desparate people take desparate acts. I do not want to sound like a pessimist but I foresee increased crime and unrest until the economy has been stabilized. Thank you George W Bush for that.
The Obama administration also needs to look at rising health costs and difficulty for many Americans to obtain health care coverage. In addition, Americans are becoming less educated. Education needs to be given more attention too.
We, meaning America and Americans, have been very fortunate not to have had any attacks on American soil since 9/11. However we can not delude ourselves or allow a false sense of security. Homeland Security and GLOBAL security must remain vigilant.
Seguing to the international front, many wait with baited breath to learn Obama’s policies, plans and intentions vis-a-vis Israel and Gaza. Will he stick to the existing Bush policies in this regard? Will his regime also be yet “another puppet” to Israel? Will Obama be more pro-active for the Palestinian cause? And Israel, Palestine is not the only issue which he must address on the international front. What actions and policies will he put in place regards to situation and relations in Iraq? What about Pakistan? Afghanistan? India? Al Qaeda? And let’s not forget Syria, Iran, North Korea either.
Naturally being in Saudi Arabia there is much discussion and speculation on how the bilateral relations between the two countries will change with Obama’s reign. It is well known that Saudi Arabia has historically had very good relations with Republican regimes and particularly both Bush adminstrations. How will Obama present himself to the Arab world? So many eyes will be watching …. and waiting …. on Tuesday.
Filed under: America, Economy, Freedoms, politics, relationships, Saudi Arabia, terrorism, Uncategorized | Tagged: bilateral relations, inaugaration, obama | 23 Comments »