the obama vision for world international relations

http://www.streeteditors.com/archives/4884

Published by Sean Burkeon January 20, 2009in Opinion & Review.
Tags: climate-change, Hillary, International Relations, obama, USA.

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A 79-page sneak preview is available into the minds of the two new US (and effectively world leaders) (elect) Obama and Hillary and how they plan on designing and implementing new US international policy initiatives. The Questions for the Record by Senator John Kerry to Hillary Rodham Clinton can be found here. As we have seen over the last several years, international policy directions by the US can have an umbrella effect on the policies and directions of many other countries, for good and bad. Therefore it is a worthwhile read to get a brief insight into how our lives and communities over the next several years may benefit (or not) from the incoming Administration of Obama.

Essentially, the 79-pages are broken down by questions and answers per country and general topic. Following is a brief summary of some of the responses. Direct answers from the report have been placed in quotation marks “”.

Climate Change - “Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the United States and the global community. The United States will take a leadership role in combating the threat of global climate change from the beginning of the new Administration. The President-Elect has specifically pledged to set a goal of an 80% reduction in global emissions by 2050…”


Additionally, in response to a question regarding impacts of climate change on US national security, Obama “called (the) dependance on foreign oil and gas a national security crisis”. We can only hope that this might lead to stronger support of alternative fuel sources.

Also, in response to a question regarding the Climate Change Conferences in Bali and Poznan, where “one of the greatest points of disagreement between industrialized and developing countries (were the funding mechanisms) to support mitigation, adaptation and technology transfer”, Obama “believes (they) are key components of a global climate change deal… (and that they) will pursue mechanisms to achieve these goals…”.

Nuclear Weapons - “The Obama Administration will seek deep, verifiable reductions in all US and Russian nuclear weapons”. Additionally, the “Obama Administration plans to set a new direction in nuclear weapons policy, one that reflects the changed security conditions of the 21st century and that shows the world that the US takes seriously its existing commitment under the Nonproliferation Treaty”.

India and Pakistan - Obama and Hilary are both strongly committed to Senate approval of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, and will launch diplomatic efforts to bring other states on board including India and Pakistan.

Iraq - Indication of continued support of the two Iraq withdraw timelines: all US combat forces shall withdraw from Iraqi cities and towns by June 30, 2009; and that all US forces shall withdraw from Iraq by December 31, 2011.

Iran - “The new Administration will present the Iranian regime with a clear choice” ; “refuse, and we will ratchet up the pressure, with stronger unilateral sanctions; stronger multilateral sanctions in the Security Council; and sustained action outside the UN to isolate the Iranian regime. A nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable…” However to put this in the context of the new Obama regime, Hilary has also highlighted the need for better preparations for negotiations. “The President-Elect has said that he is willing to engage in diplomacy with any leader”.

Syria - We “believe that engaging (in direct dialogue with Syria rather than through Turkish intermediaries as has been the case with the Bush Administration) increases the possibility of making progress”. Again highlighting Obama’s desire to be open to discussions with any leaders.

Israel - Palestine - Obama has “pledged to work actively from the beginning of his Administration to help Israel and the Palestinians achieve peace and security through a two-state solution”. Hilary also indicated that commitment has been pledged by both Israel and Palestine to the peace process as per the 2008 Annapolis conference, where both states indicating continued commitment even in the face of the recent and ongoing events in Gaza and southern Israel. (Let us hope this is the case.)

ICC - “Whether we work toward joining or not, we will end hostility towards the ICC, and look for opportunities to encourage effective ICC action in ways that promote US interests by bringing war criminals to justice.”

Asia
US - China (Taiwan + Tibet) - Hilary indicated that the US will maintain its “one China” policy; however that the “Obama Administration will speak out for the human rights and religious freedom of the people of Tibet.”

North Korea - Obama has “made clear his view that North Korea is not entitled to international support. He said that if North Korea did not live up to its obligations we may in fact reinstate some sanctions.” However, the Administration “will continue to address North Korea’s human rights abuses” as well as food aid through the World Food Program and US NGOs.

Burma - “The Obama Administration will support US trade and investment sanctions against Burma” however they must be “crafted, as in the Lantos Bill, to bring pressure on the regime itself, and seek … to spare the people of Burma further suffering.” Hilary believes they should “more fully explore possible modalities for humanitarian assistance that will reach the …people”.

Africa
Sudan (Darfur) - The “President-Elect and I have been very clear and forceful in our condemnation of the genocide in Sudan and in our commitment to far more robust actions to end the genocide and maximise protection for civilians”.

Zimbabwe - Responses to questions regarding Zimbabwe were more neutral, where the following quote can perhaps summarize the tone set as being diplomatically encouraging of the end of the Mugabe government. “The US and the World must take steps to address this growing crisis.”

South America
US - Latin / South American relations (including Cuba) - Obama “believes it makes both moral and strategic sense to restrict the restrictions on family visits and family cash remittances to Cuba.” Existing policy restricts Cuban Americas to sending home only $100 / month, and visiting family in Cuba only once every 3-year period.

Europe
A range of European issues was also responded to including democracy in Ukraine, democracy and relations with Russia, sovereignty integrity of Georgia, as well as advancing progress of the Dayton Agreement regarding Bosnia-Herzegovina. Hilary pledged enhanced support to overcoming divisions that have remained throughout the last 10 years, in order to allow Bosnia-Herzegovina to progress further.

Overall, the answers certainly suggest a lean toward more positiveness in the future. But as author Van Jones in his book “The Green Collar Economy” stated, “Barack Obama helped us take America back. Now we have to help him take America forward.” I think this applies to all people and all governments world-wide.