Barack Obama is 115 days since President. He presents himself to the world as a bridge builder and problem solver. But what is so special and new about his politics? What distinguishes him next to the charm and charisma that characterized him no doubt, from his predecessor? What to expect from the Obama administration - and what is not?
To make these issues on the ground have located 30 Jusos gathered at the invitation of Young Socialists and Barmbek-Nord Uhlenhorst-Hohenfelde before the U.S. General Consulate of the Alster in Hamburg. You expect a party that stands to them to answer questions. Fortunately, they are invited. Otherwise they would hardly come to the heavily armed policemen, the barriers and bullet-proof security room over. Two security checks later, the group is in the lobby of the consulate. There they are received by Genevieve Libonati, the Consul for Economic and Policy, with coffee, juice and biscuits. But this warm welcome Visitors can not be distracted from their critical issues. Only a few minutes is chatted in the halls of the magnificent Art Nouveau villa, met and met again, until finally all impatient to flow into the debate hall.
Consul Libonati first in her introductory lecture gives a detailed overview of the main stations of President Obama's foreign policy since taking office. Then they can save themselves from critical issues barely. How much can the Palestinians to leave in their desire for an independent state on Obama? What is intended by the sudden opening to Cuba? How to make a rapprochement with Russia compatible with a target of NATO membership for Georgia? Obama is the importance of development aid? What will change in relation to the climate? Will the U.S. agree to the establishment of global regimes of financial markets and to submit these as well? What role does the European Union's foreign policy concept of Obama? What will do the new U.S. administration to improve relations with Iran have? to speak
To make these issues on the ground have located 30 Jusos gathered at the invitation of Young Socialists and Barmbek-Nord Uhlenhorst-Hohenfelde before the U.S. General Consulate of the Alster in Hamburg. You expect a party that stands to them to answer questions. Fortunately, they are invited. Otherwise they would hardly come to the heavily armed policemen, the barriers and bullet-proof security room over. Two security checks later, the group is in the lobby of the consulate. There they are received by Genevieve Libonati, the Consul for Economic and Policy, with coffee, juice and biscuits. But this warm welcome Visitors can not be distracted from their critical issues. Only a few minutes is chatted in the halls of the magnificent Art Nouveau villa, met and met again, until finally all impatient to flow into the debate hall.
Consul Libonati first in her introductory lecture gives a detailed overview of the main stations of President Obama's foreign policy since taking office. Then they can save themselves from critical issues barely. How much can the Palestinians to leave in their desire for an independent state on Obama? What is intended by the sudden opening to Cuba? How to make a rapprochement with Russia compatible with a target of NATO membership for Georgia? Obama is the importance of development aid? What will change in relation to the climate? Will the U.S. agree to the establishment of global regimes of financial markets and to submit these as well? What role does the European Union's foreign policy concept of Obama? What will do the new U.S. administration to improve relations with Iran have? to speak
When Ms. Libonati on the nuclear program of Iran is a controversial debate begins over the course of the U.S. in the nuclear dispute. Against a program for civilian use of nuclear energy would not object in principle, says the Consul. Against a nuclear weapons program of a state that has no established democratic system and turns extremely aggressive rhetoric against his neighbors already. Therefore, should an Iranian nuclear weapons program can be prevented. Overall, consolidated itself in the discussion of the impression that Obama is quite different in real policies of his predecessor, Bush. He initiated a comprehensive climate package ordered, the day after his election to close Guantanamo within a year, although there remain the special tribunals. His cooperative political style may also be the basis to create the world trust and to attract partners. His openness he showed in his first interview after taking office, he gave the Arabic channel El Arabiya. His attempts, the peace policy in the Middle East to breathe new life by the new special envoy Mitchel, who has collaborated on crucial cease-fire in Northern Ireland, one of his best diplomats out into the field.
Of course Mrs. Libonati diplomat and well-trained to rhetorically circumvent controversial topics in a charming way to. And of course she was concerned, their country and their president a good thing as possible to sell. So you could expect from the outset no sensational insights into the foreign policy strategy of the United States, though the panelists and then tried to lure the Consul a bit from the reserve.
Perhaps we should guard against too much optimism advance. Obama does not rule alone and must first of all take to the concerns and sensibilities of his countrymen regard. Also limits the current financial crisis, the financial scope of a U.S. administration so that large jumps for example, currently in development policy will be virtually impossible. Even the desire for regulation of international Financial markets could lead to a global monitoring institution, which the United States, as in the case of the International Criminal Court to submit, even not. No, this is the case would be completely different, says Ms. Libonati, the U.S. has a global regulation of financial markets in favor, including the U.S..
Some doubts about U.S. foreign policy could not dispel woman Libonati. Nevertheless, we were wiser and later the Young Socialists were largely in agreement that is possible with the new U.S. administration a fresh start in international politics. By Obama's communications and Charmoffensive the last few weeks the U.S. has recovered a lot of confidence in the world that they had under President George W. Bush squandered lightly. Its strategy of confrontation has given way to a strategy of diplomacy. Instead of dividing the world into good and evil, Obama is looking for similarities. This alone is cause for optimism.
We thank Consul Libonati for an open and engaged discussion and look forward to seeing you again soon.
We thank Consul Libonati for an open and engaged discussion and look forward to seeing you again soon.
