Obama's mixed legacy

One must also recognise his efforts to bring Iran back into the international arena. The world appreciates this

The grey hair in the visibly older Obama reflects the strains of holding the most powerful Office in the world  for over seven years.His seventh and last State of the Union address was a microcosm of his entire Presidency: He invoked a chorus of hope about America's destiny and stressed on the transformational nature of change.
Analysts are now trying to carefully determine what could be considered as his legacy. There are differences of opinion, but all seem to agree that he will be leaving behind some important unfinished business that relate not only to the evolving international scenario but also to issues within the domestic paradigm. They have in this context been focusing on the nuances that have emerged from his address delivered in the second week of January this year.
Jon Sopel, North America editor of BBC correctly pointed out that “the President has less than a year to go, so a protein-rich legislative programme would be a waste of time because there aren't the hours and there aren't the votes”. He has also indicated that like all good politicians Barack Obama in his final State of the Union address was trying to give his narrative on his term of office. The analyst has also been satirical by referring to Obama’s speech, despite its optimistic tone, lacking his usual ‘verbal dexterity and oratorical hallmark’.
He has nevertheless admitted that Obama used the opportunity to underline his party’s political efforts in the coming months leading up to the next Presidential election in November, 2016. This was reflected in Obama’s comment "the future we want - opportunity and security for our families; a rising standard of living and a sustainable, peaceful planet for our kids - all that is within our reach." The subtle connotation of this was that- all this is within your reach providing the electorate does not change course and vote a Republican candidate to the Office of the President.
In this context, it may be mentioned that Obama not only referred to the progress achieved by his Administration over the last seven years- reformation of the health care system, reinvention of the energy sector and delivery of greater care for its armed forces and its veterans but also emphasized that there needs to be a different kind of political dialogue among those attempting to replace him in the White House.  In this regard, although he did not mention the billionaire businessman Donald Trump by name, it was clear who his target was when he said that - "when politicians insult Muslims ... that doesn't make us safer. That's not telling it like it is. It's just wrong. It diminishes us in the eyes of the world. It makes it harder to achieve our goals. And it betrays who we are as a country." That was indeed the required observation.
One must also refer to Obama’s sensitive efforts with regard to the deportation of illegal immigrants. It may be mentioned here that nearly four million people in the US are staying there illegally although their children are legal residents. Obama has tried to protect their presence in the US as a humanitarian gesture. This has now been challenged in the Court and the US Supreme Court on 19th January has decided to review whether Obama has the authority to protect such illegal presence. Governors of 26 Republican led States have challenged the orders as exceeding the President’s executive powers. If Obama is successful, that will indeed be a valuable factor for his legacy.
He also appears to have realized over the last seven years that one of the frustrations of his Presidency has been the toxic relations between Capitol Hill and the White House. In that regard he reiterated once again the need for a more tolerant, open and respectful political discourse between states and branches of government, the size and shape of government, issues related to commerce and foreign relations, and the imperatives of security.  This, according to him would facilitate democracy and be possible only if there is a basic bond of trust between the citizens.
He has also claimed that his Administration’s efforts had helped reform the criminal justice system towards prescription drug abuse, in concluding the normalization of relations with Cuba, in the completion of the Pacific trade deal and also in immigration reform. After weeks of intense campaigning, Obama did not make gun control a centerpiece of his speech. However, one seat in the First Lady's box during his address was symbolically kept empty to remember those who have been killed and whose voice can no longer be heard. He also expressed hope that progress would be made in tackling the scourge of gun violence.
He also highlighted his accomplishment in health reform. Mr Obama also focused on tackling income inequality, using technology to combat climate change and how to maintain national security while not becoming mired in far-flung conflicts.  He also rebuked politicians who draw congressional districts to protect safe seats and vowed to launch a national effort to secure voting rights, an issue particularly important to minority communities.
Obama also disclosed that in the year ahead, he wants to close the Guantanamo Bay prison (rene­wing one of the first promises of his Presi­dency that has been thwarted till now by Congress), authorize the use of military force against IS and complete all aspects of lifting the embargo on Cuba. He also announced a new national cancer research initiative that Vice President Joe Biden will be leading.
This reference to the using of force against ISIS originated because of critics accusing him of weakening American power abroad and Republicans saying that he is underplaying the threat from radical Islamist groups such as ISIS. He also, according to the CNN mocked the contention that fighters "on the back of pickup trucks and twisted souls plotting in apartments or garages" represented an existential threat to America.
The President however acknowledged that a torrent of change, technological advances and economic dislocation had left many Americans fearful of the future and anxious, as social structures that have underpinned their lives for decades appear to have been badly affected. Obama struck a cautionary note about this evolving matrix, and urged citizens to have faith in themselves and not fall prey to the temptation of alienating minorities and resisting social change. He wisely asked people to address issues through "rational, constructive debates."
Nevertheless, despite all the words of optimism from Obama, latest polls have indicated that around two thirds of the American people think America is going in the wrong direction. Only 27% think that the country is doing well.
This view has been reinforced because of some unfinished business of the Obama Administration that continues to raise questions within the international community.
The first relates to Afghanistan and Iraq.
US lawmakers on 21 January, a few days after Obama’s address ridiculed a Pentagon programme that has seen millions of taxpayer Dollars sent to Afghanistan for investment initiatives that has included importing of rare blond Italian goats and the construction of a useless gas station at a cost of US Dollar 43 million. It may be mentioned that the now-disbanded Task Force for Business and Stability Operations spent close to US Dollar 800 million to encourage investment in war-torn Afghanistan over the last five years. The Congress has also taken the Administration to task for lack of coordination in its efforts in Afghanistan, particularly between the Pentagon, the State Department and the US AID. The disappointing aspect that remains is that after more than one decade and tens of thousands casualties, Afghanistan is still not safe and able to practice democracy in all its Provinces.
The situation in Iraq is equally bad despite the numerous billions of US Dollars spent to create a safe and secure environment that will nurture democracy and thwart violence. The complex equation that exists within that country because of the sectarian divide has, according to a United Nations statement issued on 19 January, revealed that the number of civilians killed there between January 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015 was 18,802 with 36, 245 also injured. UN Rights Chief Zeid Al Hussein has commented in this connection that “even the obscene casualty figures fail to accurately reflect exactly how terribly civilians are suffering in Iraq. The figures capture those who were killed or maimed by overt violence, but countless others have died from the lack of access to basic food, water or medical care.” It may be added that more than 3 million people inside this country are also now internally displaced.
I am tempted at this point to also refer to the fragile situation that exists in terms of governance  in Libya, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. The latter two are particularly faced with a massive influx of migrant refugees because of the unstable situation in Syria and Iraq. It is true that Obama has kept his pledge and withdrawn United States troops presence from Iraq and also greatly from Afghanistan. However it is also unfortunate that seven years after the Obama Administration took office, the Middle East continues to suffer from violence and increasing animosity. This can hardly be a legacy Obama can be proud of.
On the other side, one must also recognize his efforts to bring Iran back into the international arena. That has been a positive step. The world appreciates this. At the same time it questions why there has been no satisfactory resolution of the Palestine crisis. The violation of human rights that is  being perpetrated on the civilian population, particularly in Gaza, will hopefully be brought under control over the course of 2016.

 The writer, a former Ambassador, is an analyst specialized in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance.He  can be reached at <[email protected]>

Obamas mixed legacy

One must also recognise his efforts to bring Iran back into the international arena. The world appreciates this

The grey hair in the visibly older Obama reflects the strains of holding the most powerful Office in the world for over seven years.His seventh and last State of the Union address was a microcosm of his entire Presidency: He invoked a chorus of hope about Americas destiny and stressed on the transformational nature of change. Analysts are now trying to carefully determine what could be considered as his legacy. There are differences of opinion, but all seem to agree that he will be leaving behind some important unfinished business that relate not only to the evolving international scenario but also to issues within the domestic paradigm. They have in this context been focusing on the nuances that have emerged from his address delivered in the second week of January this year. Jon Sopel, North America editor of BBC correctly pointed out that the President has less than a year to go, so a protein-rich legislative programme would be a waste of time because there arent the hours and there arent the votes. He has also indicated that like all good politicians Barack Obama in his final State of the Union address was trying to give his narrative on his term of office. The analyst has also been satirical by referring to Obamas speech, despite its optimistic tone, lacking his usual verbal dexterity and oratorical hallmark. He has nevertheless admitted that Obama used the opportunity to underline his partys political efforts in the coming months leading up to the next Presidential election in November, 2016. This was reflected in Obamas comment the future we want - opportunity and security for our families; a rising standard of living and a sustainable, peaceful planet for our kids - all that is within our reach. The subtle connotation of this was that- all this is within your reach providing the electorate does not change course and vote a Republican candidate to the Office of the President. In this context, it may be mentioned that Obama not only referred to the progress achieved by his Administration over the last seven years- reformation of the health care system, reinvention of the energy sector and delivery of greater care for its armed forces and its veterans but also emphasized that there needs to be a different kind of political dialogue among those attempting to replace him in the White House. In this regard, although he did not mention the billionaire businessman Donald Trump by name, it was clear who his target was when he said that - when politicians insult Muslims ... that doesnt make us safer. Thats not telling it like it is. Its just wrong. It diminishes us in the eyes of the world. It makes it harder to achieve our goals. And it betrays who we are as a country. That was indeed the required observation. One must also refer to Obamas sensitive efforts with regard to the deportation of illegal immigrants. It may be mentioned here that nearly four million people in the US are staying there illegally although their children are legal residents. Obama has tried to protect their presence in the US as a humanitarian gesture. This has now been challenged in the Court and the US Supreme Court on 19th January has decided to review whether Obama has the authority to protect such illegal presence. Governors of 26 Republican led States have challenged the orders as exceeding the Presidents executive powers. If Obama is successful, that will indeed be a valuable factor for his legacy. He also appears to have realized over the last seven years that one of the frustrations of his Presidency has been the toxic relations between Capitol Hill and the White House. In that regard he reiterated once again the need for a more tolerant, open and respectful political discourse between states and branches of government, the size and shape of government, issues related to commerce and foreign relations, and the imperatives of security. This, according to him would facilitate democracy and be possible only if there is a basic bond of trust between the citizens. He has also claimed that his Administrations efforts had helped reform the criminal justice system towards prescription drug abuse, in concluding the normalization of relations with Cuba, in the completion of the Pacific trade deal and also in immigration reform. After weeks of intense campaigning, Obama did not make gun control a centerpiece of his speech. However, one seat in the First Ladys box during his address was symbolically kept empty to remember those who have been killed and whose voice can no longer be heard. He also expressed hope that progress would be made in tackling the scourge of gun violence. He also highlighted his accomplishment in health reform. Mr Obama also focused on tackling income inequality, using technology to combat climate change and how to maintain national security while not becoming mired in far-flung conflicts. He also rebuked politicians who draw congressional districts to protect safe seats and vowed to launch a national effort to secure voting rights, an issue particularly important to minority communities. Obama also disclosed that in the year ahead, he wants to close the Guantanamo Bay prison (renewing one of the first promises of his Presidency that has been thwarted till now by Congress), authorize the use of military force against IS and complete all aspects of lifting the embargo on Cuba. He also announced a new national cancer research initiative that Vice President Joe Biden will be leading. This reference to the using of force against ISIS originated because of critics accusing him of weakening American power abroad and Republicans saying that he is underplaying the threat from radical Islamist groups such as ISIS. He also, according to the CNN mocked the contention that fighters on the back of pickup trucks and twisted souls plotting in apartments or garages represented an existential threat to America. The President however acknowledged that a torrent of change, technological advances and economic dislocation had left many Americans fearful of the future and anxious, as social structures that have underpinned their lives for decades appear to have been badly affected. Obama struck a cautionary note about this evolving matrix, and urged citizens to have faith in themselves and not fall prey to the temptation of alienating minorities and resisting social change. He wisely asked people to address issues through rational, constructive debates. Nevertheless, despite all the words of optimism from Obama, latest polls have indicated that around two thirds of the American people think America is going in the wrong direction. Only 27% think that the country is doing well. This view has been reinforced because of some unfinished business of the Obama Administration that continues to raise questions within the international community. The first relates to Afghanistan and Iraq. US lawmakers on 21 January, a few days after Obamas address ridiculed a Pentagon programme that has seen millions of taxpayer Dollars sent to Afghanistan for investment initiatives that has included importing of rare blond Italian goats and the construction of a useless gas station at a cost of US Dollar 43 million. It may be mentioned that the now-disbanded Task Force for Business and Stability Operations spent close to US Dollar 800 million to encourage investment in war-torn Afghanistan over the last five years. The Congress has also taken the Administration to task for lack of coordination in its efforts in Afghanistan, particularly between the Pentagon, the State Department and the US AID. The disappointing aspect that remains is that after more than one decade and tens of thousands casualties, Afghanistan is still not safe and able to practice democracy in all its Provinces. The situation in Iraq is equally bad despite the numerous billions of US Dollars spent to create a safe and secure environment that will nurture democracy and thwart violence. The complex equation that exists within that country because of the sectarian divide has, according to a United Nations statement issued on 19 January, revealed that the number of civilians killed there between January 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015 was 18,802 with 36, 245 also injured. UN Rights Chief Zeid Al Hussein has commented in this connection that even the obscene casualty figures fail to accurately reflect exactly how terribly civilians are suffering in Iraq. The figures capture those who were killed or maimed by overt violence, but countless others have died from the lack of access to basic food, water or medical care. It may be added that more than 3 million people inside this country are also now internally displaced. I am tempted at this point to also refer to the fragile situation that exists in terms of governance in Libya, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. The latter two are particularly faced with a massive influx of migrant refugees because of the unstable situation in Syria and Iraq. It is true that Obama has kept his pledge and withdrawn United States troops presence from Iraq and also greatly from Afghanistan. However it is also unfortunate that seven years after the Obama Administration took office, the Middle East continues to suffer from violence and increasing animosity. This can hardly be a legacy Obama can be proud of. On the other side, one must also recognize his efforts to bring Iran back into the international arena. That has been a positive step. The world appreciates this. At the same time it questions why there has been no satisfactory resolution of the Palestine crisis. The violation of human rights that is being perpetrated on the civilian population, particularly in Gaza, will hopefully be brought under control over the course of 2016. The writer, a former Ambassador, is an analyst specialized in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance.He can be reached at [email protected]