Spring Break
Europe trip opens a new door in U.S. diplomacy
Brandon Southward
Issue date: 4/8/09 Section: Forum
President Obama concluded his European trip yesterday, and while some might argue otherwise, the trip was a success. Although Obama did not get everything he wanted - like Europeans agreeing to spend more money or donate more NATO combat troops deployed to Afghanistan - he achieved a significant amount.
In terms of the G-20 summit, Obama, while not being able to bring in more stimulus spending, was able to get the nations to pledge a trillion dollars to the International Monetary Fund. This is designed to hopefully spur global recovery and stabilize the poor countries hit hardest by the economic downturn.
Obama was even successful in rejecting the idea of a super international regulatory board that would have authority over American financial institutions. Obama argued against this, essentially saying no international regulatory board would be able to have power over American institutions and that tougher regulations at home would be better.
Obama's no-drama mantra was on full display at the summit, defusing an argument between China and France involving countries and international tax havens. He was the lead on many of the issues and at times world leaders seemed to be fawning over him. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown even gave Obama an impromptu hug after their joint press conference while the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked for Obama's autograph.
While at the NATO meetings, the world leaders were a little more subdued in their love for Obama. They did not give him as many troops as he would have liked, the ones he desperately needs for Afghanistan. However, NATO did agree to send 5,000 non-combat troops to help train Afghan police and military while offering other aid. Also, Obama once again displayed a knack for settling disputes among countries; this time, it was between Turkey and its objections to Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen becoming the new NATO chief.
However, this trip should not be judged strictly on the substance, but on the symbolism and significance as well. This was meant to show the world that America has a new leader in charge and is ready to lead on the world stage again.
In terms of the G-20 summit, Obama, while not being able to bring in more stimulus spending, was able to get the nations to pledge a trillion dollars to the International Monetary Fund. This is designed to hopefully spur global recovery and stabilize the poor countries hit hardest by the economic downturn.
Obama was even successful in rejecting the idea of a super international regulatory board that would have authority over American financial institutions. Obama argued against this, essentially saying no international regulatory board would be able to have power over American institutions and that tougher regulations at home would be better.
Obama's no-drama mantra was on full display at the summit, defusing an argument between China and France involving countries and international tax havens. He was the lead on many of the issues and at times world leaders seemed to be fawning over him. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown even gave Obama an impromptu hug after their joint press conference while the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked for Obama's autograph.
While at the NATO meetings, the world leaders were a little more subdued in their love for Obama. They did not give him as many troops as he would have liked, the ones he desperately needs for Afghanistan. However, NATO did agree to send 5,000 non-combat troops to help train Afghan police and military while offering other aid. Also, Obama once again displayed a knack for settling disputes among countries; this time, it was between Turkey and its objections to Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen becoming the new NATO chief.
However, this trip should not be judged strictly on the substance, but on the symbolism and significance as well. This was meant to show the world that America has a new leader in charge and is ready to lead on the world stage again.
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