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| Once in 400 years | | | | The world has taken 400 years to undo racial bias. Barack Obama has made history, and how! The African-American son of a first-generation immigrant barnstormed his way to the front in an electoral race that kept the world riveted for 21 months, and not for a fragment of a second did he yield his lead, egged on, it seemed, by the country and the world. In the end, when triumph came, Obama had overcome the challenge from Republican candidate John McCain, a famous war veteran of aristocratic background and one of America’s most popular politicians, in a tidal wave rush. He won all battleground states, and ended up securing well over 50 per cent of the popular vote. It was an unprecedented victory. A black man in the White House would have been a dangerous thought not so long ago. For the impatient, it was an improbable dream. For America and Americans, the world has turned upside down, and this is an achievement of social evolution. In a moment of unprecedented international financial crisis triggered by the US, this is especially great news. The sheer magnitude of the verdict gives the President-elect enormous authority in dealing with the economy as well as foreign policy and military matters. It’s hard to think of another American leader in 50 years who has made the grade with such spectacular endorsement. If Obama is the change, he will have to walk the talk. With the world reeling under financial shock, the President-elect has the opportunity to lead the re-ordering of international financial arrangements and overhaul the Bretton Woods architecture in an effort to help the world regain its poise. Obama arrives on the scene in the guise of a conciliator after America’s virtual alienation from critical allies, especially in Europe and West Asia. The outgoing President Bush has left behind two unfinished wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan, and friendships that have soured. Obama will be called upon to build anew. There is great goodwill for him in the world, but also great expectation. The Europeans are already hinting that they will now be better prepared to cooperate with the US in Afghanistan, which is a relief. There are few other ways to put down terrorism where it matters most — the tribal regions of Pakistan that border Afghanistan. But the Afghans have their own expectation from the newly arrived leader of the world’s most important power. President Hamid Karzai wants Obama to put an end to civilian casualties at the hands of the American military in his country. This is a reasonable request, but will take a whole shift in tactics to implement, and a whole new mindset. If successful, such a move has the potential to help regain the initiative in the fight against terrorism. Obama has been welcomed across the spectrum in this country. But it must be remembered that President George W. Bush, whatever his shortcomings, showed India great friendship. In fact, traditionally, Republican leaders have tended to be more use for India than the preachy and windy Democrats. India may expect pressure from the incoming US administration to sign a nuclear test ban treaty and to take a stand on Kashmir that will help Washington curry favour with Pakistan. We should know how far to go for mutual accommodation, and act with reassurance. |
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