Obama and the world, a real change of tone and an outstretched hand...
(B2) Some experts on US-EU relations, some augurs, tell us to be wary of any optimism about Obama that America may not change as we hope (*). Perhaps they are right... However, the inauguration speech given by the 44th President of the United States yesterday lived up to our expectations. This change in tone,
deep, puts an end to a dark period - which lasted almost 20 years, since the Reagan era, the Bush father and son (Clinton parenthesis excepted). The end of a generation in a way, marked by what must be called a certain "obscurantism".
Admittedly, it is only a tone. But tone in politics and diplomacy sometimes matters just as much as actions. So let's taste our pleasure... And it doesn't matter if he will be disappointed tomorrow! In any case, if the next 4 years are by the yardstick of these first words, we will not be able to regret our enthusiasm today. On the retained use of power, the American model, the negotiation on (Iranian) nuclear power, the war against terrorism, relations with the allies, Russia ("our former enemies") and the Muslim world, there is an outstretched hand that we can only greet... and shake.
Faith in human rights. "(In our) common defence, we reject as false the choice between our security and our ideals. Our founding fathers, in the face of the dangers, wrote a charter to guarantee the rule of law and human rights, an expanded charter by the blood of generations. These ideals are still the light of the world, and we are not going to give them up, for the sake of an opportunity."
Power is used with humility. “Previous generations had to face fascism and communism, not only with missiles and tanks, but with strong alliances and convictions. sustainable. They have understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it authorize us to do as we please. They knew that our power increases by its careful use; our security comes from the righteousness of our cause, the strength of our example, the qualities of humility and self-restraint."
The need for alliances in the face of threats (nuclear, climate change, terrorism). "(...) Guided by these principles, we can respond to these new threats which require even greater effort - and even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to leave the responsibility of Iraq to its people, and to forge a hard-won peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and old foes, we will work tirelessly to reduce the nuclear threat, and lower the specter of global warming."
However, he does not give up the fight.. "We do not have to apologize for our way of life, just as we will not falter in its defense. And for those who seek to achieve their goals by causing terror and slaughter of the innocent, we tell you now: our spirit is stronger (than before) and cannot be broken; you cannot survive us, and we will defeat you."
A call to Muslims but a warning to dictatorships. "For the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. For leaders around the world who seek to sow conflict, or blame all the evils of their society on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not on what you destroy.For those who cling to power through corruption and deception and the muzzling of the opposition, you must know that you you're on the wrong side of history, but that we'll reach out if you're willing to unclench your fist."
"The world has changed and we must change"...
Listen to the inaugural speech
(*) See in particular Álvaro de Vasconcelos and Marcin Zaborowski who wrote last November for the European Union Security Institute, a study called "European perspectives on the new American foreign policy". Download here.
