Why is everybody on the international stage saying no to Obama?
President Obama addresses world leaders during the United Nations General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York City. (PHOTO CREDIT: JIM WATSON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
"Everybody is saying no to the American president these days"... that's the start of a pretty scathing piece in the Jerusalem Post about where President Obama stands on the international stage - just as he addresses the UN and meets with world leaders.
Amir Mizroch has plenty of examples... like the Saudis twice saying no to the president's request for normalizing relations with Israel; or the North Koreans saying no to repeated attempts at talks by firing off test long-range missiles; to Russia and China continuing to say no to tougher sanctions against Iran; to Iran itself saying no - by agreeing to talks about everything except stopping its uranium enrichment.
Mizroch suggests the reason all these nations are saying no to President Obama is because the U.S. economy has made him a weak president. If the president manages to turn around the economy in the next two years - and then manages to get re-elected - at that point he might be able to focus on international trouble spots with more success. That's if Iran hasn't managed to blow up half the world by then.
Along the same lines, a piece in the British newspaper The Guardian titled "Obama the impotent" says many in the U.S. and abroad are impatient with the pace of progress under this president.
It points out Mr. Obama hasn't even been able to get health care reform passed in his own country and questions his ability to lead internationally on issues like climate change and regulating international financial systems:
"It appears that the wheels may be coming off the world's post-war leader, and not even Barack Obama can stop it happening."
Here’s my question to you: Why is everybody on the international stage saying no to President Obama?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Arnold writes:
I wouldn't decide where to have lunch based on Sarah Palin's opinion. Since when does being chosen as a candidate for V.P. automatically make you an expert on domestic and foreign affairs? Does no one remember her addled assertion that simply living near Russia means she has foreign policy qualifications? Have we forgotten that she couldn't name a single periodical she regularly read? Oh, and just up and quitting as governor? If this was a sane world, Sarah Palin would still be doing sports for a local TV station rather than standing almost center on the world stage delivering her strange, convoluted opinions.
Carrie writes:
I wouldn't make a food-ordering decision based on what Sarah Palin says. I'm amazed that anyone outside of her few tin-foil hat supporters even care what she has to say anymore.
AW writes:
Sarah Palin would be ten times a better president than Obama. And just think: CNN would have something to criticize every day. Please post this or do you only post positive things about this administration?
Mark from Newburgh, New York writes:
Sarah Palin has a tendency to call a dog a duck and stick by it. Calling a dog a duck does not make it a duck, and when it starts barking, even her shrill speechifying can't cover up the fact that it's a dog.
Chippy writes:
If she's offering advice on how to deep-six your running mates chances for elected office, or on how to shoot wolves from a helicopter, then she's my go-to-gal. But, for anything else, she can keep her advice to herself. As you rightly pointed out, Palin didn't have a passport until a few years ago and now she speaking in an international forum? I bet when she stepped off the plane her first question was, "Why are there so many Chinese people here?"
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Because international tyrants know that they can manipulate this very naive president and his liberal administration.
Because friends like Israel know that Obama "cannot be trusted" to defend Israel's interests.
Obama is a dreamer – not a realist. His actions on the international stage will ensure that our allies think twice about his support and our enemies will take advantage of the time he gives them to continue in their dangerous intentions.
Ok I finley got the tears out of my eyes from laughing so hard about the question of Plain and finance .
Him why is every body say no well first I do not think that EVERY BODY IS SA YING No . but after the previous 8 years of another administration witch I will not Name BUSH any way it takes time for the world to see that we really do no longer have the iTS my WAY OR THE HIGH WAY ppolitica lview I mean you you are put down and treated like you do not dissevera place at the table for so many years it will take a while to get people minds back to reality . its like A chlid that is kept being told the he is not good enough to play on any team to get him to bbelieve that he is not a cluts .
Jack, they say no to Obama because they don't trust him. They also believe that American presidents are horrible leaders. The despise the U.S. government because they think we're show-offy jerks! We're too greedy, and too this and too that according to the international stages.
maybe they wanna see his birth certifacate !
they are stupid as americans are/
Probably the same reason all these countries said no to President Bush. Maybe cooperation and progress just isn't in their world view.
cut of money supply to midleast you,ll have peace pretty fast 24 hr,s
They have been attending to many Republican town hall meetings and listening to the party of NO. Remember Jack, if you tell a lie enough many will start to beleive.
What do you think? Maybe its global racism.
I don't think they are saying "no" to President Obama any more than previous presidents. It is just that people are surprised that everyone isn't saying "yes" just because it is President Obama now.
Because BUSH has already ruined it for any american president. As people around the world do not believe any American for any reason. it's not about president Obama it's what has been done by previous U.S. govt. to the countries around the world.
Jack,
Other countries have been saying "no" to the US for 8 Bush years and with good reason. Now they are saying "no" out of habit.
It'll take a while to break that old habit.
Give Obama time.
Rick in Toronto
We needed a Madam President. Not a Mr. present. Don't worry, Hillary will fix this, stay tuned...
It's hard for anyone to trust the country that voten in our last administration. Plain and simple.
Jack,
They are saying no, because they were stupid enough to say yes to Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush I, Clinton and Bush II and got burned. Now that there is someone in the White House who has some level of intelligence, now they decide to say "no".
Because money makes the world go round and the US Dollar has no value. Power is money and you have no power when you have no money. We are no longer in the Dot Com boom where demand forecasts showed no stop when in reality it was just a big bubble. We are no longer the Nation we used to be. The rest of the world realizes, when will we?
Wall Street caused a world wide economic meltdown and Bush and Cheney are war criminals, and yet we do nothing to change any of this. No war crimes charges, no reregulating Wall Street. We've lost all credibility. Why should anyone listen to us?
Well, all those people who are saying no to president Obama said no to all the presidents before him
Dear Jack, this one is simple. Other countries who wouldn't normally agree to much anyway are 'testing the waters' with our new president. I am very confident that Pres. Obama and his administration will continue to win support of his Change agenda. I keep saying that Obama is not God, he can't preform miracles, but we seem to think he can. We are so very desparate to get things on an even keel after the horrors of the last administration.
Why is everyone saying "no" to Obama? Everyone said "no" to Bush for eight years, so why should Obama be expected to turn that around in just 8 months?
Jack
We are tearing ourselves apart in the United States and the world is watching. 24 hour cable news has made it possible for people around the world to instantly see our common disrespect for the President and our senior statesmen in our Nation. Congressmen disrespect our President in the House Chamber, Pastors or non-profit churches are allowed to call for the President to die and former Presidential candidates fly around the world to disrespect our nation and President. What do we expect? We can't even respect eachother in our nation, and for that we will force the rest of the world to follow in our own footsteps.
And that's the truth.
These people have always said no to the U.S. about these issues. Its nothing new. That is why it is not done yet, he is asking for agreement on complicated issues.
As for Obama not being able to make great progress as yet. He has not even been president for 9 months yet did we expect him to rebuild the world in 6 days and rest on the 7th?
The wheels are not coming off. This President is willing to try things that others say are impossible and when he does not succeed in everything he attempts during the first 8 months of his presidency, they go around crying that the sky is falling. Our president is in this for the long haul not just quick successes although he has had a few of those also.
Jack,
It's simple they are racists.
Simple...because he continually makes himself, and therefore America, look like a wimp! Is everyone sick of his pandering to all of America's enemies yet?
Jack,
As President Obama said today in his U.N. speech, nations act in their self-interest. Does he seriously think Iran, North Korea and Venezuela will ever act in the interests of the United States while the current thugs are in power? Sometimes the simplest answer is the most obvious.
Perhaps if the US cut off some of the foreign aid to all of these countries saying no to the US, the would do a better job of sucking up!!
Its more to the answer "No" more issues are underling. Global recession, terrorism, re-election etc. The yes will follow shortly you wait and see. The is a season for everything.
Not everybody is saying NO to Obama and even those saying NO to Obama have the right to say NO. Do you expect everyone to say YES to Obama just because he's Obama or because he's the US president? Welcome to the real world Jack people have their own mind and their own destiny and sometimes it differs from "your American Dream".
Jack, the answer is simple. We seem to have forgotten that the President hasn't even been in office a year yet. He is still a new president and all the global powers are still testing the president to see (1) how much power does this new president have and (2) how will he use that power. It is their hope that the opponents of the President are correct; he won't get rough when he needs to be. Let's hope they are wrong.
Grundy, VA
Jack,
I think the real reason everyone is saying no to Obama is because they can. Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter were both right in saying that a lot of the republic opposition to Obama's health care is fueld by racism. I think international leaders are taking advantage of this domestic racism to advance their own agenda. Just a thought.
Nick Russell
Salt Lake City
Obama is being ignored for the same reason Jimmy Carter was ignored by Iran on the embassy hostages but released them a few hours before Regan took the oath of office. He and his party have no respect on the world stage. The Russians would not even shake his hand.
Everyone is saying no to president Obama not because the US economy is hurting him. Its beacause he is destroying the US economy. Its not always about him. Its the economy stupid!
Countries are saying No to Obama because he's WEAK. He has no courage or backbone to resist any other Country and he never stands up for America. He's only good at throwing money at everyone and apologizing for the U.S.
It's easy Jack.
The world is saying no to the President of the United States because now they can. The United States has fallen from it's place as the new Rome; sacked by the barbarians from within including the Bankers, Insurance Companies, and Special Interest Groups in their drive for greed over the economic health of the People of the United States.
It will be as if a new Dark Age will descend on the international system and there is nothing we as a country can do about it.
Different countries are looking out for their own interests. Why should Obama administration will get different reaction than any other administration?
saying no comes easy to any american president when the world relies on the usa dollar and there economy is faltering because of its extreme weakness and he doesnt seem to care.
joe valleli
kapiti
new zealand
As smoothly as the words flow from his mouth, most level-headed people know that it is purely spin. Obama's greatest skill is that he is able to convince those less intelligent or those who simply do not pay attention that what he says is best. He is a weak leader. He has shown that time and time again, and in my opinion, he is transparently weak to world leaders.
So everyone on the world stage is saying no to Obama because he hasn't solved the major issues no other president could solve? Please! He's been president for less than a year and expectations that climate change, the economy and healthcare should be resolved by now are ridiculous! I'd argue he's made excellent progress based on his time in office.
Terry from Minnesota
Everyone wants our President to hurry up and fix things that have been been broken for years.He has not even been in office a whole year yet and people are impatient.It took form World War II til now for all these foreign relationships to be broken and everyone is expecting him to fix it with rapid response.I think he is acting in the best of his ability to deal with as many issues as possible,but we have to know that all these broken foreign relationships and economic issues cannot be resolved within 1 term.
I think that it is not Obama that is getting turned down, but America itself. We act as if we are all powerful, and act hypocritically. This is just other countries showing that they don't wantto be controlled by us, and that they can make their own choices.
Take a look at those countries stating those ideas. Enough said!
Think about it, no one in their right mind can scream "you lie" to the leaders of Russia, Iran or Saudis in their countries, they will simply disappear. The way we portray Obama as Hitler or a communist in our tea parties and unprecedented calling him a liar in the national assembly floor sends a message to these nations that we don't take him seriously, why should they?
Obama is simply the face of America and they are saying no to America. They are simply following the leader. America is the leader and she is saying no to herself. Everybody knows a house divided cannot stand. America presents herself as a bunch of selfish children who care more about their own political ambitions and petty fears than they do about the strength and image of our nation. Other governments don't have to figure us out because America reveals her own impotence for all the world to see. They say no because they can.
Jack,
How can the world respect 'President Obama' when our own country shows disrespect. We have congress men yelling "you Lie"; we got radio challenging his birth rite; we have the 'so-called mainstream', and not to forget the press who controls popular opinion, won't even adress him by his rightful title! Its Simple!
perry from Grand Rapids, Mi
Mr Cafferty,
The reason why the world leaders are saying "no" to President Obama, is very simple.
Our politicians have been so busy being politicaly correct that their integrity is non existant. Nobody in this country dare to tell some peanut country to go take a long walk of a short pier.
Andre,
Ridge NY
So very obvious. They know they can say no and get away with it. Just look at Netanyahu. Obama says Israel must stop the settlements, makes it a big issue, and Netanyahu says no so Obama tells the Palestinians they have to change – since Obama won't stand up to Netanyahu. Obama is showing a serious pattern of weakness. When Obama starts showing that his words mean something, only then will he be taken seriously.
I think that Pres. Obama is becoming unpopular with the Jewish State of Israel. He wants to discuss a two state situation, and the Israelis don't want that. The situation in that area is a lose/lose situation. He'd be wise to just leave it alone for right now, work on domestic issues.
Over half of the United States says "No" to Oboma... what will make world leaders say the opposite...
Jack, they say no to all of our presidents. our own people are saying no without Attempting anyrhing.
Former President Jimmy Carter already answered this question...Racism... (Can you sense my sarcasm)
They are saying no to the USA. This planet has had enough of our military threats, sanction threats, and empire expansion into everyones backyard. It is time to turn our backs on the world and focus on the USA. Get military installations out of 130 countries and protect our borders. BO has the misfortune of following an idiot of 8 years and turning this Titanic ship in time to avoid the ultimate collision.
...onthe INTERNATIONAL stage? How about on the NATIONAL stage? There are plenty of "Americans" working hard to just say no to anything proposed by the Obama administration in an effort to block any solutions to the many problems we are facing(while not providing ANY solutions themselves). They will obstruct the President in any way possible so that Obama is looked upon as a failure(which, is true of them!).
People are saying no to Obama because he cant fix his problems in are country! He hasnt even fix are economy yet. He needs to worry more about the health reform, are taxes and where are money is going then i wanna fix the world Obama. Cocoa Beach Florida
Think about it, no one in their right mind can scream “you lie” to the leaders of Russia, Iran or Saudis in their countries, they will simply disappear. The way we portray Obama as Hitler or a communist in our tea parties and unprecedented calling him a liar in the national assembly floor sends a message to these nations that we don’t take him seriously, why should they?
TG
Dover,NH
The old saying goes "Nice guys finish last". I wish it wasn't true.
Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst and his subsequent elevation to celebrity status doesn't help any.
(1) Because it feels so good to criticize a US prez without fear of being blown up or disappeared.
(2) Because they have never met an actual pragmatist in world leadership before.
I'm sick of all of them: Republicans, Blue Dogs, commentators, The Economist, Achmydickhead, Liz Cheney, Sarah Palin, and all the rest!
PLEASE! As I said about Bill CLinton, WE WANT TO MISS YOU; PLEASE GO AWAY!
Because he is being undermined by the GOP in THIS country, Jack, and that makes him look weak. They seem to have forgotten their own adage of Country First!
Most of those countries commenting have a strong executive, where the legislative branch is secondary. Even Britain’s Prime Minister has more power than our President in a lot of ways! The Saudis still have a KING, for goodness sake! Iran is run by a theocracy where to object is to be subject not only to claims of being a traitor but also to being a heretic. And there are a lot more countries who are saying YES than no.
Of course, what isn’t being said is that all those same countries saying NO to President Obama, said NO to President Bush, as well, including Israel. Wonder why THAT isn’t getting news play? I'm glad to see the commentors so far seem to be saying the same as me!
The international community has said "yes" to the United States long enough, with devastating results. Look at the dismal state of the world today, for which the U.S. is largely responsible. You have two on-going wars instigated by the U.S., with the U.S. propaganda machine churning its engines at full speed to initiate another war with Iran. Then there's the global economic meltdown, also stemming from the irresponsible monetary and fiscal policy of the U.S. government. What sane and rational government would say "yes" to more of the same??
As with Clinton, the rest of the world can love us in public, but that does not mean they don't still want to kill us. Everyone says how the US was so much more liked with Clinton. How many terrorist attacks were there on the US or our interest on Clinton's watch?
Jack,
Let the leaders of other Countries say "no".
Bush didn't ask anybody what they felt before acting unilaterally. This action allowed every other leader to whine & complain for years that they weren't asked or included.
Obama has asked other leaders how they feel and if they would get involved. If they do not get involved and Obama takes action, they now can't complain that they weren't consulted or asked to be involved. These "no" leaders will be left in the dust as the World marches on.
Rick in Toronto
I do not believe that the fact that the international community is saying "no" to Mr Obama is reflective of his power as president. Rather, in my personal experience as a Canadian living in her country, I find that we are looking to our own leaders to lead us through our own problems. Mr Obama has little influence on my relationship with my own government (Prime Minister, Premier, and crown agencies), whereas before when little was happening at home, I may have cared more about your politics.
the question was why is everyone saying no to Obama:
perhaps because the Republicans are saying no to EVERYTHING he raises as an issue to be resolved.....perhaps the world sees our own beloved congress acting as politicians instead of statesmen and if we can't agree on anything why should our enemies, allies and other intersted parties agree with us.
President Obama is hit from every side on every issue and he is only in office for months!!!! What other president has attempted so much in so little time? Come on, you Republicans, represent the country and back the President!!!!!!
Louise McRae
Amesbury, Mass.
Why is the world saying "no?". In the course of world history, nations have always respected strength, and never once respected weakness. Talk about fairness does not hurt, but the extremely weak foreign policy decisions made so far by the Obama administration have encouraged the world to say "no" for their own selfish reasons. And regarding the point about healthcare reform, if Congress and the democrats had pursued the kind of reform that the public wants, it not only would have passed by now, but it would have strengthened the presidency. Perhaps the erosion of the US's image in the world is due to the current administration trying to impose its will on its own people, instead of listening to them. THat does not make for a shining example for the world.
El Dorado Hills, CA
California
Simple answer: Envy !
Just listen to the people on the street around the world.
Everybody asks, why can't WE have a prez like that....?
The international communities said the same thing to Bush administration, but diplomacy takes time. Why do Pres. Obama have to get everything done yesterday and not allowed time to do his job? Give him a chance like you gave former Pres. Bush.
$1,380,000,000 reasons than add 4 million jobs destroyed or sent overseas. On top of that he underestimated the budget by 2 trillion dollars. Maybe he should listen to communist China and stop spending our money, my son can't afford it! Josh
after 8 years of bush, obama has a lot to put right. Not everything can get done at once.
It is simple. Change is not easy. Change is something most people attempt to achieve and end up giving it up, since it requires WORK. Obama's vision is one that really required work from all involved parties and the only hope to survive in the storms that are gathering ahead of the all of us!
As a Canadian married to an American, I have watched with disgust how US citizens treat your current president, and it is no less than disgraceful. Disagreement and debate is one thing, but denigrating your president denigrates your country, your democracy and yourselves America. If that's how YOU treat your president, what do you expect from the rest of the world? You guessed it, everyone loses.
The international community is saying no to our president because they can see that he is not respected at home. He is being treated differently than his predecessors because he is black. Plain and simple.
Sarah Palin was right when she warned us in her Convention speech that a Politician can "inspire for a season" Governing is different then being able to give a inspiring speech.The reason every one is saying no is because Pres. Obama is wrong on the issues.
Pres. Obama's excellent speeches frightening the world. Europeans didn't use to trust politicians who speak so well.
They say no because he is an empty suit. He is not a leader or a doer he is a campaigner- that's all.
Obama has proven to be what 60 million of us feared – inexperienced, incompetent, unprepared for the presidency.
Other nations are accustomed to being coerced and threatened. They need to see what the bottom line is. When President Obama continues his diplomatic approach, they will understand that he wants them to respond based on the merits of his requests not the power of the US arsenal.
Jack,
Perhaps the international community recognizes what so many Americans, who voted for Obama and now are expressing regret,can now see..... that this man has no experience as a leader and seems to be making it up as he goes along. Standing away from the situation usually gives a more complete view......something our great nation is slowly beginning to see.
On the outside – looking in:
No one is saying NO to Obama.
They're just saying NO to the USA.
After all the Global trust in the USA which has been destroyed by the previous Bush administration – can not be re-built in a day by Mr. Obama.
That said, the world undoubtedly has much more trust, regard and esteem for Mr. Obama than any other US President in recent history other than maybe Mr. Clinton.
At the end of the day – any US president has to play to the US gallery – That's what's keeping the rest of the world guessing – certainly not Mr. Obama.
Kezual
India
he won't get any respect until he puts his foot down on the healthcare and economy debacle. the wall street fatcats are laughing all the way to the bank, and the health insurance industry is spending millions on congress. enough already!
Nice try, but the article has tried to twist the facts,
first, all those people you mentioned in your article have expressed the same No to the former US president, the Saudis asked the US ambassador twice to leave their country for two different reasons,
North Koreans said no to all American presidents in the past two decades.
Russia and China said more than no and they were able to keep saying it.
One more country you didn't mention is Israel which their prime minister said big No to Obama and to the international community and the international law all together refusing to freeze illegal settlements in the Palestinian occupied territory.
Finally, you need to get use to it people around the world have the right to say No to what ever they don't agree with or don't like, just get use to it.
For eight years, the Bush administration eroded our credibility around the world and made us a laughing stock abroad. Barack Obama has been in office for 10 months. I think we have to give him and his administration a chance to show that we aren't the buffoons that the Bush crew made us out to be.
By asking the questions and showing interest in the answers, President Obama is demonstrating that he is valuing the views of other world leaders. Obama is changing their thinking about the U.S., and their choice of action is simply a lagging indicator. I expect more "yes" answers as other world leaders adjust to the new face of America, Barack Obama.
The Guardian is absolutely correct. Obama has been undermined internationally by his lack of success on the domestic issues, especially health care. Destroying Obama is exactly the strategy of the Republicans, and they have stated this. It is unfortunate because by attempting to destroy the Obama presidency, the Republicans are also destroying a great opportunity for peace and progress in many regions not to mention our own country. I would call this unpatriotic, but perhaps conflict is all that conservatives understand and can comprehend.
Because they had been saying "No" to Bush for the past 8 years, therefore, they feel that there is no reason to say "Yes" yet. The USA must get our own finance together first. We must stop relying on imports period, especially oil. We must own our own economy. That is what will make us strong again.
Jack, Honestly speaking I would like to ask folks to be patient and let President Obama do his job, To be a leader of the US after the "beautiful and peaceful relationship" Mr. George Bush left between the US and the rest of the world, it's not gonna be that easy to make people agree with you, I believe Mr. Obama can make a change as he promised but Folks let us be patient.
We should forget about the racial intolerance in our hearts and look at this man as the President of the United State and not his personality.
Thank You.
good afternoon Jack,
President Obama is asking BIG questions of small minds. What can one expect?
CNN's Fareed Zakaria believes the world is entering the post-American era. If so, you'd better get used to hearing the word no in the international arena.
Is everyone saying no? Or just some foreign media who'd prefer to not get involved in anything that takes effort, creativity, and long-sightedness.
The status quo is akin to the big bird with it's head in the sand.
We were the laughing stock of the world when our government ground to a halt on serious business to impeach a president for an imprudent picadillo and we are again a potential laughing stock for not offering public option healthcare. The root of the problem–Congress. It's broken.
So perhaps, we ought to say no, too, not to Obama, but to the boors in Washington.
Nancy G.
Hey Jack,
How long does it going to take you to comprehend that America does nolonger have a grasp of whatsoever goes in the world. Nine years of wars in Irak and Afghanistan have eroded American mights on all aspects. The "No" to Obama is the No to the crumbling American hegemony.
Perhaps, Obama reminds them of Jimmy Carter. Everytime I look at him that's who I see.
The international community has said "yes" to the United States long enough, with devastating results. Look at the dismal state of the world today, for which the U.S. is largely responsible. You have two on-going wars instigated by the U.S., with the U.S. propaganda machine churning its engines at full speed to initiate another war with Iran. Then there's the global economic meltdown, also stemming from the irresponsible monetary and fiscal policy of the U.S. government. What sane and rational government would say "yes" to more of the same??
Jason
Savannah, GA
Re: "No" to Obama
The noisiest voices are saying this, and there are more of them today. Many may suspect–because America's economic problems–that America's "day" is over, even though it isn't. Emergent nations–some as "powers"–are feeling their own oats and want us to know it & hear it.
And, last but not least, in a globalized world that's here to stay, the Chinas, Indias, and Brazils, etc., now expect to be heard and no longer patronized.
Don Gordon
Santa Fe, NM
Everybody's saying 'no' to the president because everybody is starting to realize that someone who looks good in a suit and gives good orations in front of friendly crowds may be good at getting elected, but not necessarily be a good leader. Making lots of big promises in speeches will win you votes, but not being able to keep promises loses people's confidence in your ability to lead.
Its simple, just like the when all the other kids in class realize the bully is not some all powerful authority, but just like them a kid, a new mentality develops. This has happened in the international classroom, where governments of countries around the world are realizing that the United States is not so all powerful nation. It has nothing to do with Obama, it is cause and effect of diminshing American power and influence in the world
It is amazing how everyone expects President Obama to accomplish anything in such a short time span.. It hasn't even been an entire year. So the "No's" that he is now receiving are not "No's" to him or his policies, but rather the "No's" are the residual effects of the previous administration. Internationally, other countries have been subjected to 8 years of being in the BUSHES, and they are taking precautions with President Obama based on policies of the previous administration, it will take time to gain trust. Imagine this, if you were subjected to 8 years of terror from anyone or organization, would you be so easy to put your trust in the same said organization simply because they changed Leaders?
So to answer the question "why is everyone saying no to President Obama" because of former President George W. Bush...
When a request comes from a leader from a country that can offer, well, anything, it's likely to get a yes as an answer. When the leader of a practacally bankrupt country that bullied the world for the past decade, asks something from others with nothing to offer in return, there is no reason to say yes. Even if pres. Obama does offer something on the area of the environment for instance, the world already knows that thanks to the party of "no", any treaty will not pass congress anyway.
First it was the pres. heading the party of "no", now they still manage to influence the negative image the world has of the US.
The strength of the economy has very little to do with the view of President Obama held by many international leaders. The president's naivete' comes to the fore when he asks questions he does not know the answer to. You do not ask countries to support the effort in Afghanistan unless you already know they will. You don't ask countries to pass stimulus packages unless you know they will. President Obama needs to spend more time with President Clinton.
Because like most humans, they want to wait till the last minute to change anything, even if it means that the world is going to end they will not take any action until the every last moment. They will never want to change, until the world is on the verge of falling completely apart!
Riddick said it best: Back to the ship, huh? Just huddled together, until the lights burn out? 'Til you can't see what's eating you? Is that the big plan?
That is the plan of the Republicans and most world leaders that is why they take no actions at all!
President Obama needs to stop trying to save the World. He is focusing in way to many things; and talks a lot and do not do much, he is going to a place called nowhere. But I believe Secretary Clinton has done an amazing job.
Jack they are not saying anything different than they did during pre-Obama. Remember W?
I don't blame countries for waiting to see.
Neither should those countries keep saying no to the president because the mandate is from the majority who voted in Nov. The America I hope for wants a change from international disdain re US policies, so give the president a break. It'll happen.
Joanne
Knoxville
Jack –
They're all saying No to Pres Obama because he appears weak & indecisive. VP Biden predicted Obama would be tested on the world stage & this is just the beginning. Even our 'allies' are starting to push back on the US. I just hope the Canadians don't cut off their supply of oil &, God forbid, their beer & endless supply of good hockey players.
Because he's too nice, Jack. He makes the mistaken assumption that everyone has evolved to a point where things can actually be logically discussed and evaluated as rational human beings. Ain't so! The International stage sees that as weakness and will eat him alive if he doesn't man up. The world is still full of birthers, death campers, and Nazis. Being nice will not work. He needs to get much tougher.
Jack,
The world is NOT saying no to President Obama. If you notice, Mr. Mizrahi talked about specific countries that said NO but did not mention Israel saying NO to stopping illegal settlement building in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Mr. Mizrahi is attempting to provide an explanation to WHY Israel is in the right to keep saying NO to requests being made by President Obama.
He uses examples of countries that cannot be thought of as a good reflection to how the world is responding to President Obama because these counties have been saying NO to every US President for the last 50 years, including Israel.
So, the President is NOT being told NO as Mr. Mizrahi tries to falsely argue. Hope you will find some benefit in publishing this.
Amjad
Their just a little slower than us. But they finally figured out that he is on the wrong track going in the wrong direction. It ain't chicago anymore toto
The world will never again respect America or an American president because the americans have no repect. They try to bring down the president every way they can. You are going to live to regret it. The more you belittle your president the more people loose respect for America and that office.
Yes, Jack you are correct. George and Cheney forgot the lessons from history and have left America weak because they spent all treasure in a war instead of removing oil from the equation. We are still very vulnerable. If oil goes to 200 dollars a barrel we will be finished for quite a while. Bush and Cheney have not repaired oil issue, or deficit from healthcare (medcare) and lets not forget that every wounded troop that returns from mideast and all the way back from WW11 is lifelong care as well on the deficit of health care and social programs. The Repubs have used war, and also weakened our standing by constantly discussing torture for the last few months, and we also have a portion of the country that does not even respect the office of president with Obama in it. That disrespect began before the election was even over as a tactic of the right and has never stopped . So how do you expect our enemies to view Obama as the President of the United States. A good start was Iraq in training mode only, and I suggest to our President to continue to place Afghan's and Pakinstanians in the same position (TRAINING MODE). All of the presidents/ leaders of these nations have to show up to keep their country , and we are going to work on ours here at home , hopefully.
Give the President a break...some of these sceptics need a kit kat...they'd make you think that Obama's been in office since the turn of the millenium. They remind me of those fans at soccer games who are constantly engaged in arguments of 'How they would have done things had they been the coach' every time their teams lose.
If it is true that the international community is saying, "No" to President Obama, it is because they see how fractured our country is. They see all of the, "social conservatives" (or as I like to call them, "bigots" coming out against President Obama, no matter what he says or does. Because of this idiotic unpatriotic behavior, where nearly half of the US would rather bite of its own nose to spite its face, international powers see our division as weakness, and doubt all US Presidents' abilities to lead the world, if they can't even reconcile differences between people within the US.
United we stand, divided we fall. This sentiment resonates throughout the world. The underwhelming support of our elected leader from citizens of the United States displays weakness in our foundation. Therefore, we can not expect the international community to give any greater respect to our president than we do ourselves. Strength is in unity.
It looks like Obama got caught holding bag. He has been in office for how many months. It seems some actually believed he was "The One". It took the prior adminstration how many years to deminish the economy and the U.S. standings around the world. I think it's going to take some patience(which we all seem to be lacking right now.) and hard work to get our country back in order. Instead of all the divide that seems to be occuring, it seems more like a time for us to unite.
Susan
Youngstown, OH
Jack,
When you're the best anything it just paints a huge target on your back. When you are the standard bearer for the greatest nation on earth, the one people world wide want to come too for freedom, there will always be people who can't wait to take potshots at you.
Letting a Gaddhafi or Achmadipweed into the country just lets the bright light of truth shine on them via the most important watchdog a democracy has, a free and unfettered press.
Take your shots, we'll win out.
I think they feel Obama is "too good to be true". They're waiting to see what Congress does on healthcare and other things. Face it! They don't trust the US. Thanks George Bush!
they are so rud and disrespectful to obama cannot be trusted they should be quiet well i know that that obama planes will work his plans are going to work
We have never been this close to getting healthcare reform and Russia is agreeing to strong sanctions against Iran. What are you talking about?
This is a pretty mindless question. The world and international relations are a little more complex than saying "yes" or "no" to President Obama.
Not a very encouraging level of debate for a country which likes to see itself as a model for the rest of the world.
They are saying NO because Obama is just too lightweight to be a respected world leader.
Not all the countries are as tolerant as US. Most of the cultures would not take black president seriously
The international community will always say NO to an American President. I believe GW Bush (Baby Bush) probably had more Nos than any other president ever from other countries. I find other countries are welcoming Obama.
However, nationally, the right wing conservatives are protesting daily. I guess Obama should adopt the Bush policy!
Be secretive about everything
Do not allow Americans to know what you plan to do
Oh yes, and stay out of Washington as much as possible!
I remember Bush's first 100 days I always saw him on his ranch digging in the dirt! I always wondered why a President spent more time on his ranch than in Washington.
Palin desperately needs to learn a lesson:
(((( A closed mouth gathers no foot!! )))))
Oh dear... Palin is just stupid. Government's involvement was the 2 trillion dollar war in Iraq that contributed; however, It was large corporate America with those hedge funds executives receiving 1 billion dollars a year salary or higher and derivatives along with irresponsible banks and stock market.,
None of all the countries you mentioned ever said yes to the United States in the past – even before the present economic problems came to the surface. The US has tried using force and economic weight in the past, thinking it could as a nation buy or bumb it's way through every of its wishes – it has never worked, not before or during the Bush Administration. Your best bet is the way your present President Obama is going now; using a different tone, rebuilding trust and friendship, and it doesnt come easy. US citizens, no matter their political affiliations and race will help if they showed their president a little respect and understanding. Only then can the rest of the world follow
His mouth moves and words flow like poetry but all they say is "the US caused all the problems and now we will play nice."
Our leadership is at it's weakest since Carter.
We had hope it would not be like this. Lack of experience or bad advisers or both is showing.
Jack,
Because President Obama doesn't stand on the international stage, he "KNEELS" on the international stage!
Chuck
What idiot questioned Obama's world leadership credentials?? Heck, he did not create this mess we are in he INHERITED it!!
I have traveled to Eurpope and several other countries and people love Obama. My girlfriend is Swiss and her parents and whole family think the world of Obama and Consider Bush to have been little more than a monster. Only non-thinking racist idiots in his own country truly pray for his demise both politically and otherwise.
How soon we forget...........
He has only been IN office for 9 months...so please tell me how on earth is he supposed to address worldly concerns that have been building for years?? He has already done more than anyone since Clinton in a few short months to return the US to respectablity around the world.
I can just hear the Republican conservative gum flappers (who never have any positive contributions) griping about Chavez, Gadhafi and Amadinejad. If Obama can manage to appeal to these clowns on ANY level then that means they hopefully won't be going around blowing stuff and people up. Bush's approach got us 911....REMEMBER??
Not only will Obama succeed he will go down as the greatest President ever for cleaning up this putred mess we find ourselves mired in.
dogen`
Jack, It's all the experience that President Obama brings to the table. The whole world loves him- why? He's a pushoverf, a glad-hander, a TV personality, a talking head. He's a talker, not a doer. He should be a correspondant for CNN, MSNBC, or CBS. Then maybe he would gain enough experience to find his way.
By the way, just when did he get his passport?
Simple. He represents US and A with all it's goods and bads.
i know that obama plans will work and he will do a great job on his health care plan they should stop saying no to obama
Isn’t that question somewhat naive.... based on the background the mess Gods chosen nation and “leading” power is leaving behind?
Yours is an adorable country, Jack, but it’s simply time to say good-bye to the idea of owning and running this planet and dividing it.
We are sic of the never-ending “Empires of Evil” your presidents are presenting to us . Is it really 1 president 1 war this world is in need of?
Washington has lost to many friends, and yes, there might be something beyond the decline of the US-Empire. We all long for it!
Claudius
Lucerne – Switzerland
the int'nal scene is saying no because they really don't have respect for the u.s. it's not so much Obama as it is this country. look how our own citizens are treating him. they see this on t.v. & on-line. they know the history of this country & the scathing segregationist past. how dare we try to straighten out somebody else business, & our own business is not together. we can't even get overall healthcare together without fighting tooth & nail amongst each other. the GOP keeps saying wait, we're going too fast; my word, we've already been diddly daddling for the past 30-50 years, how much longer are we to wait!!!!1
Jack, which world are you living? You are been dishonest by asking such ridiculous question? That is a nonsense. How often the international media has expressed the undeniable fact that the US is once again leading on maters such finacial crisi, environmental issues, war agaisnt Afghanistan, NATO. You have a short memenory. You do not recall the G-8 and G-20 meetings in London, the NATO meeting in Brussels and Italy. Who led those meetings to success? Obama's peers all around the world are praising his vision and leadership. President Obama has pushed and obtained very tough sanctions against North Korea. North Korea will tell whether President Obama is serious or not. Nuclear talks with Russia, a comle success The Arab countries are praising President Obama. President Obama is also pushing for a serious negotiation between Isreal and Palestine.
You are questioning something that is NOT true, the leadership of President Obama.
At least, we have President who knows to lead at home and abroad.
Why wouldn't they Jack? They see the Republicans saying no to everything he has tried to pass, and the lily livered "blue dog democrats" shaking in their paws more worried about re-election than doing anything good for the country or fulfilling the promises of the party. At this rate this will continue to be a "do nothing" Washington that we are all tired of. They make me sick!
Jack I'm quite certain the rest of the world has gotten a glimpse of how citizens within the U.S. have treated Obama concerning healthcare reform as well as other issues. Watching irate people at town hall meetings screamimg and yelling, people carrying signs depicting our president as Hitler, or a witch Dr., radio personalities calling him a racist, and groups of people saying he was not born in the U.S. probably legitimizes them saying NO. Afterall, why should they show Obama any respect or listen to anything he has to say when U.S. citizens show so much hatred and disrespect for this President. He hasn't even been in office for one full year and this is what they see.
They are not saying no. It's more like a relief for them that preemptive strikes days are over. However, if all diplomatic efforts fail, Obama will not be the soft president you you are seeing. Obama is the best leader in American history. With the much atrocities the US has sponsored and committed, Obama's approach to foreign policy is the correct one. Respect & Mutual interest is the way to go...it's time for America to stop defending its imperialistic inclinations, which are true. So give the guy a break....Bush was God's creative mistake...he raised American arrogance to a global scale...he was not a leader. But this is for America to deal with. It pains me however that America has no foreign policy credentials. Very sad.
I'll try again to get past the "your comment is awaiting moderation"
Perhaps the total disrespect shown to your President, domestically, in full view of the world, has influenced the global perspective.
However, don't be too quick to judge! Your President, in my opinion, has a belly full of fire, speech heavily weighted with widsom,,, an elightened and sharp intellect, and a real devotion to his fellow man.
He is, in my opinion a man with true potential to be one of your greatest Presidents!
Hello, is anybody paying attention?? Pres. Obama inherited a failing economy from what's his name remember?? The economy is not outstanding now but can a guy get any credit for getting it going in the right place!?!? Every other country is saying no because they still haven't realized Pres. Obama is only ask them to a have a conversation about implementing a plan so we all can live together a little more peaceful, change if u will... Plus I think they believe Pres. Obama is what's his name in a disguise lol
Pretty simple answer Jack, if they say no what is the President going to do about it? All the rouge nations know the US is currently on it's knees and appears to have a President who is soft. It's like dealing with children, there's a time for talk and a time discipline. If your going to deal with countries like North Korea and Iran sometimes you need to carry a big stick instead of hoping for just a pillow fight! These people have hated us for a long time and being cuddly to them now just reinforces to them the inability of the US to "SMACK THEM" should they cross the line.
Listen Jack –
tell your viewers this – no matter who necame Prez after 'W' it didnt matter because the table was set, and it's going to take a while to set it right now after 8 years of bad policies and war that led our economy to the mat.
and who needs Israel anyway, they're strong enough to defend themselves now. let em go!
From Phoenix, AZ
Didn't they also say no to George Bush?
Many are fed up with what they see as American arrogance which President Obama has to now deal with and was exacerbated during the past eight years. President Obama can't expect a warm reception from too many foreign contracts given the past eight years of diastrous US foreign relations. Good luck, Barack!
When we elect a president with zero foreign poliicy experience you get a total lack of respect. Duh!
The reason is simple. You have a sitting US President who enjoys a 60/40 Dem majority, is backed by a majority of the public for health care reform w/ a public option and is the darling of the press. With that being said he can't pass real health care legislation, Wall St shrugs off his commitment to more stringent regulations with the FED, and he has zero support from the Dems on increasing troop levels in Afghanistan.
To foreign leaders this highlights a man who was obviously good on rhetoric but lacks the "cojones" to shake his party up and make things happen. Remember, when "Bubba" took office we were also in a recession, but his experience as Gov of Arkansas and years of public office allowed him to "lead" both dems and republicans to pass major legislation during his time in office. Inexperience is truly showing and foreign leaders are taking note. Hillary 2012 anyone?
Everybody on the international stage is not saying no to President Obama. The world is still reeling from the debacle of the the Bush years. President Obama is facing negativity across the globe due to the policies of Bush/Cheney.
The President has brought the economy back from the brink and he is attempting to do the same for our foreign policy which is closely tied to the economic disater inherited from Bush etal.
From the beginning of his tenure he has plodded forward to undue the criminal mess left by his predecessor. If given time and patience of the U.S. and world communities, the "Nos" of the past will turn into a hard-earned "Yes" for the future.
I'm on board!!!
Jack, he said YES WE CAN not YES THEY CAN. The issues we face abroad aren’t new. They have been with us forever. It may take that long to resolve them. I give the president an A for effort.
the world is saying no because for once we have a pres. that is asking tough questions of the worlds leaders and not dancing around them. He said transparent and i see that not a lot of closed door deals filled with shady attachments its simple and the right way to do it streaght forward and direct and public, answer yes or no its good to see he has the political knockers to stand up and face potintial rejection at least it didnt take 5 mths to find out. Right now i will take a direct no over a shady padded yes easly. i just wish he could do it better with healthcare.
Obama is not the problem, the Democrats are the problem, they all have their own paid by lobbyists agenda and they couldn't agree on one single issue if they had to. With the entire Democratic party at odds with itself who can blame the rest of the world for saying NO to everything Obama suggests, they know he cannot get an agreement from either the house or senate.
Tom in Iowa
Jack i think that the problem is everyone is afraid to be the first one to say yes. Especially with all the back lash that everyone who sides with the president seems to be getting now a days from extreamist.
reminds me of a book I read as a child "little red hen" everyone told her no until it was time to eat.
Jack, talk about over extending yourself, our president sits at the table and over eats again and again. If he would take a look in his own back
yard fix our econamy, and our welfair problems, and health care he would have a full time job. Please Mr. President get back to your office
and get to work on the good old USA. You will never be liked by every one right now just worry about the people that pay you wagers.
Rhea
It is ashamed that everyone is saying that President Obama is not doing a good job. People must realized that former President Bush got us into the economic crisis. People are not giving President Obama a fair chance to fix things. Everything he do is a problem. It is very clear that President Obama is being ridiculed based on race and not his capabilities. He is far from being impotent. My question is why can former Presidents make speeches at schools that have similar content like President Obama speech; when President Obama make a speech at a school parents do not send their children to school and hold rallies? The economic took years to damage. It may take a year or two to rectify the damages done by former leaders. During this economic crisis, it is difficult for all buts, let be patience. Most important lets be FAIR!!!
Jack,
I am sixty years old ,and I have never the United States disrespect a president like President Obama. Respect starts in your own home. Talk Tv and radio host have lead the charge. With republicans and red necks throwing gas on the flames. Other countries see this and they are concerned. This young President has not been in office long enough to even really get started. HE INHERTIDED, all these problems, he didn't create them. RACISM has shown it's ugly, ugly head in this nation again. Of all the other white president, and they have not been perfect, none have been disrespected like President Obama.
Because it is easier to say no than yes. Just try it at home Jack.
Obama has no respect for anyone. Despite his talk on the US government policy changing, he still treat everyone like dirt (even those in Kenya – where I write from. He keeps interfering in our internal affairs – bossing us around.
Because U.S is no longer the world power as once were and Americans has President BUSH to thanks for.
The world love President Obama, unfortunately, you cannot fixed resentment of the past 8 years within 8 months.
They recognize easy meat when they see it... To them it's like a 12 yo showing up in Las Vegas with a suitcase full of cash. All smiles and back slapping but in the end they'll take all they can.
You're all kidding, right? Bush went to the UN, said "I don't have to ask your permission to defend our nation" then still forged an international coallition of 40+ countries to go into Iraq – right or wrong. There is some truth to the fact that they are testing the waters, but with the concessions already being given, they are going to find the waters warm and yeilding. After we took Iraq in a couple of days (right or wrong), Kadafi laid face down in the sand to make sure it didn't happen to him. Now he has welcomed home the murderer of Americans and comes here flaunting his new status. Obama's multi-lateralism makes him a weak world leader. The leaders of the world are leaders becuase they know people. Our new President has already been weighed and measured.
It's hard to believe anyone can say 'no' to Barack Obama. The media certainly says 'yes' to him, and I guess they expect everyone else to be awestruck and acquiesce.
Harry
Tampa
If everyone is saying NO to President Obama, it is because he inherited one hell of a mess. Eight years of the Bush/Cheney debacle has crippled our economy and destroyed our international clout. Many countries are afraid to go along with anything until they know how or if they are going to prosper since the GOP is no longer calling the shots. If you cable network folks would just report the news without opinions and identify the miscreants who are more interested in their lost power positions instead of the folks who actually put them in office and need help, perhaps we could change some things. Enough is enough. It is time for the party of NO to GO. At least then we would have less People saying NO.
Obama has no respect for anyone. Despite his talk on the US government policy changing, he still treat everyone like dirt (even those in Kenya – where I write from. He keeps interfering in our internal affairs – bossing us around. If you don't respect others they will not respect you.
I suppose everybody is saying no to America and not to Obama per sé because America says no to the world for decades:
– it blocks sanctions and resolutions to resolve the Israel – Palestinian dispute in a fair way : favoring people who steal the land and homes and lives or buy those properties above the victims and financing the violent actions of Israel against people held in two large concentration camps (Gaza en West-Bank) with no real freedom of travel.
– it blocks real commitment to reduce green house gases like the Kyoto accords
– it threatens a small country that is an ally with war in case American war criminals are brought to the international court in the Hague
– America is the root cause of the international financial crises bus does not make the greatest financial sacrifice to solve it.
– America has denied the Palestinians the viable and properous state the deserve for almost 60 years now.
Americans were great heroes during WW II and we are grateful for that but we are not blind for what America has become.
Best regards
Karel
Why is everyone on the international stage saying no to the United States? I think that it is fairly obvious that the previous Administration spent years "poisoning the well." International actors know that many of the same characters that were in Washington for the last Administration are still there. International actors know that these law makers and policy wonks cannot be trusted. The President may very well be an inspirational force internationally but foriegn governments know that it will take more than one man to change American policy, as evinced by Washington law makers role in complicating healthcare reform.
From Phoenix, AZ
Didn't they also say no to George Bush?
Many are fed up with what they see as American arrogance which President Obama has to now deal with and was exacerbated during the past eight years. President Obama can't expect a warm reception from too many foreign countries, given the past eight years of diastrous US foreign relations. Good luck, Barack!
Jack, charity begins at home,right?If the presidnt is not beng respected and accepte at home,how do yopu expect the rest of the world to do just that?
Monica
New South Wales
Australia
This President hasn't been in office a full year and yet he should have fixed Healthcare Reformed which we have been working on for 60 years. And the US economy which took us 8 years plus to destroy, he should fix in 8 months. PLEASE!!! Lets get real!
I am amazed that now we listen to the opinion of outsiders, and give them an ounce of mind share. These same people that have been waiting on our country to fail for decades.
It is Bush not President Obama which made the US weak and not respected or feared.
The image of The home of the Brave was damaged, when Bush tolerated N. Korea Real Threats, and instead attacked a weak Iraq based on lies (like a Bully attacking the little kid), and his torture of defenseless prisoners….etc. The message Bush cowardly actions gave was clear. Also the bankruptcy of the US economy because of Bush’s invasion, and the economic corruption weakened the US image further.
I think President Obama will be able to fix most of this damage with time.
You think it might be the international community has had enough of the U.S. meddling in everybodies business.
They only say NO to Obama because of diminish credibility of US after 8 years of Bush administration. And that’s what Obama is try to regain for US in a very difficult times with all economic problems and etc etc. US citizens should be proud and support him.
They think that we are no good S.O.B.'s!!!! They just think All Americans do is screw up other people's lives for our amusement.
Barak Obama is an intelligent man who thinks clearly about the problems which face our world. It is hardly surprising that the various looneytunes who inhabit the world stage disagree with him.
The world is saying no to President Obama, becaust the Republican's in the Senat shows little respect for a Black/White Africam American.
What the White Republican racest fail to take into account, is that Obama Mother is a White American with at least three generations.
He is as white as he is black.
When the Americans show respect and love for all people then the World will respect and follow them.
Only the Nations that depends on their aid will show suport and respect for America today.
The Mejority of the World People love and respect President Obama.
But they don't respect the American Goverment. The White people in Washington, that's where the trouble lies
Perhaps they are trying to "feel out" President Obama. He's been in office for 8 months for crying out loud....He catches more hell from us (American citizens who are supposed to have his back) and the world is watching how WE treat him. If we don't respect our leader, why should they? Give the Man a Chance will ya!
They are saying "no" to Obama because they are all a bunch of ungrateful idiots. We have pumped money into Israel for years and all it has caused us is ill will on the world's stage. The whole pack of those fools in the Middle East want money, weapons, aid from the US but instead of acting like reasonable people they keep on with their "eye for and eye" mentality. We should tell all those blind and toothless crazies to grow up and leave their old tribal mentality behind. If they want to take our money then they ought to listen to our advice. They need to clean up their own messes, learn to live with each other because like it or not they are stuck with each other. We need to take care of ourselves and cut those people loose if they refuse to join the 21sth century.
Jack,
For every leader to succeed especially into international arena need to be galvanized and protected both by his political party and at large by the opponent on key issues. Call that moving to the center but look at it from the global prism.His success is our National success. The World will say NO,NO,NO just like our leaders say it even when they are wrong.We are busy slashing ourselves down and the World who always wished that to happen is correctly picking the momentum. Why not unite as one Nation and truly face the real challenge that is against us!
People are so quick to attack President Obama with negative things but they fail to recall that Presedent Bush got us into the mess that we are in now. For eight years president Bush ran this country into the ground, while supposedly looking for weapons of mass distruction but in the end found nothing of the sort. We lost thousands of lives under his command and ignorance, while he got rich with his ties to the oil industry.
President Obama hasen't even been in office a full year yet and we expect this man to turn this counrty around in such a short time. We the people of the United States knew it would take atleast a full term, maybe two to bring this country back from where "Mr. Bush" left it. I say give our new President a chance before anyone "throws rocks at the thrown".
It is my belief that just as in our own nation the world has adapted to business as usual and is therefore unwilling to accept any logical notions of change.
Jack,
I believe Obama has good intentions most of the time, having said that, I think he is just a good talker with many dreams, most of which will never be completed. He needs to stay off of the T.V waves for a few days and get something done already, instead of continually talking about it.
Carl in Illinois
President Obama by his overexposure,his casual public dress, and his chopped speech has destroyed the limage of a President. He is "The President", not a Rock-Star. He shoould learn the difference.
Why is everybody on the international stage saying no to Obama?
They all say no to Test him
.A perfect exaple is previous President Bush W. Hussein formerlly of Iraq said no the President, Osama said no and they both had to hide undeground. So now it's President Obama's turn to be tested.
This always happens The president of US is always tested to see what they can bite off. For example this includes the President of Russia, where President Obama gave a compromise with many compromisess from Russia still to come in return.The fruits of that meeting are yet to be picked by President Obama. Like Russia staying on the side of US when it comes to Afganistan and Iran interventions yet to come. Whatever form US intervention takes place. President Obama will be insured of the bordering Russia staying on side of President Obama.
The President is thinking ahead in his global political macro politics. Excellent politics for President Obama.
If the American people don't even trust Obama right now, why should we expect International leaders to trust him?
Obama's lack of clout with foreign leaders is due in part to a perception of callowness, but even more to what many take to be his greatest strength: his conciliatory bent. Presidents who had their way with foreiign leaders were either SOB's themselves (most notably, Nixon),or had some tough customers in their cornner (Reagan had Nancy and Jeanne Kirkpatrick). Obama needs to liberate his inner Chicago pol and unleash Rahm Emanuel.
The No's Obama is facing are not something new to the US. the previous administrations were facing the same situation and worse.
At least he seems to seriously try to deal with certain internal and international issues, Up to now all previous administrations have dealt with such issues without finding any solutions but only in a way they increased the interests of certain individuals or powerful lobbies. American people have to understand that the US is as complex as the world seems to be. The president is not trying to cheat them, but working hard for the interest of ALL AMERICANS. He needs support and time to put the US on the right tracks.....
Jack,
I don't know of any leader, of any country, who has ever succeeded in changing the world in nine months. Barack Obama is no exception. Weak? How short our memories are. The President was tested early on when Somali pirates seized a Maersk Ship and it's captain. The President acted swiftly and decisively, resulting in the captains release. But no one ever talks about that. As far as health care goes, it's clear that making health care affordable and attainable for ALL people, is clearly not in the best interest of the American people. The right has made it clear that they refuse to cooperate with the President on any issue, and have continued their lack of objectivity as they have from the start. Weakening us all. Give the man a break for Christ sake, and an honest opportunity to complete his proposals.
No one wants to change the actual situation existing in our World. The problem is not Obama. One man don’t make the problems, but one man can lead others to resolve her problems if they want to.
Fear of lost their power, fear of change, that’s why every one say no to a new politic, to new ideas, to pragmatic politics...
President Obama is a man of honest ideas, and he is the hope of the people (the people of 'globalization') to create the order of XXI Century...he needs time and support of everyone who believe the change is possible.
I´m from Aveiro – Portugal a old country but with hope because we are part of a new politic order: the EC
Come on, it takes more than 8 months to convince the rest of the world that we've truly changed for the better. It doesn't help that we have so many people here that think the president is trying to do too much too fast. Which is it? No one wants to make a deal that could be undermined because of childish domestic politics.
Jack I think its a bit of a stretch to say "why is everybody saying no", when exactly did the group you mention say "yes" to anything substantive and constructive that the U.S. has requested?
Jack No, No, No you got it all wrong. They are not saying no to change. They are saying no to the right wing nut who want to keep it the way it was.
Possibly because world leaders haven't seen any type of significant change in the way the United States has been handling world issues. (mainly in the middle east) Not to mention the fallen economy that has effected nations across the globe. I believe if given enough time to prove himself then President Obama can & will win the ear and support of other countries.
Jack,
The world is NOT saying no to President Obama. If you notice, Mr. Mizrahi talked about specific countries that said NO but did not mention Israel saying NO to stopping illegal settlement building in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Mr. Mizrahi is attempting to provide an explanation to WHY Israel is in the right to keep saying NO to requests being made by President Obama.
He uses examples of countries that cannot be thought of as a good reflection to how the world is responding to President Obama because these counties have been saying NO to every US President for the last 50 years, including Israel.
So, the President is NOT being told NO as Mr. Mizrahi tries to falsely argue. Hope you will find some benefit in publishing this.
Amjad
If America had said no to the reckless lack of proper supervision of its financial instituitions ,no to global environmental destruction, of which she the leader, by virtue of her co2 emission,no to a lot of injustices going on round the world, and had not said no to the rest of the world during the Bush presidency, when we demanded for a thorough and exhaustive debate at the United Nations before the start of war in Iraq, may be the world will not be saying no to America today.
Charles
Lagos Nigeria
There are alot of people that don't want to see him succeed, So that could be a factor. He is trying very hard to get the USA out of this slump, that the Rep. party has put us in. The hole is deep they made sure of that.
Jack,
All those saying no to US policy have been doing so even before Obama became president. So Obama doesn't deserve blame for that. As to whether the sad economic state of the country affects other countries perception of us, I think it certainly does, because they know that we won't be able to influence much of anything in this world when we practically go begging to finance our misadventures. We are right now riddled with so many serious problems and the person who got us here (Bush) is sitting pretty collecting pension. I believe it will take a decade for us to get ourselves out of this hole and it will help us a lot if we – all of us – hold our tongues and go heavy on action to regain world faith in United States.
On the international scene, it will take time for other nations to accept what Obama has to offer. After eight years of the Bush/Cheney administration, they are very leery of any change in plans from our new President. He needs additional time to prove himself. Unfortunately, the tone of impatience is spreading here at home and throughout the world. When our economy improves, the rest of the world will see our President in a new light. Unfortunately, our economy will not improve until we stop outsourcing, and penalize corporations who establish their businesses in foreign countries and employ cheap labor. We need jobs for AMERICANS here in the USA,
and not in India, China, Phillipines, Malaysia, Mexico, Turkey.
"Made in the USA" products are totally nonexistent!!!!!!
If America had said no to the reckless lack of proper supervision of its financial institutions ,no to global environmental destruction, of which she the leader, by virtue of her co2 emission,no to a lot of injustices going on round the world, and had not said no to the rest of the world during the Bush presidency, when we demanded for a thorough and exhaustive debate at the United Nations before the start of war in Iraq, may be the world will not be saying no to America today.
Charles
Lagos Nigeria
Jack,
To understand this downward spiral in our global status,just do a research at the amount of money foreign governments used to lobby or induce our own law makers between 1996-2007 into passing trade laws/policies favorable to them! Yes,to whom that you give your money is to whom that you give your power.We made laws favorable to them under the nickname of globalization.Did we have any strategy to compete with them? NO and No.
Jack....
Answer: Because they can.....
Bob
Hey
I think Mr. Amjad is correct in his analysis. But our media is naive enough to take people like Mr. Mizrahi as honest without asking themselves WHY they are saying these things?
Everyone on the international stage is saying no to Obama because they know he is a "Junior" statesman with no to little executive experience. He doesn't even have the executive experience of Sarah Palin who the Dems and Libs love to through under the bus for no international experience.
Jack:
With all due respect, where have you been the past few decades? The Presidents or Prime Ministers before him, what did they do with the likes of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, Vietnam, Burma, China, the entire Middle East and the Israeli/Palestinian debacle? Not to mention the genocide that occurred and continues to occur in Africa. What American President or other world leader has done a single thing to stop these atrocities? They had years without success, and now you want the President to do what none before him could in just mere months? Look at the plate of manure he was handed. Give me a break, bad question Jack!
Gary,
Lexington,KY
Obama is trying to sell an Utopic idea which is not attainable in the real world. And utopia is only achievable in theory in our economics textbooks- utopic global peace, utopic global economy, government(s).....etc.
some people like me believe that he did not create the financial crisis and he is doing well in the international scene.its just coz he is black
Well, it certainly doesn't help when you return a state gift to one of your greatest allies in the entire world (referring to President Obama's return of Churchill bust to Great Britain)
Any one who thinks the changes Obama is trying to make will come instantly is out of their mind. We as a country elected Bush twice. The damage he did to the image of America is not something that just gets overlooked by the rest of the world.
They like Obama, but we've tarneshed our image enough that it will take some time to build our reputation back to a point where people will just follow us at will.
Everyone is saying no to presidet Obama, including oversea, because of the way some in America are viewing and treating him. There is a saying that says, " If your house don't sell you, the street won't buy you. "
Hi Jack...here is a Canadian viewpoint on why the US is saying no to Pres Obama. How do you expect any new administration to "fix" your economic woes and world problems in 9 months when the previous administration took 8 years to put them in the hellish situation they are in now. Futher more the most ineffectual organization in the world today is the \united Nations.Tell me what has that organization done of any significance in any part of the world? You expect this new \president to be the saviour of everything and anything when in truth everybody has to be on the same page..if you want change and a better world...start in your own back yard..then try to help other nations when your own neighborhood is fixed. Great listening to you.
Joyce Phillips, Stanley Bridge,Prince Edward Island,Canada
These detractors can't be serious with their complaints. How long have these problems perplexed other presidents? But somehow President Obama is expected to solve all of them in less than one year. Give it time and I'm confident we will see real progress within 3 years.
Because the World has been getting a free ride from us side WWII- when we became the Policeman of the World. Yes we are great- but we cannot heal every wound .
SO they are throwing a temper tantrum because they are not going to get anything they had- waah waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah
I say GROW UP and PITCH in
Obama is smartly applying the principles of the Prisoner's Dilemma. He has indicated that his pattern of choices will be cooperation, and if others choose the same, all will benefit more in the long term. This is quite an adjustment from the zero sum game of Bush.
They say no because this is new America where everything good is replied with No. Better Health Care = No, Better Schools = No, Better Economy = No so like wise better America to world = No. Hence President Obama = No.
The simple reason is the double standards of US. No offense to US or Americans in general but when US stockpiles nuclear arsenals it is absolutely fine and when other countries do so then it becomes threat. I don't get this immature agenda of Obama and US. When US shoots down a plane or kills people its called war and when other countries do its termed as "terrorism". US media should face reality instead of always justifying US in whatever it does.
I guess other countries have realized that US can do anything for its own benefits in the name of co-operation and world peace. This is what history has to say...US supported Iraq against Iran, then destroyed Iraq and now pointing to Iran...verdict is simple....it has its eyes on Oil and gaining more power. Countries who do not co-operate with US are termed as "threats".
Once again this is what the facts say so just stating my view. I have no personal enmity with this country.