FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
When Barack Obama was elected, there was a hope that he would improve America's standing on the world stage.
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More than a year later, tensions are rising between the U.S. and several key nations.
In the Middle East, by some counts, U.S.-Israeli relations are "in a crisis"... the worst in more than three decades.
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is defiant when it comes to defending construction in East Jerusalem - despite pressure from the U.S. to stop. This will probably throw a wrench into Israeli-Palestinian peace talks; and that only hurts America's image in Arab countries. Israel announced the construction during V.P. Biden's trip to Isral - a big time diplomatic slap in the face. Meanwhile Hamas called for a "day of rage" today, rioting at the re-opening of a synagogue in Jerusalem.
Then there's China... Some suggest the communist nation is manipulating its currency; and trying to take advantage of America's credit crisis. For its part, China accuses the U.S. of pursuing hegemony in the world, trampling upon the sovereignty of other countries and trespassing on their human rights. Didn't we use to say that human rights stuff about China? Things sound good there.
President Obama has been unable to do anything about Iran's nuclear program, despite making that a priority early in his term.
And lastly - ahead of President Obama's scheduled trip to Asia - thousands of people protested in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country.
The followers of a conservative Islamic group say that even though Mr. Obama spent his childhood in Indonesia, as president he is following the policies of George Bush in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Here’s my question to you: When it comes to foreign policy, how would you rate President Obama?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Steve in Canada writes:
I think he is going the right way. This latest dust-up with Israel is a proper reaction to that stunt they pulled on your V.P. last week. In the Middle East, nuance and appearances are everything, and Israel gave the U.S. the finger in front of all.
Keith writes:
The president appears to have been overcome by what theologian Robert Jewett calls "The Captain America Complex." He has been playing to the machismo American image and has not seized the opportunity to normalize relationships with Cuba and behave civil with Iran. His refusal to enter into an honest relationship with Israel–one that calls them out for their fascist policies–has also hurt his credibility. I still support our President, but I want to see him use some common-bridge building sense rather than cave in to patriotic and protectionist American sensibilities.
Andrew writes:
I agree that President Obama has not had the most successful year, but I disagree with the way you presented this information. You are setting up the public to go against Obama. By focusing on his failures, we are not able to move on. There is a reason why he won the Nobel Peace Price, he inspires hope in people, and if we cannot believe that anything good can happen, then that's exactly what is going to happen.
Daryl writes:
President Obama should be applauded for his foreign policy. It's a balm to our souls that we finally have an intellectually-blessed leader with the ability to see all sides who actually puts diplomacy above war.
Michael in Nevada writes:
We all had high hopes for him, but he has done little. I suppose it's hard to hold it against him seeing as he has been tied up in the health care imbroglio for months on end.
Chip writes:
Much like every other promise that Candidate Obama made, too much talk coupled with too little real action equals a red-penned F.
Ron writes:
About two notches below Billy Carter. That's right Billy, Barack makes brother Jimmy look like Adlai Stevenson. Pathetic!