Obama: A Global Reaction

By David Aikman

The victory of Barack Obama in the presidential election has aroused a variety of reactions around the world. The predominant one is positive for the US: appreciation of the fact that a black man could be elected in a country that had many racial problems in the past. All Americans can bask in the glow of that praise.

But not everyone is happy. The Germans worry about American protectionism under a Democratic president. Egyptians say they hope Obama will change American policies in the Middle East and resolve the Palestinian issue. Israelis, on the other hand, worry that Obama may be too soft on Iran and those Palestinians who want to destroy Israel.

One thing is sure: the change Obama promises to bring may not please everyone.