Obama's Asia tour doesn't go exactly according to plan

by REUTERS

Opinions Nov. 21, 2012 - 06:19AM JST ( 8 )

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8 Comments

-4

Herve Nmn L'EisaNov. 21, 2012 - 09:10AM JST

"…seemed be more symbolism than substance." Yup, that pretty much sums it up. And the Chinese essentially set the agenda. Another sign of the Empire in decline.
0

FlyfalconNov. 21, 2012 - 09:22AM JST

It was the Gaza conflict that may have crystallized for Obama that despite his preferred focus on fast-growing Asia after a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, his global agenda in his second term may be destined to be usurped by one Middle East crisis after another.

Many in Asia see US is not honest mediator for middle east conflict. It is extremely biased and pampered to one side. US has changed many President since 1967. No one has been able to solve the middle east problem. Asia has some tension and problems.Very likely US can not fix that problem either.

Comparing with Middle East, Asia is more stable, prosperous and peaceful. It is not a flashing point for countless bodies and explosions.

Reality is Obama can not influence much for any outcome unless his own house is not in order. Diplomatically Asians are polite. Their expression is showing Obama to "Look at your own backyard."
7

RowanMNov. 21, 2012 - 09:48AM JST

This is a pretty ridiculous article.

Summary: "Obama just got reelected but everything didn't magically fall into world peace."

Do you know who wasn't disappointed with Obama's trip? People with reasonable expectations, that's who.
-8

semperfiNov. 21, 2012 - 12:24PM JST

What a parody !...................... Obama was so clued out from the get go..................... He mispronounced Aung Sung Suu Kyi's name several times, even after she CORRECTED him EACH time !-----------------------Such a klutz !!!!!!!!!!! - - - - He tried to greet her with a kiss, which is not appropriate for women in that culture ----------------- and she tried to avoid it.........................He called BURMA , 'Mynamar' ---------- WRONG !!!!!....................And, Obama FORGOT the FULL last name of Burma's leader which is Thein Sein, and called him Sein..........................What an embarassement Obama continues to be -------------------- !
2

Ranger_Miffy2Nov. 21, 2012 - 12:54PM JST

Looks like Republicans wrote this article. All opinion.

Obama did well to make this brief trip as it will set up future meetings. Think of the at the usual "aisatsu" meeting in Japan. Drink some tea, have some snacks, talk about baseball and the weather. Nothing gets done, but it is the start of a relationship that develops into something useful later.
4

lostrune2Nov. 21, 2012 - 04:07PM JST

Do you know who wasn't disappointed with Obama's trip? People with reasonable expectations, that's who.

There's only so much the U.S. can do. The U.S. is not the all-powerful that old Americans used to think it is, no matter who the President. Still, it's the most powerful nation, so there's still a lot it can do, just not all of 'em.
0

candiedcloverflowersNov. 22, 2012 - 01:44AM JST

I'm proud that he went to Asia and tried. Honestly, everytime I see President Obama, I think he's going to fall over from exhaustion. Yes, we have a lot of problems here. However, that shouldn't stop us from recognizing the pretty large part the U.S. has in international affairs. It's important that the U.S. changes its image from a country of self-serving and self-centered politicians with too much power, to a country that doesn't just keep to its "own backyard". Balance, balance and time.
-1

vollandNov. 22, 2012 - 07:17AM JST

„But the fact remains the time a president can devote to foreign policy is limited by domestic reality, and the Middle East is continuing to gobble up a large portion of his schedule.”

That is the simply reality. And we should all be grateful for this, because otherwise the decades of peace in Asia might be close to ending. But as Mr Nobel Peaceprize Winner said, he only wants one war at a time. And so, thank god, Japan will have to wait with its war against China about a few barren rocks. Ira is the priority….

@Flyfalcon

You write „Many in Asia see US is not honest mediator for middle east conflict.“ Surely you jest…. EVERYBODY who can read can see the obvious. Obama needs Israel for the built-up against the true aim, which is conquest of Iran. Israel will have to set up Syria whose space will be needed for that war.

This politics, what is more it is the foreign politics of a super power in decline. A country that cannot survive without robbing the rest of the planet….