Jordan Star

Mondo Times editors    Boulder Colorado USA

Posted at 4:31pm on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Jordanian journalist and political commentator Osama Al-Sharif gives his opinion of President Obama's first year in office.

Al-Sharif's op-ed piece was published February 1, 2010 in the Jordan Star:

"Much has been written about President Barack Obama’s first year in office; the disappointments, the frustrations and the unfulfilled promises. The first African-American to be elected to the highest office in the strongest country on earth promised change—and many believed. Obama promised to tame the monster that is Washington, but with his job approval ratings dipping fast, it appears that the ghoul had survived the first round and was not flummoxed by the young challenger. America has changed little, many would sadly conclude.

President Obama has recognized his short-comings and as he prepares for his first State of the Union address, he is looking for ways to reinvigorate the public and rally the believers. It is vital that he succeeds in his efforts. After eight years of George Bush policies and the world’s worst financial crisis in decades—still not over—few believed that Obama can turn things around in few months, even a year. Those who did were naive and a bit audacious!

After all, Washington is the nerve center of a complex system of government that sometimes appears to be evolving on its own. To change its course or priorities is a mammoth task of herculean nature; Obama can certainly try and may even set off a spark or two, but to reform the system, one may have to bring it down first! Obama is no revolutionary. He is a product of that system and his intentions, good as they may be, will not suffice."

The full story:
http://www.star.com.jo/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17363&catid=17:op-ed&Itemid=111