Shared interests define Obama's world (One World Govt Primer)(Be prepared for hurls)

Washington Post ^ | 11-2-2209 | Scott Wilson

[raybbr]

President Obama is applying the same tools to international diplomacy that he once used as a community organizer on Chicago's South Side, constructing appeals to shared interests and attempting to bring the government's conduct in line with its ideals.

Obama's approach to the world as a community of nations, more alike than different in outlook and interest, has elevated America's standing abroad and won him the Nobel Peace Prize. But on the farthest-reaching U.S. foreign policy challenges, he is struggling to translate his own popularity into American influence, even with allies that have celebrated his break from the Bush administration's emphasis on military strength, unilateral action and personal chemistry.

Conservatives think Obama is undermining U.S. power abroad by failing to recognize the degree to which countries, whether allies or adversaries, are immune to appeals to shared interests. And critics from opposite ends of the political spectrum say Obama has too often muted his public support for American ideals -- notably human rights and democracy -- in his pursuit of common goals.

The limits of Obama's cool, interests-based approach are visible in Afghanistan, where European allies continue to resist sending additional combat troops to fight an increasingly unpopular war, and in his attempts to assemble a common front against Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program. In Afghanistan, his efforts to reinvigorate the relationships neglected by the previous administration have yielded few tangible results on the battlefield. In Iran, months of careful, culturally sensitive diplomacy have met with a recalcitrance that U.S. conservatives say will never change.

[raybbr]

A full Five Barf bag barfer.

On some of the most challenging foreign policy issues that Obama faces, however, his appeal to the shared goals of economic prosperity, national security and a healthy environment has been overtaken by the stronger pull of national interests. This has been true in his dealings with allies and adversaries alike.

See what I mean...? The author thinks that Obama's "global dealing" are more important than our nation interests.

[Amos the Prophet]

The article is a perfect illustration of the ivory tower mentality of O’s apologists. Living in an ivory tower isolates its residents from the grime and squalor of dealing with the world outside. It provides a cozy bubble of protection from thinking about reality.
Most of all, living in an ivory tower makes its residents absolutely dependent upon the gaurds at the base of the tower who protect them from the rabble who pay for their lavish, pampered privations. They never consider that the gaurds go home to neighbors who hate their elitism.