Obama Speech Suggests Modest Foreign Agenda for Second Term
Judging from his comments in his second inaugural address, Barack Obama’s foreign policy over the next four years will not be particularly ambitious, including in the Middle East.
If President Barack Obama’s foreign policy agenda for his second term can be measured by the time devoted to the topic in his inaugural address, there is little reason to expect bold action.
The focus of the president’s speech was domestic — a pep talk to a nation still recovering from economic crisis and winding down a war begun by Obama’s predecessor in Afghanistan.
Three short paragraphs were devoted to foreign affairs and national security and their tone was modest compared to 2009.
Four years ago, the new American leader told the Muslim world that the U.S. sought “a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect” and promised adversaries that “we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
