From DC to Jerusalem

At the outset of his campaign, I had severe reservations about Barack Obama’s ability to lead on foreign policy. His charisma and ability to transform politics initially drew me to support his candidacy. As one of the very few Americans who base their vote largely on a candidate’s foreign policy, I was concerned about his lack of experience and how this would affect his decision-making. The man, however, has done nothing but exceed my highest expectations. The speech he gave today on the fifth anniversary of his speech opposing the War in Iraq was just the latest example in a long line of outstanding addresses he’s made on foreign policy. From the vision articulates, I am more convinced than ever that he would make an outstanding foreign policy president.

Living in the Middle East and traveling across wide swaths of the Arab-Muslim world has convinced me that people do not reflexively hate America. Wide eyed people frequently implore me to talk about what New York City is like and talk with tremendous admiration of Bill Clinton. When George Bush is brought up, they utter a string of curses so profane that I don’t want to recount them on this blog.

What we need is someone capable of articulating America, showing that the American ideal still lives. People around the world, and particular in the Middle East, still dream of America as an idea. Our biggest problem is the gap between our ideals and our actions. Barack Obama can change this. The man’s picture is everywhere in Kenya, following his visit there last year. Obama can be a truly inspirational and transcendent leader of America abroad. Most importantly, he will be much more effective in uniting the world against the serious problems we face. I would encourage everyone to go to www.barackobama.com and read his speech for yourselves.