Soapbox:

The new America

By El-Sayed Eleiwa

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Over the past few years, US strategists kept coming up with new terms that suggest change and dynamism: Desert Storm, Desert Fox, the Greater Middle East, Old Europe, etc. Now it is time perhaps to think of terms of a new America. Years of military failure in Afghanistan and Iraq, crowned with a world financial crisis, brought to office a man who is different from George W Bush in every possible way.

Analysts wonder if the US can resume its role as a leader of the world in the same manner it did during the past century. If so, the revival of America's ethic of equal opportunity could be of great help. The world was duly impressed to note America offers no impediment to a man of dark skin.

America may not be the number one player it used to be. Since Russia invaded Georgia, Asia rose to greatness, and the Chinese economy boomed, America's power has seemed to be a matter of debate. The failed politics of President Bush are mainly to blame for America's fall from international grace. From now on, things are bound to be different on the international scene. For one thing, the banking sector will have to be regulated. And the Middle East should be treated with more care.

Also, relations between the North and the South will need to undergo some major changes. It used to be that the North would call the shots and the South would be left to pick up the pieces. Now the North should start listening to the problems and hopes of the South.

If Obama can only maintain the energy that inspired Americans and other nations around the world, things are bound to change. Here is a US president with Muslim and African roots, Asian background, and American education: the ultimate credentials for pluralism. If anyone can bury racism, abandon military arrogance and let exploitation be a matter of the past, it is Obama. Interestingly enough, his presidency brings down the curtain on America's version of the bequest of power -- from Bush Sr to Bush Jr.

This week's Soapbox speaker is professor of political science at Helwan University.