The Obama touch

By El-Sayed Eleiwa

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How much change can Barack Obama introduce? He may be the president of the world's greatest power but Obama himself faces limits on his authority. He has to talk to senior aides, get Congress on his side, maintain the loyalty of both his party and public opinion. His policies are being scrutinised at every turn by Congressional committees, political adversaries and the media.

Part of the job of every US president is to humour special interest groups, including powerful economic and political lobbyists. In short, there are perimeters to what a president can do, however young and popular. With a bit of charisma and with direct appeal to public opinion Obama may be able to push the boundaries here and there but he has to watch out for what his critics say, both at home and abroad.

The US is a democracy with constitutional traditions and established rules. As President Obama has to address such weighty matters as Iraq and Afghanistan, his ability to change things is far less than many think. At every step of the way he will be in consultation with the CIA, the Pentagon, the State Department, the Justice Department, etc.

Changes have to happen, if only because the previous administration lost the plot on many counts. With the US military bogged down abroad and an international crisis threatening the global economic system Obama will have to act, and act fast. But he will need to consult first with his domestic agencies and public as well as governments in Europe and Asia. The banking crisis, for example, cannot be addressed without close coordination among central banks everywhere.

Obama comes to the office with a clear agenda but his ability to follow through on his electoral promises depends on many factors not least of which is the support of the American public.

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