• by Mario Soares
• Tuesday, October 13, 2009
• Inter Press Service

Obama's greatest strength derives from the hope he arouses for a better world, one with more solidarity and justice. This is not a new utopia. Today it is possible to take a major step forward, like those taken during other crucial periods of history, writes Mario Soares, ex-president and ex-prime minister of Portugal.

Some have criticised the decision, arguing that Obama has been in office for such a brief period that he has not had time to accomplish anything concrete, whether in the US, Iraq, or Guantanamo. What has he accomplished? There is one remarkable feat: he has radically changed his country and the world.

That said, no one has a magic wand that can instantly change the world, not even Obama. On the other hand, as a democrat and a humanist, Obama does not make use of threats or decrees. His approach is to propose and persuade. With realism and persistence he tries to get across his ideas and values and win support for his policies. This is his approach in seeking agreement on a negotiated peace with the goal of ending overt and latent wars, as part of a global vision that seeks a solution to this and other contemporary challenges.

(*) Mario Soares is ex-president and ex-prime minister of Portugal.

// NOT FOR PUBLICATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR PORTUGAL //

© Inter Press Service (2009) — All Rights Reserved. Original source: Inter Press Service

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