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NOBEL TO OBAMA: THE RIGHT TIME, THE RIGHT PERSON
Mario Soares
OCTOBER 2009 (IPS) - 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// NOT FOR PUBLICATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR PORTUGAL // (END/2009)
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