100 days on, hope still survives

Do people have hope for a new America after Barack Obama has become the US President? Do they believe that change is happening? Or do they feel that it is too early to decide?

After 100 days of his Presidency, Gulf News readers share their views on Obama and his policy so far.

Some think it is too early to make a judgment. One of them is Ralph Berenger, an American expatriate and a former political reporter, campaign consultant and grassroots political organiser, who said: "President Obama is defying precedence and history and his first days have been mixed, as he had tried to move the country too quickly into a neo-socialist vision contrary to the US political culture, traditions and dominant ideologies."

Lameese Hajjisa, a 19-year-old American expatriate agrees, saying that Obama is trying hard to reassure everyone that his policies are intact even after elections, but only time will show if that is true.

Berenger said: "Although I never had a romanticised view of Barack Obama from the start, I am not disappointed in what he has done so far. "

Omar Al Busaidy, a 23-year-old Emirati, has a similar view and says that although he was pessimistic before Obama became president, he is now more hopeful.

Still, Busaidy doesn't believe that Obama would be able to make too much of a difference in the Middle East.

Others are more positive, and are hoping for the best.

Manu Mahdi, a 32-year-old Indian expatriate said: "I believe Obama, with the steps he has been taking, will pull the world out of the current financial crisis."

Mahdi also thinks that Obama's foreign policies are much better than the former US government's and that many countries and leaders see him as a beacon of peace.

Busaidy agrees saying that Obama is fixing the damage done by the former government when it comes to the US relationships with other countries.

Do you think Obama is delivering what he promised? Till now, what has been Obama's most important achievement?

I am a bangladeshi expertriate on work in dubai. I think, Obama overcame the current financial crisis because he is better than former US pesident.
Serzul Islam Sumon
Feni,Bangladesh
Posted: April 29, 2009, 07:06