Days 71-80
- Day 71: President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Head to Europe for
Five Country Tour - Day 72: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Get Warm
Welcome in the U.K. - Day 73: President Obama Praised by French President for Consensus Building at Successful G-20 Summit
- Day 74: President Obama Garners European Approval for ‘A World without Nuclear Weapons’
- Day 75: President Obama Makes Strides on Afghanistan Conflict at NATO Meeting in Europe
- Day 76: President Obama calls North Korean Launch of Rocket a
‘Provocative Act’ - Day 77: President Obama Meets with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in
Turkey to Mend Friendship - Day 78: President Obama tells Troops in Iraq during Surprise Visit:
“Number one-Thanks” - Day 79: Obama Administration Joins U.N. Security Group for Talks with Iran over its Nuclear Program
- Day 80: President Obama Asks Congress for a ‘Supplemental Fund’ of $83.4 billion for on-going War against Terrorism
- Obama says Supplemental Funds Needed for Operations in the Middle East
The Obama administration today reported it will request another $83.4 billion to continue military and diplomatic operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today a Democratic congressional spokesperson said the ‘supplemental funds’ would sustain the war efforts until the end of September, which marks the end of the 2009 fiscal year.
President Obama included war spending in his 2010 budget while under former President Bush the administration depended on supplemental spending bills to fund the wars. Any additional spending bills go through Congress first as usual.
The allocation of Obama’s new funds request is for approximately $75 billion to go towards military operations. The rest of the money is intended for diplomatic missions to the countries and to Pakistan.
Obama announced in March that the U.S. plans to withdraw most of its troops from Iraq by the end of August 2010. There are currently 142,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. The planned withdrawal will see between 35,000 to 50,000 troops remain until December 31, 2011.
In addition, Obama has ordered the deployment of 17,000 troops to Afghanistan to fight the Taliban and 4,000 more to train Afghan troops and security forces.
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President Obama to Engage in Group Talks with Iran over Nuclear Program
The Obama administration announced today it will actively participate in group talks with Iran over the extent of Iran’s nuclear program. This is another shift away from Bush’s foreign policy as Bush did not generally even attend such meetings.
Robert Wood spoke for the State Department today saying the U.S. will join high level diplomats from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council: Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia to meet with Iranian officials to talk about the nuclear issue, with respect to Iran itself and the world wide proliferation of nuclear arms.
The group of five countries, called the "P5+1," recently stated that it would extend the invitation to Iran to join new talks in an attempt at breaking the stalemate and moving the issue forward with real progress.
Wood told reporters: "The U.S. remains committed to the P5+1 process; what is different is that the U.S. will join P5+1 discussions with Iran from now on. If Iran accepts, we hope this will be the occasion to seriously engage Iran on how to break the logjam of recent years and work in a cooperative manner to resolve the outstanding international concerns about its nuclear program. Any breakthrough will be the result of the collective efforts of all the parties, including Iran."
Reflecting what President Obama has said all along Wood commented that a positive outcome is possible only with "a willingness to engage directly with each other on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interests. We hope that the government of Iran chooses to reciprocate.”
Earlier, the P5+1 group had put forward a proposal with incentives to stop enriching and reprocessing uranium. The Iranian government refused the offer even though it meant the imposition of sanctions. Iran maintains that it has can legally produce reactor fuel for civilian energy usage under the terms of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
Obama has made several overtures to Iran to bring the country to the international table for negotiation and reconciliation following eight years of Bush’s contentious foreign policy. The President also had U.S. officials send a written request to Iranian diplomats asking for information about any detained or missing Americans still in Iran following the war, also something the former president was unwilling to do.
President Obama reached out to the Iranian people with a video message in which he said the U.S. would willingly find ways to work with Iran but that Tehran has the responsibility of using tact and diplomacy on the international stage.
- Obama Visit to Iraq A Big Surprise for Troops in Baghdad
President Obama met with General Ray Odierno, the top U.S. commander in Iraq and Security Chief James Jones today during a surprise visit to speak with troops at Camp Victory in Baghdad.
It was a brief stay with the 700 troops at the Camp who roared approval when Obama said: "Here's a couple things I want to say. Number one, thank you!" Obama then reiterated that the next 18 months are crucial to the overall mission of stabilizing the region prior to troops being moved out of the country by the end of 2010. President Obama told the troops that it was their work and sacrifice that has enabled “the Arab nation an opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country. That is an extraordinary achievement and for that you have the thanks of the American people.”
President Obama met briefly also with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Following the meeting, Maliki said he "assured the president that all the progress that has been made in the security area will continue." Meanwhile Obama reported that he "strongly encouraged" the Iraqi Prime Minster to find ways to unite political factions and allow Sunnis into the government and security forces.
As an early opponent to the war with Iraq Obama has said before that “it is time for the Iraqis to take responsibility for their country and for their sovereignty." Unquestionably the players all know that compromise and mutual accommodation are necessary but Obama has told the Iraqi’s the U.S. "can't do it for them but what we can do is make sure that we're a stalwart partner that we are working alongside them."
- President Obama tells Turkey the ‘ U.S. is not at War with Islam’
President Barack Obama made his last official European stop in Ankara, Turkey today, his first state visit to a Muslim country. In planning his last stop in Turkey, Obama said:"I have now spent a week traveling through Europe, and I've been asked, 'Are you trying to make a statement by ending this weeklong trip in Turkey?' And the answer is yes”.
In his efforts to offer an olive branch to the Muslim world, President Obama stressed that the U.S. is not at war with Islam. Obama did say that relations with the Muslim world and the U.S. have been tense since the September 11th, 2001 attacks on U.S. soil.
But in his speech in Ankara, Obama stated: "I think that where there's the most promise of building stronger U.S.-Turkish relations is in the recognition that Turkey and the United States can build a model partnership in which a predominantly Christian nation, a predominantly Muslim nation -- a Western nation and a nation that straddles two continents, that we can create a modern international community that is respectful, that is secure, that is prosperous, that there are not tensions -- inevitable tensions between cultures -- which I think is extraordinarily important."
President Obama talked about the diversity that defines the U.S. saying "one of the great strengths of the United States" is that it sees itself as not as "a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values. I think modern Turkey was founded with a similar set of principles."
Despite Turkey’s despicable slaughter of Armenians during the war there, Obama praised Turkey’s current involvement in negotiations with Armenia to "resolve a whole host of long-standing issues, including this one. If they can move forward and deal with a difficult and tragic history, then I think the entire world should encourage that," he said.
Obama discussed his strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan with the Turkish President and Prime Minister. Turkey’s cooperation is expected now that the U.S. focus is on minimal troop increases and more civilian personnel to help improve the lives of people in both countries.
- Obama Issues Strong Rebuke on North Korea’s Missile Launch
President Obama joined other world leaders in expressing outrage over the North Korean launch into space of a rocket early today. North Korea had warned the international community of its intentions to send a ‘communications satellite’ into orbit and through his actions today remains defiant against the world. There was an immediate call for a U.N.
Security Council meeting to plan carefully for its international statement on the issue.
Obama released a statement on the launch saying it was "a clear violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718, which expressly prohibits North Korea from conducting ballistic missile-related activities of any kind. With this provocative act, North Korea has ignored its international obligations, rejected unequivocal calls for restraint, and further isolated itself from the community of nations."
The President went on to say that: "We will immediately consult with our allies in the region, including Japan and South Korea and members of the U.N. Security Council to bring this matter before the Council. I urge North Korea to abide fully by the resolutions of the U.N. Security Council and to refrain from further provocative actions."
Speaking outside the Prague Castle today, President Obama told the large audience: "Now is the time for a strong international response. And North Korea must know that the path to security and respect will never come through threats and illegal weapons. All nations must come together to build a stronger global regime. That's why we must stand shoulder to shoulder to pressure the North Koreans to change course."
The North Korean government claimed they had successfully launched a satellite into orbit. However, according to the U.S. military sources the launch was a failure. Early indicators show that two objects fell from the sky, in the Sea of Japan and in the Pacific Ocean. A U.S. official said the missile did not even reach orbit.
- Obama Pleased with Results of NATO Meeting
President Obama described the NATO meeting today as "very productive" and came away with the promise of more help from member nations in the conflict in Afghanistan. NATO allies “pledged their strong and unanimous support" for Obama’s new strategy in Afghanistan which involves more troops, trainers and civilian workers.
America's NATO allies have promised 5,000 more troops: 3,000 for added security during the impending Afghan election; up to 2000 troops embedded with Afghan soldiers and 400 police trainers. In addition, there will be an increase in the trust fund that currently is used to help maintain and improve Afghan security forces. Obama spoke about the critical role of an increase in non-combat professional positions such as such as physicians, engineers, educators and agricultural specialists.
Obama told reporters today: "These commitments have troops, trainers and civilians represent a strong down payment on the future of our mission in Afghanistan and on the future of NATO."
"Today I'm confident that we took a substantial step forward to renewing our alliance to meet the challenges of our time," the President said. Tomorrow President Obama moves on to Prague for more talks on the global economy.
- President Obama Draws Cheers for "a world without nuclear weapons"
- Obama Announces his Strategy for Afghanistan to NATO Leaders
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle arrived in Strasbourg, France this morning for the NATO meetings today and Saturday. Before the official opening of the NATO meetings, Obama spoke at a ‘town hall’ meeting of French and German attendees, many of them students.
In his speech to the audience Obama spoke of the need for consensus on a wide range of issues plaguing today’s countries around the world. He emphasized that a unified world effort is needed to deal with nuclear proliferation, recession, terrorism, poverty and drug trafficking.
Obama said: “Even with the Cold War now over, the spread of nuclear weapons or the theft of nuclear material could lead to the extermination of any city on the planet. There's no corner of the globe that can wall itself off from the threats of the 21st century."
He reminded the group that only two days prior, he and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced their intentions to reduce their nuclear stockpiles. Obama received an enthusiastic response from the audience when he said his goal is "a world without nuclear weapons."
Obama conveyed that the U.S. acknowledges its part in the world crisis but added "every nation bears responsibility for what lies ahead -- especially now."
Obama Announces his Strategy for Afghanistan to NATO Leaders
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The top level meeting is taking place in Baden-Baden, Germany. While the meeting does mark a milestone, the 28-nation alliance is anxious to bridge the gap between NATO allies and Russia. The Russian President has warned NATO not to try to impose inclusion into the treaty of Russia, the Ukraine or Georgia. Both the Ukraine and Georgia have stated that they want to be participants in NATO.
President Barack Obama spoke to NATO leaders today looking for support for his strategy for the Afghan war. Most European nations do not want increased military presence in Afghanistan but they have said they are interested in humanitarian issues and assistance for the government in Kabul and committed 5000 non-combat personnel for these efforts.
The group will also rethink the alliance's role and values in the 21st century. A new secretary-general will be chosen at the meeting. NATO was joined by Albania and Croatia this year and France recommitted membership into NATO's military wing after a 43-year absence.
President Obama met with French President Zarkosy earlier in the week who later commended Obama for his census building ability. Obama and the leaders of the Group of 20 nations hailed Thursday’s meeting as a success on many fronts and most critically on the world's worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.
President Obama meets with European Union leaders in Prague on Sunday with economic issues the priority.
- Obama Well Received by World Leaders at G-20 Summit in London
President Barack Obama told reporters today that he feels he performed “OK” at the G-20 summit in London. The President indicated he was also an observer, "listening and learning" and "providing American leadership."
"Overall, I am pleased with the product and I will leave it with others to determine whether me and my team had anything to do with that," said President Obama at a news conference following the summit meetings today. He described the agreements reached in London as a "turning point in our pursuit of global economic recovery."
President Obama pledged $448 million in additional aid to underdeveloped countries that he called “future drivers of world economic growth." The Group of 20 countries put forward $1.1 trillion for the International Monetary Fund for loans and guarantees to poor countries. The Group also forged an agreement to eliminate tax havens and hedge funds and to revise rules to accommodate pay for performance for senior executives on a global scale.
Obama said: "Each country has its own quirks and own particular issues that a leader may decide is really important, nonnegotiable for them. What we try to do is accommodate those issues in a way that did not hamper the overall effectiveness of the document."
Apparently, Obama did indeed contribute to the strides achieved at the meeting. Even contentious French President Nicolas Sarkozy praised Obama for helping to create consensus and for influencing China’s agreement to publish lists of tax havens. Sarkozy added: "Never would we have thought to get as big an agreement."
In a statement released after today’s meeting it was announced there would be a new monitoring board to signal to world leaders of problems in the global economy.
- President Barack Obama in London for G-20 Summit
- Obama Plans to Meet with Leaders of Russia and China
President Barack Obama in London for G-20 Summit
President Obama said in London today that the G-20 members have "a responsibility to act with a sense of urgency" and come up with "tough new rules" for managing the global economy.
Obama spoke after a morning meeting with Prime Minister Gordon Brown in a joint news conference saying: “We’ve passed through an era of profound irresponsibility. Now, we cannot afford half-measures and we cannot go back to the kind of risk-taking that leads to bubbles that inevitably burst. So we have a choice: We either shape our future or let events shape it for us."
Obama urged world leaders to create a plan for a new system of economic world markets and to eliminate protectionism. The President said: “We have a responsibility to coordinate our actions and find a common ground, not to focus on our differences ".
The day`s highlights include a visit to Buckingham Palace to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In the evening the Obamas will attend a G-20 leaders reception, hosted by the Queen and Prince Philip, followed by a G-20 leaders 'working dinner', hosted by Gordon and Sarah Brown.
Obama Plans to Meet with Leaders of Russia and China
In a statement released today it was announced that President Obama will meet with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow this summer. The pair spoke today in a meeting in London prior to tomorrow’s G-20 summit.
The joint statement released today said in part: “...the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms has completely fulfilled its intended purpose and that the maximum levels for strategic offensive arms recorded in the treaty were reached long ago. They have therefore decided to move further along the path of reducing and limiting strategic offensive arms in accordance with U.S. and Russian obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Senior Officials from both countries will start discussions on how "to work out a new, comprehensive, legally binding agreement on reducing and limiting strategic offensive arms to replace the START Treaty," according to the statement. A progress report is due in July.
The White House announced that president Obama will visit China this year. Obama met with
Chinese President Hu Jintao today one day ahead of the G-20 summit. They agreed that the most senior of White House officials and their Chinese counterparts would chair meetings to discuss economic strategies. The four posts are: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner for the United States, and State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Vice Premier Wang Qishan for China.
Following today`s agreement to continue the U.S. - China dialogue, the White House issued a statement saying: "The two sides agreed to resume the human rights dialogue as soon as possible``.
- First Overseas Trip for President Obama and First Lady Michelle
President Barack Obama and the First Lady started early today leaving on Air Force One this morning for London, England. The primary reason for the trip at this time is Obama’s attendance at the G-20 meeting of the world's major economic powers.
In an eight day, five country tour the President will meet with many of the world’s leaders who disagreed with Bush administration policies, including the treatment of suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay. Some political pundits have said this trip is remedial, while Obama demonstrates ‘a new era’ of leadership in America. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said "The President and America are going to listen in London, as well as to lead."
The President has packed a full agenda for the road trip that begins in London with a summit of the world's economic powers to address the global financial meltdown that the Obama administration inherited in January in the U.S. The summit on the global financial crisis among the Group of 20 wealthy and developing nations, represent 85 percent of the world's economy.
While In London, President Obama has meetings scheduled with leaders of Britain, Russia and China, the other key players in the U.S. financial system. There are also planned meetings with heads of India and South Korea. Perhaps the highlight of the London visit will be an audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace
From England, the Obamas will head to France where The President will address the issue of the trans-Atlantic relationship. Prior to heading to Turkey to host a round table meeting with students there, Obama is scheduled to visit Prague. However, it was announced later today that the Czech government fell to a no confidence vote and it is unclear what that will mean for Obama’s plans.
Obama has wisely kept several campaign promises that have helped help repair the strained relationship with European allies in the past. Europe has embraced the changes and the man behind them. Obama’s position on global warming and his quick action on closing Guantanamo Bay prison have earned him new respect across the globe.
