January-20'th,2008 will be a red letter day in the history of The United States of America as Barack Obama is inaugurated as the 44'th President of The United States of America. He becomes the first person from the Afro-American community to adorn the Oval office. There has been expectations on the new President as the entire world has tuned into watch each and every step of the great race for the White House. Every body knew that this election would in any way create history. It would either give America it's first Black President or would give America her first women President. And in the end it turned out be one of the greatest movements in American history.The blacks also have come a long way. From the days when they were subjected to discrimination due to their colour, the Afro-American community has over the years excelled in almost all walks of life. Now they are a dominant force in almost all fields of life that includes sports, movies, music, politics to name a few. Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington to name a few have excelled and made a name for them selves in their chosen fields and vocations, they are legends, path breakers and torch bearers for generations to come. To that list can also be included the name of Barack Obama who just two years ago was just a Senator and now he becomes the most powerful man on earth on January, the 20'th.
EXPECTATIONS AND HOPES IN INDIA
As the new President takes charge in Washington, the challenges are many before him. The economy that is in down ward spiral will be his high priority. Obama will also be hard pressed in his dealings and how he manages Afghanistan and Iraq. Also the new President will have to conduct a tight rope walk as far as international politics and issues are concerned. His greatest challenge will be China. China is fast growing to becoming the second most powerful country in the world. I would not call China as a threat to USA but rather a security challenge. The new President will have to find a way to bring about greater and better relationship with China at the same time securing the strategic interests of USA. That is where the relations with India is crucial for America. America finds and rightly sees India as the balancing force and a counter weight against the growing China. Pakistan which for years was the closest America had to an ally in Asia is fast becoming a bane for America. Pakistan which for years was fed by the on the money supplied by America had allowed the Mujahideen to grow. Now the same mercenaries have become self sufficient and powerful. They are now so powerful that they are now questioning the authority of the Pakistani
state. Pakistan is fast becoming a failed state. At he same time America had tried to sustain Pakistan as a counter force to India as India was in the Soviet camp during he cold war. But after demise of the cold war, relations between the two countries have grown steadily. India is on way to becoming America's closest ally in Asia. India with its huge potential is probably the only country that is capable of countering China and America of all the countries knows that best. Hence America is bound to further deepen it's relationship with India. Again the speech of Obama about Kashmir has brought about certain amount of apprehension in India. But it is my opinion that under Obama, the relationship between America and India will deepen and it will reach new heights.Obama is all set to take over as the next President of USA. The hype about his elections will soon die out and the new President will be evaluated by the way he deals with the many challenges that await him. But Obama who transformed himself from being just a Senator to being the prime mover of change will be able to take on the challenge and make a new beginning for America. India along with the world awaits for the great man . But today India joins me in congratulating Barack Obama in this historic victory. Wishing you all the best for the future, Mr President
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