Obama International Reaction

What it Means to Be American

Josh Ruxin | Posted 02.20.2009 | World


Josh Ruxin

I'd like to go back to Rwanda or Kenya or Ethiopia on Jan. 20. I could point to the TV and say: "Look. Listen. This is what it means to be American."

The Right to Be Hopeful

Hagai El-Ad | Posted 01.08.2009 | Politics


Hagai El-Ad

Being the director of an Israeli human rights organization, I'm excited by the possibility that this may indeed be a time for "opportunity and unyielding hope."

Getting High on Obama in Egypt

Amira Al Hussaini | Posted 01.01.2009 | Living


Amira Al Hussaini

Barack Obama's popularity in Egypt reaches a new high -- with the introduction of a narcotic to the market bearing the President-elect's name.

Undemocratic Arab Regimes Afraid of Obama's Change

Daoud Kuttab | Posted 12.18.2008 | Politics


Daoud Kuttab

The victory of the change candidate was especially noticed by Arab reformers who have been paying a price for daring to question the political status quo.

The United States of Obama

Jeff Johnson | Posted 12.18.2008 | Politics


Jeff Johnson

Everyone from local Dutch youth leaders to former African and European heads of state expressed their excitement and confidence in the change possible from an Obama administration.

Italians Are in Love -- with Obama

Jim Schumacher and Debbie Bookchin | Posted 12.15.2008 | Politics


Jim Schumacher and Debbie Bookchin

Our friends implore us for Obama buttons or any other campaign memorabilia we can find, and it seems as if every Italian stranger we've encountered has been unable to contain themselves with excitement.

Only in America

Margee Ensign | Posted 12.15.2008 | Media


Margee Ensign

These are just some of the comments we heard early in the morning on November 5th in Kigali, Rwanda when Barack Obama was declared President-elect of the United States.

Can A Paper Tiger Change Its Stripes? Why Obamarama Isn't a Moment of Clarity for China

Chi Tung | Posted 12.15.2008 | Media


Chi Tung

Some Chinese media types tend to hold out hope that Obama's healing power extends to a deeply fractured Asia, but that probably assumes too much.

How Obama's Win Went Down in Kabul

Nushin Arbabzadah | Posted 12.15.2008 | Media


Nushin Arbabzadah

The fear that Afghan warlords might have misunderstood Obama's message of "Yes we can," interpreting it as a message of empowerment for war-criminals rather than the people.

Is Obama the Muslim World's Superman?

Wajahat Ali | Posted 12.15.2008 | Politics


Wajahat Ali

As Obama begins to assemble his administration, are Muslims assuming too much about the transformative powers of the president?

Silvio Berlusconi Doesn't Speak in My Name

Marta Mondelli | Posted 12.14.2008 | Style


Marta Mondelli

As our next President was elected, the entire world cheered with us, and what does the Prime Minister of Italy do? He described Senator Obama as "tanned."

Does Travel Really Matter Anyway?

Kim Mance | Posted 12.11.2008 | Living


Kim Mance

Travel activates parts of ourselves that might otherwise remain dormant; it also relieves fears, and promotes understanding.

Through Indian Eyes

Lynda Resnick | Posted 12.10.2008 | Politics


Lynda Resnick

Everywhere we went, from Mumbai to Jodhpur to Delhi, people were curious and engaged in our election, and everyone knew the players. They were all rooting for Obama.

Obama's Election May Put an End to Sept. 11-related Animosity and Bring Healing

Ray Hanania | Posted 12.09.2008 | Politics


Ray Hanania

Obama's election as president has changed America and can also make it a far better nation, one that truly embraces the ideals that motivated our founding fathers.

First President of the World

Bob Ostertag | Posted 12.08.2008 | Politics


Bob Ostertag

OK, I know I am way late for the party here. Everyone has already made their comments about Obama's victory and the smart money has gone home, leaving...

Barack Obama and the World's Highest Hopes

Bill Cusack | Posted 12.07.2008 | Politics


Bill Cusack

I feel as if America just took a shower. This country has never felt so clean and fresh and reinvigorated.

Paris Notebook: Slumber Party for Obama

Elizabeth Bard | Posted 12.06.2008 | Politics


Elizabeth Bard

I did not fully understand the power of our inspired cliche; until I moved to a place - even one as civilized as France - where they are not born with it .

France Celebrates Obama's Big Win

Jessica Roy | Posted 12.06.2008 | Politics


Jessica Roy

Last night, American expatriates and our interested French brethren gathered to celebrate, drink champagne and dance with their necks craned painfully so as to have an eye constantly on CNN.

The French Have a Word for It: "Formidable!"

Joan Z. Shore | Posted 12.06.2008 | Politics


Joan Z. Shore

France's "black" population is composed of two groups: those from Africa and those from the French Territories in the Caribbean. They do not get along, but they are united in their enthusiasm for Obama.

Partying for Obama in Phnom Penh

Elena Lesley | Posted 12.06.2008 | Politics


Elena Lesley

Chants of "Obama! Obama!" and "Yes we can!" echoed through the popular Phnom Penh restaurant, while a supporter sporting an Obama mask worked the crowd.

Global Reactions to Obama Victory from Moscow to Beijing to Muslim World

Nathan Gardels | Posted 12.06.2008 | Politics


Nathan Gardels

Here are some comments I gathered on what Obama's victory means for America's image in the world, from thinkers such as Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Tariq Ramadan, and Garry Kasparov.

Americans Are Not Racists

Jamal Dajani | Posted 12.06.2008 | Media


Jamal Dajani

As Americans celebrated Obama's victory in Chicago's Grant Park, Arabs, Israelis, and Iranians were sipping on their morning coffee, watching live coverage of Barack Obama's victory speech.

China: Mixture of Hope, Skepticism Greet Obama Victory

Michael Standaert | Posted 12.06.2008 | Politics


Michael Standaert

The official reaction here has been congratulatory toward president-elect Obama, though notes of worry that the new administration could usher in protectionist trade measures are being voiced.

American Elections: A True Opportunity for Change, or Just Plastic Surgery?

Gilbert Doumit | Posted 12.05.2008 | Politics


Gilbert Doumit

As a foreign observer, I am amazed by the level of political engagement and the turnout of the American citizens to the voting ballots - these things reflect their commitment to a better world.