Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09DARESSALAAM43
2009-01-22 13:54:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Cable title:
TANZANIA MEDIA REACTION: OBAMA-WORLD NOW WAITS FOR CHANGE
how-toVZCZCXYZ0028 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHDR #0043 0221354 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 221354Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY DAR ES SALAAM TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8204
UNCLAS DAR ES SALAAM 000043
SIPDIS
FOR INR/R/MR, AF/PDPA, AND AF/E
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KPAO KMDR TZ
SUBJECT: TANZANIA MEDIA REACTION: OBAMA-WORLD NOW WAITS FOR CHANGE
The January 22 edition of English language daily "The African"
(circulation 10,000) carried an editorial commentary on page 8
entitled "Obama: World now waits for change," that liberally borrows
from the President's inaugural address. Excerpts follow:
"History was finally completed on Tuesday, when Barack Obama, the
first ever African-American was sworn in as the 44th American
President - in a pledge that was only 35 words long.
The oath was a culmination of a year long grueling campaign that
started with intra-party primaries and later ended arduous campaigns
- the most costly in America's history.
During all that time, Obama was campaigning on the platform of
'change'-a slogan that was enthusiastically received by his
compatriots after 8 long years of the Republican presidency under
George W. Bush.
The latter's period that saw the country launching two wars -
Afghanistan and Iraq - in which nearly 5,000 Americans got killed,
not to mention those killed, maimed, wounded or displaced Iraqis or
Afghans, men, women and children.
It was also the period that saw the U.S. fighting terrorism in the
world in a unilateral campaign which many believe has ended in
failure, as it did little to provide security at home while breeding
legions of new enemies abroad.
The result was the alienation of America, especially by the Muslim
world which translated the American anti-terrorism campaign as
targeting Muslims.
So among the pledges that Obama made was to change the image of
America in its relations with other states. And among the steps he
took soon after taking office was an order to the military
prosecutors in the Guantanamo war crimes tribunals to halt for 120
days, all pending cases.
So 'change' is certainly the word the world will be watching and
this early move on Guantanamo indicates that we should expect more.
Besides, his 2400-word inaugural address minced no words on this.
Noting that America was at war, with a far-reaching network of
violence and hatred, with the economy badly weakened, as a
consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, as
well as 'collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the
nation for a new age,' Obama said America was ready to play its role
in ushering in a new era of peace and responsibility.
To America's foes he said his administration will be seeking a new
way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. He
however, had strong words for leaders around the globe, especially
in poor developing countries who seek to sow conflicts, or blame
their society's ills on the West - that your people will judge you
on what you can build, not what you destroy.
And on the question of bad governance and corruption, Obama told
leaders who cling to power through the indulgence of these vices
that they were on the wrong side of history, but promised that he
will extend a hand if they were willing to unclench their fists.
We very much agree with this new commitment by the U.S. and hope
that our leaders - African leaders in particular, will take his
extended hand of friendship."
ANDRE
SIPDIS
FOR INR/R/MR, AF/PDPA, AND AF/E
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KPAO KMDR TZ
SUBJECT: TANZANIA MEDIA REACTION: OBAMA-WORLD NOW WAITS FOR CHANGE
The January 22 edition of English language daily "The African"
(circulation 10,000) carried an editorial commentary on page 8
entitled "Obama: World now waits for change," that liberally borrows
from the President's inaugural address. Excerpts follow:
"History was finally completed on Tuesday, when Barack Obama, the
first ever African-American was sworn in as the 44th American
President - in a pledge that was only 35 words long.
The oath was a culmination of a year long grueling campaign that
started with intra-party primaries and later ended arduous campaigns
- the most costly in America's history.
During all that time, Obama was campaigning on the platform of
'change'-a slogan that was enthusiastically received by his
compatriots after 8 long years of the Republican presidency under
George W. Bush.
The latter's period that saw the country launching two wars -
Afghanistan and Iraq - in which nearly 5,000 Americans got killed,
not to mention those killed, maimed, wounded or displaced Iraqis or
Afghans, men, women and children.
It was also the period that saw the U.S. fighting terrorism in the
world in a unilateral campaign which many believe has ended in
failure, as it did little to provide security at home while breeding
legions of new enemies abroad.
The result was the alienation of America, especially by the Muslim
world which translated the American anti-terrorism campaign as
targeting Muslims.
So among the pledges that Obama made was to change the image of
America in its relations with other states. And among the steps he
took soon after taking office was an order to the military
prosecutors in the Guantanamo war crimes tribunals to halt for 120
days, all pending cases.
So 'change' is certainly the word the world will be watching and
this early move on Guantanamo indicates that we should expect more.
Besides, his 2400-word inaugural address minced no words on this.
Noting that America was at war, with a far-reaching network of
violence and hatred, with the economy badly weakened, as a
consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, as
well as 'collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the
nation for a new age,' Obama said America was ready to play its role
in ushering in a new era of peace and responsibility.
To America's foes he said his administration will be seeking a new
way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. He
however, had strong words for leaders around the globe, especially
in poor developing countries who seek to sow conflicts, or blame
their society's ills on the West - that your people will judge you
on what you can build, not what you destroy.
And on the question of bad governance and corruption, Obama told
leaders who cling to power through the indulgence of these vices
that they were on the wrong side of history, but promised that he
will extend a hand if they were willing to unclench their fists.
We very much agree with this new commitment by the U.S. and hope
that our leaders - African leaders in particular, will take his
extended hand of friendship."
ANDRE