The World Obama Inherits

Making Plans for Obama's Trip to Turkey Next Month

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - March 19, 2009

Shaping an agenda for the visit to a majority Muslim nation that is a close U.S. ally. more >>

A Proxy Battle Over Obama's Mideast Policy?

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - March 16, 2009

The fight over Amb. Charles Freeman highlights the domestic politics of foreign policy. more >>

Africa, a Troubled Continent, Eyes Obama With Impossibly High Hopes

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - January 16, 2009

As the first African-American president, Obama will face extra pressure to deal with Africa's crises. more >>

How Nuclear-Armed Rivals Pakistan and India Will Test Obama

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - January 7, 2009

Their explosive mix of terrorism and nuclear weapons fuels fears of an all-out war. more >>

No Longer the Forgotten War, Afghanistan Will Be a Hard One for Obama to Win

By Anna Mulrine - Nation & World - December 29, 2008

Obama has pledged to devote more resources to the war, but the insurgency keeps getting stronger. more >>

For President-elect Barack Obama, the Urgent Demands of a Perilous World

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - December 23, 2008

Two wars. Nuclear wannabes. Terrorists. A global recession. Oh, and reversing Bush's legacy more >>

Canada, Mexico Prepare Wish Lists for the Obama Administration

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - December 22, 2008

Border issues and trade will be among the top issues America's neighbors raise with the new president. more >>

In the Troubled Middle East, Obama Will Confront Multiple Crises

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - December 19, 2008

The list of challenges is long: Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, Syria, and a damaged U.S. brand. more >>

Can Obama Begin Withdrawing U.S. Troops From Iraq Without Reversing Progress?

By Alex Kingsbury - Nation & World - December 11, 2008

Violence has been declining steadily, but a number of factors could still easily reverse the trend. more >>

European Nations 'Expect a Lot' From an Obama Presidency

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - December 8, 2008

Officials have long list of issues to fix, from climate change to arms control, after rocky Bush years. more >>

Obama Will Change Cuba Policy—But How?

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - December 5, 2008

A first step: easing some of the tough Bush restrictions and, maybe, expanding a dialogue. more >>

How China, an Emerging Superpower, Will Test the Obama Administration

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - December 3, 2008

An economic partner, yes, but also a rival for resources and global influence. more >>

Why Russia May Become A Big Problem for Barack Obama

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - December 1, 2008

The Kremlin is less inclined to make nice, though the economic downturn may crimp Moscow's ambitions. more >>

Obama Faces Tough Task of Containing North Korea's Nuclear Breakout

By Thomas Omestad - Nation & World - November 25, 2008

He inherits a troublesome foe that dramatically expanded plutonium production during the Bush years. more >>

In the Mideast, Obama Faces an Israeli-Palestinian Standoff That Threatens to Explode

By Larry Derfner - Nation & World - November 20, 2008

A Bush legacy, Palestinian radicalism, and an Israeli right turn will burden any peacemaking effort. more >>