Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Europe Is Giddy for US: Can It Last?

French expect America to 'find its path' again

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 20, 2009 7:07 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – In France, the magic of Barack Obama’s inauguration is “a bit like the liberation after World War II,” says one French analyst. This particular sentiment “may have hit the hyperbolic stratosphere,” writes Elizabeth Bryant in the Washington Times, but it reflects a groundswell. “Fundamentally, the French expect of Barack Obama that America again finds the path it fixed during the time of George W. Bush's father that is the path to a world order,” the analyst said.


Obama has changed the world’s view of America, but such rosy international opinion may turn less rosy when the new president begins tangible demands of other nations, said a French political scientist. If Obama tries to round up more European troops to help US efforts in Afghanistan, for example, he may face a tough time: in Germany, France, Italy, and Britain, more than half the population is opposed to sending more troops, polls show.

An employee of a Paris flat-screen television shop adjusts settings as televisions broadcast Barack Obama delivering his speech after being sworn in.
An employee of a Paris flat-screen television shop adjusts settings as televisions broadcast Barack Obama delivering his speech after being sworn in.   (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Delphine Decout, of France, watches from Times Square as President Barack Obama gives his inaugural address Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 in New York.
Delphine Decout, of France, watches from Times Square as President Barack Obama gives his inaugural address Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 in New York.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Denise Hugo of France reacts as people watch a television broadcast of Barack Obama being sworn in, during a ceremony at the Paris townhall.
Denise Hugo of France reacts as people watch a television broadcast of Barack Obama being sworn in, during a ceremony at the Paris townhall.   (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)
A woman waves the first flag of the United States as people watch the inauguration during a ceremony at the Paris town hall.
A woman waves the first flag of the United States as people watch the inauguration during a ceremony at the Paris town hall.   (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Jan 20, 2009 11:20 PM CST
You're kind of right, christine_m. They will be willing to help us and cooperate with us if, and only if, we act like good little socialist one-worlders. The reason they hated Dubya (and Reagan before him) is that he didn't play their game. Now, with another fellow leftie in charge--one who is clearly planning to conduct our foreign policy through the United Nations and other internationalist organizations--they'll think we're just swell.
Guest
Jan 20, 2009 9:06 PM CST
Mr. Bush repeatedly insulted the World community, and squandered the goodwill of the international community after 9/11. I suspect that other countries will be willing to help us and cooperate with us if shown respect.
justme
Jan 20, 2009 8:20 PM CST
It will last until Obama actually asks the Europeans for anything. They are afraid of Islamic radicals, won't confront Russia and are closet anti-semites. Other than that, they will back us all the way. Did I mention that they won't actually put troops in harm's way?
World • Politics • US

 
Barack Obama • Europe • France • World War II • inauguration • Afghanistan war • President Obama

More Newser Stories

Obama to Travel to Normandy for D-Day Anniversary

Tuskegee Airmen to Attend Inaugural

France Backs Obama's Afghan Drawdown, Plans Its Own

Once Burned, Afghans Fear Repeat of 1989

Obama: Perpetual Afghan Footprint No Longer Needed
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne