Obama didn't soften up US foreign policy.

A lot of people believe that US foreign policy has softened up because Obama is in charge. It's true that Obama is someone who actually believes in dialogue and diplomacy. But I don't think the reason why US foreign policy softened up is because of Obama. It's rather because the US has more pressing problems to deal with domestically.

US Presidents set the tone and direction of the country's foreign policy. Obama is definitely more interested in solving his country's problems first. The rest of the world can wait. Better still, other countries can start work on solving world problems on their own.

Surprisingly, Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize even though it is clear his priorities are domestic. He rather be remembered as the President who transformed America than the President who brought lasting peace to the Middle East.

If the Palestinians and the Israelis, for example, make peace under Obama's watch, it will probably be because they want it more than the US or its President do. The way things stand, it's highly unlikely that Israelis and Palestinians will make peace any time soon.

So be it, the US tells them. When you're ready, we're here. In the meantime, good luck on your own.

People say Obama reads the world very well, that's why he is not interested in forcing anything on anyone. I think the opposite is true. Over and beyond Obama's belief in dialogue and diplomacy, the US can't afford to be a bully anyway. It's very convenient and productive that Obama is in charge and the US is not swimming against the world's currents.

But go with the flow, that's the only option anyway!

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