Although focusing heavily on domestic issues such as job creation, education, and taxes, President Obama laid out significant foreign challenges in his penultimate State of the Union address. Speaking to the tumultuous climate in the Middle East, the president faces goals to withdraw troops, while simultaneously reacting to new threats, physical and digital.
2015 will prove an active year for the president, both at home and abroad. Facing global threats and cyber risks, as well as unstable regions around the world is a demanding task. But the possibilities of finding new dis-armament solutions, as well as a pledge to increase international trade and decrease foreign oil dependence show hope for a positive future outlook. It will be imperative for President Obama to find a balance between domestic and international challenges in order to promote the welfare of the United States.
Combat mission is over: Afghanistan and Iraq
“For the first time since 9/11, our combat mission in Afghanistan is over”, President Obama commented on the significant reduction in troops in the Middle East. When taking office in 2008, nearly 180,000 troops were present in Afghanistan and Iraq. With fewer than 15,000 remaining, the president thanked all those who have served for their strength and courage in a “9/11 Generation.”
TPP and TTIP
Expanding trade and bringing jobs back from overseas were both talking points for the president. With references to ongoing trade negotiations such as the TTP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership), Obama expressed the benefits of such programs in securing American jobs, as well accessing the global marketplace. Additionally, as China has gained influence, the president has expressed the need for America to “write the rules” in creating fair trade deals.
Oil
A topic seen at the pumps around the nation, President Obama made sure to discuss the falling oil prices, as well as the future of U.S. energy. Stating that America is “number one” in oil and gas, in addition to wind power, the president offered the prediction of $750 savings for the average American family. With an increased commitment to reduce foreign oil dependence in favor of domestic production growth, his possible forecasts hope for continued development and increasing number of jobs.
Russian Sanctions
“Today, it is America that stands strong and united with our allies, while Russia is isolated, with its economy in tatters.” Although not providing any altered foreign policy objectives, the president credited U.S. and allied sanctions in weakening Russia’s global position. In the meantime, tensions continue to mount as violence renews in Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian troops.
Cuba
In just a few short remarks, President Obama laid out a new shift in Cuban foreign policy, signally a desire to reinstate relations with the country. Citing new potentials for democratic values and ending a ”legacy of mistrust”, Obama looks towards expiring the fifty year-old policies. Quoting the Pope by describing diplomacy as “the work of ‘small steps’”, the president urged Congress to begin ending the embargo in 2015.
Non-nuclear Iran
A strong illustration of the president’s commitment to Iranian peace negotiations, Obama pledged to veto any new sanctions against the country. Stating that agreements preventing a nuclear Iran and working to create stability in the Middle East are key, President Obama condemned the application of increased force. He referred to increased aggression, and the possibility of renewed war efforts as only a last resort in disarmament strategies.
Cyber Security
With the recent attacks on Sony and other major companies, the president outlined a plan to bolster American cyber security. Urging Congress to work on legislation, Obama highlighted the need to protect the economy, citizen’s privacy, and combat forms cyber terrorism. Facing every growing potential on the digital front, an open, yet secure Internet will be of vital importance in the coming years.
Climate Change
According to President Obama, no challenge “poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change”. Citing data showing that 14 of the 15 hottest years have occurred since 2000, Obama placed significance on the work of scientists in both identifying, and helping to remedy the problems of climate change. With threats of heat waves, droughts, floods, and famine, the U.S., in conjunction with China, has committed to significantly reducing emissions for the future.
Close Guantanamo Bay
During the speech, Obama made clear his intentions regarding Guantanamo Bay prison. Referencing the $3 million price tag per prisoner, as well as his work already cutting the population, the president remarked, “It’s time to close Gitmo.” An effort that will undoubtedly draw debate from the opposition, the president questioned the use of Gitmo as a prison “the world condemns and terrorists use to recruit”. With a fifty percent inmate reduction since 2008, there is still substantial work to be done to meet the president’s goal.
Photo: NASA/Bill Ingalls.
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Obama’s Top 9 Foreign Policy Items from the State of the Union
February 4, 2015
Although focusing heavily on domestic issues such as job creation, education, and taxes, President Obama laid out significant foreign challenges in his penultimate State of the Union address. Speaking to the tumultuous climate in the Middle East, the president faces goals to withdraw troops, while simultaneously reacting to new threats, physical and digital.
2015 will prove an active year for the president, both at home and abroad. Facing global threats and cyber risks, as well as unstable regions around the world is a demanding task. But the possibilities of finding new dis-armament solutions, as well as a pledge to increase international trade and decrease foreign oil dependence show hope for a positive future outlook. It will be imperative for President Obama to find a balance between domestic and international challenges in order to promote the welfare of the United States.
Combat mission is over: Afghanistan and Iraq
“For the first time since 9/11, our combat mission in Afghanistan is over”, President Obama commented on the significant reduction in troops in the Middle East. When taking office in 2008, nearly 180,000 troops were present in Afghanistan and Iraq. With fewer than 15,000 remaining, the president thanked all those who have served for their strength and courage in a “9/11 Generation.”
TPP and TTIP
Expanding trade and bringing jobs back from overseas were both talking points for the president. With references to ongoing trade negotiations such as the TTP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership), Obama expressed the benefits of such programs in securing American jobs, as well accessing the global marketplace. Additionally, as China has gained influence, the president has expressed the need for America to “write the rules” in creating fair trade deals.
Oil
A topic seen at the pumps around the nation, President Obama made sure to discuss the falling oil prices, as well as the future of U.S. energy. Stating that America is “number one” in oil and gas, in addition to wind power, the president offered the prediction of $750 savings for the average American family. With an increased commitment to reduce foreign oil dependence in favor of domestic production growth, his possible forecasts hope for continued development and increasing number of jobs.
Russian Sanctions
“Today, it is America that stands strong and united with our allies, while Russia is isolated, with its economy in tatters.” Although not providing any altered foreign policy objectives, the president credited U.S. and allied sanctions in weakening Russia’s global position. In the meantime, tensions continue to mount as violence renews in Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian troops.
Cuba
In just a few short remarks, President Obama laid out a new shift in Cuban foreign policy, signally a desire to reinstate relations with the country. Citing new potentials for democratic values and ending a ”legacy of mistrust”, Obama looks towards expiring the fifty year-old policies. Quoting the Pope by describing diplomacy as “the work of ‘small steps’”, the president urged Congress to begin ending the embargo in 2015.
Non-nuclear Iran
A strong illustration of the president’s commitment to Iranian peace negotiations, Obama pledged to veto any new sanctions against the country. Stating that agreements preventing a nuclear Iran and working to create stability in the Middle East are key, President Obama condemned the application of increased force. He referred to increased aggression, and the possibility of renewed war efforts as only a last resort in disarmament strategies.
Cyber Security
With the recent attacks on Sony and other major companies, the president outlined a plan to bolster American cyber security. Urging Congress to work on legislation, Obama highlighted the need to protect the economy, citizen’s privacy, and combat forms cyber terrorism. Facing every growing potential on the digital front, an open, yet secure Internet will be of vital importance in the coming years.
Climate Change
According to President Obama, no challenge “poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change”. Citing data showing that 14 of the 15 hottest years have occurred since 2000, Obama placed significance on the work of scientists in both identifying, and helping to remedy the problems of climate change. With threats of heat waves, droughts, floods, and famine, the U.S., in conjunction with China, has committed to significantly reducing emissions for the future.
Close Guantanamo Bay
During the speech, Obama made clear his intentions regarding Guantanamo Bay prison. Referencing the $3 million price tag per prisoner, as well as his work already cutting the population, the president remarked, “It’s time to close Gitmo.” An effort that will undoubtedly draw debate from the opposition, the president questioned the use of Gitmo as a prison “the world condemns and terrorists use to recruit”. With a fifty percent inmate reduction since 2008, there is still substantial work to be done to meet the president’s goal.
Photo: NASA/Bill Ingalls.
