Barack Obama’s Birthday

This week the US president turns 48. The tobacco smoking American leader has seen, in his short time in office, America’s position in the world improve somewhat. He can point to a marked improvement in US diplomacy and, as I have written previously here, an end to nuclear proliferation is now on the agenda – something his predecessor wouldn’t countenance. Surely a good start?

Maybe, but Obama will have to keep his citizens happy and the US economy will be of major importance to him and his supporters. Another issue for him to work on will be his healthcare programme and that will make or break his term as president. With regard to the Middle East, always a thorny problem for American leaders, he is being viewed by some in Israel as being soft on the Jewish nation’s enemies. Relations with Iran will also be carefully monitored. Will Mr Obama be too lenient? We wait excitedly.

Moving away from serious issues of state, I thought it would be interesting to think up some presents world leaders may give Mr Obama. Below are some of my ideas:

from Gordon Brown – a blue tie
from Nicolas Sarkozy – a copy of Carla Bruni’s latest album
from Silvio Berlusconi – a copy of the latest edition of Italian Playboy magazine
from Dmitri Medvedev – a bottle of Alcohol-free Vodka
from Brian Cowen – shares in Anglo-Irish Bank
from Angela Merkel – a year’s supply of German Sausages

I’m afraid I can’t add to that wide ranging list of gifts, Barack. However I am honoured, as citizen of the world, to have you as American president. So happy birthday and long may you prosper. Your dignity and integrity are an example to politicians worldwide.
© Ian Callagy 2009