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Obama Abroad

By Tim Callahan- News Editor

With the Group of 20 summit, the Somali pirate emergence, and North Korea's ballistic missile threat all occurring within a short span for Barack Obama, the President emerged onto the international scene. 

On April 2nd, the Group of 20 summit addressed the issue of a faltering global economy.  Leaders of the twenty countries involved pledge $1.1 trillion to combat the crisis, $750 billion of which went to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stimulate the economies of developing countries.  This injection of funds is expected to revive trade between some of the most powerful economies in the world, including the United States, China, Japan and the European Union.  Although the event was hosted by Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain, Barack Obama made a lasting impression on the international stage.  Obama knew that swift and immediate action must be taken on a global level to prevent another depression since the world has "learned the lessons of history."  No matter how well-intentioned the Group of 20 summit was, very few specifics were outlined and discussed.  Nonetheless, the countries involved recognized that it will take a global effort to fix the global economy. 

The crew of the Maersk Alabama, a U.S. container ship, returned safely to the United States on April 16th, after they were rescued from a group of Somali pirates who hijacked their ship.  Piracy off the coast of Somalia is an increasing problem, as desperation sets in the country due to a failing infrastructure.  The United States became involved in the situation when the U.S. container ship was hijacked by Somali pirates on April 8th.  However, the situation ended when Barack Obama ordered Navy Seals to shoot and kill the pirates with three expertly placed shots.  Despite Obama's decisive action, the pirates swore revenge and have since become ever more aggressive.  When questioned about the emerging situation, Obama stated, "I want to be very clear that we are resolved to halt the rise of piracy in that region."  The pirates were not deterred, though, and the United States and its allies will have to address the larger issue at hand in the situation: political instability in Somalia.

In a reassertion of political power, North Korea unsuccessfully launched a missile on April 5th, but the country's statement was made.  The world took notice, and talks opened up between North Korea and countries of the U.N.  Originally, the North Koreans agreed to participate in talks with the U.N.  However, the U.N. chastised North Korea for its actions, and the country removed itself from negotiations.  Furthermore, North Korea stated that it will restart its nuclear program due to a lack of respect.  President Obama took a hard stance on North Korea's actions, suggesting that the missile testing necessitated, "the need for action, not just this afternoon at the U.N. Security Council, but in our determination to prevent the spread of these weapons."  The United States, under direction from Obama, called for a more stringent statement issued by the U.N. Security Council.  With continued negotiations not likely to happen any time soon, North Korea poses a significant threat to global security.

Barack Obama had many international tests over the course of the last few weeks, and he proved that he is capable of being an international leader.  The President must continue to adapt to the various situations that crop up throughout a term on the international sphere.