Barack Obama will make his first trip as Democratic presidential nominee to
London next week, at the start of a tour of Europe where a warm embrace may
be overshadowed by his effort to explain how - and when - America’s military
should disentangle itself from Iraq.
In his debut on the international stage Mr Obama will visit seven countries in
as many days, with stops in Britain, France, Germany, Israel and Jordan. He
is likely also to make undisclosed trips to Iraq and Afghanistan.
His appearance in London is expected to be fleeting, British sources said. Mr
Obama’s advance team had made plain that he wants to get in and out of the
city “as expeditiously as possible”.
A draft itinerary includes a meeting with the Prime Minister and a shorter
conversation with David Cameron. He will also thank some of the London-based
Americans who have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for his campaign.
Although Mr Obama’s aides emphasised yesterday that dates had not been
finalised - and would not be confirmed for security reasons - British
officials have pencilled in July 18 for the visit.
Reports in France and Germany suggest that he will visit Nicolas Sarkozy and
Angela Merkel between July 24-25, while Israel is apparently preparing for
his arrival between July 22-23. This would indicate the trip to Iraq and
Afghanistan will take place after he leaves London and before he returns to
Europe.
His visit to Berlin is likely to be the only moment when Mr Obama comes face
to face with a European public that, according to opinion polls, adores him.
Der Spiegel magazine has quoted an Obama adviser saying that he wants
to answer criticism that he had shown scant interest in Europe, having spent
only 24 hours there in the past decade, and rekindle memories of John F.
Kennedy's visit in 1963 when the youthful Democratic President declared:
“Ich bin ein Berliner!”
Negotiations are under way with the office of Klaus Wowereit, the Berlin
Mayor, to hold the speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate, close to where
the Wall dividing the city into East and West once stood.
Advisers to Mrs Merkel are worried, though, that it would be tantamount to
endorsing Mr Obama, an undue interference in a foreign election campaign.
“The Brandenburg Gate is the best-known and most historically significant
site in Germany,” a Chancellery official said, explaining why until now only
elected presidents have been allowed to perform there.
The German Government would dearly like Mr Obama to find another platform,
perhaps the town hall in the district of Schöneberg where Kennedy expressed
his solidarity with West Berlin. Almost every other location in the capital
has unfortunate historical associations. For example, the Olympic Stadium -
where Hitler was enraged by the success of Jesse Owens, the black American
athlete, in the 1936 Games - has been ruled out.
Attention in the US will focus on his trip to Iraq. Mr Obama has already begun
to chip away at a once “rock-solid” commitment to withdrawing all US combat
troops within 16 months, saying that he would use his visit to examine
whether conditions were right for a pullout. David Axelrod, Mr Obama’s chief
strategist, described the 16-month timetable as a goal yesterday. In an
interview with Military News published this week Mr Obama insisted
that a withdrawal could begin relatively soon after his inauguration.
But he added: “If, on the other hand you’ve got a deteriorating situation for
some reason, then that’s going to have to be taken into account.”
Whitehall sources told The Times that Mr Brown would underline to Mr
Obama that Britain’s policy in Iraq “does not include artificial timetables
for withdrawal that do not take account of conditions on the ground”.
Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during his
own visit to Iraq this week that improvements in security, including reduced
levels of sectarian violence, political reconciliation and stronger Iraqi
forces - are fragile and could still be reversed The White House has also
insisted that it is not negotiating a “hard date” for a US withdrawal from
Iraq, despite Baghdad’s call for such a timetable as a condition for
agreement on US troops remaining beyond this year.
* British officials say the date for Mr Obama's visit is being delayed,
probably until after his journey to the Middle East.
The Obama campaign is understood to have been irritated by European and
Israeli officials leaking details of the itinerary, warning it could
undermine tight security for the visits to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Diplomats say that the campaign is hoping to create some "smoke and
mirrors" around the schedule, but Mr Obama's arrival in London "appears
to have been put back" to between July 23 and July 26. It will remain a
short visit, with no overnight stay.
Foreign dilemmas
Iraq Can he stick with his promise to withdraw all combat troops within
16 months?
Afghanistan How does he get European allies to commit more troops - and
allow them to fight?
Iran Does he risk undermining the West’s united front against Iranian
enrichment by promising unconditional talks?
Climate change How will he work with Europe to get a global agreement
at the Copenhagen summit next year that satisfies Congress and US industry?
Trade Will he bow to pressure from fellow Democrats and block new deals
when the world is heading for recession?
Europe How does he repair transatlantic relations without getting too
close to the cheese-eating surrender monkeys" that much of the US
despises?
I think its important for him to go overseas so he can campaign to the numerous expats like myself. Secondly, in my personal opinion, I have had a good experience with the NHS. Sure it has its goofs, but I could get better health care in a refugee camp than what Kaiser has given me.
Derek Helwig, London, United Kingdom
What many do not understand is that his tour is a confirmation on what he believe. That worrying and caring for the health of the rest of World makes a better America. He really cares! And that he want to turn Americans to the world to serve and learn. Please do not stay on the surface.
Sindy Collazo, Ponce, Puerto Rico
The pastry known in Germany as a Berliner is the same as an English doughnut - a sugared pastry with jam in the middle (I believe they are available at Dunkin' Doughnuts in the US). So I guess you could translate " Ich bin ein Berliner" as "I am an English doughnut".
Will, London, England
Somebody please show Obama the NHS, maybe after he sees that mess, he'll think twice before enacting a similar plan here. There is much success in Britain for the Americans to learn from, but government provided healthcare, (rationing)...isn't on that list.
Dave Novak, New Providence, NJ, USA
"Ich bin ein Berliner" translates into english similar to I am a Floridian. Yes a Berliner is a pastry, however definitely not a doughnut, as the pastry is filled with marmalade etc, and does not have a hole in the middle. " Ich bin ein Berliner, auch"
James, Munich, Germany
How pathetic! Are these little trips supposed to make him look like he has legitimate foreign policy experience? What a freaking joke! This just shows you what kind of lengths this guy will go to in order to con the electorate. The dude has no experience and the Obama Moonies just keep on swooning.
Rudy, Kalamazoo, USA
There is an arrogance at play here. Sweet pretend to a bitter end.
Adam Dorsey, Columbus, USA
Can anyone else spell "Inappropriate". This guy should not be campaigning overseas.
Angela Merkel was right.
Chris Carver, Montgomery, Al, USA
WTF I would think as a presidential candidate you should be campaigning here in the states instead of abroad. This will be spun as if he is reaching out to foreign governments to repair damage, but we'll see how many Americans (such as myself) realize that this man is not qualified to be president!
Anthony, Olathe, KS, USA
Sen. Obama's undergraduate degree is in international relations. This is not some newfound interest of his. He has made it clear that his intent is to listen, and will make only one speech when he is in Europe. I believe both Obama and McCain should go to Europe to apoligize for 8 years of Bush.
James M Campbell, Saint Paul, United States
Pretty lame!!!
Has to take a trip out of he country so he'll look as if he knows something about foreign affairs.
His other FORIEGN TRIPS were to visit relatives in Africa. I guess soon that will qualify as foreign affair experience.
Bill, jacksonville, USA
Is this a news article or an op-ed? RE: Iraq: Why do the reporters maintain "Can" he stick with his promise? Shouldn't "can" be "should or has that issue already been settled? RE: Iran exactly what "progress" has been made that could potentially be undermined?
A cohen, stamford, US
JFK did not say "I am a doughnut". The only people that think that are not German. Read "JFK: An Unfinished Life", the explanation is given quite succinctly.
scott, new york,
Maybe he'll like it so much he'll decide to stay. He can get dual citizenship, can't he?
Samuel, Albany, USA
More beautiful words and empty eloquence.
Cory B., Wisconsin, USA
Obama is at the very least, making an effort to meet with those who will give him sound insight of what is going on in the world. Good on him.
Katherine Newman, Los Angeles, United States
Obama should speak in Trafalgar Square, Place de la Concorde, Brandenburg Gate and take a stroll on the Wall Israel is building.
San Ying, Montreal, Canada
I want to see 100,000 Europeans pack a square in Germany and give Obama the rock star treatment. Obama can bring America's reputation back.
Thomas Hurdt, Clayville NY, USA
he wants to get in and out of London “as expeditiously as possible”. In that case avoid Heathrow, roads, Paddington and the Underground. Star Trek transporter probably the best option.
Aidan Twomey, London,
Hope he does'nt repeat Kennedy's statement, which translates into <I'm a doughnut>
noel dain, Paris, FRANCE
H e is acting as if he was President already.
Obama and his cronies will do anything to gain Brownie points.
Shame.
Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, London, England UK
Welcome to London Obama. A great man. You are a very special visitor.
I'm greatly looking forward to seeing here.
AlexT, London, UK
The contrast between the intelligence, vision and optimism of Senator Obama and the grim opportunism and myopic short-termism of Brown and Cameron will show the UK what we are missing.
Tim Perkins, Manchester, UK
America is not indifferent to Europe at all. Why would you say that ?
JennyM , Bethesda MD , USA
I am delighted that Sen Obama is going to Europe. I'm sure he'll find the socialist utopia he envisions for the U.S. I'm only hoping he stays there and doesn't come back.
larry, Scottsdale, AZ, usa
Another US nitwit coming to tell us what to do & how to do it. A return to the Monroe doctrine is badly needed
john, Adelaide, Aus
Most Americans are indifferent to Europe, they hardly despise it. Is this the new European gimmick to justify its anti-Americanism? I.e. pretending "much of the US despises" Europe?
Really, Americans can care less about Europe one way or the other and hardly give it any thought whatsoever.
H Juneja, London, England
I hope you see what we see - a great man and a great potential President. Listen and read - he has so much potential. I'm very glad he's going over to talk to you guys.
Michael, LA, US
Obama, You have to make a speech/hold a rally in London, I know a lot of people who would love to support you.
Kumar, Kent, England
Now Obama is withdrawing from America.
Marilyn King, Brighton, UK
"Stand by with the teleprompters"
JL Ronish, seattle , usa