Yes, can we really?

Barack Obama is being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America. Widely billed as the "Candidate of change", with not only the Americans, but the entire world rallying behind him with calls of "Yes, we can!"

But seriously, can we, really? can he bring in the change that we all are hoping for, or rather desparately seeking?

With Gaza, Sri Lanka, Iran, Iraq, India, Pakistan, all conflicts escalating at the very time when Obama takes charge of the Oval Office, will he bring in a radical change in the foreign policy of the USA? Personally, I don't think so. For one, his defense secretary Robert Gates is a Bush appointee.

Clinton supported Israel, and so did all the presidents before him right since Lyndon Johnson. Check the link "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_and_weapons_of_mass_destruction" for reference. And although Obama has all reasons NOT to support Israel, he still hasn't condemned the Israel attacks on Gaza; instead he has reportedly gone on to say that Hamas deserved the ruthless attack. The Gazans may starve to death, but Obama will continue to support Israel. And God forbid, but if this war escalates into a full Middle East conflict, then he might even use military intervention, causing the entire of west Asia and the Indian Subcontinent to be in jeopardy.

His views on Pakistan may be different from those of President Bush's, but then, who knows pre-election political rhetoric better than us Indians? I donot see him pressurizing Pakistan into extraditing the terrorists. But in fact, it could very well be that the White House may just bide its time into dilly-dallying and sweep this issue under the carpet, leaving the Indian parliament watching wide-eyed and mute-mouthed.

Another major issue that comes up in my mind is his stand on immigrants, especially the Asians. The Americans have built their country on the shoulders of the immigrants. Whatever they are, it is because of the hard work of those who nurture the great American dream. But now the growth has not only been saturated, but it is also receding fast. Now, suddenly, the lawmakers realised that they don't really need the brains and sweat of the immigrants; the work has already been done. So out the immigrants go. And the worst hit, could be you and me.

I am sorry if I appear pessimistic about the larger-than-life icon of hope and change in the world order. But his stand on outsourcing, immigrants and Israel leaves a lot of questions about his future course of governance unanswered in my mind.

Please note: The opinions are personal and I respect all those people who continue to support Mr. Obama. I donot wish to enter any debate regarding the credibility of Mr. President. Time can only tell.