Azerbaijan, Baku, 7 November/ Trend , corr A. Badalova/ Strengthening economy of the United States will be top-priority task of newly-elected President Barack Obama, said Harvey Feldman, senior fellow on Asian issues of US Heritage Foundation and former US Ambassador to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan.
"Healing the wounds and strengthening the US economy will be the most important task for President-elect Obama after he takes office on January 20, 2009," Feldman said to Trend by e-mail.
Senator-Democrat Barack Obama became first Afro-American in the US history winning presidential race. He gained support of 349 electors (while at least 270 were required). His rival Senator-Republican John McCain gained vote of 163 electors.
Besides improving economic situation of the United States, new President should also put a special emphasis on foreign policy.
"No President can ignore the world situation, particularly at a time when the US in militarily engaged in both Iraq and Afghanistan; when the situation in Pakistan is deteriorating; and when hopes for an Israeli-Palestinian agreement seem to come to naught," Feldman said.
Feldman does not expect any quick or remarkable changes in actual direction, though the rhetoric is likely to change.
As for economic cooperation with other countries, this is an absolute necessity for healing troubled economy, Feldman said.
"Quite obviously we live in a world where economies are so inter-linked that troubles in one major economy quickly spread. That being the case, it is especially important that no one country decides on policies which it believes will help itself, even though they may damage others. The damage will come home to them as well," Feldman added.
The key slogan of Obama during election campaign was "changes". In case of his election as President, Obama promised to pull out forces from Iraq. Joseph Biden, experienced politician and Senator from Delaware, became his Vice-President.
Obama was born in August 4, 1961. His alma mater is Columbia University and Harvard Law School where he was president of Harvard Law Review. He has practiced as civil rights attorney as well.
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