Vladimir Putin Scores Major Victory as President Obama Decides to Scrap Missile Shield for Czech, Poland

Vladimir Putin scores a major victory at the expense of President Barack Obama, who has decided to scrap plans for a U.S. missile defense shield in the Czech Republic and Poland that had deeply angered Russia. Personally, I think it was a good move on the part of President Obama, but I am sure the right wing will find that this diminished the president in the eyes of the world. I think this move will prove to the Russians that America wants to work closely with them and it will, essentially, increase the chances that Russia will cooperate more closely with the US in the dispute over Iran's nuclear program. I guess only time will tell if this was a shrewd move on Obama's part.

You will recall that the plan was proposed by the Bush administration and aimed to defend the United States and its European allies against a possible missile attack from Iran or elsewhere in the Middle East. A total of 10 interceptor rockets were to have been stationed in Poland and a radar system based in the Czech Republic. Russia was irate over the idea of having U.S. interceptor rockets in countries so close to its territory, and the Obama administration has sought to improve strained ties with the Kremlin. President George W. Bush just really didn't care who he trampled to get his way. Under his administration, diplomacy was taboo.

On the flip side, the decision to scrap the plan could have future consequences for U.S. relations with eastern Europe. I guess this is a gamble the Obama administration is willing to take. Brace yourselves folks, the right wing will see this as Obama capitulating to Russia and they will run with this.

President Obama Grants First Interview to Dubai-Based Satellite TV Channel al Arabiya

President Barack Obama has proven once again that he is an astute person who is keenly aware of the importance of diplomacy with the Muslims. He is not just tap-dancing around the issue of establishing diplomatic relationships with the Muslim world. Obama granted his first full TV interview since being sworn in -- to Arabic satellite TV channel al Arabiya, whose Dubai-based signal reached 23 million viewers in the Middle East. In the interview, Obama reaffirmed American support for Israel. But he also spoke of a "new partnership" with the Arab world "based on mutual respect and mutual interest." That speaks volumes on the type of inclusive administration the president intends to foster.

President Obama also made it clear that he was in a unique position as an American leader in dealing with the Muslim world. "I have Muslim members of my family," he said. "I have lived in Muslim countries."

The interview was the second time since becoming president that Obama has made a point to reach out to the Arab world. Last week, his first call to a foreign leader went to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

In office less than a week, Obama has moved more rapidly than any predecessor to launch a vigorous diplomatic effort into the Arab-Israeli minefield. It was Obama's second public appearance with former Sen. Mitchell and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the last five days.

Though it is unclear whether President Obama's foray into peacemaking with the Arab world will be more successful that previous administrations, he has set a different tone. As you will recall, President George W. Bush waited seven years before trying to broker talks, rarely got involved personally and often sent his special envoys into the region without explicitly empowering them to speak for him. I must state however, that Obama's actions have also raised hopes to dangerous levels, possibly, but we have to realize that no conflict in the Middle East can be settled without U.S. leadership.

President Obama Grants First Interview to Dubai-Based Satellite TV Channel al Arabiya

President Barack Obama has proven once again that he is an astute person who is keenly aware of the importance of diplomacy with the Muslims. He is not just tap-dancing around the issue of establishing diplomatic relationships with the Muslim world. Obama granted his first full TV interview since being sworn in -- to Arabic satellite TV channel al Arabiya, whose Dubai-based signal reached 23 million viewers in the Middle East. In the interview, Obama reaffirmed American support for Israel. But he also spoke of a "new partnership" with the Arab world "based on mutual respect and mutual interest." That speaks volumes on the type of inclusive administration the president intends to foster.

President Obama also made it clear that he was in a unique position as an American leader in dealing with the Muslim world. "I have Muslim members of my family," he said. "I have lived in Muslim countries."

The interview was the second time since becoming president that Obama has made a point to reach out to the Arab world. Last week, his first call to a foreign leader went to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

In office less than a week, Obama has moved more rapidly than any predecessor to launch a vigorous diplomatic effort into the Arab-Israeli minefield. It was Obama's second public appearance with former Sen. Mitchell and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the last five days.

Though it is unclear whether President Obama's foray into peacemaking with the Arab world will be more successful that previous administrations, he has set a different tone. As you will recall, President George W. Bush waited seven years before trying to broker talks, rarely got involved personally and often sent his special envoys into the region without explicitly empowering them to speak for him. I must state however, that Obama's actions have also raised hopes to dangerous levels, possibly, but we have to realize that no conflict in the Middle East can be settled without U.S. leadership.