This weekend, President Obama had something to celebrate – the US Supreme Court endorsed key provisions in the health reform law. The new law is a ray of hope for millions of uninsured Americans who will now be able to access the health protection through affordable insurance choices. One important feature of the law is to prevent the insurance companies to refuse coverage of people with pre-existing conditions. Obama can take pride on fulfilling of one of his agenda from the previous election campaign.
Again it’s election year in the US; time to tick the completed promises. Yes, health reform bill – done, but what about the foreign policy related vows made by Obama: closing of Guantanamo bay was not achieved; peace remained an elusive commodity in the Middle East, the situation on the Af-Pak border saw no improvement; the Iraq retreat was a mere cover-up of failure etc. Moreover, the elimination of OBL could be a jewel in Obama’s crown but this unilateral action strained relations with Pakistan which are yet to be repaired.
But let’s forget all this: Americans vote and elect their leaders on domestic issues. Obama can make new vows for a stable and peaceful world next March.
MASOOD KHAN
Saudi Arabia
