By whatever standard we judge unique and transforming moments in history the election of Barack Obama is decidedly one of these. Quite apart from the enormous impact this will have on the lives of all Americans, not least their politics and the aspirations of black Americans, it is a supremely important event for the world. Rarely has the election of a US President been greeted with such universal acclaim and the reasons for such approval and hope are not hard to discern. It is not just the facts of his charisma, background and personal abilities which inspire world optimism but that these are brought to the highest office in the world at a time when they are so desperately needed.
The gravest tasks facing Obama and his new administration are clearly those relating to the response to international terrorism and unprecedented economic instability. Regarding the former it is imperative that solutions be found to the dreadful quagmires of Iraq and Afghanistan while repairing America's seriously damaged reputation internationally. Addressing and containing the threats posed by terrorists and rogue states cannot and must not ever again produce such barbarities as 'rendition' and Guantanamo Bay. And if it is hoped that some degree of the higher morality implied by a civilized democracy can be brought to bear in the military and security arenas it is equally important that an attempt be made to apply such values when it comes to the fragmented world of finance. Whatever new economic Order may emerge from the present crisis every effort must be made to ensure that the economy of America, and thereby the economies of virtually every nation, are not at the mercy of uncontrolled greed, self-interest and sheer irresponsibility.
These are tasks of herculean proportions and of course it is completely unrealistic and wholly unfair to place the burden of resolving them on the shoulders of a single man. Indeed, the single, greatest challenge for President Obama will be managing the impossible expectations which Americans, and the people of the world, will have of him. Although it is inevitable that he will not be able to meet all, or even most, of the aspirations inspired by his victory, it is enough for the moment to celebrate the knowledge that this great democracy - the most powerful nation in history- will be led by a true man of the people.
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