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Barack Obama (D), candidate in the 2008 Presidential election, lays out five ways in which he will work to restore America as a world leader. Four of those points involve international politics and forming alliances with countries around the world. Obama has also kept an eye on protecting America and ensuring our ongoing safety from terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, and other threats.

Obama spent much of his youth living abroad and his contention is that he has a unique perspective-that of a "citizen of the world." He has been active in world affairs during his somewhat limited tenure in Congress. He has worked with other members of Congress, from both parties, to introduce ground-breaking legislation focusing on aiding countries in dire straits economically.

The primary international focus for Obama has been and will be ending the War in Iraq, and concentrating on big picture issues in the Middle East. He also has stated he will bring the U.S. military into the 21st century, replacing outmoded and outdated equipment and weaponry with new, modern weapons, supplies, and methods.

The third issue that Obama states he will dedicate his time and energy on is working internationally to end the production and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Obama will continue his work as a bridge builder by strengthening alliances and creating new partnerships with countries around to the world to work toward the goal of eliminating threats of terrorism as well as preventing spread of deadly disease.

He also promises to provide financial aid to countries whose citizens are suffering the devastation of civil war, drought, smuggling and other threats to their well-being.
Obama overhauled the United States policy in the Congo including making a commitment to help rebuild the country, develop sound political structures, and hold accountable foreign governments which were a destabilizing influence. The revamped policy also supports a crack down on corrupt politicians and supports professionalizing the military.

Further, he wrote and passed legislation authorizing $52 million in U.S. assistance for the Congo. The bill also calls for a Special U.S. Envoy to mediate the on-going violence in the Congo, and urges the administration to increase the U.N. peacekeeping force there.

Senator Obama worked with Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) on the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act. Obama has met with Sudanese officials at the U.N. and has visited refugee camps in Sudan to raise international awareness of the humanitarian disaster in the country.

Obama has worked to forge alliances across party lines in Congress. He has lived in and traveled throughout the world, providing him perspective few others have gained. Senator Obama has been a strong voice for those suffering throughout the world and in America. If elected, he would have even more influence and power to continue the work to which he has devoted his life in public service.

Learn more about this author, Mary Moss.
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