Obama's second term: A road covered with thorns (2)

Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker warned that the United States must take a neutral stance and not hastily intervene in the disputes in the South China Sea and other regions.

The strategy of rebalance has come under question

The Obama administration talked about smart power a lot when he just took office four years ago, he was poised to offer an olive branch to Iran in an effort to repair the US's tattered reputation in the international community, especially the Islamic world. However, what Obama said had much difference with the development in real life.

Obama mentioned many times it was time to make the U.S. more prosperous and powerful. But the crises that occurred in Mali and Algeria recently make America realize that war is not far from it and America still has many new diplomatic challenges to face.

In the first term, Obama shifted his global diplomatic priority to the Asia-Pacific region and proposed the strategy of rebalance. After his Asia-Pacific military strategy adjustment came under question, Obama said that his Asia-Pacific strategy was a comprehensive adjustment including politics and economy, which was aimed at diluting its military color.

However, many people have begun to express their concerns over the development caused by the implementation of U.S. rebalance strategy. Recently, a scholar from the Brookings Institution said that the primary goal of Obama’s Asia-Pacific strategy should be keeping Asia providing a continuous fillip for global and American economic increase in the next five to 10 years. But the strategy is increasing dispute rather than decreasing it; the most obvious example is the territorial dispute in the East China Sea.

U.S. presidents usually focus on what they will leave for the descendent when they start their second terms, Obama is no exception. In a more diverse world, the United States stands at the new historical crossroads. In the game between commitment and fulfillment, it is doomed to have more difficulties in the next four years.

Read the Chinese version: 奥巴马第二任期荆棘载途; source: People's Daily Overseas Edition; Author: Wen Xian, Wu Chengliang and Li Boya

We recommend:
Protesters call for pullout of U.S. troops	Heavy snowfall hits London, Britain	Obama and First Lady dance during Inaugural ball
Rally held to welcome Grand Rabbi in Jerusalem	Unforgettable moments you cannot miss in January	The world in photos(2013.1.13-1.20)