The Economist's Digest14

All change?
Originally from The Economist, March, 22~29

Summary:
There are some ways for America to improve its bad reputation around the world about its foreign policy, and people in America are also looking forward to the new president doing these. What are these methods?
First, stop dehumanized torture in CIA and the army; this would make the world believes the country will lead them by example and not just by military power. Second, the new president should show his/her determination to fight global warming more clearly, since Mr. Bush’s rejection of the Kyoto protocol has irritated the world.
However, the American people may be a little disappointed, because all of these are difficult to take into action. Even if the new president promises to fight global warming, the Congress may not pass the laws easily, so as the case in military unloading. Both of these have their reason that shouldn’t be deprived of. If the government passes the laws, the huge amount of cars in America will face a difficult situation: a higher gas prices.
Problems in the Middle East also haunt around------Muslims want America to kick Israel out of the West Bank. On the other hand, despite the 9/11 attack, the world have thought of the Iraq war as a war against Islam, not against terrorists after these years. All of these chaoses make the new president difficult to enjoy his/her power.
Of course, the new president may use the old policy, yet he/she still has to keep an eye on thriving China and Russia. Needless to say, both Obama and Hillary promise to withdraw the troops from Iraq after they are elected. None of them wants to get involved in this troublesome international fare. However, the sudden exit of invading Iraq will cause economic harm to both countries.
It’s strange that foreigners are surprised to learn that the USA presidents serve American interests, not for the world. Whether the benefit of the country and the one of world overlaps or not, the next president of it still put its own interest first. America is still a sole powerful country, and it still have to cooperate with its allies when needed.

My opinion:
America has considered itself to be the boss of the world for a long time since two world wars and this becomes a bad habit which is hard for it to rid of. Furthermore, this would become a stumbling block for it to the path of true peace and getting along well with other countries.
European countries especially have been sick at this attitude for long time. After the EU established, their grumbling voice became louder.
To my astonishment, this article regards Japan and Taiwan as allies of America. The case of Taiwan is understandable-----Taiwan’s international situation is partly influenced by America. As for Japan, actually, “some” Japanese don’t like America; thus they may cooperate for a period of time for both side’s benefits, but it won’t be too long. On the other hand, after Mr. Ma was elected, Taiwan would become closer to China.