06 February 2013
By Saeed Qureshi
During the inauguration ceremony for his second term
as the 44th president
of the United States, president Obama wore a sober and
contemplative look on his face. He was staring most of
the time in the space and was engrossed in deep
thoughts. One would guess as to what was weighing so
heavily on his mind. It was unlike Obama, otherwise an
embodiment of confidence, to be caught in a pensive
mood and apparently detached with the company that was
around him.
He also stumbled for a fraction of a second during the
oath taking but it was not as a glaring mishap as was
during his previous oath taking in 2009. In his speech
it was evident he was not in it and perhaps his
thoughts were scattered or that he lacked
concentration as would be reflected on one's face. The
kind of broad smile he would splash on such mirthful
and jubilant occasions, was manifestly faint and
listless. In a minor way, one would guess that he also
losing track of what he was capturing from his
teleprompter. I have a feeling that he did not go
through full text of his speech.
Was he concerned about his security with a lurking
fear that the event might turn unsavory or there could
be some unpleasant twist all of sudden. Or was he
reflecting about the monumental challenges that lay
ahead of him and he had to address those as fast as he
could. While embracing his family members and those
near him, he remained serious and barring one or two
instances, he did not exude a cheerful countenance.
But despite all these odd speculations about his
serious features, it was yet another historic and
memorable moment for him and also for the United
States of America. For an African-American person, to
return to the highest and the most powerful office of
the presidency, for the second time, in a county with
white majority robustly speaks for the intellect,
talent and genius of Obama.
It also vouches for the love and the liking that the
people of this great country have for him. It also
eloquently testifies to the unshakable commitment of
the American people in the abiding democratic culture
that is beacon for the rest of the world.
The will of the people prevails in this magnificent
country and it is upon their choice that a leader
assumes power. Abraham Lincoln the legendary president
so expressively and forcefully defined the democratic
tradition in United Sates as, "of the people, by the
people, for the people".
Let us keep in mind that president Obama proudly and
humbly calls himself the disciple and follower of that
great president. Indeed he is treading the glorious
path of President Abraham Lincoln who in those
tumultuous times not only freed the slaves but rebuilt
the federation on lasting foundation by winning the
civil war.
During his second term, president Obama's most
pressing priority
would be to strengthen the faltering economy and bring
it back on healthy tracks. Yet his more imperative
task would be to reduce tension around the world. The
first step towards that fabulous direction is to
terminate or scale down the American military
involvement in various parts of the world. His
decision to recall all the American troops from
Afghanistan next year is a giant step that would help
reduce the fiscal deficit caused by the heavy spending
in Afghanistan.
The dire need for America is to renew her commitment
as an honest stakeholder for world peace and to bring
about uniformity in promoting democratic and civil
societies without discrimination. America needs to win
the hearts and minds of the people through
socio-economic aid and not by use of force.
It would be an immortal achievement of Barack Obama if
he translates into reality, the United Nations'
mandate, with regard to the creation of an independent
state for the uprooted Palestinian people. Above
all it is time that America presents itself as a
friend and not a bully to the world.
There was one glaring lapse in this pageant ceremony
that would lurk in the minds of the Muslim citizens of
the United States. The poet of the day Richard Blanco
forgot to add the salutation "Salam" that the Muslims
utter to greet each other like Shalom of the Jews and
Namaste of the Hindus. Was it deliberate or
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