The US Embassy in Banjul, yesterday, hosted a video conference on the policies of the new US president Barack Obama.

The conference was aimed at giving stakeholders an indepth analysis of the visions of the new Obama administration and how they translate into principles and policy actions. Speaking to the Banjul audience from Paris, Dr Steven Ekovich, an expert on America’s political system, described Barack Obama as a young president who does not have a long political history but his 6 years service as a senator has made him to be considered as one of the most liberal American politicians. He said the theme of Osama’s politics is to bring all Americans under the United States, adding that he is a pragmatic leader whose government has cut across all political boundaries.

Deliberating on the vision of the new administration, Dr Ekovich said the interest and values of a nation do not change very easily.  He said there will be little improvements, but not much difference with the past regime’s approach to global issues.  He noted that Obama cannot change the values of America as these values are to defend their interest, but that what he can do is to influence policy discussions and perceptions.

Dr Ekovich pointed out that Obama has a high approval rating and he is very confident, although he warned that this might not last for long. Given the prevailing difference in  ideologies with the Obama administration, which Dr Dr Ekovich linked to the varying composition of the administration, he said that the new president will have to take tough decisions later in the course of its term.

The occasion, which was punctuated by a replay of Osama’s inauguration video, and a question and answer series, was coordinated by Mrs Linda Cawher of the Africa Regional Service in Paris. In attendance were politicians, representatives of NGOs, CSOs, and journalists.