I thought it might be useful and interesting to excerpt from Barack Obama’s inauguration speech those passages that related most strongly to foreign policy:

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort – even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

President-elect Barack Obama has published the outline of his plan for reforming American education on his transition team’s website, change.gov.  Here’s the part about higher education:

• Create the American Opportunity Tax Credit: Obama and Biden will make college affordable for all Americans by creating a new American Opportunity Tax Credit. This universal and fully refundable credit will ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans, and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. Recipients of the credit will be required to conduct 100 hours of community service.
• Simplify the Application Process for Financial Aid: Obama and Biden will streamline the financial aid process by eliminating the current federal financial aid application and enabling families to apply simply by checking a box on their tax form, authorizing their tax information to be used, and eliminating the need for a separate application.

Obama is also asking for input.  So if you have an idea for American higher education, let him know via this link.

One of Barack Obama’s (many) priorities is the reform of what many Americans consider to be a failing educational system.  Obama has identified several key educational policies he’ll likely implement – among them universal pre-school education,  the expansion of charter schools, and increasing the affordability of a college education.  What he ultimately accomplishes will depend to a large extent on the skills of the individual he chooses as Secretary of Education.

Here’s a great article from Time magazine about the candidates.  The most interesting name on the list is Colin Powell, who, as we all know, has professional qualifications in an entirely different field.  The theory behind Powell is that he knows how to get things done, and that he would bring a fresh perspective to an ancient set of problems.

If you are applying to KAEF or another scholarship program to the U.S., and if you are accepted, by the time you reach the United States to begin your studies either John McCain or Barack Obama will have become the President of the United States.  You might be wondering what changes, if any, they have in store for the system of higher education in the U.S.

The simplest way to answer that question is to read their campaign’s positions on higher education:  John McCain’s is here; Barack Obama’s is here.

The Chinese proverb “May you live in interesting times” applies as much to politics as it does to life itself. And our KAEF fellows will be joining us in the U.S. for what is certain to be a fascinating experience to view first-hand: the 2008 presidential election. There’s a multitude of political blogs and websites in the U.S., and they’re all busy following every detail of the election, every step – and misstep – made by the candidates Barack Obama and John McCain, and trying to “scoop” their competition. Here are a few of the most popular and widely read sites and blogs:

The Huffington Post – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ – From biographer to socialite – and now popular syndicated columnist – Arianna Stassinopoulos Huffington publishes one of the mostly widely read political sites, which also covers media and entertainment, living, style, and business. The election is front and center on this left-leaning political site.

Slate – http://www.slate.com/ – Slate is an award-winning daily web magazine, and an excellent general-interest publication offering analysis and commentary about politics, news, and culture. Slate’s strong editorial voice and witty take on current events should be great reading during the election; check out its “Campaign ‘08″ section at http://www.slate.com/id/2175823/

The Politico – http://www.politico.com/ – Excellent national political coverage focusing on Congress, the 2008 presidential campaign, and the lobbying and advocacy that makes things happen – or not – on Capitol Hill and throughout the country.

Salon – http://www.Salon.com/ – Some of the best and most thoughtful writing on the web can be found here. Salon not only covers politics and the upcoming election with exceptional writing, it also features current literature, sports, culture, environment and science, business, and entertainment. Popular columnists include Garrison Keillor, Glenn Greenwald, and Joan Walsh.

The Drudge Report – http://www.drudgereport.com/ is a right-tilting Web news site that will no doubt cover the election with its usual irreverent stories supplied by deep-cover sources. The site has a mix of mostly conservative columnists with news stories from around the world, and includes a useful list of media organizations from AP and Reuters to national publications.

The Chinese proverb we began with may also be a curse, and has two others that accompany it: “May you come to the attention of those in authority,” and “May you find what you are looking for.” If you’re following this year’s election, we know you’ll find a lot, from the fascinating to the newsworthy to the ridiculous.