Obama Europe Trip

The US and partners in Europe face many challenges – growing unrest in North Africa, winding down war in Afghanistan as well as leadership of the International Monetary Fund – all to be discussed during the G8 meeting and Barack Obama’s weeklong visit to the continent. Elections are scheduled in Tunisia and Egypt later this year, but for the West to exercise influence requires funds, and debt constrains ambitions. “The U.S. and its allies don't want those elections to occur against a backdrop of economic chaos that could increase support for extremists,” notes a report in the Associated Press. The article reviews the US-European relationship. Despite financial stress that contributes to internal divisions, the tone of transatlantic discussions has improved since Obama took office in early 2009, the Associated Press suggests. Europe and the US stand firm on the correlations among stability, economic growth and democracy – and hope that emerging governments recognize the same. – YaleGlobal