RAMZY BAROUD He may still possess the poise of a confident leader and an eloquent intellectual, but the presidency of Obama is now suffering its most difficult phase to date. Certainly, Obama cannot solely be blamed for all the factors that have stifled his countrys chances of recovery from the failures of the Bush era. But the man who promised the moon has now extended the abhorrent and morally unjustifiable tax cuts for Americas wealthiest class. The sweeping $858 billion tax bill was signed into law on December 17. It includes an $801 billion package of tax cuts, extending Bushs tax break for the rich for two more years - at a time when the majority of Americans are reeling under the weight of a failing economy and persistently high unemployment. Still, the tax bill was presented by the self-assured President as real money thats going to make a real difference in peoples lives. But we know for sure is that the cuts will add a gigantic chunk to an already impossible deficit of $1.3 trillion, another Obama battle that is likely to be lost to the Republicans early next year. But this concession, and its presentation as a victory for USAs middle classes says more about Obamas style than the weakening of the Democrats since the mid-term elections. Even in his foreign policy management, Obamas approach seems to teeter between giving face-lifts to ugly realities and postponing urgently needed action. The agent of change has become the quintessential American politician, who is more consumed with his chances of re-election than with bringing about the kind of long-term change that can really benefit his country, and the world at large. Obamas handling of the shortly-lived peace talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israels rightwing government is another example of a striking failure followed by whitewash. Although he adamantly demanded a halt to Israels construction of illegal settlements in West Bank, Obama soon began capitulating before an obstinate Netanyahu. The Israeli leader, supported by much of the Congress and backed by a strong Israel lobby in Washington, finally forced Obama into a humiliating retreat. Even a generous bribe to win a limited Israeli moratorium on settlement construction failed. The administration officials finally declared that the US would abandon its efforts to halt Israeli settlement expansion, effectively signalling an American exit from the 'peace process. Instead of laying the blame squarely on Israel, the Obama administration delved into the same long-discredited rhetoric that only Palestinians and Israelis are capable of accomplishing peace without any outside intervention. It signalled a complete shift in US foreign policy, which Israel has welcomed. Afghanistan is another example. The eagerly anticipated strategy assessment of the war in Afghanistan was released on December 16, with illusory talk of gains and warnings of Al-Qaeda threats. It suggests that the US will continue to fight a pointless war for years to come, with no clear goals or end in sight. According to an editorial in the Lebanese Daily Star, Obamas long-awaited Afghanistan strategy review amounts to little more than a whitewash of the seemingly intractable problems that have trapped the mighty American military in a quagmire. Obamas response was yet another attempt to distance himself from the looming, if not ongoing failure. US priority, he said, is not to defeat every last threat to the security of Afghanistan, because, ultimately, it is Afghans who must secure their country. One would agree with the President were it not for the fact that the US invasion was what has impeded the security of Afghanistan, destroyed any chance of nation-building and installed a corrupt government. But Obama will not accept responsibility. His cautious assessments are emblematic of his overall political style: avoiding or perpetuating the problem, and distancing himself from it once failure is assured. This is as true of his domestic policy as of his foreign policy. It is easy to see why Obamas popularity has plummeted among those who once believed in his ability to bring change to a scarred and traumatised country. And his irresolute leadership has also empowered his political opponents, who will not cease to demand more from a feeble and ever-willing President. Khaleej Times