The world is ready for BARACK OBAMA

After a long, arduous struggle, Senator Barack Obama has proved to the Democratic Party that he is a better presidential candidate than Hillary Clinton. The competition between Obama and Clinton, which has been covered live on global TV networks has shown American democracy at its best. As part of its public diplomacy, the US government should nurture this positive aspect of America's image and build on it.

Of course, with Obama now confirmed as one of the two presidential contenders, all hell will again break loose in the next few months until the election in November. Pollsters and media strategists from both camps will have to work non-stop on spin and self-projection for their candidates. Already, media scrutiny has started over  Obama's inexperience in the field of foreign policy. His comment about willingness to meet with the US's enemies, in this case Iran, has created a storm. But in a world of growing inter-dependence, such positive overtures should be seen as a strength instead of a sign of weakness. But Obama has already modified his approach with some preconditions for talks with leaders from countries considered unfriendly.

The fact that Obama's comments on foreign policy came under such close scrutiny showed that diplomacy will be a focus of the election debates. For the American people, economic issues will remain the top priority. But economic and health issues aside, foreign policy will rank high. It is interesting that both Obama and Senator John McCain had foreign experience during their earlier careers. They are both associated with Southeast Asia. Obama's ties with Indonesia have been written about and reported in detail. This has already created a good vibe for the Indonesians. He has become one of the most popular world figures in the most populous Muslim country. That is a big plus, because after September 2001, anti-US sentiment was quite strong in that part of the world.  

McCain has his own strengths. He has a good connection in Vietnam, albeit through his wartime experience. His visits to Vietnam - including the "Hanoi Hilton", where he was jailed during the war - have reconciled him and his former enemy.

Whoever wins the presidency, there should be no complaint from the international community that the next US president knows nothing about global affairs. There will be no misspelling of names or other diplomatic faux pas.

For the first time in US history, the incoming president will have a direct link with Southeast Asia. It should be a new era in US policy towards Southeast Asia. The US  has always been the main power that provided stability and security in the region. US presence in the region, from time to time, has caused discontent and frustration but overall it is strongly welcomed by the countries in the region, including China. As such, the new US president must see that the US role in this part of the world will be to further strengthen ties. US policy should focus more on human security because in this region it encompasses the whole spectrum of the Asian way of life.  

It is an exciting time in US politics. People generally have a tendency to support the disadvantaged and root for the underdog. In this case, many hearts and minds are with Obama in his quest to become the first black US president. Strange but true, the world would like to see a new US leader different from President George Bush. With Obama, there would be a new feeling towards the US. After all, he has shown his sensitivities. That is an important quality in winning friends.

The US with a more caring president, and through open diplomacy, will be better able to counter terrorism and increase international stability and security.