America's magic moment of history

"It is your victory," said president-elect Barack Obama, thanking his supporters in Chicago. After almost two years of political campaigning, Obama has become the first black president and America's 44th. It was a political triumph most people would never have imagined in the US in this lifetime. Now it is a reality.

America aside, Obama's presidency will have a far-reaching influence in every corner of the world. It is hoped that his mixed-race upbringing has instilled in him the qualities of tolerance and understanding that few world leaders are blessed with.

Indeed, America has come a long way from the War of Independence and freedom in 1776, to the Civil War of 1861-64 and the end of slavery that brought about the emancipation of its black people. But it would take another hundred years after that decade of strife before the rights of black people were properly recognised and given due respect.

Fast forward to less than 24 hours ago, and the US has been transformed in a huge way, by a thin African-American who has been called so many names, including a socialist and terrorist. He has been elected to lead the world's most powerful nation, the United States of America - the land of the free, where everything is possible.

The amazing part of all this is not what Obama promised in his campaign speeches. It is the transformation within the US and its people that put Obama where he is today. It was not that long ago that black people were not permitted to sit in the same restaurants as whites, or ride in the same section of public buses.

The evolution of America's race relations can be a good lesson for others, including Thailand, where a century-old bitterness between the national identity we call Thai and the Patani Malays of the South has translated into a new wave of violence that has claimed more than 3,000 lives since January 2004.

As a cultural melting pot, America has no problem making heroes out of its civil rights leaders or its former enemies, and the native Americans. They honour them by naming cities, streets, town halls and historical attractions after them, so that later generations will remember them and appreciate their struggles. There is no shame in talking about the slavery of blacks and the plight of the native Americans. It's part of the nation's healing process.

Over this past eight years, a significant chunk of the US's moral authority and political capital has been tarnished by numerous stories of human rights violations and torture.

Obama has to use the goodwill shown to him around the world over past months to build up new sentiment towards his country. He must show that the US is a responsible superpower abiding by international laws and supporting the UN. Without this, American power can be seen sometimes as rogue power. It is welcome that Obama wants to improve the UN and ensure that the world body can serve as a tool to promote peace and stability around the world. In this way, the US may not have to act unilaterally to protect its interests.

As the new president, one of the Obama's most important tasks is to restore the American image on the global stage. For the past eight years, the international community has come to know the dark side of the world's most powerful country. The war in Iraq hasn't been easy for anybody. Obama has said the number of American troops must be reduced. There is also war in Afghanistan, where he would like to send more troops. How that conflict will unfold remains to be seen. Negotiating with the Taleban and talking to the Iranians should be options on the table.

Against the predictions of some political pundits, American voters knew exactly what they wanted. They decided to go for change instead of maintaining the status quo. In choosing Obama over McCain, they have made a choice that could transform their country and perhaps their lives. Young people who were apolitical were roused by his speeches and policy platforms that promise to make America great again.

Obama's presidency must continue to forge racial harmony and unity among Americans.

With a black president, things could be rough in the beginning, which would certainly cause further consternation within the nation. Obama must be able to inspire and at the same time heal rifts that arise for whatever reasons. He must have humility and dignity to draw respect from all the international community and connect with adversarial countries that have mocked America for its attitudes.

As Obama said, change has come to America. But this is just the beginning. If real change comes to America, it will have an effect that will change the rest of world. Such is the wonder of American power and its influence.

In modern history, when America has been at ease with itself, international solidarity has flourished and trade and prosperity has grown.

The war in Iraq has destroyed the human side of this great nation. Now, the new president has to find a way to fix this and place America on a new rostrum.

America is changing, and we hope it is for the better. You ain't see nothing yet.