Editorial

There can be little doubt that America's self-esteem, image and influence have suffered over the last eight years under President George W. Bush. Anti-Americanism has increased, US moral authority has dwindled and American global leadership has declined. The recent financial crisis in the US, which has affected the whole world, makes America look like an irresponsible economic power.

This is indeed unfortunate. America is an economic giant, the world's only superpower and the leader of the free world. Its engagement and strong leadership is needed in order to tackle global problems. Its isolation and economic difficulties are in nobody's interest. Tuesday's Presidential election is a good opportunity for whoever wins to enable America to regain self-confidence and re-engage internationally.

Both Barack Obama and John McCain have promised change and a break from the Bush Administration. This is indeed welcome. The Republican candidate, Senator McCain, has been greatly hampered by the fact that he belongs to the same party as President Bush, whose ratings in the polls are at a historic low. His Democratic opponent, Senator Obama, has enjoyed an almost uninterrupted lead in the opinion polls as voters express their concern over the state of the economy and the direction the country is taking.

America's strong desire for change seems to be the most likely factor that will send Mr Obama to the White House, unless voters get cold feet at the last minute. Mr McCain has tried hard to distance himself from Mr Bush but his campaign did turn somewhat populist and right-wing at times. It also has to be said that Mr McCain has had a very difficult task during this campaign: he was in effect running against his own party whose record in government was poor.

Although foreign policy has not been a major issue in this campaign, America's next President will have a whole range of foreign policy issues to deal with and will have to review America's priorities. The first goal will be to restore America's global leadership, engagement and moral authority. An immediate decision to close down Guantánamo Bay and end the use of torture will send out the right signals to the international community. Increased American engagement in the Middle East and a real commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state is another obvious priority, as is stabilising the precarious situation in nuclear-armed Pakistan and seeking a political solution in Afghanistan. In Iraq, the time has come for a phased withdrawal of US troops.

As the world's most powerful economy, the US has the moral obligation to lead the way in forging an international consensus to deal with climate change and the new President will hopefully make this a priority of his Administration. Restoring confidence in the US economy is also a key target and this is crucial not only for America but for the whole world. Should Mr Obama be elected, he must ensure he does not turn his back on free trade and resort to protectionism as part of his national economic policy.

Both candidates have qualities that would make good Presidents but former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican who has endorsed Mr Obama, probably hit the nail on the head when he said that Mr Obama would be a "transformational figure" as President. Perhaps that is exactly what America - and the world - needs at this point in time.