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US Presidential Inauguration

January 23, 2009

Only a year after surprising the world with his come-from-behind candidacy, Barack Obama becomes the first African-American president of the US.

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Barack Obama signing a document
Image: AP

History was made on Tuesday, Jan. 21, with the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first black president of the United States. After a hectic year of non-stop campaigning, the world is now watching expectantly to see what Obama's often-repeated call for "change" will mean.

Deutsche Welle presents the views and analyses of European experts.

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Reports & Analysis

President Barack Obama gives his inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington

Obama Inaugurated

President Barack Obama called for a unified America at his inauguration ceremony in Washington.
January 20, 2009

MT 2101 Obama Europa

englisch: MT 2101 Obama Europa - Produziert: 20.01.2009 - 16:30:31 von Madeline Amberger
January 20, 200905:11 min
The word Opinion in white letters on a blue background

America's New Face

Barack Obama represents hope for America and the world, says DW's Christina Bergmann.
January 21, 2009
Newspapers with coverage of Barack Obama's presidential inauguration

Press Review

European commentators point out that the new US President has his work cut out for him.
January 21, 2009

WiP 1801 Human right

englisch: WiP 1801 Human right - Produziert: 16.01.2009 - 15:27:27 von Passenheim/Kyle James
January 20, 200905:33 min

Realistic chances - some of the conflicts in the transatlantic relationship, and possible solutions - je 20.01.2009 10 tt

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she's looking forward to working with Obama - no wonder - since calling her relationship with George W Bush strained could be considered an understatement. Germany and the US have had conflicting positions on a number of issues post 9/11. Most importantly, the war in Iraq and the military's Guantanamo Bay detention camp. One issue they do see eye to eye on is the need to establish a democracy in Afghanistan - thay just can't agree on how yet. Our next report looks at some of the conflicts in the transatlantic relationship, and possible solutions.
January 20, 2009

For Americans living here in Germany, the last few years haven't been particularly easy - je 20.01.2009 10 tt

For Americans living here in Germany, the last few years haven't been particularly easy... at least where politics is concerned. Many US expats have found themselves embroiled in discussions about the pros - and mostly cons - of the Bush administration. So, most are glad that chapter of history is finally over.
January 20, 2009

Germany's Expectations of the New US President - People and Politics, 16.01.2009

At no time in recent memory has the inauguration of a new US president been as eagerly awaited as the moment Barack Obama's. The president elect will take the oath of office on January 20th. Germany is just one of the many countries hoping for a new course under the charismatic young leader of African-American descent. While European countries are eager for Washington to reform its foreign- and environmental- policies, the current economic malaise makes it likely that President Obama will ask European allies to make greater financial and military contributions to joint international missions such as in Afghanistan.
January 16, 200904:50 min

Time to get back to business - The new US President is not planning to savour his inauguration festivities - je 20.01.2009 08

Time to get back to business. The new US President is not planning to savour his inauguration festivities. Barak Obama has called a meeting on Wednesday--his first full day in office-- of his top economic advisors. On the agenda: stepping up efforts to convince Congress to pass his 800 billion dollar economic stimulus plan. But Obama has already told Americans that any improvement in the world's largest economy will be slow in coming.
January 20, 2009

Hoping for Obama - high expectations in Germany - je 20.01.2009 10 tt

Welcome back. It's being billed one of the most important moments in the history of the United States of America: the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President - the first black man to hold the office. Obama's rise to power has been meteoric: just over two years ago, he was a relatively unknown senator and rank outsider for the Democratic nomination. Today, he's about to become US president and already enjoys a celebrity status usually reserved for pop stars and film icons. He has offered hope to millions of Americans at a time of economic crisis: and after four years of strained relations between Germany and the US, expectations here are running just as high.
January 20, 2009
President Barack Obama waves before giving his inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Welcome Mr. President

World leaders line up to offer congratulations and pass comment on the inauguration of Barack Obama.
January 20, 2009
Barack Obama

Obama's Speech

Here is the full transcript of President Obama's historic inauguration speech.
January 20, 2009
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