Reality rules

"Obama has not reformed the healthcare system, has not brought climate legislation through Congress, the Iranian leadership has not adhered to the western concept of responsibility, and in Afghanistan, a military turning point is not in sight. Guantanamo hasn't been closed yet as promised, either," writes business daily Handelsblatt from Dusseldorf. Does that mean he is a total failure? Far from it, says the paper, much of what the US administration has begun just cannot be done in 12 months, and Obama will need luck to accomplish his goals in even one legislative period.

The Berliner Morgenpost daily concurs that, although only 46 percent of Americans are satisfied with his work, Obama shouldn't be judged by his first 12 months in office. "Obama can still become one of the great innovators in American history," the paper says. "He has unequalled self-confidence, which keeps him from changing policies just because of unfavorable surveys. He is also blessed with a pragmatism that allows him not to be led into ideological dead ends." A year ago, says the Berlin paper, observers should have been more reserved in their expectations. "Today, let them be warned against making an assumption that is just as premature: that Obama has failed."

Obama underestimated the economic crisis, says the Frankfurter Rundschau. But "his most momentous mistake was not remaining at the helm of his most important project, healthcare reforms." While the president is by no means an American Gorbachev - respected internationally, ridiculed at home - the Frankfurt daily says, there is growing doubt ahead of Congressional elections later this year that Obama and his Democrats will continue to hold all the power. "The second year in office will not be any easier."

Marked by modesty, impartiality and a willingness to cooperate rather than making solitary decisions, Obama's new style has been of little use so far concerning the biggest global problems," the Muenchner Merkur writes. The Munich daily goes on to say that it would not be fair to condemn the president - after all millions of people only too gladly let their imaginations be fired by the "black superstar." "Policy is not made primarily by good intentions, lofty gestures and brilliant rhetoric; policy is clearly based on power and interests. This is a reality even an Obama can't suspend."

Reality has set in, the Westfalenpost agrees. However, the Hagen-based daily believes that the young president has matured, remarking that he rarely smiles, that his face is often serious. "The problems are too great. The economic crisis, a backlash on climate policies, the costly war in Afghanistan and the struggle for healthcare reforms have taken their toll on Obama. But what is even worse: America is losing its influence." Obama knew from the start that America could only tackle global crises along with other nations. "Which is why we Europeans, especially we Germans, should be glad to have this president at our side," says the paper.

db/dpa
Editor: Nancy Isenson