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n obscure community organizer in the Chicago area till 1996, he is a living example of what one can achieve by sheer "audacity of hope".

As he took the presidential oath, all eyes were on him and all were praying for his success.

His inaugural speech was enthusiastic, reassuring and down-to-earth and indicated the new directions he planned to go in. There is no doubt that the "change" he promised has come to America, when he said that enormous military power alone cannot protect the US and also that this power does not entitle it to do as it pleases.

With such profound thoughts, President Obama is destined to bring a new stature to his country within the community of nations. In his inaugural speech, he appeared to be a man who means business and who speaks straight and clearly.

His pledge of helping poor countries by working alongside them to bring them prosperity and his promise to the Muslim world that he sought a new way forward based on mutual interest and mutual respect could not have been more timely and more reassuring!

He warned the corrupt dictators, who remain in power by using all sorts of foul means, that they were on the wrong side of history, but, he added, he would still extend a hand if these tyrants are "willing to unclench their fist".

I am sure every citizen of the world would wish him all the best and would do whatever they can in the interest of closer relations between the US and the rest of the world.