Obama's Global Reboot Not Going Well

One of President Obama’s signature boasts was that his election would, to use his term, “reboot” America’s image in the world. Addressing thousands of Germans last summer, Obama said, “In Europe, the view that America is part of what has gone wrong in the world rather than a force to help make it right has become all too common.” His election, he promised, would transform America’s global image.

How’s that project going? On the occasion of the Persian New Year, President Obama delivered a video message to the Iranian people and government, advisedly using the term “the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The U.S., declared the president, desired a “new beginning” in relations with Iran, and would no longer engage in “threats” but seek engagement that is “honest” and based upon “mutual respect.” While cautioning that Iran could not assume its “rightful place in the community of nations” through “terror or arms,” the president’s message was otherwise strewn with rose petals.