President Obama visits London- What next?

US President Barack Obama’s visit to Europe witnesses its second destination after Ireland. The President arrived at London, 12 hours before his schedule, avoiding the ash flight delays. He was welcomed at the Buckingham Palace with royal pomp and show as ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ was played in the background by the Scots Guards.

But to anyone who has been scrutinizing how Obama was welcomed in Ireland and the royal treatment he got in London- the British style of offering honour and delight will get more than obvious. Also becaus I am currently reading Barack Obama’s auto-biography, I am able to understand, though to a very less degree for sure, what is going on in his mind.

And yes, its humor for me.

His words come in my mind, during the days when he was trying to establish himself in the Democrat role, ‘I tried my best to keep my mouth shut and hear what people had to say. I listened to people talk about their jobs, the local school, their anger at Bush and democrats, their dogs, their back pain, their war service and the things they carried from their childhood.’

Thus, I can imagine Obama listening about ‘the royal wedding, concern over Joplin, recession, Middle East, back pain, London’s weather, war service and of course, Afghanistan.’

As the US President and his wife meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the essential changes in the relationship between US and UK get highlighted.

Recently, both President Obama and British PM David Cameron had written a joint article mentioning the relationship between US and UK is ‘essential’ rather than just ‘special.’

‘Key Issues’

The emerging world issues integrated with the brutal protests going on in the Middle East prove to be the core underlying reasons behind the Europe tour. This is President Obama’s eighth trip to Europe.

Currently, the priority of this Europe trip is to definitely clarify and function on the West’s role in the Arab uprising. Promotion of financial stability and democracy are the other major concerns.

‘Rift in US-UK relations’

Over the past few years, the US-UK relations have definitely witnessed the emergence of rift. Though, it started with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico last year. Moreover, the unilateral announcement of UK to withdraw 10,000 troops from Afghanistan came as another major jolt to the relationship.

The recent stand of US in not taking a very upfront stand in Libya has also widened the differences. Moreover, President Obama not being invited to the Royal Wedding, a subject which was not much debated on, did show another crack.

‘Houses of Parliament’

President Obama would be addressing the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday and speaking about the role of western countries in Afghanistan.

Following the speech, both President Obama and PM Cameron would have private talks related with the current Middle Eastern uprising.

‘Group of Eight- French Summit’

Later both the politicians would join the French summit ‘Group of Eight’ which has already been confirmed by President Obama’s recent speech on the Middle-east.

The summit would focus on the economic and market integration of the Egyptian and Tunisian financial conditions so that they witness an upliftment.

Meanwhile, Obama’s departure would take place on Sunday. He would also visit France and Poland in this trip.

The entire trip tends to hold international importance as it would follow the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in the later month.

‘Time is up for Libyan regime’ says NATO

‘Time is up for the Libyan regime’, says Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the secretary general of NATO.

Throwing light on the ‘substantial progress’ made by NATO, Rasmussen stated that more than 6000 sorties have been fired by the organisation in the past months. These air strikes have played an important role in toppling the Gadaffi regime.

Over the past days, NATO has been questioned about their output, often culminating into ambigious attempts and disappointing results.

Also, stating the rules put down by the UN mandate, Rasmussen said that NATO is working in strict conformity with the no fly zone, the air campaign and the arms embargo.

‘Targets of NATO’s sorties’

The 123 sorties fired by NATO on Thursday in Tripoli targeted Gadaffi’s compound, ammunition storages, command control centres, rocket launchers, tanks and self propelled anti aircraft gun.

Rasmussen once again stressed on the fact that the aim of the air strikes was not to target colonel Gadaffi but to protect the lives of civilians.

Though, Colonel Gadaffi made his first public appearance after April end today, after the death of his son.

The broadcast was made by the state run Libyan television to ensure that Colonel Gadaffi is not dead.

‘Libyan base in London’

Meanwhile, British PM David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague met with the Mustafa Abdul Jalil, the chairman of Interim National Transitional Council. They have decided to to invite libyan rebels to set up their base in London.

PM Cameron has also stated that the Libyan rebels are getting stronger while the Gadaffi forces are becoming weaker.

Abdul Jalil, on the other hand, praised the support by the British government for defending the stand of Libyan rebels.

UK has also pormised to provide body armour and uniform for the rebels.

‘Forced expulsion of rebels’

Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Refugee Chief has stated that the Libyan government might be expelling the migrants by force in a deliberate attempt to flood Europe.

Though,a recent boat carrying around 600 migrants sank causing terrible mayhem for the Libyan rebels.

Though, Colonel Gadaffi had initially warned the wave of migrants which would storm in Europe is the conflict continued.

‘Why not Syria?

Defending the stand of NATO while answering why it was not taking any action in Syria, Rasmussen stated clearly that the UN plays an important role in such operations. Irrespective of the fact that the situation in Syria is getting more complicated, the US and European forces can not intervene till directed by the UN.