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Obama diary: The first 100 days Obama diary: The first 100 days
(about 2 hours later)
Barack Obama was elected on a message of change. Now he is in office, change is expected both in foreign and domestic policy. Here the BBC's team in Washington tracks developments in the first 100 days of the Obama presidency.Barack Obama was elected on a message of change. Now he is in office, change is expected both in foreign and domestic policy. Here the BBC's team in Washington tracks developments in the first 100 days of the Obama presidency.
TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY - DAY 36 1200 EST More on Hillary and China's human rights TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY - DAY 36
2004 EST Twisted into a bind
Kim Ghattas: The announcement late on Monday evening of Dennis Ross's appointment as "Special Advisor on the Gulf and Southwest Asia" made for an interesting morning briefing from state department spokesperson Robert Wood. He faced a barrage of questions by reporters over some seven minutes - that's a long time when you're standing at the podium.
Why wasn't the word Iran used in the title? Because Ross will be advising on long-term strategic issues across the region. Why was the statement released so late in the evening? We're not trying to hide anything. What countries are included in the list? We'll get back to you. Does the list include Iran, would he meet with Iranians...
Sometimes journalists read too much into the details, but this seemed to indicate either a surprising lack of preparedness for the briefing or a lack of clarity about Ross's actual role. You can read the full briefing here.
1640 EST Big numbers
Kevin Connolly: If you are still struggling to get your head around the colossal numbers which litter the American economic landscape then further help is at hand.
A conservative economic think-tank offers the following perspective on the figure of $13 trillion (£9 trillion) which is where the national debt will be once you add to it the cost of the stimulus package ($787 billion) and the bank bailout ($700 and counting).
It is the equivalent of spending a dollar every second for 412,000 years. You'd have to have started spending at around the time man started making axe heads out of flint apparently.
1200 EST More on Hillary and China's human rights
Kim Ghattas: Now congressmen are joining human rights groups to criticise Hillary Clinton.Kim Ghattas: Now congressmen are joining human rights groups to criticise Hillary Clinton.
Two of them, Republicans Frank Wolf and Chris Smith, are holding a conference today to protest against her being mostly silent on human rights in China as reports emerged that activists were harassed and detained during her visit.Two of them, Republicans Frank Wolf and Chris Smith, are holding a conference today to protest against her being mostly silent on human rights in China as reports emerged that activists were harassed and detained during her visit.
She did not meet with any dissidents during her two-day stop in China.She did not meet with any dissidents during her two-day stop in China.
0200 EST Hillary and China's human rights0200 EST Hillary and China's human rights
All smiles - but Mrs Clinton's agenda in China upset some of her supporters as well as her criticsAll smiles - but Mrs Clinton's agenda in China upset some of her supporters as well as her critics
Kim Ghattas: Hillary Clinton's being harshly criticised by human-rights groups and some supporters for being mostly silent on human rights in China as reports emerged that activists were harassed and detained during her visit.Kim Ghattas: Hillary Clinton's being harshly criticised by human-rights groups and some supporters for being mostly silent on human rights in China as reports emerged that activists were harassed and detained during her visit.
Before this visit, she was remembered in Beijing for upsetting the authorities with comments she made in 1995 as first lady about human rights. Speaking during a UN conference she denounced the way women were treated in China and declared that "womens' rights are human rights".Before this visit, she was remembered in Beijing for upsetting the authorities with comments she made in 1995 as first lady about human rights. Speaking during a UN conference she denounced the way women were treated in China and declared that "womens' rights are human rights".
So ahead of her first trip to China as secretary of state, reporters asked her repeatedly whether she would raise the issue of human rights, Tibet and Burma. She said she would but as part of a larger agenda. She said that pressing China on those issues should not interfere with attempts to find ways to engage the Chinese and get them on board to deal with the global economic crisis and climate change.So ahead of her first trip to China as secretary of state, reporters asked her repeatedly whether she would raise the issue of human rights, Tibet and Burma. She said she would but as part of a larger agenda. She said that pressing China on those issues should not interfere with attempts to find ways to engage the Chinese and get them on board to deal with the global economic crisis and climate change.
It's perhaps a sign of how bad things are in Washington and how much the US needs China. But some argue that bringing up human rights will not stop China from co-operating on other matters. MONDAY 23 FEBRUARY - DAY 35It's perhaps a sign of how bad things are in Washington and how much the US needs China. But some argue that bringing up human rights will not stop China from co-operating on other matters. MONDAY 23 FEBRUARY - DAY 35
1730 EST More on detention policy1730 EST More on detention policy
Adam Brookes: Further to my earlier post on Guantanamo, legal activists - notably the ACLU - are professing disappointment at another manifestation of the Obama administration's detention policy (or lack of it).Adam Brookes: Further to my earlier post on Guantanamo, legal activists - notably the ACLU - are professing disappointment at another manifestation of the Obama administration's detention policy (or lack of it).
In a court filing last Friday, the Justice Department argued to a judge that detainees held at Bagram in Afghanistan do not have the right to challenge their detention in US courts. The ACLU says the Obama Justice Department is simply continuing the policies of its predecessor. It's likely, however, that the new Attorney General simply hasn't worked up a new policy yet.In a court filing last Friday, the Justice Department argued to a judge that detainees held at Bagram in Afghanistan do not have the right to challenge their detention in US courts. The ACLU says the Obama Justice Department is simply continuing the policies of its predecessor. It's likely, however, that the new Attorney General simply hasn't worked up a new policy yet.
1720 EST Fiscal responsibility summit1720 EST Fiscal responsibility summit
Stimulating debate - Vice-President Biden and President Obama attend a summit on "fiscal responsibility" at the White HouseStimulating debate - Vice-President Biden and President Obama attend a summit on "fiscal responsibility" at the White House
1644 EST Binyam Mohammed returns home1644 EST Binyam Mohammed returns home
Adam Brookes: So Binyam Mohamad heads to the UK from Guantanamo Bay. In the coming days, expect him to make powerful allegations against the US and UK intelligence agencies and military regarding the way he was treated while in custody.Adam Brookes: So Binyam Mohamad heads to the UK from Guantanamo Bay. In the coming days, expect him to make powerful allegations against the US and UK intelligence agencies and military regarding the way he was treated while in custody.
He will say that he was tortured. But will either the US or UK governments comment on his allegations? Will the Obama administration - or rather, the soldiers and the spooks under the Obama administration - be prepared to lift the lid at all on what happened to Binyam Mohamed in the last seven years? Or any other detainee, for that matter?He will say that he was tortured. But will either the US or UK governments comment on his allegations? Will the Obama administration - or rather, the soldiers and the spooks under the Obama administration - be prepared to lift the lid at all on what happened to Binyam Mohamed in the last seven years? Or any other detainee, for that matter?
We are assured by Admiral Patrick M Wash that his investigation of conditions at Guantanamo Bay has found that the facility is 'in compliance' with Article Three of the Geneva Convention. But he acknowledges that when inmates see that the Chinese Uighurs still haven't been released, even though they have been cleared of any crime, they become 'frustrated'.We are assured by Admiral Patrick M Wash that his investigation of conditions at Guantanamo Bay has found that the facility is 'in compliance' with Article Three of the Geneva Convention. But he acknowledges that when inmates see that the Chinese Uighurs still haven't been released, even though they have been cleared of any crime, they become 'frustrated'.
1430 EST Comings and goings at Guantanamo Bay1430 EST Comings and goings at Guantanamo Bay
James Coomarasamy: On the way out: Binyam Mohammed, the Ethiopian-born UK resident, who's become the prison camp's first detainee to be released under the Obama Administration.James Coomarasamy: On the way out: Binyam Mohammed, the Ethiopian-born UK resident, who's become the prison camp's first detainee to be released under the Obama Administration.
On the way in (for one day only): Eric Holder, the new US Attorney General, whose job is to negotiate the legal minefield surrounding Guantanamo's closure. His fact-finding mission comes amid mounting concern from some civil liberties' groups, that the new government's initial, clear position on the more dubious practices associated with the "war on terror" is becoming somewhat muddied.On the way in (for one day only): Eric Holder, the new US Attorney General, whose job is to negotiate the legal minefield surrounding Guantanamo's closure. His fact-finding mission comes amid mounting concern from some civil liberties' groups, that the new government's initial, clear position on the more dubious practices associated with the "war on terror" is becoming somewhat muddied.
President Obama has sidestepped questions about his willingness to investigate allegations of torture and has been criticised for invoking the state secret privilege to deny Binyam Mohammed and others their day in a federal court.President Obama has sidestepped questions about his willingness to investigate allegations of torture and has been criticised for invoking the state secret privilege to deny Binyam Mohammed and others their day in a federal court.
As the Justice Department statement on Mohammed's release makes clear, Mr Obama wants other countries to help shoulder the burden, as he struggles with the legal, national security and political complexities of following through on his early, headline-grabbing pledge to close Guantanamo Bay within a year.As the Justice Department statement on Mohammed's release makes clear, Mr Obama wants other countries to help shoulder the burden, as he struggles with the legal, national security and political complexities of following through on his early, headline-grabbing pledge to close Guantanamo Bay within a year.
SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY - DAY 34SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY - DAY 34
1830 EST Budget challenge ahead1830 EST Budget challenge ahead
Kevin Connolly: And so begins another "big week" for the Obama administration, which hasn't had any small weeks yet.Kevin Connolly: And so begins another "big week" for the Obama administration, which hasn't had any small weeks yet.
The agenda for the coming days is dominated by the task of squaring the circle - the president will publish outline budget proposals which will apparently explain how he will not only borrow and spend the vast amounts of money in the stimulus package, but also cut America's budget deficit in half by the end of his (first?) term.The agenda for the coming days is dominated by the task of squaring the circle - the president will publish outline budget proposals which will apparently explain how he will not only borrow and spend the vast amounts of money in the stimulus package, but also cut America's budget deficit in half by the end of his (first?) term.
It's estimated the deficit this year could hit an eye-watering $1.3tn and briefings from officials suggest Mr Obama wants to cut it to around $533bn - hardly small change, but a big improvement.It's estimated the deficit this year could hit an eye-watering $1.3tn and briefings from officials suggest Mr Obama wants to cut it to around $533bn - hardly small change, but a big improvement.
The White House thinks this can be done by allowing George W Bush's tax breaks for the well-paid to expire and reducing the military commitment in Iraq - but it's also talking about eliminating "waste" in government.The White House thinks this can be done by allowing George W Bush's tax breaks for the well-paid to expire and reducing the military commitment in Iraq - but it's also talking about eliminating "waste" in government.
That last item will cause most of the problems - it's hard for a president whose party believes in big government (and has just given it an extra $787bn) to start making deep cuts.That last item will cause most of the problems - it's hard for a president whose party believes in big government (and has just given it an extra $787bn) to start making deep cuts.
Mr Obama has changed lots of the rules of American politics - but being a big spender AND a budget balancer? That really would be something.Mr Obama has changed lots of the rules of American politics - but being a big spender AND a budget balancer? That really would be something.
SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY - DAY 33SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY - DAY 33
2145 EST Brown takes first prize2145 EST Brown takes first prize
Kevin Connolly: Diplomats are generally far too dignified as a group to indulge in anything so uncouth as jockeying for position, and any scrabbling for advantage in their line of work is usually done pretty discreetly.Kevin Connolly: Diplomats are generally far too dignified as a group to indulge in anything so uncouth as jockeying for position, and any scrabbling for advantage in their line of work is usually done pretty discreetly.
But make no mistake about it, there's been intense competition among European leaders to secure the first invitation to the Obama White House.But make no mistake about it, there's been intense competition among European leaders to secure the first invitation to the Obama White House.
Nicholas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel even went to the trouble of penning a joint newspaper article (or at least instructing their officials to write one) calling for a new era of translatlantic co-operation.Nicholas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel even went to the trouble of penning a joint newspaper article (or at least instructing their officials to write one) calling for a new era of translatlantic co-operation.
But to no avail. The White House has issued its first invitation to a European leader of the Obama presidency, and it's gone to Gordon Brown. Rewarding a loyal ally in the fields of security and intelligence trumped the impulse to usher in a new relationship between the rest of Europe and post-Bush America.But to no avail. The White House has issued its first invitation to a European leader of the Obama presidency, and it's gone to Gordon Brown. Rewarding a loyal ally in the fields of security and intelligence trumped the impulse to usher in a new relationship between the rest of Europe and post-Bush America.
Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso beat them all to it, but you could view that as a sympathetic gesture from Mr Obama to a friend in trouble at home.Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso beat them all to it, but you could view that as a sympathetic gesture from Mr Obama to a friend in trouble at home.
It's an interesting thought that all the politicians clamouring for invites to Washington have obviously decided that Mr Obama's undoubted celebrity charisma will rub off on them, rather than overshadow them. We'll see.It's an interesting thought that all the politicians clamouring for invites to Washington have obviously decided that Mr Obama's undoubted celebrity charisma will rub off on them, rather than overshadow them. We'll see.
0100 EST Looking to the heavens0100 EST Looking to the heavens
Kevin Connolly: It is not unusual, of course, to hear the name of the Almighty invoked in American politics - but Jesus Christ is popping up at the moment in a way which is new to me.Kevin Connolly: It is not unusual, of course, to hear the name of the Almighty invoked in American politics - but Jesus Christ is popping up at the moment in a way which is new to me.
A lobbying group opposed to the stimulus package - pushing the Republican idea that it's all about Big Government wasting Your Money - has come up with a handy calculation.A lobbying group opposed to the stimulus package - pushing the Republican idea that it's all about Big Government wasting Your Money - has come up with a handy calculation.
In a TV advertising spot, it says if you'd started spending money at the rate of $1m a day since the day Christ was born and carried on up to the present day, you still wouldn't have run through as much money as Congress voted to approve in the stimulus bill (about $800bn).In a TV advertising spot, it says if you'd started spending money at the rate of $1m a day since the day Christ was born and carried on up to the present day, you still wouldn't have run through as much money as Congress voted to approve in the stimulus bill (about $800bn).
The sheer scale of the numbers involved is encouraging more and more exotic devices for conveying a sense of scale.The sheer scale of the numbers involved is encouraging more and more exotic devices for conveying a sense of scale.
This new statistic is as compelling as the one about how the bail-out funds in total would stretch 63 miles into the sky if you cashed them in $1,000 bills and piled them on top of each other. Or was it 64 miles?This new statistic is as compelling as the one about how the bail-out funds in total would stretch 63 miles into the sky if you cashed them in $1,000 bills and piled them on top of each other. Or was it 64 miles?
FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY - DAY 32 1815 EST Canada sets bar highFRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY - DAY 32 1815 EST Canada sets bar high
Kevin Connolly: Flying back from Ottawa, where Mr Obama's brief stopover yesterday was treated like a combination of a Beatles Reunion and a papal visit, I couldn't help noticing the enthusiasm (to put it mildly) with which his every word and gesture was applauded.Kevin Connolly: Flying back from Ottawa, where Mr Obama's brief stopover yesterday was treated like a combination of a Beatles Reunion and a papal visit, I couldn't help noticing the enthusiasm (to put it mildly) with which his every word and gesture was applauded.
The next day's Globe and Mail (whose coverage was so extensive it kept me going until I was safely back in Washington) even managed to make light of Mr Obama's opening remarks, which started off with the words "It's a pleasure to be here in Iowa... er... Ottawa".The next day's Globe and Mail (whose coverage was so extensive it kept me going until I was safely back in Washington) even managed to make light of Mr Obama's opening remarks, which started off with the words "It's a pleasure to be here in Iowa... er... Ottawa".
The Globe and Mail found it "easy to forgive" - I wonder if they'd have extended the same latitude to George W Bush.The Globe and Mail found it "easy to forgive" - I wonder if they'd have extended the same latitude to George W Bush.
The same tone of breathless enthusiasm greeted Mr Obama's use of a single word of French in his news conference - "merci" - which was described as having sent French-Canadian reporters into "giddy delight".The same tone of breathless enthusiasm greeted Mr Obama's use of a single word of French in his news conference - "merci" - which was described as having sent French-Canadian reporters into "giddy delight".
We can probably expect Mr Obama - who is almost certainly the most famous and the most popular person in the world at the moment - to be greeted with enthusiasm wherever he goes, at least in the early part of his presidency.We can probably expect Mr Obama - who is almost certainly the most famous and the most popular person in the world at the moment - to be greeted with enthusiasm wherever he goes, at least in the early part of his presidency.
Canada has set the bar pretty high.Canada has set the bar pretty high.
Obama pledges Canada co-operationObama pledges Canada co-operation
THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY - DAY 31 0416 EST Hillary's North Korea headacheTHURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY - DAY 31 0416 EST Hillary's North Korea headache
Kim Ghattas: I've flown to Seoul ahead of Hillary Clinton to get a sense of what South Korea is expecting from the new US administration.Kim Ghattas: I've flown to Seoul ahead of Hillary Clinton to get a sense of what South Korea is expecting from the new US administration.
North Korea's nuclear programme will top the agenda of talks here and there's been quite a bit of tension between the two Koreas recently, especially amidst reports that Pyongyang is preparing to test a long range missile.North Korea's nuclear programme will top the agenda of talks here and there's been quite a bit of tension between the two Koreas recently, especially amidst reports that Pyongyang is preparing to test a long range missile.
The North has also accused Seoul and Washington of preparing to invade North Korea. They deny trying to grab the attention of the Obama administration but they're clearly trying to improve their bargaining position for whenever the talks resume.The North has also accused Seoul and Washington of preparing to invade North Korea. They deny trying to grab the attention of the Obama administration but they're clearly trying to improve their bargaining position for whenever the talks resume.
In addition, the North Koreans seem to be the ones mostly driving the process - they got quite a few concessions from the Bush administration and have still not given up much themselves.In addition, the North Koreans seem to be the ones mostly driving the process - they got quite a few concessions from the Bush administration and have still not given up much themselves.
At the end of her term, Condoleezza Rice said "only an idiot would trust" the North Koreans which is why Washington was insistent on verifying Pyongyang's declaration about its nukes.At the end of her term, Condoleezza Rice said "only an idiot would trust" the North Koreans which is why Washington was insistent on verifying Pyongyang's declaration about its nukes.
But much to the dismay of hardliners in Washington, President George W Bush and Dr Rice had "trusted" the process enough to remove the reclusive state from the list of sponsors of terrorism last summer before the declaration was verified.But much to the dismay of hardliners in Washington, President George W Bush and Dr Rice had "trusted" the process enough to remove the reclusive state from the list of sponsors of terrorism last summer before the declaration was verified.
Hardliners are now warning Mrs Clinton not to make the same "trust" mistake because when it comes to North Korea, it will be mostly continuity, not change, under Obama. LA Times - opinion pieceHardliners are now warning Mrs Clinton not to make the same "trust" mistake because when it comes to North Korea, it will be mostly continuity, not change, under Obama. LA Times - opinion piece
Continuity to the extent that Chris Hill, the top North Korea negotiator under Bush, is still in his position in the new administration - at least for now.Continuity to the extent that Chris Hill, the top North Korea negotiator under Bush, is still in his position in the new administration - at least for now.
So while there is some hope in Seoul that Hillary Clinton will somehow be able to kick-start the denuclearisation talks that stalled late last year, there's no sign yet of how the new administration might achieve that and what new proposals they might be bringing.So while there is some hope in Seoul that Hillary Clinton will somehow be able to kick-start the denuclearisation talks that stalled late last year, there's no sign yet of how the new administration might achieve that and what new proposals they might be bringing.
One new element is the man who is expected to be appointed to replace Hill - Steve Bosworth. A Tufts professor, he recently travelled to Pyongyang with other experts on a private mission. The group's report raises serious questions in its assessment of the situation. East Asia Forum - Obama's North Korea challengeOne new element is the man who is expected to be appointed to replace Hill - Steve Bosworth. A Tufts professor, he recently travelled to Pyongyang with other experts on a private mission. The group's report raises serious questions in its assessment of the situation. East Asia Forum - Obama's North Korea challenge
Obama diary: Days 1-10Obama diary: Days 11-20Obama diary: Days 21-30Obama diary: ContributorsObama diary: Days 1-10Obama diary: Days 11-20Obama diary: Days 21-30Obama diary: Contributors