It was 98 days ago that I sat with other Amnesty staff to watch a truly historical event: the inauguration of Barack Obama. As human rights campaigners, there was a sense of genuine excitement that hadn’t existed for many years – a real chance that his Presidency would make a break from the previous administration’s policies, particularly those that would be filed under the heading ‘War on Terror’.
Despite our optimism, we launched a 100 days campaign to ensure that Obama’s first 100 days in office delivered real human rights victories.
As you’ll no doubt remember, it started well – as he promised to close Guantanamo Bay, and he suspended military tribunals. But how did it end up? How will history look at Obama’s first 100 days through the lens of human rights? Well, you’ll just have to be patient, as it is only Day 98.
Make sure you pay a visit to these pages later this week, as we give a analysis of his first 100 days in full.
In the meantime, other commentators have some interesting things to say:
- Gary Younge in The Guardian talks of people liking Obama more than they like his policies
- A recent AP poll reveals that 48% of Americans believe the US is now headed in the right direction, up from just 17% in October last year.
- Telegraph.co.uk talks of the public’s ‘uneasiness with his decision to close Guantanamo‘
- The amusing but insightful 100 days, 100 ways article talks of how Obama is reshaping America. And of course there is the reaction to this with a blogger outlined his percieved 100 days, 100 mistakes.
- And finally, The Huffington Post has set out some challenges for his next 100 days.
Interestingly, there seems to be little mention of his decisions on torture and Guantanamo. Have you come across any interesting reviews of Obama’s first 100 days? Any that comment on human rights issues? Do post them below…
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