Despite occasional setbacks, the image of America on the world stage strengthened throughout the 20th century, from a vibrant young country to a world power after World War I, and then its superpower after World War II. The Berlin Airlifts further enhanced the image of America, as did the millions of Americans who volunteered for Peace Corp, missionary endeavors and other overseas service, as well as the billions of dollars that Americans donated to international causes, both privately and through government programs. On September 12, 2001, the image of America on the world stage was such that even Le Point, the leftist French newspaper declared, "Today, We Are American!" The invasion of Iraq under a false pretense and the images of sexual torture from Abu Ghraib undid in a few short years the positive image America had built abroad through a century of toil, sacrifice and generous aid. The election of Barack Obama will be seen abroad as America's contrition for the invasion of Iraq, as well as for our slavery past, and will start the process of mending America's tarnished reputation on the world stage. Islam & Obama Abortion & Obama |
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