US President Barack Obama had to face contradictory challenges at the UN General Assembly. He had to grapple with Republican criticism at home of his administration which has been scorched by spreading anti-American violence in North Africa and West Asia. At the same time, he had to stand up in defence of the new born Arab democracies. He had to do his job very cautiously as every word he said would convey some meaning to the US electorate in the forthcoming Presidential election. One of the raging issues is the reaction to the film, “Innocence of Muslims”. Obama had to stoutly defend freedom of expression which is an article of faith in the US democracy. Understandably his administration has condemned the film. On the other hand, Obama lashed out at violence and extremism. Another challenge comes from Iran. Obama has been under attack from the Republican contender, Mitt Romney and under pressure from Israeili Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he has not spelt out a clear policy about Tehran. Obama emphasized that the US would do all that was possible to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That went for Israel also. Iran has retaliated by deciding to boycott the Oscar ceremony.
There is usually more sound and fury than action at the UN General Assembly. The Syrian crisis and the violence in West Asia were not even on the agenda. Obama, however, took the opportunity to counter Romney’s attack on his West Asian policy. What he made clear was that he and his party were firm in their commitment to the West Asian policy which they had been following.