Lindsay stated that 2009 could be summarized as, "Great expectations running smack into daunting realities," with realities currently winning. He said these expectations were a result of Obama's "skills as a politician" and "the failures of the Bush administration". The American people had hope that the new president could solve many difficult and "perhaps intractable" problems.
Gwertzman asked questions about policies in the Middle-East, including, "How important is Afghanistan to [Obama's] administration?" Lindsay responded that Afghanistan seems to be a top priority for Obama and the main challenge will be creating a stable Afghan government. The United States' strategy has also shifted from "defeating the Taliban to degrading their capabilities," which shows Obama's willingness to sacrifice some goals in order to withdraw troops somewhat soon.
The interview also focused on escalating problems with Iran, as the country's nuclear capabilities continue to be a controversial issue. Lindsay explained Obama's dilemma with three rhetorical questions: 1. "Do you launch a military strike with all of the attendant risks and dangers to American forces in the region?" 2. "Do you give a green light to the Israelis to make an attack with all of the risks in that strategy?" 3. "Do you step back from your rhetoric and say, 'OK, now we're going to try and contain Iran,' with all the risk attendant to allowing Iran to go nuclear when you said you would not let that happen?"
Finally, the interview concluded with a question about U.S.-Chinese relations. Coordinating an effective economic plan may be the key to lowering the high unemployment rate in the U.S. Lindsay said, "The real pressure, going forward in the Obama administration, is to push the Chinese to change their policies."
The interview presented a positive outlook on the Obama administration overall, yet clearly noted the many challenges to come in 2010. Happy New Year!
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