Barack Obama's greatest attribute may turn out to be his greatest weakness - his captivating oratory. On Tuesday two million Americans who had gathered in the environs of the Capitol and stretching down the Mall past the Washington monument into the dim distance as well as billions in America and around the world who watched on TV were held spellbound by his magnificent oratory which many commentators said was unmatched in recent times.

This man's brilliant speaking and acute mind had brought him into the White House, the first Black to do so, surmounting so many obstacles but now his challenge is to match his words with action.

Financial challenge

To overcome the greatest financial crisis America is facing is one daunting task. To settle two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while attempting to resolve the 100 year old war between Israelis and Palestinians and bring in peace to the Middle East is another. Global warming, the energy crisis, the hatred and anger directed towards America in many regions of the world are some other problems.

It is doubtful whether any other American president had walked into such an avalanche of problems. Those who watched him speak with confidence, recounting all these challenges have been amazed by his spirit of hope and confidence, simply expressed by the words: 'Yes we can.'

Financial pundits the world over give many reasons why the financial catastrophe resulted although few said with certainty that  it would happen. However, there are none on the horizon that can give a sure cure, if there is one. It is often said that economics is a 'science' which none understand.

Bernard Shaw about a hundred years ago said: 'If all the economists were laid end to end they wouldn't reach a conclusion.' The present economic crisis justifies some of these critical comments. I have earlier likened the situation to a patient on a surgical table surrounded by the best medical men on earth who do not know what to do with the patient.

Faith and hope

Barack Obama has summoned the best of economists, financiers, bankers and the like to help and advice him. He is also likely to get all the economic assistance with a friendly Congress backing him. But infusing financial assistance is not the end to all of the problem because now it is said that the initial $ 325 billion voted to ease the crisis in the banking sector had not gone in the intended direction.

There is great faith, hope and trust placed in the Obama administration. But if it does not produce some positive results that goodwill is not likely to remain.

The financial crisis is obviously likely to affect all countries particularly those that have strong trade and other economic relations with America and also Europe. With two of Sri Lanka's main export markets being the United States and Europe, only ostriches who have buried their heads in political muck will claim: 'We are immune.' Very soon when garment factory employees and even plantation workers are on the roads will the ostriches come to terms with reality?

Guantanamo

Obama came to grips with the first problem, his pledge to close down Guantanamo Bay two days after taking office. He ordered that the prison be closed within a year and all forms of harsh interrogation be halted. There were widespread charges of torture by US troops and other officials to extract information through horrible means such as water boarding.

But commentators point out that he is saddled with the problem of where prisoners are to be sent when Guantanamo closes down. Many of them have been described as hardcore terrorists and no American State is likely to house them.

This is where Obama's charm and good relations among other nations might help. There were reports earlier that Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor might consider accommodating some prisoners.

The initial enthusiasm for Obama among some Muslim nations dipped when he failed to make a statement critical of the Israeli attack on the Gaza strip. Obama obviously realises his limitations where criticism  of Israel is concerned. But he had a conciliatory message to the Muslim world. 'We seek a new way forward based on mutual interest and respect.'