Change of guard in Washington
Donald John Trump was sworn in yesterday as the 45th president of the United States of America. His victory was as surprising as unexpected. And we hope the next four years under his watch would be less so. His post-election articulations had given rise to questions aplenty around the world. Will he govern the way he campaigned? Will he present himself as an inclusive leader, as he promised on election night, or will he continue to play into the hands of xenophobes and be driven by extremely parochial views? Will it put the current world order at stake?
President Trump needs to articulate a detailed foreign policy vision beyond the vague slogan "America First" in order to address the immediate and complex challenges the world faces today: North Korea, the Middle East and Israel's hostile policies toward Palestine, among others, and how his administration would manage relations with allies in Asia and Europe and NATO members. On the campaign trail, he promised to recognise Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel - a move that would upend decades of US policy of a two state solution.
On the bilateral plane we would like to see the friendly relationship between Bangladesh and the US become stronger to the benefits of the people of the two countries. We sincerely hope that President Trump does not follow through with his campaign promise of imposing a border tax between 35 to 45 percent on imported goods, something that could have a far-reaching effect on our garment sector, not to speak of the burden on the American consumers. We would welcome restoring the GSP facilities to Bangladesh.
As the head of the most powerful country, President Trump would have to rise above his prejudices and be equal to the dignity, poise and esteem that his office commands.
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