Tomorrow's presidential inauguration is unique. It is the first time that an African-American will become the president of the United States of America. That is historic and astounding in and of itself, however, it seems like a mere novelty when one considers that no other president has taken over the reins of power with so many pre-existing problems. Never before have so many expected so much from one man.

The Obama team will inherit many grave financial, social, international and security issues. Because of this, unlike previous transitions, various appointments and meetings have been fairly well-publicised and critiqued - truly, there is a lot at stake.

The new president will be handed a world full of people displeased with the actions of his predecessor. A powerful Russia is on a quest for energy dominance (especially with talks of a natural gas 'cartel'). Their displeasure with the proximity of American defence missiles is making them antsy. There also remains that unresolved and seething matter with Georgia - this promises to rear its ugly head at any moment.

Arab animosity

The unending Israeli/Palestinian conflict has no amicable solution in sight and continues to fuel Arab animosity towards America for its unswerving fealty towards the Israelis. Radical Muslims have already accused Obama of "Betraying his black heritage". The Iraqi 'war' (police action) remains on the front burner, despite talk of a pullout in two years. The situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan remains bleak and interminable as Osama bin Laden consistently evades detection and apprehension.

The fiscal crisis that began in America has swept the underpinnings of economies everywhere. The National Bureau of Economic Research recently announced that, since the beginning of the recession in December 2007, the number of unemployed persons (in America) increased by 2.7 million. Large financial stalwarts (like banks, lending institutions and automobile manufacturers) crumpled under the resultant pressure of toxic loans and required government intervention (bailouts) in order to save jobs and stabilise the economy.

The energy crisis and global warming remain intertwined and in need of resolution.

The media is awash with instructions from 'experts' pontificating on what president-elect Obama must and must not do. CNN even has a segment named, 'Memo to the president' for airing concerns, opinions and recommendations on matters related to governance.

New-found openness

It seems as if everybody has some advice or the other for the new president. It makes me wonder if this is because people have been so personally affected by the actions or inactions of the decision makers in Washington that they want a say in their future or, perhaps they feel some sort of oneness with their new commander-in-chief and, therefore, have no inhibitions about expressing their thoughts. I hope that this new-found openness is not because they feel that he needs everyone's help to manage the country.

Barack Obama has proven himself to be a level-headed, meticulous individual who seeks counsel before making big decisions. He has been criticised for surrounding himself with members of the old guard while espousing the fundamental principle of change. However, as he explained, the change will come from him and the new direction that he plans for Washington.

The United States of America has a far-reaching influence throughout the world. We hope that this new administration - with new ideas and new approaches to domestic and international matters - will herald an age of cooperation and peace. My only advice to President Obama is for him to fulfil his mandate of change - the rest will follow.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Feedback may be sent to garthrattray@gmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.