In two new opinion polls the approval rate of US President Barack Obama has fallen under the 50 percent mark for the first time.

Whether on healthcare reform, Guantánamo, climate protection or Afghanistan, the president is not living up to his promises.

Ouest France – France

The daily Ouest France looks back on US President Barack Obama’s short term in office to explain his poor showing in opinion polls, finding many promises but few deeds:

“A month after taking office, Barack Obama stressed in a speech that was broadcast across the country the gravity of the economic, ecological and social challenges that his government was facing. This crisis was to be the lever for widespread reforms.

… One of the roots for Obama’s victory lies in his position against the war in Iraq, and his shift of focus to Afghanistan as centre of the fight against terrorism. Now at the start of November he admitted he is considering the request by General McChrystal to send new troops. It’s no coincidence that this plan has received high media coverage – no doubt thanks to McChrystal – and set off a critical wave. Today the question is: can Obama remain Obama?” (24/11/2009)

Die Presse – Austria

From healthcare reform to policy on Afghanistan, US President Barack Obama has become the hostage of his own promises, writes the conservative daily Die Presse:

“Where are the jobs, where is the new energy law, where is the peace in the Middle East? The echo of frustrated voices rings out from every quarter. Obama can no longer please anyone. Regardless of what he does, he is hounded by his own promises. The liberals are calling for the gradual withdrawal from Afghanistan and the closure of Guantánamo prison camp, the Europeans are stepping up pressure for a climate protection agreement, the Republicans are calling for more determined policy on Iran and North Korea, and civil rights activists want clearer language vis-à-vis China.” (01/01/1970)

La Stampa – Italy

In his role as Messiah Barack Obama has been defeated by the Great Wall of China, writes the writer and journalist Guido Ceronetti in the liberal daily La Stampa:

“It’s horrible to have to say it, but the trip to Asia has shown that the Messiah can fail … and has failed.

… This is the image we are seeing of Washington’s new power: its head has been struck off and dangles from the Great Wall. … We have seen an America without imagination, stabbed by its own banks and firmly bound and gagged by its debts to China. We have been witness to the confusion of the failed Messiah, who bows to compromises and doesn’t even have the freedom to embrace the fearless messenger from Tibet, the eternal exiled wanderer. We have once more heard the smooth words of this elegant gentleman who is sitting on an impressive nuclear arsenal and has an unjustified Nobel Peace Prize, but who can neither bring peace nor wage war.” (24/11/2009)