Africa: C
The president is using carrots and sticks in Africa, but he might have gotten the two mixed up.
Latin America: C-
The Obama administration has made a few steps in the right direction. But U.S.-Latin American relations are far from mended, and skepticism is growing.
Asia: C+
The first Pacific president did pretty well on Asia policy — except for mishandling relations with Japan.
Gender: B
The administration earns high marks for its global focus on women’s issues. But its overall approach to war and development still adversely affects women’s lives.
Multilateralism: B-
The Obama administration is UN-friendly. So why hasn’t it made more of a push to bring the United States into compliance with international conventions?
Human Rights: C+
The Obama administration’s failure to speak out more boldly against human rights abuses is a poor moral and a political choice.
Energy and Climate Change: C+
Some significant actions but a failure to follow through.
Global Economy: C
After one year, it’s hard to point to new global economic policies that are better for people and the planet. But the Obama administration has helped bust open the debate over globalization policies.
Coup in Honduras: D
The administration condemned the coup but eventually acceded to the coup leaders’ conditions.
Trade Policy: B
The administration hasn’t concluded any new bilateral trade deals, but it hasn’t reopened any of the old ones either.
60 Second Expert: The U.S. in Yemen
Much attention has recently been focused on the poverty-stricken country of Yemen.
Foreign Policy: C-
On his report card after the first year the president passes in foreign policy, but barely and with a note in the margin: needs improvement.
Yemen: Deja Vu All Over Again
The United States punished Yemen 20 years ago by cutting off aid. Today, the United States is punishing Yemen by sending aid.