<em>“Our country has borne a special burden in global affairs.We have spilled American blood in many countries onmultiple continents ... Our cause is just, our resolve unwavering.We will go forward with the confidence that right makes might.”</em><br />      —Barack Obama, West Point, December 1, 2009<br /><br />What has really changed since Bush left the White House? Very little, arguesTariq Ali, apart from the mood music. The hopes aroused during Obama'selection campaign have rapidly receded—the honeymoon has been short.Following the financial crisis, the “reform” president bailed out WallStreet without getting anything in return. With Democratic Party leadersand representatives mired in the corrupt lobbying system, the plans forreforming the healthcare system lie wrecked on the Senate floor. Abroad,the “war on terror” continues: torture on a daily basis in the horror chamberthat is Bagram, Iraq occupied indefinitely, Israel permanently appeased, andmore troops to Afghanistan and more drone attacks in Pakistan than underBush. The fact that Obama has proved incapable of shifting the politicalterrain even a few inches in a reformist direction will pave the way for aRepublican surge and triumph in the not too distant future.