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The Documentary: Obama's World

Obama's World

09/07/2016 GMT

BBC World Service - The Documentary, Obama's World

As Barack Obama prepares to leave office, Nahal Toosi examines his foreign policy

As Barack Obama prepares to leave office, Nahal Toosi asks what kind of foreign policy he pursued.

When Barack Obama was sworn into office in January 2009 he had already gained millions of fans around the world thanks to his promise to change the way America behaved abroad. His foreign policy objectives were clear. He would reset relations with Russia, extend a hand of friendship to the Muslim world, bring Iran in from the cold and end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He promised action on nuclear arms and climate change. Many people in many time-zones who tuned in to watch Obama’s inauguration felt like change was coming.

Eight years on, how has Obama shaped the world? Nahal Toosi, foreign affairs correspondent for Washington-based news outlet Politico, talks to people in the countries most affected by Obama’s decisions. She finds out how lives have changed, from the people living through drone warfare in Pakistan to the residents of Cuba who witnessed Obama’s historic visit. She hears from those inside Obama’s foreign policy machine on why and how key decisions on Egypt, Syria and Ukraine were taken. And she asks how the world will look back on Obama’s time in office.

(Photo: President Barack Obama speaks at an event to recognise emerging global entrepreneurs at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Washington DC. Credit: Getty Images)

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