While there are those who are not so enchanted with the direction of US foreign policy right now, they are mostly are allies; so why worry!  Especially when such luminary, enlightened, and progressive leaders such as Uncle Fidel are proclaiming there heartfelt approval with President Obama:

Fidel Castro appears to have a fascination with the American leader that would make Obama Girl jealous, writing obsessively not only about his politics, but of his youth and vigor.

Since handing over the Cuban presidency to his brother in February 2008, the 83-year-old has continued to publish his thoughts in essays called "Reflections of Comrade Fidel," which are dutifully printed in state media and read repeatedly on government-controlled radio and television.

But in less than a year of near-constant commentary, Castro has called Obama intelligent, sincere, serene, courageous, honest and well-meaning. He praised his work ethic, pondered the historical nature of his barrier-shattering election and fretted that he might face assassination.

And, while Chavez could not be reached for comment, It's unlikely that he would dispute the assessment of his mentor in Cuba.

But that's not the only place where Mr. Obama is a celebrity these days.  It seems that the Chinese are welcoming him like a world cultural Icon!, and less like, you know, the U.S. President:

Strangest is the burning Obama, tucked away in a Beijing warehouse. Artist Liu Bolin hopes Obama can take time from his visit to drop by.

"He's so hot right now, so I wanted to translate that through my work," said Liu, who was inspired by the idea of the first black U.S. president.

The bronze Obama bust is modeled on Time magazine's "Man of the Year" cover and is speckled with holes for gas that ignites every couple of minutes.

"Yes, setting something on fire can have negative connotations, but this piece represents energy and life that Obama has given to the world," said the 38-year-old, who made a similar piece for former revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.

One Beijing shop owner wanted to see what Obama could do for sales. Liu Mingjie created "Oba Mao" T-shirts, with the president wearing the uniform of the Red Guards, who caused chaos during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s.

Gee...I don't remember them doing stuff like this for Nixon.  The Dalai Lama was unavailable for comment...

Now, you can't make this stuff up.  Obama equated with Mao?  I'm sure Anita Dunn will be ecstatic!  She can add him to her list of the worlds greatest philosophers.  And gettin' a shout out from Fidel?  Who's next, the Russians and Iranians?  Too bad our European allies, the Israelis, the Indians, or General McChrystal aren't as enthusiastic.  It may have something to do with the red-headed-stepchild treatment they've been getting lately...

Odd isn't it, that all of our traditional democratic allies can't identify with Obama as much as full-on communists.  But, it must be a good feeling to the "first citizen of the world" to be getting all of this attention.  I mean, he can't help but like being told. "You numbah one in da globe, G!"  Especially in view of his falling poll numbers here at home.

Rocketman

Contrary to press reports, Zelaya is not in any way automatically returned to office by the accord.  First, there must be a vote by the entire Honduran congress on whether Zelaya is fit to return to office.  Prior to that, the Honduran supreme court, which ruled against Zelaya in June by a vote of 15 to 0, must issue an opinion on the same.

He also points out that this very same arrangement could have been agreed to months ago except for the ideologues at the NSC and the White House's increasingly apparent inability to admit when they make a mistake.  Reich also relates concerns that Chavez will get involved trying to buy support for Zelaya in an effort to get him reseated; and in doing so be able to intimidate his [Chavez's] opponents as well as claim a victory of sorts.  Kind of like the President is hoping he'll be able to do with the Obamacare bill.

It's funny, isn't it, that the President and Chavez would use similar tactics?  Funny strange, not funny ha-ha. I guess it's that vaunted Smart Power! we heard so much about.

Rocketman