I write thisletter in a vain attempt to counter the wave of Obama-mania which seems to have gripped the political establishment.

From the far left through to the Conservative Party, Barrack Obama is being feted as the new saviour of the world.

I dispute this thesis.

For the last 12 years I have researched, written and taught USA politics. I watched all three presidential debates live and followed on a daily basis the whole 21 months of the primary and election campaigns.

In my considered view, Obama is not an ideal choice for the free world’s leadership. In foreign policy terms, he has dangerously naïve policies towards Iran and Iraq. In terms of world energy supply he relies more on unproven environmentally susatinable policies than the creation of new sources of energy, in the form of offshore drilling and increasing use of nuclear power.

I write these words because we do live in a dangerous, violent world, where the forces are evil are abundant.

The issues of Darfur and the Congo are but two current examples.

The United Nations has proved an impotent force in opposing most of these dark, evil forces.

Filling that vacuum has been the USA, acting as the free world’s policeman.

I have serious doubts that Obama will continue in this role.

History will be my judge!.

John Power, Ferry Hinksey Road, Oxford