World Leaders React to Obama Victory

Updated: November 7, 2012 | 7:53 a.m.
November 7, 2012 | 7:47 a.m.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and President Barack Obama reach to shake hands during their joint news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington Wednesday, March 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

Following President Obama’s reelection, leaders and other figures around the globe reacted to the news, from Obama’s former school in Indonesia to the Dalai Lama, the Associated Press reports.

Though generally positive and encouraging, world leaders also reacted with caution, naming many of the issues that still need to be addressed, including Syria, Iran, the global economy and the environment. Here are some of the highlights:

British Prime Minister David Cameron

“One of the first things I want to talk to Barack about is how we must do more to try and solve this crisis (in Syria). Above all, congratulations to Barack. I've enjoyed working with him, I think he's a very successful U.S. president and I look forward to working with him in the future.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“I will continue to work with President Obama to preserve the strategic interests of Israel's citizens.”

French President Francois Hollande

“Your re-election is a clear choice in favor of an America that is open, unified, completely engaged in the international scene and conscious of the challenges facing our planet: peace, the economy and the environment.”

The Dalai Lama

“When you were elected in 2008, you inspired the world with a call to take responsibility for the problems we face as global citizens. Since then, you have made earnest efforts to live up to that great hope and trust placed in you by the American public. I believe you have been re-elected now in recognition of that effort.”

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen

“The bond between Europe and North America, based upon the shared values on which our alliance was founded over 60 years ago, remains as strong, and as important to the preservation of Euro-Atlantic peace and security, as ever. President Obama has demonstrated outstanding leadership in maintaining this vital bond.”

Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.


Leave A Comment
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus
Follow National Journal
Related Content
Columns
Charlie Cook: The Cook Report

Republicans Should Go Easy on Obama, At Least in Public

May 16, 2013
As a tactical matter, a subterranean campaign will score more direct hits on the president.
Ronald Brownstein: Political Connections

How the White House Scandals Could Hurt Republicans, Too

May 16, 2013
By enraging the base and strengthening the faction least willing to compromise with Obama, the IRS and Benghazi affairs could hurt a GOP shot at the presidency.
Norm Ornstein: Washington Inside Out

Eric Cantor’s Caucus Thwarts His Push for an Alternative Agenda

May 16, 2013
Cantor has learned that the tea-party movement he helped foster won’t fall in line behind his efforts to push an alternative conservative agenda.
More Columns »