For many, the most hopeful aspect of a Barack Obama presidency is simply the fresh face of America that he promises to present to the world.

The world was holding its breath awaiting the end of George W. Bush's wrecking-ball approach to world affairs.

When Obama took the oath of office as America's new president on Tuesday, he inherited two wars in distant lands, one highly unpopular and the other going badly. Along with them is a worldwide financial crisis that is being measured against the Great Depression.