The packages are open, the New Year’s bell rung, so as we head into 2010, here’s a look at some stories sure to make headlines in the coming year:
Mid term elections - Republicans will hype them as a referendum on President Obama’s performance so far, pointing to out-of-control spending, poor leadership on health care, unemployment, and Afghanistan in an effort to gain some control in Washington. Democrats will insist none of those things are a reflection of his leadership and somehow try to blame everything on Bush in what promises to be a rousing game of finger pointing, but in the end Democrats will probably still lose seats in Congress in November.
Economy - Obama insists we have to buy our way out of this recession and has spent $3.5 trillion in his first year in office, to prove it. If the Democrats’ promise of brighter days ahead comes true, this should be the year of lower unemployment rates and fewer business closings—something all Americans would love to see.
Guantanamo Bay - As one of his first official acts, Obama vowed to close the Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba. Last month he began sending suspected terrorists back to their home countries. His administration also announced they would purchase Thomson Corrections Center, an Illinois state prison located approximately 150 miles west of Chicago. Upgrades to the facility are expected to take up to six months. When finished, military commission trials will be held at the prison as, will some of the Gitmo detainees who will be transferred to the U.S. from Cuba.
Afghanistan - In December, Obama vowed to send 30,000 more troops to train the Afghan forces to be able to take over more of their own security. He also promised to start bringing our men and women home in 18 months. Over the next year, we should see how the surge is working and get a clearer picture as to whether or not that will happen.
Iran - The discovery of Iran’s secret nuclear facility led to a call for sanctions from the U.N., and the country’s assurances that their nuclear program is only for medical research and civilian energy doesn’t appear to be setting anyone’s mind at ease. It will be interesting to see how Russia and China, who previously opposed sanctions, will react and if sanctions will even make a difference.
Health Care - The back and forth teetering of this legislation has been enough to make anyone feel sick. While the Democrats, pressed hard by the Obama administration, may force a bill through there will still be plenty of fallout from disappointed, frustrated, and perhaps even jubilant Americans on both sides about the new plan.
Financial Reform - New bills making their way through Congress could make sweeping changes to America’s financial services industry. Expect to see long debates as this issue moves to the forefront of Obama’s to-do list in 2010.
