The Comment Factory

What He Said:

“We have entered a period of historical transition in which the United States will become first among equals, rather than simply top dog, hyperpower and unquestioned hegemon. But for Europeans, it may be a case of being careful what you wish for, because the Obama administration is likely to say, ‘Good, then put your money where your mouth is, and in the first place, put more troops in Afghanistan.’ ”

Timothy Garton Ash, on Obama’s victory in the New York Times.

What He Meant:

“We have entered a period of historical transition in which pompous columnists and other courtiers of great power are relieved at the prospect of a return to the delusion of a ‘unilateral’ US democracy. The last eight years have been hell for us because George W. Bush stripped away the facade and gave the world a glimpse of what American power really is, not what its liberal supporters pretend it is. Now, thank the Lord Obama, humanity will be once against distracted from the truth and be content with hoping — I hope.”

John Pilger