President Barack Obama marked his first year in office 20 January. A year ago the nation’s first African American president was sworn in with great fanfare and greater expectations. President Obama came into office with a mandate of change and promised many things to many people. He would work to pull the United States and the world out of a recession. He hoped to end the war in Iraq and win the war in Afghanistan. He wanted to patch up tattered relationships with U.S. allies and begin a dialogue with its enemies. He also promised to close the controversial prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
How has he done? VOA looked back during a special television program, “Obama: The First Year”, 20 January, 2010.
Replay VOA's special program on Obama's first year in office
Look back at President Obama's many overseas visits with our interactive map
VOA correspondents report on the 44th president’s first year in a series of reports below.
US president has tumultuous first year marked by efforts to revive economy and enact health-care reform
US president ordered thousands of more US troops to the country in March 2009, and later changed top military leadership
Experts say US economy no longer on verge of collapse but unemployment still rising
One year after his inauguration, enthusiasm abroad for US president Barack Obama seems to be fading
Top issues for US are: Iran, North Korea, trade, currency, climate change, human rights
Many experts in US had high hopes for a change in policy toward Africa when President Obama took office one year ago
Security experts want US to better anticipate terrorist attacks
In his first year, Barack Obama has developed unique presidential style, an approach to governing shaped by his experiences
President will speak to both houses of Congress Wednesday evening, January
President points to accomplishments by Democrats in responding to economic crisis
National security concerns are now center-stage for Mr. Obama
US president calls vote a landmark piece of legislation and acknowledges toughest part of process may lie ahead
Experts stress that even if US president's strategy proves itself, it will take several more years of international military assistance
President Obama says he has kept a lot of the promises he made during his 1st year in office
Mr. Obama's message for change, both in domestic and international affairs, resonated with American voters
