Archbishop Desmond Tutu has warned Barack Obama of the risk of squandering the goodwill he says the US president's election has generated. In an article for BBC News, he says it would be "wonderful" if Mr Obama apologised for the invasion of Iraq. He also says he prays that Mr Obama will be tough on African dictators.| What's the difference between Saddam and an African dictator other than body count? |
He reminds his readers of the outpouring of sympathy that followed 9/11 and how quickly it vanished in the light of the allegations of prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay. "Obama, too, could easily squander the goodwill that his election generated if he disappoints," he says.
He adds: "It would be wonderful if the US president could apologise for the US-led invasion of Iraq on behalf of the American people."
He urges the president and the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, to act quickly to reach out to other countries, to build bridges with them and to listen to what they say.
| Which means, do as they tell us to do ... |