Smart Power! yielding shout-outs from around the globe!

left to, well, left! Oba-Mao T-Shirt, Uncle Fidel, Burning Obama

While there are those who are not so enchanted with the direction of US foreign policy right now, they are mostly are allies; so why worry!  Especially when such luminary, enlightened, and progressive leaders such as Uncle Fidel are proclaiming there heartfelt approval with President Obama:

Fidel Castro appears to have a fascination with the American leader that would make Obama Girl jealous, writing obsessively not only about his politics, but of his youth and vigor.

Since handing over the Cuban presidency to his brother in February 2008, the 83-year-old has continued to publish his thoughts in essays called “Reflections of Comrade Fidel,” which are dutifully printed in state media and read repeatedly on government-controlled radio and television.

But in less than a year of near-constant commentary, Castro has called Obama intelligent, sincere, serene, courageous, honest and well-meaning. He praised his work ethic, pondered the historical nature of his barrier-shattering election and fretted that he might face assassination.

And, while Chavez could not be reached for comment, It’s unlikely that he would dispute the assessment of his mentor in Cuba.

But that’s not the only place where Mr. Obama is a celebrity these days.  It seems that the Chinese are welcoming him like a world cultural Icon!, and less like, you know, the U.S. President:

Strangest is the burning Obama, tucked away in a Beijing warehouse. Artist Liu Bolin hopes Obama can take time from his visit to drop by.

“He’s so hot right now, so I wanted to translate that through my work,” said Liu, who was inspired by the idea of the first black U.S. president.

The bronze Obama bust is modeled on Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” cover and is speckled with holes for gas that ignites every couple of minutes.

“Yes, setting something on fire can have negative connotations, but this piece represents energy and life that Obama has given to the world,” said the 38-year-old, who made a similar piece for former revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.

One Beijing shop owner wanted to see what Obama could do for sales. Liu Mingjie created “Oba Mao” T-shirts, with the president wearing the uniform of the Red Guards, who caused chaos during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s.

Gee…I don’t remember them doing stuff like this for Nixon.  The Dalai Lama was unavailable for comment…

Now, you can’t make this stuff up.  Obama equated with Mao?  I’m sure Anita Dunn will be ecstatic!  She can add him to her list of the worlds greatest philosophers.  And gettin’ a shout out from Fidel?  Who’s next, the Russians and Iranians?  Too bad our European allies, the Israelis, the Indians, or General McChrystal aren’t as enthusiastic.  It may have something to do with the red-headed-stepchild treatment they’ve been getting lately…

Odd isn’t it, that all of our traditional democratic allies can’t identify with Obama as much as full-on communists.  But, it must be a good feeling to the “first citizen of the world” to be getting all of this attention.  I mean, he can’t help but like being told. “You numbah one in da globe, G!”  Especially in view of his falling poll numbers here at home.