From Cairo to Oslo to his Aug. 31, 2010 Oval Office address, Obama has delivered one uplifting homily after another. Each speech is replete with euphemisms generated by White House staff writers to describe America's glowing mission in the world: "Our country has borne a special burden in global affairs," "Our cause is just, our resolve unwavering." The model for this variant of imperial presidency is Woodrow Wilson. His gospel was peace, democracy and self-determination, while his armies invaded Mexico, occupied Haiti and attacked Russia. But feel good rhetoric still goes a long way to satisfy those who yearn for it.

Tariq Ali, an internationally renowned writer and activist, was born in Lahore, Pakistan. For many years he has been based in London where he is an editor of New Left Review. A charismatic speaker, he is in great demand all over the world. In his spare time he is a filmmaker, playwright and novelist. He is the author of many books including The Clash of Fundamentalisms, Pirates of the Caribbean, Speaking of Empire & Resistance with David Barsamian, The Duel: Pakistan on the Flight Path of American Power and The Obama Syndrome.