'Wait and see' approach on Obama

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The world is in a "wait and see" mode over what US President Barack Obama can offer, a leading UK think-tank says.

Potential pitfalls on international issues were highlighted at a Chatham House briefing to mark Mr Obama's first 100 days in office.

Director Dr Robin Niblett said it had been a "remarkable blitz" of activity.

"We are very much still at the stage of rhetoric and intention and we've not got to negotiation, we've certainly not got to agreement," he said.

"After 100 days it's too early to expect big successes. But the signs of potential improvement are at least balanced by potential signs of things getting worse not better," he added.

Dr Niblett said the US would find it difficult to lead on issues such as the global economy and climate change when it was seen as part of the problem.

"There's a scepticism that even Obama will be able to bridge aspiration and policy," he said.

"People are still in a wait and see mode."

While foreign governments were excited by the arrival of the new president, their populations were often more sceptical about the US, he explained.

"It's very hard in a world of blogging, internet and satellite communications, where news is ubiquitous, for leaders to cut deals with America behind their people," he said.

"We are at a very awkward moment where America remains the most powerful nation in the world by a long stretch but people don't want to be led like they did in the past."