Sorry to have left you hanging for so long, but with so much attention focused in recent weeks on the 2008 U.S. elections, I didn’t think I could compete.

The presidential campaign has been a great story, with a former prisoner of war as one party’s candidate and the other ticket led by a face exemplifying American diversity and opportunity, promising a change in policies.

How important is it that America can change course through a peaceful transition of power? Seems important enough that al-Qaida is scrambling to tear down Barack Obama before he even takes the oath of office.

Consider how the latest piece of al-Qaida propaganda mocks Obama for the color of his skin, trying to turn a tangible, measurable sign of progress in the United States – and a willingness to change – into a liability; trying to substitute fear for hope because al-Qaida’s continued existence depends on fear.

That’s not just my opinion. See what knowledgeable sources have been telling Matt Armstrong , an expert on public diplomacy, and then tell me what you think the election of Barack Obama says about America and its role in the world.