Whilst no US President is without a busy agenda, Barack Obama's in-tray this last year has been particularly full - and the to do list for the next is likely to get longer not shorter. So far Obama's presidency has been dominated by a number of major issues: the after effects of the worst financial crisis since the 1930s; federal government deficits running into trillions; a divisive legislative battle over health care; partisan paralysis in Washington, culminating in an embarrassing electoral defeat in Massachusetts. With such massive economic and domestic political issues on the Administration's agenda then, it is no surprise that last week's State of the Union Address was dominated by concerns close to home. Pledges were made freezing public spending, announcing tax cuts, imposing new fees on bailed out banks, job-creation programs, calls to redouble efforts on healthcare and a whole raft of other domestic issues.


This focus on domestic policy was understandable, but at a time of such great challenges abroad, what did President Obama have to say about his Administration's foreign policy? The answer: not much. Somewhere near the end of his remarks – after the importance of Congress weaning itself of pork-barrel spending – the President turned his attention to national security:


Terrorism: "Since the day I took office, we've renewed our focus on the terrorists who threaten our nation. We've made substantial investments in our homeland security and disrupted plots that threatened to take American lives. We are filling unacceptable gaps revealed by the failed Christmas attack, with better airline security and swifter action on our intelligence. We've prohibited torture and strengthened partnerships from the Pacific to South Asia to the Arabian Peninsula. And in the last year, hundreds of al Qaeda's fighters and affiliates, including many senior leaders, have been captured or killed -- far more than in 2008." (98 words)


Afghanistan: "And in Afghanistan, we're increasing our troops and training Afghan security forces so they can begin to take the lead in July of 2011, and our troops can begin to come home. We will reward good governance, work to reduce corruption, and support the rights of all Afghans -- men and women alike. We're joined by allies and partners who have increased their own commitments, and who will come together tomorrow in London to reaffirm our common purpose. There will be difficult days ahead. But I am absolutely confident we will succeed." (92 words)


Iraq: "As we take the fight to al Qaeda, we are responsibly leaving Iraq to its people. As a candidate, I promised that I would end this war, and that is what I am doing as President. We will have all of our combat troops out of Iraq by the end of this August. We will support the Iraqi government -- we will support the Iraqi government as they hold elections, and we will continue to partner with the Iraqi people to promote regional peace and prosperity. But make no mistake: This war is ending, and all of our troops are coming home." (102 words)


Supplementing his remarks with comments on nuclear disarmament and proliferation (including a threat to Iran's leaders), and some generalities on climate change, HIV/AIDS and Haiti, that was the extent of President Obama’s focus on foreign policy. The State of the Union Address is one of the biggest set-piece events in the American political calendar. It provides a President with an invaluable opportunity to set out his agenda and to communicate directly with the American voter. At the moment the concerns of the American voter are the economy, national debt and healthcare. However, Obama is still the President of the world's sole remaining superpower. The world looks to the occupant of his office for guidance, analysis and most of all leadership.


Others have pointed out the difference between the emphasis placed on America’s role in the world by previous Presidents and Obama, especially at a time when so many US troops are committed in conflicts abroad. The lack of foreign policy in this speech does not mean that President Obama is not focusing on international affairs. Nor does it mean that the Obama Administration is in anyway ignoring his responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief. However, Obama owes it to the American people and the rest of world to use every opportunity - especially the State of the Union speech - to detail, outline and defend America's role in the world. Next time, Mr. President, when it comes to foreign policy we could do with at least a thousand more words and a dozen extra paragraphs.