First Year in Review

From Reuters' "Promises, promises: How Obama has fared," which examines President Barack Obama's first year in office:

TALK TO ENEMIES

Obama pledged to seek engagement with U.S. foes, breaking with the isolation policy of his predecessor, George W. Bush.

Obama made overtures to Iran but it remains defiant over its nuclear program. He also has little to show for outreach to North Korea. He lifted key restrictions on Americans with families in Cuba, but Havana has given little in return.

Critics say such gestures signal U.S. weakness, but aides insist it has been important to improve the tone of U.S. foreign policy. The White House says it will give Obama greater international leverage if he seeks further sanctions on Tehran this year.