Obama talks swine flu, wars and crisis

At a news conference in the White House marking his first 100 days in office, the American president evaluated his progress and touched on the swine flu pandemic, two wars, and the economic crisis.

Obama said that approximately 100 schools have been closed in the country due to the swine flu pandemic and labeled the situation as ‘serious’. Obama urged Americans not to panic and assured that the government is doing everything to control the outbreak. The US President advised his public to wash their hands, cover their mouths when coughing, and to stay at home if they feel sick.

Talking about balancing both the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Obama expressed his concern over the situation in Pakistan, saying that the country’s civilian government remains ‘fragile’ and noted that the main threat comes from inside the country and not from India.

Obama stressed that the situation in Pakistan had become more ominous recently because a resurgent Taliban is showing signs of strength.

The president said that America will provide Pakistan with cooperation, but stressed that he wanted to ensure that the country will not end up “a nuclear armed militant state.”

Talking about the crisis and other challenges the US currently faces, Obama said that the country’s government is doing its best to live up to the challenges. Still, he urged independence, encouraging people to help themselves rather than relying solely on Washington.

The president said that the country is clearing away the ‘wreckage’ of recession but stressed that economy should be reformed.

“We are off to a good start. But it is just a start,” he noted at the conference, adding, “I am pleased with our progress, but I am not satisfied.”

Obama said that although America has “plenty of work to do”, it will definitely see better days:

“We will rebuild a stronger nation,” he said.