President Barack Obama came to office on 20 January facing one of the most daunting presidential inboxes in decades. From a world economy in recession, to a changing strategy in Iraq, to new challenges in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the U.S. President has his work cut out for him. President Obama has moved quickly, however, to muster bold responses to these obstacles. Michael Thurston, US Consul General in Melbourne, will examine some of these challenges, discuss how the U.S. President has begun to address them and will explore opportunities for Australia and the United States to jointly overcome what are certainly obstacles of global proportions.