Change we can146;t believe in

Hurtling across the Atlantic, President Bush is in a hurry to demonstrate that he still matters. The clock is ticking down on a turbulent presidency whose passing will be unmourned8230; in most of Europe and8230; much of America. Both at home and around the world, attention has already turned towards the young black man who could succeed him. The excitement surrounding Barack Obama almost matches the loathing felt by many for the man who will soon be gone. On what is likely to be his last trip to Europe, he takes his time to ponder successes 8212; and admit some failings8230; He betrays signs of regret at his own low standing in the world, a sense that not enough people understand the challenges that face any president in the Oval Office.

And there8217;s still a hint of defiance. The demonstrations that usually gather everywhere to protest at his presence do not bother him, but make him think that 8220;I must be doing something. I must be using my position to embrace change.8221; In Slovenia yesterday, compared to his earlier visit, even the protests had dissipated. Much of the anger is a spent force, like his presidency. At the summit with the EU, one of the main items on the agenda was how the US uses chlorine to clean poultry. The hawk who took the world to war has been reduced to talking chickens.

But the most striking change of tone is in his approach to dealing with the pressing international issues. On the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, he no longer sounds like a wild-eyed unilateralist, bent on military action. Of course, he defends his decision to invade Iraq five years ago. But the swagger, the rejection of criticism as invalid is gone, and he acknowledges that the diplomacy should have been handled better. 8220;Look, I think that in retrospect, you know, I could have used a different tone.8221;

Excerpted from an article by Gerard Baker and Tom Baldwin in 8216;The Times8217;