Al Jazeera English analyzes Obama’s inaugural speech, saying the new U.S president attempted to keep away from his predecessor President George W. Bush:

"This speech was not about what he is - a political operator - but who he is. He said it is not about big or small government, but about government that works. … Obama didn't say anything about a War on Terror, which we've been hearing about for the last eight years…"

In Indonesia, where Obama spent four years of his childhood life, Antara News reports the Southeast Asian country is optimistic about Obama’s impact on the world situation. It quotes Vice President Jusuf Kalla:

"We are optimistic that Obama will have a great influence on peace in Palestine and other countries in the world. ... Obama can surely be accepted by the world community because before he speaks,the Palestinian problem is almost over and the more so when has become president."

The BBC provides several features on its Web site to keep the audience updated about the inauguration. It lets the audience across the globe share their thoughts about the event, and puts up a world map showing locations where the comments come from.

Jessica B. from Beijing, China said: “I am streaming live to the coverage in a cafe in Beijing, China. I have great expectations for Obama; I know he is capable and is not biased and self-centered like the last one. He will bring change, but it is up to us as the people to keep the change going.”

Ehsan from Iran commented: “Well, Obama claims that he is a different president for the U.S. I bet that he hates Iranians like the former president of the U.S. … I should say something to Mr.Obama. “You are our enemy and most people in Iran are against the U.S government. We have seen how brutal the Israeli and American troops are.”

Okansa Husam from Afghanistan labeled the new U.S. president as “same gift in different wrapping.”

Tuan Vu from Vietnam wrote: “As an ASEAN Citizen, I hope Obama and the U.S. would invest more on the region, so that the U.S. presence in Southeast Asia can protect this region from China’s influence.”

Venezuela’s major daily newspaper El Universal takes a look on the economic effect of the new U.S. head of state’s inauguration. It doesn’t believe the swearing-in of Obama will have an impact on trade relations with Venezuela, quoting the president of the Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Venamcham):

“… [T]his event is not going to have “any impact on bilateral trade. … [T]he trade ties between the US and Venezuela have been very strong and have climbed dramatically in the last few years.”

France 24 takes a view at the congratulatory messages from heads of state around the world, including the French president. It reports Nicolas Sarkozy pledged to work closely with the new U.S. counterpart:

“We are eager for him to get to work so that with him we can change the world.”