The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

Obama transition team members are already focusing and planning big overseas events for the President-elect. According to transition sources at the State Department, there are already sketchy plans being pulled together for Obama to travel to Indonesia, where he would make a major speech targeted to the Muslim world. "Given Obama's ties to Indonesia, it's a natural place for him to go to make the speech he's already said he wants to make," says a transition team aide.

Some believe that Obama's first overseas trip, however, will be to Europe to attend the 60th anniversary of NATO, although the Obama transition team doesn't believe his first overseas visit should focus on the military or the traditional alliances. "If we win, we're sending him to Brussels first," says another transition member. "The symbolism is right, and sends a message that new institutions like the European Union will be respected and have higher standing with him."

Transition members for the Executive Office of the President, State and Defense are already weighing in on the proposals.