The U.S. president and the world

Will the controversy now end so that he can return his attention to pressing political problems? This will depend largely on the extent to which the U.S. public is willing to let bygones be bygones, and the U.S. Congress, which probably will be requested to examine an impeachment report from (independent counsel Kenneth) Starr.

(President) Clinton's credibility has definitely suffered a major blow. It is entirely possible that his support will erode to the point where he will be little more than a lame duck leader for the next two years and five months.

As leader of the only world's only superpower, the president of the United States is expected to deal with international problems ranging from economic instability in Russia to peace talks in the Middle East.

The international community will be paying close attention to see whether Clinton will be able to put the matter behind him and return to the role that is expected of him.

-- Yomiuri Shimbun, Tokyo