The images of Barack Obama's recent visit were a publicity consultant's dream. But beyond the feel-good photography and the cheerful bonhomie, there was purpose and substance to Obama's trip, specifically the need to redefine America's relationship with Europe in a much-changed world.

Obama's morale-boosting stop-off, together with Queen Elizabeth's historic state visit just days earlier, have given Irish tourism a boost it desperately needed after three years of recession saw revenues and visitors drop by about a third.

The star continues to shine for Jenaguru Arts and Culture Group who will perform at the World Rugby Tournament to be held in New Zealand in August. The eight-member group - a product of Jenaguru led by musician Clive Malunga - will showcase traditional dances at the tournament which will see the best rugby playing nations converging on New Zealand.

To attract foreign students and academics, the Taiwan Parliament approved spending $197 million over four years to make its higher education system more competitive globally. Funds will go to creating more English-language degree programs and internship programs for foreign students.

The American president has certainly made an impression on Britain. Obama is boosted by coverage on US networks looking relaxed and authoritative on the world stage. It does no harm being pictured with America's favourite British couple – not Dave and Nick, but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Thus, if Bangladesh wishes to use soft power in international politics it has to display its dominant values... If a country's culture and ideology are attractive, other nations are more willing to follow. Precepts and teachings found in the literature of Tagore, Nazrul and Jashimuddin could be significant sources of our soft power.

To some, his capture testifies to the effectiveness of European leverage and underlines the E.U.'s soft power: by holding out the carrot of accession, the E.U. induces meaningful change in would-be members.

Obama's Middle East speech last week laid out a policy of support for the growth of democracy and peace in the area... to support self-determination, equal opportunity, democracy, political and civil rights and religious tolerance.. It is not obvious that the Turkish government could make the same declarations.