Feb. 20--DOHA, Qatar -- In his first 30 days as president, Barack Obama has accomplished a lot even by his own hyper-achieving standards.

He has put in place a process to shut down Guantanamo; he has signed a law that will help women achieve equal pay for equal work.

His administration has begun turning back the anti-environmental rules and regulations enacted by the Bush administration.

And there is his biggest victory: Pushing through a giant economic stimulus bill over fierce and dogged Republican opposition.

He has just put forward an ambitious blueprint for stabilising the housing crisis and reducing foreclosures.

As Obama has said, the economy will determine whether he succeeds or fails as president.

With the US Federal Reserve scaling back its forecast of recovery this year, and unemployment seemingly headed towards 10 per cent, Obama's Democratic party could suffer the loss of congressional seats in next year's elections.

That would jeopardise Obama's longer-term goals of comprehensive healthcare reform, achieving a measure of clean energy self-sufficiency and restoring the American middle class.

Events of the past month make it clear Obama can expect little help from the Republicans, despite extensive -- even unprecedented -- bipartisan outreach.

The unified, disciplined right-wing party gave him no votes in the House of Representatives and just three in the senate for the stimulus.

Clearly, the Republicans would like to see Obama fail, regardless of the effect that a deadlock might have on the country.

They feel no requirement to join together behind the president in a time of crisis.

The Judd Gregg incident was illustrative of the Republican outlook. The Republican senator from New Hampshire was approached by Obama and given an opportunity to serve the country as a cabinet secretary.

Gregg enthusiastically accepted the offer and promised to support Obama's policies.

But then, after some "reflection" -- and possibly some pressure and arm-twisting from his Republican colleagues -- Judd decided he was really too much of an independent, free spirit to subordinate himself to the national interest.

So he turned down the job he had earlier accepted. What patriotism! What selflessness!

It is a good thing the Union did not have politicians of the calibre of Gregg in high positions during the US Civil War. If so, we would all be drinking mint juleps and singing Dixie now.

Of course, if the economy shows signs of life, Obama will benefit politically.