A World in Crisis Means A Chance for Greatness

Some 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with almost two-thirds of the region's population, boast growth rates that averaged about 6.6 percent between 1997 and 2007. A boom in what has historically been one of the world's poorest regions would be a great achievement, saving many of the bottom billion and freeing untapped talent and energy.

But it will be an achievement left unrealized unless a new president, as in times past, has the vision and the courage to stand up to the challenges of isolationism at home and to offer the leadership to help make it happen.

Both candidates have recognized the dangers in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but success will take more than troops. The earliest hard-edged test for the new administration will be synthesizing security, governance, legitimacy and development in a long-term partnership with both countries and with a wider coalition, from NATO to China and India.

The most conspicuous signal the new president could send would be tackling the Middle East peace process. Security and democracy for Israel, combined with dignity, development and statehood for the Palestinians and peace with Syria, would transform a battered and brutal landscape, as well as relationships in the region. By now, all the parties know the basic terms of the deals, but only the United States can bring the parties together and organize the supporting political, security and economic embrace. With peace, we can secure development and regional integration for the many millions in the Middle East who are being left behind.

A successful wind-down in Iraq, a path of progress for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and a push for peace and development in the Middle East will also set the context for achieving broader peace and security in the region.

All in all, a tall order. But so was FDR's.

Robert B. Zoellick is president of the World Bank Group. A former vice chairman of Goldman Sachs, he served as deputy secretary of state in 2005-06 and as U.S. trade representative in 2001-05.