International reaction has been mixed to President Bush's inaugural speech and his sweeping pledge to spread freedom and end tyranny in the world.
Several Asian allies welcomed Mr. Bush's second term, while North Korea condemned the United States as a "wrecker of democracy." Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf promised continued support for the U.S.-led war on terror, and the Japanese government also expressed confidence in Mr. Bush's experience.
European Union officials welcomed signals that Mr. Bush may be willing to strengthen traditional ties strained by the Iraq war.
But a large number of newspaper commentators were skeptical of how the president intends to carry out his ambitious goals, pointing to ongoing problems in Iraq.
Mr. Bush's promises to spread freedom abroad were also met with broad skepticism in the Arab press, with many editorials calling on the president to first do more to help the Palestinian people.
Some information in this report provided by AP and AFP.
