Dr. Shaul Gabbay of Denver says the nomination of Sen. Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, and the decision to keep Robert Gates in his post as Secretary of Defense, will be viewed favorably by world leaders.

"I think Mr. Obama's most important challenge will be in creating a cohesive group out of these individuals while still allowing them each to keep their own stature. The president needs to have a team of professionals with different opinions," Gabbay said.

"World terrorism is the most important issue the new President will face," said Gabbay. "But each of the challenges has opportunities associated with them."