U.S. presidential hopeful Barack Obama, like many other Americans, will make an overseas trip this summer. And like many others, the Obama itinerary will include the capitals of Europe and the Middle East. The Obama campaign headquarters announced the trip on Saturday, prompting rapid punditry suggesting the purpose is to shore up his perceived weakness in foreign affairs. Obama will visit the UK, France and Germany, along with Jordan and Israel. In a statement, the candidate said the trip would provide an opportunity to "assess the situation in countries that are critical to American national security." Obama will also visit Afghanistan and Iraq as part of a Congressional delegation. In his statement, Obama made no mention of any plans to visit the Palestinians during his time in Israel.