But eight months after his inauguration, all that good will so far has translated into limited tangible policy benefits for Mr. Obama. As much as they may prefer to deal with Mr. Obama instead of his predecessor, George W. Bush, foreign leaders have not gone out of their way to give him what he has sought.

Actually, the sentence is not quite correct. it should read.

Foreign leaders prefer to deal with Mr. Obama instead of his predecessor, George W. Bush, because they do not have to give him what he has sought.