The US president does not plan to travel to Germany to attend the 20th anniversary celebration of the fall of the Berlin Wall today, drawing criticism from those who say he's ignoring a shining triumph of American-inspired democracy.

"A tragedy," is how former House Speaker Newt Gingrich described Obama's absence.

Some question whether the decision not to go was a nod to Russia, with which the Obama administration is trying to mend relations, or just another attempt to play down the perception of the United States as an exceptional superpower.

For its part, the administration is citing a scheduling conflict. "We have commitments for an upcoming Asia trip starting on Wednesday," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said.

A delegation led by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will attend the anniversary celebrations.

Obama acknowledged the anniversary of the fall of the wall last week during his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

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