Why was 'year' written in plural?

[thedaffodils]

Hello! Could someone tell me why 'year' was written in plural but not singular in the sentence as I highlighted in red? Thanks!

Today Barack Obama will begin a diplomatic relationship that is likely to be as complex, as vexing and possibly as troubled as any he will have during the first years of his presidency.

source: washingtonpost.com
washingtonpost.com

[dragn]

Hello! Could someone tell me why 'year' was written in plural but not singular in the sentence as I highlighted in red? Thanks!

Today Barack Obama will begin a diplomatic relationship that is likely to be as complex, as vexing and possibly as troubled as any he will have during the first years of his presidency.

Why would it be necessary to limit this situation to the first 12 months of his administration? Do you suppose that President Obama's relationship with Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu will only be vexing and troubled during the first 12 months of Obama's presidency? The writer is suggesting that it will extend over an unspecified length of time, certainly extending beyond one year.

Greg

[2006]

hello! Could someone tell me why 'year' was written in plural but not singular in the sentence as i highlighted in red? Thanks!
because the writer is not just talking about the year one

"the first years" means the 'first few years' (= the first 2 or 3 years)

for example, if obama serves 8 years as president, the first 2 or 3 years will be the first years of his presidency, the next 2 or 3 years will be the middle years of his presidency, and the last 2 or 3 years will be the last years of his presidency.



source: Washingtonpost.com
washingtonpost.com

2006

[thedaffodils]

Now I understand. Thank you very much for both of your help.