Hillarysworld

By Lachlan Carmichael (AFP) – 9 hours ago

WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday touted her nation as a model to lead the world in the century, vowing the administration will seize what she calls "this new American moment."

With congressional elections looming at home and myriad challenges abroad, the chief US diplomat said in a speech to foreign policy experts in Washington that the rest of the world was counting on the United States to lead.

Clinton vowed to work with traditional European and other allies as well as new emerging powers like China, India and Brazil to resolve problems ranging from nuclear proliferation to climate change.

"Solving foreign-policy problems today requires us to think both regionally and globally, to see the intersections and connections linking nations and regions and interests, to bring people together as only America can," she said.

"I think the world is counting on us today, as it has in the past," Clinton said in a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations.

"When old adversaries need an honest broker or fundamental freedoms need a champion, people turn to us," she said.

"When the earth shakes or rivers overflow their banks, when pandemics rage or simmering tensions burst into violence, the world looks to us," she said.

She listed leading US roles in new Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, efforts to curb Iran's and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, and in international relief for flooded Pakistan.

Tough new sanctions against both Iran and North Korea were obtained with tireless diplomacy with US allies and partners, she recalled.

Clinton cited progress in Iraq following the declared end to the US combat mission there, more than seven years after the US-led invasion.

She also said Americans, despite the "difficult days" they were experiencing, have always "risen to the challenges we have faced," believing there are "no limits" to what can be achieved.

"And now, after years of war and uncertainty, people are wondering what the future holds at home and abroad. So let me say it clearly: the United States can, must and will lead in this new century," Clinton said.

"Indeed, the complexities and connections of today's world have yielded a new American moment, a moment when our global leadership is essential," she said.

She repeated that the United States is adopting news ways for leading the world as she touted US "smart power," how Washington applies development and diplomacy alongside defense to advance US interests and resolve world problems.