United States Foreign Policy Shifts

With near lightning speed, President Obama has altered the course of U.S. foreign policy. Less than 48 hours after taking office he has made it clear that the country’s goals and objectives will be consistent with American values and the rule of law.  Part of this change of direction from the Obama administration has been reflected in the naming of Special Diplomatic Envoys by Secretary Clinton; charged with working on issues particulary important to the new administration.

President Obama joined Secretary of State Hillary Clinton January 22 to announce former Senator George Mitchell as his special envoy to the Middle East peace process and Ambassador Richard Holbrooke as his special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan — moves that underscore the new administration’s commitment to renewing America’s leadership through reinvigorated diplomacy.

Just days later, on January 26, Secretary Clinton named Todd Stern as the U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change.  "With the appointment today of a Special Envoy, we are sending an unequivocal message that the United States will be energetic, focused, strategic and serious about addressing global climate change and the corollary issue of clean energy," she said.

Related Links

• U.S. Foreign Policy Shifts with Lightning-like Speed
• Secretary Clinton names George Mitchell and Richard Holbrooke
• Secretary Clinton names Todd Stern

Early Start  in Wellington to Inauguration Day

U.S. Embassy Wellington hosted over a hundred guests at an early morning event to watch the live coverage of the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

In Washington, crowds began to stream onto the Mall well before dawn, to try and secure a good spot from which to view the ceremony and parade.  In Wellington too, arrivals began before dawn, as attendees came early to watch the various inaugural activities leading up to the swearing of the oath of office.  There was much discussion of the election, and speculation as to what an Obama Presidency would mean for America and the world.

"This is a truly historic moment for America," commented Chargé d ‘Affaires David Keegan, "and not one I was sure I'd be around to see.  I'm glad that I did get to see it; I am immensely proud of my country."  President Obama is the first African-American to be elected to the office.

Guests and embassy staff fell quiet as the oath of office, followed by President Obama's inaugural address, began.  And they were not disappointed, President Obama outlined his vision for the future of America, and the role of America within the community of nations.

"To all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more," said President Obama, addressing not just Americans, but all people worldwide.

A New Birth of Freedom: Inauguration 2009

From the the Whistle-Stop train journey President-Elect Obama undertook to travel to Washington, through to the use of the Lincoln Bible for the Presidential swearing in ceremony, the 2009 Presidential inauguration has been themed around Abraham Lincoln's "New Birth of Freedom".  Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg address, expressed his hope that the sacrifice of those who died to preserve the United States would lead to "a new birth of freedom" for the nation.  Now, almost exactly 200 years after Lincoln's birth - on February 12, 1809 - these words express the intended direction of President-Elect Obama and his incoming administration.

The cornerstone of the inauguration is the swearing in ceremony when, at noon on January 20th, Barack Obama took the oath of office; the 56th time that a U.S. president has been sworn in for a four-year term since 1789, when George Washington first took the same oath.  From that moment, President Obama has been the 44th President of the United States of America …  (more from america.gov) (more from senate.gov)

Martin Luther King Day Observed Through Service

Across the country, Americans marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 19 with community service projects. Among those volunteering was President-elect Barack Obama.

Obama encouraged Americans to use the day honoring the late civil rights leader, a federal holiday on which most schools and businesses are closed, to give back to their communities. People participated in more than 11,000 service projects such as feeding the homeless or tutoring children. (See “Americans Urged to Do Volunteer Work on Martin Luther King Day.”)

“Dr. Martin Luther King's was a life lived in loving service to others. As we honor that legacy, it's not a day just to pause and reflect — it's a day to act,” Obama said in a statement.

Obama and King’s son, Martin Luther King III, volunteered at a homeless shelter for teens in Washington. “This country is great because of its people. And when all of our people are engaged and involved in making the community better … we can accomplish anything,” Obama said as he helped paint the shelter’s walls.

Earlier in the day, the president-elect visited a secondary school and talked with injured troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Michelle Obama, her daughters Sasha and Malia, and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President-elect Joe Biden, visited a stadium where people were putting together packages to send to troops overseas …  (more)

Inaugural Train Trip Follows Path of Lincoln

The inaugural events began in Philadelphia January 17, where Obama boarded a train for Washington. Following the path taken by former President Abraham Lincoln before his inauguration in 1861, Obama and Biden made several stops along the 219-kilometer (137-mile) route to speak to Americans. Thousands waited for hours in below-freezing temperatures to catch a glimpse of America’s next leaders.

At train stops, Obama thanked his supporters, saying they will help him bring change to Washington.

An estimated 400,000 people watched an inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on January 18.“You proved once more that people who love this country can change it. And as I prepare to leave for Washington, on a trip that you made possible, I know that I will not be traveling alone; I'll be taking you with me,” Obama told a crowd of about 40,000 in Baltimore.

“Yours are the voices I'll carry with me every day in the White House. Yours are the stories I'll be thinking of when we deliver the changes you elected me to make,” he said … (more) (video)

Hillary Clinton Seeks to Renew U.S. Leadership Through Diplomacy

Secretary of state nominee cites Obama administration foreign policy goals

Washington — Hillary Clinton says that as secretary of state she would work to “renew America’s leadership through diplomacy that enhances our security, advances our interests and reflects our values.”

Clinton appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee January 13 for her confirmation hearing. If confirmed by the Senate, Clinton, now a New York senator, would be the nation’s chief diplomat and often would represent President Obama abroad. The Senate is expected to confirm her nomination shortly after Inauguration Day.

Clinton said she and President-elect Obama believe the United States needs to take an approach to foreign policy that will enable America to “remain a positive force in the world.” This would include strengthening partnerships with allies and institutions and reaching out to adversaries.

“America cannot solve the most pressing problems on our own and the world cannot solve them without America,” Clinton said. “The best way to advance America’s interests in reducing global threats and seizing global opportunities is to design and implement global solutions.” …  (more)