The newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry has recently had his first major address since he was appointed at the office. On Wednesday, he clearly expressed his vision of seeing the United States engaging more in the world but also his wish to see the country getting more involved with International aid. If anything to remember from that address is the fact that the diplomat mentioned that foreign aid can help U.S. prevent Iran from endangering its allies.
The address was at the University of Virginia where he declared that America’s national interest with respect to leadership position is still untouched in the world. The statement was in response to critics that want to paint the Obama administration as one that wants to move away from its leadership position at the international level.
Kerry’s argument is that this is the time where America is supposed to continue the engagement because that will greatly strengthen America’s fiscal health as a result of the improved opportunities for cooperation and trade that a strong international leadership status can bring about.
The Jpost noted that much of what Kerry said during the address was to defend the idea of a strong foreign economic involvement. Kerry received one of the biggest applause when he told the audience that it would be much cheaper for the United States to deploy their diplomats today compared to deploying their troops tomorrow.
The Secretary of State’s remarks come as the government has to deal with massive deficits. Those deficits may entrain a mandatory budget cuts unless Congress comes up with a deal to avert them by the end of this month. He also noted that there is no strong popular support forthe foreign aid. According to the article on Jpost that statement seems to be appealing to the voters and Congressmen. Kerry also warned that the foreign aid could also be affected by the forthcoming cuts and the military assistance to foreign countries like Israel.
The newly appointed Secretary of State made mention of the benefits that the U.S. could get out of foreign aid and that includes an alliance that is much stronger. He said working with the partners all over the world includes making sure that Iran never gets the chance to develop a weapon that could endanger the U.S. interest or their allies.
Jpost also noted a controversial statement the Secretary made where he suggested that America’s biggest obstacles may be coming from within. He added that America’s foreign policy’s greatest challenge was rather in the hands of policymakers in Congress rather than diplomats. He was actually making reference to the gridlock that may eventually lead to the drastic cuts
To Jpost, the fact that the Secretary of State used his first major address to defend the State’s Department budget and showcase how it could affect America’s interest at the international level is a sign that the road ahead for the newly appointed diplomat is quite rough.
Loic
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