WEST POINT, N.Y. — President Obama on Saturday pledged to shape a new “international order” as part of a national security strategy that emphasizes his belief in global institutions and the United States’ role in promoting democratic values around the world.
Speaking to the graduating class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the commander in chief expressed his faith in cooperation and partnerships to confront the challenges of the future.
“The international order we seek is one that can resolve the challenges of our times,”‘ he said. “Countering violent extremism and insurgency; stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and securing nuclear materials; combating a changing climate and sustaining global growth; helping countries feed themselves and care for their sick; preventing conflict and healing its wounds.”
The administration is set to officially release the president’s first national security strategy this week, and Obama’s preview Saturday suggests it will be far different from the first one offered by his predecessor in 2002.
Then, President George W. Bush called for a policy of pre-emptive war and a “distinctly American internationalism.”
Obama has spoken about shaping alliances with the world and of attempts to repair the U.S. image abroad after Bush’s approach was viewed with suspicion by many.
The president emphasized his beliefs in those alliances.
“Yes, we are clear-eyed about the shortfalls of our international system. But America has not succeeded by stepping outside the currents of international cooperation,” he said.
“We have succeeded by steering those currents in the direction of liberty and justice — so nations thrive by meeting their responsibilities, and face consequences when they don’t.”
To the men and women in the hall, many of whom are headed to Afghanistan, Obama pledged “the full support of a proud and grateful nation.”
Grads “want to serve”
WEST POINT, N.Y. — Warned by President Barack Obama that they face a dangerous road, U.S. Military Academy graduates said they were ready to deploy.
Obama told 1,002 West Point graduates Saturday that he was humbled that many of them “will soon be serving in harm’s way.”
Almost all the graduating cadets became Army second lieutenants, and most expect to serve in Afghanistan or Iraq.
Annie Odom of Ware Shoals, S.C. said her father was deployed to Iraq in 2003, and it’s her turn: “I want to serve.” The Associated Press
