Obama promises to keep America engaged in U.N. speech
- 11 years ago
President Barack Obama says the U.S. must remain engaged in the world -- despite widespread criticism by some of his counterparts at the United Nations.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING:
"The danger for the world is not an America that is too eager to immerse itself in the affairs of other countries (EDIT) The danger for the world is that the United States (EDIT) may disengage, creating a vaccuum of leadership that no other nation is ready to fill."
Obama's address to the U.N. General Assembly comes after a fierce debate in the U.S. that almost led to missile strikes in Syria over its chemical weapons.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING:
"When I stated my willingness to order a limited strike against the Assad regime in response to the brazen use of chemical weapons, I did not do so lightly."
In the wide-ranging speech, Obama also said he was encouraged on the diplomatic front regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING:
"The danger for the world is not an America that is too eager to immerse itself in the affairs of other countries (EDIT) The danger for the world is that the United States (EDIT) may disengage, creating a vaccuum of leadership that no other nation is ready to fill."
Obama's address to the U.N. General Assembly comes after a fierce debate in the U.S. that almost led to missile strikes in Syria over its chemical weapons.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING:
"When I stated my willingness to order a limited strike against the Assad regime in response to the brazen use of chemical weapons, I did not do so lightly."
In the wide-ranging speech, Obama also said he was encouraged on the diplomatic front regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions.