Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STOCKHOLM796
2008-12-02 10:03:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Stockholm
Cable title:  

Media Reaction - Secretary of State nomination

Tags:  OPRC KMDR KPAO PINS PHUM PREF EUN SW 
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VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSM #0796 3371003
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 021003Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3934
UNCLAS STOCKHOLM 000796

SIPDIS

SECSTATE FOR INR/R/MR, EUR/PPD, EUR/NB, EUR/PA, EUR/FO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO PINS PHUM PREF EUN SW
SUBJECT: Media Reaction - Secretary of State nomination


I. On December 2, the independent liberal Stockholm morning daily
"Dagens Nyheter" lead editorial, headlined "A more active United
States of America," said:

"The pieces are falling into place in the Barack Obama
administration, and it is clear that he is prioritizing experience
and competence over the 'change' that was the primary theme in his
election campaign."

"The arguments against Clinton are well known at this stage. Many
are wondering if she has the closeness to the President that is
required to do a good job. Others ask whether she still harbors the
ambition to move into the White House and how it will affect her
willingness to make difficult decisions. There is also a question
whether she will be more of a hawk than her future boss."

"Barack Obama is prepared to send troops abroad, not least to
Afghanistan that he has said he wants to prioritize. He will never
let an international organization get the last word when it comes to
how, when or where American soldiers can be deployed."

"Maybe we will also see a more active U.S. in the areas where
American involvement is really needed, such as preventing genocide
or other massive injustices."

"The world needs a new and involved U.S. The Bush Administration
has, primarily during its first term, made considerable and in a
worst case, permanent damage to the international stage."

II. On December 2, the business Stockholm morning daily "Dagens
Industri" opined on "A new tone in American foreign policy," stating
that:

"It was an important indication that the next President of the
United States of America, Barack Obama, announced his economic team
before the foreign and security policy team - contrary to what is
common."

"One of Barack Obama's closest foreign policy advisors, Susan E.
Rice, will become Ambassador to the UN....

"Susan Rice is a strong supporter for UN action against genocide
such as in Darfur, Sudan; a visit to Rwanda shortly after the 1994
genocide made a deep impression on her."

"Her nomination can be interpreted so that the UN will be considered
more important by the new American Administration. And that the
U.S. will become more active in the U.S."
SILVERMAN