Media Reaction - Secretary of State nomination

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