If there was any doubt as to whether or not American international leadership matters, the events of September 11 gave us a clear answer: we must lead internationally. Our country is so large and so prosperous that every nation in the world is touched by us, whether it's through McDonald's, Microsoft, or monetary policy. Like it or not, we are the most powerful nation in the world and we must provide positive leadership and promote American values.

I support a comprehensive foreign policy strategy that will counter the philosophy of religious extremism and anti-American venom that we are currently battling. This means policies that understand and respect other nations and encourages self-determination, democracy, human rights, economic development, and much greater access to education, health care, and jobs. This also means an increased focus on promoting the American values of democracy and a capitalist economy that also respects people and culture. We must get tough on the nations who have been diplomatic allies of America but supported efforts to teach and spread hatred for America throughout the Muslim world, and we cannot tolerate any country that harbors or encourages terrorism.

International leadership is not easy, but we must not step back from this responsibility. I believe this responsibility is also an opportunity. We are the world's only superpower, and we can have enormous impact on the quality of life for millions of people. We must continue to engage in trade negotiations that will improve our economy and the economies - and quality of life - for the people of the countries with whom we trade. We must continue to support policies for positive economic growth through the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to assist developing countries. At the same time, we must meet our obligations to these international institutions and assist the developing countries as they build their economic and social services infrastructure.