Albright says American image has dipped

In a hearing today, Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said that the Bush administration has cost the United States “moral authority” in the eyes of the international community. Albright said that while America is still “the world’s mightiest power,” America needs to reestablish respect from abroad.

Albright said that the first thing the next president should do is withdraw troops from Iraq. She said that having troops in Iraq has contributed to a negative view of America globally. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) disagreed and said “Our work has elevated our reputation.” Albright said a withdrawal would look favorable internationally because the United States can “steer credit to responsible Iraqi leaders.” She emphasized that the military has been brilliant, but the problem in Iraq is political. Albright said that this admistration has had an “overemphasis on military aspects of missions.”

Energy policy has not been addressed by the United States enough, according to Albright. She said that our future energy policies should focus on innovation and finding alternative sources. Albright said that offshore drilling is not a solution. Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) said that our energy policy is a “vital component of our grand strategy.”

Albright specified the five major issues for the next president would be nuclear non-proliferation, fighting terrorism without creating more terrorists, promoting democracy without forcing it on other nations, the growing gap between the poor and wealthy, and establishing new energy policy. Albright that she hoped that the next president would work closely with Congress and advocate bipartisanship.