In New York today the United Nations opened another session, and more than 120 national leaders heard President Obama's first address to the General Assembly. Obama told the UN that "misperceptions" have led to "an almost reflexive anti-Americanism," which he said, "too often has served as an excuse for…collective inaction." He said all nations must take "responsibility for a global response to global challenges." The President described his differences from the Bush Administration, and laid out "four pillars" of foreign policy. The leaders of Russia and China will also take center-stage, and crowds outside will protest Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. We hear what Obama said about Iran and North Korea, Middle East peace, and the responsibilities of all nations. We also hear how they're responding.
Obama Formally Addresses the 64th UN General Assembly
Credits
Guests:
- Harvey Morris - Financial Times
- Edward Mortimer - former Chief Speechwriter, UN Secretary General Annan
- David Bosco - Assistant Professor of International Politics, American University
- Jon Alterman - Center for Strategic and International Studies - @CSIS