My view of foreign affairs is founded on the belief that as one of the world's strongest, richest and most innovative countries, we must do our part to raise the standard of living for other less fortunate parts of the world and by doing so, we help create a more stable international environment, thereby also benefiting us.

The United States has always recognized the need for investment in the promotion of international democracy and rule of law throughout the world, and I will work to ensure that we continue to devote the needed resources to raising the standard of living in the developing world. I have cosponsored the Smart Security Platform for the 21 st Century (H.Res. 363) which reflects many of my global foreign policy beliefs to advance a comprehensive and forward thinking approach to our national security. I am also encouraged by the new Obama Administration’s pledge to focus on diplomacy first.

China

In January 2005, I was asked by then-Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to join the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). This commission was created by Congress in October 2000 with the legislative mandate to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China, and to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. It consists of nine Senators, nine members of the House of Representatives, and five senior Administration officials appointed by the President. The current Chair is Senator Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota) and the Co-Chair is. Representative Sander Levin (D-Michigan). The CECC recognizes that only the Chinese people can decide China's direction and future, and that the United States cannot impose its will on the 1.3 billion citizens of the People’s Republic of China.

Israel and Palestine

Both the Israeli and Palestinian people deserve to live a life free of the threat of attack or psychological fear. It has always been my hope that US involvement in the region may be used to positively improve the lives of people affected by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. I ardently support Israel’s right to defend itself and to protect its people from those who would do them harm, and I believe that a two state solution with the creation of a Palestinian state is the best way to achieve peace in the region. For the past 9 years, American efforts in resolving the conflict between Israel and its neighbors have been lackluster. America, as the world’s sole superpower, needs to more actively engage in diplomatic efforts to bring the region back from the brink and towards a fair, lasting peace, and I am hopeful that progress is being made under the leadership of President Obama. I was pleased when President Obama addressed the need for a special envoy to the Middle East with the appointment of former Senator George Mitchell, very early into his Administration. I am also hopeful that George Mitchell will help address the rising tensions in the region.

Afghanistan

President Barack Obama inherited an ongoing war in Afghanistan that was practically ignored by the previous Administration, which failed to provide an overall strategy and the necessary resources to succeed. As President Obama focuses on Afghanistan and the region, I am encouraged by his new direction in all aspects of foreign policy – pursuing diplomacy and development first and foremost – and its application to this war.

During the first few months of 2009, I met personally with Afghan and Pakistani diplomats and security experts to discuss a variety of security issues related to Afghanistan and Pakistan. As I reported to President Obama in late April, I think that the following elements should be a part of our strategy going forward, including:

• building the countries’ infrastructure, industry, markets and workforce;
• involving local leaders at all levels of decision-making;
• supporting the countries’ most effective indigenous reconstruction, stabilization and conflict resolution strategies;
• educating girls and integrating women into political and economic leadership; and
• ensuring oversight so that foreign resources support the goals mentioned above.

Going forward, I hope that I can work closely with the President to ensure a policy more aligned with the 80-20 model often quoted by General David Petraeus, which would invest 80% of resources into political capacity and institutions with only 20% for military activities. In this regard, I have presented specific recommendations to my colleagues in Congress, with the intention of informing and improving U.S. policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I was pleased to hear in my April meeting with the President that it is his intention to move in this direction.

For a more detailed description of my views on Afghanistan, please read this op-ed that I authored with my colleague, Representative Raúl Grijalva.

Ethiopia

I have had the honor, as founder and chair of the Congressional Ethiopian America Caucus, to see first hand how compassionate and strategic implementation of foreign assistance can be invaluable in improving lives. In June of 2005, I traveled to Ethiopia and saw the economic, social and political challenges that this leading African nation faces. My visit to Ethiopia and my analysis of the country's progress toward democracy reinforce my belief that the Ethiopian American community has an important and powerful role to play in fostering democratic reforms, respect for human rights, and forming development policy.

Indonesia

As part of its program to promote genuine elections and support democratic development in Indonesia, the Carter Center had the opportunity to observe their presidential elections in 2004 and I had the privilege of participating as an election monitor with former President Carter. The Center was invited by the Indonesian Election Commission (KPU) to observe the 2004 legislative and presidential electoral processes, and all major political parties have welcomed the Center's role.

Overall, the Center's assessment of all three rounds of voting in Indonesia in 2004 was very positive. In early October 2004, former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was declared winner of the presidential run-off and was inaugurated as Indonesia's sixth president. An estimated 125 million people voted nationwide.

Clearly, there many regions in the world that are experiencing conflict and strife. Where appropriate, the United States must be an honest broker and facilitator of understanding and promoter of peace.