Day Seventy-Eight: US foreign policy in the spotlight

What does it take for foreign policy to get airtime in US presidential debates? (Beyond the Iraq 'blame game' of course.) The answer, sadly, seems to be that it takes something both dramatic and tragic - such as the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. As today's linked article from Pakistan's 'Daily Times' reports, Bhutto's untimely death has prompted greater consideration of foreign policy issues by US presidential candidates. Inevitably, the discussion focuses on US and global security, but it could also prompt broader consideration of America's place in the world. It may focus voters' minds on who might best represent the US constructively on the global stage. This must be good news. The world desperately needs a credible US president who demonstrates genuine concern and compassion for the world's less fortunate citizens - in word and deed. The debate started this week will help the US electorate identify someone who fits this bill. There is time yet...