Is this a new era for US foreign relations?

Ms Rice has said that Israel must make "hard decisions", and she has called on the Palestinians to "stop terrorism".

Ms Rice has repeatedly stressed the need for diplomacy in resolving global issues whilst on her current seven-day tour of Europe and the Middle East.

Is this a new era for US foreign relations? Will Condoleezza Rice's trip signify improved relations between the US and Europe, and the US and the Middle East?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

Why should the USA change its policy? Are there any better ones? The EU is a joke and Blair just copies and wants to be everyone's friend. The USA should carry on as it is.
Mark, Tokyo, Japan

" Rice's so-called diplomatic tools are mere camouflage "
Mr Hyde, Singapore

Rice's so-called diplomatic tools are mere camouflage for diplomatic and psychological pressure to soften up the enemy prior to military action. The USA still wants to go it alone in foreign affairs, except that this time they hope for more peer approval.
Mr Hyde, Singapore

I wish Ms Rice the best of luck, and hope Europe can be a little more forgiving. Multilateralism is key. When the world works together we are unstoppable. How else can we achieve world peace?
Brad, Ottawa, Canada

It's a chill wind that blows into Europe. Europe has suffered more than anywhere through conflict: religious, political and ethnic division has lead to centuries of heartache for normal people. There comes a point when we have to reject war-mongerers and those who believe only they are in the right and have the answers. That time is now.
Sean, Tokyo, Japan

Well, if the US is so concerned about freedom and democracy then why doesn't it ever talk so tough about Tibet, Burma, North Korea, China, Somalia etc, etc. Well the fact is, the US will never get into the areas where it has no interest/gain, except the Middle East and eastern Europe.
S Bist, USA

One must be overly optimistic to believe that America wants to spread democracy all over the world. Isn't it ironic that the Americans are imposing their self-defined freedom on other countries and call it democracy or diplomacy? I'd rather call it hypocrisy.
Amir, Toronto

Ms Rice has a window of opportunity. Hopefully she is not coming to the EU with the old idea of dividing to conquer. Blowing hot or cold comments such a as "punish, ignore, forgive" or "no better friend" left and right tend to reinforce the perception of a gulf between the US and the world.
Serge, Brussels, Belgium

By selecting Bush and his team for the second term, the chances of improving US image abroad - especially in the Middle East - have totally diminished. The Americans cannot improve their image by sending around someone like Rice, they can do it by sincerely reviewing their Middle East policy.
Asadul Gaba, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

" Rhetoric is not enough "
Amro Diab, Cairo, Egypt

Rhetoric is not enough! It will take much more time, efforts and sincere actions from the US to regain its pre-Iraqi-invasion positive image and respect around the globe. We don't need to hear good talking by US officials in the media, but experience the total opposition to its policies in the real world.
Amro Diab, Cairo, Egypt

It is not the Americans that need to change or create a "new beginning". They are certainly doing their best to promote liberation and freedom in the world. It is the Europeans that drastically need to change their morally debased and corrupt cultures. The anti-American rhetoric from many Europeans is pathetic and childish. Get with the program Europe.
Elaine, Lisbon, Portugal

What a surprise. The US is stepping up to Iran, the only main oil-source in the Iran-Iraq-Afghanistan triangle identified by Noam Chomsky over a decade ago. Of course, it must be to do with freedom and terrorism. It is purely coincidence that political mandarins marked up these targets decades in advance.
Arran Yarwood, Devon, UK

In our Sindhi Language it's said "He who falls from highest point, could escape death, but he who falls from someone's eyes and heart, could never escape and rebuild." The US has fallen down from our eyes, there is no way, it can reach us for goodwill. It would almost take years for US to show itself, as it was prior to 9/11.
Engineer Sarfaraz Abbasi, Karachi-Pakistan

" She is a good communicator and her speech about spreading freedom is an admirable goal. "
Peter Ross, London, UK

One hopes that Condoleezza Rice brings a new broom, so to speak, to wipe away the cobwebs that have grown especially between the Old Europe and the US since the Iraq war. She is a good communicator and her speech about spreading freedom is an admirable goal. However being friendly to Old Europe does not mean that they will be friendly back and forget the past. In that she can only rely on Great Britain and the new European states such as Poland. True friends are hard to find and hard to keep. Perhaps one could hope for change of heart in Germany and France rather then the US under Bush.
Peter Ross, London, UK

I believe that what the United States are saying to Europe is - let's try negotiations but if they fail, the U.S. is not prepared to stand by and allow a country like Iran to have nuclear weapons. At this point they would intervene. I think this is a sound and rational position bearing in mind that if negotiations did fail, Europe would continue appeasing Iran and would not have the political will to commit armed forces. Once again the U.S. would bear the brunt of any necessary military intervention and be criticised by European politicians outwardly whilst in private everyone would breathe a sigh of relief. Thank God for the U.S.
John, Reading UK

Colin Powell as US Secretary of State represented the true face of US internationalism, Ms Rice merely represents the stony front now applied following recent spectacular failure in US foreign policy. The 'hard line' approach to be undertaken will achieve no goal further than to solidify in the international consciousness the unbending self-righteous stance the US has taken under the Bush administration.
Samuel Lawrence, Auckland, NZ

To: Samuel Lawrence, Auckland, NZ; Please tell me which "spectacular failure in US foreign policy" you are referring to. Is it the freeing of millions of Afghanis and the free elections they just held, or perhaps the same for the millions of Iraqis who just voted for the first time in their lives? On the other hand, perhaps you would care to enlighten the world on what New Zealand has done to promote freedom in other nations oppressed by brutal dictators?
Douglas, Louisiana, USA

" I see a strong common bond in the thoughts of our two great nations. "
John Brooks, Lake Forest, CA, USA

The UK is the finest example of a nation that faces and addresses the tough choices one must make to be Number One. I see a strong common bond in the thoughts of our two great nations and have always put the UK on a par with the USA based on the UK's actions at home and abroad. It's only the fading colonial powers on the mainland that have shown their weakness of their world stature with their lack of action when threats are clear and present. God Bless the great people of the UK!
John Brooks, Lake Forest, CA, USA

The developing malignant nexus of terrorism and WMDs in places like Iran has not changed. Dr. Rice is visiting friends and former friends trying to persuade them with as much sugar and cherry syrup flavouring as she can carry that America will only do what is necessary. But if and when the day arrives that it is evident that all other remedies have failed and the threat has grown to a point where it is no longer tolerable, Dr. Bush will administer powerful effective medicine no matter how bitter or unpalatable just as surely as he did in Iraq two years ago. You can count on it.
Mark, USA

" Again the US refuses to follow any path that is not in it's own self interest "
Mark Davies, London, UK

Unfortunately even whilst Ms Rice is talking about mending relationships between the US and Europe America's actions contradict her. The US calls for unity on Iran, but that unity is taking the US stance without room for negotiation. And where is this unity when the rest of G7 are united to fight poverty in Africa through debt relief? Again the US refuses to follow any path that is not in it's own self interest.
Mark Davies, London, UK

I am proud to live in the UK as it is the only European country doing the right thing in foreign policy at present. If the relations between Europe and US are not good enough, it's only mainland Europe that need to do something about it, not the US. Ms Rice's trip is meaningless and a waste of fuel.
Anon, UK

We have been fighting for freedom in our country since 1999 with the student uprising, the Nuclear weapon is a right of Iran to have as Pakistan has it as well, but we as people of Iran don't want Nuclear Mullah's either, we want democracy and freedom and end to dictatorship in our country, we also don't want foreign troops in our lands. The international community has to support the movement that has already started within the country to get rid of current regime, the EU needs to know that supporting Iranian people is more important than supporting the regime today. All the EU is interested is more contracts with private firms that are ran by Mullahs.
Reza R, Iran, Shiraz

" She will be seen to be smart and tough but also flexible on key issues "
Wayne Corey, California, USA

I predict that Condoleezza Rica will improve the US image abroad. The first black female Secretary of State will be seen to be smart and tough but also flexible on key issues.
Wayne Corey, Laguna Niguel, California, USA

I don't believe Ms. Rice will be cosying up to anybody. Ms. Rice has probably influenced President Bush more than anybody else on his foreign policy. With the apparent success of the Iraqi elections and President Bush's victory in November, the administration will now see it as an affirmation of their policies. Watch out world!
Mjkeel, Pdc, WI, USA

US foreign relations will improve only when Israel/Palestine relation is resolved in favour of Palestine.
Charu Saraswatula, Pune, India

As Washington claims to be a prime proponent of democracy and international peace, Ms Rice should try to adopt a "peaceful" policy towards Iran's nuclear programme and should try not to create another mess like that of Iraq.
Asad Sheikh, Karachi, Pakistan

I think we need a better image abroad. We are not about oppression. We are about freedom, we created America to show the world what real humanity means. This administration is not sending the right message.
Kaveh, NY, USA

" If the US wants to improve foreign relations, treat everyone equally "
Hanif Rehman, UK

Again, we see the talk of double standards. Iran quite clearly has a nuclear programme. However, Israel has nuclear warheads and is in constant disregard to UN resolutions. Why will the west not address this? If the US wants to improve foreign relations, treat everyone equally, until then people like Osama will be able to recruit more followers to his cause.
Hanif Rehman, UK

As Bush's recent State of the Union speech confirmed, the US is determined to export its values throughout the world. Which kind of begs the question, why isn't Iran given the right to bear arms?
Dave Davis, Collingwood, Australia

The new era rhetoric: these are only words; let's wait for the actions. I do not feel actions will match the spoken words. Condoleezza Rice is strongly attached to Bush and anything she does has to mirror the Bush image. I believe the Bush agenda is not centred on diplomacy. If she becomes too diplomatic, she may end up resigning like Colin Powell. In that regard, I feel it will be just business as usual.
Mwalimu Kahora, Corona, CA, US

I believe it is only the UK that will give any support to Ms Rice. The division between Europe and the USA/UK is a permanent one and the gulf will widen.
T Newman, UK

" If they manage to bring freedom to our countries, we will thank and greet them "
Amir H, Tehran, Iran

I don't care about EU/USA relations, as a person living in Middle East, if they manage to bring freedom to our countries, we will thank and greet them. I think Europeans are jealous about Americans, and that's the reason they are against them. If their humanity concern is real, why didn't we ever see a demonstration against Saddam atrocities during 80s and 90s? Where were these nice Europeans then?
Amir H, Tehran, Iran

US foreign relations will continue in a plough-ahead fashion hoping that others will join. Because Rice is more in line with Bush than Powell was, I believe we're only going to see an increase in transatlantic friction. The only hope seems to be a cooperation over the Palestinian issue.
Tali Trigg, Washington DC, USA

The hyperbole on this page is unbelievable! Let me ask, how many believe Iran's program is strictly for peaceful purposes? Given their prevarication and duplicity, not to mention support of terrorist groups (confirmed), don't you understand why we're concerned? I'm all for a unified European-American engagement policy, but for heaven's sake, please get some perspective!
Guy, USA

" This could be the beginning of a softer stance by the Bush administration "
Azucena Rodriguez, Washington

This could be the beginning of a softer stance by the Bush administration in the Middle East to build confidence, engage Iran, and cooperate with European allies on an issue that is important to both (i.e. nuclear proliferation).
Azucena Rodriguez, Washington DC, USA

Ms Rice will try, but I do not think she will succeed. There are too many solidly viable arguments against Bush policy and entrenched unpopularity for a polite caller to reverse Europe's opinion of the Bush administration.
Nathaniel Koven, Boston, MA, USA

I believe this is a great beginning. Relations with our natural European allies cannot get any worse. I think it is long over due for the US and Europe to start to work together again. We are the two major symbols of freedom and democracy in the world we need to work together to show how well it can work.
Dominic, Albuquerque, USA

" Are we supposed to applaud Rice and Bush for doing what is normal and just in every other civilized country? "
Matthew, San Francisco

Is diplomacy some kind of brilliant new invention, hitherto unknown? Are we supposed to applaud Rice and Bush for doing what is normal and just in every other civilized country?
Matthew, San Francisco, USA

I think Condoleezza is a champion of foreign policy by providing a much needed backbone in the war of terror. Fighting terrorism should be every country's top priority. Nothing would make me happier than to cast my vote for Condoleezza Rice as president in 2008!
Zev, Miami, USA

So "an invasion of Iran is not on the agenda at this time" - what appalling arrogance! The Iranians have said that their nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and the US government does not believe them. Saddam Hussein said that he did not have any Weapons of Mass Destruction and the US government did not believe him.
Adrian Cook, Sweden

" I applaud Condoleezza Rice's hard line approach "
Alexandra, Johannesburg

I applaud Condoleezza Rice's hard line approach. The sophistry being bandied about in Europe about the whys and wherefores of terrorism (and its supporters), is infinitely more dangerous than the war against it! Thank goodness for the US/UK alliance.
Alexandra, Johannesburg, South Africa

Attacking Iran would be the most ignorant thing to do. The US needs to solve the mess created by the Bush administration in Afghanistan and Iraq first. Ayatollah Sistani is going to win the elections in Iraq and his government has strong ties with the government based in Tehran. The US should consult the newly elected government in Iraq before creating more chaos in the Middle East.
Ali Naqvi, Copenhagen, Denmark

US foreign relations have basically been from the barrel of a gun since the Korean War. There is no change in their methods only in their technology and location.
Bill Hamilton, Canada

I don't think the US needs a "new era" in its foreign relations. It has, under the leadership of Bush, given some 50 million in Afghanistan and Iraq the first democratic elections in their history. It is Europe that needs a new era. Just saying "no" is not a foreign policy.
Peter C Kohler, Washington DC, USA

This talk of "allies" by Ms Rice is delusional as Europe has already cut itself loose from the US rogue to pursue a more humane course in the world. She just does not how isolated she is. Nor does Mr Bush.
Phil Greene, Houston, Texas, US

" I'm hopeful that Ms Rice has learned from the mistakes of the Bush administration's first term "
Shawnna Johnson, Denver, USA

I'm hopeful that Ms Rice has learned from the mistakes of the Bush administration's first term. I feel that she's personally much stronger than she was as National Security Advisor - especially when it comes to understanding the Middle East. Having a background that primarily dealt with knowledge of the former Soviet Union, Ms Rice was really ill equipped to handle the terrorist crisis. But I think that she's expanded her knowledge base and I really feel that she has a clear vision for this second term - something she lacked in the first term as did her predecessor, Colin Powell.
Shawnna Johnson, Denver, CO, USA

I think so. Ms Rice passionately believes that a moral component should exist in diplomacy not just the most convenient deal. As much as I do not agree with the religious views of the administration, it is still the most idealistic administration in generations. Well we understand that idealism in today's world is scoffed. May be we are scoffing at the wrong idea.
VN, Austin, Texas

The goal of Ms Rice's trip is exactly to patch up relations with Europe. I can't see any reason why it wouldn't succeed.
Xavier, France

Once again we see the Bush administration going back on their word. If America is going alone and doesn't care about Europe and the rest of the UN, then how can they expect to form any relationship? All health relationships are give and take, is America the abuser and everyone else an enabler?
Scott, USA

This isn't an "era" of improved relations. She's new to the position so she has to play buddy up games. This administration has done the opposite of everything they've declared. I fully expect an invasion of Iran and I expect Bush and co will try to suck the EU into the invasion as well.
Marc, NY, USA

It will take more than this to quell the current anti-Americanism running rampant in Europe.
Chris, US

" Makes you long of the days when the US adopted an isolationist approach to their foreign affairs "
Suren, Heathrow, FL

Powell was the last moderate in this administration. With Rice in, who knows what sort of era this will be - the way things are going, most likely an era of destruction. Makes you long of the days when the US adopted an isolationist approach to their foreign affairs.
Billy, Toronto, Canada

I don't think Ms Rice will be able to do anything to improve US image abroad. She is already tainted with being associated with the neo Cons and frankly does not seem to have any diplomatic skills.
Suren, Heathrow, FL

To conclude from this dialogue by Condoleezza Rice that this will be a "new era" for US foreign relations is a mistake. The US is sending a grossly partisan spokeswoman out in the world as a cheerleader for the Bush administration, not public relations. Bush pushes these people out there to bear the brunt of rebuke from other people.
Partha Choudhury, Houston, Texas, USA

I sincerely hope it's not a new era of US/Europe relations. If we let Europe call the shots, Iran will a nuclear power in as little as three years. The Europeans are too naive to realize what a horrible reality that would be.
Michael, Chicago, Il

Europe and North America are natural allies. The relationship is strong, but, needs a little more tender loving care.
Sam, Ferndale, Michigan, USA

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