Despite being grounded on doctor's orders after a bout of ill-health, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday took a round-the-world trip from Antarctica to London to say a final farewell.
Using satellites and the Internet, she hooked into some of the world's major television networks to answer questions from local anchors and audiences in what was billed as a "Global Townterview" by the State Department.
Clinton, who has traveled almost a million miles, apparently held 1,700 meetings with world leaders and suffered some 570 airplane meals, never moved from her seat in the Washington-based Newseum during her hour-long journey.
It was one of her last public events as she prepares to step down on Friday after four years as America's top diplomat, to be replaced by Senator John Kerry, whose full Senate confirmation was expected later Tuesday.
But she was able to do what she says she loves doing best, saying in her 59 townhall meetings: "I've heard what's on people's minds and what their questions were. And so it's been a great two-way communication."
Moving around the world taking questions from every continent and cities from Beirut to Tokyo, London to New Delhi, and on to Bogota via Lagos, Clinton was quizzed on the burning issues of the day.
There was even a question sent by email from a Chilean scientist working in the Antarctic, asking about America's future position on mineral resources there. The answer was "we are working on that."
Clinton was thrilled to get the question though, saying: "It's the one continent I haven't been to, so I'm very jealous that you're down there."
With the threat of Islamic extremism topping the headlines, Clinton agreed with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's anchor Leigh Sales that "historically" not enough focus has been given to North Africa.
Yet, in the wake of the Arab Spring, she said "it's also exciting to see people in North Africa after so many decades of oppression looking to find their own way forward democratically."
On the Middle East peace process, the outgoing secretary of state said she believed the recent elections in Israel "opens doors, not nails them shut."
She also lauded ties with Japan, but regretted that North Korea's new leader Kim Jong-un had not taken steps to end his people's isolation.
Clinton said one of her biggest regrets was the death of four Americans killed in an attack on the US mission in Benghazi in September.
And she revealed that the past secretary of state she admired and identified with the most was William Seward who had run against Abraham Lincoln to be the president and then served under him.
But the questions kept coming back to the elephant in the room: what is Clinton, a former first lady and New York senator, planning to do next?
There's definitely another memoir in the works. "I don't know what I'll say in it yet," she said with a laugh.
And while the 2016 presidential elections may already by on the horizon, Clinton as usual deftly side-stepped the question of whether she'll run.
"I am not thinking about anything like that right now. I am looking forward to finishing up my tenure as secretary of state and then catching up on about 20 years of sleep deprivation," she chuckled.
She assured the audience though that she would keep on working for women's rights. "This has been the cause of my life and will continue to be as I leave the secretary of state's office because we are hurting ourselves," she said.
Denouncing the death of an Indian woman who was the victim of a gang-rape, she added: "Who knows what she could have contributed to India's future?"
AFP
Tue Jan 29 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.