"...As a compassionate and responsible nation, we can't ignore those who are worst off, even as we encourage continued improvement in countries that are making progress. In today's interconnected world, it's not possible to close our eyes or hearts to the incalculable human suffering in impoverished countries. What's more, leaving the poorest and most desperate nations to their own devices sets the stage for a complete collapse of government and society. As Afghanistan and Iraq have demonstrated, such states can become havens for terrorists and criminals of all kinds, and a threat to national and global security..."

"...Working with other nations and international organizations, we've had real success in helping societies and countries rebuild after near-collapse. Think of South Korea, and more recently, East Timor. We have more to learn, but we can see where we've made a lasting difference by taking a comprehensive approach and by working with people who are determined to rebuild their own societies. It requires a substantial and sustained commitment -- from within the society and from the international community -- but it can be done..."

"...It's important to encourage continuing improvements in countries that are making progress. But it's also important to work with other nations to alleviate desperate, destabilizing poverty in the poorest countries. It's often smart to help local authorities rebuild the legitimacy they need to manage threats to the health, security, and prosperity of their communities. And if military intervention becomes necessary to avert a crisis, or because a breakdown of government authority threatens to open the country to outlaws and terrorists, it's crucial that we join experienced international organizations in making a substantial and sustained commitment to helping people get their country back on track. We shouldn't ever have to do it all or do it alone -- but neither we nor the global community can afford an incomplete and inconsistent approach to the development challenge..."

"...The world is an interconnected system -- we can't just write off some parts of it and expect the whole to be healthy and stable. It's important to encourage continuing improvements in countries that are making progress. It's also important to ensure that the most impoverished countries don't fall farther and farther behind..."