Obama Names Key Members of Foreign Policy, National Security Team

>The Airborne Laser has successfully fired its complete weapon system from aircraft for the first time, albeit on the ground. (MDA photo)WASHINGTON --- President-elect Barack Obama announced the key members of his foreign policy and national security team Monday, including his choice of former political rival Hillary Clinton to be his secretary of state. In addition, Mr. Obama has decided to keep on the current defense secretary, Robert Gates.>> Mr. Obama announced his foreign policy and national security team at a news conference in Chicago.>> The president-elect said it was time for a new beginning in what he called an uncertain world, and he described his team as ready to lead what he called a new dawn of American leadership around the world.>> "We will strengthen our capacity to defeat our enemies and support our friends," Obama said. "We will renew old alliances and forge new and enduring partnerships. We will show the world once more that America is relentless in defense of our people, steady in advancing our interests, and committed to the ideals that shine as a beacon to the world-democracy and justice, opportunity and unyielding hope-because American values are America's great export to the world.">> Mr. Obama's choice of Hillary Clinton to be his secretary of state has easily been the most surprising development so far in the presidential transition period. Mr. Obama described his former political rival as someone who commands respect in world capitols and who can carry out his commitment to renew American diplomacy and restore alliances.