While the U.S.'s cultural prominence is partially related to its political, military and economic power, such power is not the only cause of America's global cultural hegemony. Rather, the U.S. offers a unique convergence of several factors.

With its no doubt emotionally gratifying but feckless rhetoric demanding Gaddafi's departure, the Obama Administration has ensured that it can play no constructive role in a process of political transition in Libya.

America needs to change course quickly, because as the Taliban movement gains strength and the U.S. loses its grip on the Middle East, the death knell continues to ring -- louder and louder.

The new US authorities understand that the United States no longer has the means to exert quick control in such countries as Honduras, and that trying to do so could undermine more promising multilateral avenues for achieving US objectives.

I am advocating that freedom comes through education, not coercion. I am advocating that we too educate ourselves before we attempt to become great emancipators.