In emerging democracies like Russia, in authoritarian states like Iran or even Yugoslavia, journalists play a vital role in civil society. In fact, they form the very basis of those new democracies and civil societies.

And I believe that good journalism, good television, can make our world a better place.

U.S. soldiers, with whom I now have more than a passing acquaintance, joke that they track my movements in order to know where they will be deployed next.

I'm thrilled to be joining the incredible team at ABC News. Being asked to anchor 'This Week' and the superb tradition started by David Brinkley, is a tremendous and rare honor, and I look forward to discussing the great domestic and international issues of the day.

I have made my living bearing witness to some of the most horrific events of the end of our century, at the end of the 20th century.

Because I am foreign I was assigned to the foreign desk. I kid you not, its true.

I have always thought it morally unacceptable to kill stories, not to run stories, that people have risked their lives to get.