The election of Barack Obama was a very wonderful step forward for America, which has unfortunately been tainted by the ugly reaction of some right wing activist who are doing their best to cast aspersions on his character and to question his religion and citizenship.

Everyone who has run knows that its most important value is in removing tension and allowing a release from whatever other cares the day may bring.

From the beginning, the United States has enjoyed close and valued ties with the Muslim world.

I think as far as the adverse impact on the nation around the world, this administration has been the worst in history... The overt reversal of America's basic values as expressed by previous administrations, including those of George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon and others, has been the most disturbing to me.

Building confidence and constructive relations between Sudan and South Sudan is urgent

When I feel something very intensely or deeply or personally, I can go to extremes of self-expression or self-analysis by writing a poem - more than I can just talking to somebody or writing prose.

If you're totally illiterate and living on one dollar a day, the benefits of globalization never come to you.